Chapter Text
It is five in the morning. The cold air in the apartment woke him from his sleep. He could feel it through the two fluffy blankets and the thick duvet. Sighing, he got out of bed to turn on the heater and then went to the kitchen to get a bottle of water.
He usually slept with the heat on, but for the past two days he'd been fighting a cold that made him either very hot or very cold. He managed to drink a bottle of water and take some pills, then went back to his room and went to bed, hoping to fall asleep again.
He managed to fall asleep after a few good minutes and woke up in the morning with a headache, of course. He took the week off from work, hoping to get back on his feet and fight off the cold.
He owns a company that makes jewelry, and he prefers to work with rings. Sometimes, just sometimes, he helps make medallions. Everything is handmade and his sister Isabelle and his brother Max help him. They are his little siblings.
The apartment was warm enough for him to turn off the heat and go into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
He made some scrambled eggs and avocado salad with tomatoes, and when he was done eating and cleaning, he took a quick hot shower and got dressed to go to the office. He felt that he couldn't stay there and do nothing, alone in that apartment. And he could take advantage of that to buy everyone a Christmas present.
His name is Alexander Lightwood. But everyone calls him Alec. His parents divorced after they found out he was gay. Why did they divorce? Because his mother decided that her son's happiness was more important than anything else in the world. And his father? Thinks his son was sick and he couldn't call Alec his son anymore.
He was disappointed and hurt, but his mother and siblings were always there for him. After a while, a few months actually, his mother adopted Jace. Jace's parents died in a car accident, and he was a very good friend of Alec's. So since his parents died, Jace lived with them.
Alec took his things, his car keys and went to the office. It was a bit crowded and in his mind it was a bit late.
He parked his car, locked it and walked to the entrance of the building. His phone started to vibrate, and as he was concentrating on looking for his phone, he hit his head on the front door.
"What the...?" Alec looked up from his phone and saw a large piece of paper on the front door.
"THE DOOR IS NOT WORKING/OPEN. PLEASE USE THE DOOR ON THE OTHER SIDE.
Sorry for the inconvenience!!"
And a big arrow directing everyone to the other entrance.
He sighed and went to the other entrance and approached the first person who came his way, who of course works there.
"I saw that door doesn't work."
"Oh, Mr. Lightwood. Yes, we called the men to come and fix it, but they said they were busy at the moment and would come as soon as they could. So we are waiting for them. How are you with the cold? You had to stay in bed and take your pills," the man smiled at Alec.
"I know. I just... couldn't stay in bed all day. I won't stay long, or work." Alec patted him on the back and went to his office.
There he left his things on the sofa, opened his laptop and started to read and answer his emails when the door suddenly opened.
"Alec..." his sister Isabelle stepped in. "Jake told me he talked to you. But are you okay?" she approached him and touched his forehead, then his cheeks to check if he had a fever.
"Isabelle, I'm fine. I just came to visit, read emails and I will go back home. I promise. Next time, knock."
"Why?" she crossed her arms and raised her eyebrows. "Were you planning on having sex here again? With who?"
"What?! No!!! Of course not!!! Isabelle, come on! But still...if you knew I was her---..." but she laughed at him.
"I'm sorry...I promise? Next time I will. But that guy had a nice ass."
"Stop, please!" he laughed, shaking his head. "How are you? Max?"
"Max is fine, I hope. He's helping a client with a few things," she sighed and leaned against Alec's desk. "How about you? How is your broken heart?"
"My broken heart is fine. I've accepted the fact that he didn't tell me he was...married and had a child...it wasn't my fault..." he sighed and rested his head on Isabelle's thigh.
"It wasn't your fault, my sweet brother. He was a son of a bitch...you and Max have been through some things...but everything is going to be okay..." she stroked his hair and back gently. "I love you. How about some food? Or a coffee? We could take Max and have a break."
"Sounds...great. We can go. When he's ready."
She nodded and kissed his head before getting up and walking together to Max's office, where Alec knocked.
"Come in." Max's voice came from inside, and Alec carefully opened the door and entered, followed by Isabelle.
Max's client was still there, talking about the couple's accessories.
Max's client was wearing black leather pants, a burgundy velvet shirt with a black vest with black glittery patterns in it, black boots, and black hair. The customer had his back to the door and Alec could not see him better, but the man's outfit caught his attention.
While this man was talking and explaining certain things to Max, gesturing, Alec could see that the man was wearing rings on both hands, and when he leaned forward a little to show Max something on the prepared drawing, Alec couldn't help but lower his eyes to the man's ass.
And how perfect his ass looked through those pants... When Isabelle slapped him hard on the back, Alec came back to reality. Maybe that was on purpose, though, and Isabelle chuckled and shook her head.
"Alright. I will get everything ready as soon as I can." Max smiled and the man smiled back, excited.
"I still have some time before the wedding. Don't force yourself. That's why I came earlier, but I appreciate it, Maxwell," the man winked and he blushed a little.
"Please, just Max. I will call when everything is ready."
"Perfect. Well, have a nice... Oh, wow. You have guests and I'm sitting here. My apologies." He said, picking up his things.
"Oh, no. Don't worry about it. You are his client, please. Finish what you have to. I can wait." Alec smiled a little, sat down on the sofa, and the man watched him intensely before turning to Max and smiling.
"Until next time." He smiled and shook Max's hand firmly, then looked at Alec, deep into his eyes, before leaving the office.
Only then did Alec feel that he could breathe again.
"Do you know him? One of your exes?" Isabelle raised her eyebrows and patted him lightly on the arm.
"What? No. I... I don't know him. Why would you think that?" Alec frowned and crossed his arms over his chest.
"I don't know. I sensed a tension between you two. And you almost devoured him," she laughed and Max followed.
"No worries, sis. I don't think Mr. Bane is Alec's type. He owns a club and is getting married. I will go prepare this and since you came here today, Alec, I guess you want to talk or eat," Max said as he organized his things on the desk and took the drawings.
