Simon sat in his office, checking his emails for events of importance, when Raphael knocked onto his door.
"Come on, Lewis. We need to leave or we'll be late for the meeting."
The young assistant let out a silent sigh as he stood and made his way to the door where his boss was already waiting for him.
He was wearing black slacks which fit him nicely as well as an expensive looking suit jacket, adorned with blue linings. Simon couldn't help but notice how well both fit him.
"We'll walk to the restaurant, it's just two blocks away. Think you can handle that?" Raphael asked him, to which Simon simply nodded.
He followed him, trying to walk next to him so that he wouldn't be too distracted once more. One accident at a time most definitely was enough after all.
It didn't help that Raphael walked in quick, confident strikes, causing Simon to simply stumble after him with far less grace, if even any at all.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Raphael walked up to a waiter, telling him that they had booked a table under his name.
They were led to a corner of the building where they sat down, enveloped by the dimming lights.
Simon looked around, noticing how extravagant the whole interior design was. Simon hoped to whoever was out there that the company was paying for this since there was no way he could even afford a salad in here.
A few seconds after they took their seats, the waiter sauntered over once more, holding a phone in his hands. "Mr. Santiago, Sir?" he asked, causing Raphael to glance up at him, uninterested, "A phone call for you, Sir."
With a dismissing wave of his hand, Raphael took the phone.
"Raphael Santiago." he said, causing Simon's breathing to hitch. When saying his own name, Raphael's accent was thick and the assistant couldn't deny that it was sexy.
"What do you mean, the meeting is cancelled?" the man asked with a frown, "yes, of course... Yes... Alright... I understand.. I shall reschedule within the week." he sighed and ended the call, setting the phone aside for the attendant to pick up.
"What happened?" Simon watched his boss who was rubbing his forehead as if he had a headache.
"Mrs. Britto's secretary just called. The meeting is off." Raphael chuckled quietly. "That means we'll have dinner together, I suppose."
Simon seemed surprised. "We're still eating here?"
His boss smirked at him, shrugging "Of course, why would we miss a free meal in such a restaurant?"
Before Simon was able to answer, the waiter appeared, taking the phone and instead giving them the menu.
"May I take your order in terms of beverages?" the young man asked them.
Raphael nodded "We'll take two glasses of your finest Tinto Fino." he demanded, not letting Simon protest.
"I'll also take the Lamb Shanks with Ancho Chile Honey Glaze." he added in an afterthought before looking at his assistant. "How about you, Simon?"
Surprised at hearing the other say his first name, he felt his cheeks reddening as he looked up at the waiter. "Uhm, do you.. Do you have Lasagna?" "Yes, we do,Sir." "Okay, I´ll take one then."
Awkward silence ensued as Simon didn't know what to say. Raphael didn't seem to care, as he actually was glad for the silence.
Soon, their drinks arrived and Raphael sighed contently, taking a sip of the red wine he had ordered for them both.
"It's my favourite. A Spanish brand, rich in flavour." he mumbled, eyes falling shut at the marvellous taste.
Simon couldn't help but stare. He never had seen Raphael like this, all relaxed and with his guard down. It certainly was a beautiful sight.
"What are you looking at?" his boss's voice ripped him out of his thoughts, his cheeks immediately heatening up.
"M-Me? What? Nothing. I didn't stare at you," he stammered.
Raphael smirked slightly "I never said that you did." he replied with a small chuckle.
He didn't go into it further though, instead asking "What do you do in your free time then?"
Simon was glad that he was asked this question. "I'm in a band. We play Indie-Rock." he explained with a grin on his lips. Finally a topic that he was comfortable with. "I sing and I'm on the bass." he said proudly.
Raphael watched his adorable assistant, leaning forward slightly. "Why don't you invite me to your next gig then? I have to see if you're any good after all."
Simon let out a laugh at the teasing and answered with a grin "I'm the best, don't worry about that but you're more than welcome to come."
Raphael smirked once more. "Oh, I will."
Before they could elaborate some more, their food was brought to the table and once more, Raphael simply took in the smell.
"You know, it's times like this in which I love this job the most."
Conversation flowed easily afterwards and soon, they had finished their dishes, Raphael even went so far as to help Simon into his jacket.
He didn't want this to be over yet.
"Follow me," he said, his voice confident as he led them through the streets, Simon being right behind him like a confused puppy.
The long walk was worth it as they arrived on a small hill, a few light bugs flying around the secluded space. Raphael looked at his assistant and smiled faintly, a real smile.
"I've known this place since I came to New York." he said and shrugged "It kinda helped me through a lot I suppose.."
The male sat down on the patch of grass, patting the space next to him, so Simon let himself fall to that space, grinning at him.
"It's a beautiful place. Fits you, I think.." he mumbled.
Raphael looked over at him, surprised at those words though they made him feel warm inside, so he didn't answer anything snarky for once.
Together they stayed there for another few hours, until they parted their ways, both smiling and having enjoyed it far more than they would have thought.