*-*-*-*-*-*SlightlyEvilMagnusUniverse*-*-*-*-*-*
Chapter 5-
Even Vampires Get Nervous Sometimes…
Chapter Complete!Raphael Joins the guys to help on the case…
And flirt with Simon
*~********~*~********~* Raphael-Raphael-Raphael-Raphael-Raphael *~********~*~********~*God, Finally!
He thought the sun was never going to set…which is ironic as it's actually winter and the sun sets by about five…
Still, he was hard pressed to remember a day that seemed to take longer. He'd tried to make himself sleep in a bit, but just couldn't seem to. He was wide awake by noon. By this point he was going stir crazy in the apartment, trying to busy himself when it was quite clear sleep simply wasn't going to be an option, all the while impatiently watching the sun creep ever so slowly across the sky.
The view really was spectacular; he could see nearly the entire city skyline out of the large picture windows…
And thanks to an extremely complicated, flashy, nearly unnervingly powerful, he's-still-not-entirely-sure-how-it-works spell by a certain high warlock/best friend/pain in the ass, he can actually see it without, you know, bursting into flames.
Magnus in fact put some kind of enchantment over the entire apartment building, blocking all the UV light, making it safe for the entire Brooklyn Vampire clan to roam about the building at anytime of the day.
He's not gonna lie; there are definite advantages to having the High Warlock Of Brooklyn as a best friend.
They'd bought the entire apartment high rise complex about five years ago, as a kind of congratulations for having their probation lifted, finally getting out of the shadow of Camille's legacy after her not so untimely second death. She'd went totally power mad, completely disregarding the accords. Had in fact begun to hunt humans, turning people against their will as well as encouraging the others in the Clan to do the same.
Raphael had been totally in the dark to this, only finding out towards the very end. He and Camille had never really been close. That was never going to happen after the disaster that was her and Magnus's attempt at a relationship. Raphael had always thought she was more interested in Magnus's power than in him. She'd resented how close they were, was insanely jealous, convinced there was something romantic going on between them. She flat out didn't believe the ace thing, had on more than one occasion called him a liar about it, thought he was just being picky or over dramatic.
When they finally broke up Raphael had actually thrown an honest to god party…
Which- as he's generally completely against loud music, crowds, and frivolity in general- tells you exactly how happy he was.
Mags kept asking if he was sure he didn't have a fever, repeatedly trying to check his forehead…
(To be fair by that time he was really drunk)
He really would have preferred not to be in her clan, but Brooklyn was his home, had been since he and Magnus had moved here in the forties, and, while he did have Magnus as his family and nothing could replace that, vampires do much better in a clan, when they have protection and support from other's like them.
At first Camille tried to keep her transgressions secret, not only from Raphael but from most of the rest of the clan, save for a few like minded individuals. Eventually she became greedy, entitled and impatient. She grew angry having to hide, coming to believe that Vampires were superior to humans, better evolved…that they were entitled to be above humans, to prey on them.
That was absolutely unacceptable for any supernatural.
Her actions grew more reckless and bold and were eventually discovered. They had very nearly lead to the entire clan being sanctioned, deemed too dangerous for the human world, too much of a threat to the survival of the other Supernaturals. The only thing that stopped that was his stepping in, giving his word to fix it.
That, along with Magnus's backing (and his oh-so-subtle implications that a pissed off High Warlock was a hell of a lot more dangerous than a rouge Vampire clan) convinced the powers to be to relent, allow the clan to continue, minus Camille and a few of her very devoted followers, under the proviso that they would be evaluated every five years, to ensure that the clan was no longer a threat to the humans, or to the supernatural's continued existence, until they were deemed truly reformed.
It'd taken a lot of work, and a lot of very unpleasant decisions and very difficult calls on his part. There were quite a bit more sharing Camille's views than he'd originally thought. There were many times he had to be ruthless. He knew by now he had a pretty dark, bordering on infamous, reputation thanks in large part to that. adding to it were a few instances of other clans trying to push them out, push HIM out or overtake their territory (that wasn't the business of the accords or those in charge of them- as a general rule, the different factions were left to their own discretion, so long as whatever they were doing was not detrimental to the other factions or the humans.)
