Rafael Barba:  Common Courtesy Masterlist

(Everything marked with an asterisk (*) should be considered 18+ only)

(Featuring Rafael Barba and F!Reader)

° Chapter One

° Chapter Two

° Chapter Three

° Chapter Four

° Chapter Five *

° Chapter Six *

° Chapter Seven *

° Chapter Eight *

° Chapter Nine *

° Chapter Ten *

° Chapter Eleven

° Chapter Twelve

° Chapter Thirteen

° Chapter Fourteen *

° Chapter Fifteen

° Chapter Sixteen *

° Chapter Seventeen *

° Chapter Eighteen *

° Chapter Nineteen

° Chapter Twenty

° Chapter Twenty-One *

° Chapter Twenty-Two *

° Chapter Twenty-Three *

° Chapter Twenty-Four

° Chapter Twenty-Five *

° Epilogue

° Coda

This was so wonderfully written 💙

Series Summary: After nearly being burned alive in a house fire as a child, you now worked as an FBI Special Agent. You have caught some of the worst people with your profiles, working hard as the BAU Liaison Agent to the Major Crimes Unit at the FBI's New York field office. When a new case crosses your desk, a chord is struck in you and memories long repressed come flooding back. Is this UNSUB the same man who is responsible for your mother's murder? Or, is there a copycat hell-bent on making you relive the fear that haunted you as a child?

Banner made by me!

Chapter Warnings: lots of profile speak, discussion of dead children (very brief), lots of advocation for the victims, some bad behaviour from journalists and other associates, Jake’s a little thirsty, I honestly think that’s it for this chapter, please lmk if I missed anything!

Word Count: 6.0k

Masterlist >> Chapter 15 >> Chapter 17

===

Standing outside the door to the city morgue, you looked at Bradley. It had been a long night, you and the team had been on scene in the Bronx for hours since 2 in the morning on what you assumed was July 1st.

The Bronx was home now to two murders. Brooklyn had two. Queens had been discarded after he had failed to take Lacey Hamilton and her siblings out of this world. His choice of location continued to baffle you, the choices seeming completely random until you remembered what the 911 dispatcher, Max Lewis had told you.

Oh man- this chapter was interesting and made me think making the UNSUB a woman would be an interesting plot twist. Also the victim advocate making it all about her is maddening and Hopps showed more restraint than I would have

Whistle Down the Wind, Chapter Three

Word Count:  2454

TW:  Pining, unrequited love, angst, mild violence (reader slaps Sonny); hooking up discussed obliquely but nothing explicit.

AN:  Part of a series.  The series masterlist here.

Sonny hadn’t meant to miss your performance.  He had thought he could make it in time, but Nicole kept pulling him back into the bed every time he tried to get up.  Before he knew it, he had missed it.  He had a panicky back-and-forth texting exchange with his sister, promising to meet everyone for drinks.  But she had eventually told him not to bother.

She’s pretty upset, Bella’s final text said.

Oh man the way she finally told Sonny how she felt- it gave me chills! Excellent chapter

Blog update

Hi all! As you might have guessed by my slowdown in activity over the last few months, I've decided to go on a writing hiatus.

This has been driven by a multitude of things including low engagement on my fics, as well as overall writers block and lack of motivation.

Unfortunately, this means my active WIPs are on hold indefinitely (such as Before I Knew). Sorry to any readers out there!

In the meantime, I may pop on here occasionally, so if there's something you've written and would like me to read, please DM me or tag me, I'll make sure to engage. I am trying to focus on my writing in my personal life as I near my 31st birthday since I haven't progressed much with my goal I set myself for this year. We're also getting a puppy in the new year and trying to start a family.