"To eat. I'm hungry and I think you are too. So we can go together." Alec smiled and got up to help him.
After a while they finished and went to a nearby restaurant. Alec ordered a portion of rice with chicken breast and a pepper sauce.
Isabelle ordered a Caesar salad and Max the same as Alec.
They relaxed a bit and stayed there for a while after they finished eating. They didn't talk about work or how they felt, they were just the three siblings enjoying each other's company.
When they went back to the office, Alec decided to help Max with his new... client. Isabelle joked and giggled around Alec about this mysterious man.
She knew his brother too well. He knew Alec too well not to know that this man clicked something in Alec's...head.
The way that man talked, moved, watched his brother, it must have overloaded his brain. Especially that ass...
Alec wasn't a pervert, he wasn't the person who could only think about sex, but then... something happened. Even the man is about to get married.
They started working together on wedding rings, accessories. His black ring had carved French flower fleur de lisa and skull band, and her black ring had black onyx stone, with two skulls on each side, accompanied by four small crystals.
He also wanted a necklace and a bracelet for her. They were actually two silver necklaces: one that was connected to a blade was smaller and a red sapphire heart-shaped. The blade pierces the heart. And the bracelet was the same.
"I will make the bracelet and you can make the rings. Don't rush, he said. He has time till the wedding. Go and rest a little. Sleep, take a hot bath. Don't worry too much, if not, I can do it. It's all right."
Alec nodded and looked at the drawing.
"I'll work from home." He smiled and put the drawing in his pocket.
Knowing his brother, Max didn't insist.
Alec stayed there for a while, talking with his siblings about some ideas, about things that had happened in the meantime.
After a long time, Alec returned to his apartment. After a shower, he sat at his desk and looked at the drawing, then remembered those amber eyes...looking straight into his soul. He sighed, put his legs up on the desk and closed his eyes for a few minutes. That look, those eyes haunted his mind.
Chapter Text
He opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling.
"He's getting married. It was just a... tiny, tiny, tiny flame... Nothing more will happen..."
Alec repeated this over and over again in his mind.
He began to work on the rings. Preparing his silver, his crystals, and his tools.
After a while there was a knock at the door.
"Lightwood. I know you are there. I'm coming in."
A girl's voice said from behind the door. Alec didn't answer and she entered.
"I thought you were taking a few days off. What are you doing?" she asked as she approached.
"Hello. Well... I thought as much. But here I am. Don't worry too much. Just helping." Alec sighed. "What about you? Do you need anything?”
"No... I just... don't have enough inspiration for my book," she put away his files and sat down on the desk. "Are you alright? You seem lost in thought." she stroked his hair.
"I'm fine. " He smiled a little. "Maybe because of the cold..." he rested his head on her thigh.
"We've been friends for a long time. Something is troubling you, Alec. You know you can talk to me if you want to. But don't worry, okay?"
"Yes, I know." Alec sighed and caressed her leg. "It's just... something that I'm sure will pass. And it's just in my head."
She listened to him carefully and brushed his hair.
"If it's in your head, it must be important. Is it about the client? Did you...undress him with your eyes?"
"What?!" He lifted his head and looked at her. "It's not funny..." he frowned.
"So you did. You zing* with the client, huh? Oh, my... Was he that hot? Beautiful?"
"Are you kidding me?...he was..." he groaned, running a hand through his hair.
"More than that. Well, you can call him and ask about the rings. I don't know. That you didn't ask him when he needed them."
"You know, I could just ask Max." He sighed. "But don't worry. He's getting married soon. It will pass...all this. " He smiled a little and took his things.
"Alright, alright. I'm going out tonight. We are going to a club. Do you want to come?" she stroked his hair and smiled. "Come on. You can relax a little. Get some things out of your head. Drink a little. "
"You know I'm not a fan of going out. Especially clubs. I prefer to stay home and read a bit."
"I know. But it will be fun. Come on. Don't say no," she smiled and caressed his cheek.
"I'll think about it. Okay? I promise I'll think about it and text you if I change my mind."
"Perfect." she smiled, already excited. "I'll let you do your work and wait for your text tonight. I love you, Alexander," she hugged him tightly and stroked his head.
"I love you too, idiot." he smiled and hugged her tighter.
After she left, he continued working for a long time.
Pov.
All the way home, he couldn't stop thinking about that boy. He felt hypnotized, his heart racing like never before. All the way home he thought...
"Who was that boy?" he sighed and shook his head slightly, trying to push those thoughts away.
Suddenly he needed a drink and stopped at the Pandemonium. He owned a club in New York called the Pandemonium. His father left it to him when he turned 18.
He is Magnus Bane. The famous owner of the Pandemonium. Two years later his father died in a car accident and at his funeral he met Camille. Long black hair, black leather pants and a black satin shirt with her cherry lipstick. And her dark eyes. It was, as he said, love at first sight. It was impossible for him not to watch her, and impossible for her not to watch him.
Since then they have been spending time together. Going out on dates, having dinners, spending time in each other's homes, until they moved in together, and now, now they are almost getting married.
But then, then he saw this sweet, gorgeous, beautiful man. With raven black hair and piercing hazel eyes. That they pierced his soul with everything they had. He simply took Magnus' breath away. He had never felt such things, not even when he met Camille.
He shook his head and realized that he had arrived at the Pandemonium. He didn't know when, only that he had arrived.
Seconds later he got out of the car, locked it and went inside. It wasn't that crowded, actually, not that many clients. Maybe because it was so early, on a Wednesday.
"Hello, my friend. What are you doing here at this hour? You should be at home with your sweet future wife," a man grinned at him and patted him on the back.
"Raphael..." Magnus sighed and took a bottle to pour into a glass. "Would you like some?"
"Sure. Thanks. But you can't drive home. I'll call a taxi."
"Don't worry. " He sighed and drank from his glass. "I may stay here for a while. I have some files to sign."
"Something seems to be on your mind." Raphael raised an eyebrow.