Still they made it through all of it. Five years ago they'd had their last evaluation, the powers that be lifting the proviso. Magnus did his fancy, flashy footwork and, well…here he is, anxiously waiting to watch the sunset totally not in pain or on fire.
That first month he thinks the entire clan just sat at their windows watching the sunrise and slip across the sky. It really was amazing…
Being able to see the sun, to get to actually see the city in the daytime, it really was the most incredible gift any of them could have ever hoped for. Not having to live every moment of their lives in darkness, it was something most Vampires only dream of.
Only now all he wanted was the darkness. He wanted the sun to set so he could join Mags on the case…
So he could again see Simon again.
And, you know help with the whole 'demon, summoning, bizarre deaths, humans panicking' thing
Magnus had texted him when he'd found the summoning sigil, keeping him up with the investigation. Told him about them going to Clary's shop, about her warning to Alec, and his relief of her giving the detective a protection charm…which was very nice of her…
Though he kinda wished she'd of given one to Simon too. Magnus had assured him that Clary didn't say anything about seeing anything negative around the younger detective, but still…
He really wanted to be there with them. To be sure that the younger detective was safe as well.
And yes, it was rather odd, feeling that protective of someone he'd only met for an hour, but he couldn't seem to shake it. There was something about the guy that was just so damn endearing.
He was absolutely adorable, with the big, bright golden brown eyes and the sweetest smile Raphael had ever seen. There was so much compassion in those bright eyes, so much optimism. He was so energetic and animated.
The way he'd mediated between Magnus and Alec was quite impressive, it showed a lot of intelligence, and a LOT of patience (Raphael can attest to how difficult it is to get Magnus to let up on something he wants…the man's near relentless.)
Everything he saw about Simon just made him want to learn more.
It was odd…
He's a vampire, he shouldn't have this weird, breathless, near giddy feeling…not at just getting a chance to talk to someone he'd just barely met.
Usually he had more control of himself- none of that blinded by desire thing he so often saw- one of the benefits of being Asexual. He didn't get hung up on someone's physical traits or sex-appeal to the point of missing near everything else about them (case in point, Magnus and Camille), he saw people for who they were…
Only, with this Simon 'who they were' was kind of unbelievably charming and totally engaging.
Raphael had been looking forward to seeing the younger detective all day…he actually felt nervous. He'd changed outfits six times today (a point he would tell absolutely no one, not even Magnus), partly just as a way to kill time and partly because he wanted to look just right.
He didn't want to look overly dressed, but he didn't usually really DO casual wear- he had exactly two pair of jeans and like four black designer tee-shirts, but that was the extent of his 'casual' wear. He'd finally just figured to hell with it and ended up going with his favorite black designer suit with a black waist coat and a deep red shirt…
It was about as far from casual as you could get, but he loved it and always felt just a bit more confident in it…
He had a feeling that might come in handy today…
Glancing out the window as the last rays of sun dipped below the horizon he took a deep breath (he didn't actually need to, but it still helped to calm him). Checking his reflection once more he gives a faint nod, trying to fight off a nearly unnervingly hopeful smile, he turned, making his way out the door…
Well, here goes nothing.
*~********~*~********~* Raphael-Raphael-Raphael-Raphael-Raphael *~********~*~********~*Okay…he's good…he's the leader of the Brooklyn Vampire Clan, he's confident and powerful and can absolutely do this…
He can.
Oh for heaven's sakes he's actually giving himself a pep-talk…
Clearly something's gone awry here
He doesn't do 'pep'
Taking one last-totally unneeded- deep breath he moved forward, putting on one of his most charming smiles,
"Hello detective Lewis."
Simon startled, whirling around, to face him, eyes wide and surprised
Ah crap- Vampire stealth
He put his hands up placatingly, giving an apologetic smile,
"Sorry, I did not mean to startle you."