All that to say -- thanks to all who have engaged with my work over the last 2+ years. Hoping to be back to writing at a normal cadence sometime soon! xx

Tagging some mutuals for awareness:

@bobfloydsbabe @blue-aconite @clancycucumber230 @horseshoegirl @dizzybee03 @fairyheart @gigisimsonmars @joaquinwhorres @thedroneranger @gretagerwigsmuse @goldenseresinretriever @xomrsalliej4787xo @xoxabs88xox @sio-ina-bottle @sometimesanalice @seresinhangmanjake @teacupsandtopgun @writercole @palepeanutponyshoe @callsign-magnolia

So sad to hear this but totally understand! Your followers will be here when you come back!

I can literally he that deep voice of his! This was such a teaser 🤣🤣

We’re so fucking back baby. Sneak preview time.

Was It Over

Oh shits about to get real! Excited for this update….at least until I read it and then I might be crying my eyes out but that’s what I love about Leah’s writing, the angst is off the chart!

Bossa Nova (Benny 'Borracho' Magalon x f!reader) - Eleven

Ten

Summary: You've made a decision.

Word count: 7.544.

Warnings: Cursing, talks about police work corruption, irresponsible use of alcohol, people being idiots and work-related situations. If I forgot something, sorry :/

Author’s Note: I remember that I said that there would be some fake dating stuff and there will, but not right now. I'm working on chapter 12 already, so it was a small change of plans but not a change of path.

I'll try to update on AO3 as soon as I can! Sorry for any mispelling mistakes as well; always safe to remind that English isn't my first language.

MINORS DO NOT INTERACT!

Join my taglist! Don’t forget to reblog, comment and like! As always, I would love to know what you’re all thinking! ❤

****

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has just completed an operation that arrested a ring of robberies in luxury properties last Saturday. Police-grade weapons, special clothing and technological equipment that facilitate the breach of property security systems were seized.

You closed the fridge and stared at the 7-Eleven television curiously, a bottle of sparkling water in hand. 

One of the gang's most notorious victims is technology entrepreneur Theo Park, who was in the house at the time of the incident and was attacked by the robbers.

“To bad things that come to good. If I hadn't been there, maybe they would have gotten away with it and not left enough evidence to get caught. I’m very grateful for LASD's dedication to solving this case.”

Theodore had once said that he appeared on an experimental college TV show and, after that day, he decided he would lose some weight so he wouldn't look so bloated on screen. He seemed to have learned his lesson; despite reporters shoving microphones in his face, he looked flawless.

“It's amazing how the rich get justice so fast, right?” 

You blinked a few times and turned to the cashier, who was also watching the TV. You neither agreed nor disagreed; you approached the counter, placed the bottle on top and fished out a pack of licorice candies, which you also slid towards him.

This was great! Benny sees the real person and that totally scares her!

My Girl [Masterlist] — Full length series

Pairing: Jake “Hangman” Seresin x OC [Lawyer Natalie West]

Summary: Jake Seresin could be the answer to all of your dating woes. He’s the full package: steady job, mature, dependable, attractive to a fault. The polar opposite of every guy your age and he’s everything you’ve ever wanted in a partner. But there’s one roadblock: he’s a single father to four-year-old Ellie. Jake is looking for a level of commitment you’re not quite sure you’re ready to give, and he’s not willing to bring someone into his daughter’s life who isn’t there for the long haul. And even if you are stepmom material, is Jake ready to let someone back in his life while still mourning the recent loss of his late wife? 

Status: Series is complete!

Please fill out this form here to join my tag list

Overview:

Dream cast moodboard

Headcanon/blurbs:

This is like the 10th time I’ve read this and I love it in all its angsty glory

Here you go!

Bob smut below the cut ⬇️✂️

Happy Tuesday to me! This was an excellent story to walk up to today! I absolutely LOVED it!

Home Again To The Sea (Hangman x Reader)

Summary: You and Jake never thought you'd have to see the day when his grandfather returned to the sea

Warnings: Mentions of death, war, religion, angst with a happy ending etc.

