A/N:I finally got through writing this flipping chapter! It was work my friends. Until Monday this was just three paragraphs long... My original intention for this chapter had been to have the wedding, but I kind of got caught up. Next chapter will be the wedding, I promise!
I've been meaning to say this, someone (of the Barson fandom) posted a screenshot on tumblr of an article saying Raul would be returning to his role (I don't think as a lead though) so my mind has formed this head cannon: Rafael didn't actually leave, he went back for Liv and they have started a romantic relationship together in February. I haven't seen a single episode since Raul left, I can't bring myself to do it, so I don't know how unlikely this is but my guess is very. A girl can dream though, right?
The shoe she is wearing is now dangling from the tips of Olivia's toes, touching no other part of her foot, though it may not last much longer considering the extent to which she is shaking her foot back and forth. Her, Noah, and Rafael had arrived at the restaurant not long ago and from the moment she had taken her seat Olivia could feel nothing but her insecurities and doubts.
They are sat down to dinner, it would normally be a rehearsal dinner and Liv is suddenly overcome by these feelings she was so sure would never come, not where her and Rafa are concerned. She isn't sure, at first, where these feelings could be coming from. Olivia has no doubt about Rafael's love for her and their son, nor does she have insecurities about the strength of the bond they share. Not until her meal order is placed does Liv finally work out the source of her fears; she is worried that she asked for too much, that she went a overboard.
Here she is, a woman in her 40's, just days away from finally marrying the love of her life and she is panicking. They went for the whole white wedding, Liv has a big dress, Raf has his tuxedo, and the perfect venue. And there is nothing in Olivia's mind, at the moment, that is able to justify it. Why did she get to be so special, wasn't she too old for this kind of thing, what did she do to deserve this? These questions were inundating her mind and seeping into her posture, and mood.
Rafael can't help but take notice, leaning into her side he whispers, "¿que pasa mi amor? You're fidgeting." With a gentle hand Rafael takes Olivia's left hand to cradle in between both of his own, using his thumb he plays with Liv's engagement ring. He notices that his actions seem to settle something within her, but there is an energy bubbling under her skin trying to pour out. (what's up my love?)
Liv flicks her gaze over to meet Rafael's but it doesn't hold it, she doesn't want him worrying simply because she is insecure. She has to hold herself back from saying 'it's not you it's me' as some sort of preventative measure of reassuring him, though it would likely have the opposite effect. Blowing out a long breath through her nose Olivia attempts eye-contact again and this time manages to sustain it. She is frightened that he will read exactly what she is feeling, he has always been able to, it wouldn't suddenly stop happening now.
With the broken look in her eyes Rafael's brow immediately cinches, creased in worry. He slides a hand over her cheek in such a soft touch and Liv feels her heart break. It is this simple tender act that nearly breaks her composure, to her own horror. Olivia hiccups out a short, harsh breath before shaking her head, attempting to indicate she can't speak at the moment.
The lines in Rafael's forehead only deepen, "let's take a moment outside okay?"
Her bottom lip wobbles somewhat pathetically but she nods. They stand in unison, Rafael meets Fin's eyes as he waits for Olivia to step out in front of him, a nod from each man is the extent of the conversation that passes between them before Rafael takes his place behind his fiancée, hand resting in the curve of her lower back.
Outside the restaurant Olivia makes a detour so that she is in the small alleyway between buildings, Rafael quickens his pace to keep up. He rounds the corner of the alley some steps behind Olivia only to find her pacing in short steps, arms hugging her middle.
Stepping into her path Raf stops her in her tracks, "talk to me nena, what's bothering you?" His voice and eyes are soft and unaccussing and somehow it breaks Liv.
A single sob wrenches through her lips before she dives into Rafa's embrace. Liv's hands travel beneath his blazer to press into his back, fingers grasping desperately at him, digging in, her face turned into his neck and shaky breaths issuing shallow and harsh against his skin.
