{*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^Multiverse Mysteries ^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^}
{*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Psychics, Secrets & Snags Verse~*~*~*~*~*-*-*-*}
{6}
Chapter 2:
Case Of Confusion...
{*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^} *-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-* {*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^}Hmm...nope...nothing. Just like yesterday...and every other day this week.
Damnit...
He sighed, idly flipping through his messages, slumping at his desk, dejectedly blowing an errant lock of light brown hair out of his face, sinking down a little bit more.
So that's the thirteenth text he sent to Raphael this week.
He has yet to get even one back.
It's getting harder and harder to just write it off as they keep missing each other. At first he didn't really think much of it. Figured the dude was just really busy. It definitely stood to reason. I mean he did have a TON of stuff going for him right now. A move to an entirely new city clear on the other side of the country, setting up his home, building up new business contacts, starting a new club, hiring for said club, dealing with all the ins and outs of that- which going by the sheer insanity that was Chaos had to be an unbelievable amount. Right now the dude's trying to rework pretty much every aspect of his life...toss the whole psychic Vamp/enthraller thing into the mix with everything else and...yeah.
He definitely got that the man had a crazy amount on his plate...it would stand to reason he didn't have a whole lot of time for chattering, endless small talk or carving out time for dates or what have you. The man was just busy...maybe to the point where he's nearly overwhelmed, having to put off more frivolous things to focus on the essential things requiring more immediate attention. It's more than understandable. He figured that's all it was...at first...
But it's getting harder and harder to see it that way.
The man was busy no question, it'd make sense if he was being kinda short or kept putting off plans or whatever. He got that with everything in the air right now it might be fairly difficult for the man to carve out time for just socializing or trying to work out the logistics of a new relationship. If they were just playing phone tag and kept missing each other or whatever it'd be one thing. But 'phone tag' implies participation on both sides.
This is more like phone hide-and-seek...only there was no seeking as far as he could tell.
And yeah the man's busy no question, but there's 'busy' and then there's not even sending so much as an emoji in nearly a week...
No one is THAT busy. Not for that long. Not unless they actually WANT to be.
Which...well...which is what it is. He can only play clueless for so long before it slips from optimistic to just flat out delusional. As it is he's already inching dangerously close to the line.
The dude's pretty clearly not interested. It sucked (a LOT) but it's not like it's the first time he misread something- doubt it'd be the last. By now it's pretty obvious while Simon thought the night was perfect (easily the best date he's ever had) Raphael felt differently. I mean, yeah on their little 'not-a-date' Raphael had definitely seemed like he was having a good time...it felt like it was mutual.
But it's possible that was just wishful thinking. He may have just been seeing what he wanted to see- was so caught up in his giddiness over the night that he was just projecting his reactions onto the other man, like seeing them reflected or whatever.
It would make sense- If you're on a date and you like the person you're likely gonna see any good reaction as reciprocation of how you're feeling. I mean during the evening Raphael sure seemed like he liked him...and it did feel like a date- with the flirting and the dancing and all of that.
But then again they were at a club- flirting and dancing is kinda what you do- at least he thinks it is, he's never really be a 'clubby' person but it seems like it would be standard behavior at a club- and it was Raph's club. His opening night no less. It'd stand to reason he'd be putting his best foot forward- cranking the flirting, magnetism and charisma up to eleven. It is possible Simon just read into it more than there was- just saw what he wanted.
Or maybe he's not really interested in starting like a 'relationship' relationship type thing? That's possible. He IS a club owner- owner of what is likely soon to be hands down the hottest club in town. Definitely has that smooth/player type air about him, no question... And he is stupidly freaking gorgeous. Dude has to have more options than Simon has ever even imagined.
The man was intelligent, breathtakingly gorgeous, smooth as silk and charming as hell. Simon was still half convinced the whole 'enthraller' thing wasn't so much a psychic power as it was just...well...Raphael-ness.
There was no doubt in his mind the man could have anyone he wanted...hell...EVERYONE he wanted. Maybe it wasn't so much a blow off as he just wasn't too keen on limiting that to one kinda nerdy, overly excitable chatterbox of a detective.
