~8~
Chapter 4: Homecoming... {*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^} *-Raphael-*-Raphael-*-Raphael-*-Raphael-*-Raphael-* {*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^}
"-trays in the upright position, thank you..."
Simon took a deep breath, squeezing his hand again. Raphael smiled softly, lifting his hand, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to the back of it. Simon gave a light, sweet huff of a laugh, cuddling closer to his side, flashing one more grateful little smile that didn't quite cover the flit of nerves shimmering in those soft golden brown eyes.
Dios this is not gonna be a fun trip.
He's been trying to help Simon relax for the entire flight, try to give his things to take his mind off everything but it's not nearly as effective as it usually would be. Understandable...about the last thing Simon wanted was to come back to Lawrence. He knows the guy's a basket case about this, absolutely dreading it, no question. Even so one call from Drake and he's ready to hop on the next plane out...which...well...hmm.
So...Simon and Drake were a thing...
Huh...
Did not see that coming.
Gotta admit he's kinda surprised Simon didn't think to mention it before they were on the flight. Admittedly it was a bit of a frantic, rushed, stressed morning and a whirlwind trying to get it all in order but even so it seems like something he'd of mentioned- especially given the fact they'll be staying at the man's place. Which was...uh...yeah...
Don't get him wrong, the offer was nice and given that they're flying out to help him look into a possible case that they kinda have to keep a lid on it is by far the most logical option. Even so compared to staying in his boyfriend's high school sweetheart's guestroom the Dateline Hotel seems like it could actually have a certain charm. It's not really his place to bring it up and heaven knows this trips gonna be rough enough for Simon without tossing his totally irrational prickliness about the situation into the mix. Last thing he wants is to add to Simon's nerves here.
He is a bit surprised Simon didn't think to mention it- usually the guy's hyperaware of the feelings and emotions of those around him- especially Raphael's but this situation is anything but usual. He's more than entitled to focus on himself here. Actually for the next couple days that's exactly what he needs to do. None of this is about Raphael and his weirdness about their accommodations. This is about helping Simon get through this with as little unpleasantness as possible.
He's sure if it even faintly occurred to Simon that the ex thing might be a sore spot for him he'd of given him a heads up. Though it's not really as if the guy really had much of a heads up himself that this would be a thing they'd be dealing with. He never planned to go back, never wanted to have to face that... to run the risk of seeing them again...of bringing it all back up.
Simon made it through that time, struck out on his own, made his own way and managed to put Lawrence, his parents and all of that unpleasantness behind him. He had been building his own life totally separate from that for nearly a decade. He genuinely thought all of it was in the past. And up till 6:45 this morning that's exactly where he'd had every intention of keeping it.
It kind of stood to reason with everything else from that time something as relatively innocuous as a trial romance would have kinda fell by the wayside in the narration. Though if anything it'd of at least given a faint break from the doom and gloominess. Then again that might be kinda the equivalent of trying to toss a comic relief into Sophie's Choice.
They'd only really talked about it once- really talked about it- about everything. Their pasts, their birth families, their respective growing up dramas and traumas and all the rest of it. Really was not the best conversation...definite downer. Kinda ended up devolving into a self-deprecation competition of who had it worse.
H-he thinks he won? Lost? Whatever you wanna call it, came out as the worst in their little pity party. Though it really was an extremely close thing. And unlike Raphael Simon hadn't had a nice-if-gruff detective to swoop in and adopt him and magically give him another family and a new life and a shot at happiness and some semblance of normalcy. Simon faced everything largely on his own. All he had was a crazy best friend, a cluster of faintly supportive townspeople and teachers and his own inborn, overwhelming optimism that things would get better coupled with his unshakable force of will to get him through. Neither of them had it good growing up but at least Raphael had Henry and Mags to help (sometime pull) him through it all. Every step Simon made was all Simon.
Raphael really has no idea how he did it...he doubts he'd of had the strength to make it through.
Honestly he's pretty sure their past drama pity party had just ended in a stalemate, a stupidly expensive bottle of whisky he'd got from a client and him spending the rest of the night doing everything he could think of to chase every last unpleasant memory or depressing thought out of his pretty Angel's head...along with most any other thought as well.
O-okay so truth be told going from where the evening started out it really did end on a good note- a really good note. Even so it was far from what he'd call a happy evening. All the same he was glad he knew; glad Simon felt comfortable enough to talk to him about it.
Right now he's really glad...At least he knows just how hard this trip is gonna be for Simon. He knows these couple days he's gonna have his work cut out for him. He's determined to do everything he can to protect his Angel, keep him from slipping back there.
