"Woo-hoo!" Rollins shouted as everyone applauded while Juliana blew out the candles on her cake. "Why don't you cut the first slice?" Liv smiled, handing her the knife.
Juliana chuckled, cutting the first slice of cake, handing it to Rafael as he kissed her. "Happy birthday, Juliana." "Oh, thank you, babe," she nodded as she cut everyone a piece, finally cutting one for herself. "Aw, chocolate with strawberries. You knew, Rafi." "Happy birthday, J," Fin Tutuola said. "Thanks, Fin," Juliana nodded. "Everyone's coming to our house after!" Rafael announced, pulling Juliana toward him in a gentle hug. "Oh, really? I thought you wanted to go to the strip club?" Juliana teased. "Well, we can have our ownprivate party later," Rafael smiled.
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Juliana laughed at the tease. "Besides, I mean, if we stay on, we can both get faded," he shrugged. She smirked. "I like how you think, baby." "I almost forgot," Olivia Benson announced. "Before we give you each of our individual gifts, we all made something for you, Juliana." Juliana smiled widely. "Aw, oh my God, y'all ain't have to do all this." "We really wanted to, Mrs. Barba," Rollins teased, turning off the lights as Fin pressed a button on the computer.
A video popped up on the screen as she pressed play. It was a home video, made by the entire squad for Juliana's birthday. First on the video, of course, was Rafael, caught off guard in his office, waving adorably at the camera.
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"Hi, there, mi amor. Happy birthday, and I hope everything goes perfectly today. I love celebrating your birthday because...." he sighed happily,"Because it gives me an excuse to celebrate every single aspect of you, and to spoil you, which I try my absolute best to do every single day. Marrying you is going to be one of the best decisions of my life, and I am honored to be raising children with you. I love you, happy birthday," the recording said.
"Oh, I love you too, Rafi," Juliana chuckled happily.
Rafael's recording was followed by Fin's, Juliana's best friend.
"Juliana. Happy birthday, B! You're one of the coolest chicks I know, and it's a pleasure to be workin with you! I know a lot of great women and great people, but the one unique thing about you is that you are a true playa! I ain't met a lot of ladies that be pimps at the same time. Not to mention a mother, soon-to-be wife, and detective! You're the best friend a guy could ask for. You're killin em, keep it up!"
"That's so sweet, Fin thank you so much," Juliana laughed. He nodded. "Don't mention it, Juliana."
The next person on the recording was Sonny Carisi, Juliana's last partner.
"Hey, J. Happy birthday. I haven't known you too long, but having been partners with you, you are one of the best detectives I've ever known, and I wish you all the happiness in the world on your birthday. You do so many things, being a mother, and a wife soon, and a detective.... you're an exemplary human being. It was incredible of you and Rafael to make my first name into your son's middle name. I'm truly honored. I wish you the best of birthdays, and many more to come, Juliana Barba!"
"Thanks, Sonny!" Juliana called. "No problemo," he nodded.
Next to pop up on the screen was Mike Dodds. Juliana wasn't completely sure if she was mentally prepared for this.
"Juliana Barba. Happy birthday. You know, the first time I met you.... you made quite the impression. I couldn't believe my eyes when I just one day met this detective who had the courage to walk into a chief's home, with the ADA, and just announce your relationship. It was one of the most empowering things ever. You deserve all the wonderful things that are coming your way, and so much more. You and Barba have a beautiful relationship going on, and I knew that you guys were perfect together from the start. The moment you guys revealed yourselves to IAB, I saw how much you meant to each other. You really do inspire me. Happy birthday, Barba," Mike waved.
Juliana smiled, deeply touched. "That was beautiful, Mike, thank you." "Of course, I mean it," he answered.
The next one was Liv Benson.
"Hey there, Juliana! Happy birthday! Listem, I know as the boss, I have to be hard on you, but you are a great detective, and I can honestly say that you thrive under pressure. I'm glad you were sent here to SVU; everyone here is better off having known you, and you make every day at work more interesting and meaningful. Honestly, I've learned a lot from working with you, even being your boss. You're a fantastic person, and don't you ever forget it. Happy birthday, Juliana!"
"Oh, Liv. Thank you," Juliana smiled. "My pleasure," she nodded, just as Rollins' video popped up on the screen.
"Juliana Barba. You have come such a long way, congratulations and happy birthday! I'm very proud to call myself your coworker; you are badass, strong, hilarious, kind, clever, and just wow! Every day here, you make something out of it, and you make a difference! I'm so happy to be celebrating you today, Juliana!"
She chuckled softly. "Thank you, Amanda, wow." "Hey, I call it like it is," Rollins shrugged.
Last on the recording was Juliana's former partner, Nick Amaro. "Oh my God, really?!" Juliana cried excitedly.
"Hey, Juliana. I hear it's your birthday. Congratulations on your success, in every way possible. Barbra's lucky to have you, and you're too nice to him. Don't screw this up, man. Anyways.... You deserve it, and you are an amazing person, friend, and detective. Being partners with you was truly humbling. I hope we stay in touch, you're awesome, and happy birthday!"
"I wish he could've been here to celebrate," Juliana sighed. "Well, what if I told you he is?" a voice called. "Oh, no f**kin way!" Juliana shouted. "Yes f**kin way! You really think I'd miss my old partner's birthday?! Get over here!" Nick Amaro shouted excitedly.
Juliana enthusiastically raced over as she and Amaro did their own fun secret handshake, pulling each other in for what could only be described as a "guy hug"; a hand shake, and a warm, friendly pat on the back. "Oh, sh*t," Juliana laughed. "I definitely was not expecting that. Craziest f**kin birthday ever, guys, thank you!"
Everyone cheered as they all exchanged huge, loving hugs. "Come on, it's Friday night, y'all! Let's get wasted at our house!"Juliana cried exuberantly.
