Death Was Just The Beginning Story 2 Monsters & Mysteries Verse

by MistyMay6886

Alec has been a loyal solider nearly his entire life. He was raised with it- for it…never for a moment questioned it. Never questioned they were in the right…after all they are Angelus- decedents of Angels…facing literal monsters: demons, goblins, shifters and other terrifying, nightmare creatures…How can they NOT be? how can one persons entire world view change in one night?

7. Chapter7-Fearful Flickers & Terrifying T

{*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*]*~Multiverse Mysteries~*[*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*}

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-SupernaturalSleuths Verse*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

*~2~*

Chapter 9:

It's Complicated (The Supernatural Motto)

{*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^} *-Other-*-Other-*-Other-*- Other-*Other-* ***-Raj-*** {*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^}

Oh man…this is bad. This is SO bad.

How did he get here? Is he under some kind of curse he's unaware of?

That's it, isn't it? Demons, warlocks, vampires, trolls, werewolves, freaking demonic, realm hopping lust bugs are all a thing- so of course curses are a thing. Of course they are. Curses are a thing and he is under one.

He shouldn't even be surprised.

How else do you explain a flaily, fumble-y, scaredy cat accountant storming into the woods to confront a vampire clan leader about his intentions with his own freaking boyfriend?

Yup…it's a curse…

That is the only explanation…

Well…a curse…OR having a supernatural lightning rod for a sister.

Okay so maybe the curse isn't TOTALLY to blame…

"Ugh…damnit Divya…" Raj muttered, re-reading the text again, gaze shifting back over her pinged location on his phone before glancing over at Bryan in the driver seat, gesturing out the window.

"It's the next offshoot, just ahead on the right. The Shady Creek nature Preserve, that's where it shows his phone."

Bryan blinked in confusion, head tilting curiously, brow quirking.

"What's she doing there?"

"Apparently hunting demonic lust bugs with a terrifying Vampire clan leader and a teenage siren. She was supposed to be going to the movies! How does a trip to a movie turn into a Vampiric demonic bug hunt?"

Bryan coughed faintly, trying to muffle a faint chuckle, giving a slight shrug, glancing over.

"Well…it IS Divya…"

Raj snorted, head tilting concedingly.

"Yeah, yeah okay, fair point…still…" He groaned, shaking his head, leaning back against the headrest, rubbing his eyes at the sheer absurdity of it all.

Seriously how did he get here? How did he go from being a nice, awkward, flaily accountant to some idiot with a death wish hell bent on confronting one of the most feared supernaturals in the country about their romantic life? How is that even a thing that someone does? That someone NEEDS to do?

It's not. There is no logical way it is…

And yet…here we are…

Yeah…it's gotta be a curse. Even with supernaturality added in and Divya's sheer Divya-ness there is just no other explanation for this level of crazy. Even so this is his life, these are his choices and he has to live with them…

But just because he does doesn't mean he needs to drag others into his insanity.

He takes a deep breath, glancing over at Bryan in the driver's seat, shrugging.

"You know you didn't have to come with me, right?"

Bryan snorted, nodding.

"Uh…yeah I did. I really, really did. One, Divya has your car and I don't think there's a subway route that goes to 'the middle of nowhere just off the turnpike' so unless you're walking or ubering to a demon bug hunt you kinda needed a lift and two, I'm not about to just let you wander out into the middle of the woods alone to confront one of the most feared supernaturals in the country and quiz him about his sex life."

Raj flailed, shaking his head.

"Okay AGAIN- that's n-"

"Yeah it is and since you are insisting on going- no matter how many times I try to talk you out of it- I'm going with you to hopefully mediate…or at the very least be able to fly your adorably flaily ass out of there if you manage to REALLY step in it and need to make a hasty escape."

Raj snorted, rolling his eyes, cheeks coloring lightly, shaking his head.

"Stop making me laugh, this isn't a time for laughing."

Bryan quirked his eyebrow.

"What is it a time for?"

Raj scoffed, flailing helplessly, shrugging.

"I don't know! Panic? A stiff drink? An introspective look at myself and the choices I've made that have led me to this level of sheer insanity? Last rights?"

Bryan snorted, shaking his head, unable to stop a playfully amused smile.

"Well panic's not too useful and I am most definitely NOT a priest so we're kinda out on those two but I do know a pretty decent bar just down the road a bit. If you want to table this whole Vampiric Cosmo quiz Of Doom I'd be more than happy to buy you a drink and you can do the self-introspective on the ride over?"

Raj huffed out a faint laugh before catching himself, rolling his eyes.

"And stop trying to distract me too! I told you it's not gonna work. Hell, it wouldn't have worked BEFORE I knew. Now it's not even just about this Simon guy and what he's stumbled ass backwards into anymore- this is about Divya. There's no walking away from it now. There's no waving it off as me just not understanding something supernaturalish and convincing myself I'm doing my usual overreaction freak-out and making myself bite my tongue and push past it.

Not anymore.

I have to find out. I do. I know it's insane and sounds like a major invasion of privacy and Raphael strikes me as someone who REALLY values their privacy but…but I have to know what he's up to. I have to know he's not hurting, controlling or mistreating this guy. Now more than ever.

He's with my baby sister. Working with my baby sister. He's with her near every day. I think Divya sees him as some kind of role model.

Divya likes him. She trusts him. I have to make sure that trust isn't misplaced. That she's not running around with some evil, mind warping, manipulative monster who sees cute, clueless guys as nothing but a plaything and a walking, talking, giggling snack pack. I have to know what kind of person he is. There's no way I'm gonna feel comfortable having him around Divya until I do." He trailed off, giving a bit of a helpless shrug.

Bryan sighed, shaking his head in affectionate exasperation before reaching over, resting his hand on Raj's shoulder, squeezing gentlyRaj glanced back up, curiously tilting his head. Bryan caught his eye, flashing a reassuring smile.

"Raj relax…breathe. I'm sure she'll be fine. Again it's Divya. And I know what you're thinking about Raphael but I think you're way off the mark. I know why you do- the man really does get a kick out of screwing with people but I don't think it's an overly cruel or vicious kind of thrill, just the kind someone gets from poking at something a bit and watching it squirm.

I really don't think it's overly malicious…just a bit of a game and power flex. I really do think it's for the most part harmless. And like you said odds are he's totally different with the person he's dating than he'd be with most anyone else.

I know you're thinking he's using this guy, manipulating him and god only knows what else but odds are it's nothing of the sort. He really doesn't strike me as the type- especially with him being Asexual- but even if on some level he was I really don't think he'd risk it…" He paused, head tilting hesitantly, gaze shifting back to the road, giving a faint shrug.

"I-okay you're not gonna like this but- honestly? I actually think Divya and Blake bonding with Raphael would be really good for them."

Raj sputtered, flailing, eyes wide.

"I-wha-h-How is it good?! "

Bryan shrugged.

"Well they're new to all of this, just learning the ropes and trying to get their footing in our world. No one knows the ins and outs of the supernatural world as well as Magnus and Raphael. You really couldn't ask for anyone better to help with their introduction.

Plus like you said he's Ace too. That's a pretty big deal for the girls. Having a mentor who not only understands their supernatural experience and has the right knowledge to guide them through just about anything they come across but also genuinely understands something that only about one percent of the population does? Someone who has nearly one and a half centuries experience navigating it? That will be huge for them."

Raj blinked like he was delusional, brow raising to his hairline.

"Uh okay yeah that's all well and good but you're kinda ignoring a slightly bigger issue.

You said he and his whole clan were sanctioned! That they were hunting humans and came THIS close to being deemed too big of a threat and the only thing that saved them was because he's considered 'Family' by someone who is apparently even MORE of a threat than a sixty strong rogue vampire clan!

You said after Magnus's stunt no matter what the man does the council doesn't want to touch him with a ten foot pole. That he's basically bulletproof. That even now over half a decade later your cousin on the council STILL gets twitchy at the mention of either of their names a-"

Bryan shifted, holding up a finger to interject.

"Okay now to be fair Samael was always kinda twitchy so that's-"

"-Oh my god not even close to the point! Raphael basically strong-armed his way out of a freaking murder trial. Or his BFF did…whatever, same difference. He used his connections and threats of violence to beat a freaking murder wrap! Just because he has one thing in common with my sister and he knows a lot about supernatural life doesn't make all the rest of it just magically go away! Just because they have one tiny scrap of common ground doesn't mean Divya's safe with him.