Simon had thought the whole suave, flirtatious, smooth talker 'thing' was just a persona for the club but maybe it was more. It's possible that the man's just not really a 'relationship' type person...actually given his abilities, his profession and his...well...everything...it's probably a hell of a lot more than 'possible'. There's nothing wrong with that, it's just more preferable for some people. He got that...it wasn't really him but so long as the person was honest and upfront about it with their partners he wouldn't think less of someone because of it.
Magnus did kinda seem set on playing matchmaker but maybe he's just a romantic- set on helping his best friend find their special someone. Maybe even if the friend doesn't necessarily want a some-one. If Raph just prefers casual or whatever then maybe he just kinda felt boxed in.
I mean it was his opening night and his best friend all but ambushed him with a 'not-a-date' with one of his new coworkers- a detective, and accompanied by said 'not-a-date's' two best friends- one of which was Magnus's new partner. His best friend and his best friend's newly acquired (and from what Raph said desperately needed) actual detective type backup. Something he's wanted for Magnus ever since they met. Simon, Kevin and Alec are likely the best backup Magnus could have- two psychics who would actually have a chance at really knowing what he was dealing with on a case and if necessary provide backup when his explanation about how he knew/found/whatever something were a bit too vague and the best detective Simon's ever met. The very last thing Raph'd want is to risk throwing that off...especially so early in their professional relationship.
I mean he'd like to think Raphael'd believe none of them would let something like a personal life setback effect their work but when you've known someone for only a matter of hours there's no way he could be sure. And no way he'd be willing to risk it.
Yeesh...That's a lot of pressure to make it a good night.
Dude was kind of backed into a corner there.
If that's the case maybe he just kinda balked at Simon's enthusiasm, not wanting to lead him on, making him think it was something more than it was. It could even be his way of being nice- like letting him down somewhat gently before he gets in too deep so he didn't end up hurting his feelings.
Also would not be a first.
People do have a tendency to feel he needs to be protected or sheltered or whatever. You'd think he was some wilting flower or delicate Victorian maiden rather than a freaking SBPD detective and training officer.
He blamed the unintentional puppy eyes, uncontrollable hair and the annoying dimples. It's kinda hard being seen as a professional/adult/authority figure when you have features generally attributed to cupie dolls and anime characters.
It got kind of old people assuming he needed protection but again you can't really control what someone feels. Hell Raphael may just be avoiding him because he just doesn't know how to proceed. He did act like it was a good date...Magnus was there- going by the smug, knowing little smirks he kept shooting Simon's way on the ride home he seemed pretty convinced it was a good not-a-date.
Maybe he's not sure how to back track, how to move past the not-a-date without getting on anyone's bad side. He doesn't really strike Simon as the type who's used to working through awkward- kinda more the kind to just neatly slip out and move on. That doesn't really work when you're both still gonna have people in common.
Maybe he just doesn't know what the next step is, or what it should be...even what he wants it to be.
Raph DID seem to enjoy their time together. It could have been an act but it really didn't feel like one. He was laughing, smiling, happy and relaxed...and the way he (and Magnus) talked that wasn't really an everyday thing for the man. Raphael genuinely did seem to like him, like spending time with him...and maybe he did...just not necessarily in the same way Simon liked him.
Maybe he just didn't feel the spark like Simon did...like it was just more of a platonic type connection than a romantic one.
Again not a first.
And it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. Admittedly it's not Simon's first choice but he knows you can't just magically make someone feel something just because you really, really want them to.
Yes he would love the chance at a romantic relationship with the man but he would be okay just being friends with him too. More than okay with it actually.
He's never really cared for the phrase 'just friends'. It seems like you're settling or like the relationships are somehow less than but they really aren't. Over the years he's had a lot of irritatingly attractive, inherently crush-worthy people move from the 'love interest' column to the 'friends/family of choice' type column and he really couldn't be happier with how those have ended up. Maybe it'll be the same with Raphael.
