Law and Order: Special Victims Unit Gangster

25. A Family Man

Juliana Vasquez and Rafael Barba arrived back at their penthouse, tired and full.
"Dinner went very well," Rafael sighed happily, mostly to himself.
"Yes, it did. Now, I'm gonna change. Don't go anywhere," she teased.

Juliana headed into the bedroom, changing into her usual tank top and shorts, to find Rafael not in the living room where he'd been.
"Rafi?" she called.
"Up here!"

Juliana looked around, finally spotting him. Rafael's voice had come from out on the balcony, in the jacuzzi. She laughed excitedly to herself, heading up to meet him. She gasped lightly as she saw him waiting for her.
"Really? Butt-naked on the terrace?" she sighed.
"Yes. Would you like to join me?" he grinned playfully.
Juliana chuckled. "I'll get us some drinks. Obviously, I can't drink any of the good stuff. What do you want, mi amor?"
"I'll just take a soda," he shrugged indifferently.
"Okay," Juliana nodded, heading back downstairs.

She then changed into her swimsuit, then grabbing two towels and the sodas. She walked back up to the terrace, two Coke bottles in hand, giving one to Rafael.
"Aw, did you have to have clothes on?"
"You're welcome, Rafi," Juliana smirked warningly.
"Thank you, mi amor."

Juliana sat beside him in the warm hot tub, facing the city view, laying her head down on his shoulder.
"I like this. It's amazing, you and me," she murmured, hand in his hair, ruffling it lovingly.
He moaned gently as he laid his head back. "Did I ever tell you why I love this hot tub?"
"The view?" Juliana asked.
Rafael shook his head. "The peacefulness and stillness of it. Look at the rest of the city. It's all cars, and buildings. and people, all that. Look at that," he smiled, softly placing a hand beneath her chin, moving her head slightly upwards. "From that view, the skyline, it all just looks like lights, clouds, and sky. There's no.... no taxis, no subway.... no NYPD. It's just you and I, and that makes me feel like I'm flying.... like I'm free, finally."
Juliana nodded in agreement. "We definitely didn't get here easily, amor. We went through a lot, but it was worth it. We can have a future now, a nice one."
"A future.... I've been thinking about that," Rafael Barba said. "You know.... I'm not sure how I feel about raising a kid in this penthouse, or with the both of us working such long hours."
Juliana looked at him curiously. "Wow. You really have thought about this. Did you.... have any ideas?"
He nodded. "Actually, maybe a few. You know, I was thinking, maybe we should get an actual house, with a backyard and sh*t."
Juliana smiled. "I like that idea, Rafi. I really do. Is that something you want to do?"
Rafael smiled lovingly. "Only if you do."
"Well, I think it's a great idea."
"Then let's do it," Rafi laughed excitedly.
"Yeah, let's. But why don't we have some fun first?" Juliana suggested, leaning in.
"I'm down for whatever. Just you and I," he whispered, just for her.
"Ride or die," Juliana agreed, as they both leaned in happily.
Rafael Barba chuckled softly as they pulled away softly. "I get to have you as the mother of my kid. You drive me crazy," he murmured.
"I can't wait to have our own family," Juliana sighed, as they looked out onto the beautiful New York skyline. "This right here.... this is perfect."
Rafael Barba smiled, breathing in the subtle scent of Juliana Vasquez's perfume. "You're perfect."
"I'm not," Juliana sighed. "No one really is."
"Well, because I love you, you're perfect in my eyes, and always will be."
"That's kinda what love is, I guess. Honestly, to me, you could never do no wrong. What do you say, papi? You ready to become a family man?" Juliana teased.
"Anything. As long as I have you by my side. Ride or die," Rafael Barba promised.