He was on trial for hunting people. They were on trial. They had them dead to rights and then his super powerful 'family' threatens to make themselves even more of an issue than their group could ever be and he gets off Scott free?

This sounds like some shady mafia thing…hell not sounds like- it IS some shady mafia type thing! Only instead of tommy guns, racketeering and Goodfella's we have magic, mind control and monsters! Literal Monsters!"

Bryan sighed exasperatedly, shaking his head, yet again holding up a finger.

"Not monsters j-"

Raj scoffed, shaking his head right back, waving his hand to cut him off.

"Maybe not ALL of them, but this one?

This terrifying Vamp who screws with, enthralls, torments and god only knows what just for the hell of it? This Vampire that seemingly has total immunity thanks to his mafia-esq supernatural familial ties? By the sound of it 'Monster' could be right on the money.

And you're really telling me you think this person being around two teenage girls is a good thing?! What part of any of that is a good thing?"

Bryan sighed, shrugging, chancing another glance over, quirking his eyebrow.

"The part where the terrifying Vamp also happens to be one of the most well respected and connected supernaturals in the country and knows this world better than near anyone and sees your sister as a friend, a confidante and as someone worth his time and protection?"

Raj snorted, brows rising.

"Oh great…so you're saying he sees her as a part of the 'family' too. Cause THAT'S not disturbing as hell or anything."

Bryan sighed, shaking his head.

"Raj you're oversimplifying. I get how alarming i-"

"Alarming?! My baby sister is working with someone who threatened their way out of a murder charge! Multiple murder charges! That's not 'alarming', that is freaking terrifying!"

Bryan shrugged, head tilting concedingly.

"True…but to be honest there's a lot of parts of supernatural life that are terrifying and disturbing as hell. There are a lot of benefits but there are also a LOT of drawbacks, dangers and just sheer insanity. It's a lot to navigate and a lot to learn and the learning curve can be pretty steep and pretty unforgiving.

Just saying having an in with the two strongest, most powerful, most feared supernaturals in the entire country can really go a long way in getting them up to speed quick and sidestepping a lot of that stress and drama."

Raj sputtered, blinking disbelievingly, flashing a totally heatless glare/pout, pointing accusingly.

"So you're saying they should just befriend the biggest, scariest, most dangerous ne'er-do-well's in the city so they'll be under their 'protection' too? Dude, you're a teacher. Shouldn't you be talking kids OUT of hanging around dangerous elements and organized crime rings?"

Bryan huffed out a faint chuckle, head tilting concedingly, giving a bit of a shrug, nodding.

"Yes I am and if I really thought it was a dangerous element for his I would. But it's not s-"

"How is it n-"

"Because it's not. He's not…At least not for Divya in any case."

Raj swallowed, bouncing in his seat, turning more to face the other man, gesturing animatedly.

"How-"

"Because he's not."

"But ho-"

"Because he's n-"

Raj groaned.

"Stop saying that! It's like your argument is just 'because'. I'm not a little kid babbling 'why' every two seconds just to be annoying. This is a real question and real worry and this is directly involving the single most important person in my life. I need a better explanation that just 'because'."

Bryan sighed, shrugging kinda helplessly.

"Yeah I know. And you deserve that…but…well…it' complicated."

Raj groaned even louder, this time rolling not only his eyes but his entire head.

"Du-"

Bryan huffed out a faint laugh, shrugging apologetically.

"Sorry but it's true. It is complicated. I know why you think you have to know all the details and why you panicked at that one detail and I know this all seems not only totally terrifying but also really clear cut but it's not. It is anything but.

See you're problem here is you want to oversimplify. Boil everything down to right or wrong, black or white, good guys or bad guys kind of answers but very little in the supernatural world works that way.

Is Raphael dangerous? Yes, without a doubt. He is one of the most feared, most dangerous supernaturals in the entire country and even further. His reputation boarders on infamous and knowingly crossing or challenging him is just about one of the stupidest things a person can do.

His reputation is not just a good story and flashy PR- it is something he has built and cultivated and both lived up to and lived down to for well over a century. Given the right circumstances he could be even a greater threat than Magnus."

Raj shifted, bouncing in his seat, gesturing animatedly.

"Ah! See and you're saying he's not a th-"

"I am-"

"But you j-"

"He is…to some…but not to everyone. Can he be a threat? Yes, no question. But is he a threat to every last person he comes into contact with? Is he some marauding sociopath gleefully cutting down anyone who looks at him funny? Is he some violent, soulless, heartless monster? No. He is nothing of the sort.

He loves his clan, and Magnus and the others he sees as his family. He is said to be loyal to a fault and extremely brave. You said he went toe to toe with the Hanford lladrata? Very few Vamps could even hope to come close to taking on one. Most wouldn't even stand a chance in hell of even surviving. He had no way of knowing he'd survive that, and yet he threw himself between it and others without a second thought.

He does care about others. He cares about this city and he cares about people being mistreated. When I worked on the case at the school with him yes he was terrifying. Yes he did start out purposefully trying to screw with me but nearly the second we brought up the possibility of students being unknowingly spelled? He near instantly switched off the drama and theatrics. He was genuinely concerned and was willing to do near anything to help.

He's not some mindless, soulless monster. He's said to be relatively fair and clearheaded. He's not generally ruled by anger, hate or fear and he isn't one to lash out just for the hell of it. Most everything we know about him says he's not a threat to someone unless they're a direct threat to him or his own.

Divya is a teenager and a newly turned supernatural just trying to get her footing in our world. Raphael isn't gonna see her as a threat; he sees her as someone in need of help and protection. The man is a lot of things but one of the upmost is a protector of this city. A protector of innocents. He isn't said to take that lightly.

So…is he a threat? Yes to some. Is he to someone like Divya or Blake? No, I doubt there is too much of anything that could bring him to willingly be a threat to someone like that.

As I said, it's complicated." He shrugged apologetically, glancing back at the road, taking the offshoot, winding down the embankment looking for a good place to park in amongst the brambles and briers before perking up faintly, gesturing over towards a small overhang of trees.

"Hey that's your guys' car, yeah?"

Raj set up faintly, already unfastening his seatbelt, hand going to the door handle before pausing, head tilting curiously.

"Yeah that's us…but who's car is that? No way it's Raphael's." he asked, gesturing towards the cheery little blue car with the millennium Falcon mirror charm, Doctor Who 'my other car is a Tardis' bumper sticker and Loch Ness monster back window decal proclaiming 'Nessie doesn't believe in you either' next to a small pink, blue and yellow panda sticker.

Bryan huffed out a faint chuckle, brow raising, nodding.

"Uh, yeah…thinking you're right there. Doubt Raphael'd be caught dead in something like that." Bryan smirked, glancing over, brow quirking.

Raj huffed, rolling his eyes, head tilting sarcastically.

"Cute…"

Bryan grinned, flashing a flirty wink.

"Thanks, so are you."

Raj huffed, rolling his eyes again, unable to stop the little bit of pink tingeing his cheeks. Bryan smiled, giving an apologetic little shrug.

"Sorry, couldn't resist. But yeah, no way that's him. They must have some other help along too…which…might kinda complicate things. But we did find your car so that's…good." Bryan flashed an unsure, somewhat nervous smile, backing the car up, parking just beside the other two cars, shifting into park before turning the car off.

The second the engine stops Raj is already popping the door, hopping out, making a beeline for the path winding through the trees and underbrush. Bryan hurriedly opened his door, rushing after him. He catches up, catching Raj's arm lightly, tugging for him to stop. Raj turned back to him, holding his phone up, waving it in emphasis, gesturing down the path.

"Come on, it shows Divya just over a mile into the preserve. If we hurry we can catch up to them a-"

"And what? Cross-examine a Vampire Clan leader about mind control, manipulation and explicit details of their sex life in front of a couple of teenagers, some random supernatural scifi geek and who knows who else?"

Raj rolled his eyes, waving him off.

"Okay AGAIN that's not w-"

Bryan pointedly rolled his eyes right back, holding up a finger, head tilting, brow raising.

"But AGAIN; it pretty much is. That's how personal this is. Questioning any vamp about intimate feedings- feedings that take place in the context of a romantic relationship- would be reckless and bordering on foolish…but this specific Vamp? And these specific questions?