"What? Nothing...I'm just...excited and nervous about the wedding..."
"How to stop it, right?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
"What?" Magnus lifted his head and looked at his friend. "No. Of course not." he giggled nervously. "How's everything going?"
"Everything is fine. I am here, have you forgotten? Nothing will happen while I am here," he said smiling.
They stayed there for a long time, talking and drinking a bit more, then went to his office.
A few hours later he finished what he had to do and then someone knocked on the door.
"Come in," he answered as he poured some whiskey into his glass.
"Hello, my love." Camille entered and approached him after closing the door. "I've been calling you, but your phone is off. And Raphael told me you were here. Is everything okay?" She asked, stroking his hair.
"Yes, I'm so sorry...I didn't pay attention to the phone..." he took it and plugged it in to charge. "How are you doing? I'm almost done and we can go out to dinner." He smiled.
"I didn't want anything else. Yes." She smiled and sat down on the desk, waiting for him to finish.
When Magnus finished his work, he took his things and went to a restaurant nearby.
They ordered some Thai food and talked about different topics for the wedding.
Even though Magnus seemed to be lost in thought, Camille thought he might be worried and concerned about the wedding.
"Everything will be fine. We are together. Don't worry, okay?" she stroked his hand and he nodded.
They spent some time there, finished their dinner, talked a bit more and then returned home.
Magnus has two houses. One where he lives with Camille and the other where he lived before he met her.
Their house has two floors, four rooms and four bathrooms, and a kitchen next to the living room.
When they got home, he helped her with her jacket and hung it on the hanger by the front door.
"I don't feel like sleeping right now." She turned and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. "Let's do something. I don't know. Watch a movie, what if you read something. You know I love it when you read. If we have a baby, I'll let you read to him or her," she smiled and kissed his lips softly. "Or we can... work on the baby. What do you say?" she asked, tilting her head.
He looked at her, at her lips, and up to her eyes and nodded.
"We can." He kissed her back and lifted her in his arms, walking to the sofa, and she giggled.
They shared many kisses, touches, giggles and moans, tangled together for a long time until Magnus rested his body on top of hers, breathing heavily, and she held him closer by wrapping her legs around his body.
"I love you. I can't wait to have everything we've wished for," she smiled and kissed his head, and he nodded slightly. "Are you okay? Did something happen at the club? Are you not feeling well?" She asked worriedly.
"I'm fine. Just nervous... It is our big day and I want it to be perfect. And I love you too. Don't worry." He smiled and lifted his head to kiss her on the lips.
Pov.
After he finished, Alec took a shower, a long one. His phone started to buzz and his screen was filled with texts from his friend, Mina. She asked Alec if he wanted to come. That it would be fun and he could relax for a while.
He took his phone and sighed, reading all the texts.
After a while he heard a knock at the door and went to open it.
"Hello brother. What are you doing?" Max smiled and went inside. "Mina said you didn't want to go out. And I came to kidnap you. " He giggled and put his arm around Alec's neck. "Come on. If you don't want to go out with the girls, go with your little brother. What do you say?"
Alec sighed and rolled his eyes.
"That's my brother. Come on. I'll get you some clothes. " Max went to his closet and took out a pair of black jeans and looked for a shirt. "We'll have to buy you some more clothes...Wait. Right here, don't you dare run." He pointed at Alec and went into his room. Minutes later he returned with a blue satin shirt. "Try this on."
"This? You're a little bigger than me...it wouldn't look good." Alec looked at the shirt.
"Just try it. You'll look good."
He took the shirt and tried it on. The shirt fit him well, it was just a little wider.
"Let me try something. Take your pants too."
Alec nodded and took the pants.
"I don't think you're bigger than me," Max raised his eyebrows.
"Max!!! What the..."
Max laughed and tucked his shirt into his pants, putting on a belt and unbuttoning the first three buttons.
"Hey." Alec frowned.
"No hey. You look so damn hot. " and he carefully brushed his hair a bit to make it look messy. "Like a god. Now let's go." Max smiled contentedly and they left the room. "Mina will go crazy when she sees you."
Minutes later they were outside and Mina was waiting for them in the car.
"She was here the whole time?" Alec watched Max.
"Of course. She sent me after you. She knows I have a better chance of convincing you. But... I wasn't kidding when I said we could have a beer, just us, and let the girls have their night."
"Oh my goodness. You look gorgeous," Mina looked at him and winked.
Alec sighed and got into the car.
In less than thirty minutes they arrived at the club. Max and Alec were sitting at a table together and Mina was talking and laughing with Isabelle and two other girls.
Max got a beer and a cocktail for his brother.
"So...start with the one you like best."
"None of them. " He frowned, but carefully took the cocktail and a sip of it, frowning.
"So, do you like it? " he raised an eyebrow and Alec shook his head.
"I think I can get used to it." He chuckled, coughing a little.
"Take it easy, buddy." Max chuckled and patted him on the back.
They drank for a long time. The girls were on the dance floor, dancing, touching.
"So... Are you okay with Mina kissing other girls?" Alec pointed at her.
"We're not together, Alec." He looked at Mina. "We...sleep together from time to time, but...that's it."
"But you like her. You have feelings for her... Little man, you deserve to be happy...to have someone there for you and with you. You're my brother, you don't deserve half!" Alec's eyes filled with tears and he squeezed Max's shoulder.
"I do...But I can't force her to feel the same..." he sighed and finished his beer.
"I'm sorry...You deserve to be happy...Don't forget that. You deserve more than this..."
"Thank you...You deserve that too..." Max smiled and ruffled Alec's hair. "I'm going to get another drink." He got up and walked to the bar, passing Mina, who touched his back.
"A dance?"
"No. One more drink and I will go with Alec. I don't want to leave him alone." He smiled a little and went to get the drinks.
Minutes later Max joined Alec and they drank for a long time.
Chapter Text
Pov
Magnus was sleeping peacefully on the sofa when his phone started ringing. He slowly opened his eyes and looked for his phone, then answered it without looking at who was calling.
