Chapter Text
It really wasn’t Magnus’ day that day as it was only going downhill. Magnus, himself, was a shapeshifter, who was trying to get his powers under control. His kind possessed magic to some degree, but their main power came from transforming into an animal they’ve been assigned at birth. Magnus’ family line were able to transform into cats, but unlike his mother and father, it didn’t really come easy for Magnus to transform into his animal form, but lately he’d been getting better at it. The trick wasn’t turning into a cat, but the trick laid in staying a cat for longer periods of time. Magnus couldn’t last more than a couple of minutes and then he’d always turn back into a human - it was really annoying, especially because his friends usually had no difficulties with their shapeshifting. He was really far behind, so he tried something else. A potion!
Magnus read books about how there was this potion that allowed you to stay in your animal form for longer periods of times if you were struggling. The only main part was (which Magnus didn’t read prior to consuming the potion) that there were some side effects. But Magnus didn’t think of it too much - he was sure in himself that he’d be able to handle it. Potions were always his things, so he was sure he got this. Spoiler alert: he so didn’t and now he was suffering the consequences.
At first Magnus was impressed - a few hours had passed and he was still a cat. He was proudly strutting around the city and all of that had boosted his confidence and his already big ego. As he didn’t really think , like he should, he decided to do the stupid thing: he climbed a high tree, of course, and all was going great until he wanted to climb down. Magnus was terrified of heights, so he was completely petrified when he looked down at the park and saw just how high he was, wanting to smack himself if he could and he was just… it really wasn’t his day. He thought that all would be great after he’d change back into his human form, as it would be easier to get down, but there was one catch - he couldn’t. Magnus tried everything, but he couldn’t change back, no matter how hard he tried. So there he was, a black cat with big golden (terrified) eyes, stuck on the tree and was unable to move or meow. Everything was just so… terrible. Magnus was feeling sorry for himself and even though he knew he’d be okay if he climbed down, he just couldn’t.
Magnus really didn’t know what to do: he was stuck there and even though he wanted to reach out for help, there wasn’t much that he could do. He couldn’t really talk and he really doubted anyone would even notice him stuck up there. He was at the park and the park was really crowded - well, all of the places were crowded but the spot where he was. The spot under the tree was completely empty and no one really paid attention to it, which really boggled Magnus’ mind - it was like something or someone had a personal vendetta against him and he was just completely crushed. He was going to be there forever, stuck on the tree until either a hawk would come and nibble on him, or he’d just starve away and- were there even hawks in the city? Probably not, but knowing Magnus’ luck, one could come at any minute now, grab him and carry him away. Yes, his luck sucked that day and he meowed loudly as he couldn’t handle the sadness anymore. He needed to get down from there and he needed to go home to his father, who would probably know what to do to help him.
So, there he was, a black, fluffy cat, stuck on the tree, meowing loudly, begging someone for help, but nobody heard him and he was completely appalled - how dared they?! If only they knew who he was! Huh, they were completely rude and mean, his kitten ears drooped down and he then sadly meowed. Yep, no help was coming his way, absolutely no one was going to save him This was the end - Magnus could see it so clearly, looking up at the sky and he then howled loudly.
So, Magnus continued sitting on top of the tree for an additional hour and he started howling every now and then when he’d see someone pass the tree and even though some people actually saw him, nobody had the time it seemed to stop and just help the poor cat down. Magnus’ tail was fluffed up and he was hissing, grumbling and was completely pissed off - how couldn’t they help the poor animal in need? They were all heartless, all of them. Nobody deserved to be happy ever again for abandoning him like that! All of them were traitors, was what the cat decided on and he then nodded. Yes, shame on them, they sucked. He was better than them, of course. Magnus tended to be arrogant, but at the moment he thought that the feeling of superiority was completely justified. Besides, he was a cat and everyone knew that cats were superior beings. A long time ago, cats were considered to be god-like-creatures, so…
But nobody cared about this particular god’s creature until he came along. Magnus perked up when a young man, that looked around the same age as him, made his way to the tree and then leaned up against it. Magnus’ ears were perked up, his tail lifted and was excitedly flailing around, because help was here. He was going to make this one save him, because it was his last chance. It was also getting cold and he needed safety, his little cat body shuddering and he needed a warm blanket to warm up. Also, he was starving. He needed food and drink - so, this one was getting him to safety and as soon as the guy leaned against the tree, Magnus let out a loud howl, which was pretty much impossible for the guy to ignore and Magnus shuddered when the guy looked up at him, meowing again for help.
‘’ Help me, help me, help me, ’’ was meowing Magnus, but the guy could hear just meowing. ‘’ Oh, his eyes are pretty! ’’ pointed out Magnus when he saw the guy’s pretty hazel eyes and it looked like he wasn’t going to walk away! The guy was wearing a thick coat and he looked rather… sad. Magnus didn’t know how to explain it, but he looked sad, there was a great sadness that hid behind his eyes and he meowed again.
‘’Oh, kitty!’’ said the guy and his face quickly brightened up. Alec had a particularly hard day that day as well. He’d been yelled at by his boss and he got dumped. All in a span of a few hours and he was just going back home to his apartment, wanting to lock away from the world and do completely nothing. Absolutely nothing, he just wanted to be left alone and get hammered. He had bought whiskey, beer and wine - one of them was going to do the trick and drown his sorrows. That was until he stumbled into the park and heard someone meowing right above his head, looking up and he saw the most beautiful black cat that he had ever seen! It looked terrified and cold, it was shivering all over and Alec’s jaw dropped when he realised the situation. ‘’Oh no, are you stuck up there?’’ asked Alec and Magnus meowed in agreement.