The main reason he brought Mags- besides the fact that the four of them together could solve just about anything and the more help they have on this the faster they can get the hell out of there- was so he and Alec could focus on the case and he could spend his time focusing on his boyfriend. He knows going back to Lawrence was about the last thing Simon ever wanted to do but at the same time the man's incapable of turning his back on someone in need. Drake called and he was willing to drop everything and march right back to his own personal hell just to help the guy.
Again not like that's out of character. Simon was one of the most compassionate, loving, protective people he's ever met. The guy was completely selfless, fiercely loyal and protective to his very core. No way could he just turn his back on someone in need. Anyone, much less the man he saw as about the only truly happy, bright spot in his infuriatingly bleak, dismal adolescence. Raphael knew how much Drake meant to Simon, knows how much he helped him. Knows that Simon genuinely doesn't think he'd of made it through that time without the guy. Must admit he was rather curious about getting to meet the man.
Though it never occurred to him there would be a romantic history tangled up in there as well. Drake had come up quite a bit during their past conversation. Those were the only times he saw so much as a glimmer of a smile from Simon during their entire talk. He really is surprised none of the mentions ever involved their romantic past.
Even so he supposes it's probably not that surprising. The conversation wasn't exactly a happy one. Cutesy stories of what sounds like a first romance wouldn't really fit in with the theme of the evening. He is kind of surprised it never came up at another time, just like in passing or what have you given how chatty Simon was and how adorably non-existent his brain to mouth filter was but he supposes generally ex-girlfriends aren't really the go-to topic to fill a lull in a conversation.
And let's face it; it's Simon. Conversational lulls are few and far between (which suits Raphael perfectly- the more his Angel talks the less HE has to...they really do complement each other flawlessly). And r-
His thoughts are cut off by the ding of the seatbelt sign turning off, the hubbub of the passengers all standing and jostling, gathering their carry-ons and readying to depart. He slipped out of his seat, standing, opening the overhead, pulling out his and Simon's carry-on bags. Simon shifted forward to grab his bag but Raphael smiled, waving him off, slipping it comfortably onto his shoulder, shifting his grip on his own bag before stepping to the side, giving a gallant little wave, ushering him forward.
Simon chuckled softly, a pretty little sparkle lighting in those wonderfully soft golden brown eyes. He moved closer, brushing past Raphael, a fair bit closer than necessary. Raphael reached up, hand resting protectively on the small of his back, slipping out behind him, making his way down the isle. Behind him Magnus chuckles teasingly.
"Oh no don't worry I can get mine."
Raphael scoffed, glancing back, shaking his head.
"Uh uh, not happening- you know the rule: you pack it you carry it. Besides unless his common sense and self-preservation wins out over his chivalry you have your own pack mule right there." He chuckles lightly, tilting his chin towards Alec.
Magnus rolled his eyes affectionately before shifting a pleading look over to Alec, all but batting his eyes. Alec huffed faintly, rolling his eyes before kind of slumping, turning, gathering their bags. Simon snickered, shaking his head at the antics of his two friends before shifting back over to Raphael, nodding towards his bag.
"I can carry it."
Raphael shrugged, waving him off.
"It's fine Amore, I got it...and Alec can get Mags's- or he could actually carry his own crap like he's supposed to. I initiated that rule after I nearly pulled my arm out of socket trying to lug the entire contents of his walk-in closet up the steps to Machu Picchu."
Magnus huffed faintly rolling his eyes, waving him off.
"Oh it was nowhere near that b-"
Raphael scoffed, brow quirking sarcastically.
"The hell it wasn't! I literally tore a ligament hauling that crap up the mountain. Still don't know why the hell you thought you needed a freaking feather boa and three inch, lace up iridescent snake print boots in the ruins of an ancient city on the top of a mountain." He huffed again, shaking his head, glancing past Magnus over to Alec, quirking his eyebrow, pointing.
"If you know what's good for you you'll get a rule for it too, A lot of rules. Otherwise you are really gonna regret it."
Magnus huffed, rolling his eyes again, giving a flippant little wave glancing over at Alec.
"Ignore him darling; he's just being dramatic. Besides you're far stronger than he is..." He trailed off, reaching up, resting his hand on Alec's bicep, squeezing, giving a slightly purrish little hum.
"I'm sure you could handle just about anything I could throw at you gorgeous."