"I'm so sorry to wake you...We have an emergency..." Raphael sighed. "Nick was getting sick and... " He covered the phone and yelled. "NO!!! Don't throw up there...Come on!!!" he turned to Magnus. "I'm sorry...he's been like this for a while and we have some people. Could you...come and help, please?"
"What...at this hour...?" he looked at her, stroking a lock of her hair. "All right...but you'll have to wait a bit for me..." Magnus sighed and hid his face in the pillow. Camille also woke up and stroked his back with her fingertips.
"Raphael? Why doesn't he call Simon? "
"Simon just comes and sings from time to time... I have to go... I'm sorry..." he caressed her cheek and kissed her lips. "I'm going to take a shower. Sleep on. I'll come back if there aren't too many clients."
"All right. I'll miss you, but don't worry, okay?" she smiled and kissed his lips.
After a while, he left the Pandemonium, and after he left the house, the doorbell rang, and she quickly went to open the door.
"Oh... is this how you wait for me?" he leaned against the door frame and looked at her from head to toe. She wore only a red transparent robe. “I guess he left, right?"
She nodded and took his hand, pulling him inside and locking the door behind him.
When he arrived at the Pandemonium, he went to his office to leave his things and his jacket, then went to the bar.
"Here I am...how is he?" Magnus asked as he took some bottles and glasses.
"I called a cab for him...he was feeling really bad. I'm sorry to call you here..."
"Don't worry. After all, I don't have a choice? Besides, I'm with my buddy." Magnus patted his back.
"Would you prefer me over Camille?" He asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Know your limits, Raphael. Know your limits." Magnus laughed and started to serve the clients.
After a long time some of the clients left the bar. Magnus started to clean the bar, washing some glasses since a boy was cleaning the tables and Raphael was organizing the bottles of alcohol.
"I don't know about you..." Mina said and hiccuped. "I'd love to have another drink," she said, chuckling as she grabbed Isabelle's arm. "But somewhere else."
"Another drink? I feel dizzy." Alec looked around.
"You barely drank and you're drunk?" Mina asked, giggling.
"I've been drinking. If you didn't pay attention to me, it's not my fault." He frowned and crossed his arms.
"All right, all right. Don't get grumpy. But still, come on. Just one more drink." She took Max's arm.
"I think we can have one more drink." Max laughed and took Alec's arm. "Come on. We already drank. Just one more."
Alec sighed and rolled his eyes.
"All right...Oh, my...fine. Just one..."
Max nodded and kissed his brother on the cheek, then after a few more minutes they entered another bar.
The music wasn't as loud and there weren't as many people, which was a relief to Alec.
They went to a table near the bar.
"Alright. I'll go ask for some drinks." Mina smiled and took Isabelle's arm. "Come and help me."
"What?" Isabelle stood up, stumbling in the chair, and Mina grabbed her a little tighter.
"Careful." Alec watched them and sighed.
Mina nodded and went to the bar and ordered the drinks, then went back with the boys.
"The cute bartender said he would bring our drinks." Mina giggled.
"Cute bartender?" Max raised his eyebrows.
"Relax, sweet boy. My eyes are only for you. "She touched his nose with her finger and Max blushed.
"Don't play with me." He cleared his voice and looked at Alec, who seemed lost in thought. "Hey, buddy. We'll go home after the drink, okay?" Max gave him a gentle squeeze on the shoulder and Alec nodded.
After Raphael finished preparing their order, he put everything on a tray.
"I'll go serve them." He patted Magnus on the back and took the tray.
Magnus was somehow focused on cleaning the cabinet where the wine bottles were, and he just nodded at Raphael. Minutes later, after he had finished, he prepared a drink for himself and sat down on a chair at the bar, looking around.
It was then that Magnus saw Max and then Alec. He finished the drink in one sip before refiling his glass and decided to go over to say hello.
He felt his chest getting warmer and approached them with small steps.
"Good evening," he said, smiling.
Max looked at him and put his drink down on the table.
"Good evening. Would you like to join us?"
Magnus smiled, glancing quickly at everyone, paying attention to Alec before looking back at Max.
"I can't. I'm actually working. But you know what? The drinks are on the house. You can order more if you want, and you can drink. "
"No, no. It's okay. This is the last drink. We have to go home." Alec frowned and took a sip from the glass.
"How are my rings? Do you need more time? " Magnus watched him, paying attention to him.
"The rings will be ready in time. No need to worry, you will be married. "He finished his drink and stood up. "I will go to the restroom."
"I'll go with you." Max took a sip from his glass and stood up. "The drinks are delicious."
"Thank you. We do our best in everything." Magnus smiled and Max went to the restroom with Alec.
Minutes later, Alec came out and washed his hands, lost in thoughts.
Max patted him hard on the back and took Alec out of his mind.
"What's wrong? You have become grumpier since Magnus came. I can tell there is some tension between you two. But maybe it is just the alcohol."
"It's just the alcohol. There is nothing else." Alec said as he wiped his hands, and Max leaned against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.
Alec sighed and washed his face with cold water. What could he tell Max? He had just met Magnus and felt butterflies in his stomach? And if he did, what could it change? Nothing. The man will get married and that's it. He won't come here again.
"It's nothing. Just alcohol...what else could it be?" Alec tossed the napkin in the trash and sighed deeply. "Max. I know you're worried about me, and I appreciate that, I love you and I'm grateful for that...but I don't want to let this cross the line. And like I said. He is getting married. It is a true fact. "
Max looked at him, his eyes softened and he sighed.
"Let's get back to the girls."
Max squeezed his shoulders and went back to the table, Alec joined them minutes later, but Magnus was not there.
Alec sat on the chair and drank his drink in silence while the girls and Max continued to have fun.
When Magnus returned, Mina went to pay for the drinks, but he insisted that they were on him and they shouldn't stress about it.