‘’ Finally someone intelligent at my service. Yes, I’m stuck. Hey, Hot Guy, help me out, yes? I need to be saved, I’m terrified of heights and I’m hungry as fuck. Also it’s cold up here and I just wanna go home, ’’ meowed Magnus, Alec taking that as a yes. Oh, the cat had quite a lot to say and Alec rubbed the back of his neck, placing down the plastic bag with his alcohol and he looked up again at the cat. ‘’ Stop standing and do something!’’
‘’Let’s see,’’ said Alec and then hummed. ‘’Aww, it seems you’re freezing as well,’’ said Alec and then bit his lip. ‘’Did someone abandon you too?’’ he asked softly and Magnus narrowed his eyes. Abandoned him too? Ah, he was projecting, perhaps and Magnus only meowed again. He was whiny, yes, but he couldn’t help himself. ‘’I can’t see a branch for me to get up, but,’’ said Alec and then pressed his lips together. ‘’Try jumping?’’ asked Alec and knew it was impossible, the cat couldn’t understand, but the cat did understand and Magnus hissed. ‘’Okay, I suppose that’s a no,’’ said Alec, surprised, but then chuckled. ‘’Okay, look at my hand,’’ said Alec and Magnus looked at his hand. ‘’Oh, you must be a genius.’’
‘’ Of course I am! I’m Magnus Bane, the son of Asmodeus Bane, the greatest shapeshifter there is!’’ announced the cat and Alec grinned. ‘’ Now, what do you want me to do? I’m not an idiot, I’m not going to jump. I’d like to stay alive, thank you very much.’’
‘’Here, kitty, kitty, kitty,’’ cooed Alec, trying to get the cat’s attention. ‘’Try slowly coming to me, okay? Don’t be afraid, I’ll catch you if you fall,’’ said Alec and then hummed - pity that he didn’t have any treats or food on him. It would be easier. ‘’Kitty, listen to me,’’ said Alec. ‘’I’ll help you,’’ he tried again and Magnus leaned a bit lower, going to the end of the branch and Alec reached up a bit more. ‘’That’s it. Come to me, I’ll get you,’’ said Alec and Magnus shuddered, his heart hammering like crazy. He was terrified and Alec could tell. ‘’No, it’s okay. Don’t be afraid. Come, I won’t hurt you. I promise you, I’ll keep you safe,’’ said Alec and Magnus’ ears drooped down. ‘’It’s okay, that’s a good kitty and-’’ started Alec, Magnus closing his eyes and finally took a leap of faith and jumped right into Alec’s arms. Magnus expected to hit the floor, but he never fell, finding himself in the warmth of the stranger’s embrace and he opened his eyes, looking up as he found himself face-to-face with his saviour. Oh, he was hot up close!
‘’ You saved me, Hot Guy!’’
‘’See, you’re safe and sound now,’’ said Alec happily and then stroked his head. The cat let out a startled purr and Alec smiled when he saw Magnus nuzzling into the touch, happily smiling along, forgetting all about his terrible day for a little moment. Just for a few moments, but it helped. ‘’Oh, you like this, don’t you?’’ asked Alec happily, scratching Magnus under his chin and he noticed that he was wearing a collar. It was silver and blue and it had a little pendant, on which it said Magnus. ‘’So, you’re Magnus,’’ said Alec happily. ‘’Pretty name for a pretty kitty,’’ said Alec and then smiled.
‘’ Oh forget me, what’s your name, Hot Stuff? ’’ meowed the cat and perked up, almost touching Alec’s nose with his snout and Alec started giggling. ‘’ Ah, but I’m afraid we must part ways, ’’ announced Magnus. As fun as it was, he was in a hurry to get home. ‘’ I’m very thankful for your help, Kind Stranger, but I’m pretty sure that my father misses me. I’ll be forever in your debt, ’’ started meowing away Magnus and as soon as Alec saw that the cat was going away, his heart fell to the pit of his stomach and he bowed his head down.
‘’Oh, you’re going to just leave me too, huh,’’ muttered Alec and sighed. Ah, he should have seen this coming, but it was sad that even a cat left him. The way Alec said that made Magnus stop and he didn’t know why, but he couldn’t just leave. It seemed that something bad happened to the guy and upon further inspections he found large amounts of booze on Alec. That was what Magnus decided to keep the guy company - it was the least he could do for being saved. Also, going back home as a cat… was a long, long way and he needed a rest, food and warmth. This kitty wasn’t cut off for life in the wild. ‘’You’re back?’’ asked Alec after he saw that the cat ran back up to him and sat in front of him, asking to be picked up again.
‘’ Yes, for I must thank you, kind sir. I’m happy to notify you that I’m willing to go back with you!’’ meowed the cat and Alec’s mood was happy again. ‘’ Though I will require a warm drink, some yummy food and a warm blanket, because it’s fucking freezing, ’’ meowed Magnus and Alec saw that the cat was shuddering all over.
‘’Oh, you poor thing,’’ cooed Alec and picked up the cat. ‘’You must be freezing huh?’’ he asked and then opened up his coat just a little bit and picked Magnus up. Magnus was taken by surprise when he found himself comfortable and snuggled inside of the coat, only his head sticking out and he didn’t want to purr again because it was embarrassing, but Magnus couldn’t help it, in the end, his purrs being louder than ever and Alec smiled. ‘’You must be starving too. Lucky for you, I might have some yummy at home. Interested?’’ asked Alec and Magnus happily meowed an excited yes. ‘’Okay, let’s get going then,’’ said Alec happily. ‘’My place is just around the corner,’’ said Alec then and happily waggled his eyebrows, Magnus happily purring and Alec was happy - for a change, he wasn’t heading back to an empty apartment .
Magnus decided that he would go home the next day - Alec's offer sounded far too tempting to not take it.