This Is Why You Don't Wander Away From The Group-pt2 Agents&Aliens V5

by MistyMay6886

Simon wanders at Raphael's house and stumbles into an unexpected discovery...and Alec tries to help...'Tries' being the operative word...well...his hearts are in the right place damnit! -Part 2 Agents & Alien Verse.

8. Chapter8-When you say out of this world

~5~

Chapter 8:

When You Say 'Out Of This World'...

{****************}

*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*

{****************}

"Ah come on Raph- just show me..."

Raphael chuckled, shaking his head, rolling his eyes.

"Angel it's really not nearly as interesting as you're thinking."

"Yes it is!"

"It's really n-"

Simon bounced animatedly, nudging his shoulder.

"Ah come on Dude! You can't tell me something like that and then NOT show me. I didn't really take you for a tease."

Raphael chuckled, brow quirking, glancing over.

"Really?"

Simon laughed softly, concedingly shrugging, bouncing in his seat, waving him off, flashing a playful smile.

"Okay so I DID but not on this. Come on, just let me see..."

Raphael huffed out a faint laugh, brow rising teasingly.

"You know generally trying to sweet talk a date into showing a body part is considered pretty forward...especially for a first date..."

Simon froze, flushing brightly, eyes going wide.

"Oh dude...Wait- is it something l-I-I didn't meant it like that I jus-..." his stammering trailed off, catching the faintest hint of a snicker, mischievous little light in those pretty flame eyes.

Simon gasped, glaring, nudging his shoulder.

"You are SO obnoxious!"

Raphael smirked teasingly, nudging him right back.

"Hey I'm not the one wheedling their date int-"

Simon huffed, glaring- the glare mixed with a slight pout.

"I wasn't Wheedling! I don't 'wheedle'! And it wasn't anything like that-" He trailed off, head tilting, a slightly guilty look flickering over his expression.

"I-it's not right? I mean I'm not like accidentally asking you to like flash me or whatever...right?"

Raphael shrugged.

"Well, now that you mention i-"

"Raph!"

Raphael chuckled, holding his hands up placatingly.

"Sorry, couldn't resist. You're so adorable when you're flustered."

Simon huffed, shifting away, folding his arms, turning a bit, gaze shifting from the other man out the window to the city skyline set in front of the canvas of glittering stars. Raphael sighed, slipping across the seat, reaching over, resting his hand on Simon's shoulder, squeezing lightly.

"Oh now Angel don't be like that...I'm sorry. I was just playing...you're just so adorable when you're all flustered and excitable."

Simon relaxed a bit, turning back towards him, head tilting.

"So it's not-"

Raphael chuckled softly, shaking his head, flashing a soft, reassuring little smile.

"No Angel. Nothing like that. It'd be the same as asking someone to see their arm or nails or whatever. It's nothing intimate. I was just having a bit of fun with you, that's all."

Simon huffed out a faint laugh, rolling his eyes in mock exasperation, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Well I'm glad one of us was."

Raphael laughed, catching his hand, squeezing, lifting it to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of it.

"Again I'm sorry Angel. I can't help it if I enjoy seeing that adorable blush of yours."

Simon scoffed lightly before pausing, glancing back, brow quirking.

"You DO know turnabout's fair play right?"

Raphael swallowed, gaze flickering over him, pretty fire eyes flaring bright and excited.

"Quite true..."

Simon smirked, shifting closer, reaching up, resting his hand on Raphael's arm, squeezing lightly, gaze flickering over him expectantly.

"So..."

Raphael's brow quirked, head tilting.

"So...?"

Simon huffed exasperatedly, again squeezing his arm.

"SO...can I see?"

Raphael sighed, shrugging, beginning to shake his head.

"Angel I don-"

"Oh but you said it wasn't a-"

"I know but i-"

Simon's head tilted, eyes flickering over him curiously, brow quirking.

"Are you shy?"

Raphael laughed, brow quirking right back.

"Do I seem shy?"

Simon shrugged, reaching up, brushing a few light brown curls back behind his ear, gaze flickering over the other man.

"Not about most things...but about this...kinda. Is there something odd about them?"

"What?! No there's n-"

"Cause I mean even if there is I'm not gonna know anyway s-"

"There's not anything weird about them! They're perfectly normal." Raphael laughed disbelievingly, the gold glimmer creeping up his cheeks, inching up towards his ears.

Simon shrugged, head tilting, trying to hide a teasing little smile.

"You're not acting like they are...thinking you're a bit self-conscious."

"I'm not self-conscious!"

"It's alright if you are. We all are about something or other about ourselves, especially body type things. There's all these unrealistic standards...Is there like a Diflino-gwydn version of Photoshop they use? I mean tha-"

"Oh for g-It's nothing like that! I'm j-wait..." he trailed off, freezing, head tilting, gaze flickering over Simon, holding up a finger, pointing.

"You're messing with me aren't you?"

Simon blinked innocently.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Raphael laughed disbelievingly, shifting closer.

"The hell you don't! This is you getting me back-the turnabout's fair play thing, yes?"

Simon began to deny it before shrugging, smirking teasingly, shifting closer.

"Couldn't help it...you're so cute when you're all flustered and excitable." He parroted teasingly, reaching up, tracing along Raphael's cheek, the pretty glimmer shimmering under his touch.

"I can't help it if I enjoy seeing that adorable blush of yours."

Raphael huffed out a faint chuckle, rolling his eyes, trying to fight off the smile threatening to sneak out, shifting forward.

"Phoenix soldiers don't blush."

Simon snickered, nodding.

"Oh of course...So...?"

Raphael's head tilted, brow quirking questioningly.

"So...?"

"Ugh...Raph!"

"What?"

Simon huffed exasperatedly.

"You know exactly what...come on...just let me see them. Now I'm really curious."

"Angel I d-"

"Why? I mean you said it's nothing overly intimate and it's not something that you're uncomfortable about or that bothers you s-"

Raphael huffed faintly, giving a flippant little wave.

"Yeah it doesn't bother ME.."

Simon paused, head tilting curiously.

"Wait...you think it's going to bother me?"

Raphael shrugged.

"Well..."

Simon laughed softly.

"Raph! Are you kidding me? I've been wheedling you about it for like twenty minutes-"

"Thought you don't wheedle?"

Simon snorted, giving a flippant wave.

"Yeah like you don't blush-"

"I don-"

"Raph, come on. You really think I'm gonna pester you about something for nearly half an hour and then eek and run for the hills about it? Dude; you DO know I'm a fully grown adult man, a self-professed Scifi nerd AND an FBI/SCD agent. A fully grown, adult, Scifi nerd, FBI/SCD agent who works With Magnus Freaking Bane.

I am not that easily thrown."

Raphael blinked, chuckling faintly, giving a slightly conceding nod, holding up a finger in emphasis.

"Huh...Kay good point."

Simon snorted.

"I thought so...so...?"

Raphael smirked, brow quirking.

"So...?"

"Oh my god Raph; don't start that again. Come on..."

He hummed, shrugging noncommittally.

"Well..."

"Raph please?" he murmured, settling closer, squeezing his arm, resting his head on Raphael's shoulder, bright, pleading puppy eyes on full display, a sweetly coaxing smile tugging at his lips.

Raphael froze for a moment before sighing, shaking his head.

"Ah damnit..." he grumbled, slumping faintly in his seat, stubbornness giving way to a resigned huff.

Simon giggled delightedly, bouncing in his seat, squeezing his arm again, flashing a brilliant, adorably dimpled grin.

"Yay!"

Raphael gave a playfully annoyed growl, mock glaring, holding up a finger, pointing.

"Don't think that's gonna work every time."

Simon blinked, honey gold eyes just a bit too wide to be believed, head tilting, giving an innocently confused shrug.

"What won't work?"

Raphael snorted, brow quirking, unable to quite curtail the amused little smile tugging at the corner of his lips, leaning closer.

"You know damn good and well what."

Simon snickered, leaning in mischievously.

"And I also know it's gonna work."

Raphael laughed brightly, animatedly shaking his head.

"It won't work every time. Eventually I'll build up immunity."

Simon grinned, teasingly quirking his brow.

"Meaning I should use it as much as possible while it does?"

Raphael laughed in surprise, blinking, pretty fire eyes widening, glowing soft and warm.

"No: that is most definitely NOT what it means. And that's not very fair. Thought you said you'd only use your powers for good?"

"I did..."

Raphael's head tilted, brow quirking expectantly.

"And...?"

Simon smirked, leaning in closer, giving a totally unapologetic shrug and an adorably teasing wink.

"I lied."

Raphael burst out laughing, shaking his head, eyes widening.

"You lied?"

Simon giggled, again shrugging, giving a bit of a wave.

"What can I say beautiful; you're not the only one who's complicated."

Raphael laughed softly, that pretty golden shimmer flickering on his cheeks, rolling his eyes in false exasperation.

"Don't call me that..."

Simon smiled softly, shifting closer, warm gaze flickering over Raphael, reaching up, running his fingers along his cheek, tracing his jaw, sighing dreamily.

"Why? 's just the truth..."