"Do you want me to call you a taxi?" Magnus asked worriedly. "Or should I drive you. If you wait for..."
"No!" Max stopped him. "Don't worry. We will call a taxi and split up. Don't worry about it.
"You have my number, right? At least text me when you all get home. I want to know everyone is safe." He said, watching Max seriously.
"All right, all right. I'll text you. Promise."
The ride home was silent. Mina insisted that Max should go with Alec because they were grown up enough to take care of themselves.
When they got home, Max helped Alec into his room, took off his jacket, pushed Alec onto the bed and took off his boots.
"You're home...try to get some rest, okay?" He smiled at his brother, patting his thigh gently, and Alec just nodded. "I'll go check on the girls," he said, getting up and heading for the door. "Good night. " Max said before closing the door.
"Good night..."
Alec said to Max before leaving the room.
He sighed and got up to change his clothes, then went to the bathroom. He looked at his reflection in the mirror and splashed cold water on his face.
"Just...come back to earth."
Minutes later, Alec walked back into the room and lay down on the bed, on his stomach, one arm under the pillow and the other on the side of his body. He closed his eyes, but it felt like he was stepping into a dream, because Magnus' eyes appeared in his mind, his smile. Those lips. He didn't want to open his eyes, he didn't want Magnus to disappear. Alec wanted to keep him close, even if it was only in his head, but as soon as Alec fell asleep, Magnus disappeared.
Chapter Text
The next morning, Alec woke up with a terrible headache. He slowly got out of bed and went to the bathroom.
He looked in the mirror and gently touched his cheeks and forehead, feeling warmer. He felt like he had a fever.
Alec decided to fill the bathtub with hot water and some oils and some bath salts. When everything was ready, he took off his pajamas and carefully stepped into the tub. He spent some time enjoying the bath, and then he put on his robe and went to the room.
From the closet, he took a pair of navy blue jeans and a gray t-shirt. After a while, he went downstairs to the kitchen.
"Good morning," Max said as he prepared an omelette.
"Good morning. What are you doing here?" Alec asked as he rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand.
"I came to make you breakfast. The girls are fine. Mina also woke up to prepare breakfast for them. Isabelle is also there with another friend of hers."
"Oh. I see. Are you still blushing, little man?" Alec gently squeezed Max's cheek.
"What? Me? Well..." he chuckled and continued cooking. "I stayed at Mina's last night."
"You mean... you slept with Mina last night." Alec grinned and took a piece of carrot and bit into it.
"Is that obvious?!" Max blushed even more.
"You're melting after her. She has you under her feet. Do you think that's okay? Look...I like her, she's nice, a badass and hot. But...I don't want her to hurt you...I want you to be happy..." Alec stroked his back.
"I am happy...and yes, she is. But things are the way they are because we... haven't talked about anything. I'm sure she knows I'm head over heels for her...but...I don't know." He sighed and continued in silence, and Alec just squeezed his little brother's shoulder before setting the table.
"Max...I don't want you to expect things because you two haven't talked about it...I don't want you to expect that she likes you, that she's in love with you...or that she loves you... And then...she comes with someone else and you get hurt. "
"I know, Alec...I know what you mean... I'm...trying to make things okay and not awkward when we're together... I hope I'm not expecting all this for nothing." He chuckled and Alec groaned and rolled his eyes.
"Don't worry. I will be waiting at your door with bottles of alcohol."
"Do you...think she's not...in love with me? Do you... think she doesn't like or feel anything for me...?" Max asked, looking at his still empty plate.
Alec felt guilty for what he had said and stroked his brother's hair.
"No. I'm sure she likes you. I'm sure she has feelings for you. Try to talk to her, okay?"
"Should I? What if I screw it up? What if..." he sighed, then picked up the cup of coffee and took a sip.
"You won't. Do you want me to talk to her?"
"No...it's okay. I will...I promise." Max smiled and they started to eat.”
When they were done, Alec cleaned everything up and went to continue working on the rings, and Max went to the office to continue working on the bracelet and necklace.
Magnus arrived a little later that night and fell asleep as soon as he put his head on the pillow.
Camille woke up first and prepared breakfast and brought it to his room.
"Good morning, sunshine. " she smiled and walked over to kiss Magnus on the forehead. He frowned a little and slowly opened his eyes. "I made breakfast. I have to pick up some things for the wedding. How was the bar?"
He yawned and stretched a little.
"It was okay. Not that many people. But I was cleaning and stuff. And some things to do. How about you? Did you sleep well?" he kissed her lips, then she handed him a cup of coffee, which he took carefully.
"More or less. I missed you..." she pouted.
"I missed you too. Call me when you're done. We can have lunch."
"Sounds perfect." She smiled excitedly and kissed his lips several times.
After breakfast she got ready and left the house. Magnus was alone. He could think peacefully about those hazel eyes. But he shook his head to push the thought away. It wasn't fair.
Magnus love Camille. Didn't he? He is in love with her... Yes, and they are going to get married, but... Still. Something haunts him...
Pov.
A few days later, Alec finished the rings, and when they were ready, he placed them in a tiny black velvet coffin box, and on two tiny black glittery velvet pillows. He was lost in thoughts. Thoughts that shouldn't exist.
He thought about how Magnus was doing. If he really wanted this wedding. If he really loved this woman. But if he didn't, he wouldn't get married.
Alec sighed and left the box in one of the drawers of his desk and left the office. He met Isabelle downstairs and waited for her to finish talking on the phone.
"Hello big brother. How are you?" she asked, smiling and touching his shoulder.
"I just... finished the rings and I don't know. I feel... empty. Restless... I wanted to see Max, but I'm sure he's busy. He told me that the bracelet was getting on his nerves. But I hope it is just the bracelet..." Alec frowned.
"It's just the bracelet. Don't worry about it, okay? What about some shopping? Some new shirts, pants. Come on. For you too. Please...with me? For me?" she looked at him with puppy eyes and how could he say no? Especially to his little sister.