Concerned Rafael returns the hug without thought and rocks them gently from side-to-side in an effort to calm the woman in his arms. His mind is racing, trying to discern what could possibly causing this kind of reaction from her. The only thoughts that pop into his mind are too scary for him to voice so he waits, only telling her how much he loves her until she is ready to speak.
It doesn't take long, Olivia doesn't actually allow herself to cry, but composes herself once more. Pulling back just far enough to take in his face, "Rafa," she starts, her voice hoarse from swallowing her tears, "do you think I'm being ridiculous? Do you think I went overboard with all of this?"
She doesn't need to be explicit in what she is referring to, Rafael knows, and it makes him want to turn away from her, but that wouldn't be good for either of them. So he takes three deep breaths, in through his nose, out through his mouth, before he speaks.
"Why would you think that Liv? Are you having - did you change your mind about things? About us?" Despite the deep breathing Rafael's voice still shakes.
It hurts her that she made him doubt himself, and she is tempted, again, to tell him that it has nothing to do with him and everything to do with her. Liv takes a hand off of his body, and she can see in Rafa's eyes that he thinks she is retreating away from him, but it doesn't stay off him for long. She shifts her right hand from his back to his chest, over his heart, and shakes her head.
"No Rafa, I absolutely want to marry you. My mind and my heart have never wavered from that. But I'm scared I'm going to look foolish in a big white dress, with my hair and makeup done. It just feels too perfect? Maybe." She sighs, her thumb now running a path along his chest, "growing up I never really pictured being married, for a long time I didn't really understand the concept, my mom never married so I didn't think I would either. And then when I was a teenager, young, too young, I saw it as an escape. I could get away from my mom, out of her control.
"It was never really a healthy picture in my head, and even as an adult I struggled with the concept of love. What it looked like. What it felt like. I think that I only figured it out when you came along." They both smile shyly at one another, "and now I'm almost fifty and we are getting married and feels like more than I deserve.
"Mom used to tell me. Yell at me really, saying no one would ever love me enough to want to spend a lifetime together. And I believed her for a long time. I decided to settle with whatever life gave me, but I couldn't do it. When I couldn't commit to anyone, and they sure as hell weren't going to commit to me, not like I needed, I made the decision to be alone. And those words my mom told me seemed to be true." Liv breaks their eye contact to settle on his adam's apple for a while, "if my parents couldn't even love me did I deserve it? I know that's not how it works Rafa. I know. But you feel perfect to me. The way you love me is the best thing I have ever known and I'm scared my mom is right. I'm scared that you'll see me walking toward you in this white dress and come to your sense, realize I don't deserve this." Her head is bowed in shame in fear as the last few words leave her mouth.
Any fear Rafael felt, when she first began to voice her worry, is gone now. He is resolute in his feelings for this woman and he will be damned if anything or anyone tries to convince her of something different, up to and including herself, and the distant voice of her abusive mother.
Lifting his hands Rafa cradles Olivia's face in his hands, tilting her head so she can no longer avoid meeting his stare, "tú eres todo para mí." Raf gulps down his emotions and pushes on, for her, "eres el sol, la luna, y las estrellas. Ti y a nuestro hijo son los únicos que importan a mí." (You are everything to me. You are the sun, the moon, and the stars. You and our son are all that matters to me.)
Pausing a few beats Raf lets his words settle in Liv's mind before speaking again, "we aren't our parents Olivia. You're not your mother, something unforgivable happened to her and it changed who she was as a person. She didn't believe in herself and tried to make you the same way but you're more than she was. You have changed so many lives for the better. There are a whole bunch of people in that restaurant right now that would agree with me." A watery chuckle emits from Liv's throat. "And if I could, and if I didn't think it would be the singularly most embarrassing thing for you ever, I would go to every person in this city and have them tell you how much you deserve every bit of good coming your way.