Alec scoffed at the cheesy line, rolling his eyes, unable to totally fight off a faint blush tingeing his cheeks. Of course Mags catches it. Dark eyes shifting down from Alec's eyes, appreciatively lingering on the other man's arms, gaze flickering lower, trailing over the tighter than usual jeans before slowly trailing back up over the black fitted top finally ending on the ridiculous black cowboy hat perched atop his dark hair. Magnus hummed again, eyes sparking, reaching up, adjusting the hat just so, making a soft, growly sound.
"Hmm...I do SO love this look for you gorgeous."
Raphael snorted, shaking his head.
"Carrying his bags and letting him dress you. Gotta say I'm disappointed. Thought you had better self-preservation instincts than that Boyscout. That flies right in the face of the Magnus Travel Tactics."
Alec chuckled, brow quirking.
"You have Travel Tactics for Mags?"
Raphael huffed, brow quirking right back.
"You don't? That's dangerous Boyscout."
Alec shook his head, rolling his eyes, waving him off.
"Oh it's not that bad...it's just a hat and a slightly different version of what I'd wear anyways."
"Yeah now...but remember it's Mags. Give him an inch he takes a mile. Carry one bag you'll end up hauling an entire steamer trunk of shoes down to the base of the Grand Canyon. It always starts little and inconspicuous but that's just how he eases you in. Mark my words, it might start with a hat and some boots but it ends with you in a full face of makeup, way too much glitter and some day-glow mesh monstrosity with feathers in Chaos wondering where it all went wrong."
Alec scoffed, beginning to shake his head.
"Oh it would n-"
Magnus tilted his head, dark eyes flicking over Alec in interest.
"Hmm...You know, now that he mentioned it that look would really work for yo-"
"Here." Alec cut him off, shifting Magnus's iridescent violet bag off his shoulder, slipping it onto Magnus's.
Magnus sputtered, eyes widening, flailing faintly.
"Hey w-"
Alec chuckled, shaking his head, settling the bag on Magnus's shoulder, holding his hand up placatingly, leaning in, pressing an apologetic kiss to his cheek.
"Uh yeah no. I love you babe, I really do but that's not happening. Thinking we're gonna have to have to borrow a couple of Raph's 'Mags Travel Tactic's."
Raphael nodded.
"I have them on a PDF, I'll send it to you."
"Thanks."
"Yeah Raph- thanks." Magnus grumbled, glaring ineffectually.
Raphael smirked, flashing a cheeky wink. Magnus glared more before shifting back over to Alec, pouting faintly.
"Sweetheart we don't need his silly rules. He just likes to micromanage and exaggerates. I'm really n-"
Raphael chuckled again, turning back to the progress towards the jetway, letting the couples chatter fade into the background, slipping back into his own thoughts.
Hmm...Why didn't Simon ever mention him and Drake were a thing?
Simon told him everything...or at least he thought he did. He really is kind of surprised his past romance with Drake never came up. Though again devil's advocate; Simon liked talking about his adolescence about as much as Raphael did. They talked about it that one day and maybe a handful of times since but it was generally a topic they had an unspoken agreement to just let lie. Simon may not have mentioned Drake was an ex but Drake was very much connected to his adolescence and the hardest time in his life. Talking about Drake generally also meant talking about everything else from that time. Kinda hard to separate one from the other.
So yeah...it stood to reason he'd simply never thought to mention it. Especially since right up to this very morning the man had absolutely no desire to ever set foot in his hometown again. Why would you randomly bring up a past romance that you believe is very firmly just that- in the past?
And besides the way Simon talked it wasn't ever really anything that serious. Almost just sounds like they were just trying it on for size. Again stood to reason.
I mean him and Mags seem to of had a very similar dynamic and to be totally honest there had been a few times when they were younger that he thought it'd of been a lot easier if he could just feel that way for him. Even had a few times where he thought he was developing crush type feelings for the guy- though those never really manifested. Generally they ended up boiling down to a combination of envy, admiration and a strong desire to have that kind of connection with someone who he knew would genuinely understand and accept him.
His and Mags never had anything like that type of connection but he could certainly see had things fell differently it being a possibility. Especially coming from such a small, rather conservative town. Options had to be kinda limited. It'd pretty much stand to reason you'd at least give it a shot.
Huh...thinking about it like that he's actually surprised it never occurred to him there might have been something more than just platonic friendship between the two. Can't believe he just totally missed it.