"All right...all right. Let's go then." He giggled and shook his head.
In general, Alec is not very enthusiastic about going shopping. He doesn't have the patience to wait or walk around a lot. But today he accepted because he felt the need to occupy his mind with something else.
When they got there, Isabelle saw a beautiful black suit. It was as black as the coal and a white shirt.
"Try this on," she handed him the pants and shirt.
"What? Why? I don't know... I don't think I want to. We came here for you."
"Yes. Now try. Please." She looked at him and he sighed, then took his clothes and changed while Isabelle looked around.
Magnus was bored at home alone and also came to look for a suit.
"Hello, Mr. Bane. How can I help you?"
"Hello. I came here to look for and buy a suit. One of my pants broke, I have no idea how." He said laughing. "I'll take a look around."
"Sure. And if you need my help, call me." the woman smiled and Magnus went to look for something. He took a beige shirt and navy blue pants with a vest and went to the fitting room.
Then someone caught his attention. He leaned against the frame and looked up and down at him. Of course it was him.
Alec turned and met the man's gaze and Magnus smiled softly.
"Alexander."
"Oh, hi...um...how long have you been there...?"
"As long as it took you to put on the belt." Magnus raised an eyebrow and walked over. He took a tie from the next table, adjusted the collar of his shirt, and placed the tie around his neck.
Alec watched him, remained silent and swallowed hard.
"I have a jacket... or do you know something? Wait a bit."
Magnus went into the shop and returned after a few minutes.
"Look. Try this." He came back with a black corset vest. Which had roses embroidered on it, but still in black.
"What?! This...no. I don't think so." Alec shook his head, but Magnus insisted.
"Come on. Just try it. It would be sexier than a jacket. " Alec sighed and Magnus helped.
"First we have to fix the front." He moved closer and helped Alec to close the vest in front of him.
While Magnus did it, Alec couldn't even breathe. Magnus' fingers brushed the shirt material and Alec could swear he could feel his touch through the shirt, sending electricity through Alec's body.
Magnus looked at the vest, but noticed that Alec's chest remained still.
"You can also breathe. If you continue to hold your breath, you might pass out. And we don't want that." He said, raising his eyebrows.
Alec took a shaky breath and nodded.
When he was done, he carefully turned Alec with his back to him and tied the corset.
He did it slowly, carefully, like he wanted to have a bit more time with Alec.
"Done. Turn around, I want to see you." Magnus said smiling, and when Alec turned, he was the one who couldn't breathe. "Looks... good on you. " He said, looking at him.
"Do you...think so?" Alec looked at himself in the mirror, then at Magnus.
"I'm sure. But...only take this if you want it. All right?”
"Yes, don't worry." Alec nodded and smiled at him. "Thank you. For this."
"No need to thank me." Magnus smiled and patted him gently on the shoulder. "I'll go try on my suit as well. " He stepped away from him before turning again. "Alexander..." he turned to look at Alec, and Alec turned to look at Magnus. "Would you...come to my wedding?"
That surprised Alec, and he tried not to let Magnus see it. He thought of an answer, but he couldn't find it now.
"I...Do you want me to come? I mean...we don't know each other and...we just..." none of what Alec wanted to say gave him an answer.
"You helped me with the rings and the gift... I can do that." Magnus smiled and Alec went crazy. Those eyes, that smile, those lips. He felt the urge to cup the man's face in his hands and pulled him into the fitting room. "I hope you will come. I was thinking of inviting your siblings as well. Alexander?”
Alec nodded and cleared his throat.
"Sure. Yeah. I'll...come. Yes. " Alec murmured and Magnus smiled.
"See you then. And when you give me the rings. Take care of yourself, Alexander."
Magnus patted Alec's chest and he nodded.
Alec's mind spun again and again. He hates it when someone calls him by his full name, but coming from Magnus... he would love to hear him call him by that name. Isabelle approached and slapped him hard on the back, bringing him back to reality.
"Why don't you help him get undressed?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "I don't know about you, but he would love that idea. I've never felt this tension between you and another man before."
"Tension? Don't say that. There hasn't been any tension between us... Could you find anything?"
"No. But of course you have," she grinned and shook her head. "And you look... stunning. Let's pay for this." Isabelle smiled and while Alec changed, she went to pay. "I want to pay for the suit, my brother's trying." She handed her the labels.
The woman smiled and shook her head.
"It's already paid for. I'm sure the suit will fit him," she smiled.
"Paid? What? By whom?" Isabelle chuckled and the woman pointed to the fitting room where Magnus was.
"The mystery man." she winked and Isabelle laughed a little.
"Oh...I get it. Well, please thank him from Alexander. I would, but if Alec were to hear..."
"It would be...fire?"
"Yes. Hell, yes." Isabelle laughed and waited for Alec. "Ready, my dear brother?"
"Ready. Thank you for everything," he said politely to the woman and went back home.
There he went into the kitchen to prepare something to eat. After a while he heard the door open and then footsteps coming into the kitchen.
"Everything smells delicious."
He looked at the door and smiled.
"Hey Ma. Come on in. I didn't know you came here." He pulled out a chair for her and she sat down.
"I missed you." She took his hand and pulled him close. "I felt like I wanted to see you...that I had to."
His free hand stroked her hair and cheek.
"Are you okay? Is everything okay?" He asked, worried.
"Yes. Of course, sweetheart. Don't worry, really. Everything is fine. Isabelle told me you were sick. And I wanted to see you."
"I'm fine. She didn't have to worry you..." he sighed and continued cooking.
"I worry because I'm your mother. Every mother worries about her child. "She smiled and stroked Alec's back. "Do you like cooking? How was work?"
"I like it. I had to learn." He barked a laugh. "And it's going well. Everything is great. We have things to do. It's profitable."
"I'm glad to hear that."
They talked while Alec cooked, and his mother sat the table.
"Isabelle. Everything is ready." Alec called to his sister.
She came into the kitchen a few minutes later.