"But you are too humble for that. Most of the time," a smug grin accompanies his statement. "It can be hard believing in yourself, I know, I struggle with it everyday. But you and I together, I think we might just be stubborn enough to get through our own heads, 'hell yeah I do deserve this.' So if you want me, I'm damn sure I want you right back and I can't wait to see you as a bride." His speech pauses while a smile overtakes his face, he is glowing, "my bride."
Finding herself at a loss for words Olivia brings Rafael into a searing kiss, stealing his breath, just as he has stolen her's. It lasts long moments, and they both savor it, feeling the body heat they are sharing keeping them more than warm enough. When the time comes for them to part Liv doesn't go far, leaning her forehead to Rafa's. He sways them once more, this time to a silent melody, to the beating of their hearts.
It has been nearly ten minutes since the couple excused themselves from the rest of their group and Lucia has begun to worry. She finds them in the alleyway, dancing by themselves, looking blissfully ignorant of the fact there is a dumpster not five feet away from them. She intends to stay quiet, to watch them like this, but her nieto (grandchild) has other ideas.
Noah had followed along with his abuelita to find his parents when they still hadn't returned. Peeking from behind her legs the young boy sees them embracing. He looks to Lucia, trying to figure out why they stopped. Her expression gives him no indication so he moves forward on his own. Stepping around Lucia Noah marches his way up to Raf and Liv who still haven't noticed his arrival. At their feet he stops to ponder for a moment and Lucia is enraptured, caught by what he might be up to. With an idea formed Noah shimmies his way onto his father's feet, but facing outward, to wrap his arms around his mother's waist.
Rafael is startled slightly by the intruder at first, then, seeing it is Noah, he smiles down at the face of his son and happily sways once more. Liv drops a hand from Rafa's shoulder to Noah's hair and beams at the two best men in her life. And she lets herself feel deserving in the happiness she feels enveloping her.
Their peace doesn't last long, Noah breaks it, "I'm starving can we go eat now?"
Olivia and Rafael release each other with a giggle and Noah takes their hands to lead them back inside to eat, Lucia joins them once they have made it to her. She makes no comment, simply puts her phone back into her pocket and falls into step with her family. She is glad they don't question things because she wants to surprise them with the perfect family portrait they just created, merely by being them, something that she was lucky enough to witness and capture in a photo.
Rejoining their extended family and their friends is seamless for the four of them. No one questions the disappearance, just knowing it was a private matter and was intended to stay that way.
Two nights before the wedding was the bachelor/bachelorette party. Not being terribly young anymore Rafa and Liv decide enjoying the night together with friends is perfectly fine with them. They weren't involved in the planning though, Sonny and Amanda decided to take on that burden themselves.
This is how the pair, along with a large group of friends, find themselves walking into a "hip" karaoke bar. The bar must have taken a reservation for their party because they had their own section to themselves. The couches were lower to the ground than Rafael preferred complaining that he was too old to have to get up and down from this position. But there wasn't another complaint out of anyone, about the bar anyway.
"You're really going to try to get us to sing karaoke?" Voices Rita, her tone nothing but disdain.
But Sonny, with his Teflon personality just answers unflinching, "yup! And to make it a little more exciting we thought we could make it a competition!" He raises his lanky frame up to the balls of his feet for a few seconds before resting back on solid ground again. Still smiling he addresses everyone again, "the bride and groom will be team captains and we can award points based on audience reaction."
Nearly as soon as Carisi's lips are finished forming the final word Rafael is already speaking, and shaking his head, " nope, no, uh-uh. I don't do karaoke."
Liv turns to face Raf smiling broadly, "yes he does." Her tone is very authoritative and Raf pouts. He actually pouts! "But I'm not going to compete with him," she finishes.
Knowing Rafa and how he will react Olivia shoots him a hard look quashing any remark to the contrary before it can be spoken.
Amanda pipes in now, "c'mon y'all! It's just a bit of fun between friends. What happened to your frankly, disturbing, levels of competitiveness Liv?" Amanda fixes her boss and her friend with a stare letting her know she won't be getting out of this one. Not tonight.
