No Strings

Chapter 18

The squad was set up in the bull pen, ready to head out to the vans on the street as you made your way out of the locker room. You were draped in a deep blue ballgown, the neckline cutting into your chest as your back was completely exposed, a slit up your right leg exposed that half of your body. Your hair was coifed up into a low side bun, your makeup much deeper than normal, you walked back into the bull pen as Fin wolf whistled. You rolled your eyes, glancing over at Rafael, a smirk resident on his face.  You and Carisi were set to head into a gala, undercover as a married couple, and needed to be more than believable.

“Keep calm Rafa, “ You gave fair warning, sliding on the fake wedding ring onto your left hand has Carisi did the same with his, “We’ll be back in a few hours.” He couldn’t stop but notice the rings, a ping in his chest as he watched you twist it into place. You gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze as you moved past him.

“Everything by the book! You understand?” He was firm, and you knew it had to be that way, or the case wouldn’t hold.

“Of course counsellor.” You smiled, linking your arm around Carisi’s waist, his hand following your lead, wrapping around your waist, pulling you into him. You could see the rage burying itself in Rafael’s eyes as Carisi’s hand graced your bare back as the two of you started to move out of the squad room.

“Keep your hands where I can see them detective!” Rafael only half joked to Carisi as the two of you exited the bull pen, you looked back at your boyfriend, flipping him off with a smirk evident on your lips before you grabbed Carisi’s ass, causing him to yelp. You laughed heartily as you made your way to the elevators.

*****

An exhausting evening undercover followed by a a literal night at SVU, questioning suspects, interviewing witnesses, countless bouncing back and fourth between interrogation rooms, you’d finally made it home by dawn. Finding Rafael in the kitchen, coffee was brewed, it seemed he was making breakfast, the smell assaulted your nostrils, as you entered the kitchen, wrapping your arms around his back, kissing his neck softly.

“Good morning.” You murmured into his neck, nipping gently at him. He turned in your arms, a smile on his face as he kissed you. 

“Morning mi amor.” Rafael stroked your cheek, “I picked you up a little something.” His head nodded towards the kitchen table, you kissed him softly before detaching yourself from his arms. You picked up the small paper bag, turning back towards the island, placing it down before your hand reached in to pull out the oh to recognizable blue Tiffany’s box, you felt your heart jump in your chest, looking up at Rafael, casually serving up plates of food. Cracking the box open you found an absolutely gorgeous diamond ring inside, a square centre piece, surrounded by smaller gems, extending onto the band.

“Rafa…” Externally he was calm, casual. sipping on his coffee like it was just another Wednesday morning, which made anxiety creep up in your body, wondering what exactly his gameplay was,(internally he was freaking the fuck out. He’d remembered your comments about marriage with Amanda and wasn’t sure this was what you wanted, or if it was too soon…) “Is this simply jewelry, or?” He put down the coffee mug, crossing over to you, cupping your cheek in his palm.

“Marry me.” You could feel his green eyes boring into you, soft, happy, full of love and a hint of insecurity.

“I see no reason to object counsellor.” He let out a bark of a laugh at your response, pulling you into a kiss before placing the ring on your finger. Rafael was completely elated, truthfully, he had no idea what direction this was going to go, but he knew he wanted to be with you, that you were his endgame, and you truly felt the same.

“I love you hermosa.” 

“I love you too Rafael…” You snuggled into him for another kiss, solidifying the happy future you were elatedly looking forward to.