-*-*-*-*-*-*-40'sDetectiveNoir-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Chapter 4:
Not So Straight-Laced
Alec and Magnus get some more help on the case…but everything may not be as it seems…
We meet Simon
(Remember the 'Twist' thing in the verse name?)
{*~********~*~********~*} *-Alec-*-Alec-*-Alec-*-Alec-*-Alec-* {*~********~*~********~*}Oh damnit…
Damnit, damnit, damnit!
What the hell is he doing!? He's making out with a man in the record room of the SBPD…
What the hell?!
Oh my god…
He's making out with a guy AT the Precinct!
Where he works.
AND his dad works!
He's lost his damn mind.
He- Alec Lightwood, head detective and son of Chief Lightwood- is making out with a man in the record room in the middle of the day in an unlocked, easily accessed room in the middle of a bustling station where anyone could just wander in...
And someone did…
Crap!
Alec swallowed nervously, fidgeting, trying to appear casual and somehow not like he just had a guy freaking moaning pressed up against the wall…
Mmm…that sound was-
Oh my god SO not the time for it!
"H-ahem- h-hey Simon…uh…what umm…" he trailed off totally at a loss as to what to say.
Simon seemed just as awkward, blushing, fidgeting, trying to look over at them, giving a quick, awkward bobblehead like nod before somehow blushing even brighter, again glancing away.
"Umm…y-yeah…"
Well…this was getting nowhere…on the plus side at least it was just Simon. The guy was a new detective, just transferred in a few weeks ago. He seemed pretty sweet, if a bit green and slightly awkward. At least he didn't look angry, and he didn't scream or run to tell anyone…so there was that…
And it wasn't his dad who caught them….
And wow did that thought hit him like a bucket of ice water…
All in all if he had to get caught at the single least professional point of his career at least it was by the right person. Alec sighed, taking a deep breath, trying to will his nerves away.
"Umm…s-so you were asking something when you came in? Were you looking for me?"
Simon flailed slightly, nodding animatedly, hazarding a glance at them, clearly trying to power through the awkward.
Alec could relate…
"Yeah! I umm…I heard about the Dawson case getting quashed."
Alec sighed, shrugging.
"Yeah…it was. It's really unfortunate but it happens."
Simon gave a slight scoff, rolling his eyes.
"Happens way too damn much if you ask me…"
Alec blinked in surprise, glancing over at Magnus. He shrugged, tilting his head, zeroing in on the younger detective.
"What do you mean?"
He blinked right back, quirking his eyebrow.
"Magnus…come on….y-you're…YOU."
Magnus chuckled, slipping seamlessly into his smooth, confident, challenging persona. Alec took another deep, steadying breath trying to ignore that thrilling electric buzz that caused.
Alec liked that persona…
A lot…
Like a worryingly amount.
The confidence, strength, challenge and fire…the power…
Damn…
Seriously? Not the time.
FOCUS…
Magnus slinked away from the wall, movements practiced, casual, almost predatory.
Hmm… that was…
No…
Focus…
…..
…
..
On the current drama you idiot NOT how great Magnus's hair looks all tousled from your fingers running through it.
Probably how It'd look when he just rolled out of bed…
Damnit…
Dad walking in…
Yup…that did it…back on track.
Magnus gave a slight smirk, tilting his head, eyes sparking bright with challenge.
"And…what does that mean? I don't believe we've really even met…John is it?"
He shook his head.
"Simon…Simon Lewis. And no we haven't. I've only been here a few weeks, haven't been on anything that'd peak your interest." he sighed, giving a faintly sheepish shrug.
"Look, I didn't mean that as an insult or anything, but seriously it's not like you try to hide the fact you're not straight…like at all.." He startled, shaking his head frantically.
"Once again not a judgment! I actually think it's pretty amazing that you are so comfortable with it. I wish I had half that level of confidence…in anything.
I end up a failing, blushing, tongue-tied mess when people give me disapproving looks for taking too long fixing my coffee in the morning. If I thought every person just automatically knew my sexuality I think I'd like spontaneously combust…whichI'd probably happily take that over any of them actually commenting on it...or lecturing me about it…
Umm…" he trailed off, flushing again, scratching nervously at the back of his neck.
Magnus's eyes sparked, glancing over, quirking his eyebrow. Alec looked back curiously before it clicked. He blinked in surprise…
Oh…
Oh, wow…he really did catch a break here…
What are the odds?
Simon cleared his throat, fidgeting, beginning to fold his arms before stopping, settling for a slight shrug and flip of his hand, glancing back at Magnus, meeting his eyes.