He shook his head, giving a faint shrug and that adorable smile, Raphael could hear his heartbeat speed up a few tics, his breathing becoming a bit shallow.
O-okay…that's a good sign…
Calm down…don't get carried away
"Oh, uh…I-it's okay; totally, think I was zoning out a bit anyways." He paused, bouncing lightly on his heels, fidgeting seemingly unsure what to do with his hands, starting to put them in his pockets before stopping, going to cross his arms once again hesitating, shrugging once more, eyes flickering quickly over Raphael.
"Wow, you lo-" Simon trailed off, cheeks flushing brightly, eyes widening, before glancing away, scratching nervously at his neck,
God, how could anyone be that adorable?
Also the suit was most definitely the right decision…
"Sorry…I'm glad to see you…i-umm-I mean...Thanks for coming, we really do appreciate you guys helping, we'd be totally out of our element on this…well, I mean I guess I have it better than Alec since I at least knew what a summoning sigil was and stuff- though that's not like from real knowledge of the occult, just from watching too many scifi/fantasy shows…
Apparently there is a benefit to being a nerd…
Umm…
A-anyways, I'm glad you're working with us…" he trailed off, looking sheepishly at Raphael.
He smiled softly, giving the young detective a friendly nod,
"I am glad to see you as well Simon. This is the first case I have ever worked on; I believe it would be quite beneficial getting the opportunity to work with an expert."
Simons eyes widened, he blushed even brighter, shaking his head slightly, once again seeming unsure what to do with his hands.
It was absolutely adorable
"Oh umm…I-I wouldn't say expert…at least not about me- Alec totally- but I think I'm still too new to it to say I'm an 'expert'-though it's really cool that you did. I've only been a detective for a little over a year and a half, which is how long I've been partnered with Alec but before that I was a patrol officer at BPD for a year and three more before that over at the 12th, so it's not like I'm new to any of this…and I've gotten way better since I actually got the promotion to detective and was lucky enough to get partnered with Alec…
And I think I've kinda just told you most of my entire life story so I'm gonna try to stop talking…" he trailed off, rolling his eyes at himself, firmly clamping his mouth shut.
Raphael chuckled, quirking his eyebrow,
"I think I may have to disagree with you- I do believe five years in a field is more than enough to qualify you as an expert…though I have no doubt there are law enforcement officers who have been in the field for decades and haven't a clue what the hell they're actually supposed to be doing, in no way would that apply to you…or I'm sure anyone in Garroway's precinct.
Luke wouldn't put up with that…plus he told Magnus you and Alec are his best, he doesn't throw that around lightly.
As if that all wasn't enough you where actually able to draw Magnus's attention away from Alec, without him getting ruffled and even get him to focus on the case…
Clearly if you can do that you should actually be a negotiator- Magnus is stubborn as hell and very easily distracted- I've known him nearly my entire life and even I have trouble keeping his focus around shiny object…or in this case 'a gorgeous detective with a sexy voice'." Raphael mimicked, complete with air quotes, rolling his eyes,
Simon laughed brightly, shaking his head, bouncing slightly,
"Oh man, I don't know how I did that! I had no idea how to keep them apart. I was SO glad you showed up when you did- I told Kevin this morning I was like two minutes away from knocking on the window to the observation room and asking one of the officers in there to get me a spray bottle!"
Raphael gave a sharp surprised laugh, shaking his head,
"I must admit, having a spray bottle handy to keep Magnus in line may not be a bad idea…I may have to start doing that."
Simon smiled, shrugging
"Well thankfully It never came to that…you may get away with it, me probably not so much. You know, for a kinda crazy pretty guy with a ton of jewelry he is seriously intimidating."
Raphael chuckled, giving a faint smirk,
"Yeah, he does have a certain flare, not going to lie, it has its benefits."