That is on a whole OTHER level of crazy stupid. It's not just Raphael, Divya and Blake here for this anymore. We have no clue how much help they have or how said help is connected to Raphael or any of the rest. That means we're likely gonna have to rethink this."

Raj started, flailing animatedly.

"But I hav-"

Bryan held his hand up placatingly, nodding.

"No, yeah I know, I get it. I understand why you think you need to and I know any other attempt to talk you out of it or distract you is just wasting my time and breath. I get it and I have your back, I do. I'm just saying things have taken a bit of a turn here so if you're still gonna insist on doing something crazy stupid at least try to do it in the smartest way possible."

Raj's head tilted, brow rising.

"And how is that?"

Bryan shrugged, beginning down the winding, meandering trail at a much less frantic pace, Raj falling into step next to him.

"Well for starters don't make it a 'confrontation' and for the love of god don't under any circumstances make it a public confrontation. We don't know who the other car belongs to or how much additional help they have on this.

You said it was something to do with a case Alec and Simon were working so the help could be anyone from members of Raphael's clan to supernatural officers from down at the station to just about anyone else. That really does complicate things.

If it was just your sister and his new to supernaturality teenage friend that is one thing but unknown people involved makes this a whole other ballgame. Hell, even if it was just in front of a couple of teens it could be pretty bad but I think between your newness to all of this, your flailing charm and Raphael's positive view of Divya there's likely a fair bit of leeway there.

Or at least there would have been.

Now though? With other random, unknown supernatural witnesses just going in and cross-examining him in front of the entire group would be a huge mistake. Like life and death type of mistake."

Raj sputtered, eyes wide, flailing animatedly.

"Wha- you JUST said he's not a threat to someone unless they're a threat to him!"

Bryan shrugged.

"It's com-"

"Oh my god dude don't eve-"

Bryan held his hands up placatingly.

"Sorry but it is! I know what I said and it is true…at least so far as I know it's true. It's not like I'm setting around shooting the breeze and having dinner with him every other week. I met him like twice and halfway worked one case with him. I likely don't know him any better than you I'm just more familiar with the way our world works and where he fits into it.

Even so everything I know about him and everything I could pick up from him from our few meetings tells me that he is not some vicious, vindictive, violent monster. I didn't read that kind of darkness from him and something like that would be near impossible to hide from a gargoyle.

I genuinely do not believe he's that kind of person but again this is a very sensitive topic and after a certain point prying into these things is like poking a bear with a stick. Even if it's a generally docile creature most of the time there's only so much it'll take before it strikes back. And there may be a whole laundry list of descriptors that have been used for Raphael Santiago over the years but docile has most definitely never been one of them.

Anything involving intimate feedings is a very sensitive topic and bringing it up would generally be seen as a massive overstep. It's intrusive and rude and basically like quizzing someone about the specific intimate details of their sex life. At best it's just uncouth and awkward but the thing of it is it can also very easily be seen as anything from blatant disrespect all the way up to an outright challenge.

Add in what specifically you're worried about with this Simon guy and it's much more likely to land somewhere between the last two options.

That is something we want to avoid at all costs. If he just reads this as an awkward line of questions from an out of his depths dude who doesn't know any better that's one thing but if he reads this as a major slight, disrespect, a challenge or god forbid a threat than this goes from crazy stupid to outright suicidal REAL fast."

Raj sputtered eyes widening.

"What? He's a terrifyingly powerful Vampiric clan leader; I'm a flaily, fumble-y, overly neurotic accountant. No way in hell he could ever read me as any kind of a legit threat!"

Bryan sighed, shrugging.

"Again i-"

"Don't say it."

"Sorry but again it is.

Yeah on your own you don't seem like you could ever be a legit threat to Raphael but not all threats come from inherently threatening sources. Raphael's been alive plenty long enough to know this. You yourself my not be a perceptible threat but what you are asking and what you are insinuating very well could be."

Raj blinked, head tilting.

"What do you mean?"

Bryan sighed, shaking his head, glancing over, eyes widening expectantly.

"Raj? Come on; you're basically planning to ask if he's manipulating, controlling, mistreating or in any other way using this guy as nothing but a plaything and a convenient food source. That's not a curious question. Unless it's worded just right it's something far more serious than just an overstep, an insult to his relationship and character or a way too personal question.

It's a full on accusation." He sighed, glancing over, giving a meant to be reassuring shrug and smile, reaching over, gently resting his hand on Raj's shoulder, lightly squeezing.

"Look Raj I know how confusing this is. Of course it is; you're brand new to this and have basically been tossed into the deep end. That actually can work in your favor here; you can use that to your advantage.

As I said Raphael isn't supposed to be a deranged monster that flies off the handle at a mere accidental slight, blunder or misstep. He is a protector at heart and he generally would never dream of striking out at a clueless newbie asking a question they don't realize is out of bounds…" he paused, head tilting concedingly, giving a fluttering wave.

"That being said if your suspicions are right- or even just convincing enough to hold enough weight to be seriously considered- that's something totally different.

I was just gonna let you go at this however you wanted because I really don't think he's doing what you think and I figured so long as it's just a private conversation and he realizes you're coming at it from a place of concern for someone he likely cares a great deal about then it would for the most part be fine.

I thought worst possible outcome he's pissed off and insulted you'd think he'd stoop so low but given how he's acted around you he couldn't be too shocked you'd jump to that conclusion.

Now though? Now that there's other people likely gonna be around…well…that definitely changes things."

Raj blinked, head shaking faintly.

"How does that change things?"

Bryan shrugged.

"Well, If it were just you two talking all he has to focus on is his reaction to your questions. He wouldn't have to worry about the optics or the insinuations or all the rest bu-"

"Optics? What does that have to do with anything?"

Bryan sighed, giving a bit of a wave.

"Honestly? With someone like him? Everything. Think of it like politics. Raphael's reputation is very important for him. Nearly everything in his life hinges on it. A public accusation- even one that has no base in truth or is found to be false could be all it takes to totally derail everything for him.

If it's just you and him talking that's one thing but if it's in front of others? Specifically other supernaturals? Members of his clan? Officers or other detectives from down at the precinct? Maybe even supernaturals he strong-armed or intimidated into assisting with this? That?

Yeah, that'd definitely be a whole other matter entirely."

Raj started, standing up straighter, looking over in shock, eyes wide.

"Wha-wait. strong armed into…what do y-What do you mean? You seriously think he intimidated someone into helping them with this? Why would you think that?"

Bryan sighed, again shrugging, giving a bit of a wave.

"I don't…but it's not totally out of the realm of possibility either. That would pretty much be the worst case scenario but my general rule is if you start working something with the worst case scenario in mind then you're prepared for it and if it takes a turn it's gonna be a turn for the better. Seems to work out pretty good most of the time.

Odds are their help is trusted friends, members of his clan or at the very least supernaturals from down at the BPD but until we know for sure it's best to start with the worst case scenario and work our way back.

Besides regardless of who their help is with a topic as delicate and potentially dangerous as this privacy and discretion is gonna be key. If it's just you and him all he has to focus on is that. Not gonna lie, that's probably not gonna be super pleasant but add in an audience and he's gonna have to also take into account their reaction to your questions. And if they think his answers to your questions warrant a closer look. That could be a whole other ball of wax."

"Huh?"

Bryan huffed exasperatedly, shaking his head.

"Raj, You gotta remember; this isn't just anybody you're gonna be talking to. This isn't like when you came to my classroom to confront me about my 'nefarious intentions and evil demonic schemes'."

Raj kind of winced, giving a sheepish shrug.

"A-again sor-"

Bryan huffed out a faint chuckle, waving him off, smiling reassuringly, lightly resting his hand on his arm, squeezing gently.

"No you're fine. I thought it was cute. Now Raphael? Thinking he won't have quite the same reaction.

He's the head of the Brooklyn Vampire Clan and one of the most feared, respected supernaturals in the country. His reputation boarders on infamous and that's exactly how he likes it. Exactly how he needs it to be. For someone in that kind of position image and reputation can be everything. In many cases it can quite literally be the key to the survival of both them and their Clan.

Asking his about this is crazy on its own but asking in front of an audience would likely be a hundred times worse. That's pretty much taking that poking stick and backing the predator into a corner.

No way that's gonna end well.

