Chapter Text
This was by far the weirdest appointment Magnus had ever had. He had been called by someone named Raj, and was told that Congressman Lightwood needed his services.
Now why would the definitely corrupt congressman need Magnus? As far as he was aware, the stern looking woman often photographed next the congressman was likely his wife, and Magnus did not need whatever politcal headache this was going to be. However, he was apparently going to be paid five hundred dollars just for taking the meeting and keeping quiet about it - he did need that.
Hopefully it was just a mix-up. Congressman Lightwood must've confused him with someone else. Why would he need a heartbreaker? He was the incumbent, if there even was a suitable opponent for the next election, a broken heart surely wouldn't ruin an entire campaign?
Oh well. He'd have this meeting, then go meet with Catarina for Bachelorette night. Maybe he'd cyberstalk Camille for a moment (just because he broke hearts for a living didn't mean he would be over his own heartbreak, though he wished it would).
He approached the congressman's office in fear, if he was honest, as he had heard some shady things about this man. In front of the door, there was a young man at the desk. Reading the nameplate, it said Raj something - there was a glare and Magnus didn't really care to figure it out past the young man noticing him, checking the time and knocking on the congressman's door.
"Mr. Bane, Representative Lightwood is ready for your appointment."
Magnus still jumped when the door opened.
"Mr. Bane, do come in. Sit down. We have business to attend to."
The first thing Magnus noticed about the congressman (the client, he had to remind himself) was that he did not stand or make eye contact with Magnus as he entered, nor did he stand, or perform any other sort of welcoming gesture. In fact, welcoming was the last word Magnus would use to describe both the man and the office - sparse, decorated only with the congressman's achievements, meticulously ordered.
"I'm sure you were surprised by our call. I'll make this simple, my son, Alec, is under the belief that he is interested in men. My hope is that if his first relationship with a man ends in the destruction of his heart, it'll be his last. You'll get a deposit of five thousand dollars, and an additional twenty thousand when the job is completed. You'd be allowed and expected to do everything within your power to make him fall hopelessly in love you - but there is a time limit. There are eight months until I begin campaigning for the next election, I expect him to be fixed by then. If you won't take this opportunity, I ask you give me the name of someone who will. Here is a picture of my son for reference as you make your decision."
Robert Lightwood slid a photo across the desk, and on it was the most beautiful man Magnus had ever seen. Marble skin, raven hair, bright blue eyes, a jawline sharp enough to cut stone, yet the smile he wore in the photo was clearly fake. It didn't reach his eyes. He - Alexander (presumably) - stood in between a lively looking young woman identical to what Magnus remembered from the stern Mrs. Lightwood, and a young blonde man who seemed as though he couldn't stay away from trouble if he tried, which he likely didn't. There was a another young man in the photo, although man was an exaggeration, as the boy couldn't have been older than twelve, but looked like a happier version of Magnus's new mark.
He didn't want to take part in this, it smelt too much of conversion tactics, but the money would help him. He'd be able to pay back the rent he owed, and being quite honest, the idea of making an enemy of Robert Lightwood wasn't appealing.
"I'll take the job, though I make no promises that your son will become straight, I can break his heart."
He didn't want to take this job. But really, how bad could it be?