"I put your clothes in the washer and..." she stopped when she saw Maryse. "Mom. Hi. You came here."
"Hi. Yes, I came to see how you were. How everything is." she smiled and hugged Isabelle tightly.
"And what about you? Are you okay?" Isabelle hugged her back and asked worriedly.
"Everything is fine. Max? Jace?"
"They're at the office. I'm a little lazy these days." Alec laughed, but Isabelle bit his shoulder.
"He's lying. He finished two rings when he was supposed to be in bed. To get rid of the cold."
Alec frowned and stroked his shoulder.
"He's working really hard," then Isabelle kissed his head.
"I'm so, so proud of you. Of all of you. " Maryse watched them proudly and smiled. "By the way, do you think we could have dinner? I want to talk to you all about something."
"Are you sure that..." Isabelle started to say, but her mother nodded.
"Really. Everything is fine and good news. "
"Sure. I'll book a table at the best restaurant. "Alec smiled and they sat down at the table.
Pov.
Max was in the office trying to make the Jewels. After a long time, he took a break for coffee and a quick snack.
In the hallway, a security guard was almost arguing with another man. Max went over to see what was going on, and the man smiled when he saw Max.
"Hey, kiddo. I hardly recognize you. " He said smiling.
"Oh, man." Max smiled and approached. "You can let him. Every time you see him." Max patted the guard on the back and he nodded.
"Wow. You look... good." the man hugged Max tightly.
"Luke. You look good too." He hugged him back and then pulled away, squeezing his arms. "What are you doing here? Let's have a coffee and I wanted to have a snack as well."
"Sure. I can't refuse you. I would...also like to talk to you about something..."
"Oh...um...sure. Let's go to the cafeteria."
They went to the cafeteria, took two cups of coffee and some sandwiches, then went to the table where Luke was waiting for him.
"So, kiddo. How are you doing? The place looks better than last time. Your siblings?"
"Yeah, we changed a few things. Looks more comfortable. And all is well. We have work to do. How about you?"
"Things are good. I applied for a job as a police officer. I hope I get it." Luke took the cup and smiled.
"Here? Are you moving back here? That's great. Oh, and my siblings are fine. Alec is actually sick." he laughed a little. "But he can't stop working. Now Isabelle's kidnapping him to do some shopping."
"I'm glad your sister hasn't lost her passion for fashion."
"Isabelle? Never." He laughed. "So... what did you want to talk about? " but then his phone started ringing.
"Pick it up. We can talk about it later. Don't worry." Luke smiled.
"But I can..."
"No. Go ahead and answer. I will think about it and choose the right words. Go and talk."
"I'll be back in a minute. Promise." Max smiled and picked up his phone to answer, and Luke stayed there, drinking coffee, waiting for Max to come and thinking about how to tell him. In Luke's head, things and words were in their place, but he also wanted to make sure he would put those words in their place when it came time to talk to Max.
Chapter Text
A few minutes later, Max came back to the table and sat down in a chair.
"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" he asked, picking up a sandwich and taking a bite.
"I... don't know how to say it. You know, your mother and I... we are good friends. And I care about you very much, and I adore you. All of you. You are the best thing in your mother's life, and even though she has made mistakes with you, she loves you. I know that you, your siblings and I haven't spent a lot of time together, but that doesn't mean I don't love you. That's why I want to come back here, to be closer to you, to get to know each other better, and to spend time together. "
"Wow. Luke, that's...nice of you. You are also a great and good man." Max smiled and took another bite. "We like you too. And we appreciate what you do for us. Your support means a lot."
"You're good kids, and you deserve a good family. And your mom and I have started dating. " Luke said without waiting for anything, and while Max was distracted by his first words. When he realized what Luke had said, Max choked on a piece of sandwich and started coughing.
"Oh, wow. Take it easy, kiddo. " Luke patted Max's back and poured water into a glass, which he took and drank from. "I'm sorry... that this was... sudden. Your mother wants to meet for dinner...with you and your siblings...but I wanted to talk to you about it..."
"Because I'm the youngest of the siblings and you think I'd react horribly in front of my mother at the restaurant? "Max drank water again and raised an eyebrow.
"No!!! Please...don't... That's not true..." Luke shook his head, not knowing what to say. "Look...Yes, I wanted to talk to you because you're the youngest...but not because of that... I know how much Maryse means to you, because your dad..." Luke stopped and Max watched him. "I want you to be sure that I don't mean any harm to your mother. We talked a lot about this, about dates, about our future together, about family and about you. All of you. She made it clear that she was coming with four beautiful children. And I couldn't say no. I adore your mother and I adore you too... I want you to know that I'm not going to treat her like he did... All I want is to make her and you happy.”
Max listened carefully to his words, to him, and put the sandwich on the plate. Luke tensed a little, but waited patiently for Max to say something.
"Do you really love my mom?" he asked, looking at Luke.
"I do...I love her. I cherish her...she is a wonderful woman. I want to make her happy, be there for her." Luke smiled and Max didn't take his eyes off him.
"Alright." Max finally said. "Date mom. But... if you hurt her... I'll..."
"I know, I know. But that's not the case...you know that."
"I know. But I also want you to know who you are talking to." Max patted his shoulder. "I should get back now. I...appreciate you...talking to me about this. It really meant a lot... and it proved that you are a good man. I always appreciated you. Take care of her, okay?"
Luke nodded and pulled Max into a tight embrace. It didn't feel like a normal hug. Like any other. More like a father-son hug. Luke knew that Max, Alec, Isabelle, or Jace would not consider him a father, nor did he have that claim. Luke's only claim was to be accepted into their lives, into Maryse's life.
After Luke left, Max returned to his office and continued working.
Alec kept his word and reserved a table at a fancy restaurant in town. When the time came, he went to get ready. He took a pair of pants that imitated the cloth ones and a white T-shirt. Isabelle chose a long sleeveless red dress with black ankle boots, and Max and Jace wore black jeans and a shirt. Jace got a light blue shirt and Max a red one. They were supposed to meet Maryse and Luke there. After half an hour they arrived at the restaurant.
