-*-*-*-*-*-*-40'sDetectiveNoir-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Chapter 6:
Meeting Your Destiny
{*~********~*~********~*} *-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-* {*~********~*~********~*}Oooh…crap…
Oh… he was so screwed it wasn't even funny.
Simon took a deep breath, trying his best to steady his nerves, keep his heart rate normal as they made their way up the stairs. It wasn't really working, every step he felt his nerves growing, heart rate speeding up, breathing becoming more and more difficult.
He thought he was ready- well, you know, as ready as a twenty five year old warlock barely six months away from his coven COULD be to just wander totally unannounced into the lair of the single most powerful demon in 777\
He expected fear, anger, indignation, expected repulsion and disgust at the total disregard for humanity…
He expected that…
He planned for that…
Made peace with the fact that the demon would know this, see this, see every last flit and flicker of emotion…
He prepared for all of that…
But this?
Oh my stars, Raphael was the single most gorgeous person he had ever seen. He was mind numbingly beautiful, like some insane fantasy come to life…
And THAT was the freaking demon he's trying to face?!
What the hell?
How could he possibly prepare for that?
Oh my stars, He can't face a freaking DEMON who looks like that! He's gonna be a blushing, stammering mess…And the demon is gonna know! He's gonna know everything, SEE everything, will be able to sense it, sense every last embarrassing, awkward, pathetically desperate little reaction.
Every. Last. One.
Will practically be able to read his mind…
See his thoughts…
Oh my stars, he is SO unbelievably screwed it's not even funny…
Why the HELL did he have to go nosing around? Why couldn't he just leave it alone? Why did he go and push himself onto a case? Why couldn't he just learn to keep his damn mouth shut?
He should have backed out…
He could have…
He had the opportunities…At the door, in the creepy ass 'gateway to hell' entrance (Which he SO should have taken as a clue), at the precinct…Hell even on the ride over…
They weren't moving that fast, he could've probably tucked and rolled and managed to keep from getting too banged up…
Sure as hell would've been less painful than this.
Oh my stars…
This was SUCH a bad idea… so much worse of an idea than he ever even imagined…
You know…he is at the back of the group. Maybe he can just turn and run? He may be uncoordinated and kinda flaily but he IS pretty quick.
Magnus reaches the top floor first, smiling, striding towards the railing, Alec following behind at a more cautious pace. Simon casts a last longing glance back, hesitating a moment before giving a slightly defeated sigh, taking the last couple steps up to the landing. He steps off the last step glancing around and kind of freezes like a deer in the headlights.
Oh crap…
He's even better looking close up…
Damnit…
And oh my stars, the sheer power coming off him was absolutely unmistakable. It was so much stronger this close. Stronger than Simon ever could have imagined. It was literally a tangible thing; he could feel it in the air, on his skin. A buzzing, dizzying, electric tingle, like a living heat that kind of makes Simon's breath catch and his head a bit fuzzy. It's mysterious and terrifying and oddly thrilling, making him feel reckless and near giddy. It's at the same time utterly terrifying and worryingly captivating.
Oh my stars this is SO bad…
He glances over at Magnus and Alec, trying to gauge their reactions but they seem totally fine. Magnus seems happy and relaxed and Alec, while somewhat cautious doesn't seem to actually feel anything out of place. Simon just barely manages to keep from flailing.
How the hell do the humans NOT feel that?!
He SO should've tucked and rolled and ran like hell…
Bit too late to do that now…
Simon swallows, trying to get all of…well…THAT…under control, stealing himself as best he can for the insanity, fear and embarrassment that was sure to come. He took a deep, centering breath, shifting his gaze from the two humans back to the demon, trying to prepare himself for the fallout.
Raphael is standing at the rail, lounging against it, completely at ease. The kind of total ease and confidence that comes from knowing unequivocally that you are in total control. Simon himself has never actually HAD that feeling but he knows enough pompous, overconfident jackasses to be able to spot the look a mile away…
Though when it comes to Raphael Santiago he kinda doubts there is such a thing as 'overconfident'.
Raphael pushes off the rail, slinking over to Magnus, giving a warm smile. Magnus returns the smile, reaching forward, slipping his arm around Raphael, greeting him with a quick hug and a light kiss to his cheek. Raphael smiled affectionately, slipping closer, lightly squeezing his arm. Simon sees his eyes flicker black, shifting over Magnus, subtlety checking for any ill-effects, a glimpse of genuine concern shimmering in those dizzyingly deep eyes that kinda bringing Simon up short.
Huh…
Okay…not really expecting that…
He knew Magnus considered the Demon his best friend and he assumed Raphael would have some vague attachment to the man, probably be protective. However he figured it'd be more a possessive 'don't mess with what's mine' type of protective. He was not expecting genuine, empathetic concern. He'd never imagine seeing that in ANY demon- much less The Raphael Santiago...That was almost more disorientating than the uncomfortably magnetic feel of his power.
Weird…
Simon shook his head, trying to move pass the bizarreness of that and tune into the conversation. Raphael seemed to relax again, the concern leaving his eyes, replaced with a bright, curious glimmer, lips quirking into an annoyingly enticing, playful smirk.
"This is a rather unexpected surprise, what brings you out so early?" He paused, dark, bewitching gaze shifting from Magnus to Alec finally settling on Simon lingering, head tilting in that odd, near animalistic way, eyes glimmering black, curiously flickering over Simon.
"And who are your new friends?"
Simon squeaked faintly, Raphael's eyes brightened, a flash of amusement and excitement lighting the dark depths, eyebrow quirking near teasingly. Magnus blinked in surprise, glancing between them before getting a knowing, slightly scheming little smirk, eyes sparkling bright and mischievous. He reached over, resting his hand on Alec's arm, squeezing faintly.
"Well this is Alec Lightwood," He paused, striding from Alec over to where Simon was still hovering by the stairs at his nice, relatively safe distance, slipping his arm around Simon's shoulders, tugging him towards the other two.
Crap…
SO should've tucked and rolled when he had the chance…
"And THIS is Detective Simon Lewis." He finished, squeezing Simon's shoulder, glancing over at him, flashing a beaming grin, giving a bit of a flourishing wave towards Raphael.
"Simon darling? This is my best friend; the cranky, obnoxious, annoyingly charming, far too sarcastic, funny in his own way, and very single, Raphael Santiago."
WHAT?!
How the hell'd they get here?!
Simon just barely fought off another squeak.
Oh you have GOT to be kidding me. This situation wasn't insane and terrifying and awkward enough, he had to throw in the demon's busybody best friend playing freaking matchmaker?
How is this his life? Was he under some kind of curse he's unaware of?
This level of insanity is NOT normal!
He was trying to help damnit!
Raphael chuckled, rolling his eyes affectionately, slipping forward, waving Magnus off.
"Now Mags, enough of that, can't you see you're scaring the poor guy? Looks like he's about ready to run." he smirks, leaning in a bit.
"Relax detective...breathe. I don't bite...not like I'm some inhuman monster after all." he gives a soft, low chuckle, smirking, eyes flickering black, glimmering crimson.
Simon prickles a bit at that.
What an ass!
Wait…t-that actually helps…anger and annoyance are a hell of a lot better than blushing and squeaking. He can work with this…just focus on the jackassery.
This is the single most powerful demon in existence. He strikes terror into the hearts of even the most fearless of Warlocks and here he is practically taunting a warlock just barely striking out on his own, someone he knows damn good and well is no threat, couldn't even begin to be a real, serious, legitimate threat…
Ugh…
What a total jackass!
He feels a little flicker of something sparking to life inside him. That same uncontrollable stubborn, confrontational streak that made him tell off their seventh grade science teacher for making Jordan cry or Brock for pushing Lilly in the mud, or Coach Evans for making him climb the rope in front of the entire class when he knew damn good and well he couldn't.
It's bright and electric and kind of reckless…
Not exactly unpleasant.
He may not stand a snowballs chance in hell going up against the man but that doesn't mean he's just gonna stand there and take it. Simon takes a deep breath, relaxing, shifting faintly, flashing a blatantly fake smile with a kind of careless shrug.
"Huh…that's surprising. From your reputation I kinda figured that was what you were going for."
Raphael blinked, caught off guard, giving a surprised laugh, tilting his head.
"Well it does tend to work in my favor."