"Oh don't get me wrong, I'm all for competition. But I don't like taking part in something I can't win." And because she is sure Rafa looks very smug at the moment Liv pinches the side of his leg playfully, keeping him in check.
Brandi peeks out from between her seat mates so she can add her two cents, "please Liv I've heard him singing when he thinks we can't hear him at the office. Put me on your team and we can totally take this guy down." She thrusts a thumb in Rafael's direction, obviously not worried about going up against him.
Having scanned the drink menu and made her selection Olivia shrugs mightily and agrees to the proposal. "Fine but when he is completely insufferable you guys are the ones that will have to deal with him."
Laughter rolls in Rafael's chest as he leans into whisper in Liv's ear, "don't worry mí amor, I already have the perfect plan to celebrate my upcoming win." He's angled so no one is able to see his face well enough and bites down on her ear, tugging lightly before licking and kissing below her ear, then elaborating his idea, "eating out sounds just right. And I want to take my time, enjoy my meal thoroughly. Go back for seconds even."
Doing her absolute best Olivia suppresses a shudder that tries to run through her. Twisting so they are face to face Liv speaks in a hushed tone, "how strange, that was what I was thinking about for my prize when I win."
Not wanting to get carried away in front of everyone Rafael allows himself only a chaste kiss and a quiet moan, "fantastic it's a win-win!" Okay, one more kiss couldn't hurt, then he looks at their party, "fine we agree to your terms."
Clapping his hands together Sonny speaks, "great! Lieu why don't you take the first pick."
Liv thrusts a hand out to her left, which isn't incredibly helpful as her and Rafael are sitting at end of everyone and so the whole group is basically on her left. She clarifies her hand gestures, "Brandi!" It comes out like a demand.
"Hell yeah!" Brandi shouts.
There's a pause before Rafael makes his choice, Amanda takes the opportunity to sort out another detail, "wait, wait, wait!" Amanda interjects. "We need to have clear teams," the section is arranged in a U shape with a long table running up the middle, Amanda points at Liv, "your team can have this side," then points to Rafael before motioning him away, "your team will sit on that side of the table."
With an exaggerated sigh and deep frown Rafael shuffles over to where Amanda pointed him to. Not before stealing another kiss from Olivia.
Plopping down and crossing his arms Rafael surveys the faces of those around him, "Fin. I guess."
Fin rolls his eyes, "thanks Barba, I can tell you're going to be a barrel of laughs tonight."
Dropping his act Raf looks at his now teammate and shrugs, "I might be. And now that I think about it, this might be the first time in my life I won't be getting picked last for a team!" The thought seems to pep him up even more.
Everyone enjoys his realization laughing together. It doesn't take long for everyone to be sorted into teams and make their way to the respective couches. Olivia's team consists of: herself, Brandi, Amanda, Ken, and Alejandro. Rafael's team is: Rafa, Rita, Fin, Lucy, and Carisi. When Rafael had chosen Lucy Olivia made a noise of indignation, to which Rafael stuck out his tongue. They had both heard Lucy sing along to Noah's movies and knew about her musical talent.
The group has two rounds of drinks before sending anyone into the lion's den.
Rather bravely Sonny punctures the feeling of anxiety shrouding the lot of them and takes the stage first. The DJ queues up his song selection while Sonny takes the stage and the mic.
"How's everyone doing tonight?" It's mostly rhetorical but the crowded bar answers indicating they are doing well. "I'm here with the group in the back there, to celebrate our friend's wedding in a couple of days." The crowd cheers rambunctiously at this, "Liv, Rafael stand up and wave for the people." They do, after some cajoling, Sonny moves on quickly, "I hope the song I picked gets everyone ready to have some fun tonight."
Almost as if they had planned it this way the music begins then and Sonny makes quite a performance while singing to The Backstreet Boys "I Want it That Way." He even manages to get the crowd into it, singing with him. As he winds his way back through the crowd Rafael looks triumphant saying, "point to us." Liv decides to stick her tongue out at him this time.