Raphael huffed out a faintly disbelieving laugh, beginning to shake his head, gaze shifting away. Simon caught his chin, tilting his head back up, meeting those brilliant, glimmering, flame like eyes, nodding pointedly.

"Yes it is. There's no room for arguing on this one. You are beautiful. The most beautiful person I've ever seen. You are beautiful and I'm going to call you beautiful every single chance I get until you believe it as much as I do...And then I'm gonna keep doing it.

Got it?"

Raphael blinked, gulping, nodding shakily.

"G-got it." he stammered, voice a fair bit higher than usual.

The pretty golden flush brightened, shimmering up clear to the tips of his cute little ears. Simon gave a soft breath of a laugh at the reaction of the adorably flustered, strikingly beautiful man. He hummed softly, again meeting those gorgeous fire eyes, holding his gaze for a moment before giving a sharp, determined nod, flashing a flirty little smirk of his very own.

"Good..."

Raphael swallowed, nodding like a bobblehead, those pretty eyes flaring bright and dizzying. Another one of those adorable little totally-not-a-giggles slipping out causing even more blushing and an affectionately annoyed eyeroll. Simon tried to muffle a delighted little chuckle...it wasn't that successful. Raphael huffed irritatedly, mock glaring.

"You know? You really don't play fair."

Simon giggled, shrugging.

"I do most of the time."

Raphael snorted.

"Uh huh...sure you do."

Simon gasped, nudging his shoulder.

"What? I do! Mostly..."

"Uh huh...you are such a cheater."

"I am not!"

Raphael scoffed, shaking his head animatedly, pointing, unable to fight off the amused little smile tugging at his lips, leaning closer.

"Oh please; those puppy eyes should come with a warning attached. That is totally cheating. How's anyone supposed to counter that? There is none. Unfair advantage- that is absolutely cheating."

Simon snickered, shrugging.

"I don't 'cheat'..."

"Uh huh..."

"I don't! Just like you don't blush...or giggle..." He smirked knowingly, shifting closer, reaching up, tucking a bit of Raphael's soft dark hair behind his cutely pointed ear.

He hummed softly, tracing along the shell of his ear and down over his cheek, the pretty glimmering trail flickering to life under his fingers. The gold shimmered brightly, glowing soft and low, another of those adorable not-a-giggles slipping out. Simon's smirk picked up a tick, brow quirking.

"Right beautiful?"

There went another one, the soft glow intensifying, Raphael glared, very nearly pouting, huffing irritatedly.

"Ugh...And you were giving me a hard time about screwing with you."

Simon grinned, settling closer, bright golden brown eyes sparkling mischievously.

"I'm not 'screwing with you'...I am flirting with you. Someone told me that's what you're supposed to do to show you think a date's going good."

Raphael blinked in surprise, head shaking disbelievingly, rolling his eyes. He reached up, rubbing at his eyes before glancing back up, catching those bright shimmering golden brown eyes and the far too adorable to be fair impish little dimpled grin. He huffed faintly, again shaking his head, groaning.

Simon perked up, head tilting curiously.

"What?"

Raphael huffed out a faintly disbelieving laugh, shrugging helplessly, giving a bit of a half wave towards him, glancing back up, catching his eye.

"I just...I don't know how I didn't see it before."

"See what?"

"You are trouble."

Simon giggled delightedly, flashing a flirtily teasing wink.

"Can be...get the feeling you're kinda experienced dealing with trouble though so I'm probably in pretty good hands."

Raphael chuckled, head tilting concedingly.

"True...definitely have enough experience with it. Probably enough for well over a dozen lifetimes...or more. Even so gotta admit it's usually not nearly as enjoyable as this."

Simon laughed softly, brow quirking.

"So...what? I'm good trouble?"

Raphael chuckled, nodding eagerly, those pretty flame eyes shimmering bright, flickering over him excitedly.

"Oh yes...Very good trouble." He murmured, shifting closer, reaching up, running his fingers through Simon's soft light brown curls. Simon hummed contentedly, cuddling close, happily leaning into the touch, eyes slipping closed.

Raphael hummed approvingly at the reaction, one arm slipping around him, pulling him in closer. He leaned in, nuzzling lightly just behind Simon's ear. Simon's breath catches, hand trailing up his arm, tangling in Raphael's hair, tugging him in more. He hears Raphael's breath catch, feels it against his skin, one of those pretty growly type hums slipping out, sending a thrilling little shiver clear down to Simon's toes. Raphael growls again, catching the reaction, very much approving, nuzzling, nipping lightly at his earlobe before seemingly catching himself, gasping, quickly pulling back.

Simon startles faintly at the sudden change, blinking his eyes open in confusion, head tilting curiously.

"Wha-"

Raphael swallowed, flushing, breath coming fast and a bit thready, eyes wide, near guilty.

"I-sorry...kinda got carried away-we umm...we sh-I-I mean with the Recollection Rec-"

Simon startled, reality slipping back in, swallowing, nodding quickly.

"Oh yeah-I-I Kinda forg-um...got distracted b-but uh yeah...you're right. Definitely...I-Sor-"

Raphael shook his head, flashing a warm smile.

"No apologies necessary Angel. I was the one who got carried away. I j-y-you're kinda distracting-"

Simon snorted, eyes flickering over him, brow quirking pointedly.

"Oh yeah I'M the distracting one..."

Raphael blinked faintly in surprise, a pretty little glimpse of that golden shimmer dancing about his cheeks before he shifts, covering, giving a slight shrug, flashing a playfully teasing smirk and a wink.

"Well at least you admit it."

Simon laughed, rolling his eyes, smiling softly, tugging him back close to his side, snuggling in. Raphael chuckled, slipping one arm around his shoulders, settling Simon comfortably against his side, squeezing his shoulder.

Simon smiled bright, giving a soft, happy little sigh, reaching over, catching Raphael's hand, playing with his fingers squeezing lightly, tugging his arm up a bit. He reached up with his other hand, running his fingers along Raphael's forearm, tracing over the dusky red marks before glancing up, catching Raphael's eye, smiling coaxingly.

Raphael chuckled, shaking his head, flexing his arm, the barbs extending to their full lengths, glimmering near black in the low light of the car. Simon gasped softly, eyes wide.

"Oh woah! Dude that is SO cool..." He shook his head, a disbelieving, amazed little breath of a laugh slipping out, hand trailing up before pausing, glancing up, catching Raphael's eye, head tilting questioningly.

Raphael chuckled, waving him off, smiling soft and indulgent.

"You're fine Angel, they're safe like this." He shifted his arm so Simon could see better.

Simon hummed softly, shifting forward to get a better view, finger tracing along the edge of one of the barbs. He blinked, head tilting, glancing up at Raphael curiously.

"That's kinda odd...they look really sharp..."

Raphael shrugged, nodding faintly.

"They are. Well the actual barbs are, but like I said they're safe right now. Most of the time they're actually relatively harmless. Like this is basically just a display- like a warning.

Sorta like Aposematism, when creatures in nature display a warning color, or like a rattlesnakes rattle. It's basically just a heads up ninety percent of the time."

Simon nodded, leaning in to get a better look, glancing up, head tilting curiously.

"Kinda like the Demiglyphs? You said most every non-human being would register them as a warning- that that's why they're so hard to hide- even with your camouflage. Same idea right? Only guessing these are a bit more useful when just the threat doesn't work." He chuckled, looking up at Raphael expectantly.

Raphael smirked, giving a slight wave.

"Actually no. The Demiglyphs are far more useful in the event of an actual threat."

Simon blinked in surprise.

"Dude-wha-seriously?"

Raphael shrugged, nodding.

Simon gave a surprised laugh, head shaking faintly.

"How c-"

Raphael chuckled, again giving a bit of a wave.

"Well like I said they're far more than just tattoos. The reason they're so hard to hide is because they can pose such a threat, how effective they are. They hurt like hell when they're forming but they do have far more of a purpose than just a tally mark for brushes with death. They're not like status symbols- at least not intentionally- usually younger, cockier Phoenix soldiers see them that way but generally you outgrow that. Other beings perceive them as a threat because in a fight they're our greatest advantage.

When our fight or flight response is triggered it kinda puts everything into fight mode. Yeah the barbiau seem like they'd be the most dangerous but so far as defenses go the Demiglyphs are far more useful. In heated, highly charged, adrenaline fueled moments they harden, strengthen, get near impermeable, it's basically like having a bulletproof vest- only it can deflect a hell of a lot more than just bullets."

Simon blinked, head shaking in astonishment.

"Oh dude that is so c-"

Raphael smirked, brow quirking.

"That's actually not all."

"There's more?!" Simon exclaimed, bouncing eagerly, eyes wide and bright, beaming with excitement.

Raphael smirked, shrugging.

"Bit more...See they don't just deflect. When they're activated-when we consciously activate them, this isn't a reflex, it's a conscious choice- they actually again heat up, similar to when they're forming but with this the heat is deflected outward instead of burning inward. I say heat and it is- that's the main kind- but it's not the only kind of energy it produces. It's not just temperature heat type burns we can produce, there's also a separate kind of chemical reaction-"

"Like a poison?"