Simon nodded
"I can see that, I'm just glad he's on our side. He's really been a lot of help. We've found the same markings so far at all the scenes they're-"
"Enchantment runes." Raphael echoed, Simon glancing over in surprise
He quirked his eyebrow, before shrugging,
"Mag's texted me, keeping me in the loop, this way I didn't have to play catch up. I really felt bad I couldn't join you guys earlier, but I just had-"
"Some meetings that you couldn't get out of?" Simon picked up, smirking right back at him
"Yeah…Magnus told you that huh?"
"Or I could have just cleverly deduced it…you know, since I'm an 'expert investigator' and everything." He grinned almost playfully,
Oh wow…that was adorable
Raphael chuckled, slipping a bit closer, quirking his eyebrow, again waiting,
Simon blushed, giving a slight nod,
"Okay yeah…Magnus told me. So since he's been keeping you in the loop I guess we can just jump right into the investigation right?"
Raphael nodded
Simon nodded back, slipping closer, beginning to move towards the left wall of the alley, Raphael falling into step next to him.
"Kay, so; at all the scenes Magnus found these really weird markings, enchantment runes Clary said…"
Raphael leaned a bit closer trying to focus on his words, on the case, and not on the incredibly adorable detective with the unbelievably sweet smile and the big bright eyes…
It was definitely going to be a challenge
*~********~*~********~* Alec-Alec-Alec-Alec-Alec *~********~*~********~*"…zzy said she can't tell if the brands were made with an actual hot iron or some kind of chemical as there were signs of each and…
You are not listening to a word I'm saying…" Alec trails off, folding his arms, looking pointedly at Magnus
The other man startles faintly, looking back at him,
"Hmm…I-yes I am."
Alec quirked his eyebrow,
"Then what did I say?"
Magnus smirked,
"That Izzy cannot tell how the brands were created…I told you, I was paying attention, why did you think I wasn't?"
Alec shrugged
"Well, generally talk of murder victims being branded in some unknown way doesn't result in someone smiling…"
Magnus gave a surprised laugh,
"Yes, I suppose it is rather inappropriate, sorry darling. I guess I was rather distracted."
Alec shrugged, giving a slight smile, tilting his head,
"It's fine…out of curiosity what were you thinking about?"
Magnus smiled eagerly, eyes bright and surprisingly warm, nodding over towards the back part of the alley.
Oh wow…that was dazzling
Alec turned to see what could possibly cause that smile. Magnus slipped closer, resting his hand on Alec's arm, leaning a bit closer,
"I do believe it's going quite well…" he whispered in a conspiratorial tone, squeezing his arm slightly.
Alec took a deep breath, trying to fight down the little giddy feeling, unconsciously leaning in closer,
"W-what?" he stammered
Magnus smiled brighter, raising his eyebrow leaning even closer, voice going soft, taking on an excited lilt,
"Raph and Simon."
"Oh! Umm, yeah, they seem to be getting along well."
Magnus squeezed his arm again, looking up catching his eyes. Alec tired to ignore the sudden lightheaded, breathless feeling he got…
God, he was just breathtaking…
I mean, he already knew that, it was kinda impossible to miss, but this was just a totally different side. His eyes looked soft and bright and surprisingly warm, it was something that he honestly never would have thought he'd see in Magnus.
Magnus gave a soft bit of a contented, sigh; Alec tried not to think about how much he wanted to hear that sound again.
"I am glad…I know Raphael was quite taken with the dear. He seems like such a kind sweet boy…" He paused, glancing over at Alec,
"I know you have been partnered with him for a while, can you tell me a bit about him?"
Alec blinked, shrugging,
"Umm…well, I don't really know what I can tell you that Simon hasn't already. He kinda tends to do enough talking for the both of us-"
Magnus chuckled, nodding
"That seems about accurate. The darling really does seem quite loquacious, but Raphael needs that…he is usually rather guarded, in most everything; having someone so open and vivacious around may help him come out of his shell a bit, lighten up some.
Did he mention Raphael after we left?"
Alec thought, nodding
"Yeah, a couple times I think."
Magnus gave a beaming smile, eyes practically sparkling,
"Oh that is wonderful! Raphael will be thrilled; I know the darling was nervous about seeing Simon again." he slipped even closer, leaning in, a devastatingly mischievous smile on his lips that kinda made Alec's heart race,
"He's even wearing his favorite suit…he only wears it when he needs a bit of a confidence boost, to give him a little extra courage."
