Seekret Fanfic — I was just about to close my laptop after getting...

I was just about to close my laptop after getting out the words for NaNoWriMo…when this popped in my head and I had no choice but to get it out.

The following is a Barba fic - one that probably has more to come.

The Accidental Email

from: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
to: rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Nov 2, 2016 at 8:32 PM
subject: Corsi v Bezon

Evening,

Here is the case file you requested with the information relevant to Corsi v. Bezon highlighted.

I’ve also taken the liberty of attaching another case you might find interesting. While the charges are not related, if you read the highlighted text, I think you’ll see the similarities between defendants.

Related, I’ve also ordered this to assist you in court tomorrow. I believe it will provide the necessary distraction needed.

E. Watts

from: rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
to: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Nov 2, 2016 at 8:58 PM
subject: RE: Corsi v Bezon

E. Watts –

I don’t want such efforts as those in your email to go unnoticed, so I prepared to forward this email along to the attorney handling Corsi v. Bezon.

However, I was curious as to how exactly you expect ADA Bartle to use a whoopee cushion in his cross. On the off chance that you pasted the wrong link, much like you typed in the wrong email address, I’ve decided to hold off on forwarding this message, and instead allow you to handle it yourself.

Sincerely,

Rafael Barba

from: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
to: rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Nov 2, 2016 at 9:06 PM
subject: RE: Corsi v Bezon

Mr. Barba,

I appreciate your thorough reading of an email that was not intended for you, and your thoughtful decision to withhold sending it on. It should be noted that the address was a mistake, but everything within was exactly as intended.

While the auto populate feature our new email system uses is faulty, the content of my emails seldom are.

(Are you unfamiliar with the whoopee strategy? Clearly, you attended an inferior institution of learning. But I promise not to hold that against you, if you can forgive my uninvited presence in your inbox.)

Best,

E Watts

from: rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
to: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Nov 2, 2016 at 9:08 PM
subject: RE: Corsi v Bezon

Watts,

I’m not sure what circles you travel in that would find Harvard to be inferior, but no, I regret to inform you that we were not taught the whoopee strategy.

I am prepared to forgive your uninvited presence, yet that may be difficult if you keep showing up.

Barba

from: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
to: rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Nov 2, 2016 at 9:11 PM
subject: RE: Corsi v Bezon

Dear Rafael “Harvard” Barba,

As a Bulldog, I have been trained to believe that Harvard is, in fact, inferior. Having said that, I have a strong contrary streak and don’t always do as I’m told.

In all seriousness, I’d like to apologize if I’ve offended you in any way. Tone is hard to convey in an email message. ADA Bartle is accustomed to – and even enjoys – my odd brand of humor, and sometimes it’s difficult to shut off, particularly when I find myself alone in the office at this hour.

All the best,

Eve Watts

from: rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
to: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Nov 2, 2016 at 9:15 PM
subject: RE: Corsi v Bezon

Eve,

Please let me know how the whoopee strategy works out for Bartle.

And no offense taken. After all, I can only expect so much from a Yalie. I’m packing up for the evening and given the late hour, I recommend you do the same.

Or should I recommend you stay? Given your contrary nature, I’m not sure what would be more prudent.

Best,

Barba

from: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
to: rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Nov 2, 2016 at 9:37 PM
subject: RE: Corsi v Bezon

Rafael,

May I call you that? I’m going to assume I can, since you took to referring to me as Eve.

If you’re concerned about formality, have no fear. No one close to me calls me Eve, and something tells me Rafael is no less formal for you than Barba.

I’d like to say that I’ve been working on my contrary ways and that is why I’m answering your email from a crowded subway car, but the truth is, I was already on my way out when your email arrived.

Even so, your concern did not go unnoticed.

Thank you.

Eve

from: rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
to: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Nov 2, 2016 at 9:45 PM
subject: RE: Corsi v Bezon

Eve,

I’m curious as to what people call you if not Eve. Usually informal names are just a shortened version of our given one, yet, there is nowhere to go with yours, short of being called ‘E’.

Don’t feel like you have to answer this anytime soon. I feel guilty infiltrating into your after work hours.

Rafael

from: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
to: rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Nov 2, 2016 at 9:58 PM
subject: RE: Corsi v Bezon

Rafael,

Don’t feel badly at all! A distraction is always welcome on the ride home, particularly when I’m avoiding eye contact with the seedy-looking character across from me, or folding myself into an impossibly small corner as the man beside me manspreads his way into my chair.

Ah, the joys of public transport. Bless city life.

As to the issue of nicknames - have you never had a playground name as a child that stuck? Or a pet name you couldn’t escape? For your sake, I’m hoping no.

I do hope your response to my previous email doesn’t mean that you changed your mind about escaping the office. It’s now well beyond late and you should be home.

Eve

from: rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
to: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Nov 2, 2016 at 10:03 PM
subject: RE: Corsi v Bezon

Eve,

I am home, and hoping to get some sleep before I have to start this all over in the morning, but your description of your subway ride home leaves me concerned.