Raphael kind of faltered, shrugging, shifting nervously. Simon squeezed his arm, catching his eye, shaking his head.

"Not afraid, not judging...just curious that's all." Simon smiled softly, head tilting, expression soft and warm, squeezing his arm, settling closer, glancing over, catching his eye, brow quirking.

"It's a defense- We have defenses to protect ourselves. It's something literally on your skin. If it's affecting someone they're touching your skin- and if it's a conscious decision to use it you clearly do NOT want them touching you. You said both the Demiglyphs and the barbiau are like Aposematism...they're warnings.

If something is touching you and you don't want them to you are more than entitled to get them to stop however you choose. Especially when you've already given them multiple, clear warnings.

If you warn someone several times not to mess with you and they still mess with you because they're too arrogant, thickheaded or just outright stupid to heed the warnings then whatever happens is on them.

You're fine beautiful...do you mind telling me more? If you do it's okay, there's lots of other things we can talk about."

Raphael swallowed, blinking in surprise, head shaking faintly in amazement, squeezing his hand, settling closer.

"Wow..."

Simon blinked in confusion, head tilting, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Wow?"

Raphael huffed out a faint laugh, nodding eagerly, tugging him a bit closer, smiling softly.

"Yeah...wow...A-and...Yeah I don't mind telling you more. Just let me know if anything seems like too much...okay?"

Simon smiled softly nodding, settling his head on his shoulder.

"Of course beautiful."

Raphael again huffed out a soft laugh of amazement, shaking his head, shifting, giving a bit of a wave, continuing.

"S-so um...yeah...it is kinda like a poison, though as a point of fact it's more similar to a venom-technically it's classified as a venom. That's because of the way it can affect the blood stream. It's not absorbed through the skin but with the heat and the burns the Demiglyphs can also cause it can easily get in the blood stream and effect the entire system. That happens it's near always completely incapacitating.

Actually most beings think the venom's produced and injected from the Barbiau but that's a misconception. One we tend to keep going to be honest. Helps having a few tricks up your sleeve after all. Makes sense they'd think that- in a fight with a Phoenix Soldier it's usually lightning fast and pretty thorough. Most are gonna catch both the barbiau and the Demiglyphs and it all happens extremely fast. Makes sense they can't keep track of what causes what...and likely if you end up in a fight with venom in your blood stream you're gonna probably assume it has more to do with the razor sharp barbs than the burning tattoos.

Even so in truth using the venom is pretty rare- It's usually only used in extreme situations; very special circumstances like when dealing with threats several times our size, when we're severely outnumbered, or other similarly overwhelming situations. Most of the time it's simply not necessary. Most non-humans don't realize this but in general the more Demiglyphs a Phoenix soldier has the less likely they are to resort to using the venom.

More Demiglyphs means more defenses...which means more options and more protection against threats. So in general going up against a heavily demiglyphed Diflino-gwydn you probably has a much higher chance of getting to walk away...well unless you really piss us off. Which again older more mature, less young, headstrong, jumpy generally takes more effort to do.

Of course we're all individuals- nothing's exact. Some younger ones miss the headstrong jackass phase altogether and some never actually grow out it so it all just depends.

Besides most of the time it doesn't really seem to matter. The majority of beings wouldn't see the logic in this- they just see us as a bigger threat...which ironically makes us perceive them as more of a threat and thus more likely to attack before they can and...y-yeah it's kind of a neverending cycle."

Simon huffed out a faint laugh, nodding.

"Yeah I could see that. Sorry..."

Raphael shrugged, giving a flippantly careless little wave.

"Eh it's fine...well...not really but it is what it is. Been dealing with it nearly my entire life. Three-hundred and twenty three years' worth. If anything I have enough practice with it by now."

Simon sighed, squeezing his hand, cuddling closer.

"Still I am sorry you have t-wait..." He trailed off, head tilting, eyes flickering curiously over Raphael.

"Didn't you say you were three hundred and thirty?"

Raphael shrugged, nodding.

"Wha..." He trailed off, gaze flickering over him, a bit of a nervous shimmer flitting behind the soft honey gold depths.

"You said you're earliest memory was the first time you nearly died? We're you like rounding up or-"

"Or..."

Simon swallowed, nodding.

"Oh..."

Raphael nodded back, shrugging.

"Yeah-I...technically I guess I should say one of my earliest memories- I have little blips and flashes of some small things before and I do remember the week going up to it really well-near crystal clear- but I think that's just because that was the last relatively normal week of my life.

It was the start of everything...well...the start and the end of everything...Kinda ended with a real bang..." he trailed off, a totally mirthless, faint breath of a laugh slipping out, head shaking, glancing up catching Simon's eye, shrugging, giving a slight wave.

"It's a...well...'joke' isn't the right word...that implies there's some kind of humor to it. That's just how I always think of it. It was the start of everything I became but the end of everything I could have or should have been...everything I knew up till then...any sense of normalcy..." He trailed off, again kind of shrugging.

Simon took a deep breath, head tilting.

"That was the first Demiglyph?"

Raphael swallowed, again giving a faint nod.

"Yeah..."

"So you were like-"

"Seven..."

Simon gulped, settling closer, squeezing his arm.

"Umm...i-is there any chance you guys mature like really fast and this was actually when you were a fully grown adult?"

Raphael huffed out a soft laugh, flashing a gentle smile, head shaking.

"Unfortunately not...we mature at the same basic rate as humans."

"Crap..."

Raphael gave a soft laugh, nodding.

"Uh yeah...bout sums it up..."

Simon cuddled closer, slipping his arm around Raphael, hugging him tightly to his side.

"I'm so sorry..."

Raphael shrugged, squeezing his shoulder.

"Like I said it is what it is..."

Simon swallowed, hugging him closer again.

"It really shouldn't be..."

Raphael hummed non-committally, squeezing his hand.

"Yeah it really shouldn't. A lot of it shouldn't. But if it wasn't for everything up till now I probably wouldn't be the person I am so I try to say it's how it has to be...that I'm better for it. Can't change it, can't go back so that's the best spin I can put on it."

Simon hummed, nodding.

"I wish you didn't have to go through it but for whatever it's worth I really like the person you are."

Raphael smiled, sighing, squeezing his shoulder.

"That is worth a lot Angel..." he trailed off, kind of shifting, giving a bit of a wave.

"I um...I don't really like talking ab-"

Simon smiled softly, squeezing his arm, nodding.

"It's okay." He glanced over, catching his hand, squeezing gently.

"Can we maybe go back to the Demiglyphs and the Barbiau? You were saying that you guys only use the venom in extreme circumstances?"

Raphael blinked in surprise, smiling gratefully, nodding.

"Y-yeah...um...it's actually really rare we do. And like I said most of the time it's just flat out unnecessary. Even without the venom in a fight coming into contact with a Phoenix soldiers Demiglyphs could result in serious, extremely painful burns. A physical blow landing on a part of a Phoenix soldier covered in Demiglyphs will not only be ineffective against them but in many cases largely incapacitating from the sheer pain for whomever struck them."

Simon blinked, shaking his head.

"Dude..."

Raphael shifted, faltering a bit, looking up kind of hesitantly.

"T-that's a g-"

Simon chuckled softly, cuddling into his side, resting his head on his shoulder, squeezing his arm.

"Very good...again you're fine beautiful..." He shifted, hand trailing down his arm, entangling their fingers.

Simon sighed, lifting Raphael's hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back, glancing over, flashing a warm, sweet smile, before settling his arm back down. He hummed softly, running his finger along his arm, trailing up, brushing against the Barbiau just above his wrist, head tilting curiously, glancing up, catching his eye.

"You said like this they're safe- like a display or a warning- Aposematism kinda things...but you also said most beings think that's where the venom comes from and in a fight they're likely to catch them so how's that work?"

Raphael smiled, relaxing a bit more, shifting forward a bit, turning so Simon could see clearer.

"Like this..." Raphael reached up, catching Simon's hand, tugging it safely away from the barbs.

"Wha-"

Raphael smiled, shifting his arm slightly, doing a little flick of his wrist. The barbs shifted, the dusky red color pulling back, somehow retracting, the dangerously sharp looking barbs shifting out faintly, similar to a cat's claw extending. He shifted faintly, turning his arm a bit so the light caught, highlighting the deep glittering black marbled though with deep, bold blood red, the barbs flashing like blades in the low light of the car. Simon gasped softly, blinking, eyes wide.

"Oh woah!"

Raphael chuckled, shrugging, giving a faint wave, causing the barbs to again extend and flash, shifting closer, raising his free hand pointing.

"See there's a micro thin membrane that covers them unless we actually consciously retract it, or occasionally if it really feels like we're gonna need to use them. Most of the time it's a conscious thing but it also retracts during times of extreme stress, anger or fear. Not just like anytime we're faintly startled or what have you- just during real stressor type conditions. Situations when our fight or flight response is triggered. When we feel like we're going into one of those brush with death type things...With Phoenix Soldiers that's not something that usually just happens. Generally if it's triggered there's a damn good reason for it.