Alec swallowed a few times, trying to get his voice to work, before something occurs to him, he tilts his head,
"Uh, s-so why would Raphael need courage around Simon? I mean, yeah I get if you're interested in someone being a bit self conscious, but I get the feeling Raphael kinda has the flirting thing down cold.
I know I just met him but he kinda has the feel of someone who could pretty much talk anyone into about anything.
I really can't imagine someone like that being nervous about Simon." He paused, glancing over at Magnus, quirking his eyebrow
"Actually if anything I should probably be quizzing you as to why someone like that would be after my partner."
Magnus chuckled, shaking his head slightly
"In truth you are not entirely wrong; Raphael is quite magnetic. When he wants to be he's actually a better flirt than I am. There are very few people that can turn him down for one reason or another…
But that's all just the surface; it's a show, a means to an end…he generally sees flirting as a tool, or at times a weapon. It's very rare he genuinely takes an interest in someone. The boy is quite guarded and rather hesitant to let others in." he shrugged, getting a kind of far off look
"He has not had a very happy life, has struggled with getting people to accept him…with accepting himself.
I have done everything I could to help him…and I do know he would love to find someone; but it's different for him, more complicated. He's never had an issue finding someone attracted to him…
Hell, that's half the problem."
Alec tilted his head, genuinely curious but almost feeling like he's over stepping.
"Umm…why would that be a problem?"
Magnus sighed,
"Raphael is Asexual; he's not really 'into' sex, doesn't really feel sexual attraction. If someone's dating him a sexual relationship is not a guarantee…there are a lot of people that simply could not accept that. People who think he's lying about it, or playing hard to get, or whatever else.
It's difficult enough accepting that you are gay, bi or whatever else, and there's still quite a bit of push back and drama just about that. But there are a lot of people who flat out don't believe someone can genuinely not being interested in sex.
Raphael is romantically and aesthetically attracted to men. If he wants a relationship, it will be with a man, so he kind of gets the drama and hatred of homophobia along with the added hardship of most people not even knowing what the hell his actual sexuality even is…
Including those he may actually want to date…" He trailed off, shrugging,
Alec blinked, giving a slight nod,
"Yeah…that would definitely be complicated…
So, you really think he's interested in Simon?" he asked, glancing back over at the other two men,
Magnus nodded, giving a slight smile,
"I have known him for nearly his entire life, and I have never seen him take to someone so quickly. I know he's interested…I just hope Simon is as accepting and kind as he seems to be.
I know he would cover it well, but I do believe it'd break his heart if the boy can't accept who he is."
Alec shook his head,
"I really don't think that'll be an issue; Simon is the most compassionate, accepting person I have ever met. I can't say what he'll think of this 'ace' thing, but I couldn't imagine him flat out rejecting someone because of it."
Magnus gave him a slight, hopeful smile,
"That is what I thought as well…I do hope he will be okay with it, that they can make a go of it. I so want to see the dear happy…he more than deserves it after everything he's been through."
Alec wanted to ask, but he knew that would most definitely be overstepping, he settled for a faint nod, returning Magnus's smile
"I hope they do too."
Magnus squeezed his arm again, glancing over, meeting his eyes once more. Alec was struck breathless by the warmth in his eyes.
Oh wow…
Okay that flickering flashing 'thing' in his eyes that caused that giddy, addicting adrenaline rush type feeling was really appealing, but this?
T-this was new…
The alarms were still there today…Magnus still felt like the most dangerous person he'd ever encountered.
The flirting was still there- though different (Magnus hadn't been lying…he was WAY better at it)
His apology this morning was new, totally unexpected, and seemed completely sincere.
The way he was with Clary, and the concern he showed about her warning was new, and very confusing
And now this…
The warmth in his eyes, the compassion, mixed with a touch of a far off sadness…
Clearly the man was far deeper than he'd originally thought…
And FAR more complicated…
Alec was beginning to wonder just how many contradictory sides this man could possibly have.