Tagging: @bradleybeachbabe I didn't wanna write this just yet but I figured I might as well

Pearl Harbor Memorial

Hawaii, November 11

It had been the toughest three weeks of your life.

And now it all led to here.

You never forgot the look on Jake's face when the VA hospital had called and told him that Grandpa Seresin had passed away in his sleep. Jake wasn't usually one to crack, but he had. He had been so close with his grandfather, the man having practically raised Jake and his siblings while his father had been on deployment and Jake's mother having to go with him. Jake's best memories had been with his grandfather on the ranch in Texas, walking the fence, learning the lost cowboy trades and of course his Navy graduation. You never forgot when Grandpa Seresin had stood there in his vest and baseball cap with all the patches, saluting his grandson who had just graduated from Top Gun.

You and Jake were saddened beyond words that Grandpa Seresin was no longer walking the earth, but deep down you were glad that he was in a much better place and with Jake's grandma again. The man had lived to be a hundred, something no one had expected due to the ungodly amount of cigarettes the man had smoked over the years.

You squeezed Jake's hand when his parents had pulled to a stop in the parking lot. "I don't know if I can do this," he croaked.

"You can," you told him. "It's what Grandpa Seresin would've wanted."

Jake sniffed away the tears, holding onto both your hand and the silver urn containing his grandfather's ashes. Already, so many people had arrived, Tom and Sarah Kazansky with their brood of kids and grandkids, Mav and Penny with Amelia and the boys. Rooster and the rest of the Daggers were there too along with Bob and Mary and the rest of the Floyd clan.

Val and Maria, your two little girls were eager and excited to see everyone despite the heaviness of the morning. You and Jake shook hands with all the higher ranking officers and people you knew. Cole and Natasha were both in the dress uniforms and their son Gabe in his best dress suit. Jake's brothers and sisters had all showed up with the nieces and nephews, his older brother Eric having gotten leave from Camp Pendleton to come and attend.

It was hard having to stand near the end of the dock while Father Sasigawa gave the short funeral mass, the urn sitting on top of the flag draped over the stand. Bob and Mary stood with you, Jake and the girls along with Jake's father, Michael, Joe Floyd, Tom Kazansky and Mav.

Michael, Joe, Ice and Mav stepped forward when Father Sasigawa had finished. The sound of TAPS being played close by, echoed across the harbor, a ghostly voice from the past having come back to haunt the grounds where the USS Arizona had once been docked. The four of them folded up the flag, corner to corner and edge to edge until it was perfectly folded into a triangle.

You and Jake were called forward before Mav handed him the flag, the two of them saluting each other with tears in their eyes. Jake completely broke, his shoulders shuddering as the memories of Grandpa Seresin flooded back to him.

Bob, Mary and Jake's brother Eric, helped Val and Maria carry the urn to the edge of the dock. All was silent until somewhere in the distance, a long bagpiper had begun to play "Amazing Grace", the music whispering in the breeze that rustled the palms and the waves that lapped at the dock. The guns fired in the distance with it, a final salute to Jake's grandfather.

"Bye bye gate gampy," Maria chirped, blowing a kiss and waving with her tiny little hand as the urn sank into the water.

And down to the sea he went, Grandpa Seresin joining his brothers he had once been so close with, some still enshrined behind the walls of rust and steel and where they would rest for many years to come.

*****************************

The air was a bit more cheerful at the bar that night with hundreds of Navy families having gathered to celebrate Grandpa Seresin's life and the memories people had made over the years.

"Aw look at this one," Bob chuckled, holding up a rather embarrassing photo of Jake as a baby, his grandfather holding him up with a cigarette between his lips.

"That's Grampy for you," Jake laughed. "Cigarette in his hand and a drink in the other."

"Man sure loved his whiskey," Natasha half laughed.

"You have no idea," Jake told her.

All of them laughed when they found the photo of Grandpa Seresin as a young man in his Navy denim, once again with a cigarette in his mouth and both middle fingers held up for all the world to see. The bottom had been marked in fresh black ink, Leyte Gulf, October '44.