He really hadn't given a second thought to his Angel's past relationships. I mean objectively he knew they existed. He knew the guy dated before they met. It'd be ludicrous to think anything less. Simon was amazing; smart, funny, impossibly sweet, infectiously optimistic and absolutely adorable. He knows he's far from the first or only one to notice it. So yeah...logically he knew there were exes in his past. But there's kinda a big difference between an abstract random idea of a person somewhere in the past and being face to face with said ex and staying in their guestroom.
Uh...yeah...
T-this might not just be an uncomfortable couple of days for Simon.
Even so he's a big guy; he can suck it up and tough it out. It's for his Angel. There's nothing he wouldn't do for the guy. A-and honestly it probably won't be that bad, it's almost certainly just the initial shock of the unexpected ex curveball that's throwing him.
I mean come on; it's Simon. The guy is the most thoughtful, considerate person he's ever met. If it never even occurred to him to mention it that's probably because he considered the man more of a friend than an Ex. Meaning Simon likely saw the romantic part of their relationship as little more than a footnote. Just a trial run, experimental kind of thing. Something that was literally not even worth mentioning.
That's prob-
"Well look who it is!" a rich, appealingly husky voice with a faintly southern twang drawled.
Simon gasped, whirling around, giving a bright, excited laugh.
"Drake!" He exclaimed, rushing over to a man standing beside the information desk, arms open wide.
The man gave a loud, booming laugh, grin widening, bright chestnut brown eyes all but lighting up. He darts forward to meet Simon, catching him by the waist, effortlessly lifting him up, twirling him around before setting him back down, pulling him into a tight, near crushing bear hug, pressing a firm, lingering kiss to his cheek, almost nuzzling. Simon giggled brightly, hugging him back, brushing a light kiss to his cheek.
Simon gave an adorably happy, squeaky type noise, the sound warm and delighted. He hugs him tightly once more, this one a fair bit longer before finally pulling back, looking the other man over. His head shakes in amazement, another soft, breathless, sweetly dizzying little laugh slipping out, those gorgeous honey brown eyes lighting up warm, dazzling and affectionate. And yet again that pretty honeyed gaze slips over the other man in sheer wonder, a fair bit slower this time.
Raphael swallowed, his own gaze slipping apprehensively over the man currently holding his Angel tight; Simon all but snuggled into the warm, all too familiar embrace. Raphael's breath catches, feeling a bit of a sour feeling in the pit of his stomach, a kind of itchy, twitchy sensation slipping over him, grip on his bag tightening, fingers twitching, shifting his head faintly, trying to reign in the default glare he felt threatening to slip out.
Ah damnit...Drake was freaking gorgeous.
He's very tall; just a bit shorter than Alec, around 6'2" and has that whole athletic, naturally in shape, country, blue collar, don't-need-a-gym-works-with-his-hands type thing going on. It's irritatingly appealing and works for the man like it was freaking invented for him. The man has truly striking features, set off by sharp cheekbones, a faintly aquiline nose and bright, almond shaped chestnut brown eyes. He's that irritatingly effortless, natural, ruggedly good-looking type. The kind you know doesn't spare a second glance at a mirror but is no less eye catching.
His natural athleticism and striking looks are perfectly accented by his deep sable brown locks falling just the slightest bit past his shoulders. The man looks very fit, and very effortlessly, irritatingly appealing, wearing a simple black ribbed tank top showing off annoyingly nice arms, biceps accented with intricate tribal band tattoos, the deep color contrasting beautifully with his rich, coppery tan skin. The simple fitted top is paired with perfectly broken in, naturally distressed jeans and a pair of brown cowboy boots that'd seem ridiculous and cheesy on most but seem to fit this guy like a glove.
Drake laughed brightly, bright chestnut eyes slipping over Simon, pupils dilating faintly, a soft, near undetectable sigh slipping out, eyes lingering near wistfully on his lips, head shaking lightly. Those bright chestnut brown eyes warm all the more, one hand slipping up, brushing a few wayward strawberry blonde curls behind Simon's ear, lingering.
"Oh wow Si...I can't believe you're really here."
Raphael swallows again, that sour feeling intensifying.
Umm...y-yeah...
That' is NOT a platonic love type look...
Crap...
Simon gives another one of those cute, breathless little laughs, pretty eyes sparkling sweet and innocent, flashing that adorable, dimpled grin, bouncing lightly on his heels.
"Yeah, you and me both. Oh my god Drake, it's SO good to see you." He sighed softly, hugging him tightly once more.
"I never thought I'd see you again. God I missed you." He breathed softly, hugging him tight once more, pulling back, those pretty honey eyes glittering lightly with tears.
