Patroclus's Wings

NASA Image of the Day (June 23, 2026)

Hanging in the Balance

The Moon's rocky, uneven, and otherworldly surface features are highlighted by the terminator – the difference between light and darkness. Image was captured during the Artemis II mission.

Springtime in Oregon

Warnings: none, just good old fluff and domesticity 

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The honeymoon stage had ended a while ago, having been in a relationship with Rafael for a little longer than two years now. You’re still very much in love, just not like it was when you first dated. The way it was for most couples after a while.

He works long nights, especially lately, and your job has been requiring more of your time, as well. You have been living together for a few months now, seeing as you both had limited time, so would rather come home to each other every night.

You don’t realize how much he loves coming home to see you after a long and stressful day. Even after all this time together, he loves to just see your face and know that he has you no matter what.

Today was one of those days. He had been at work since five in the morning, not getting to say goodbye this morning, letting you sleep in til you had to go to work yourself a few hours later. He is just now heading home, sat in the back of the taxi, at ten at night. He is exhausted, eyes barely able to stay open, a pounding headache, and he’s starving.

He had a very long day at court and working on paperwork for the case and preparing for the next one. He texted you about twenty minutes ago that he would be home soon, but he figured you’d be asleep by the time he got there. All he wants to do is lay in bed with you. His body is aching and he is excited to take off the tie and suspenders.

Finally, he arrives outside of your shared apartment, sighing in contentment as he trudges up the stairs. As soon as he opens the door, he can smell something delicious. Though he feels guilty, he hopes that you saved him something so that he doesn’t need to make himself something to eat, because he is just too tired.

He steps into the kitchen, seeing you standing there, in one of his shirts and no pants, placing his favorite meal onto a plate. You turn around and smile at him. His heart flutters a little at how beautiful you look, and that you’re cooking for him at ten at night. 

“Welcome home, handsome.” You walk over to him, kissing his cheek and taking his coat from him, placing it on the rack. He takes off his shoes, relieved at his sore feet finally being free.

“Hermosa, you didn’t have to…” He sighs, feeling bad that you are up taking care of him instead of relaxing or sleeping. You shrug your shoulders.

“I got home like three hours ago, you need it. I know you’re exhausted.” You motion to the couch. “Go, sit.”

He does as he’s told and you bring him over his plate and a tall glass of water with Advil. You unbutton his shirt and unclip his suspenders, placing them beside his briefcase. Then you stand behind him and begin rubbing his shoulders.

“Ugh, Y/N, you’re amazing. Thank you.” He says after taking a bite, relaxing into your hands. You smile, only wanting him to be comfortable.

“You’re welcome babe.” You respond, kissing the top of his head and continuing to massage his tense shoulders. After a few minutes, he finishes the food and pulls you into his lap, running his fingers through your hair and resting his head on your shoulder.

“I’m so tired, but I want to spend time with you.” He mumbles tiredly against your shoulder. “Let’s shower then go lay down,” you suggest.

He nods tiredly and you grab his stuff before he can, meeting him in the bedroom. You strip and run the water, getting it to a nice temperature. He meets you and steps into the shower, wrapping his hands around your waist, hugging you. His warm skin against your back feels nice, but you feel sad for him, as he can barely stay awake. His job requires so much of his energy.

You pour a little shampoo into your hand and turn around, beginning to lather it through his dark locks, avoiding getting your own hair wet. He watches you adoringly, running his fingertips down your curves. It’s not a sexual thing tonight, it’s all love and appreciation for one another. You let him rinse the shampoo out and get a loofa full of body wash, beginning to wash his back and biceps. Your hands run down his wet chest, down his stomach, admiring him.

He relaxes at your touch, feeling the most content he has in a while. You let him wash your body as well, before rinsing off and stepping out, quickly wrapping yourselves in towels to escape the cold air. You throw on a fresh pair of panties and one of Rafael’s shirts, and he changes into black sweats and a tank top, and you rush to bed.

Rafael wasn’t usually one to be possessive.. But he had his days. Today seems like it’s one of them.

Ever since you met him at the courthouse, he seems extra clingy and affectionate. You had watched the trial, sitting with Nick and Liv. Rafael won the case, you had seen the whole thing. You stood with Nick as you waited for your boyfriend to approach you guys. Liv praised him before leaving, and you turned and smiled proudly at him. “Good job babe.” You whisper, kissing his cheek.

He glances between you and Nick, and nods. “He got what he deserved.” He replied, speaking about the rapist. “Sick bastard’s finally gonna pay for what he did to all those girls.” Nick responds, disgusted.

You nod in agreement, and Rafael looks lost in thought. He was wondering if he was just looking into it, but it seemed like you and Amaro had become more friendly.

He tries to shake the insecurities from his head and grabs your hand, escorting you out of the courtroom. Nick follows behind, going to meet with Fin before leaving. You hug him goodbye and he shakes Rafael’s hand.

You smile at your boyfriend, who you catch glaring at Nick. “What?” You ask. He returns his gaze to you. “Why’re you smiling so much?” He asks.