"Hey Nancy, is this one your dad?" Bob asked, showing the bartender the photo.

"AUE!" Nancy Kuakini gasped. "Yup that's him and Jake's grandpa alright! I dunno if it's in there but see if you can find the one where they got the tattoos, that ones hysterical."

As they sifted through the photo albums and through other memorabilia, Val came waddle running through the crowd and tugged on the sleeve of her father's dress blacks.

"Daddy Mommy says you gotta come quick," she told him.

Jake followed her right outside where you and Mary were both seated at the picnic table. It had grown dark, the waves crashing on the shores and the black field above dotted with stars. You breathed through the pain that tore through your body, but you weren't sure it was real or false pains just yet.

"Babes you good?" Jake asked, kneeling next to you.

"Oh God baby wants out," you groaned. "Yup.........yup he definitely wants out."

"Aw shit!" Jake blurted out. "Ok ok......gimme a sec and I'll go get the truck."

In no time at all, Jake was back with the truck and helping you in while Bob and Mary took care of Val and Maria. As soon as you had gotten to the Navy hospital and were wheeled in, Jake promptly sent a message to the Daggers, his parents and his siblings.

It didn't take long at all and by morning, John Michael Seresin had finally graced your family with his presence. The Daggers and everyone in your family could hardly stay away, wanting to come and visit and see the newest addition to the family. The girls were eager to step into their big sister roles and for a moment, you and Jake know that John Michael is a gift from Grandpa Seresin. And as you and Jake rest that night, you know deep down that Grandpa Seresin is still with you, watching over you all, just as he did all those years.

This was so sweet!!

Brother's Best Friend - Part 14

Jake Seresin x F!Reader

Summary: The trials and tribulations of falling for your brother's best friend.

CW: swearing, a smidge of angst, and some good ol' fluff because that's what BBF is all about!

WC: 2900+

Part 1 | Masterlist

You look up as the door creaks open, your hand sweating against Jake’s palm. Your chest tightens and your head swims. Suddenly, your vision blurs.

…

You hear your name, but it’s muted, like someone is saying it underwater. You open your eyes and see two anxious faces hovering over you. You try to sit up, but your head is heavy and your limbs are weak and you’re disoriented because Jake and Bradley’s voices are getting louder and more overwhelming with every second. You want to tell them to be quiet but the words can’t seem to form in your mouth, or, rather, you’re far too exhausted to make the effort to speak.

OMG they finally admitted their feelings!!!!!!! I’m not gonna lie though, I’m a little worried for how Bradley is gonna react 😬

GOOD MOOD

Leroy Jethro Gibbs x F!Wife!Reader // Word Count: 1.3k Summary: Gibbs comes home in a good mood and you decide the best way to break some not so 'good mood' news to him. Warnings: All my fics are 18+ regardless of content. liiiiight angst. liiiight fluff. Smoking Weed/Being High. Mentions of losing a job, violence, punching. No use of Y/N. Reader is a private investigator, married to Gibbs, and has a teenage child in this fic. A/N: Been rewatching NCIS from the beginning and I just simply forgot how much I love this show. Grew up watching some episodes when they'd be on tv running reruns but never watched from season to season before and I just jkshjkhf love it so much. So now I'm adding another fandom and character to the roster!

“You know I’m a federal agent, right?” Gibbs’s voice came from behind you along with the sliding of your back porch door. 

“Yea, but I’m not.” You smirked, holding the joint in your hand as you blew the smoke out that he was clearly smelling as he joined you in the backyard. 

I love this side of Gibbs- great story 💙

What I've Been Working On This Week:

Christmas Bingo Card 2024: Christmas Alone - Beau S - You spend Christmas alone after Beau recieves a posting to Arizona.

Christmas Bingo Card 2024: Snow - Colter S - Colter makes a realisation when you end up staying the night in Nebraska.