When we find them you need to ask if you can talk to him privately about a kind of sensitive topic. Be respectful, be polite and be as unthreatening and unconfrontational as you possibly can.

Say that you don't mean to pry and stress that you are very new to this and just trying to understand. Say you're confused cause you just met this Simon guy and were thrown when he said he was dating Raphael as having a totally in the dark human so close to one of the most powerful supernaturals in the country seems like it could be really dangerous.

Stress that you know he's not the kind of person who'd needlessly put an innocent person in danger and you're sure he has everything well in hand but the guy just seemed totally over the moon and positively giddy about him and you just wanted to make sure since the guy can't really look after himself with all of this that he is still safe.

Don't accuse his of anything. Don't outright ask about the feedings, don't bring up enthrallment or your suspicions, just frame it as confusion and genuine concern for someone unknowingly in a dangerous situation. Tell him you're sure someone as powerful and respected as him knows what he's doing but this is just all so new and confusing and you just wanted to be sure that he's really okay."

Raj blinked, brow rising.

"So…just play as dumb as possible and try to blow enough smoke and throw enough compliments his way to hide what I'm pointedly NOT asking and just hope he offers up an answer that stops me from panicking about someone who threatened their way out of a murder wrap hanging around my baby sister?"

Bryan sighed, shrugging apologetically.

"Basically? Yeah…"

Raj scoffed in disbelief, shaking his head.

"That's-"

"I know but it's the safest way."

"To ask a few questions? It's just a few questions!"

Bryan shook his head.

"No it's an accusation. Intimate feedings are a very sensitive topic and that's bad enough but what you're specifically worried about unless it's worded exactly right is gonna be read as an accusation. A pretty serious accusation at that and leveled against one of the most powerful, most feared supernaturals in the entire country. One who already had one way too close call with the council and the accords and is probably somewhat gun shy about anything that could lead back to there.

I'm not gonna lie, if he takes it as a threat we're screwed flat out. Like I said I got your back on this but if he takes it as a threat and full on attacks I don't stand a snowballs chance in hell against him." He sighed, glancing over, catching Raj's eye, giving a somewhat helpless shrug and a bit of a wave.

"Look Raj? I get it. I really do. But this really is the safest move we have here. Raphael isn't said to be overly quick to anger or needlessly violent unless a situation warrants but…well…what 'warrants' it is somewhat subjective.

Like I said he's only really known to resort to true violence if it's a real, legitimate threat. But the thing of it is if he views your questions as accusing him of wrongdoing? If he thinks you're viewing his actions with this Simon as him once again breaking the accords?

That he very well could view as a threat and he likely will respond accordingly. And honestly he would have a very good reason to."

Raj blinked, head shaking faintly.

"I-w-what reason?"

Bryan sighed, shrugging, giving a somewhat helpless wave.

"Well I said the council is pretty twitchy about going after him and it is just about the last thing they'd want to do. They wouldn't unless it was absolutely necessary however if there are legitimate accusations flying they can't just ignore it. They have to investigate and if they do find something serious enough to warrant another trial they will not be able to just let it go with yet another light sentence. They can't.

Raphael isn't the only one who's life and livelihood hinges on their reputation. If people lose faith in the council and their authority or they get the impression the accords are just suggestions that if you're intimidating enough or connected enough you get to flout without any real consequences that will likely lead to more disregarding the accords and more pushback during trials and then it's just a few slippery slopes to full on anarchy. They can't risk that. None of us can.

And if by some chance your fears are right and he is doing something he's not supposed to with this guy than you bringing his actions to light could put him as well as his entire Clan under scrutiny once again.

That? That would be bad. That he absolutely could read as a legitimate threat. If he reads your questioning as a threat – as something that could once more bring him and his own under fire…well…that would be a legitimate threat to his and his own.

With their last run in with the council they got what many viewed as little more than a slap on the wrist. It ruffled a few feathers and led to some pretty tense times and close calls for quite a while afterwards. It took nearly two years for all of the drama to settle back down. If Raphael or one of his clan breaks the accords again they won't be able to just let it slide. Not again.

Pissed off high warlock or not they will not be able to just look the other way. They will not be able to just give them a light slap on the wrist and they will basically have no other move but to pursue the absolute harshest punishment they can. And I doubt Magnus's threats were in any way idle so them going after HIM would likely also lead to them facing off against a pissed off Magnus Bane…which…uh yeah…

That is basically what nightmares are made of. None of us really know quite the extent of his powers or just what he's capable of if pushed hard enough and none of us are too keen on finding out. However if the council moves on Raphael and his Clan then we very much might. And I sincerely doubt it'll be pretty."

Raj gulped, steps kind of fumbling, catching Bryan's arm blinking nervously.

"S-so…so what you're saying…I flub this and I'm the starter pistol to supernatural Armageddon?"

Bryan kind of hesitated, shifting, giving a bit of an apologetic shrug.

"Uh, basically? Yeah. So you know; no pressure."

Raj squeaked, flailing animatedly, sputtering. Bryan sighed, slipping his arm around Raj's shoulder, squeezing gently.

"I know, but like I said I got you. I do. And don't let it throw you too much…we're nearly always just a few missteps and blunders away from supernatural Armageddon. You get used to it after a while.

And that is the absolute worst case scenario. More than likely it will not come to anything even close to that. Just some awkward questions, probably a bit of posturing and maybe some of their standard playful torment. Maybe a bit of admonishment for being so rude and a few uncomfortable moments later on down the road.

I just want you to be aware of where this could end up and why it's so important that you think this through and do it right.

I do think my way we can answer deal with all of it. You get your answers to your questions and elevate your worries while still avoiding an irate vampire clan leader rampage or supernatural Armageddon. I really don't think he's doing what you think he's doing with this guy.

There is a definite possibility he could end up feeling pretty offended that you'd think he'd treat someone like that but again given how he's behaved around you he couldn't possibly be TOO shocked you'd jump to that.

So long as he's not doing anything he's not supposed to and you don't bring this up with multiple witnesses who might try pushing the issue than we will likely be perfectly fine.

However just on the off chance you ARE onto something here trust me this is definitely the way to go. The subtle blowing smoke, dancing in circles approach is the best way to figure out where he stands on this without getting yourself in so deep I can't get you back out.

You are gonna need to be very careful here. Even so I don't want you to read this wrong. And I know how this sounds b-"

"It sounds like I'm dealing with the freaking Monster Mafia!"

Bryan gave a surprised laugh. Raj gasped, eyes widening, pointing irritatedly.

"You're laughing! Are you kidding me!? Th-"

Bryan shook his head, again holding his free hand up placatingly, other again squeezing Raj's shoulder, flashing a bright, warm, apologetic smile.

"Sorry- I didn't mean to. You're just really wound up a-"

Raj scoffed eyes wide, giving a flailing wave.

"Uh, yeah? Kinda warranted!"

"But it's not-"

"How-"

"It just isn-"

"Bu-" he's cut off as Bryan catches his shoulder, again gently pulling him to a stop, reaching up with his free hand, lightly pressing his finger to his lips.

Raj blinked in faint confusion, head tilting. Bryan smiled, shrugging apologetically.

"Sorry we're just kinda getting in another loop there and we've already been over this." He smiled again, hand trailing down from his shoulder to his arm and then down to his hand, catching, squeezing gently, shaking his head, flashing another soft, reassuring smile.

"Look Raj I know what you're saying and I can see how it would feel that way. We have secret organizations and cover ups and terrifyingly powerful, worryingly connected, quasi shady as hell people that seem to shift between vigilante protectors of the city and outright supervillain s and now you're hearing about this same person threatening their way out of their own trial and that if you accuse them of something and it's a legitimate enough accusation it could be the start of supernatural Armageddon but I don't want to scare you-"

Raj scoffed disbelievingly.

"Too late."

Bryan smiled, shaking his head.

"Okay I know but it's n-"

"But the trial- you sai-"

"I know but it's co-"

"DUDE!"

Bryan huffed, holding his hands up placatingly.

"I know, I know, but it just is. A lot of this is. I know how it looks from an outsiders point of view but the truth IS a lot more complicated."

Raj groaned, rubbing at his temple.

"Oh my god I never knew I could hate a word so much.

How is it 'more complicated'? You said they were breaking the rules- big rules. They were committing crimes and put on trial for said crimes and were all but assured to be found guilty and banished and the only way they got out of it was because a very powerful, very well connected 'family' member of one of the defendants said if they made problems for their family they'd make themselves a far bigger problem.