The teams switch off in sending members out to sing, Ken is the first from Liv's team. He decides to sing "If You Like Piña Coladas" fully aware that he cannot sing too well and that song is easy to pull off. Ken gets the crowd responding to him with the lyrics anytime he holds out the mic. Even if his voice isn't the best he certainly knows how to work the room. Olivia decides it's enough to earn them a point.
When it's Fin's turn he throws down a near perfect performance to Run DMC's "It's Tricky" laying down every word with confidence and precision.
Liv goes on stage to do a song but before the music can kick on Rafael shouts from the back, "she's gonna be my wife!" He is on his fourth drink in just over two hours, and he's happy, he doesn't care if he sounds like a fool to anyone else.
The crowd erupts with cheers, Olivia looks momentarily mortified but shakes it off quickly. Grasping the mic she addresses the whole room, "like he said, I'm getting married in a couple of days, so maybe go easy on me, okay?"
Madonna's "Like A Virgin" begins and Liv sings along well-enough. Her voice can definitely match the notes but she doesn't exactly get into the entertainment aspect of things until the song is nearly finished. The crowd seems to have listened well as she gets a standing ovation from much of the room, most notably from Rafael who sends a wolf whistle her way.
Olivia twists and turns back to the tables, getting congratulated all the way through. When she is back to the table she sits in the seat that is directly next to the other team while Raf does the same.
Leaning into her Rafael kisses Olivia softly, mouth kept closed in view of everyone, "you looked great up there mi sol."
Her face is hot with the compliment, though he is the very definition of biased, she still let's it wash through her. Scooting closer Liv tucks herself into Rafa's side, the length of her forearm resting in between his thighs, hand at his knee. Rejoicing in her touch Rafael places a hand on her back and snakes it underneath her top to her skin, silky, smooth, and bare. They take a moment to enjoy each other, faces close they smile softly, just content to stare at each other for the time being.
It seems as though all the women of the group notice their positioning as one and all snap a picture. It's a very endearing moment full of love, that is until they get accosted once everyone is finished capturing the sight on camera. The jabs come from all sides: "No colluding with the enemy!" "Hey back off of each other, we need to take them down, not make nice." "Oy! Lovebirds! Go your separate ways. You have the rest of your lives for this nonsense."
Startled by the cacophony at first the pair jump away from each before falling back together laughing. When they have composure back they push off one another and shuffle away, so as to not be tempted again.
When everyone gets settled once more Brandi pops up from her seat, "my turn now." With that she twirls to face the stage, her midi skirt swirling around her hips and legs and casting out a small wind in all directions before she marches her way out of the group of friends and onto the stage.
Looking out into the faces of those spectating and then to the party she is part of in the back of the room Brandi takes a deep breath and grabs the mic, "I hope you all like Adele." Her eyes narrow scanning her opposing team, there are shouts throughout the room that provide a surge of confidence. Especially when she notices nearly her whole group has cheered her on, including her competition.
The first notes of "Someone Like You" by Adele filter through the speakers and another shout sounds out. Brandi's performance is fantastic, she wasn't joking when she said she could take Rafael on with her own talent. After finishing the song she brings the mic back to her mouth for one final comment.
"I so wanna drop the mic right now, but I'll refrain." With a dainty curtsey Brandi takes off back to her seat.
Olivia welcomes her back, arms open hugging and raining praise on the young woman. The bravado she displayed on stage seems to be gone now and Brandi is hugging Olivia back while a flush colors, what feels like, her whole body.
With her mouth near Brandi's ear Liv tells her, "that was amazing! We actually have a chance at this!"
Shaking her head a bit at the attention Brandi responds with a simple, "told ya." And then, as an afterthought, "imagine if he just crushed us all with his singing? The ego!" Rolling her eyes and laughing she takes her seat once more.
Liv laughs with her and talks to her back, "trust me, I know."