"A-anyways…you can't tell me it sets right with you. A murder case being swept under the rug and forgotten just because the guys dad would actually rather his sons murder go unsolved than risk it coming out in the press that his son was gay? I mean…t-that's really messed up…" he looked from Magnus over to Alec, giving a slightly helpless shrug.
"I was going to see if you'd found anything that might be helpful on the case before you got shut down."
Alec stepped forward, tilting his head.
"You were gonna look into the case yourself?"
He sighed, giving a faint nod.
"I know getting caught would pretty much be career suicide but…" he trailed off, shaking his head.
"This guy was murdered…We don't know who did it or why. The only thing we know about it is he was gay…and apparently most of the department thinks that one little thing means his death is inconsequential- warranted even, like it's just to be expected. Even his own damn father thinks that…" he shook his head, looking back at Alec.
"We're detectives. We are supposed to stop criminals- not give them a free pass just cause looking for them might cause a bit of embarrassment for some close-minded politician who can't deal with his son being a bit different."
Alec blinked in surprise, glancing over at Magnus. He tilted his head, giving a faintly impressed nod. Alec nodded back, turning again to Simon.
"You're right…we think the same thing. We're working it still…figure if we can find out what happened and build a solid enough case they can't just ignore it, no matter how much they may want to. We were going to get copies of whatever information may be useful, just in case anyone catches wind of what we're up to…or if my dad tries to ban Magnus from the precinct...which is a distinct possibility. That's what we were doing when you came in."
Simon quirked his eyebrow.
"Uhh…"
Magnus rolled his eyes, giving a flippant wave.
"Before that…and that wasn't what it looked like."
Simon gave a faint laugh.
"Guys, it's fine, really your secret's safe with me I w-"
"No really it's not." Magnus interrupted, shaking his head. He turned from the two, striding over to the file cabinet, retrieving his camera, turning back to them, holding it up.
Simon tilted his head in bewilderment.
"Okay…I'm kinda confused…"
Magnus shrugged.
"Well, we have information that the victim frequented a gay club…an illegal one- not that there's such a thing as a legal one. I know where it is and wanted to go there to ask some questions. Alec wanted to come with me so he could interview potential witness's as well but…well…underground gay club…head detective? Not really the best combination. He assured me he'd just focus on the case but I had no way to ensure that he'd be true to his word…" He held the camera up, waggling it faintly.
"Now I do."
Simon blinked looking between them before it seemed to click.
"Oh! Okay…that makes sense." he glanced over at Alec, suddenly looking nervous.
"Umm…s-so…about what I said…or didn't say…about…umm, about me…"
Alec shook his head.
"Simon it's fine. I won't tell anyone you're gay, I give you my word, alright?"
He relaxed a bit, nodding gratefully.
"Thanks…though I'm not…well…not totally in any case. Though most people kinda see it as an all or nothing type thing."
Magnus shrugged, smirking.
"I don't…I'm actually bisexual, but I don't generally bother correcting people most of the time, they're not worth the effort and I do not have the patience. You are right though; few people seem capable of making the distinction."
Alec gave a surprised laugh, an impulsive burst of recklessness cropping up, he shrugged.
"I get the distinction; don't know why it's so hard for people to understand. I mean, in theory I can understand someone being attracted to both men and women…though that's most definitely not me."
Magnus seemed to falter, some of the bright spark falling from his beautifully deep brown eyes.
"Oh…it's not?"
Alec shook his head, smirking.
"Nope…
I have absolutely no attraction to women whatsoever."
Magnus blinked in surprise, the pretty spark coming back, even brighter than before.
"Y-"
Alec nodded.
"Yeah…."
Magnus shook his head faintly.
"I-y…you know that bit of information would have worked with the whole trusting you with the gay club thing?"
Alec chuckled.
"I know…I thought about it...kinda liked your idea better."
Magnus blushed, swaying closer, gaze flickering from his eyes down to his lips, than back up again.
"Oh?"
Alec smiled, leaning in a bit more.
"Yeah…oh…"
"Ahem…"
They startle again, glancing over at Simon. He didn't look as embarrassed this time, just kind of amused, quirking his eyebrow, giving a slight wave.
"Sorry to interrupt but, umm, I'm kinda still here…so about the case?"
Magnus nodded, reaching up, fiddling with that little silver dragon thing on his ear, a little nervous tic Alec had picked up on over the last two years.
"Right! The case...So we were going to get copies of whatever seemed useful here than head over to Chaos. I take it you would like to help us on the case as well?"