L-like…that's not even kinda mafia-esq; that's a full on Sopranos, Godfather level type move.

What part of that is 'complicated'? You said they were preying on humans-"

"I said SOME of them were preying on humans. The majority of them weren't. They had no clue. Raphael had no clue. He was absolutely appalled when he found out. All the others were."

Raj blinked, head tilting, brow rising.

"Well then why were they all brought up on charges?"

Bryan sighed, shrugging.

"I-"

Raj flailed, holding up a finger, pointing, cutting him off.

"And DON'T say it's complicated!"

Bryan huffed, giving a somewhat helpless shrug.

"Well sorry but it kinda IS. All of this is. Complicated is just the general rule of thumb when it comes to near anything involving supernaturality.

They were all tried because that's how the accords work when it involves a clan. That's how it works with any closely bound, familial type group. Clans, factions, covens, packs, coteries, you name it that's how it works. That's how it has to work. The only way it does work.

Raphael kinda bore the brunt of it because he was the highest ranking member of the clan who wasn't involved in the crimes against the accords therefore it was considered his responsibility to suss out the issues and deal with them. Since he didn't they were all tried for the crimes."

Raj blinked.

"W-wai…what? His responsibility to…why-"

Bryan huffed, giving a helpless wave.

"That's just how it works."

Raj shook his head.

"B-but that doesn't make sense…"

Bryan sighed, again shrugging, head tilting.

"Except it does…at least by supernatural standards. You have to remember we're not really working from the same playbook as human society here. The accords are a kind of balancing act; they need enough rules to keep the weaker supernaturals and humans safe while not pushing the more powerful/predatory types to a point where they feel too restricted and decide to fight back against what they feel is unjust persecution.

The compromise here is that each group is expected to deal with their own issues. The head of the group is responsible for answering for the actions of their followers and it's generally assumed that any member going off script or jeopardizing the welfare of the group will be dealt with in house-"

Raj's brow rose even higher.

"Um…yeah- we're back in the Godfather/Sopranos thing again."

Bryan huffed out a faintly conceding laugh, giving a bit of a fluttering wave.

"W-yeah, okay fair enough. But unlike the whole mafia 'deal with their own' thing this is actually for the good of the public. Covens, clans, packs and coteries going rogue are dangerous as hell but they're also made up of some of the most dangerous, predatory types of beings in existence. The very kind of supernaturals who tend to take issue with an overabundance of rules and regulations being foisted on them by outside sources.

However when those rules are enforced by their own trusted leaders and when disregarding the rules could bring consequences not only to them but to the entire group they're far less likely to put the others in jeopardy. I mean there are a lot of crazy, foolhardy, reckless types with a lot of strength and power who wouldn't think twice about putting themselves in danger, following their baser instincts or taking a crazy risk if it's just them on the line but when they're actions are putting everyone they love in danger?

Well…more often than not that's enough to make them second guess their actions or put a bit more effort into controlling their baser instincts. I know it's harsh and admittedly morally grey at best but by and large it DOES tend to work. It does manage to keep the more dangerous supernaturals in line without making them feel unduly targeted or persecuted.

Generally if it's just one member committing one reckless act there might be a bit of wiggle room however if it's two or more or if it's something ongoing or particularly egregious and the leaders don't deal with it than the entire group is held accountable, no exceptions.

It sounds unfair to an outsider but when you're familiar with the kind of dynamics, connections and loyalties in these groups it usually is the best course of action as nine times out of ten the only way one member of the group is gonna be involved in something like that is if the rest are as well or at the very least they're aware of it and actively covering…but…well…again, it's complicated.

The idea of punishing the entire group for the actions of a few does make sense when it's a small or even medium sized clan but at the time all this went down the BVC had sixty members. Outside of the six known to be involved none of the other members had any clue this was going on. That group seemed to be working totally independently of the larger group. This makes it totally different from any other case involving other clans.

You see?"

Raj blinked, head shaking slowly.

"Uh…no…I mean yeah kinda but…well…by the sound of it the rules are pretty clear here. Members of a clan do something bad than it is their own leadership's responsibility to deal with it and if they don't then the entire group faces the consequences. It doesn't seem fair but at the same time saying the rules don't apply to this group because it's way bigger seems way less fair.

They knew the laws, they broke the laws and they knew they weren't just putting themselves in danger. It does sound harsh but it also sounds like that's kinda the key to keeping this kind of thing in check without- you know – actually 'checking' them into pushing back."

Bryan huffed faintly, giving a somewhat helpless shrug.

"Ugh…no you're really not getting it. You're seeing this all in black and white. Thinking that's my fault. I never should have told you about Raphael's history with the accords-"

Raj started, shaking his head.

"What? No of course you should have! My little sister's with him every day. I need to know-"

Bryan shook his head.

"No you didn't- or at least not like that. I should have explained better, given more context."

Raj blinked, huffing in disbelief.

"What context c-"

Bryan again shook his head, absently catching his hand, squeezing lightly.

"I didn't explain right…yes the entire clan was brought up on charges but like I said it was a very small percentage of them involved. It was just six members out of sixty and from what it sounds like it's almost as if there was a separate clan formed within the larger clan. That's not how it works in a clan. That is totally unheard of.

This smaller group of six members was behaving like a rogue vampire clan while under the guise of still being part of the BVC. It was pretty obvious the main reason for the 'all for one, one for all' type rule didn't really work here as outside of those six they flat out did not care what happened to the other members. By the time they were caught they were essentially their own separate clan just hidden inside a far larger one.

They did not care about the members outside of their core group- they in fact seem to have been actively working against the true clan and yet when it all came to light their actions still brought the council down on everyone. That's a fair bit different than what the rule were set up for.

And yes generally it's the duty of the head of the clan to watch for issues and take appropriate action but in this case the leader of the clan WAS the one behind the actions and they covered their actions near flawlessly. Raphael was the highest ranking member of the clan not involved and all those involved were hiding it from their clan members even more than anyone else.

The way Samael said it looked was like they were planning on splitting from the BVC altogether and forming their own Clan. A lot of what they found showed they planned on framing the BVC for the crimes in the process thereby knocking out the BVC and giving them a clean run at taking the territory for themselves. They'd already set the ground work and were seemingly in the process of doing exactly that when everything came to light."

Raj blinked, paling faintly, swallowing, hesitantly holding up a finger.

"Umm…y-yeah…kay…that's definitely different."

Bryan nodded.

"Exactly. If that's not special circumstance than I don't know what is. And yeah, I know how unsettling Magnus's actions during the trial sound to someone unaccustomed to this but what you have to understand is had Magnus not intervened dozens of totally innocent people- who remember were in the process of being framed for vile crimes by what they still viewed as their own family members AND leader- would have been put to death."

Raj froze, stopping dead in his tracks.

"Wha-I-I thought you said they'd of been banished?"

Bryan shrugged, head titling.

"Same difference."

Raj swallowed, blinking, shifting back faintly, head shaking.

"What?"

Bryan sighed.

"Remember Calon Tywyll; where the Hanford lladrata came from?"

Raj blinked, pointedly raising his brow, nodding slowly.

"Um…yeah?"

Bryan nodded back.

"Well if the clan were to be banished they'd have been thrown through a portal to somewhere like that. There's no way they'd have survived. It still would have been a death sentence- the banishment would have just been a slower, far more painful version of it.

The only members of the clan who knew about Camille and her followers actions were those in this splinter clan. The others had no clue. Raphael had no clue. He was absolutely repulsed when he found out. Nearly any vampire would be.

And I know that probably doesn't really track for you because you're still hung up on the monster movie version of Vampires but the reality is far more complicated."

Raj sighed, head shaking faintly, brow rising.

"That's just you favorite word, isn't it?"

Bryan huffed out a faint laugh, shaking his head right back.

"No but it is pretty much the Supernatural motto. Very little just boils down to a cut and dry, black and white type decision. Nearly everything is just varying shades of grey.

See every vampire starts out as a human. And yeah there are other beings who come into supernaturality by a means other than birth or choice but vampires are the only ones who's transformation is the direct result of being attacked and murdered by the very being they will then become.