Brandi turns her head back to face Olivia and raises her eyebrows suggestively. Liv shrugs, unperturbed by the suggestion of her action.
Rita and Lucy decide it's their time to face the music. They are doing a duet because Rita adamantly refused to go solo. Lucy was the only one to give in and agree to do a song together, as long as she got to pick. After a clear argument takes place between the two woman while another performer is on stage Lucy seems to get her way. Together they belt out a decent rendition of "Wannabe" be The Spice Girls, drunk enough to really let loose and have fun with the song from Lucy's childhood. They even hug at the end of the song, before high-fiving and returning to the party, heads held high.
Rafael practically yells to Rita upon her return to her seat, "a big improvement from college, I think." And if he weren't so inebriated Rafael might have been, at least slightly, frightened of the searing look Rita sends his way.
During the two women's performance Amanda and Alejandro huddled together, deciding to do a duet themselves. Taking stage Amanda takes the lead, "please excuse the selection, we both have young children, I'm sure y'all will understand."
The more she drinks the thicker her southern accent seems to become with Amanda.
Alejandro brings the mic up to his mouth as the song starts and sings out the Aladdin parts of "A Whole New World" while Amanda takes up Jasmine's lines.
The crowd gathered before them more than understands and sings along heartily. It is the perfect demographic for the song, apparently. Delighting in the attention Amanda and Alejandro jump and dance across the stage the entire time. They return to the group completely breathless but unable to hold in grins.
The same waitress who has been serving them all night comes around with their latest orders, everyone reigns themselves in, for her sake. When she is gone the groups, as a whole, realizes Rafael has yet to go. The pestering starts right away, they aren't going to let him out of this.
"Come on Rafael, everyone else has done it! Even me!" Ken points out.
Most of the comments are along the same lines as Ken's. Not Rita though, "do what you want Rafael, I don't need to see how much your ego inflates once people hear you sing. I couldn't care less about losing." She quickly amends her statement, "in this one circumstance," holding up a finger to stop any arguments to the alternative.
He remains seated the whole time people are shoving playfully at his shoulders and cajoling him, or trying to anyway. It's only when he meets Olivia's eyes that he knows that his stubbornness isn't going to save him. Crossing her arms Liv simple gestures her head toward the stage.
Hanging his head Rafael sighs before standing and trudging to the front of the room. He talks to the man who has been dj-ing all night for a minute or two, looking as though he is confirming something.
Stepping into the spotlight Rafael speaks into his microphone, "my friends back there," he indicates his party, "are making me do this so I'm not going to be holding anything back. And if you will indulge me, I want to do two songs." It isn't really an option he is giving anyone, so he moves on, still talking, "one song is less to show off and more for fun, and the other is still going to be fun but I'm definitely going to be showing off with it. Which one do you think I should do first? Fun or show?"
All sorts of shouts and cheers rise up in the audience, but 'fun' wins out.
"Okay, fun one first it is," first Rafa nods to the dj, then looks back at his party, "Liv would you please join me.?"
She looks flabbergasted at the request but is forced toward him and so goes without much thought. When Liv reaches Rafael he plops her onto a stool waiting for her. The speakers begin playing out the music and Olivia squirms in her seat.
The attention of the crowd would have been fine, but mix that with the intensity of Rafael's attention and the fact he is serenading her, Liv feels the need to hide her face. For now she laughs good-naturedly and cups both hands over her face. At least now the flush of her skin won't be as obvious.
However, the first note from Raf's mouth has Liv showing her face again. She jerks her hands back into her lap, surprised at his pick, "Marry You" by Bruno Mars. It is entirely appropriate for the night they are having. Liv looks at Raf and only pays attention to him. And Raf is doing the same, he may be singing and dancing (kind of) so that those watching could enjoy it but this is solely for Olivia. There is a stupidly wide grin that is threatening to hurt her cheeks in place on Olivia's face. It shows no signs of diminishing either. Not while Raf is singing about wanting to marry her.