Simon nodded.
"And of course it always makes sense to play to your strengths…right?"
Raphael's eyes sparked bright, flickering over Simon in interest, meeting his gaze, slipping closer, giving a slight shrug.
"Well…one of them in any case…" He paused, extending his hand, eyebrow quirking challengingly, eyes flickering black, an odd crimson aura surrounding them, a glimmer of inky black flames flickering to life trailing from his outstretched hand up his arm.
Simon faltered just a moment, catching the little amused spark in those bizarrely bewitching eyes, that damn stubborn streak kicking right back up. He smiled, eyes flashing a bright glimmering gold, blazing neon green flickering around the iris edge, an electric green spark flickering from his palm up his arm. He reached forward, catching Raphael's hand in a strong, confident grip, meeting his gaze unflinchingly, eyes glimmering brighter, tilting his head.
"Hi Raphael, SO good to meet you."
Raphael's eyes glimmered bright, a dizzying spark of something unidentifiable flickering in the inky depths that sent an electric thrill clear down to Simon's toes, causing his breath to catch, pulse jumping. Raphael smirked, eyebrow raising, clearly catching the reaction, squeezing Simon's hand, drifting a bit closer.
"You too, Detective Simon Lewis…" he murmured, voice smooth and rich like velvet.
Simon swallowed, trying to tramp down that little whimper threatening to slip out…
Damnit…he REALLY doesn't play fair…
Not that he'd expect anything less from a demon…
Still…
Damn…
"Ahem…"
They both seem to startle, glancing over at the two humans, Simon quickly pulling his hand away, fidgeting slightly. Alec and Magnus are both staring at them. Magnus looks near giddy, like he's barely managing to keep from giggling, Alec just looks confused.
He doesn't want to know with Magnus, turning instead to address Alec, trying for a casual wave but missing by a good mile.
"So uh, w-we got the introductions out of the way, and we are kinda on a clock here. Maybe we should move this along?"
Alec seems to snap out of the confusion (or catch onto his desperate need for a quick topic change) giving a quick nod, glancing over at Raphael,
"Simon's right…this isn't really a social call. We actually wanted to ask you a couple questions."
Raphael blinked, locking his sharp, paralyzing gaze on the detective, quirking his eyebrow ominously.
"Is that so, Head Detective Lightwood?"
Huh…okay so apparently humans COULD actually sense the power, but just when it's directed specifically at them, they just don't know what the hell it is…
Alec gulped faintly seeming to falter, taking a hesitant step back, but giving a slight nod.
"Umm, yeah…well…"
Magnus huffed, swatting Raphael's shoulder, flashing an annoyed glare.
"Stop that, you're being a jackass…"
Simon took back any bad thought or faint annoyance he ever had towards Magnus, deciding in that very moment that he was just a bit platonically in love with the guy.
That was freaking awesome!
Raphael rolled his eyes, shifting his gaze over to Magnus, glaring. Magnus folded his arms, quirking his eyebrow staring him down for a moment, an entire battle of wills going on between the two.
To Simon's surprise Raphael was the one who caved, giving a slight huff, rolling his eyes yet again, slumping a bit with a slight shrug, stepping away from the nervously fidgeting detective.
Okay screw 'a bit'- he was totally platonically in love with Magnus…
Raphael sighed, gesturing agitatedly towards Simon and Alec.
"Mags what are you doing bringing a couple of cops around here? I cannot have that, you know that."
Magnus nodded, giving a slightly apologetic look, reaching over, squeezing his arm,
"I know darling, and I truly am sorry for catching you so off guard but it really is necessary. They're not officially here as cops, we just need some information to help on a case and time really is of the essence. It truly is safe, both of them gave me their word they wouldn't be bringing any issues to the club and I do trust them…" Raphael still seemed pretty firmly on guard, Magnus smiled, slipping his arm around his shoulders, hugging him faintly,
"Now don't give me that look. I know you trust cops about as far as you can throw them…which…well…it's you; that's still pretty far-" Raphael chuckled, smirking, tilting his head in acknowledgment, softening a bit,
Magnus grinned, squeezing his shoulder again,
"I know you don't trust them but you do trust me and I'm vouching for them- I'll take full responsibility for them. Raph, it's me okay? You and this place mean the world to me- I would never put that in jeopardy…
I would not…
I know we can trust them, okay?"
Raphael met his eyes for a moment, before giving a slight nod,
"Okay Mags I trust you…and I trust your judgment…" he paused, gaze flickering from Magnus back to Simon and Alec, locking eyes with both of them in turn,
"And while I appreciate the sentiment and admire the conviction- if for some reason your trust has been misplaced it will not be you that faces the consequences."
Oookay…there it is, the demon terror…
He kinda doubted it'd show up…
It's oddly comforting after all the bizarreness of the rest of the meeting…
Alec gulped, giving a quick, nervous nod, stepping forward. Simon couldn't help being impressed by that…
He himself took a casual step back…
He was impressed, not suicidal.
"That's totally understandable, and I never intended to put Magnus in the middle of this, but we really didn't have a whole lot of other options. Magnus did offer to come here himself, talk to people and just fill me in on the rest, but that is complicated and wastes time, which we really don't have. Also in all honesty I didn't want him handling any part of this case on his own; I really don't want to take any chances."
Raphael froze, eyes flashing black, tilted his head, gaze shifting from Alec to Magnus, eyebrow rising,
"Case?"
Magnus nodded,
"Yes, Alec and I were investigating it a-"
"Investigating it?"
Magnus again nodded,
"Yes, see Alec got a call out for a body down by the foundry a-"
"A body?"
Magnus huffed,
"Yes, a body-and if you'll stop interrupting me I'll get through this a hell of a lot faster."
Raphael growled, giving a flippant wave, eyes flashing, glimmer of red bright and dangerous, pitch black flames licking up his arms,
"Oh, please continue with telling me about you offering to go off on your own to investigate the murder of a known homosexual-"
Alec blinked,
"How do you k-"
Raphael rolled his eyes giving a spectacularly sarcastic look,
"Magnus is extra invested, the foundry is a notorious gay hookup spot and you are looking for info in a gay club- doesn't exactly take a genius to put that together…
Or why time is of the 'essence'.
Let me take a wild stab in the dark here.
The case is officially to be ignored- either because of general bigoted bullheadedness, limited resources or because some pompous, self-righteous ass with more money and political power than common decency will be mildly inconvenienced by said case. You're pissed about it, Magnus is pissed about it, the feisty, snappy little detective in training is pissed about it, so now you're all scrambling to get something on it before the jackasses in charge catch wind of what you're up to and the case is totally lost…
How am I doing?"
Alec blinked, tilting his head,
"Actually, pretty spot on…"
Raphael quirked his eyebrow, giving a dismissive shrug,
"Surprisingly detective I am quite familiar with the inner workings of the SBPD…as well as most law enforcement agencies. Particularly the systematic bigotry, the ingrained intolerance, racism, sexism, homophobia and complete disregard for anyone who doesn't fit their painfully limited views of what is acceptable and worthy of protection and justice…
Hence my lack of faith in such agencies."
Alec sighed, holding up his hand,
"Now I'm not gonna stand here and say there's no issues with the current system b-"
"Then don't Detective. We all know why you're here- and we are not gonna sugar coat it so you can sleep a bit better at night convincing yourself that it's just one little oversight. This happens all the time, near every damn day. Good, honest, 'god fearing', nepotistic, bigots with badges picking and choosing who does and doesn't get justice just because one stupid little, insignificant thing that doesn't make a damn bit of difference and says absolutely nothing about who or what a person is…
Deciding that people who don't think or look or act or feel exactly like them are somehow less than human, are unworthy of justice or help or care or compassion…
It is absolutely repulsive."
Alec scoffed, glaring, taking a slightly threatening step closer, moving toe to toe with the demon, practically towering over him,
"You think I don't know that? I don't see it? I have been a detective for over a decade. For god's sakes my father is the damn chief. I have been dealing with it day in and day out my entire LIFE.
I know the issues, I see them, I hear the comments and the jokes and all the other crap. I see it all, hear it all, am absolutely surrounded by it near every freaking day of my life. It is repulsive. It's disgusting and disheartening and at times near maddening…
But what should I do, huh? Run away? Stomp and glare and snarl? Find somewhere to just hide and bitch about all the problems and injustices? That's not a solution. It may be valuable in some ways, it may help some people and I'm sure there are plenty in this town that are incredibly grateful for it- but it doesn't solve anything, it doesn't change anything.