Becoming a vampire isn't like on tv. There's no such thing as 'choosing' to become a vampire. It's not some romantic whatever where there's a little bite and it looks like they just peacefully go to sleep and that's that. It's vicious and brutal and utterly, unspeakably terrifying.

The person is completely drained of blood and buried no less than six feet down. Every second life begins with them digging themselves out of their own grave. They drag themselves out of their own grave and back into the land of the living and then they have to come to terms with what they through no choice of their own have become.

And generally they're doing this all alone. They're not joining up with their own murderers. If they're lucky they'll manage to find other supernaturals, find a clan, find something to help them catch their footing but nothing is a guarantee. They're kinda just thrown into this world and have to figure it out as they go.

They can sense other supernaturals and are usually naturally drawn to them and most experienced supernaturals know enough about new vamps to be able to help them get their bearings and find help- usually in the form of whatever the closest established clan, Alpha or high warlock they know of but other than that it's all on the newbie vamp.

And somehow pop culture seems to screw up both the start and the end result of the vampire experience. In pop culture vampires are seen as vicious, evil, soulless monsters. Human shaped animals who are nothing but vile, vicious, evil predators but that's simply not the case…at least not for the vast majority.

The transformational attacks aren't made by every vampire. They're outliers. At least the vast majority. I mean every once in a while you get some who just go over the edge, lose control. From starvation or an illness or something else that causes them to lose control of their baser instincts and go feral but by in large the ones who do this were monsters long before they were ever transformed. They would have done these same kinds of vicious, unspeakable acts in their first life given half a chance.

Don't misunderstand. Every vamp is changed. They are all made into predators. They do come back as beings that MUST feed on blood, that must sustain themselves off of the life force of others but the mental transformation doesn't really go too much further than that.

They are still the same exact person they were in their first life. They all remember their time as a human. They remember their families and friends and everyone they loved. They still think and feel and believe all of the things they did in life…now there's just this other part inside them. Something dark and terrifying…the very thing that preyed on them.

The vast majority of them would do near anything to avoid becoming the kind of monster that took their first life. For most that is their greatest fear- losing control, losing their humanity. To many that is a fate literally worse than death."

Raj blinked, head shaking faintly.

"I-that…that doesn't…they're vampires; they're predators. Literal predators. They feed on human-"

Bryan sighed, nodding, waving him off.

"-Yes, they do and yes they are…but again; it's complicated. Yes they are still predators and yes during the transformation their brains are rewired to hunt and yes in some aspects they very much do view humans as prey but deep down they are still the same exact person they were before they were turned. They may now biologically NEED to feed on humans but the vast majority of them don't actually want to kill or in any way really harm someone just to survive.

Most are actually surprisingly protective of humans, wanting to spare others the pain they themselves went through. The majority of them will actively protect humans from an attack- even against members of their own Clan.

That's actually how Camille's actions came to light. Another clan member found out about their actions and brought it to the council. Apparently they thought this member would be a good addition to their group. They thought their views were in line with the splinter clan. They were wrong. Nariko was utterly repulsed and went straight to the council to tell them what was going on.

She would have much preferred to take it to someone else in the clan but with Camille being the head of the clan she had no idea who all was involved or who she could trust. It really was the only move she had.

Raphael wasn't involved in any of Camille's actions and he even praised Nariko for bringing the atrocities to light. She's actually still a member of the BVC; thought to be one of Raphael's closest allies and most trusted advisors.

Raphael was able to prove that the vast majority of them had absolutely no clue about any of it but with the sheer size, strength and power of the clan the council was too scared to chance the whole group going rogue.

The rules are set but every situation is different and it's not one set punishment for each crime. There are degrees and there are exceptions and there are variances for every situation. And they are there for a reason.

The council is supposed to consider everything, to remain neutral and make their decision based only on the evidence and facts at hand not on personal beliefs, fears or on the potential possible future outcomes unless there's clear evidence to support those beliefs.

Every scrap of evidence said the only ones involved or even vaguely aware of Camille and her followers actions were just those six. By the time of the trial Raphael and the others had already neutralized any of the potential threats and the remaining members of the BVC had absolutely nothing to do with Camille, her followers or their atrocities. S-"

Raj gulped, hesitantly holding up a finger.

"Uh…neutralized? What does that-"

Bryan sighed, brow rising.

"Raj? You know what that means."

Raj flailed, eyes wide.

"The-"

Bryan sighed, nodding, again holding his hand up placatingly.

"Yeah I know but…Yet again; it is complicated. This clan within the clan had not only put the entirety of the BVC in jeopardy but also committed serious atrocities against humanity. They were vicious and evil. They hunted humans not just for food but for fun, as a game…they felt because of their superior strength and power they were entitled to do this. Not only that but Samael said throughout the investigation they found evidence they'd actually made several attempts to turn more vampires."

Raj gulped, blinking, paling.

"T-that uh-"

Bryan nodded.

"Yeah I know…like I said; Complicated. Thankfully so far as anyone can tell they were unsuccessful- which is not altogether surprising. Even when their totally drained and buried and all of that less than ten percent actually make it into their second life but even so they did try. They were a very clear, very present, very real threat- to basically everyone.

They had to be dealt with and even with the councils involvement it is still largely seen as the clan's responsibility to deal with their own issues. If anything them dealing with the trouble internally should have been enough to take death or banishment off the table but that's not what happened. It is what should have happened; going by past precedent it's what they should have done.

I don't know that the punishment they settled on was quite enough. They really were shook up by Magnus's threat and went with the lightest punishment they thought they could get away with just to play it safe. It really was just a slap on the wrist and likely warranted a fair bit more but the idea of putting the entire group- including Nariko, the one who brought the issue to the council's attention- to death would have been absolutely unacceptable…

So, you know…it's c-"

"Complicated…" Raj echoed, slumping, helplessly shrugging.

"Damnit…that really is complicated."

Bryan snorted, giving an animated, flippant wave.

"What I've been saying."

Raj rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll give you that one. So he's not some evil, vicious murdering supernatural crime boss who strong armed his way out of his own trial. W-well…okay so he kinda technically is but in doing so he also saved the lives of dozens of innocents which…is-well…is that annoying word that I'm really beginning to hate.

I get what you're saying and you're right there was a lot more to that than I initially thought."

Bryan smiled, nodding in relief.

"Exactly! Thank you for seeing that. So why don't we just table this and head back to the car for that drink a-"

Raj sighed, shaking his head, holding up a finger.

"It does stop THAT fear. Still doesn't change anything else. I still have to know what he's doing with this Simon guy. I have to know the man isn't a danger to Divya."

"He's n-"

Raj sighed, waving him off.

"I know you keep saying that but until I know I can't just back down…sorry but I can't. Hopefully you're right. With any luck I've just read this totally wrong and there's nothing creepy or cringy or accord-breaking-y going on here and I'm just being a nosy, awkward idiot. It's kinda odd to be actually rooting for that but I very much am…and given my track record it is entirely possible.

Honestly you're probably right. You've known this world for way longer than I have and I really should just take your word for it. I know I should. I know I am probably totally out in left field here. I do…" he paused, shrugging helplessly.

"But-"

Bryan sighed, flashing a soft, distractingly warm smile, nodding.

"But it's Divya and you have to know for yourself."

Raj nodded back, giving a shy, somewhat sheepish shrug.

"Yeah…sorry…" Raj sighed, feeling a bit guilty for dragging him into all of this, glancing back at the readout on his phone before pausing glancing around in faint confusion.

"Huh…they don't seem to be staying on the trail. The map shoes the hiking trails but the signal's coming from somewhere well off of it. Though I guess that's not too strange…doubt a marauding swarm of lust bugs is gonna really stick to the foot paths and easily accessible trails."

Bryan huffed out a faint laugh, nodding, glancing curiously around at the trees and thick underbrush.

"That's true…is there any clear path to where they are?"

Raj began to shake his head before pausing, giving a bit of a wave.

"Well…maybe…it looks like the hiking trail loops around going out a bit further before curving back, then kinda shifts near directly towards them. That'd get us pretty close to where her signal's coming from."

Bryan perked up a bit, glancing over hopefully.

"That seems promising. And if it goes up and around where they are and were using clear paths and trials and they're just trudging through the underbrush we might even be able to move a lot quicker than them. Maybe even get ahead of them and intercept which would probably work a lot better than just scrambling after them. If we pick up the pace a bit we might be able to do that."