This restaurant exudes an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere that blends nature with luxurious interior design. The space is adorned with large chandeliers, each with multiple glowing bulbs that cast a warm, ambient light throughout the room. The ceiling is high, giving the room an airy and open feel.
One of the most striking features is the presence of large, lush trees planted in the dining area, their green foliage contrasting beautifully with the opulent gold and deep blue color scheme. The furniture is a mix of plush, curved navy blue banquettes and mustard-yellow leather chairs, all paired with white tablecloth-covered tables set with neatly folded napkins, glassware and small vintage-style lamps.
The walls are lined with mirrors framed in gold and dark wood, adding depth and reflecting the light from the chandeliers. In the background, an open kitchen with chefs at work provides a vibrant and dynamic element to the space, while blue-tiled walls serve as a stylish backdrop.
Overall, the restaurant strikes a balance between grandeur and comfort, making it a stunning setting for an upscale dining experience.
They sat down at the table, and a few minutes later, Maryse and Luke joined them.
"Sorry for the delay." Luke smiled and pulled out a chair for Maryse. "Did you order a drink? It's on me. Eat and drink what you want.”
"Not yet. I told the waiter that we were waiting for two more people. But I guess we can call him for the order, right?"
"Yes, of course. " Luke smiled and Alec waved in the waiter's direction.
As soon as the waiter came, he took the order through the sweet heart eyes he gave Alec and went to prepare it.
"Alright. So...what's going on?" Isabelle asked excitedly, drinking from her cup.
"Don't you want to eat first?" Maryse asked a little nervously.
"Well, I'm curious. And we can talk while we wait."
"I agree with Isabelle." Jace smiled. "How bad can it be?"
"Depends on how you take it." Luke chuckled. "All right. I guess the sooner the better.”
He paused for a moment, carefully finding the right words before speaking.
"Well... I want to say that I really appreciate your mother and all of you. You are all great kids and I feel very close to you... You have accomplished a lot, and you have grown up beautifully with your mother. And we want you to know that Maryse and I have started dating.
Alec chose the wrong time to drink from his cup, choking on the warm liquid and starting to cough, and Jace patted him on the back.
"Wow...that's a surprise..." Jace looked at Luke.
"You know I have no plans and I never thought about hurting you or her... We talked and even if you don't feel comfortable or the idea seems wrong, we would still like to continue our relationship." He said, very sure of himself and confident.
"But why shouldn't we like the idea? As long as you make our mother happy, we are happy too. Right, guys?" Isabelle smiled and looked at Max, Jace and then Alec, gently squeezing his hand under the table.
"Yes. Sorry, my throat. But yeah, it's true. As long as Mom's happy...Sure." Alec smiled.
"I want everything to be okay between us." Luke smiled and took a sip from his mug. "I'm not planning anything bad... I hope you can trust me enough to feel that."
"We do... Luke, we trust you. It's just... A little hard for us. We all went through a hard time with... Robert... It will be a little... Not weird, but..." Alec said, but was interrupted by Isabelle.
"Unusual." she smiled. "But we trust you, we appreciate what you do for all of us... And we really appreciate you taking us to dinner and telling us about it in a nice way. I would say."
Maryse smiled and patted Luke's hand.
"I have the most amazing children in the world. There's no word to describe how I feel right now... I love you, all of you. Thank you for accepting this and for accepting Luke in my life, in our life," Maryse said, her eyes filled with tears.
After agreeing to their mother's dating life and having dinner, Luke and Maryse drove Max, Jace and Isabelle home and Alec went to his apartment.
He took a long hot shower, then went to the closet to get his pajamas. While he was looking for his pajama pants, he saw the pants, shirt and vest that he brought from the store and when he met Magnus.
"I'm curious... What is he doing right now? If... He is at home, with Camille... Are they... Making love right now? Is he at the club?" he asked, running his fingertips over the buttons of his shirt. "Would I be stupid to think if he was... Thinking about me?" he laughed, shaking his head. "The stupidest thing you could ask, Alec..." The stupidest..."
He sighed and took the pajamas, got dressed and lay down on the bed. He turned on the TV and searched for a movie for a while. He found something with some vampires and played it, but fell asleep minutes later.
When Max got home, he went to Mina's door and knocked three times. Minutes later, she opened the door.
"Hi... I'm sorry for coming now... I wanted to... I wanted to see you. Can I come in?"
She looked at him, not very convinced, but stepped aside and let him in.
"Hi. And how can I help you?"
"Are you mad at me?" he asked, worried.
"No... I'm sorry... I'm not feeling well..." she sat down on the edge of the bed and he sat next to her, taking Mina's hand.
"What's wrong? Have you seen a doctor? Maybe you should go..."
"I will... If I keep being like this, I will. How was dinner? Is everything okay?" she stroked his hand.
"Yeah. Mom and Luke are going out. I like Luke... He always has been... Honest and there for us. He can marry her if he wants to." He giggled and kissed her hand.
"Yes. Luke is nice. I'm sure he'll take care of your mom," she smiled.
"I'm sure he will... Can I sleep here with you?"
"Sleep here? Or do you just want to..." but Max interrupted her.
"No. I just want to stay with you. But if it's not comfortable..."
But she cupped Max's face between her palms and kissed him, softly. She tilted her head to deepen the kiss.
Max smiled against her lips and wrapped his arms around her waist.
"I've been thinking about you." He murmured close to her lips and kissed her lower lip gently.
"Me too. About you. Will you stay here tonight?"
"If you want me to stay, I will." He smiled and kissed her back, caressing her cheeks, and she caressed his hands, then nodded.
"I want you to stay here with me. And I will make you a delicious... Breakfast," she smiled and kissed him gently again.
"I'm all yours."
He smiled and kissed her. Slowly, then deepening the kiss, but leaving her in charge. He let her do what she wanted.