And if he'd be lucky enough to get to see them all.
*~********~*~********~* Raphael-Raphael-Raphael-Raphael-Raphael *~********~*~********~*"-Xander's over on 38th because the other night was 70's themed. Luke was having a couple of the uniforms head over and see if we can check out their security tapes, maybe we'll be able to see if the victim left with anyone…at least it's a place to start."
Raphael nodded consideringly,
"That's a good idea, is there an-" he's cut off by Simon's phone ringing.
"Just a sec…sorry…" Simon said apologetically, fishing it out,
Raphael waved him off, giving a slight smile,
"No problem."
"Hopefully it's abou…oh…" he trailed off, glancing at the info, giving a slight smile, as he lifted it to his ear,
Raphael turned away, looking around trying to appear busy and not like he was listening in…
"Hey Kev, what's up?"
"Uhh…So…I kinda had a tiny bit of a situation…"
Simon sighed,
"What kind of situation?"
"Umm…I may have kinda, sorta…burnt an entire pan of sugar and butter and it's now, like fused to the pan and I can't get it out…I tried everything but it's not budging…I mean it might have been easier but I got distracted when the smoke alarm went off and then I had to run and turn it off and then go and tell the neighbors that it was okay the building wasn't actually on fire, the smoke was just from me trying to make Almond Roca…" Simon gave a faintly exasperated laugh, rolling his eyes affectionately.
"Oh my god…dude, just throw the entire pan out, I'm not gonna try to figure out how to get burnt candy out of it. Why were you even trying to make almond Roca! You have the flu, you are supposed to be relaxing and taking it easy! Besides we still have, like two boxes of cookies from Christmas your mom sent, not to mention the package of candy from your aunt…"
"I know but I wanted to save them! She only makes them once a year and I had a real sweet tooth and there's only a little bit of it left and I've seen my aunt make it a lot of times, it didn't seem too hard…I didn't know you had to stir it like-constantly!
I figured if I could make it myself then I don't have to wait for her to send me more…"
Simon chuckled again,
"No, I know you wanted to save them, but it's better than burning down the kitchen…
j-just open the windows let the place air out…I'll just pick us up dinner on the way home, okay?" He shook his head, smiling warmly,
The guy on the other end of the phone gave a faintly dejected sigh
"Okay…maybe don't get anything too heavy though, the smell's kinda really strong and I don't know if it's going to be totally gone by then, and I am feeling better but not totally better…I don't want to overdo it."
"Sure, I'll stop by the deli on 4th, they have that really great chicken soup that you like so much, and they have that chocolate lava cake that you like…that should help with the sweet tooth."
"Aww…Thanks so much Si…you really are the best. Don't know what I'd do without you."
"Right back at you Kev…See you tonight."
See you Si." The line disconnected
Raphael stayed staring at the wall, trying to seem like he hadn't been paying attention…
Trying to mask his disappointment…
God, of course he has someone already! He should have known…How did it not even occur to him he might not be single? He was s-
He nearly startled when Simon lightly rested his hand on his shoulder, getting his attention, giving him a faintly apologetic smile,
"Hey, sorry about that man…Kevin's home sick with the flu and he's kinda going stir crazy."
Raphael turned back to him, giving a slight shrug,
"It is quite alright. How long have you two been together?" he asked curiously,
"Oh, we've known each other forever…he's been my best friend since we were seven years old….don't know what I'd do without him." he smiled brightly
Raphael nodded, giving a convincing smile,
"That's really great. An excellent friendship really does seem to be the best way to start a romance."
"Yeah, that's what Kev…wait…" Simon tilted his head, before nearly startling,
"Oh! No! We're not, he's not…We're not together, together! I'm not in love with him…I mean, I do love him, but in a brother, best friend, platonic, probably-only-reason-I-actually-made-it-through-high-school-with-my-sanity-intact kinda way…
I really don't know where I'd be without him, but we're not like romantically interested in each other, like at all…
Neither of us has ever been interested in anything more than friendship with the other.