He sniffles, reaching up brushing them away, shaking his head faintly, blinking a few times clearing his eyes before glancing back up at the taller man, flashing a soft, warm, reassuring smile.
"I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this. Don't worry though. I got you."
Drake chuckled softly, head shaking, gaze flickering over Simon in totally undisguised amazement, a glimmer of longing and heat shifting behind those bright, chestnut eyes, shrugging.
"You always have Si." His breath caught faintly, pulling Simon in yet again, holding him tight.
Simon sighs, returning the embrace, pressing another soft kiss to his cheek before again pulling back, smile warming, hand trailing down Drake's arm, squeezing firmly looking up, honey brown eyes meeting the other man's. His gaze is wide, empathetic, and totally, completely guileless.
"And I always will."
Raphael just barely fought off a groan.
Aaand again...crap...
Simon has no clue...
This guy was over the freaking moon for Simon and he thought they were just friends. He came home to see/help his childhood best friend/sweetheart who by that look has been pining for him entire whole time...And Adorably clueless, way too appealing for his own good Simon has no damn clue.
Is there even a missing boyfriend/case type thing or is this just some elaborate trick/grand gesture to win back his childhood sweetheart/crush/freaking love of his life? I-is it?
Oh good god...how in two minutes flat has he went from being the supportive, protective boyfriend to being the person you root AGAINST in the romantic comedy!? He's Cameron Diaz in 'my best friend's wedding'! He's Patrick Dempsey in Sweet Home Alabama!
What the hell?
And sweet, wonderful, perfectly supportive, loving Simon has no clue.
Uh...yup...this is gonna suck...BAD.
"-again Si. I really can't thank you enough."
Well if he's cast as the villain may as well play the part.
He took a deep breath, pasting on his most convincingly confident smirk, mindfully relaxing his stance, smoothly slipping forward right into their personal space, giving a dismissive little wave.
"There really is no thanks necessary."
Drake startled, jumping faintly, clearly not even registering his presence. He glances over, gaze landing on Raphael, blinking in surprise, gaze flickering over him curiously. Raphael shifts the smirk into a not-at-all-convincing smile, head tilting, gaze shifting purposefully dismissively over Drake, giving a near imperceptible shrug.
Simon started faintly, flashing a warm, grateful smile, a little peek of dimples, subconsciously shifting a bit away from Drake, reaching over, resting his hand on Raphael's arm, squeezing, glancing from Raphael back over to Drake, shaking his head faintly, flashing a bright, reassuring smile.
"Raph's right, whatever this is we'll figure it out. We have the best team possible working on it. I totally brought backup." He all but grinned, giving a geeky, animated little wave, gesturing to the other three, pointing beginning with Alec.
"That's Alec, my partner, one of my best friends and Head detective with over a decade of experience. And that's Magnus Bane my other best friend and a crazy skilled Psychic Detective who works with the SBPD and has his very own Psychic detective agency..."
Drake blinked, head tilting appreciatively.
"Wow."
Simon grinned, nodding like a bobble head.
"I know right?! And this..." he chimed, smile shifting to a near giddy grin, those adorable dimples on full display, pretty golden eyes shimmering bright and warm, squeezing Raphael's arm, sighing near dreamily.
"Is my amazing, gorgeous, unbelievably supportive Boyfriend R-"
"Raphael Santiago." He cut in, shifting forward, catching the man's hand in a tight, strong, near painful grip, shaking firmly, head tilting, dark flashing eyes catching Drake's, holding his gaze pointedly, a little tilt of challenge tugging at the corner of his smirk, brow raising, keeping a firm, tight grip on the other man's hand.
"Delighted to meet you Drake. My Angel has told me so much about you. Good to finally have a face to put with the name. I know what a wonderful, faithful supportive friend you were to Simon. Must admit I nearly feel I owe you a debt and any Friend of Simon's is a friend of mine. I am glad that he had such support, I know how much he needed it." He shifted faintly, finally letting go of Drake's hand, gaze flickering from Drake over to Simon, expression instantly softening.
He sighs softly, dark eyes shifting over Simon, reaching over, catching Simon's hand on his arm, squeezing, lifting it to his lips, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to each knuckle, catching those pretty eyes for a few moments before finally shifting back to the taller man, shrugging faintly, keeping his light grip on Simon's hand.
"And I can only imagine how nerve-wracking this is for you. I mean if I were in your shoes; if I was worried Simon was in danger? There is absolutely nothing I wouldn't do to get him back, to ensure he was safe. We are all too happy to help you find your Tyler. I would like nothing more than for you to have him back and safe, to have the same happiness that I have with my Angel."