Christmas Bingo Card 2024 - Mistletoe - Douglas H - You and Douglas share a kiss in City Hall.

Christmas Bingo Card 2024 - Surprise Gift - Joe V - Joe finds a surprise gift on his desk when he works Christmas Day.

Christmas Bingo Card 2024: A Little Naughty, A Little Nice - Nick T - Casanova relives his relationship with you.

Revelations - LJ Gibbs - Gibbs makes a startling connection between you and Mike Franks.

Haunted - LJ Gibbs - Mike reflects on your relationship after Gibbs makes a discovery on your sister's case.

Can’t wait to read these!!

Wildflowers For A Hangman Ch. 20

Summary:

Daisy, a career novelist, moves in with her college best friend Phoenix who has been permanently assigned to Top Gun with Dagger Squad. She finds herself instantly connected with a cocky pilot who's soft only for her and Jake can't help but want to know everything about her. When the past comes knocking at both of their doors, will they stand together or fall apart?

Or: The Dagger Squad can't cook and Jake falls in love with a woman who makes a mean lasagna while they work their personal trauma.

Jake "Hangman" Seresin x writer!femOC | 18+ (eventually) minors dni. Fluff, smut (eventual), idiots in love, past trauma.

A/N: Jake comes clean and Daisy has to talk to Penny

AO3 Link

Previous Chapter

Nnnnnnoooooooo! A deployment, ugh hopefully it’s a short one! So glad Daisy has Penny to lean on while Jake is gone

love's never lost when perspective is earned

Jake Seresin x Reader

“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.” Peter Pan, J.M Barrie

Peter by Taylor Swift S P E Y S I D E by Bon Iver Big Black Car by Gregory Alan Isakov Smother by Daughter

Warnings: The reader is referred to as she/her, with no physical description, Parentification of eldest siblings, bad first date experience, gets a little spicy towards the end (no smut), (please let me know if you'd like me to tag anything please)

This one shot was written for @arcane-vagabond Fairy Tale writing challenge with the inspiration of Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, and the use of the word Scintilla.

Word Count: 6.7K Masterlist | talk to me about Jake and Tyler

She remembers that summer wrapped in a golden glow. Back when hot, humid days were spent bathed in the sun’s vivid orange. Their fingers were sticky with jammy pie fillings, stolen from his mama’s kitchen. Cold water from the garden hose always tasted better after a day of chasing themselves around the properties. 

What do you want to be when you grow up?” Jake had asked her as they lay in the grass behind his house. 

“I haven't decided yet,” she told him matter of factly, “But, I’m gonna have a nice house, and I’m going to go far away from here”. 

“I'm gonna be a pilot,” Jake said, “And I’ll fly wherever I want”.

This was literal perfection! I just love how they found their way back together 💙

Ch. 47: Closing Arguments & Verdict

Warning: Mention of miscarriage. Some chapters have sex.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Top Gun: Maverick world, trademarked by Paramount Pictures Corporation. I do not claim ownership of the characters and the world that I am borrowing.

The story and situation I am creating are a work of my imagination and I do not ascribe them to official story canon. This work is for entertainment only and is not a part of the storyline.

I am not profiting financially from the creation and publication of this story, but I do hope it gives you happy thoughts.

These stories are my own, so please do not take them and use them for yourself without my permission. If you see them somewhere else, please let me know. :)

After a brief fifteen-minute recess, everyone returned to the courtroom. You sat back at the witness table, taking a deep breath as the Judge re-entered the room and took his seat behind the bench. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation.

"Mr. Dunby, you have the floor for closing arguments," the Judge stated.

Dunby stood up, buttoning his suit jacket. "Thank you, Your Honor," he replied, moving toward the center of the courtroom to address the jury.