In order to fix something you have to first be part of it…
I can't change the entire system, I can't change the minds of close-minded, arrogant, bigots…I can't. I can't force people not to be miserable bastards. I just can't. All I can do is my job. I can control what I do. I can go in every day, get my cases, and do everything I can to see that those wronged get the justice they're owed and those who wrong others get the consequences they deserve…
That's all I can do.
That is what I am doing now.
That is what WE are doing now.
We came here because the victim was a regular. He wasn't a bad person; he was just a nice, normal guy. He had friends and family and a job and people who loved and depended on him and just because he happened to be a bit more obvious than most people were comfortable with near everyone seems perfectly content to just give his murderer a free pass.
Even his own father is more concerned with his political image than the fact that someone murdered his own son.
Yes, okay? You're right- you are absolutely right. We've been ordered off the case, and we get caught investigating before we have enough unequivocal proof that they flat out can't ignore it, then yeah, we are screwed.
Magnus will likely be banned from the precinct and me and Simon will get reprimanded for disobeying direct orders-
He'd be fired within his first month and I'd be lucky if I just got a suspension…And that's just the most basic part. People find out we're working it, they're gonna wonder why…and three guesses what explanation they'll come up with.
So yeah, we're kinda on a time crunch here, we don't really have time for all the posturing, insults and supervillianny dramatics. If you're so set on that then just multitask and do it while you help with the investigation.
Magnus seemed pretty convinced you would insist on that- or rather keeping an eye on him- which…I've known him for two years- there really is not enough supervision for him.
So what's it gonna be? Are you gonna help us or not?"
Magnus, Simon and Raphael blinked, frozen,
Alec quirked his eyebrow, folding his arms,
"Well?"
Damn…
"And I thought I was too belligerent." he thought,
The other's focus shifted from Alec to Simon
Simon swallowed, holding up a finger,
"I-I said that out loud, didn't I?"
Raphael chuckled, nodding,
"Yes…for the record your belligerence was far more entertaining… perhaps not quite as informative…
Far less wordy though."
"Well that's a first." Simon muttered,
Raphael quirked his eyebrow,
"That also supposed to just be in your head?"
Simon rolled his eyes, shaking his head, giving an animated, flailing wave,
"Uh No…that was the closest thing to a heads up you're getting before we all jump into this insanity."
Raphael laughed in surprise, eyes flickering black, tilting his head,
"Noted…" He flashed what almost seemed to be a real smile as opposed to the snarky- annoyingly attractive- smirk, shrugging, shifting his gaze from Simon to the other two,
"Okay then; Magnus is 'working the case' which means I'll be 'working the case' as well." He glanced at Alec, shrugging,
"Your speech was cute and very rallying and all that but if Magnus is gonna be traipsing about the city trying to track down a murderer with a possible issue with 'obvious' homosexuals I want him to have a bit more backup than a Boyscout with a badge and his plucky detective playing sidekick."
"Hey!" Simon snapped, glaring,
Raphael scoffed, quirking his eyebrow, smirk firmly in place, eyes shifting to inky black, crimson aura gleaming, pitch-black flames flickering to life about his arms, licking the air,
"What?"
Magnus stepped forward, nudging Raphael's shoulder, glaring faintly,
"Darling I get that you get snarky when you're worried…or angry…or bored…or conscious but that is really uncalled for. Alec is one of the best detectives I've met and Simon- while new- IS a fully accredited detective, he deserves just as much respect as any other member of law enforcement."
Raphael quirked his eyebrow,
Magnus rolled his eyes, giving a flamboyant wave,
"Yes, yes, fair point- any member of law enforcement who ISN'T a miserable, bigoted, homophobic jackass, alright?"
He shrugged,
"Fine…"
Magnus quirked his eyebrow, pointing,
"I mean it Raph- play nice. No tormenting the darling."
Raphael scoffed,
"Or?"
Magnus smirked,
"Or I'll sneak peroxide into your shampoo. I've a feeling your intimidating, glare-y, overdramatic menacing thing will be a bit trickier while looking like Lana Turner."
Raphael glared,
Simon gave a surprised laugh, eyes wide,
"Oh my stars…you wouldn't!"
Raphael huffed,
"He would. He did. He would do it again in a heartbeat." he sighed, giving a faint wave,
"Very well, I'll play nice…at least with them…I'm not making any promises regarding those we come into contact with on this 'case'. That will be decided on a jackass by jackass bases."
Magnus chuckled, shrugging, giving a slight nod,
"Fair enough."
Raphael shifted, glancing from Magnus back to Alec,
"So, let's get right to it, shall we? This victim, you said he was a regular?"
Magnus nodded,
"Yes, Eugene Dawson, twenty eight, medium height, rather striking red hair, fairly attractive. Ring any bells?"
He thought for a moment, giving a slight nod,
"Yeah I know who you're talking about, came in a lot with a blond guy, tall, English accent- definite couple."
Alec gave a quick, short nod,
"Leo- that's what his wife said- umm, she knew about this- all of it, apparently they met here, she's the one who said this might be a good place to start.
The boyfriend's in the clear though, he's back in England, has been for weeks and was supposed to be for almost another month. Apparently Eugene found out he was staying longer the day before his death."
Raphael nodded, making a faintly contemplative sound,
"You're investigating today and the foundry's pretty active so far as foot traffic goes, I'd assume it must have happened sometime either last night or very early this morning…"
He paused, tilting his head consideringly,
"Hmm…I didn't really talk to him much but he was a familiar face, wasn't overly sociable but he had a few other regulars he'd set and chat with. Kyle Weston's in here pretty often- actually he's down stairs now- light brown hair, work shirt? They talked pretty often, might be worth a chat.
Though you should probably hurry, he's been here already about half an hour, he's not really a bar fly- might have one more than he'll be off."
Magnus smiled before hesitating,
"Oh but the case-"
Raphael waved him off, flashing a relaxed smile, slipping over next to Simon,
"No worries Mags, guy leaves and I'm not sure when he'll be back- if time's this much of a factor you don't want to have to wait for him to wander back. Also the guy is rather skittish, he's not necessarily a 'bad' person but he has not made the smartest decisions in his life…he tends to be a bit weary… four people bombarding him with questions may be a bit overwhelming…" he shrugged, tilting his head faintly,
"Also, truth be told he's a bit twitchy around me."
Simon snorted,
"No really, I'm shocked…"
Raphael quirked his eyebrow, shrugging,
"Yes we'll generally that's not the case with most of our regulars; however a few months ago we had a slight incident. He'd had a bit too much and apparently some sports team of his wasn't doing too well and in his inebriated state he decided it was a good idea to take his frustrations out on one of my bartenders.
I did not like that and decided he was finished for the night. I had to toss him out…I…may have been a bit more forceful than was purely required and he…may have taken to flailing and hurrying for the exit whenever I begin his way…Probably would not be the best idea for me to go over.
Also as we are on such a tight time table we really need to get going on the generalities, get everyone on the same page as it were…" he paused, tilting his head as if in consideration, slipping closer, casually sliding his arm around Simon's shoulders.
"Hmm…"
Oooh…crap…
Simon swallowed, attempting to steady his heartbeat, trying to keep from passing out, clamping his mouth shut to cut off any embarrassing sounds,
Oookay…s-so he kinda thought he had a hold of the whole magnetic power thing…thought it was like a pool, wade in slowly, adjust, you're good. It seemed to help, focusing on everything that wasn't Raphael or when necessary focusing on all the obnoxious, thoroughly unappealing qualities; the arrogant smirk, the obnoxious eyebrow raise, the general jackassery…
He thought he had a hold on it…
H-he doesn't…
He really, REALLY doesn't.
Not when Raphael is right THERE, pressed up against his side. Like this the pull was unlike anything Simon had ever felt. It had been strong and kinda thrilling from far away but up close?
This close?