He genuinely does like the man- and that's not because of his looks or smile or that dizzying little buzz he felt when he was close. He just genuinely likes him as a person. Raphael is without a doubt one of the most fascinating people he's ever met.
He loved just setting and talking with the man- had for over two hours without even realizing it- could have happily for hours longer. He was unbelievably smart and brave, faced things that Simon couldn't even begin to imagine and didn't just make it through but actually came out stronger for it. He was amazingly deep and surprisingly hilarious with a dark, dry, somewhat morbid, wonderfully sarcastic sense of humor that totally caught Simon off guard and delighted him to no end.
No question a friendship with Raphael would in no way be 'just settling'.
And, I mean it's not like he'd be the first friend he had that started out as a crush...hell in high school that was like his entire social circle- he knows the routine by now. It'd be awkward for a bit but if they both tried they could find a balance, move past the apparent misstep of a first (not) date and find a place that worked for them.
He's done it before, he can do it again.
Though that's a fair bit more difficult if one of the people totally blocks the other out.
Regardless of the reason they really did need to move past it, find a way to co-exist...with any luck become friends. The dude is under a lot of pressure right now, the last thing he wants is to add even more. Oh, and dude...he just realized, the poor man's probably on pins and needles right now waiting for the fallout from when Magnus finds out.
It's pretty obvious he thinks the not-a-date went swimmingly, that they're just being subtle about it- probably thinking they simply don't want to hear the 'told you so' about the set up (at least going by the smirks, winks and teasing little comments). Alec seems to be of the same opinion- though he's all for them keeping it to themselves...mainly to keep from giving his chaotic, brash, overly impulsive new partner even more confidence in his instincts.
The only one who actually knows how it's going with them is Kevin. He needed someone to confide in and he's a really great sounding board. He's empathetic without being pitying, listens and offers opinions if he asks for them but doesn't just spout them off just because he thinks he knows what he should do next better than he does...he appreciates that.
For the time being it'd likely be a good idea to give the dude a bit of space. To someone not used to him it probably does seem like he's been kinda pushing. He should just give the dude some space, let him breathe, lay off the texts. Then in about a week or so just drop him a line...let him know it's okay, there's no hard feelings and if he wants he'd really like it if they could be friends.
It sounds cheesy- hell it sounds like he's breaking up with him- but it seems like the most practical option. He could probably text him now and tell him but really after that many texts it's probably best to give the dude a break- he doesn't want it seeming forced or like some kind of way to wheedle his way back in.
Ugh...yeah...no...
He is SO not that person.
Okay so...he was ditched. It sucks but it's manageable. He misread a date, got a little carried away and was a bit too eager. Hardly the end of the world...not a first, likely not the last time it's happened...Not like it's the most awkward thing he's ever done...hell it wouldn't even break the top twenty...o-or fifty...likely wouldn't even make it into the top one hundred.
He's fine...he'll get over it, Raph will get over it, and with any luck they'll find a comfortable dynamic that works for them.
It'll take some time...some breathing room...but they'll get it. He just has to be patient and give the man a little space.
Shouldn't be too hard- he IS a detective after all. A detective in Santa Barbra. They have interesting cases left and right. He can always just bury himself in work. Kevin was in now getting their next case from Luke while he finished double checking and filing the paperwork from the last one.
He'll just focus on their work, surely that'll be enough to take his mind off the Raphael Drama.
And anyw-
"So this one's g-"
Simon startled, jumping faintly, phone slipping out of his grasp tumbling to the floor. Kevin gasped, eyes widening.
"Oh damnit, sorry!" He apologized, quickly setting the file on his desk, stooping down, grabbing the phone, holding it out to him with a sheepish smile.
He chuckled, waving him off.
"It's no problem Kev, I was a bit distracted...sorry, should've been paying attention."
He waved him off right back, flashing a warm smile, shrugging unconcerned.
"It's fine..." he trailed off, smile fading a bit, head tilting.
"Still no word?"
He sighed, giving a halfhearted shrug, slumping a bit against the desk, dropping the phone onto the desk.
"Nope...think I just have to call it. He's just not that into me.