Do me a small favor and email when you are home safe?

Rafael

from: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
to: rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Nov 2, 2016 at 11:22 PM
subject: RE: Corsi v Bezon

Rafael,

Don’t think I didn’t notice you sidestepped the pet name question. ;)

I imagine you’ve fallen asleep by now, but I’m emailing just to be safe. There was some sort of delay and regrettably I am just now arriving home.

I am writing this safely inside my apartment, door locked, chain slid over, deadbolt engaged, alarm system armed. Perfectly safe.

Sleep well.

Eve

from: rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
to: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Nov 2, 2016 at 11:23 PM
subject: RE: Corsi v Bezon

Eve,

Now that you’re home safe, I’ll do just that.

Rafael

rafael barba email fic raul esparza to be continued

More you might like

The Accidental Email, pt VI
from: evewatts@gmail.com
to: rbarba@gmail.com
date: Sun, Dec 4, 2016 at 9:47 AM
subject: The eggs needed salt anyway…
I should have thought to check my email before I sat down to brunch, but in my efforts to avoid a phone... — **The Accidental Email, pt VI**
from: evewatts@gmail.com
to: rbarba@gmail.com
date: Sun, Dec 4, 2016 at 9:47 AM
subject: The eggs needed salt anyway…
*I should have thought to check my email before I sat down to brunch, but in my efforts to avoid a phone call, I also missed out on your email until just now.*
*So now I’m the sad looking table of one crying over her coffee.*

from: rbarba@gmail.com
to: evewatts@gmail.com
date: Sat, Dec 3, 2016 at 9:51 AM
subject: RE: The eggs needed salt anyway…
That certainly wasn’t my intent…if I didn’t have plans to meet my mother for lunch (plans I’ve already cancelled too many times to cancel once again) I’d at least make it a sad looking table of two.

from: evewatts@gmail.com
to: rbarba@gmail.com
date: Sun, Dec 4, 2016 at 9:47 AM
subject: RE: The eggs needed salt anyway
*…and now I’m the weirdo smiling at her phone.*
Don’t worry. Even though I don’t particularly enjoy showing emotion in public places, the tears were the good kind. The things you said about ‘Watson’ – it was the sort of thing my Aunt would have said, if I’d ever told her about the nickname.
*She would have liked you, I think.*
*Enjoy lunch with your mom.*

from: rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
to: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Dec 7, 2016 at 9:23 AM
subject: RE: Request for Assistance
*Good morning, Ms. Watts,*
I was discussing the Cottone case with the DA and your name came up. As I’m sure you know, the visibility on this case promises to be high, so I’ve been allotted additional resources for casework, etc, and it was recommended that I enlist your skills.
*Please see attached for details and the proposed schedule. I’ve already spoken with O’Dwyer, so he is aware that this case takes precedence over any pending projects and/or research.*
*If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.*
*Regards,*
*ADA Rafael Barba*

from: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
to:   rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Dec 7, 2016 at 9:25 AM
subject: RE: Request for Assistance
*I’ve received your request and will get to work on this immediately.*
*E. Watts*

from: rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
to: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Dec 7, 2016 at 9:23 AM
subject: RE: Request for Assistance
*Ms. Watts,*
*Are you still in the office? I have a quick update regarding the case.*
*Barba*

from: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
to:   rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Wed, Dec 7, 2016 at 7:59 PM
subject: RE: Request for Assistance
*Yes, although not my office. Conference room B.*
*E. Watts*

from: ewatts@manhattandaoffices.org
to:   rbarba@manhattandaoffices.org
date: Fri, Dec 8, 2016 at 7:12 PM
subject: RE: Request for Assistance
*Attached are the case files relevant to the information in your previous email. I’ve attached a separate file for the motion to dismiss which we discussed yesterday evening.*
*If there is anything additional you require, please let me know.*

from: rbarba@gmail.com
to: evewatts@gmail.com
date: Fri, Dec 9, 2016 at 7:25 PM
subject: What Would I Do Without You
*Eve,*
*Thank you for all of your hard work this week. Your assistance is sure to prove invaluable.*
*When this is over, no matter the outcome of the case, I owe you a celebratory drink.*
*Raf*

from: evewatts@gmail.com
to: rbarba@gmail.com
date: Fri, Dec 9, 2016 at 7:29 PM
subject: RE: What Would I Do Without You
*No need. Just doing my job.*
*Have a good weekend.*

from: rbarba@gmail.com
to: evewatts@gmail.com
date: Fri, Dec 9, 2016 at 7:32 PM
subject: *RE: What Would I Do Without You*
*Is there something wrong, Eve? You don’t “sound” like yourself.*

from: evewatts@gmail.com
to: rbarba@gmail.com
date: Fri, Dec 9, 2016 at 7:35 PM
subject: RE: You’re the Best
*Probably just tired. Been a long week. Heading home now. Good night.*