Which is kinda odd cause objectively he's really cute and since he's demi crushing on a friend is kinda almost standard, and we really are great together, and we live together and really it'd probably so much easier if we could just fall for each other…but…I don't know…it's just not like that with us. It's kinda confusing to explain I guess…" he trailed off, shrugging
Raphael smiled- a real smile- glancing over to the other side of the alley where Magnus and Alec were, giving a faint nod,
"No, I get it…He's your Magnus."
Simon brightened, nodding quickly
"Exactly! Only, you know…not so…Magnus-y…"
Raphael chuckled, quirking his eyebrow,
"Yeah, sometimes I could do with a bit less of the 'Magnus-ing' myself, but I really don't know where I'd be without him…
Actually, that's a lie, I do. He is the only reason I am still standing here today. He's insane, and ridiculous, childish, temperamental, loud- FAR too loud-, far too boisterous and about a million other things that drive me absolutely crazy…
But at the end of the day, he is always there for me…anytime I need him, without question, without hesitation. He is always on my side, always has my back. It is the one constant that I have had nearly my entire life.
He is a lot of work- a LOT of work- but I wouldn't give him up for anything."
Simon gave a bright, soft smile, nodding faintly,
"I'm really glad you have him."
Raphael nodded back
"And I am glad you have Kevin. I think I would really like to meet him."
Simon beamed,
"I'd like that too…you already would have I'm sure- he really wanted to help with the case- but he's got the flu so Luke banned him from the precinct until it's gone. The last thing we need is half the force out from the flu."
"Yes, that would be rather detrimental…" Raphael trailed off, something occurring to him, he tilted his head,
"You said Kevin is Demi? Like Demisexual?"
Simon quirks his eyebrow in surprise, nods curiously,
"Yeah…you know what it is?"
Raphael chuckled nervously, trying to steady himself, giving a slight nod
"Umm…y-yeah it's pretty close to being Asexual, so, yeah I-I'm pretty familiar." he paused, glancing up at the other man, holding his breath (No he didn't need to, but it's still a tough habit to break when you're nervous)
Simon blinked in surprise,
"Oh, you're ace?"
Raphael swallowed nervously, giving just the slightest nod. Simon shrugged, giving a soft, oh so sweet smile,
"That's cool, I'm pan."
Raphael gave a totally relieved smile, nodding faintly
"Eso es maravilloso"
Simon quirked his eyebrow, smiling brighter, blushing
"Umm…I don't speak Spanish…I'm guessing that means you're okay with it?" he asked hopefully
Raphael laughed, nodding
"Yes, Simon…that is more than okay…"
He gave a brilliant, beaming smile, nodding quickly, heartbeat picking up a few tics,
"Cool…" he said softly, almost to himself, before seemingly startling,
"Oh, umm…s-so back to the case…"
Raphael nodded, listening intently, automatically falling back into step with him…
And if he just happened to stand a bit closer, maybe lean in just a tiny bit more…well…it was just because he was paying so close attention…
It had nothing to do with the pretty bright eyes, or the soft smile, the way Simon's heartbeat ticked up just the slightest bit, breath catching here and there, or the cute little blush on his cheeks…
It was purely about the case.
*~********~*~********~* _End Of Chapter Notes_ *~********~*~********~*Woohoo! Finally got the chapter done!
Sorry this took so long I kept getting distracted…I have Magnus's back story worked out- I think it's really going to be a great place to start. I'm gonna work it into the series little by little, but if anyone wants a sneak peek I put what I have worked out so far on my DeviantArt journal
I really love Simon and Raphael…gotta admit sometimes they even steal my focus from the Malec…
I just can't help it.
I really liked Simon and Raphael comparing Magnus and Kevin. I thought it'd be nice having them having someone really understand the bond they have…really getting that it's not a romantic thing, but they do love each other…having someone who is okay with that, who isn't going to get jealous or suspicious.
Who really just gets it.
Anyways, what do you guys think so far?
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