The rest of the time unless we consciously choose to retract the membrane the actual barbs are sheathed and perfectly safe. This is invaluable. This way we don't end up accidentally hurting ourselves or someone we care about.

As you can see the actual barbs are far darker, nearly black, marbled with deep red- the same colors as the Demiglyphs. They actually also seem to produce heat like the Demiglyphs but that's more an illusion of physics than anything else. The speed in an attack is very fast, the friction just of the barbiau cutting through the air produces heat making it seem like it's generating it. Sometimes they could seem nearly as high of a temperature as the Demiglyphs and they are razor sharp...again it is not at all surprising most beings assume that's where the venom comes from."

Simon huffed out a faint laugh, shaking his head.

"Woah...

Oh dude...that is SO cool..."

Raphael chuckled, relaxing a bit, flexing his hand, the barbs retracting before just as quick extending, again safely sheathed, head tilting.

"You think so?"

Simon laughed, looking over, flashing a beaming dimpled grin.

"Are you kidding? You have like super strength and speed, rapid healing, a natural shield in an attack AND freaking retractable claws!-"

"Barbiau."

"Yeah exactly! Even better than claws- less likely to get in the way. I'm dating a cooler, hotter version of freaking Wolverine! Only better because Wolverine doesn't have cute Spock ears and the pretty golden blushy thing. Plus there's no risk of accidental impalement...so you know WAY better." He giggled delightedly, bouncing, nudging his shoulder.

"Hey do the thing again-the-" he trailed off, doing a little wrist-flicking type movement mimicking Raphael.

"Thing. The snick-y type thing."

Raphael chuckled, shaking his head in amusement, brow quirking.

"The 'snick-y thing?"

Simon laughed, waving him off, rolling his eyes.

"Oh you know what I mean! That's the thing they put for Wolverine's claws around it in the comic books...the Flick-y thing."

Raphael chuckled, shaking his head.

"Think flick-y's worse than 'Snick-y'-"

Simon giggled, nudging his shoulder, squeezing his arm, bouncing eagerly, eyes shimmering bright and eager.

"Raph!"

Raphael laughed softly, affectionately rolling his eyes, shrugging, again holding his arm up, flicking his wrist, the barbs extending, unsheathing, then resheathing, doing it several times in rapid succession, the movement fast smooth and fluid, going so quick Simon can barely register the movements. Simon blinked, eyes wide as saucers, head shaking in amazement.

"Oh dude...that is so freaking awesome!"

Raphael laughed brightly, shaking his head in amusement, shifting closer, other arm slipping back around Simon.

"You are so weird..."

Simon giggled, shrugging, head tilting concedingly.

"Totally...aren't you glad?"

Raphael chuckled softly, eagerly nodding, tugging him closer.

"Ecstatic..." He sighed softly, shaking his head, gaze flickering over the other man before pausing, head tilting faintly.

"A-and it really doesn't bother you- scare you...Like at all? None of it?"

Simon smiled softly, shaking his head, resting his hand on Raphael's arm, just below the once again safely sheathed barbs, squeezing gently.

"No beautiful. Not even a tiny bit. I think you're the most amazing person I've ever met."

There went that pretty flush again, Raphael laughing softly, nervously shrugging, giving a faintly flippant wave.

"Well I guess with me being the first non-human you've ever m-"

Simon shook his head, cuddling closer, hand trailing up his arm, catching his hand, entangling their fingers, squeezing, looking up, catching Raphael's gaze, holding it pointedly.

"No it's not just that...and I hope you know my interest in you isn't like a curiosity or just some weird Scifi nerd type thing or whatever. I mean I know I have a bunch of questions and I can't say I'm not dying to talk about them with you but it's not j-"

Raphael chuckled softly, squeezing his hand, shaking his head reassuringly, smiling, pretty flame eyes shimmering warm and bright.

"I know Angel...Alien Empath; remember?"

Simon blinked before laughing softly, nodding back.

"Oh that's right...I-I actually did sort of forget. Sorry beautiful; there's kind of a LOT of amazing to process with you. Gonna take me a while to keep up with all of it."

Raphael huffed out a softly disbelieving laugh, shaking his head, sighing, squeezing his hand.

"Nowhere near as much amazing as there is with you."

Simon laughed, shaking his head.

"You have that backwards beautiful."

Raphael shook his head right back, smiling brilliantly, pretty flame eyes glowing soft and warm.

"No I don't. You're brilliant and funny and impossibly sweet. There's so much brightness to you, so much light, compassion and strength...so much heart. It shines through in everything you do...it's brilliant- near overwhelming but in the absolutely best possible way...

You're the most amazing person I've ever met."

Simon swallowed, squeezing his hand, looking up, catching his eyes, smiling softly.

"Again think you have that backwards beautiful."

Raphael chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"I-I'm really n-"

Simon reached up, tucking a dark lock of hair behind Raphael's cutely pointed elfin ear, fingers trailing down along his cheek and over his jaw, the pretty golden shimmer again flickering to life under his touch. He smiles, catching his jaw lightly, meeting his eyes, holding his gaze for a moment, nodding firmly.

"Yes you are...again no room for argument here beautiful. You are. That's that...got it?"

Raphael blinked, those pretty fire eyes glimmering, flaring bright and excited, flickering over him eagerly before he kind of shifts, gaze going teasing and playfully challenging, brow quirking.

"You are VERY stubborn."

Simon shrugged.

"Yup...again one of the many, many things we have in common. I can't wait to find out all of them."

Raphael smiled, nodding, sighing softly.

"Me too...t-oh..." he trailed off, startling faintly, gaze shifting from Simon out the window.

Simon shifted curiously, following his gaze, blinking at the glimmer of the sun just beginning to peek out over the water. Simon shifted closer, settling against him. Raphael hummed softly slipping his arms around his waist, hugging him close, the pair settling in contented silence, watching the sunrise, the glittering, glass smooth water reflecting with the bright orange, pink, violet and blues, looking like a watercolor come to life.

Raphael hummed softly, nuzzling lightly against his neck, hugging him tightly. Simon sighed happily, melting into the embrace, hands slipping down, resting on top of Raphael's.

"Hmm...this is j-" His sentence is cut off by a loud, sharp ring.

The two startle, looking for the sound, Simon reaches in his pocket, quickly pulling out his phone, silencing the annoying chime. Raphael chuckled softly, head tilting, smiling softly.

"There another Scifi marathon today I don't know about?"

Simon huffed out a faint laugh, shaking his head, swallowing, brushing his hair back, holding up the phone, wave it slightly.

"Umm...n-no...I-when we were leaving the carnival I set it. You'd said the recollection reconfiguration works best within twelve hours. I set it so we didn't lose track of time. We only have about an hour and it'll take nearly half that get to my place so we um..." he trailed off, kind of shrugging.

"Yeah-w-we should probably go..." Raphael swallowed, nodding, shifting back more into his seat, turning on the car, taking a deep breath, turning it back towards the city.

Simon took a deep breath, glancing over, trying not to stare but still doing his absolute best to commit every last detail of the other man to memory. He knows it's a futile effort but he can't really help it.

God he hopes this year goes fast...

Forty five minutes later...

"-and so t-" Simon startled yet again at the snooze alarm chiming, huffing faintly, looking at the time, finger hovering over the restart button before pausing sighing. He groaned, head shaking, waving the phone helplessly, gesturing towards Raphael.

"O-okay you said twelve was the cut off...we're like ten minutes out- I don't even have enough time to hit the snooze again...it's now or never."

Raphael took a deep breath, gaze shifting over him, swallowing, nodding, looking up catching his eyes, shrugging helplessly, head shaking.

"I-I'm s-"

Simon shook his head right back, flashing a soft, reassuring smile, reaching over, taking his hand, entangling their fingers, squeezing firmly.

"Again it's okay beautiful...I understand, I really do.

I know it's not what you want- what either of us want- but you said it was the best, safest option. I trust you." He squeezed his hand again, flashing a slightly dim smile, swallowing, looking up, again catching those pretty fire eyes.

"I-it's okay. I have my recording all ready to go, I have our first date recorded nearly minute to minute. It'll be a wonderful Anniversary and It'll be hard to wait but-I-I'm gonna get to experience it all again. I'm gonna get to experience it with someone I've been with for a whole year.

I'm gonna get to relive our entire first date- the best date of my life, and I'm gonna have a perfectly preserved memory of it forever." He gave a soft, not totally real laugh, shrugging, trying to push his smile brighter.

"I mean come on- how many people get to relive the best day of their life? It'll be a hell of an anniversary gift and we'll have all the time in the world afterwards. It's a year...a year's nothing in the long run.

I'll still get to see you, get to know all the wonderful amazing incredible things...I'll just have to wait a bit..." He smiled softly, bright honey eyes shifting over Raphael, sighing dreamily, reaching up, lightly caressing his cheek.

"Some things are worth the wait...you beautiful are most definitely at the very top of the list." he took a deep breath, setting up straighter, squaring his shoulders, giving a faint nod, looking over, meeting Raphael's eyes, gaze calm and determined.