When the song reaches the very repetitive verse of "don't say no, no, no, no, no…" and so on, Rafael grabs Liv's hand and quite expertly spins her to a standing position, to her complete surprise.
"Rafa!" Squeaks Olivia, quickly hiding her face in his shoulder.
The actions of both seem to please the crowd who let out a collective, "awww."
At the last line of the song, the final, "who cares baby, I think I wanna marry you," he dips her. Rafael actually bends Olivia backwards, dipping her gracefully before restoring her upright and against his body.
Liv can't hold back the, "show-off," that escapes her lips, and goes straight to the microphone causing a laugh to ring in the whole bar.
It doesn't phase Rafa though, he is beaming at her and merely shrugs a single shoulder. Taking her left hand in his right Rafael brings it to his mouth where kisses the inside of her ring finger, just below the ring there.
"I'll let you go now mi sol, I have some more showing-off to do, and a competition to win." Raf sends Liv off stage with a wink. She gives a nonchalant wave of her hand, thrown over her shoulder while walking away causing Raf chuckle.
Just a few moments later another song kicks on, "Another Bites the Dust" by Queen blasts into everyone's ears and Rafael really puts on a show. With a snazzy, galloping kick the lyrics flow from Raf's mouth, to the mic, "Oh, let's go!" He raises his arms, does a pivot turn and walks to the beat, miming along with the words of the song.
The entirety of his performance Rafael is dancing, jumping, and moving. All while singing along beautifully. When the song finishes he takes a bow, chest heaving attempting to catch his breath. The crowd has risen to their feet and Raf can't help but shoot a smug look Olivia's way. She rolls her eyes at him, but she's on her feet too. Liv never doubted how well he would do once he got on stage. When he finds himself back with his friends he plants his feet to stand directly in front of Olivia. She had remained standing so her and Raf are eye-to-eye before eventually sitting down.
Everyone seems to have strategically placed themselves with just enough space between them so it doesn't create a comfortable spot but too much for Rafael to have one of his own. After Liv sits he pouts down at her, pleading silently to let him sit with her.
"I can either sit on your lap, or you can sit on mine mi amor. What do you choose?" Rafael asks, puppy dog eyes fully deployed.
There is no hesitation from the end of his question to when Liv has stood herself up again. Raf sits with a chuckle and tugs Liv to his lap, nuzzling right into her neck. There he places several open mouthed kisses, too far into the realm of drunken delirium to care about PDA.
Kissing his way to Liv's ear Rafael takes the time to remind her of their earlier conversation, "looks like I won Livy," she rarely let's him call her that, and never anyone else. "Don't forget our deal." He is speaking loud enough for the others to hear.
Liv ignores the stares and address only Raf, "oh don't worry dear, I always keep my promises."
Lucy and Brandi, who have quickly befriended one another both make faces of disgust, "ew, keep it to yourselves!" They chastise the happy couple.
Uncaring, maybe even motivated by the words, Liv pulls Rafa's face into her own kissing him and biting down on his bottom lip, noticeably tugging on it. Another chorus of complaint rumbles through the party. She takes the opportunity to flip the group off. Meanwhile Rafa has one hand, that had been anchoring Liv to his lap, spread across her backside. Obvious pressure being applied.
Finally they pull apart, Liv leaving a pat on Rafa's cheek before turning in his arms so she now has her back, rather than her side, to his chest. Rafa moves his hands to cover her belly.
A sour expression and a sarcastic attitude are sent the couples way from Lucy, "that was like seeing my parents make out."
A napkin arches right into Lucy's forehead seconds after she speaks, "you better watch yourself then, or else you're grounded." Rafa matches Lucy's playful tone after witnessing Olivia accost the young woman with numerous napkin missiles.
Lucy can do nothing but throw her head back laughing. Well that, and lob the napkins back at Olivia.
A silent consensus is agreed upon within the party, the competition is over. Rafael was always going to win. They decide instead to simply have fun. Some of them sit back and watch, nursing their drinks. Others settle together and make song selections to do as a group.