Oh my stars…it was absolutely electrifying. Dizzying, intoxicating, nearly hypnotic, at the same time both far too much and not nearly enough. There was a heat radiating from him, an overwhelming pull that was indescribable…
Hmm…it was so very tempting, inviting…it would be so very easy to just relax, settle into the warmth, turn into it, slip closer, tug him in, wrap his arms around, pull him close, feel that wonderful, intoxicating heat all along his body…
Hmmm…so VERY tempting…
The arm around his shoulders pulled him closer, fingers lightly trailing over Simon's arm, the touch seeming to slip right through the thin fabric of his dress shirt, feeling like it was on his bare skin, Simon breath caught, he clamped his jaw shut so hard it was nearly painful, flushing faintly. Raphael glanced over, catching his gaze, eyes flickering black, the crimson aura shimmering, a barely there glimpse of that smirk.
It's the smirk that catches his attention, slipping through the dizzying, electric buzz, shifting his focus back to the actual conversation at hand. Raphael seems to brighten, like a great idea just occurred to him, squeezing Simon's arm faintly,
"How about this? We can multitask; you guys go down and talk to Kyle, me and Simon will stay up here and he can catch me up on the rest of the details of the case. You two get what you can from Kyle, I'll stay up here- a safe, non-threatening distance away from him- and catch up with Simon. Once you are done we can regroup and begin the investigation in earnest…What do you think?" He paused, leaning in slightly, gaze catching Simon's, eyes slipping from Simon's eye's down to his lips, flickering back up, hand on his arm moving lightly, fingers dancing along his arm, touch sending a little shiver through Simon,
Raphael's eyes brightened, head tilting in a way that was odd, not quite human…kinda predatory…
It should be terrifying…
It's not…
It's really REALLY not…
Raphael smirks, eyes sparking bright,
"If- of course, that is okay with Detective Lewis here. Don't want to make him uncomfortable." He leaned in a bit more, voice going low and warm, taking on a soft, velvety quality,
"I did promise to play nice after all…"
Simon shivers, only just barely fighting down a rather pathetic whimper,
The crimson aura around his eyes brightens, a flicker of a sparkle in the inky black depths.
Damn him…he knows exactly what he's doing…
Simon gasps coming back to himself, flashing a slight glare, his own eyes sparking gold, glimmering green before schooling his features as best he can, glancing over at the two humans, giving a faint shrug,
"It's fine, You guys go talk to him before he leaves...we'll wait here and get caught up."
Alec tilted his head, looking over him in concern,
"You sure Simon?"
He smiled, nodding,
"Yeah Alec, thanks but it's really fine. Makes the most sense." He paused, nodding over towards Raphael,
"Especially if one glimpse of Raphael's enough to make the guy rabbit…go ahead, I'm fine…I really am…
Thanks though." he flashed another grateful smile,
Alec looked him over for a moment longer, clearly not really believing it, before sighing, giving a slight nod,
"Okay, if you're sure…It won't be too long."
Raphael chuckled, rolling his eyes,
"Relax Boyscout- you're plucky sidekick here will be just fine. He'll be right next to me…that's always the safest place to be."
Alec huffed faintly, Magnus reached over, catching his arm, squeezing gently, rolling his eyes exasperatedly at Raphael, flashing a faint glare,
"Ignore that sweetheart- It's rather hard to tell but that's in fact his sense of humor. He's just teasing…that's actually a good sign, means he likes you. Now come on, we have a possible lead we don't want getting away before we get a chance to question him."
Alec hesitated for another moment, again glancing back at Simon. He took a deep breath, giving a reassuring smile and a faint nod.
"Go Alec, they're right, we really don't want to miss our shot. You get that, I have this…we're good."
Raphael smirked, arm tightening, tugging him just a bit closer, nodding,
"You see detective, it's fine; Simon's got me."
Alec hesitated again,
Simon shook his head, giving a flippant wave Raphael's way,
"Ignore him Alec; he's just screwing with you because he's getting a reaction. I'm fine and the witness is getting closer and closer to making a run for it as we speak…go, please.
I swear I'm good."
Alec sighed, nodding, flashing a slight smile, turning for the stairs Magnus falling into step. Simon waits till they're out of earshot, then a couple more beats just in case. He nods faintly to himself before whipping his head from the stairs over to Raphael, shoving his arm off his shoulders moving away, glaring,
"You know Magnus is right? You can be a real jackass when you want to be."
Raphael gives a surprised laugh, shrugging unconcerned, flashing a slight smirk,
"So I've been told…" He sighs, shifting, giving a faint wave, leaning forward, eyes flickering over Simon,
"Okay this has been quite entertaining but we don't have much time- Mags talks fast and Brentwood's squirrelly as hell- he hears 'Detective' he's gonna be gone. Let's cut to the chase…
Why are you actually here Warlock?"
Simon scoffed, flailing slightly,
"Because I'm an idiot okay? Because I'm a nosy busybody who can't mind my own business, and can't keep my mouth shut. Because I suck at lying and apparently panic and flail like it's a freaking Olympic sport when I should be coming up with exit strategies- which I also suck at- but mainly I'm here because I stumbled ass backwards into this case with two humans, managed to cut off every viable excuse before I even realized I'd need them and then got to a point where my only option for actually getting out of it was hurling myself out of the back of a moving car…which would probably strike said humans as a tad suspicious…"
Raphael chuckled, quirking his eyebrow,
"So…it's just coincidence, you showing up here with my best friend?"
Simon flailed, gesturing wildly,
"Of course it is! You really think I just decided to wander into the lair of the single most feared demon in existence just for the hell of it? What, you think it's some kinda hazing ritual? A dare, I'm drunk or just flat out stupid?
I heard about the case- and about the case being swept under the rug, some loudmouthed jackasses yammering on about how sorry they felt for former Mayor Dawson- for his embarrassment about having a son like 'that'. Saying that at least this way it can all be put behind him and he won't have to deal with it anymore.
This wasn't some complication, it was his freaking son! And they're acting like Dawson should be Happy that this happened because he doesn't have to deal with it?" Simon shook his head, eyes flashing in anger, power flickering from his hands up his arms, an electric green aura sparking bright. He took a deep breath trying to get himself back under control,
He glanced away, shrugging,
"I know you don't believe me, but all I wanted to do is help. This guy was just a couple years older than me and just because he was a little different these people act like he was nothing, like his death was warranted…
It wasn't and it's absolutely sickening.
I knew Alec was ordered off of it and I didn't want it to just be ignored- he deserved better than that. I wasn't trying to get caught up in all of this- I just wanted to help. Figured if Alec wasn't working it than I would…
I didn't know him and Magnus were gonna keep working it…" He glanced up shaking his head faintly,
"And I definitely had no clue about Magnus's connection to you. I knew nothing about that till back at the evidence room when he mentioned you. Then I should have been coming up with an exit strategy but- again- I suck at that…so I panicked and I flailed and now here we are.
All I wanted to do is keep this guy's murderer from walking, keep them from getting away with it- or worse yet doing it again.
That's all…" He sighed, shrugging,
"I know you don't want to work with me…that you trust me even less than you do the cops- and quite frankly the feeling's SO much more than mutual. You are the single most feared demon known to exist. You're what warlocks toss into a scary story when they really want it to pop; you even give the elders nightmares.
I know this is totally insane and I'm sure I am gonna regret this but I don't see a whole hell of a lot of options. This case needs solved, there are two humans dead set on solving it. You want to look out for Magnus and after my stupidly determined assurance that I can't just let this case be forgotten they're not gonna believe I just somehow stopped caring.
I think we're both kinda screwed here.
We have to work together or we have to tell them why we can't.
I don't know if there's, like, 'demon' rules regarding humans finding out about Magic but I tell someone and it gets out I lose my powers, my coven expels me, and exiles me and I'm left totally mortal and completely alone living out the rest of my days as a human…
And quite frankly after six months of seeing how humans treat other humans?
With my mouth, my stubborn streak, my inability to leave well enough alone, my sexuality and my general annoyability I really don't like my odds without magic to back me up…
Hell, even WITH magic I don't know how I made it this far.
So I don't know where you are with this, but that's where I am…" Simon sighed, glancing down, leaning back against the wall, steeling himself for mockery or condescension.
"Well…looks like we're working together then."
Simon startled, looking over at him in surprise. Raphael shrugged, settling next to him against the wall.