"O-Okay I'm ready."

Raphael swallowed, shifting towards him, reaching up, brushing a few wayward curls back away from Simon's face, those beautiful flame like eyes flickering longingly over Simon, taking a deep breath. He sighed softly, thumb lightly trailing over his cheek.

"Angel this i-"

"It's okay i-oh...wait...W-wait just...just um..." Simon startled faintly, reaching up, catching his hand, squeezing it, stilling it.

Raphael's froze, head tilting, gaze shifting over him curiously.

"What is it Ang-" his words are cut off when Simon reaches up, hand settling against his cheek, trailing back, catching in his soft, dark hair, pulling him forward, leaning in, catching his lips in a soft, slow kiss.

Raphael gasped softly in surprise. Simon whimpered, unable to resist the temptation to take the kiss deeper, fingers tangling in Raphael's hair, tugging him in more, tilting his head just so, deepening the kiss, putting everything he has into it.

Finally when air becomes necessary he starts to pull back, breaking the kiss on a soft gasp, nipping lightly at Raphael's lower lip before finally pulling back the rest of the way, breathless, head buzzing, sighing dreamily.

"Mmm...oh wow..." He mumbles, gaze shifting over the other man in a near daze, head shaking.

"Damn that w-oh!" He startled faintly, eyes widening, cheeks flushing brightly, reaching up nervously tucking a few wayward curls behind his ear.

"Oh dude-I-S-I hope that was okay, I know it was really forward and you're ace and it might have been too forward and I SO did not mean it that way. I'm not pushing for anything or rushing or anything like that. I'm good with going slow or waiting or whatever you are I really am. No pressure. I just...-" he trailed off, shrugging.

"I just really wanted my first kiss with you to be with-well- YOU. I know we'll have other's probably a crazy amount of others but there's just one first kiss...I wanted it to be with the real you- with my real date.

You're the most amazing person I've ever met and I know between now and a year from now we'll have a lot of things- a lot of firsts and those? Hey we'll just have two firsts for them- that actually seems kinda awesome but this one just...I just couldn't wait a whole entire year to get to kiss the real you...that's all..." he trailed off, shrugging, flashing a soft, warm, faintly apologetic smile before kind of shifting.

He swallowed, taking a deep breath, setting up squaring his shoulders, squeezing Raphael's hand once more, meeting those bright fire eyes without hesitation, giving a sharp, firm nod.

"Okay I'm ready."

Raphael swallowed, shifting closer, again reaching up, fingers slipping through Simon's soft light brown curls. Simon feeling his breath catch, heart beginning to race- partly from trepidation of what was to come and partly simply from the beautiful man's touch. Raphael's fingers slipped down, trailing along Simon's cheek, touch soft and lingering. Simon hummed softly, unable to help leaning into the caress, eyes slipping closed.

He hears Raphael's breath catch, his thumb brushing lightly along Simon's jaw. Simon squeezes his eyes close, trying to prepare for it, feeling a little well of sadness at what he's gonna temporarily lose, it's mixed with a giddy thrill at the thought of everything they have to come...Whatever else came from today he had no doubt in his mind they were gonna make it to the year mark. Make it to that and so much further...He knew it with every fiber of his being.

He found Raphael, he had a chance with him, a shot, a real shot. There was no way in hell he was letting this man go...

A year was nothing compared to what they'd have after.

They'll just have to make up for it...hmm...that could be fun...might actually be worth the w-

His thoughts are cut off by a faintly disbelieving huff of a laugh.

"Damnit...I was right-You are SUCH a cheat."

Simon startled, blinking his eyes open in confusion. Raphael shakes his head in near exasperation, hand pulling away from Simon's cheek, a distractingly adorable smirk tugging at his pretty lips, shifting back away from Simon, back into his seat.

Simon blinked again, head shaking.

"I-wha-I am not! How am I-" he trailed off eyes widening, flushing lightly.

"Oh um...shoot...t-the um...the Alien Empath thing? And I was j-oh...oops...I sorry- I wasn't like thinking that AT you I j-"

Raphael chuckled faintly, shaking his head, pretty fire eyes glimmering soft and bright, a gorgeous little smirk tugging at his oh so pretty lips, leaning forward faintly, holding up a finger for emphasis.

"Not that...though...uh yeah...That umm..." He trailed off, swallowing, head shaking, that pretty golden flush glimmering on his cheeks, flame eyes flaring excitedly, flickering over Simon in definite interest.

"Yeah...but that's not why you're a cheat."

Simon felt his cheeks warm at that look, a tingly buzzy kind of feeling dancing over his skin, shiver slipping down his spine. He giggled lightly, shifting a bit closer, gaze flickering over Raphael, head tilting.

"Then how am I-"

Raphael huffed out a soft laugh, brow quirking.

"That kiss?"

Simon flushed brighter, faltering.

"I-I explained...sorry if it was too forward or you didn't like i-"

Raphael outright laughed, head shaking quickly.

"Most definitely NOT the issue."

"S-so then what i-"

Raphael's brow quirking expectantly.

"That kiss- our FIRST kiss?"

Simon swallowed, head tilting curiously.

"I-yeah? L-like I said I j-"

Raphael huffed faintly, giving a flippant little wave, helplessly shrugging.

"I can't erase your memory of our first kiss."

Simon startled.

"Well yeah-I was hoping not totally but you could edi-"

Raphael shook his head.

"I can't edit your memory of our first kiss."

"I y-you can't?"

"No."

Simon swallowed, head shaking.

"I but wh-what's that mean?"

Raphael shrugged, again shaking his head.

"If I have to leave that memory then there's no real reason to edit any of the others. If you just have a random glimpse of kissing me like this and no context to back that up then that'd likely be even worse than having the entire night. We're just gonna have to skip the Recollection Reconfiguration altogether."

Simon startled, setting up, a mix of hope, excitement and fear welling up inside him.

"I-b-but I thought you said it was the safest w-"

Raphael nodded.

"It was-is...most definitely is- especially now..."

"Raph? A-are you sure you can't? I mean I get that it might be harder to edit something like that b-"

Raphael shook his head, waving him off.

"It's not harder. It's just not right. It's not that I physically can't edit it- it's that I morally refuse to.

It's too personal-too intimate. Changing small things; A glimpse of me here, editing out the conversations about alien worlds and beings and all that...yeah alright fine. That's just information- information can be edited, manipulated changed or altered to suit whatever you need...b-but something like that? Feelings and emotions and intimacy? That's another thing entirely.

Fiddling with facts and information is one thing but our first kiss? Something that intimate, that special?" He sighed, shaking his head, giving a flippantly helpless wave.

"There's no way I could manipulate something like that. It's flat out wrong...doesn't matter what justification you try to throw at it-doesn't matter if it's safer or less of a risk or whatever else. It's wrong-flat out wrong. I'm perfectly fine playing a villain but not that kind of villain.

It's why I stopped myself from kissing you all the times I wanted to tonight. I knew if I did there'd be no turning back. I was so close so many times to kissing you-twenty seven different freaking times- yes I was very much counting. It was hard damnit- near impossible. I held myself back so I could do the recollection reconfiguration without coming up against a moral conundrum." He huffed out a faint laugh, waving exasperatedly at Simon.

"And I did! I was good...And then you-Cheater-"

"Hey! I'm n-"

Raphael chuckled nodding animatedly, eyes shimmering, glowing bright.

"Oh yeah you are. You had to go and grab me and kiss me senseless at the last possible second. I knew you were trouble...

That was sneaky as hell...

Gotta admit...I'm impressed. Here I thought I was the supervillian."

Simon huffed, head shaking animatedly.

"I-I wasn't cheating, or sneaking or supervillian-ing or whatever else...I wasn't trying to trick you or trap you into n-"

Raphael scoffed, shrugging, waving flippantly.

"You may not have been trying but that's exactly what you did."

Simon blinked, faltering, kind of deflating.

"I-I didn't mean t-I jus...I" He trailed off, catching sight of the clock, seeing it's clicked past their deadline.

"I'm Sorry..."

Raphael scoffed.

"I'm not."

Simon startled, looking up in surprise.

"Y-you're n-"

Raphael smiled, pretty flame eyes glowing bright and warm, shaking his head, reaching over, catching his hand, entangling their fingers, squeezing.

"I most definitely am not.

Really hope you were telling the truth about being able to keep a secret. Not to put too much pressure on you or anything but I am kinda putting my life, your life, and my entire presence on earth in your hands."

Simon swallowed, nodding like a bobble head, shifting forward hopefully.

"I-I was! I am- I can- I SO can...I swear I can. I know with the babbling and the escaping inner thoughts and all that it'd seem like I can't but I can. When it really matters I can. I have no doubt in mind.

I know how serious this is, how important... what this is asking of you. I would never jeopardize that...for anything. You have my word- I know it doesn't seem like much b-"

"Angel...Alien Empath, remember? I know how sincere you are. I can see how serious you take this. I know my secret's in good hands." He smiled softly, reaching over, catching Simon's hand, entangling their fingers, squeezing, lifting it to his lips, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to the back to his hand, again squeezing.