Simon began to nod, but paused, tilting his head, holding up his finger.
"Umm yes…so long as I don't have to kiss you to prove my loyalty or whatever. No offense buddy but you're not really my type."
Magnus gave a surprised laugh, shaking his head, waving him off.
"I don't really think that's necessary…just don't go around jabbing your jaw about the club and it'll be fine. Anyways the help would be appreciated, really with the four of us working it we'll be able to cover things far quicker and hopefully figure out the truth before anyone even realizes what we're doing."
Simon blinked, tilting his head in confusion. Alec was kinda with him on this one, he glanced over at Magnus.
"Four of us?"
Magnus nodded eagerly.
"Yes, I'm sure once Raph finds out what we're doing he'll want to help…he tends to be rather protective of me. I choose to find it endearing."
Simon faltered, seemingly confused, looking between the two of them before settling back on Magnus.
"Raph?"
Again Magnus nodded.
"The owner of Chaos. He's my best friend. The darling knows nearly everything about this city. He may not know the victim personally but he's very observant and the victim was pretty distinctive looking…I'm sure if anything Raphael can point us in the right direction. And truthfully once he finds out the details about the victim I will not be able to shake him. He seems to be of the opinion that I'm a walking, talking, trouble magnet."
Alec snorted.
"Wow…he really does know you."
Magnus chuckled, shrugging.
"Eleven years'll do that."
Simon tilted his head, again glancing between the two.
"Raphael?"
Magnus nodded.
"Raphael Santiago…you've heard of him?"
Simon blanched faintly, flailing, bright golden eyes wide.
"Umm…y-you could say that."
Magnus smiled, waving him off.
"Don't worry dear, Alec had much the same reaction. I swear he's nowhere near as bad as people make him out to be. Raph is a good man…A bit rough perhaps, but a good man nonetheless. And I am sure he will be happy to help us."
Simon quirked his eyebrow.
"Raphael Santiago, happy to help…
Raphael Freaking Santiago?"
Magnus chuckled.
"Okay maybe 'happy' isn't the right word. He'll be grumbly, snarky and slightly irritated…but that's pretty much his usual state. The point is he'll help. So we'll have two detectives, a reporter, and a crim-well connected, highly diversified businessman working on this. I am sure we'll have it figured out in no time."
Simon swallowed nervously, glancing over at Alec questioningly. Alec shrugged.
"I know, it seems insane…but the victim's widow said he spent a lot of time in the club. It's a logical place to search for clues. We need to do this fast, and if there is anyone in this town that could get info on a murderer fast he'd be my first bet…
It's a good place to start."
Magnus smiled, reaching over squeezing Simon's shoulder reassuringly.
"We have a couple things to copy here first, we can split up in here, find them faster, then we'll head over to the club; I take it neither of you have been? I really think you'll like it. Chaos is a sanctuary for people like us, it really does help."
Simon fidgeted, brushing his hair behind his ear, nodding quickly.
"Sounds great but the club isn't the part I'm worried about."
Magnus gave a gentle smile, patting his shoulder.
"It will be fine dear; you are worrying over nothing. Raphael is SO much more than a colorful, intimidating reputation."
Simon swallowed nervously.
"Yeah…that's what I'm worried about."
{*~********~*~********~*} *-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-* {*~********~*~********~*}Oh crap…
Oh man…what the hell…
How does he get himself into these situations!?
He was trying to help damnit! Do something good. Protect the people, find justice for someone this ignorant, backwards society deemed as nothing simply because of one stupid, tiny, insignificant little quirk. One little difference that so very few humans seemed capable of wrapping their heads around.
He had no clue why sexuality was such a sticking point with these people. I mean really, who cares? Why does it matter if someone is attracted to their own gender ratherthan the opposite, or if they like both or neither or whatever else? Seriously, as long as it's consensual and all parties involved are capable of consenting why does it matter to anyone else?
It's one of the things that's always so baffled him about human society. How they could take a small, superficial thing that has no baring whatsoever on what kind of person someone actually is and turn it into the only thing that matters about them. It's utterly baffling and kind of takes away some of the appeal of the whole 'protecting humanity' thing.
Honestly when he first heard of some of the lackadaisical approaches some have taken, choosing to abandon the fight, washing their hands of it, opting to just leave the humans to the demons, figuring they're not worth fighting for he couldn't believe it. That any warlock would be so very cold and apathetic…
Not gonna lie after six months of living among them, yeah…he kinda gets it.
Especially when it comes to stories like with this case.