"You're right the case needs to be solved…and I need to ensure Magnus doesn't get himself in over his head- which is nearly a full time job even on days that don't involve murderers and unprincipled, bigoted cops. I'm not going anywhere…and by the sound of it neither are you…
So again; it looks like we're gonna be working together…
Partner." He smirked, leaning in, extending his hand, eyes flashing black, glimmering, midnight flames dancing up his arm, eyebrow quirking in challenge,
Simon glared, eyes sparking gold, blazing green, electric green power crackling up his arm, reaching over catching his hand, squeezing firmly,
"Guess so…"
Raphael gave a little hum, eyes shimmering bright, squeezing his hand once more, tugging him a bit closer, Simon tried to keep his heartbeat steady, keep the hitch out of his breath, but there really is no hiding reactions from a demon.
Simon huffed, rolling his eyes, cheeks flushing faintly, eyes sparking brighter, tilting his head in annoyance,
"So should I just assume you're gonna be screwing with me the entire run of the case, or are you likely to get bored and focus on something else?
Like literally anything else…"
Raphael chuckled, shaking his head faintly,
"Hmm…yeah…I really don't see myself getting bored…you are quite entertaining…" He leaned in even closer, hypnotic black eyes sparking bright, glimmering crimson, fingers trailing teasingly over Simon's hand, the touch feather light and dizzying,
"Especially when your pretty eyes flash like that…"
Simon gave a soft, barely audible little whimper, flushing clear to his ears, glancing away, eyes flickering, pulse picking up,
"Mmm…I'm definitely not getting bored…
I think this 'case' type adventure will be quite…stimulating…"
Simon huffed,
"I think you are an ass…and when this is done I'm learning how to keep my damn mouth shut."
{*~********~*~********~*} *-Alec-*-Alec-*-Alec-*-Alec-*-Alec-* {*~********~*~********~*}"O-okay so it's not just me right? That was weird?" Alec glanced over as they made their way down the stairs.
Magnus shrugged, waving flippantly,
"Eh, weird is relative where Raph is concerned. He tends to get odd reactions. In truth I found Simon's behavior far more interesting- I had no clue the kid had such a snarky, confrontational streak!
Gotta admit, I quite like it."
Alec scoffed,
"Somehow that doesn't surprise me…look who your best friend is…and who YOU are for that matter. Like attracts like after all."
Magnus chuckled, shrugging, scanning the room,
"Fair point…ah, there he is…looks like we're cutting it a bit close," he zeroed in on the man in the work shirt pushing his glass back, beginning to get up.
Magnus sped up, quickly slipping over, resting his hand on the other man's shoulder, tugging lightly. Kyle startled, turning in surprise. Magnus flashed an apologetic, charming, slightly flirtatious smile accompanied by a faintly sheepish shrug,
"So sorry darling didn't mean to startle you, but I really need to talk to you."
Kyle blinked, eyes flickering over him appreciatively, shaking his head, kind of leaning closer,
"Hey, no problem, whatever you w-"
He trailed off, freezing, something clicking, taking a nervous step back, gesturing over his shoulder,
"Uh, a-actually I have to go…"
Magnus sighed, trying again, smile going slightly impish and teasing,
"Oh come now, No need to rush off…we just met. I'm-"
"You're Raphael Santiago's boyfriend and I don't have a death wish so I'm just gonna-"
Magnus gave a faint huff, rolling his eyes,
"Oh for heaven's sake's I'm not dating Raph! Why do so many people think that?" He grumbled, glancing over at Alec giving a flippant gesture.
Alec shrugged, moving closer.
"Well you guys are pretty close…and you do kinda bicker like a married couple. Also I'd never think anyone could get away with poking at him the way you do. It's not THAT far of a leap to figure the only way that's flying is if you're sleeping together…hell even then it seems a bit of a stretch."
Magnus huffed, giving a dismissive wave,
"Our relationship is nothing like that- never has been, never will be. I love Raph with all my heart but in a totally platonic, non-romantic, family kinda way and it's the same for him.
We are not boyfriends- we're best friends, family." he glanced over, flashing another inviting smile,
"So you see Raph isn't gonna go into some jealous rage just from us having a harmless little chat… you have nothing to worry about."
Kyle scoffed, eyes widening,
"Nothing to worry about? You JUST said that the scariest person in existence sees you as family- And I get the feeling he is VERY protective of his family. Look, you're really hot and everything but I don't want no trouble…
So again I'm just gonna have to go…" He gestured vaguely towards the door, beginning to turn.
Magnus shifted, ditching the flirting act just as quickly as he'd donned it, expression going sharp and challenging, grip tightening on Kyle's arm, tugging him back, flashing a sharp, kind of dangerous smile,
"Actually you don't, at least not until you talk to us. After that I really don't care what the hell you do. It is rather urgent, literal life and death…well…actually more so just the latter..." He used his free hand, gesturing towards Alec,
"This is head detective Alec Lightwood of the SBPD, we're trying to track down a murderer and are somewhat pressed for time, you're the only lead we have at the moment so you are gonna stay for a bit and answer our questions." he tilted his head, eyes flickering bright and dangerous, a touch of a threat in the deep brown depths that kinda sent an exciting little thrill straight through Alec…
Kyle didn't seem to have quite the same reaction.
He paled slightly, kinda shrinking back, holding his hands up placatingly, glancing nervously over at Alec, shaking his head,
"Uh l-look guys I'm sorry but I really don't want to get involved …I don't really talk to cops."
Magnus's eyes sparked bright, head tilting,
Ooh…Alec knew that look…
Long as it wasn't directed at him he loved that look…
Alec had to fight off a slight laugh…
Wow…couldn't have planned that better if he tried.
He already guessed where Magnus was going with this, Kyle played right into his hands…
Not that that was too surprising…
Magnus was sharp, tenacious and when he wanted to be shifty as hell. There's been more than a few times when he was secretly quite grateful the guy decided on a career that put him (Mostly) on the right side of the law.
And that was BEFORE he found out his best friend/family was the most feared crime boss (Oh sorry 'highly diversified businessman') in town. Alec tried to tell himself he didn't find this kinda dangerous, reckless, wild side as appealing as he did…
H-He…yeah he wasn't a very convincing liar.
Alec subtly leaned forward,
Magnus flashed a slight smile, giving a deceptively casual wave, and seemingly understanding nod, personality shifting again, expression invitingly friendly and empathetic. Alec wishes he could say it was just a show to trip up an uncooperative witness, but he knows it's Magnus thru and thru. Magnus on a normal day is kinda like a tilt-a-whirl; turns on a dime, always surprising even when you see it coming and leaves you feeling giddy, breathless and slightly drunk-
Poor Kyle's probably dizzy with all the twists and turns- that most definitely could play out in their favor.
Magnus smiles again, slipping closer, giving a slight shrug,
"That's quite understandable Kyle. I mean look at me…think I haven't had my share of run in's with backwards, jackass cops? I practically work at the precinct. I more than understand your trepidation dear…in your shoes I'd feel the same way."
He glanced over Magnus, gaze lingering, giving a slight laugh,
"Yeah, guess you would get it…Sorry I j-"
Magnus waved him off, flashing a relaxed smile,
"Nonsense, as I said it's more than understandable. I mean clearly Alec here isn't your typical homophobic jackass of a cop-
Probably wouldn't be so keen to work with me if he was.
And I suppose pointing out that he's not even here in an official capacity- that he's here off the books putting his own career on the line all in an effort to solve a murder his bigoted, close minded, jackass bosses want swept under the rug simply because the victim was like us and therefore unworthy of justice in their eyes wouldn't be enough to sway you either…right?"
Kyle seemed to hesitate, looking over Alec, gaze softening faintly but ultimately shaking his head,
"I-yeah I really am sorry guys but I just don't want to get mixed up in all this. It's great that you're doing that Detective and I truly wish you all the best luck with the case but I-I just really don't want to get into a thing involving the police.
I'm sorry." He shrugged, again beginning to turn away,
Magnus's grip on his arm tightened again, once more stopping him, tugging him back, eyes flashing sharp, dark and dangerous, squeezing his arm tighter than before, shaking his head,
"Yeah, actually Kyle? You don't really have much of a choice. I was trying to be nice- give you a chance to do the right thing on your own, but I'm kinda running out of time here and quite frankly I'm getting pretty damn tired of mollycoddling a fully grown man just because he doesn't want to be bothered.