Carisi manages to nag Amanda into agreeing to singing "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" with him. Their blood alcohol levels contribute to a highly entertaining show. They stumble at bits here and there but overall the pair makes it through the song having gotten most of the words right.
Arms hooked together they drop into a rather unbalanced bow before shuffling away to sit back down.
Brandi, Lucy, and Rafael are whispering amongst themselves discussing their strategy for the song they plan to do. A few other patrons take their turns on stage before the trio settles into agreement.
At the next available free slot they scramble forward to the stage. Once all three have microphones in hand they take the stage and Brandi steps forward for a bit of a preface, "us two ladies," she hinges her thumb to indicate herself and Lucy, "managed to convince this guy," she jabs her thumb in Raf's direction, "to come up here one more time."
Brandi pauses anticipating the noise that will result from hearing this, and she isn't disappointed. Cheers, shouts, and whistles echo throughout. Once the ruckus dies down she continues on, "it's a Queen kind of night. Feel free to join in, I know you know the words." Making a motion like she is banging drums Brandi spins around to fall back, down stage, behind Rafael, and in line with Lucy.
And "Bohemian Rhapsody" begins. The three of them manage a wonderful harmony. Rafael takes lead vocals while Lucy and Brandi back him up. The two women seem to have magically choreographed a dance between them. With simple steps and a lot of swaying Lucy and Brandi occupy their time with dance moves and let Rafael focus on his singing.
Having listened to Brandi speak the crowd really starts to get into things at the 'thunderbolt and lightning' verse, really projecting the lyrics.
Rafael takes on the highest notes, while Lucy and Brandi enjoy themselves lowering the octave in which they are singing, sinking closer to the floor as they do so. Once Rafael approaches singing 'nothing really matters' both Lucy and Brandi flank him on either side and put an arm around his waist. Rafael returns the gesture as the two women gently let out, "anyway the wind blows."
Bowing they drop off the microphones and run off. They are received with high praise from the rest of the party, hugs, high fives, and encouraging words wash over them.
The night is running into the very early hours of the next day when Rafael and Olivia take their leave. Going around to each of their friends they thank them all for coming out, wishing them a safe ride home, along with a promise to see them on Sunday.
Arriving in front of Lucy and Brandi Olivia rests a tender hand to the cheek of each woman. The younger women gaze up at her each with glassy eyes, rosy cheeks, and smiles that only drinking can bring about. She swipes a thumb over their cheekbones, "be safe my loves. Enjoy the rest of the night and please text me so I know you made it home okay."
Obediently both nod and Lucy interjects, "yes Mom."
Liv bops Lucy on the nose for her comment and attitude then brushes a kiss where her hands had been resting. She lets them go back to their night and finishes her round of goodbyes. Meeting back up with Rafael, where he is waiting for her, she takes his hand so they can make their way out of the bar together.
On the way through the patrons still milling about the couple is met with plenty of well wishes and congratulations. Finally out the door they take in a breath of the cool night air. Rafael had already order them a Lyft so they wait by the curb.
Turning into Rafael Liv pulls on his arm, pressing their bodies tight together, "I believe you're owed a prize when we get home baby."
Smirking Raf leans his head down to Liv's to touch their noses together, "oh yes, and I plan to collect." Getting in the car they don't break contact, wanting to maintain a physical connection in anticipation of a deeper one once they have all the privacy they need. And they can't wait.
A/N: Whew boy this one really got away from me. I had a really fun time writing and imagining this happen. You will get to read about Rafael's reward to start the next chapter, along with the wedding. Sorry if the song selection seemed kinda weird for their ages, I just picked songs I like and listen to, and keep in mind I was born in '91 so I'm younger than all these here people.
Also can we all ignore the fact that I have created a timeline that straight up makes zero sense? Great, I'm glad we can all agree. Sorry for the rambling. Let me know if you liked this, or you have some helpful tips for me!
xx