Dunby took a moment to meet the eyes of the jurors, his expression calm but resolute. "Ladies and gentlemen of the jury," he began, his voice steady, "this case is not just about forgery or breaches of trust, although those are serious crimes. This case is about manipulation, obsession, and a violation of the most sacred bonds—both personal and professional."

He paused, letting his words settle in before continuing. "Dr. Seresin came here today and shared her story with all of you. She spoke of the trust she once had in Dr. Stryker, of their professional relationship, and how that trust was shattered by his actions. He exploited that trust, using deception and fear to control her." Dunby gestured toward you. "You've heard the evidence. The forged documents, the manipulation, the threats. These aren't the actions of a desperate man—they're the actions of someone who knew exactly what he was doing. He isolated her, drugged her, and made her believe she had no way out."

Dunby walked slowly, methodically, as he spoke. "And yet, despite everything, she had the courage to stand up and fight back. She found a way to get help, and thanks to her strength, she is here today to tell her story. Dr. Stryker tried to strip her of her agency, her freedom, and even her identity—but he failed."

He turned to the jury, his voice rising slightly with emphasis. "Now, it is up to you. You have seen the forged documents; you've heard how Dr. Stryker took advantage of a vulnerable situation to manipulate and deceive. There is no doubt that his actions were intentional and malicious. This is your chance to deliver justice—not just for Dr. Seresin, but for everyone who has ever been taken advantage of in this way."

Dunby paused for a moment, letting the silence fill the room. "I ask you to carefully consider the evidence before you and find Dr. Stryker guilty of the crimes he committed. Thank you."

With that, Dunby returned to his seat, the weight of his closing argument hanging in the air as the defense attorney, Mr. Rowe, prepared to make their final statement.

As Dunby returned to his seat, the courtroom remained silent, the gravity of his words settling over everyone present. Mr. Rowe rose next, buttoning his jacket with a calm, calculated demeanor. They moved to the center of the courtroom, facing the jury, their expression thoughtful.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury," Rowe began, his voice soft but deliberate, "you have just heard a compelling story, filled with fear, manipulation, and deception. But what Mr. Dunby is asking you to do is to convict a man based on emotion rather than fact." The defense attorney glanced briefly at Dr. Stryker, who sat still, his expression neutral.

"You've heard from Dr. Seresin today," the attorney continued. "No one is denying that she went through a traumatic experience. But we must focus on the actual evidence. Did Dr. Stryker act irrationally and obsessively? Maybe. But the question is: did he break the law? Did he commit forgery? Did he truly intend to manipulate and control Dr. Seresin, or is this a tragic misunderstanding fueled by heightened emotions?"

The attorney began to pace slowly. "Mr. Dunby talked about trust, and trust is important, yes. But trust is also subjective. Misunderstandings happen in both personal and professional relationships. What the prosecution has failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt is Dr. Stryker’s intent to deceive or harm. There’s no substantial evidence that shows he forged those documents—no proof that he acted with malicious intent. All we have are allegations and circumstantial evidence."

The attorney paused, locking eyes with the jurors. "Before you make your decision, I ask you to remember the principles of justice. A man’s life is in your hands, and you must weigh the evidence carefully. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution, and if there is even the slightest doubt in your mind, then you must find Dr. Stryker not guilty."

With a final, measured nod, the defense attorney returned to their seat, leaving the courtroom in a tense, thoughtful silence. The judge then addressed the jury, explaining their duty to deliberate carefully before reaching a verdict.

The fate of the case now rested in the hands of the twelve jurors, who would decide whether justice would prevail.

"Y/N, go and get some lunch," Dunby said as you all stood outside the courtroom. "I'll let you, Max, and Chuck know when the verdict is in."

You nodded, relieved for the break, and headed toward the courthouse doors with Max and Chuck.

"There's a little café around the corner. We can go there," Max suggested.

The three of you began walking in the direction he indicated, chatting lightly as you went.