I really am empathic to your hesitation, I am. However we have a murder to solve and a killer to catch so you being 'uncomfortable' around cops isn't really enough to just let it go."
Kyle blinked, going rigid,
"Look, I said I-" Magnus cut him off with a flippant, dismissive wave, flashing that dangerous smirk every so casually going in for the kill.
"Don't want to get involved with cops? Yes I heard you, I don't care. I don't care what you 'want', this is not about you. A person lost their life and we only have a day - two tops to solve his murder and get enough unequivocal evidence that the SBPD brass and political idiots can't ignore it. You are standing in the way…
That's gonna stop right now Kyle.
You are going to talk to someone working on the case, that's all there is to it.
However as I said I do understand your distrust of cops, and I understand your reluctance to talk to them…
So I will give you a choice…
You can either speak to me and Alec here…or you can talk to Raphael." He paused, tilting his head, shrugging,
Kyle paled, gulping faintly,
"R-Raphael?"
Magnus smiled, nodding,
"Oh yes, as I said the dear is family- he's rather annoyingly protective. If I'm working the case he is as well…
Plus you know, some nutjob murdering his clientele is kinda bad for business. He is quite determined to get this matter sorted. Quickly…" He shrugged, glancing at his watch,
"Actually he's probably already getting antsy- I'm sure he assumed we'd have the information we needed by now…" He paused, glancing over at Alec, flashing a quick smile,
"Alec darling? Perhaps you can stay down here with Kyle while I pop back upstairs and explain why such a simple task as a couple questions about last night is cutting into our time so.
I mean, he will be rather surprised- he assured me several times that Kyle here would be quite helpful…but I suppose he was mistaken." Magnus shrugged, flashing an unconcerned smile, and a slight wave towards Kyle,
"I'll just go get him- I'm sure he can find a way to encourage Kyle to be more forthcoming.
Be right back." He let go of Kyle's arm, turning, beginning back to the stairs.
He made it all of eight steps…
Huh almost twice as long as Alec thought the guy'd be able to hold out…Though he hadn't really accounted for the whole paralyzed with fear time addition…
That's probably the sticker…
Kyle flailed, nearly tripping over the chair, scrambling over to Magnus,
"NO! W-wait…there's no need for that, I'll help. I'll talk to the detective."
Magnus turned back, shrugging,
"It's quite alright dear, like I said I understand completely…" He paused, flashing a seemingly surprised smile as if he just got a great idea, moving back over by them, slipping his arm casually around Kyle's shoulders.
"Actually you know, if you are so very hesitant about the detective thing maybe you'll be more comfortable talking if Alec wasn't there with us, would that be better sweetie?" Magnus asked, tilting his head, looking over him curiously.
Kyle's eyes flickered over Magnus again, subconsciously shifting closer, nodding faintly, brushing his hair back.
"U-umm…yeah…that might be okay."
Oh wow…this was evil…the poor, misguided confused man…It's like he hasn't been paying attention…
Eh, it's understandable- Alec's known Magnus nearly two years and he still gets lost in the steps from time to time…
He really should have just agreed to help, do the right thing, answer a couple quick questions. He could have been done and on his way by now…
But he didn't and so…here we are.
Alec should not be enjoying this nearly as much as he is…
He schools his features as best he can, glancing over at Magnus, quirking his eyebrow questioningly. Magnus glanced over at him; flashing a fake apologetic look (it in no way covered the impish, mischievous little spark in those gorgeous brown eyes).
Kyle seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, relaxing faintly, sneaking another subtle glance over at Magnus.
"Sweetheart, I know you wanted to come here so you could get the info for yourself but the dear's so very distrustful of officers…
I know that's in no way on you but I really can't ask him to be so very uncomfortable…You understand right?" He paused tilting his head hopefully, eyes sparking bright and playful.
Kyle shrugged, nodding faintly.
Oh…that poor, naive man.
Alec tried to school his features, going for slightly disappointed and understanding, lifting his hand to his mouth seemingly in contemplation…in reality it was to cover the smile he couldn't quite keep from his lips (He really should not be enjoying this as much as he is damnit).
He sighed faintly, nodding.
"Well…I really don't like it but if it's the only way he'll talk. I mean I'm not even here officially, no badge, no gun…for all intents and purposes I'm a civilian…not like I could stop anything anyways."
Magnus's pretty brown eyes sparkled bright with laughter and surprise, a little extra spring in his step, flashing a grateful smile.
"Thank you so much darling."
Kyle nodded, glancing over at Magnus again.
"Yeah, thanks detective…sorry it's j-"
Alec shook his head, holding his hands up placatingly.
"Hey it's fine, I get it…"
Magnus smiled, nodding.
"Thanks again sweetheart, I really do appreciate this…you always surprise me."
Alec met his eyes, flashing a faint smile.
"Well…I have been working with you for near two years now…bound to pick up a few tricks, yeah?"
Magnus chuckled, shrugging.
"Mmm…definitely comes in handy…detective." he murmured, eyes sparking bright again…it wasn't the cute, impish spark like a few moments ago, this one was more heated, kinda like the one from back in the records room…
When he was 'proving' to Magnus he could trust him…
Hmm…that was someth-
"Ahem?" Kyle cleared his throat, glancing between the two, quirking his eyebrow slightly.
Ugh…okay…he didn't feel as bad now…
Alec shrugged, slipping right back into their odd little game, leaning against the tall bar table Kyle was at.
"It's fine, like I said right now I'm basically just a civilian. Take your time; I'll still be down here when you guys get done."
Kyle froze, eyes widening faintly.
"D-down here?"
Magnus nodded, flashing a smile.
"Yes dear that's what we agreed upon. Alec will wait here and we're gonna go upstairs and have a chat with Raphael, get this all sorted out."
Kyle gulped.
"Up…um…t-that's-"
"What we agreed to dear, do keep up." Magnus smirked, nodding, squeezing Kyle's shoulder firmly, turning, tugging him towards the stairs.
Kyle flailed, ducking under Magnus's arm, scrambling back over by Alec, setting down quickly quite close to his side, kind of putting Alec between him and Magnus (And the Stairs).
"Uh o-on second thought it's fine. I want to help; I'll talk to the detective."
Magnus tilted his head in concern.
"Are you sure dear? You seemed quite insistent…"
He gulped, nodding.
"I was, I'm not now…y-your right. This isn't about me, it's about some poor murder victim and finding his killer…It's about poor…
Umm?" He trailed off questioningly,
"Eugene…Eugene Dawson."
Kyle nodded quickly.
"Right Euge…w-wait…Eugene? Like Eugene, Eugene? Eugene and Ruth Eugene?" he asked glancing between them,
Magnus nodded, slipping over to the table, grabbing another chair.
"Yeah…"
Kyle blinked, shaking his head.
"But…t-that doesn't make sense…I just saw him last night. He was here, he was fine…I mean kinda agitated, but fine. He can't be dead."
Alec sighed.
"Unfortunately it's true. We found his body this morning over at the Foundry."
Kyle shook his head again.
"T-the foundry? Y-you gotta be mistaken. Eugene wasn't that kinda guy- he hated those quick hookup type places. Thought it was seedy and crass and just perpetuated a crappy stereotype.
That's about the last place he'd go…I mean he wouldn't be caught d- Oh damnit…that wasn't intentional, I swear, I just…you gotta be mistaken."
Magnus shook his head.
"We're not, it's him- we positively identified him. We talked to Ruth just a few hours ago."
He swallowed, slumping faintly.
"Damn…h-how's she holding up?"
Magnus shrugged.
"It's hard to tell this early but she was quite grateful the people investigating the case were some who'd actually care. That's why we're doing this. For everyone who cared about Eugene.
The department is trying to quash the case, we promised Ruth we'd get it solved…I don't want to let her down." Magnus glanced over, giving a slight wave.
"That's why I had to be rather insistent on your help."
Kyle shook his head, waving him off.
"Yeah, n-no that's fine…hell If I'd of known you were talking about Eugene I'd of helped…he was a really great guy- nicest guy you could ever meet.
W-what was it you needed? Whatever I can do to help, really."
Magnus gave a gentle smile, nodding thanks.
"We appreciate it darling, and you've already helped…you said you saw him last night here? You're quite sure?"
He nodded quickly.