Really sucks but not a lot I can do about it. Thinking I may have blew it, came on a bit too strong or something. It was kind of a lot of texts...I mean not really for ME but just in general for a normal person- much less a somewhat antisocial person...yeah i-it probably seemed like a lot.
Especially for someone trying to start a new business and basically transplant their entire life. Hardly the first time my enthusiasm got the best of me. Figure I'll just give him some space, time to get things settled and hopefully a bit less hectic then I'll just send a text- hopefully a fairly short one- and let him know there's no hard feelings.
Bout the best I can do." He sighed faintly, again giving a slight shrug, brushing a few wayward hair back away from his face, smiling, glancing up at him.
"In the mean time I figure I can just throw myself into my work. We have a new case...hopefully something interesting...what do we got?" He trailed off, eyebrow quirking hopefully.
Kevin seemed to hesitate a bit, a flicker of something passing behind his deep blue-green eyes, giving a faint nod and a not quite smile.
"Umm...yeah...i-it's definitely interesting. Looking into some big time smuggler- everything from weapons, money and drugs all the way to exotic animals. He doesn't really stay in one place too long only about a week at most. Near impossible to pin down, but we got a lead on where he's likely gonna be in the next few days so we're setting up a sting."
Simon set up a bit, a bright, interested grin slipping out, eyes widening, bouncing lightly in his seat.
"Oh wow! That sounds great...well not 'great' obviously no crime is 'great' but it sounds exciting and interesting. And a couple day stakeout would be a perfect distraction from the whole Raphael Drama thing. I'll be able to focus on that, give Raph plenty of space and let things settle.
Perfect!"
Kevin shifted, a faintly guilty expression slipping over his features, reaching up, scratching at the back of his neck apprehensively.
"Umm...yeah...uh...t-that might not quite be true."
Simon froze in confusion.
"Huh? Why's that?"
The guilty look intensified.
"Uh...yeah...so like I said we have a pretty good idea where he's gonna show up in the next few days, near certain of it..."
"Uh huh...?" Simon tilted his head, eyebrow quirking, giving a bit of an 'out with it' gesture.
Kevin sighed, fidgeting a bit more.
"So... l-like I said we'll be setting up a sting, cause we have a pretty good idea where he'll be. See the guy's huge on the whole 'night life' clubby type thing...he's obsessed with the whole exciting, club life 'thing'...especially the new, up and coming, next big thing type places...particularly ones that just opened..."
Simon froze before giving a slight groan, eyes widening before closing, propping his elbow up on his desk, dropping his head onto his hand.
"Ah crap..."
"Yup..."
{*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^}***End Of Chapter Notes***
{*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^}Yay! Another chapter up- sorry it took me so long on this one...I know this verse is gonna be especially tricky for me. It's SO hard resisting the urge to just push these two past the angst and jump to the happy fluffies...but I do know what I'm doing here...I promise I have a plan...and it will be worth it. (I keep telling myself that.)
Also FYI this story might be a bit light on the Malec...most of the 1st stories in the series were pretty well focused on them (Hell in like three of them they didn't even meet until the last chapter or two) it just seems fair to give these guys a bit more story room this time around. Don't worry we have 10 stories in each verse and I really do have most of them split fairly evenly (at least that's how I have it planned- you all know the stories only follow my plans like 65% of the time- the rest of it half the time I'm just as surprised where we end up as the rest of you).
This one is gonna be pretty hard for me but I really am looking forward to it.
Here's where we are in the update list:
A Start Of Something New (Verse 7)
The Girl/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 V5- Yay! That's like my 2nd favorite...(my top three are V7, V5 and 3rd is a tie between V2 and V80 I really can't pick) I really love all the verses and there's SO much I'm looking forward to.
Ooh this was the last verse that was on chapter 1 so we now have all of them up ready to start chapters 3 or higher- so yay!
I swear I'll soon have a chapter that isn't just like 90% the character's inner monologue.
So anyways what do you think so far?
* 15 *
{*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Psychics, Secrets & Snags Verse~*~*~*~*~*-*-*-*}