Raj nodded, beginning to move a bit faster, gaze shifting around, taking in their surroundings for the first time. Now that he doesn't feel quite so much on the verge of a panic attack he feels like he actually can.

It really was a rather nice place for a bit of a hike, and a gorgeous night for it. The moon was full and bright overhead lighting up the area enough to where they could see pretty clearly without any additional help. It was a nice cool night. By the moonlight he could see a veritable explosion of brightly colored flowers, catching a strong whiff of jasmine and honeysuckle warmed from the heat of the day. As he looked on he saw flits and flickers of moths and glimmering fireflies dancing like little fairies. The little lights danced and swirled, something in the moonlight casting their dancing lights in a pretty, soft shimmering pink.

"Wow…" he mumbled distractedly.

Bryan smiled, glancing over, brow rising in question. Raj smiled back, shrugging, gesturing around the trail.

"Nothing just, it really is beautiful out here. I've never really been a hiking, outdoorsy kind of person but this place does make a pretty good argument for it."

Bryan nodded, glancing around, falling into step a bit closer to his side, taking in the bright, fragrant blossoms, glittering silvery moonlight gilded leaves of the trees and the pretty, shimmery moths and fireflies lazily buzzing around them. He sighed, relaxing faintly, nodding back, looking over, catching Raj's eye.

"It really does, doesn't it?"

Raj nodded, sighing as well, pace slowing down a bit, feeling a bit of the knot in his stomach unclench, a relaxed little buzz slipping over him, the two drifting off into companionable silence. After a few minutes of walking, taking in the natural beauty and soothing scents of the flowers and shimmering little fireflies flitting around them Raj glanced over, catching his eye, shrugging sheepishly.

"Hey…I really am sorry about all of this. I know it's about the last thing you want to do and you probably think I'm being a stubborn jackass or a panicky idiot but I just can't get it out of my head. I can't just let it go and hope for the best.

I know I should, I know logically I'm probably just jumping at shadows and majorly overreacting but once I get something like this in my head I can't just ignore it or brush it off. Not if there's the possibility someone's in real danger."

Bryan huffed out a soft, near affectionate chuckle, smiling soft and warm, waving him off, reaching up, resting his hand on Raj's shoulder, squeezing gently.

"Raj I don't think anything of the sort. You saw someone you think could be in danger and you can't let it go until you know they're not. It's okay…I get it. I get it probably better than anyone. You're like me; a guardian, a protector. If a gargoyle can't understand that instinct no one can. Again it's fine…" he shrugged, glancing around at the area, taking in the idyllic scene bathed in the light of the full moon and the prettily dancing lights flitting about, settling a bit closer to Raj's side.

"And if anything it is a gorgeous night for a hike. I can think of way worse ways to spend an evening…Well minus the Vampiric Cosmo Quiz Of Doom."

Raj huffed out a faint laugh, glancing over, brow rising.

"You must think I'm completely ridiculous."

Bryan shrugged unconcerned.

"Yeah…but I kinda like that in a guy. Keeps things interesting."

Raj couldn't help a faint, surprised laugh at that, feeling the least panicked he has since he'd gotten Divya's text. He glanced over, catching those pretty blue eyes, giving a faint shrug.

"I really am sorry about dragging you into this. You didn't have to come along."

Bryan laughed.

"Again- yeah I did…I'm not about to let you go at this alone. Remember I get the protector thing. Can't very well just let someone march themselves into a potentially dangerous situation without at least providing a bit of backup. I couldn't just let that go any more than you can just let this thing with this Simon guy go. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you and I could have prevented it."

Raj blushed, shaking his head, glancing away, brushing his hair back.

"W-Well still I feel bad dragging you into this, putting you in this kind of potential danger."

Bryan gave a quick, sharp nod.

"As you should."

Raj gasped, eyes wide, catching the faint twinkle in those pretty blue eyes and the little glimmer of a grin tugging at his lips. He huffed, flashing a totally heatless glare, nudging his shoulder. Bryan chuckled, holding his hand up.

"Kidding, kidding…well kinda anyways. You're not 'dragging' me anywhere. I was coming with you whether you wanted me to or not- couldn't very well just let you face this kind of crazy without some kind of support.

Though you are right in that it IS a pretty big, pretty insane thing and you ARE the reason I'm doing it. Thinking after this is all over you are definitely treating me to dinner. It's only fair."

Raj laughed, brow rising.

"So that's all it takes to make up for dragging you into the start of supernatural Armageddon?"

Bryan shrugged, winking.

"Eh, what can I say, I'm easy."

Raj sputtered, laughing, shaking his head, blushing brightly. Bryan chuckled, flashing a playful wink and an impish little grin, shrugging, settling a bit closer before suddenly pausing. He blinks in surprise, holding a finger up, catching Raj's hand to get him to stop.

"Wait…hold still a minute." he reached up, hand brushing lightly against Raj's cheek, trailing up into his hair.

Raj froze, blinking, feeling his breath catch and his heart do a flip. He swallowed nervously, gaze flickering over Bryan curiously.

"W-wha-um…what are y-"

"Ah! There got it." he said cheerfully, pulling his hand back, smiling brightly.

"Sorry you had something in your hair." He explained, turning his hand over, opening it to reveal on of the little shimmering fireflies.

Raj started, blushing, nodding quickly.

"O-oh um that-yeah that…that makes sense…thanks." He mumbled, flushing brighter.

Bryan smiled, shaking his head, giving a bit of a wave with his free hand.

"No problem, like I said I got you. And anyways i-Ow!" he started, flinching shaking his hand, irritatedly tossing the shimmering little firefly away, looking back at Raj in shock.

"It bit me!"

"It bit you? Fireflies bite?" Raj started, looking around worriedly at the fluttering, shimmering dancing lights.

Bryan shrugged, looking around in confusion as well.

"Apparently these little shimmery pink bastards do! It really hurt too."

Raj started, looking around worriedly at the flitting, dancing shimmers. He swallows, catching Bryan's hand, quickly tugging him a bit off the path and away from the swirling, shimmering, dancing lights. The pair settle close to the trunk of a large old redwood tree. Raj shifts nervously, glancing around for any of the telltale flickering lights before turning his focus back to the other man.

"Here, let me see." Raj instructed, shifting closer.

He reaches up, catching Bryan's hand, lifting it up, turning it over so he could see the palm. He hisses faintly, catching sight of a small pinkish red mark at the base of his thumb already forming. It seems rather bright, nearly like a welt, kind of oddly shaped, almost like a heart. He leans closer to get a better look.

Hmm…did it bite him or sting him? He's never heard of a firefly with a stinger…but then again he's also never heard of one that bites either…so…

He swallowed, leaning in closer, tugging Bryan's hand up, noticing a bit of an iridescent dust clinging to his hand where the little bug had been. Raj blew lightly, trying to get rid of the dust to be able to get a clearer view of the mark before reaching up, lightly running his finger over the top of the mark, checking to see if he could feel a stinger. Bryan made a soft little whimper like kind of sound.

Raj started, blinking, looking up at him worriedly.

"Sorry did that…hurt…" he trailed off, freezing, catching the bright glimmer of those brilliant blue eyes glowing bright in the moonlight.

Bryan smiled, swallowing, shaking his head faintly, eyes flaring bright and excited, pupils blown wide. He gave a soft, low little chuckle, bright gaze slipping over Raj before shifting back up to his eyes, free hand moving up, coming to rest lightly on Raj's back, tugging him around a bit, holding his hand up eagerly.

"N-no…it…it's good…it helps…keep going…please?" he murmured somewhat breathless.

Raj gulped, feeling his cheeks and ears begin to burn at that soft, excited tone of his voice, subconsciously running his fingers again over Bryan's palm. Bryan shivered, humming softly, hand at his back pulling him closer, sifting them both over a bit.

Raj starts faintly as he feels his back come into contact with the trunk of the tree. Bryan's hand shifts from his back, sliding over to his side, trailing teasingly up before squeezing gently. He shifted closer, leaning in, nuzzling against Raj's hair, warm breath tickling his ear and neck.

Raj gives a soft, breathless near giggle, hands automatically coming to rest on Bryan's shoulders, subconsciously pulling him closer. He laughs again nervously, unable to stop an excited little shiver that slips down clear to his toes.

"W-um…what…hey…Bryan…what are you do-"

Bryan hummed softly, giving a soft, dizzying little moan, nuzzling closer.