He'd heard of the turn in the case, it being dropped. A couple of the loudmouthed jackasses were jabbering on about it. About how bad they felt for the mayor having to deal with such an 'embarrassment' but at least this way it can all be put to rest and he can move on. Acting as if this poor Eugene guy was some repulsive 'thing', nothing more than a complication the mayor had to endure rather than his own freaking son and an innocent person who was brutally, senselessly murdered.
It was absolutely repulsive…
He hoped the poison oak spell he used was particularly potent, and particularly meandering and aggressive; they deserved it. It was unbelievable how cold and callous so many of these people could be just because of some trivial little thing.
Say what you will about warlock society, they may have their issues, misplaced priorities and convoluted plots (He'd be one of the first to admit it…there's a reason he's living over two thousand miles from the coven he grew up in after all) but at least this wasn't one of them.
Whatever, they can decide to just write Eugene off as nothing, turn their backs on the guy just because of one little thing but Simon sure as hell wasn't going to. Head detective Lightwood was smart and a good man (Hell of a lot better than Chief Lightwood, that's for damn sure). He may not be willing to disobey a direct order but he doubted he'd out and out block Simon from pursuing the case. The guy didn't seem the type to let a murderer go free simply to avoid a bit of political embarrassment.
Simon had hoped he'd maybe point him in the right direction, give him a few leads to pursue (or at the very least not rat him out for looking into it.). Figured he'd just ask…I mean really, what's the worst that could happen?
Pfft…
He needs to learn never to say that phrase…or really even think it too loudly, cause apparently that simple innocuous little phrase is in actuality an outright challenge to the universe.
And oh boy did the universe know how to rise to the challenge.
They're finishing up their evidence collection thing in the records room now. He figures he's got maybe ten minutes tops before they finish up and are ready to head over to this 'Chaos' place and he is freaking the hell out, okay?
He's running out of time. He has to think of something, anything, any way to get out of it but he is just drawing a total blank. He can't say he just all of a sudden doesn't mind the case being dropped. One that's stupid and twohe's not that good of a liar.
Maybe say he'll man the search here, they could go along to the club and fill him in on what they find?
No…that won't work…They know he's not straight, and he sees how oppressive and constrictive this society is for people who aren't. To literally any of them this Chaos place would seem like paradise…criminals be damned he doubted any would pass up a chance at something like this.
Hell even Alec seemed eager to go and he's a freaking Boyscout and the straightest arrow Simon's ever seen -Well…figuratively speaking…he got that the guy was gay like twenty minutes after meeting him…but the fact that HE actually realized it…much less admitted it to anyone totally threw Simon for a loop…SO did not see that one coming. If the head detective and son of the Chief wasn't gonna freak out and make a fuss about the whole criminal aspect then he really couldn't.
I mean maybe he could say he didn't want to risk his career as he was fairly new…that might work…
Well…it would have if he didn't already tell them he knew looking into this was career suicide and he didn't care.
Crap!
Seriously there is no out here, and he is SO screwed it's not even funny.
He was trying to help damnit!
He really was…
Raphael Santiago.
Raphael freaking Santiago.
And Magnus is his BEST friend? Has been for eleven years?
What!?
How the hell does an overly flamboyant, flashy reporter become best friends with one of the most feared, most powerful demons in existence?
How does that happen?!
And how the hell does Simon end up stumbling ass backwards into a meeting with him?
A meeting at his club…
In his freaking lair.
That Raphael's best friend is bringing him to…
I-is this some kind of plot? Is it like a demon sacrifice or offering or whatever?
Is that it?
Does Magnus know?
Simon glances over, trying to be subtle, mentally saying the spell to check for a demonic trace but coming up blank.
Well…no…not totally blank.
Huh…there's a trace of demonic energy, but it's odd. He's not a minion, Simon can tell that for sure, but there is something. Magnus did say they were best friends, that Raphael was quite protective of him. Perhaps it's some kind of shielding spell?
He didn't know, he'd never heard of a demon being 'friends' with a human, that didn't make any sense. Demons didn't see humans as 'people', more like prey, or toys, maybe at most like a pet or the equivalent. Something to boost their power, keep them busy. None of this made sense. He didn't know why the demon was so protective of Magnus… but it didn't really matter, did it?
He was going to be walking into the lair of one of the single most feared demons in existence with someone very much under said demon's protection…
Without any warning whatsoever…
All Raphael is gonna see is a Warlock hovering around his 'best friend'.
Oh my stars this is SO, so, so, so bad.
What's he supposed to do? Is there like, a time out/I come in peace sign to show this isn't a threat or attack or whatever?