Simon smiles, sighing, settling closer to his side, leaning in, pressing a soft kiss to Raphael's cheek.
"Thank you." He says softly, squeezing his arm tighter. Raphael shook his head, giving a faint shrug, flashing a warm, loving smile before his gaze shifts from Simon back over to Drake, eyes sharpening all the more. He shifts forward, sharp, impossibly dark eyes flickering over Drake's features searching for any tells or flickers of deception.
Drake swallows, somewhat thrown, clearly catching the challenge and callout in Raphael's tone and comments before kind of shaking it off, flashing a returning-totally false, returning challenging smile- shaking his head, giving a bit of a wave.
"Yeah, thank you Raphael. I sure do appreciate you takin' time out of your schedule to come down and help. Though no one owes me anything. Si was the best part of my life growing up..."
The smile picks up a tic, a somewhat unsettling spark of challenge flickering in those bright chestnut eyes.
"There's nothing I wouldn't do for him either. Apparently we already have something in common. I'm sure we're gonna get along great." Drake reached forward, catching Raphael's hand again, clasping tight, squeezing just as firmly, an impish little smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
"So Alec, Magnus and of course Si are detectives- normal and apparently psychic-" he trailed off, gaze shifting over to Magnus, pointing, brow quirking.
"Which sounds really fascinating by the way and if we get the chance during your stay I'd be very interested in hearing more of that-" he flashes a more genuine smile at Magnus before shifting back to Raphael, head tilting curiously.
"So they're all detectives...and you are a-"
"Pharmaceutical Rep." Raphael, Magnus, Alec and Simon all reply at once in perfect sync.
Drake blinks in surprise, brow raising faintly, pointing at the lot of them.
"That...seems kinda practiced..."
"It's kinda a thing. Don't worry, you get used to it." Simon giggles softly, giving a teasing little wave, shifting over between them, slipping one arm around both of them, grinning brightly, bouncing lightly on his heels, glancing between the two.
"Like I said Drake- we totally got this. You have no idea all the crazy things this group has handled. This'll be a snap. We'll have it all worked out in no ti-"
"Oh there he is!" A loud, pretty, way too excitable blonde in a flight attendants uniform, too red lipstick and a near giddy smile all but trilled, rushing up, bouncing on her heels, clapping faintly looking between Simon and Drake, clapping again.
Drake chuckled, effortlessly slipping his arm around Simon's shoulders, tugging him closer, flashing a beaming smile.
"Yup, found him...thanks again Alice, really appreciate your help." He shrugged, grinning, nodding towards the shrill blonde.
"Si, you remember Alice yeah? She works here now. Told her you were coming in and she was nice enough to let me skirt the security and meet you at the gate."
Simon laughed brightly, giving a bit of a wave, smiling.
"Of course I remember Alice! Hey, it's good to see you." He grinned, letting go of Raphael and Drake, moving forward, hugging the woman.
"Thanks- it's really great having a familiar face to welcome me back."
The woman all but giggled, waving him off, smiling brighter.
"Oh don't mention it hon. I was happy to help. How could I stand in the way of the whole tearful, high school sweethearts, true love reunion thing?"
Simon laughed, rolling his eyes, shaking his head, giving a bit of a wave.
"Yeah, not really that. He just called and was pretty down. I figured I'd come down and help cheer him up."
Alice giggled, flashing a way too bright, knowing smirk, and a teasing, lascivious wink.
"Uh huh...I'm sure you will."
Simon flushed brightly clear up to the tips of his cute little ears, shaking his head, stepping a bit away from Drake, holding his hand up.
"Uh no. This is totally just a platonic, cheer up visit. It's SO not like that."
Alice snorted, rolling her eyes.
"Come one Simon you don't have to play it like that with me. I know how I was in school and that I'm straight and all that but I'm cool with it. I was totally pulling for you guys in school.
I'm such a sucker for the whole star crossed lovers, soulmates thing. I always knew you'd come back for him."
Simon gave a faintly flustered laugh, shaking his head, brushing his hair back, again holding his hand up.
"Again not that kind of trip. He called all upset and me and my boyfriend and our friends had a bit of time off so I figured it'd be nice to come to town check in, show them around my hometown and reconnect with Drake, help him through this. It's what friends are for."
Alice blinked, brow furrowing.
"Boyfriend?"
Raphael shifted forward, giving a light, twinkling little wave, brow quirking, shifting into his patented 'charmingly flirty sales' smirk.