"I trust you Angel."

Simon squeaked faintly, excitedly bouncing before kind of stilling, swallowing, clearly trying to tramp down the excitement. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, looking up, meeting those gorgeous flame like eyes.

"I- jus-A-are you sure? Really sure?" He looked down at the clock on the dashboard, giving a bit of a wave towards it.

"I know you said twelve hours but you said it worked best in that time...meaning it'd still maybe work afterwards. There can't be that big of a difference between twelve hours and twelve hours and five minutes. I really want you to be sure here.

Today was amazing- the best day of my life and I adored every moment of it but I don't want you to get all caught up in the amazing wonderful date and all the incredible possibilities and do something you're gonna regret once the glow wears off.

I want you to be sure. Sure sure. I know how badly I want this-and yeah a year seems like a long time but I don't want it right now so much I'd risk our chance at something long term and real. If you're not sure I can wait-I really can.

I just don't want t-"

Raphael sighed softly, shaking his head, smiling soft and warm.

"I am sure Angel. I can't change the memory of our first kiss...I-don't want to change a second of today for you...I-today was perfect. I wouldn't change a second...I wouldn't want to risk losing a second, a moment of it...I know what a risk it is. That it's crazy and reckless and goes against every pragmatic instinct I have but..." he shrugged, waving helplessly.

"I-even without the kiss I don't know for sure I could have done the recollection reconfiguration on you...I just...today..." He sighed, head shaking faintly.

"L-like I said there's a big difference between editing data and dry information and emotions, feelings...today was a lot more than just information- changing one thing might risk changing the rest...taking something away from the rest. I know what a risk not doing the recollection reconfiguration is but...the idea of somehow taking away from today for you- even a second of it...

That seems like a bigger risk right now..." he sighed softly, reaching up, fingers again sliding through Simon's soft light brown curls, tangling, catching, tugging him into a soft, slow, head spinning kiss.

Simon whimpered softly, eagerly slipping across the seat, cuddling close, wrapping his arms around the other man. Raphael gave one of those pretty growly hums of approval, tugging him closer still, settling him comfortably in Raphael's lap. Simon broke the kiss on a soft, breathless little giggle.

Raphael hummed, nuzzling against his cheek, kissing along his jaw, trailing up, nuzzling, nipping lightly at his earlobe before trailing down a bit, pressing soft, nipping little kisses along his neck. Simon shivered excitedly, a delightful thrill slipping down his spine, clear to his toes, fingers trailing up, tangling in Raphael's soft, dark, perfectly styled hair, tugging him in giving a soft, whimpery little gasp.

Raphael chuckled against his skin sending another little buzzing thrill though the younger man. He growled softly, nuzzling at the little spot again, nipping a bit sharper, sucking. Simon whimpered, head tilting the other way, eagerly trying to give him better access.

Oh goodness...that was j-

"Damnit Toby stop picking fights with the squirrels! Last time they won! Fifi, Rover, Spot, Sparky, Edward! Stay on your sides you're gonna end up tripping me again!"

The two startle apart at the sound of loud, animated barking and chatter outside the car. Simon gasps softly, looking up at Raphael, gaze flicking over him worriedly.

Raphael smiled, giving a flippant little wave.

"Told you Angel it's fine. I have an altered version of a ship cloaking device integrated into the car. They see there's a vehicle-be pretty dangerous if they didn't- but very few if any details actually register...and I do have my camouflage up just in case...we're good."

Simon bounced lightly, shaking his head.

"Dude that is so awesome! L-"

"Rosco No! Drop it-Give it here! Just let go. The lizards already dea-oh crap! Not dead! Alive! Alive and pis-ow!

Alive pissed and biting! Do lizards have Rabies! They do don't they? Ah man I'm gonna have to get a shot or something aren't I-uh you annoying little brats- don't know why I put up with you."

Simon chuckled, giving a bit of a wave out the window.

"That's Dylan- neighborhood dog walker. Every day like clockwork at this time. Nice kid h...huh..." he trailed off, glancing out the window before doing a startled double take, spotting the teenager trying in vain to wrangle over half a dozen hyperactive, yapping, tail wagging dogs, half walking them, half being drug down the street, grumbling and chattering the whole way.

The sight of the canine besieged grumbling teen stumbling down the street was a neighborhood staple...However the sight of the pack of dogs dragging what appeared to be a stumbling, grumbling, goblin type being- complete with large bat like ears, midnight violet skin, glowing neon green eyes, a whip like, prehensile striped tail wrapped around his leg, backwards bent knees and tripod like pronged feet- down the street was a fair bit less expected.

Simon blinked, swallowing, head shaking, giving a low whistle.

"Oh dude..."

Raphael chuckled, head tilting towards the stumbling, flailing, retreating figure, smiling.

"Huh...A Micdrac dog walker. That's different...they usually tend to be more cat people."

Simon shifted back, eyes wide, bright and excited, something seemingly just occurring to him.

"Oh dude wait! You're not doing the recollection reconfiguration!"

Raphael laughed, brow quirking.

"Um...yeah...we established that. You tricke-"

"I did no-"

"You d-"

"No I d-oh who cares- You're not doing it! That means I'm not just gonna remember all the you stuff but I'll also know all the OTHER stuff. All the other non-human things you told me. I'll know about them-be able to see them I-oh...well...once you give me back the necklace-"he trailed off, reaching up beginning to reach for the clasp.

Raphael huffed out an amused laugh, shaking his head, catching his hands, playfully tugging them away from the clasp, squeezing.

"Angel don't be ridiculous. I'm not taking back the necklace now."

Simon blinked.

"I-you're not? But it was supposed to be my-"

Raphael shrugged, squeezing his hands once more before letting go, trailing lightly down his shoulders, settling at Simon's waist. He huffs faintly, rolling his eyes in false exasperation.

"It was- damn good plan too! But the whole idea of it was for it to be a reminder of our first date- basically a way to restore your memories of our first date. The memories aren't going anywhere. Now if I take it back and hide it for a year it's not a cool, thoughtfully romantic gift- I'm just a jackass who's stealing back a gift I already gave you hoping you somehow forget about it over the next year so I can surprise you with it later...

Doesn't really have the same effect."

Simon giggled, settling closer, resting his hands on Raphael's shoulder, squeezing, idly running down his arms.

"You're not a jackass- I mean you ARE pretty obnoxious but I wouldn't go so far as to say Jackass. And it was for my gift...it was a wonderful idea...best gift I could ever get...that's not changing no matter when I get it." he smiled, reaching up, lightly caressing the crystal.

"Maybe you could just keep it and pick a time later to surprise me with it? That could work I th-"

Raphael chuckled, waving him off.

"Nah...won't work...Thinking it's just gonna have to stay a first date gift. Guess I'll have to find you another Anniversary gift...whole other plan actually- no way we're waiting an entire year for the sunset picnic in the crystal cave...

Damnit- just couldn't let me win the whole anniversary thing could you? All my plotting and schemes thwarted just like that. You really are sneaky."

Simon giggled, squeezing his shoulders, nudging him lightly.

"I'm not...Well not intentionally..."

Raphael laughed, nodding animatedly.

"I know- that's what's so scary."

Simon giggled, shrugging unconcerned, flashing a bright, dimpled grin, twirling the crystal between his fingers, looking up hopefully.

"S-so I get to keep it...Really? Get to keep seeing you guys...seeing you? Like anytime I want. From here on out...You're not gonna take it back?"

Raphael laughed, shaking his head.

"Uh yeah pretty sure stealing back a gift hoping you forget about it so I can re-gift it back to you would make me a pretty lousy boyfriend..."

Simon blinked in surprise, gaze shifting over him, a sweetly teasing little smile tugging at his lips.

"Boyfriend?"

Raphael startled, faltering, seemingly just realizing what he said, a bit of uncertainty slipping into his eyes.

"I-well...I mean I know it's kinda fast b-"

Simon snorted, brow quirking in amusement.

"Dude? We're WAY past 'kinda fast'.

We spent nearly our entire first date planning our one year anniversary- complete with making the single best anniversary gift in the history of anniversary gifts. Basically everything about tonight has been us planning a serious relationship together.

The 'kinda fast' ship hasn't just sailed; it's sailed, made port, docked and the passengers are already offloaded, looking at maps and trying to figure out how to ask the locals where the nearest McDonalds is."

Raphael snorted, head tilting concedingly.

"Fair point...So Boyfriend is...?"

"Boyfriend is good-SO good...Boyfriend's freaking awesome..." he trailed off surging forward, hugging Raphael tightly, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to his cheek, hugging him even tighter, nuzzling right against his ear.

"Thank you so much for this Beautiful...this was the most amazing night of my life."

Raphael swallowed, slipping his arms around him, hugging him back, turning his head, nuzzling against Simon's soft light brown curls, taking a deep, kind of shaky breath, nodding quickly, pressing a kiss against his hair.

"M-Mine too..."

Simon sighed softly, holding him tight, just taking a moment of relief, letting it all sink in, letting the reality of it settle over him.