I mean no way one of the most terrifying demons alive is gonna actually see HIM as any kind of actual threat but still on principle a warlock coming into a demons lair is generally viewed as a threat…Regardless of how totally non-threatening said warlock actually IS.
And short of pulling Magnus aside and trying to explain the whole warlock/demon insanity there's no way out of it.
None…
And if it gets out to anyone he revealed Magic to a human his powers would be bound (One of the many, many 'rules' he takes issue with).So either he reveals Magic to two humans and ends up getting his powers bound OR he doesn't say anything and just goes traipsing into the lair of one of the most feared demons in existence.
Oh my stars, he is so screwed.
Any way you look at it, he's screwed.
What i-
He startles at a hand at his shoulder, flailing slightly whirling, round eyes wide. Magnus jumps blinking in surprise at the rather over the top reaction, holding his hands up placatingly.
"Sorry for surprising you darling, I tried to get your attention a few times but you seemed quite lost in thought. Did you find something?"
Simon blinked, shaking his head.
"Oh uh no…sorry…my mind was just kinda wandering. It kind of does that a lot. What were you saying?"
Magnus smiled, shaking his head.
"Nothing, I didn't mean to interrupt, but I do believe we have everything we need. We're getting ready to head out now."
Simon gulped, nodding like a bobble head, fidgeting nervously.
"Oh, uh…o-okay that's umm…that's good."
Magnus tilted his head in confusion before something seemingly dawned on him, he gave a kind smile, gently squeezing Simon's arm.
"Darling relax. I know he has a somewhat fearsome reputation but I promise Raph is nothing like you've heard, and the club truly is wonderful."
Alec came over, flashing a reassuring smile.
"Simon I know how crazy this seems and I get it but I really do think this is the best way to find out about our victim. Also I just learned there's an actual gay club in town. I've lived here my entire life, I had no idea- I've never even heard rumors of one. Truth be told I'm kinda looking forward to getting to check it out. I mean that does seem pretty interesting, right?"
Simon swallowed, nodding, pushing his hair back.
"Y-yeah it does…It's just…"
Alec shook his head.
"I know, Like Magnus said I reacted the same way when I found out who ran the place. But…I mean…If he's running a club- a place for people like us, to give us somewhere that we don't always have to hide and be on guard and all of that crap? That…that kinda gives him a couple points in my book."
Yeah…but WHY is he running a gay club…what's the angle?
Again Simon nodded.
"Yeah…you're right…j-just everything I've heard seems pretty intimidating…"
"I know, me too. But honestly, if the guy's Magnus's best friend he can't be that bad…right?"
"Unless Magnus just has really crappy taste in friends…" He muttered before startling, realizing he said that out loud.
"Oh! Sorry I didn't m-"
Magnus laughed, shaking his head, waving him off.
"Quite alright dear. But for the record I am an excellent judge of character. Raphael may be a bit rough but he is a good man, probably one of the best people I know."
Simon snorted.
"Do you not know many people?"
Alec burst out laughing at that, shaking his head, clasping Simon's shoulder.Magnus quirked his eyebrow, grinning.
"Oh, you're quite feisty…"
Alec nodded, flashing a bright smile Simon's way, squeezing his shoulder.
"Wow I'm really glad you're helping us on this…Should be interesting. We'll probably need a couple laughs on this one."
Simon just barely managed to keep the eyeroll internal.
Oh great, apparently he's now the comic relief…
Well…maybe that's a good thing.
At least the comic relief generally survived the story. One thing's for damn sure, he needs to get that blurting thing under control ASAP cause that could get really bad really quick.
Alec chuckled again, squeezing his shoulder once more glancing over with a reassuring smile.
"And come on; wild rumors and reputations aside he's just a guy, same as anyone else. Not like he's some vicious, evil, monster right?"
Simon flailed, giving an overly loud, kinda high pitched giggle like laugh and a way too wide, entirely too fake smile, nodding quickly.
"R-right…So…we ready?"
The other two nodded, beginning towards the door, Simon trailed behind, trying to keep from panicking, hyperventilating or passing out…
Though compared to the alternative…
And again…
Crap…
{*~********~*~********~*} ***End Of Chapter Notes*** {*~********~*~********~*}Okay…so…anyone see THAT coming?
Hey I DID repeatedly point out the 'Twist' part of the verse name…
I know it seems insane but I swear I know where I'm going with this (Literally I have 10 stories planned
-*-*-*-*-*-*-40'sDetectiveNoir-*-*-*-*-*-*-
* 15 *