"Hola."
Alice startled faintly, blinking in surprise, kind of freezing, light blue eyes flickering over Raphael before widening slightly, gulping. She reached up, kind of nervously tucking a couple blonde locks behind her ear, other hand raising in a slightly unsure little wave.
"Umm...-h-hola..."
Raphael chuckled softly, slipping closer, reaching forward, lightly clasping her hand, shaking giving a gallant little head tilt.
"Raphael Santiago. It is lovely to meet you Miss?"
"Umm W-walker, Allison Walker-uh A-Alice...umm...H-hi..." She trialed off, blinking, flushing brightly, shaking her head, kind of fidgeting with her hair...head shaking again faintly.
"Wow..."
Simon laughed exasperatedly, slipping closer, squeezing Raphael's shoulder, tugging his back, flashing a teasingly cajoling grin, shaking his head, pretty golden eyes shimmering in amusement.
"Raph how many times do I have to tell you? Don't flirt with straight girls- you know it confuses them."
"I don't mind..." Alice muttered before blinking, seemingly realizing she said that out loud, flushing brightly.
"Uh I m-"
Simon huffed, giving an animated wave towards the currently blushing blonde.
"You see?"
Raphael chuckled, giving a flick of a wave and a faintly apologetic shrug, in Alice's direction.
"Apologies amore; reflex, won't happen again."
Simon snorted, rolling his eyes, brow quirking teasingly.
"Yes it will."
Raphael chuckled, head tilting concedingly.
"Yes it will...but when it does I will again apologize."
"And I will again roll my eyes exasperatedly."
Raphael huffed out a faint laugh, flashing a warm, bright grin.
"And I greatly look forward to it lindo."
Simon giggled, rolling his eyes once more before turning back to Alice, giving a faintly sheepish shrug, jerking his thumb towards Raphael.
"Sorry about that."
"Again; did not mind." She paused, giving a faint laugh, head shaking looking from Simon over to Raphael then back, giving a half wave.
"Umm...why di -"
Simon chuckled, waving her off.
"Don't give it too much thought...he just kind of has that effect. Pretty sure he was like a siren or succubus or a vampire in another life. Least he generally uses his powers for good. You get used to it after a while. I choose to find it charming."
"I choose to find it irritating and unsettling as hell..." Alec chimes in, moving closer, giving a slightly exasperated smile and a faint wave, glancing over at Simon, head tilting towards Raphael.
"He is right that you get used to it though. Hey Alec Lightwood, And this is my boyfriend Magnus Bane." He trailed off, smiling resting his hand on Magnus's shoulder, trailing down, settling at his waist.
Magnus flashed a dazzling smile and a flickering little wave, first from Alice then over to Drake, bright deep eyes shifting over the man curiously.
"Lovely to meet you both. I'm delighted to get to see our darling Simon's hometown and as Drake here was kind enough to offer us a friendly place to stay I really am looking forward to a chance to experience the charm of small town life. As you can probably guess it's a bit out of my element."
Alice blinked, gaze flickering over the other two men, Alec in his tighter than normal dark denim jeans well fitted black shirt and the cowboy had and boots, Mags cuddled up to his side in his fashionably tight, dark violet pants with the shimmering black rose detailing, sharp black heeled snake print boots, and tight, about an inch too short Bi the way shirt with the mesh detailing, perfectly haphazard rose tinted hair peeking out from under the on anyone else ridiculous sapphire blue cowboy hat.
Alice gulps, blinking rapidly.
"Uh yeah...I-I could see that." She startled, looking over the quartet, pausing on Simon, kind of hesitantly holding up a finger.
"A-and you all are staying out at Drake's place?"
Drake smirked, flashing a knowing grin, shrugging.
"Yup...they are. Really think it's gonna help with the Tyler thing."
Alice's eyes widened, giving a quick nod, kind of jerking her thumb over her shoulder.
"Uh yeah...Definitely...um. I-I gotta go. Have a good visit, Nice seeing you Simon, Drake Raphael umm...e-everyone...I- oh you know what? I totally forgot, I have to be ready for a flight out at 6 so I'll just uh...I'll see you around. Bye!" She turned, speed walking across the airport, glancing back over her shoulder, very nearly colliding with a luggage cart, stumbling faintly, dodging around it before darting around the corner.
Simon groaned, rolling not only his eyes but his whole head, glaring faintly, smacking Drake's arm.
"Damnit Drake! You did that on purpose..."
He blinked, pasting on a falsely innocent look.