When you reached the café, you stepped inside to the aroma of fresh coffee and baked goods. The atmosphere was cozy, with small tables scattered around and soft music playing in the background. You glanced at the menu, your stomach grumbling as you considered your options.

"What are you in the mood for?" Chuck asked, leaning against the counter. "Something hearty or just a quick snack?"

You rubbed your belly with a smile. "According to Junior, everything on the menu sounds good, but I think a sandwich and soup will suffice."

Chuck chuckled. "Junior's got good taste already! A sandwich and soup it is, then."

Max glanced over at the menu, nodding in agreement. "I’ll have the same. Can’t go wrong with a classic combo." He turned to the counter, ready to place the order. "I’ll get it—consider it my treat."

As Max went up to the counter, you and Chuck found a cozy table near the window. The sunlight filtered in, creating a warm glow around you.

Chuck leaned back in his chair, a serious yet comforting expression on his face. "So, how are you really feeling about everything? I know things have been intense."

You took a moment to gather your thoughts. "Honestly, I’m a mix of anxious and hopeful. I just want justice, you know? But at the same time, I’m worried about how I’ll feel no matter what the verdict is."

Chuck nodded, understanding etched on his features. "That’s completely valid. Just remember, you’ve done everything you could to stand up for yourself. No matter what happens, that’s something to be proud of."

"I have to admit, I was glad Jake could contribute to everything. I think that really made a difference," you confessed.

Max returned with the food, setting down the steaming bowls of soup and sandwiches in front of you. "Alright, let’s dig in."

You had just finished eating when you received a text from Mr. Dunby saying the verdict was in. "Well, that was quick," you remarked, shock spreading across your face.

Max glanced at you after checking his watch. "Wow, that’s pretty fast—only an hour and a half."

Chuck shifted in his seat, a hint of anxiety creeping into his expression. "That could mean a lot of things. Let's hope it's a good sign."

You nodded, trying to quell the rising nerves in your stomach. "Yeah, I just hope they took their time to consider everything."

Max placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder. "No matter what happens, you've done the right thing. You stood up for yourself, and that's what matters most."

"Thanks, Max," you said, appreciating his support. "Let’s get back. I need to know."

The three of you rose and made your way back to the courthouse, the anticipation hanging thick in the air. As you entered the courtroom, you felt the weight of everyone's gazes, and your heart raced. You found your seat and exchanged nervous glances with Max and Chuck.

Dunby noticed your nervousness and gently reached over, patting your hand that rested on the table. His touch was reassuring, grounding you as you waited for the news.

You took a deep breath, trying to steady your racing heart. The atmosphere in the courtroom was tense, and you could sense the anticipation from everyone around you.

The Judge looked around the room, ensuring everyone was present and quiet before he began. "Ladies and gentlemen, the jury has reached a verdict. In the case of Dr. Stryker, we ask that the foreperson please stand."

A woman in the jury box stood up, her expression serious as she held a piece of paper in her hand. You leaned forward slightly, holding your breath as she addressed the Judge. "Your Honor, we find the defendant, Dr. Stryker, guilty on all counts."

A wave of emotion surged through you, a mix of relief and disbelief. You glanced at Max and Chuck, who both wore expressions of surprise and joy. Dunby’s grip on your hand tightened, and you could see the pride in his eyes.

The Judge nodded, his expression solemn. "Dr. Stryker, your sentencing—"

You barely heard the rest as a sense of victory washed over you. The truth had prevailed, and you had fought for your justice. As the Judge continued, you felt a tear slide down your cheek, but it was one of relief and hope. You had reclaimed your voice, and now you could finally begin to heal.

Tags: @buckysteveloki-me @bellyliveslife @tgmreader @callsign-barbell @86laura11 @dizzybee03 @kmc1989 @guacam011y @nerdgirljen @hookslove1592 @dempy @djs8891 @smoothdogsgirl @devil-angel-winchester @alwayshave-faith

So glad they got the guilty verdict and hopefully they’ll continue building their life together in peace