"Yeah, positive…lost five bucks to him on the game. I was actually kicking myself cause I went over and paid him right when he got here and he didn't even remember- coulda kept the money after all but I had to open my big yap."
Alec tilted his head.
"He didn't remember?"
"Nah, like I said he was pretty agitated; a lot on his mind."
Magnus leaned forward.
"Like what?"
Kyle shrugged,
"I-honestly it just seemed like a pretty crappy day all around. Had a jackass client at work, boss was a jerk taking out his annoyances on him, just found out Leo wouldn't be back for another couple weeks, his car was kinda having issues, whole nine yards."
Alec shook his head.
"Okay, yeah I'd be pretty worked up after all that too."
Kyle nodded quickly, waving.
"I know! And then to top it off he had some kinda family type drama too."
"Family drama?"
"Yeah, guess he had to go see his dad- really not looking forward to it. Though I can totally get that. Eugene was a lot of things but subtle has never been one of them. Know it had to be pretty tense for the guy."
Alec swallowed, thinking back to the stern, dower looking man coming into the precinct flanked by his cronies. He could understand all too well what it'd be like for someone like Eugene growing up with that.
"Yeah I bet…" Alec shook it off, leaning forward.
"Um…so you were here when he got here, did you happen to see what time he left?"
Kyle thought for a minute, nodding,
"Yeah, right around 9:45, he was supposed to meet his dad at 10:30. He kept checking his watch, really didn't want to go but absolutely didn't want to be late…
Sounds like the guy was a real stickler for that kinda thing."
Magnus scoffed, nodding quickly,
"For a lot of things."
Kyle looked over at him, tilting his head,
"You guys met him?"
Alec hesitated a moment, before nodding,
"Yeah, he came by the station with a bunch of his cronies and yes-men. He's kinda one of the ones pushing to quash the case- doesn't want his name dragged into the press and all that."
Kyle blinked in surprise,
"Huh?"
Alec quirked his eyebrow,
"Umm…yeah…Eugene Dawson? He's Albert Dawson's son."
Kyle's eyes widened,
"What? Damn…no wonder the guy was so skittish going to the meeting."
Alec nodded,
"Yeah…so you can see why we were kinda in a hurry."
Kyle nodded back quickly,
"Oh yeah, definitely… man you guys are in deep aren't you?"
Alec scoffed,
"You have no idea."
Kyle shook his head, glancing over at Alec,
"Geez I really don't envy you on this…I really hope you guys can get this though. Eugene really didn't deserve this…I mean no one like, 'deserves it' but Eugene was such a great, warm guy…anything I can do to help I will."
Magnus smiled,
"Thank you dear, you really have been quite helpful. Can you think of anything else that might help?"
He thought before shaking his head,
"I-no…not really sorry."
Alec shook his head, flashing a grateful smile, reaching in his pocket, pulling out a pen and notepad,
"No need to be sorry, you really did help quite a bit. I think we're done and after the drama earlier I don't want to keep you, but can we get your information in case we have any follow up questions?"
Kyle flashes a slight not quite smile, nodding quickly, reaching over, taking the pen.
"Yeah, no problem…it's for Eugene. Anything you need just let me know." scribbling the info down, handing it back to Alec, hesitating for a moment, before reaching over, shaking his hand, squeezing,
"Thank you for this detective. I know with the department this kinda case usually goes to the bottom of the pile in general…adding in the political crap and you're really going out on a limb here…
Like I said if there's anything I can do to help just give me a call."
Alec smiled, returning the hand shake, nodding,
"Will do…and thanks again Kyle, we really do appreciate it."
He shook his head,
"No Detective- I appreciate it…any of us would." He paused, swallowing, flashing a slightly hopeful smile,
"It's good to know there are people in the SBPD that actually care what happens to us. We really don't get that."
Alec swallowed, nodding, shaking his hand again, squeezing firmly.
"I get it…believe me, I get it."
Kyle pointedly glanced from Alec over to Magnus before looking back, giving a slight nod.
"Kinda thought you might." He smiled, glancing over Magnus once more, eyes flickering over him appreciatively, shaking his head, giving a conceding shrug, shifting back at Alec.
"Gotta admit, you have great taste."
Alec blinked, beginning to shake his head.
"Oh um t-"
Magnus smiled, moving close, slipping his arm around Alec's waist, leaning against his shoulder,
"Thanks, but mine's better…"
Kyle chuckled, gesturing towards the door.,
"Well if that's everything I really do have to go…so long as it's okay of course?"
Magnus nodded.
"It's quite alright dear."
Kyle quirked his eyebrow.
"You sure? Don't want to seem like I'm making a run for it and have you tell Raphael I skipped out or something thinking I'm going into hiding." he chuckled.
The sound was echoed almost perfectly, sounding just beside him. A hand slipping up, casually squeezing his shoulder…it…almost seemed friendly.
"Oh now Kyle don't be ridiculous…there's no hiding from me."
He squeaked, turning.
"Oh! Uh R-Raphael umm…h-hey…didn't see you there…I was just telling your friend t-"
Raphael flashed a sharp smile.
"That you couldn't be bothered to help solve a murder until they suggested you talk to me, in which case you flipped like an Olympic gymnast?"
Kyle gulped shaking his head.
"Uh, umm…t-that's n-I didn't th-how d…"
He chuckled quirking his eyebrow.
"This is my place Kyle…nothing goes on here I don't know about…I heard every word you said…
Every. Last. One.
So there's really is no need for explanations…is there?"
He gulped, blanching, holding his hands up placatingly.
"I-I wasn't I j-"
"Did not want to inconvenience yourself?"
Kyle shook his head.
"No it's not that! Really I just...the cops, you know, don't really back us and I don't trust them."
Raphael hummed, tilting his head in acknowledgment.
"True...which is why it is so very imperative that we back each other when we have the chance.
I mean that's what you'd want someone to do on your case, right?"
Kyle pales, eyes widening.
"M-m-my case?"
Raphael nodded, shrugging, dark gaze slipping over him curiously.
"Yes, your case. I mean if you disappeared tomorrow you'd hope that people would care, right? That they'd be willing to help solve your disappearance...even if it meant them being mildly inconvenienced...
Correct?
Especially if you were lucky enough to have detectives like the ones on this case...ones that actually would care that you were gone without a trace, not just write it off as a product of a deviant lifestyle and a few foolish, kinda reckless choices...
Right?"
He gulped, glancing over at Alec kinda pleadingly.
"Umm...y-yes. I told the detective I'd help-anything I could. I-if I knew it was for Eugene I'd of answered right off the bat."
Raphael shrugged.
"Hmm...yes you did say that, and you were sincere..."
He nodded like a bobble head.
"I was! I really was. And about everyone'd say the same thing. He was a great guy, one of the best people you could ever meet- everyone loved Eugene. Everyone will want to help if it's for him."
Raphael tilted his head, giving a slight wave.
"Well I suppose we'll just have to hope people hold as high opinion of you as they do Eugene."
He paled even more, gulping.
"W-why?"
Raphael flashed a sharp, mysterious smirk, shrugging, waving him off.
"Hmm? Oh, no reason...now we have a case to work and as this has eaten far more into our time than it should have we really need to get a move on.
Don't leave town, if we need anything else we will be in touch.
Have a good night, Kyle."
He gulped, fidgeting.
"Uhh...I w-"
Raphael sighed, quirking his eyebrow,
"You were leaving, Kyle."
He flailed, turning and all but running for the door, nearly tripping in his haste.
Alec blinked, raising his eyebrows. Raphael glanced back at him, flashing a playful smirk and wink, sliding into the tall chairs opposite Alec, quirking his eyebrow right back.
"Well that was fun, onto business though, yes?"
Magnus chuckled, rolling his eyes, slipping into the chair Kyle had just vacated between the other two men.
"Darling that wasn't very nice..."
Raphael tilted his head, giving a deceptively innocent look.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. I was simply positing a scenario. Giving him a bit of perspective, allowing him to think beyond himself, and hopefully be more willing to go out of his way for others. I was really just trying to help him be a tad more compassionate."
Magnus laughed, tilting his head,
"Of course you were darling."
Alec glances between them shaking his head,
"Okay now I see the family resemblance."
Magnus grinned, slipping his arm around Raphael, smirking,
"It really is uncanny at times…isn't it?"
Alec nodded faintly before stilling, nervously glancing around,
"Uh where's?"