"What?"
Simon scoffed.
"You know damn good and well what! What she's thinking. You practically spelled it out in neon. What were you thinking?"
He quirked his eyebrow, head tilting.
"That Alice is an obnoxious, holier-than-thou busy body who was always nice to people's face but ran them down the second their backs were who now wants everyone to believe she's all evolved and enlightened because it's now chic and stylish to be accepting and non-judgmental. I'm just putting that to task...nothing wrong with that."
Simon gave a disbelieving huff of a laugh, again rolling his eyes, animatedly waving.
"Nothing wrong with making the biggest blabbermouth in town think you have an entire stable of smoking hot men and your 'childhood sweetheart' shacking up with you to help get you over being dumped?"
Drake chuckled, smirking, flashing a faint wink.
"Gotta admit it's a hell of a cover. No way of knowing who's involved. Can't be too careful. May even need to play it up a bit... For the integrity of the case of course.
That's a thing...right?"
Simon scoffed, groaning faintly, shaking his head.
"Oh my god...Alice's the biggest blabbermouth in town. This'll be talk of the town by sun down."
He smiled, glancing from Simon over to the others, jerking his thumb over his shoulder.
"Well then we should probably go, see if we can head off the gossip. Luggage carousel's this way. I'll show ya. Town's about forty five minutes away but it's a pretty nice drive and it'll give us a chance to go over all this and get acquainted..."he trailed off glancing over at Simon, slipping his arm around him, hugging him faintly.
"Well re-acquainted in our case. Damn Si, I really can't believe you're back in town...I really missed ya guy."
Simon sighed, slipping his arm around him, side hugging him back, falling into step beside him, giving a faint nod.
"I missed you too Drake...it's been so long. What's changed?"
Drake snorted, squeezing his shoulder.
"Si? It's Lawrence. Nothing changes...nothing interesting ever happens here, 'specially since you left. You know you were the most interesting thing to ever hit this town."
Simon giggles, rolling his eyes, nudging his shoulder, glancing back up, wide shimmering golden brown eyes sparkling in amusement.
"So wh-"
Raphael startles at a hand on his shoulder, glancing over at Magnus.
"You know he has no clue, yes?"
Raphael sighed, nodding.
"I know."
"Doesn't really make it any easier."
"No. No it does not." He sighed, nodding, reaching up, brushing his hair back, shifting into motion, walking quickly to catch up with his Angel and the man looking at him like he all but hung the moon.
He may generally like playing the villain occasionally but not here...
Yeah...no question...this is gonna suck...
{*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^} *****End Of Chapter Notes***** {*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^}
Yay! Another chapter down! Gotta admit I think I'm really gonna like Drake (thinking if he'd stop heart-eyeing Raph's boyfriend his and Mags would too but you know...might be a bit before they warm up to his.). This one's gonna be a new one for me. Thinking were gonna have a lot of feels here. It does kinda seem like the plot to a romantic comedy turned on it's head.
And I know in this verse we haven't had Raph use the 'angel' term of endearment but it's really hard for me not to use it in the verses I haven't worked it in yet so I'm thinking I'm just leaning into it. I really like his using 'My (his) Angel' here it fits and I think especially for in this context. I know it seems kind of quasi-possessive but I think it more than fits with how Raph's gonna be feeling in this scene.
So this chapter gets me to 40 completed for this round. That seems like a whole lot (Still a whole lot to go but I really love how they're all turning out...totally worth the effort)
And continuing on here's the infamous list:
A Start Of Something New (Verse 7)
The Guy/Demon In The Mirror (Verse 4)
Nosey Neighbors (Verse 9)
Love Bug (Verse 2)
Picture Perfect (Verse 8)
You Can't Go Home Again (Verse 1)
A Study In Chaos (Verse 6)
This Is Why You Don't Wander Away From The Group (Verse 5)
Death Was Just The Beginning (Verse 3)
Next up is The PsychicVerse (Verse 6). That one's kind of tricky for me, the way things fall I think it's my least favorite verse but I really do like it overall and am really excited about a LOT planned for that verse. Guess there has to be something at the bottom of the list. Even so I really am looking forward to that verse (And going by my outlines it should actually be a Malec Chapter so that's always a good thing.)
So what do you think so far?
Will the group find out what's up with Tyler? IS there an actual Case or is it something else? Will Simon figure out Drake's true feelings for his?
Stay tuned to find out...
*It's a new sign off I'm trying out...a little send up of the old, cheesy 'to be continued lines from shows...
I like it.*
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