He seems annoyed, and you make a confused face. “I’m not? I’m just happy.” He doesn’t respond and you follow him out of the courthouse. He opens the door for you and you step out, smiling at your gentleman boyfriend. Even when he’s not in a good mood he treats you well.

You interlock your fingers with his and lean your head against his arm as you head down the stairs. When you notice the press, you take back your hand and give him some space to talk.

He makes a quick statement about the case, then begins walking down the street, looking over his shoulder to make sure you’re following.

You follow closely, trying to make it look like you’re not together, until you’re down the block. Then you catch up and take his hand again. “You don’t have to do that, we’ve been together for a while now.” He mumbles, rubbing his thumb against the back of your hand.

You’re still wondering why he seems short with you today, but ignore it, assuming it’s because of the stress he’s been under.

“I suppose, I just don’t want to have my name around because I’m dating an incredible lawyer.” You reply. He doesn’t say anything. “Wanna get coffee?” You ask perkily. “Okay.” He responds shortly, shrugging as he spoke.

You sigh and continue walking, now in the direction of the cafe. He opens the door for you again and you try to ignore the shortness he’s been having and focus on the good. He sits down at a table while taking a call from the office, and you tell him quietly you’ll go order.

While in line, you feel like you’re being watched, and find that an attractive guy in line beside you is checking you out. You smile politely and return your attention to the menu. “Hey, I’m Aaron.” He says, causing you to return your gaze to him. You nod, not acting interested. “Y/N.” You respond, shaking his hand and stepping to the counter to order.

You begin ordering your’s and Rafael’s usuals, unbeknownst that he was watching you. He is wondering why everyone seems to be all over you today. In reality he is looking into it, but he can’t help but feel jealous and irritated.

He’s getting more annoyed than he wants, so he stands up, wanting to claim what’s his. You feel arms snake around your waist, and were about to yell, thinking it was this Aaron dude, but see that it’s just Raf.

You smile, a blush creeping up your neck as he kisses your shoulder blade. “We’ll have them to go.” He tells the cashier, smirking as he presses a kiss to the top of your head. “I’m assuming you’re together.” The guy that was trying to talk to you says. Rafael gives him a look over, deciding he’s not your type and not even competition. “Yes. Rafael Barba, maybe you’ve heard of me.” He introduces himself, reaching his hand out for a handshake.

The guy makes a face, but takes his hand, giving a firm handshake. “No, I haven’t.” He responds. You lower your head behind your hand to hide the giggle you’re holding in. “He’s a very distinguished ADA, graduated top of his class from Harvard.” You tell Aaron before Rafael can toot his own horn.

The guy makes another face, nodding. “Nice.” He responds coldly, returning his own attention to the cashier waiting for him.

Rafael smirks at you, pressing his body against your back. You take the drinks from the cashier and he hands her a $20. “Keep the change.” He smiles at the woman and you chuckle to yourself. “Lets get home, hermosa. I wanna celebrate.” He mumbles in your ear, his hands slipping lower on your stomach suggestively.

Rafael working late was never any surprise. From the beginning you knew that his time was limited, and he was constantly stressed and busy. You have been nothing but understanding of his job and try your hardest to be supportive.

It’s 9 o’clock now, and your shift just ended. You have one missed text from Raf a few hours ago, saying that he’s probably going to be late again tonight, saying he should be ready around nine. You feel bad for him, knowing he must be stressed. You don’t understand how he can deal with it, you would go crazy in his position. It makes you admire him even more.

You head over to the office. It’s a short taxi drive, and you are in the elevator soon enough. As you enter the room, you see it’s half empty. You say hello to Carisi, and Liv when you pass by her going over some evidence. “Here for Barba?” She asks.

You nod, and she smiles softly. “Been in there all day, thank God this trial is almost over.”

“Good luck.” You tell her, walking toward his office. Carmen is packing up for the night and you smile at her, then knock lightly on his door. You slowly enter, making sure not to disturb him much. He looks up from his paperwork and smiles.

“Amor, how are you?” He asks, pushing out of his desk chair and placing a kiss on your cheek. “Fine, figured I’d come get you.” You smile. “Gracia.” He heads back to his desk, glancing at his computer and beginning to pack up. 

“I’m actually just finishing.” He says, smiling at you. “Are you sure? I can wait.” You respond. You can see how tired he is as he shakes his head. “No, let’s go, the rest can wait for tomorrow.” He grabs his coat and briefcase and opens the door for you. You smile, excited for a night with him.

When you reach home, he quickly settles. You go to the kitchen to get him some aspirin for his headache you are sure he has, and meet him on the couch.

He comes back changed into black sweats and a comfy bed shirt, sitting down and pulling you against his body. You sigh in contentment, realizing how much you missed the feeling of his arms wrapped around you.

“How was your day?” He asks, running his fingers through your hair, and reaching over to switch off the lamp. “Not that bad, had a lot of deliveries to make. How’s the case going?” He begins telling you all about it as you lay in the dim light, holding each other close. You wish it could always be like this.