He wasn't gonna have to wait...he was going to know all of it. He was gonna get to see all of it. Experience all of it. And he was going to get to experience it with Raphael.

With his boyfriend Raphael.

His amazing, mind numbingly brilliant, deep, beautiful, utterly fascinating Diflino-gwydn boyfriend Raphael.

He couldn't help a soft, breathless, elated little giggle, again nuzzling against his neck, unable to keep from reaching over again pinching his arm to ensure this was really happening.

"Ow!"

Raphael pulled back, gaze flickering over him in confusion. Simon caught the look, shrugging sheepishly, pointing at the little red mark on his arm.

"Sorry...had to check again..."

Raphael chuckled, rolling his eyes affectionately.

"You really are something else Angel."

Simon shrugged, totally unconcerned, nodding.

"I know...So are you..."

Raphael smiled, shrugging back.

"I know...something good yes?" He teased lightly.

Simon giggled, animatedly nodding.

"The absolute best." He sighed, leaning in, pressing one more soft kiss to Raphael's lips, lingering for just a moment before pulling back, taking a deep breath, nodding apologetically.

"I really should be getting back in. Kev wakes up pretty early and he'll probably get worried if I'm out much longer. I'm actually kinda surprised he hasn't called yet. He's a little overprotective."

Raphael sighed nodding, reaching up, fingers again slipping through Simon's curls, tucking a few behind his ear.

"Understandable...couldn't imagine anyone NOT being a bit overprotective of you. And I did keep you out all night on our very first date.

Should I be expecting a shovel talk in my near future?"

Simon giggled, shrugging, blushing lightly.

"Umm...I want to say no but...maybe don't rule it out. Fair warning he may even try to threaten to arrest you."

Raphael blinked, brow quirking.

"He's a cop?"

Simon giggled, shaking his head.

"He's an IT specialist and Cataloger at the local PD. Does have a badge though...he tries to flash it quick enough that you don't see the 'Civilian' emblazed on it...o-or the little Thumper and Flower stickers I permaglued to the top flap..."

Raphael snickered, brow quirking.

"I-I'm gonna have a tech nerd librarian threatening to arrest me by flashing a badge with a cartoon rabbit on it?"

Simon huffed, nodding animatedly, pointing.

"Yes you are...And if it does come up maybe be nice about it? Like act like it's suitably subduing...Or at the very least don't laugh in his face? He's kinda the sensitive type...but also like SO not threatening. Even when he's really trying to be. I get that feeling; had it every day through academy...and at least a few times a week since. I empathize with it so I try to help give him a little boost when I get the chance.

Guys the human equivalent of Bambi. Mags says his Doe eyes are nearly worse than my puppy eyes."

Raphael laughed, nodding.

"Thanks for the heads up...I'll be ready."

Simon chuckled, shrugging.

"I know it seems kinda silly but he's my best friend...my family. Sometimes you kinda have to make accommodations for them you know?"

Raphael snorted, brow quirking.

"Angel? The closest thing I have to family is Magnus freaking Bane."

Simon laughed brightly, animatedly nodding.

"Ah- so you know exactly what I mean."

"Oh yes...most definitely." He chuckled, hand sliding down, resting on Simon's arm, squeezing reassuringly.

"Don't worry Angel- I got you."

Simon giggled, gaze flickering over him, nodding softly.

"Oh boy do you ever..." he mumbled before startling, flushing prettily, holding up a finger.

"Uh t-that was a-"

"Escaping inner thought?"

Simon nodded, Raphael smirked, nodding right back, leaning in conspiratorially.

"I really like those..."

Simon giggled softly, leaning in as well, voice going low and teasing.

"Good- cause it happens a LOT."

Raphael grinned, humming softly, bright fire eyes glittering bright and dazzling.

"Good..."

Simon gave a soft breath of a laugh, unable to help leaning in the last little bit, catching his lips in a soft, sweet kiss. Raphael hummed happily, tugging him closer beginning to deepen the kiss. Simon gasped softly, beginning to respond before catching himself, pulling back, cheeks flushed, breath more than a bit ragged. He takes a gulping breath, holding up a finger, going for stern, missing it by about a mile.

"I-h-hey...okays none of that...I really have to go..."

Raphael chuckled, smirking, shrugging totally unconcerned.

"Hey you started it..." he hummed, beginning to lean in again, Simon hummed, shifting forward before again catching himself, giving a totally unheated glare that was really more of a desperate pout.

"Damnit Raph! And you say I don't play fair..."

Raphael smirked, shrugging.

"Again- what do you expect from a supervillian?"

Simon snorted, rolling his eyes in amusement, shaking his head.

"Oh dude- are you ever gonna let that go?"

Raphael chuckled softly, flashing a teasingly flirty wink.

"You are more than welcome to try to make me Angel."

Simon flushed faintly, unable to stop the bright giggle that slips out, head shaking teasingly.

"Don't tempt me."

Raphael near pouted, tugging him closer, a bright, impish light glimmering in those pretty flame like eyes.

"Oh...but it's so fun!"

Simon giggled shrugging.

"Well it'll be just as much fun the next time...and every time I get to see you as I'll actually get to see YOU..." he smiled, reaching up, tucking a few soft deep brown locks behind his cutely pointed ear, trailing softly along his cheek and down over his jaw, the oh so pretty golden glimmer shimmering to life under his touch, glowing warmly.

Simon positively beamed, giving a soft, dreamy sigh, head shaking lightly.

"I am so happy I don't have to wait an entire year to see your beautiful face again. I know I wouldn't even know what I was missing...but god I would miss it..." He swallowed, leaning forward, pressing a soft little kiss to his cheekbone, the spot where the pretty golden shimmering blush was brightest.

At the brush of his lips it shimmered even brighter, the pretty glimmer glowing clear up to the tips of his cute elfin ears. Simon gave a thoroughly delighted breath of a laugh, nuzzling, shifting down, pressing one last soft, sweet kiss to his lips, pulling back meeting those pretty wide glimmering flame like eyes, taking a deep breath.

"Okay now I REALLY have to go..."

Raphael swallowed, nodding somewhat shakily.

"K-kay..." he mumbled, one of those adorable little totally-not-a-giggles slipping out.

Simon giggled delightedly, squeezing his hand, head shaking in disbelief at the adorably dumbstruck expression gracing Raphael's beautiful features.

His beautiful, amazing, mind-numbing brilliant Diflino-gwydn boyfriend, Raphael.

He can't help yet another bright, amazed giggle from slipping out, shaking his head, squeezing his hands once more before beginning to reach for the door handle. He paused a moment, looking up, catching those pretty shimmering eyes,

"Have a good day beautiful..."

\

Raphael laughed softly, flashing a beaming smile.

"You too Angel...Off to a hell of a start."

Simon grinned, nodding eagerly,

"Definitely..." he trailed off, head tilting hopefully.

"Can I call you later?"

Raphael smiled, eyes glowing bright.

"If you don't I will."

Simon positively beamed, eagerly nodding.

"Good..." he smiled, sobering faintly, giving a firm, sure nod.

"And I really do get how big this is..."

Raphael smiled back, nodding reassuringly.

"I know angel...I can trust you..."he trailed off, hand brushing against his cheek, trailing along his jaw and down his neck, tracing over the smooth black chord, trailing down, lightly twirling the crystal, glancing back up catching those pretty flame like eyes.

"Though gotta admit you're probably gonna have to really work on your poker face before you wear it out too much. Maybe try to just wear it with me until we get that under control?"

Simon snickered, nodding.

"Uh yeah...Definitely a good idea. It's gonna be a hell of a learning curve but I catch up quick. Don't worry beautiful I'll be careful. I know how important it is." He paused, again reaching for the clasp.

"Just to be safe do you want to keep it with you til-"

Raphael chuckled softly, rolling his eyes, waving him off.

"No Angel; it's yours. I know I can trust you. Besides the more practice you have with it the quicker you can adjust. The more of us you see the less startling it will be and the easier it'll be in real life.

Maybe just wear it around the house, like watching out the window or even flicking through tv show-"

Simon startled, bouncing excitedly.

"Whoa wait...it'll work like that? Really?"

Raphael shrugged, smirking.

"Yeah- same principle as with the recorder. The crystal processes the visual impute your brain receives and filters out all the false images, filters, camouflages and glamours being projected. You'll be able to see all of them...all of us...everywhere."

Simon squeaked faintly, flashing a brilliant, beaming dimpled grin.

"Oh dude...that is the coolest thing EVER!" He gave a delighted laugh, hugging Raphael tightly, pressing an ecstatic, eager kiss to his cheek, reaching over, finally grabbing the door handle, popping the lock, beginning to open the door.

Raphael laughed, brow quirking in amusement.

"You're in a bit of a hurry all of a sudden."

Simon laughed, smiling brightly.

"It's my day off..."

Raphael smiled, head tilting curiously...

"That's good...any plans?"

Simon nodded eagerly.

"I am going to binge watch as many of my favorite scifi shows as I possibly can and see how many of my favorite Aliens, vampires and supernatural beings are actual non-human beings."

Raphael chuckled eyes flickering bright in amusement.