"Mmm…god you smell good."

"Uh-t-thank you…" Raj squeaked, flailing, flushing even brighter, very much confused and very much conflicted as to what is going on here.

On the one hand likely the most gorgeous man he has ever seen has him pressed up against a tree nuzzling his neck in the middle of what looks like a scene straight out of some kind of fairytale…on the other hand Raj's logical brain is flailing and panicking knowing no way he is this lucky and something has to be off here.

It's something with the curse thing again…

It has to be. There's no other explin-

Bryan gave that warm, soft chuckle right against his neck, shifting up so that his lips are right by Raj's ear, breath warm and distracting.

"You think way too much…worry too much…think I can help with that." he murmured, voice a soft, dizzying growl, hand at Raj's side sliding to his back again, slipping a fair bit lower this time, tugging him in even closer till he was flush against the other man.

Raj squeaks again, jumping faintly. Bryan gives another one of those distractingly dizzying chuckles, trailing a few soft kisses along his jaw before moving up, lips catching Raj's in a soft little nip before coming back in for another much longer, much deeper, kiss.

Raj gasped, shivering, feeling his head spin. He relaxed faintly, arms tightening around Bryan's neck, tugging him in even closer. Bryan hummed approvingly, shifting the angle, reaching up, running his fingers Raj's hair, trailing down his cheek and along his jaw, tilting his head just so, taking the kiss even deeper.

O-okay…uh…w-wow…that's um…that's…

Damn…

O-okay he doesn't know what the hell is going on with this curse type thing but he's just gonna enjoy this part for a second. He knows damn good an well it's gonna blow up in his face but…

Well…until it does…yeah…

He hummed softly totally losing himself in the kiss, in the moment, hand trailing up, fingers slipping though Bryan's soft, wavy blonde hair, catching, tugging him in closer, just savoring the moment. Bryan made a soft, approving sound, relaxing against him, settling somehow even closer.

Mmm…oh…wow…

Finally when air became necessary Raj gasped, reluctantly breaking the kiss. He hummed happily, breathless and dizzy, shivering, leaning his head back against the trunk of the tree, trying to catch his breath. Bryan chuckled, kissing along his jaw and up to his earlobe, nipping playfully. Raj gave a surprised laugh, tugging him closer, nuzzling against his cheek.

Mmm…Bryan was right…he thought way too much…worried too much…he shouldn't worry so much.

Besides how could anyone worry at a time like this? How could anyone worry on such a beautiful night when they have the most gorgeous man ever holding them and kissing them senseless? How could anyone worry when they have a beautiful night and a gorgeous full moon and the sweet smell of honeysuckle and jasmine and they're bathed in moonlight and the soft, shimmering glimmer of fireflies…

F-fireflies?

Fireflies! Biting fireflies!

Fireflies that bite…That bit Bryan just before h-…

B-but that…that doesn't make sense. A bug bite doesn't make y-

A-a normal bug bite doesn't make you…

Ah crap.

The case…the bug hunt…

The demonic freaking lust-bug bug hunt…

And now Bryan is…

Oh dear god…

Raj froze, blinking, somewhat coming back to himself, looking around catching sight of the flitting, glimmering lights. He swallows nervously, catching sight of more and more of them flitting in between the branches of the trees and in amongst the flowers and twisting vines.

He really is cursed isn't he?

Cursed or just painfully thick.

He shivered for an entirely different reason, taking a deep breath, reaching up, catching Bryan's shoulders, tugging him back. Bryan blinked, Pretty blue eyes sparkling bright and curious, a soft somewhat confused little smile tugging at his lips. He blinked again, catching Raj's expression, suddenly looking worried.

"What's wrong?" he started.

"It's Raphael right? You're still worried?"

Raj swallowed, blinking, shaking his head.

"N-no it's not that. I-"

Bryan nodded, smiling, standing up straighter.

"Yeah it is. You've been worrying about it all day."

"No I-"

"Yeah you were and I just ignored it and acted like you didn't know what you were talking about. That was really mean of me. I should have believed you…I do now though."

"You d-no Bryan it's n-"

He nodded adamantly.

"Uh huh. It is and you're totally right to be worried. He's dangerous and he's near your family. You need to protect your sister. But that's okay. You need to protect her but I need to protect you. And I will."

Raj sputtered, eyes wide.

I-wha-what do y- protect me? Protect me from wha-"

He nodded standing up straighter, chest puffing out, seeming a bit taller, shoulders a bit wider, skintone beginning to shift.

Uh-w-what..uh oh…

"Bryan what are you-"

Bryan smiled, eyes glowing, blazingly bright blue, odd not quite right gaze shifting eagerly over Raj before moving back up, catching his eye, nodding determinedly.

"Don't worry Raj. Like I said I got you."

"You got me?"

"Yeah, totally. Like I said I'll protect you. I'll protect both of you."

"I do-wait-what-what are y- protect me from what?!"

Bryan laughed, rolling his eyes.

"From Raphael silly!"

Raj flailed, sputtering, eyes wide.

"From Eli-no…Oh my god no! You don't-the bite, the bug the thing- it's th- i-it's you don't know what you're doing!"

"Yeah I do." Bryan smiled, nodded happily, giving a bit of a wave shifting his shoulders faintly, wings sprouting through the back of his shirt growing and unfurling fully the bright, glinting colors catching in the moonlight.

"Like I said I got you Raj. It's gonna be okay. You don't have to worry. I'll take care of it for you." He stood up straighter, flashing one more bright somewhat off smile before pausing, head tilting, oddly cute semi-Spock like ears twitching, seemingly catching something off in the distance.

He perked up, smiling brighter, eyes flashing, glowing near neon.

"Got him…" he murmured.

"Be right back." He all but chirped, flashing a flirty wink and smirk before turning, leaping up, catching the lowest branch on the huge redwood tree they'd just been leaning against.

He bounded, seemingly at the top of the forty foot tree in a blink, pushing off, wings extending, catching in the breeze lifting him up higher flying off in the direction of the ping from Divya's phone, momentarily silhouetted against the full moon.

Raj froze for a moment, blinking in shock.

O-okay…what just happened?

Gorgeous guy offers to help him…

Gorgeous guy gets bit by sparkling demonic lust bug…

Gorgeous guy sprouts wings and flies off to his near certain demise…

Uh…Y-yeah…he is definitely cursed. If he survives the night he's really gonna have to look into doing something about that…

Raj starts out of his shocked stupor, flailing, scrambling off the path and into the woods after his woefully misguided, bewitched, bug bit savior, hoping against hope he can somehow outrun a flying gargoyle and keep them from becoming vampire food.

He did not like his odds here.

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

{*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^} *****End Of Chapter Notes***** {*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^}

Oh dear god…how the hell did this end up so damn long?!

I didn't have a quarter of this planned! All it was supposed to be was Raj freaking out and Bryan getting bit- how the hell did we get into 10k words of Vampire clan crap?

Sorry about the-well I don't think it's considered a side trip when it last nearly the entire story but at least we did eventually end up where I planned. I kept trying to curb it and veer back on track but my brain kept pulling me back. Can't say I mind too much. I do like having more details about what went on with the trial. Also I kinda like that one of the council members is a gossip lol.

I really love Bryan and Raj I tend to get kinda stuck on their scenes…think it's just cause it's a paring I don't get to use too often so when I do I tend to really run with them.

So as always here is the ever present update list:

Picture Perfect (Verse 8) {5}

Love Bug (Verse 2)(3)

Death Was Just The Beginning (V3) (5)

The Demon In The Mirror (Verse 4) (4)

Nosey Neighbors (Verse 9) (5)

A Study In Chaos (Verse 6) (5)

You Can Go Home Again (Verse 1) (5 )

As you can see next up we have Verse 3 probably our darkest verse. Thinking with the mood I've been in lately that's the perfect verse for me to be working in. If you notice the numbers at the end of the titles of the stories that's how many chapters we have left for each. This one and V4 are getting really close. The last 3 chapters I kinda just fly on through cause after I finish 10 I jump ahead and write 12 so I have time to edit and review our final chapter…then I just have that one connecting chapter to finish so I usually just jump back and finish that so I can have the completed story so we really are getting close on most of them.

What'd you guys think?

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{*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^2-*Supernatural Sleuths Verse*-2*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^}