from: rbarba@gmail.com
to: evewatts@gmail.com
date: Mon, Dec 12, 2016 at 2:25 PM
subject: It’s Quiet…
*Eve,*
*Are we okay?*
*You’ve been uncharacteristically quiet lately, and I swore I caught your eye in the hallway earlier and you turned to walk the other way.*
*If I’m being paranoid, please forgive me. And if I’ve done something to upset you, please let me know what it was so I can attempt to make it right.*
*I can’t help but feel things haven’t been the same since we started working together on the Cottone case…*
*Whatever it is, tell me.*
*Rafael*

from: evewatts@gmail.com
to: rbarba@gmail.com
date: Mon, Dec 12, 2016 at 11:45 PM
subject: RE: It’s Quiet
*Rafael,*
*I’ve written, deleted, and rewritten this email so many times I’ve lost count.*
*Even as I type this time, my fingers shake at the thought of how it might be received.*
*You aren’t being paranoid. I have been different. Quieter, perhaps even standoffish, but that’s not on you.*
*I hope that my attempt at honesty here won’t make things worse, but I fear no matter what I say, I’ve already changed our dynamic, so I may as well speak truth.*
*The night when you met with me in the conference room, I came to realize something I had managed to ignore for some time.*
Over the course of our correspondence, I’ve come to see you as a friend. A good friend. The sort of friend I could share things I don’t ever share with others. It’s something I didn’t realize I was so sorely lacking, something I badly needed.
Even though it was you on the other end of those emails, a real person, one I’d seen and heard and even passed in the halls, it was almost like the you in the emails was someone separate from the ADA down the hall.
*But that night in the conference room, the two came together to form a whole, real person.*
*A real person who I can’t help but have feelings for.*
I’d already fallen for the words you’d write, but it was a sort of intangible crush. Sitting across from you, seeing you smile at the things I’d say, or worse, hearing you laugh…my heart suddenly started to hope.
*And I can’t let that happen.*
*I can’t let myself fall for someone who won’t fall back.*
*I’m trying to pull back the reins on my heart, to keep it from speeding ahead, but that’s a difficult thing to do when all it sees is what it wants, and not the cliff directly behind.*
*So the change you’ve seen is me creating the space I need to save myself from a crash.*
*I wish it wasn’t this way.*
*Eve*

from: rbarba@gmail.com
to: evewatts@gmail.com
date: Tues, Dec 13, 2016 at 12:39 AM
subject: RE: It’s Quiet…
*Dear Eve,*
*I will, of course, respect any request you make of me, including one for space, but only after I argue my case.*
*That’s what I do, after all…*
*Our meeting in Conference Room B was a turning point of sorts for me as well.*
*Perhaps not quite as dramatic a turn.*
*I never saw you and the woman from the emails as separate. Maybe it’s because, for a while at least, I knew only Eve of the emails.*
I found myself taken with that Eve for some time. The night of the party, when I was finally able to put a face on our correspondence, nothing changed. I was just as intrigued by the witty, intelligent, beautiful person I’d been speaking with all that time.
*In fact, I was more intrigued, because I finally had confirmation that you weren’t something I’d dreamed up.*
My feelings continued to grow, and that night in the Conference Room B was a small victory for me. To know I could sit in a room with you and make you smile. That the sound of your voice was even better than the sound of an incoming email.
*There was one moment, though, that left the greatest impression.*
We were discussing the motion to dismiss evidence, and I was showing you a file on my laptop. You reached across to point something out to me. I couldn’t tell you what it was, because all I can remember was your fingers brushing across my hand as you reached for the screen. I don’t believe it was intentional, and it lasted barely a second.
*Since that moment, I’ve found myself touching that spot on my hand, wishing I could feel your fingertips there again.*
*It’s become rather obvious to me that, while I value the friendship we have, I wish for so much more.*
You say you can’t let yourself fall for someone who won’t fall back, but I’m already here. I’ve been teetering on the precipice and all it took was the brush of your skin against mine to send me over the edge, leaping willingly into the unknown chasm below.
*I am not so selfish that I’d consider only my feelings here, so if knowing all this, you still want to pull back from the edge, I will do what you ask.*
*But you need to know that if you don’t pull away, whether you jump or fall, I’m waiting with open arms below.*
*Raf*

**Part I**
**Part II**
**Part III**
**Part IV**
**Part V**
@elijiadoesntwritehere @justjaclin @sarahgracej *@caffeine-nights @vintagemichelle91 @faslaidir @midsomersurvivor-blog @abrasivepersonalitytendersoul @hs0507 @xemopeachx @rauliskafan @mrschiltoncat @glammmeg @shrimp1404* @kjs-s @sweetsummertime99 @big-bad-barba @booyahfordhamlaw

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For the sake of adding this to the Masterlist, I’ve compiled all the parts of The Accidental Email into one post. Thanks again to everyone who had such a lovely response. Should you wish to re-read, you can use this post instead of gathering all the parts. Good for sharing, too! :)

The Accidental Email

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