"Right here Alec…" Simon called, tone kind of exasperated but otherwise fine, slipping over, settling in the seat opposite Magnus, between Alec and Raphael, shaking his head, rolling his eyes, giving a slight wave towards Raphael.
"Didn't mean to throw you. He was just pretty insistent on doing his whole supervillian shtick and I really didn't want to get caught up in it. Don't really know what part I'd be playing- but I think I'm happier not knowing…
So Eugene was going to meet his dad? That's gonna be a hassle."
Alec blinked, looking him over curiously.
"H-how did you kn-"
He rolled his eyes again, jabbing his finger towards Raphael.
"Yeah the 'nothing goes on here I don't know about' thing? Kinda true…he's got the place wired for sound. We heard the whole thing."
Alec blinked, glancing questioningly at Raphael.
"That's…kinda underhanded,"
Raphael quirked his eyebrow,
"You sound surprised?"
Simon gave a surprised, bright laugh. Raphael glanced over, quirking his eyebrow. Simon shrugged, holding his hands up placatingly.
"Hey you said it…I was just agreeing…a lot."
Raphael smirked, eyes flickering, leaning in excitedly.
"What…you never break the rules detective? Look around; you're in an underground gay club shaking down patrons for information and chatting it up with one of the most misaligned businessmen in the country."
Simon gave a sharp laugh, leaning in, quirking his eyebrow.
"'Misaligned' huh? Haven't heard that one before."
Raphael smirked, shrugging, leaning closer.
"Well I do have quite the vocabulary."
Simon snorted.
"Oh, I'm sure THAT'S what poor Kyle was reacting to, your quick witted wordplay."
Raphael blinked in surprise, smirking, humming faintly, eyes flickering curiously over Simon.
"Is that what you react to…Detective Lewis?"
Simon flushed faintly before shaking his head, giving a sarcastic smile.
"Of course not…clearly it's your charming personality."
Raphael gave a surprised laugh, leaning closer, eyes sparking excitedly.
"I'm flattered… here I thought it was all about my looks."
Simon chuckled, shrugging.
"Yeah…well there's that…but you know, the supervillianish overconfidence kinda takes away from it."
Raphael smirked teasingly,
"Actually it just seems like overconfidence to those unfamiliar…I'm really quite modest."
Simon gave a sharp laugh.
"Oh please! You're about as modest as I am coordinated."
Raphael blinked, quirking his eyebrow waiting. Simon shrugged before pausing, seemingly just realizing what he said, rolling his eyes faintly at himself.
Raphael tilted his head.
"You k-"
Simon sighed, shaking his head, waving him off.
"Yeah, yeah I know, I heard it too." he huffed faintly, rolling his eyes, seemingly shaking it off, glancing around.
"Anyway…to get back to it, yeah Alec normally I'd agree it's underhanded but as we're on a time crunch, he already has it, and this keeps us from having to play a really annoying game of telephone think we'll just call it a win and move on…
So quick recap; Eugene was a good, likable guy, having a really crappy day which managed to get exponentially worse. Quick hookup spot was flat out not his thing so not likely the trip there was his idea, he'd had a drink or two- probably enough to take the edge off the visit with his dad …and he was likely set to meet with him directly after leaving here…
And that's everything, right?"
Magnus and Alec exchanged a quick, rather impressed look, nodding.
Raphael shrugged, giving a slight wave.
"Well, that's most of it in any case- good start."
Simon rolled his eyes, shifting his focus right back to Raphael.
"Oh, you just want to be difficult."
Raphael shook his head.
"No…as I said it was a good start, just not everything."
He huffed, giving a slightly flippant wave.
"Okay fine, I'll bite- what'd I miss?"
Raphael shifted forward.
"The added political motive?"
Alec leaned in.
"What added political motive?"
Raphael glanced over, quirking his eyebrow. Alec gave a slightly placating gesture.
"Hey, sorry for interrupting your whatever-the-hell this is but we're all working the case. What do you mean?"
He smirked.
"We-"
"Raph darling? We really don't have the time for this. Save the torment for the jackasses we encounter on the case- I'm sure we'll find plenty of them for you to get your little kicks in…
And if we don't we'll swing by and have a chat with the oh so charming first officers on the scene." Magnus cut him off, smirking.
Raphael huffed.
"Fine, I'm sure I'll find something on this case to entertain myself." He glanced over at Simon, quirking his eyebrow.
Simon rolled his eyes.
"Something else…literally anything else…There has GOT to be something more interesting on this case than me."
Raphael chuckled, shrugging.
"I don't know…you are quite entertaining…"
Simon huffed.
"I'm really not; I'm just hyperactive, way too damn stubborn and kinda flaily- it sometimes vaguely appears entertaining at a glance."
Raphael laughed settling closer.
"Well I-"
"Okay the political motivation you mentioned?" Alec cut off.
Raphael looked back at him, eyes sharp and arresting. Alec froze, swallowing nervously, fighting down the odd little shiver that slipped down his spine.
"Sorry for interrupting but we really are on a time crunch and the faster we can move the better."
Raphael stared at him for a moment, those odd, deep, unsettlingly dark eyes feeling like they could bore a hole clear through him. Alec just barely fought off the urge to fidget or try to hide…
"Raphael? Come on, we're working a case and the leads are getting further away as we speak. What's the political thing I missed?" Simon asked, hand lightly resting on his arm,
Raphael shifted his gaze from Alec back to Simon. Alec felt like he could breathe again, slumping faintly.
Geez…what the hell was that?!
It was like staring down a predator. Yeah, he was SO with Kyle on the Raphael thing. He shook his head, shifting his focus back, subtly slipping his chair slightly closer to Magnus,
Raphael shrugged,
"Well i-"
He's interrupted by the back Door of the club swinging open rather forcefully to an aggravated huff and a continuous line of grumbling, put upon chatter. A dark haired women in deep blue pinstriped men's style suit pants and a soft white shirt under a crisp, tailored dove grey vest thundering through, carrying a large, heavy stack of crates blocking her face, moving past the group without sparing a glance, heading straight to the bar, hefting the heavy load onto the counter, beginning to unload the items with practiced ease, all the while keeping up a running string of grumbling.
"Damnit Raph we need a new hand-truck! That jackass Grady ended up losing it down by the pier trying to show off and impress a group of dollies. Trying to show that he could move six crates at once….
He can't, he threw his back out, girls got a hell of a laugh and during his shrieking, flailing and spasming from the pain the idiot ended up knocking the damn thing off the pier and I sure as hell wasn't diving in after it…
These are new boots.
So we're out one handcart, six crates of booze and one inept jackass, I fired his ass on the spot…well…he passed out, couldn't really tell him, but I asked the cute little blonde who worked at the popcorn stand nearby if she'd tell him when he woke up. I told you he couldn't cut it, next time maybe you'll listen to me when y-
Alec?"
Alec blinked in surprise,
"I-Izzy?"
Raphael and Magnus glanced at each other before looking at the other two, Simon seemingly totally at a loss. Raphael shifted his gaze from Magnus to Izzy, tilting his head giving a faintly concerned look,
"Iz…you know the head Detective of the SBPD?"
She gave a slight smile and a seemingly casual, dismissive shrug,
"Oh you know, just biologically…" She shrugged, a blink and you'll miss it flash of nervousness in her deep brown eyes before it's covered by a wave of strength, confidence and swagger, giving a slight nod and a little unassuming wave, quirking her eyebrow, a sharp, confident smirk firmly in place.
"Hey big bro… been a while.
What's new?"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* *-*-*End Of Chapter Notes*-*-* *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*Oh my god I freaking LOVE this verse!
Kay so The political news wasn't actually supposed to get interrupted- I just kept getting sidetracked and had to get this chapter put to bed (And me too as it's now 4am).
I know we kinda tormented Kyle a bit but I was having too much fun with Magnus…
FYI I have a kinda different twist on the whole demon thing (which you probably figured out)…I actually have an entire backstory for that…well I have a lot of backstories- apparently I'm not content just to say 'this is this cause it's my story and I said so' I have to have an entire newly reimagined mythos to explain it…
Gotta admit, It's really fun.
Anyways what do you guys think so far?
-*-*-*-*-*-*-40'sDetectiveNoir-*-*-*-*-*-*-
* 42 *