"Sounds like fun...can I offer a few suggestions?"

Simon beamed, eyes wide as saucers, bouncing, near vibrating with excitement, nodding like a bobblehead.

"Oh my god; yes please!"

Raphael chuckled, grinning, nodding back.

"Okay well- no spoilers but: Warehouse 13, The musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Loki- both the one in avengers AND the one in supernatural... actually the entirety of the first five seasons of supernatural. Though fair warning if you think it's confusing normally tossing in a cast that's like seventy percent non-human REALLY does not make it any easier to follow...

Oh and every single episode of Doctor Who. Just the entire run.

There's literally only one token human per episode...only one human who has absolutely no damn clue about it...but the really funny part is the token human is always the actor playing The Doctor. Think it started as a joke but now it's just a staple of the show. One human playing an alien surrounded by Aliens playing humans...and aliens...and weaponized garbage cans.

I-it...yeah...it's a fun show on it's own but it's really something else when you're in on the joke.

It's not all of them, not even close but it's a good start." Raphael chuckled shrugging, giving a flippant little wave.

"I'll make up a more through list; we can go over it on our next date...maybe this weekend o-"

"I'm free tomorrow." Simon chimed eagerly.

Raphael chuckled, brow quirking playfully teasing.

"That's awful quick..."

Simon shook his head, grinning.

"No that would've been tonight- which was gonna be my first suggestion before I thought just how needy that sounded. Tomorrow seems good..." He faltered, shrugging.

"I-I mean it did to me...If you'd rather wai-"

"Tomorrow's perfect Angel...though as point of fact I am ALSO free tonight...just so you know..."

Simon perked up, smiling eagerly.

"So...tonight?...Tomorrow...?"

Raphael shrugged.

"Sure."

Simon blinked, head tilting.

"Which one?"

Raphael smiled head tilting right back, brow quirking pointedly.

"One?"

Simon giggled, blinking in surprise.

"Both?"

Raphael smirked, again shrugging.

"Both is good...for me...you?"

Simon giggled, flashing a brilliant dimpled grin, nodding.

"Both is good...VERY good. Call you later with the details? You know after some sleep and a non-human/supernatural/scifi binge-a-thon?"

Raphael smiled softly, nodding.

"Definitely." He sighed, reaching over, pushing the door open, helping Simon out of the car, slipping out behind him, catching his hand, squeezing, nodding towards the door, beginning up the walkway.

Simon chuckled, glancing over, brow quirking teasingly.

"You're coming in? Bit presumptuous bu-"

Raphael chuckled, shaking his head, waving him off.

"No Angel nothing like that. This is a proper date...I want to be sure I do it right. I'm not coming in, just seeing you to the door." He hummed softly, slipping his arm around Simon's, squeezing, flashing a soft warm smile.

Simon giggled softly, flushing prettily, unable to stop a totally delighted smile, or a flat out dreamy sigh. He turned as they reached the door, knowing he needed to go in but really not wanting the date to end. He smiled, leaning back against the door jam, gaze flickering over Raphael once more. The bright sun shimmering overhead bringing out the subtle patterning on his skin, the soft swirls and intricate play of color.

Simon laughed softly, reaching up, tracing from his ear down his cheek, the pretty gold glimmering to life under his touch, glittering bright and dazzling in the sunlight.

He couldn't help a soft giggle.

"Thought you said you didn't sparkle in the sun?"

Raphael chuckled in surprise, shrugging.

"I don't...just like I don't blush or giggle...At least I don't for most people..." he trailed off, shifting forward, pressing one last, soft brush of a kiss to Simon's lips, lingering for just a moment before pulling back with a soft sigh, shrugging.

"As I said-you are most definitely NOT most people..." He hummed softly, squeezing his hand once more before pulling back.

"Have a good day Angel..."he sighed, gaze flickering over Simon, bright flame eyes glimmering bright.

"I know I will..." he made that soft , dizzying growly sound, eyes flaring bright before turning beginning back down the walkway, slipping back in the car, pausing for just a moment, flashing a flirty little smirk and a wink, a little flicker of a wave before starting the car back up, pulling out into traffic.

Simon watched it till it turned off the street, leaning back against the door jam, knees week, heart racing, head spinning.

"Oh wow..." He breathed, giggling softly to himself, sighing, pushing away from the door jam, turning, unlocking the door, all but gliding into the house.

Oh wow that was just amazing. He couldn't wait to tell Kevin he'l-

"Hey stranger- bout ready to send out the search party...take it the date went well?"

Simon giggled brightly at the voice from in the kitchen, sighing dreamily, nodding.

"Oh Kev you have no idea! It was magic. Totally out of this world. Hand's down best night of my l-" he trailed off, eyes landing on Kevin coming through the walkway from the kitchen, yawning, stretching, one hand clutching his 'Welcome to the dork side' coffee cup, other rubbing at his eyes before shifting up brushing his chaotic mess of chocolate brown curls back.

O-or his usually chocolate brown curls... they're different now. A bright mess of multicolored shades of deep violet and even darker pink. His eyes look a fair bit larger than normal- almost like living anime eyes and somewhat reflective, no longer the deep blue green, now a glittering electric pink ringed with an even brighter violet. This seems to be a theme...his skintone is no longer the warm rich deep caramel color it usually is, it's a soft, seemingly iridescent cotton candy pink- it almost looks velvety.

His features look somehow both softer and more pointed, his ears are higher up on his head and kind of pointed, similar to Raphael's but a bit different...they remind Simon of a fawn...though part of that could be the tiny electric pink little horns he can see peeking out of the mess of curls and the little dappling of soft violet speckling he can make out dotting the bridge of his nose trailing up into his hairline.

Simon swallowed, blinking, totally frozen in place. The deer-sprite looking being in Kevin's purple yoda sleep pants and the matching green tank top yawns again, stretching, blinking those bright, glittering anime eyes open, flashing a sleepy smile, brow quirking teasingly.

"Must've been something else if you're just getting in. Really not like you- he must've been s-wait..." those bright eyes flicker over him, head tilting curiously, eyes flashing, the pink shimmering electric violet, freezing.

"Something's wrong...no-not...wrong...different. It's almost li-" He startled, gasping, eyes blinking somehow even wider, holding up a finger, hesitantly pointing.

"Y-you can see me...can't you?"

Simon gulped, freezing, eyes widening, shaking his head faintly.

"I-no? What do you mean see y-"

Kevin snorted, shaking his head, rolling his eyes affectionately.

"Oh Si dude- you are the worst liar ever. Thinking we might have to kinda work on that from here on out. Hopefully between me and your scifi dream date we'll be able to get you up to speed fairly quick." He trailed off, a teasing little grin tugging at his shimmery lips, bright pink doe eyes flickering a warm violet.

"Man when you say the date was out of this world you REALLY aren't kidding are you?" He giggled, bounding over to the couch, perching eagerly on the arm, patting the seat beside him, flashing a bright, beaming smile.

"So tell me everything."

Simon blinked, gulping, hesitantly holding up a finger, eyes wide.

"Umm..."

{*_**_**_**_**_**_**_**_*}

*****EndOfChapterNotes*****

{*_**_**_**_**_**_**_**_*}

Micdrac=Imp (technically little Devil

Faeceri- = fairie deer (Couldn't resist) (Just realized I didn't put it in...it was in part I had to cut for time {Yes this is in fact the SHORTER version} it's what Kevin is...I'll put it again in the next chapter but it was too cute to delete lol)

Oh good lord! ANOTHER over 12k chapter?! What the hell? Oops...I'd say I'm sorry but I'm really not. I really adore how this is going- the last two chapters I've been planning from like chapter 6 of the LAST story.

Anyways I know the last two were kinda info dumps but it's a scifi nerd and their alien date- again what are they gonna talk about, sports? I really like coming up with the new beings, coming up with new ideas. I really love Simon and Raph together (I mean I do in every verse but you know- every set of the couple is special and this one is really close to my favorite). I know this went long...like WAY longer than I expected, but I really did love how it went. It explained a lot about Diflino-gwydn, we got a few faint hints at Raph's past and we got a first kiss- and then like over a dozen more just for good measure lol.

As always here's the trusty 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)

So...here's the thing...I know Death was just the Beginning is up next (And it WILL be the next chapter I work on) but we're getting really close to the end of this story- just 4 chapters left. I have it planned out- like 95 percent just missing actually putting it into proper story type form-so my brains gonna keep getting pulled back to this one and I know it's gonna keep happening. My compromise I'm gonna do is jumping between this verse and all the others. I'll do ch 4 for V3 then probably ch 9 for this one...Ch 6 for V7 then likely Ch 10 for this...5 for V4, 11 for this and if it goes as planned well have the final chapter of this one right after ch 5 of V9 (Ooh! SO looking forward to that one).

This might seem a bit haphazard but sometimes I just have to follow my brain where it wants to go...and apparently it wants to go to the AlienVerse. Who am I to argue? Lol.

Anyways that's my plan for the upcoming updates.

So what do you think so far (Besides having 25k words in just two chapters is insane...)

61