Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hi!

So, this will be more a Shadowhunters RPF + Alternative Universe - Mundane.

Basically, I will use the character names but the personalities will be changed a bit. Or more. IDK.

Mainly Malec because this is a Malec centred fiction. Or just read the story.

I guess Alec's siblings might survive the persona change.

Although I don't know how will I conjure up Jace's snarky remarks.

Magnus is twenty-six. Alec is twenty-one.

CEO!Alec/PA!Magnus.

Although this will remain in 3rd person POV but you will see how the focus change from Magnus to Alec and vice versa. Or maybe even play from both sides.

Not most well written but I gave my best.

This may or may not run a bit fast for your palette, in the first two chapters I guess?

I don't own the characters, they solely belong to Cassandra Clare, I am just using names that's it.

Okay, I haven't copied anything but yes, I have taken a few elements to help me here from the fiction Call You Home by Airuna on AO3.

Trust me, the plot is solely mine, I haven't plagiarized their work.

And also Kudos to that work, go check it out, it's so amazing, I almost cried.

And Biblical will be used more than one time in this book :)

Yes, there will be angst but only short lived.

Coming very soon, because I am down writing sixteen chapters by the time I post this.

YES! I AM 17 WHILE WRITING THIS, SO PARDON ME OF THE BLAH BLAH WHAT SO EVER WORKING STUFF.

This is gonna be one hella dramatic ride.

Highly appreciated if you leave reviews.

I AM AN INTERACTIVE PERSON, PLEASE DO LEAVE COMMENTS CAUSE I LOVE INTERACTING.

(21/09/21): Still feels like a fever dream, this work I mean. And now that as days are passing by, I'm just questioning what really happened that time when I was, you know, started and was writing it. Not to be a person who's too in her head but I'm still awed by myself… Thank you for coming to my Ted talk. Go and read 21 Wishes after of course reading this work :)

Chapter Text

"We will call you for the next interview."

Magnus waited outside until the end of the interview.

He knew that he didn't land the job the moment that sentence was thrown in his face like a sweet insult.

The door opened, catching Magnus' attention in the process, a Brown man stepped out of the room where Magnus was interviewed first.

A big toothy smile was showing his perfect white teeth.

Magnus stood up and walked over to him as the man looked at him,

"This is for you."

Magnus handed him a small pouch with a smile, the Brown man's eyebrows knitted,

"Congratulations on getting the job."

The man looked between him and the pouch as he awkwardly asked,

"How… Did you know?"

Magnus playfully rolled his eyes,

"Oh you should've looked at yourself when you walked out those doors. All thirty-two of your teeth on full showcase."

The man blushed and looked at the pouch again,

"I'm sorry but I can't take this, we don't even know each other."

"Oh, non sense. Just take it."

Magnus moved his hand forth a bit, to the man who finally took it.

"Well, what is this?"

The man opened it and came out a small rectangular Red and Gold piece embedded with illustrations of dragons and Chinese words,

"It's a lucky charm. It hasn't been of much help to me,"

Magnus shrugged but looked back up at the man with that smile painted again on his lips,

"But I hope it does to you."

The smiling man looked at him,

"Thank you so much."

And with that being said, he walked past Magnus, who stood there watching his back disappear after the corner.

He then blindly turned his head back as he sighed out from his nose,

Not that he envied the man he just met or anything but it was that he'd been struggling for while that that sentence left his lips, unconsciously, 

"I wish that was me."

*

Standing in the elevator, Magnus pondered. His face a little contorted.

Then he sighed, he's actually lost count on how many interviews he's gone to and didn't land the job.

The elevator doors opened and he stepped out rather in his reverie.

Guess he'll have to go back to washing dishes at the Jade Wolf.

He sighed again.

He was looking down, swimming in his own emotions and thoughts as he walked on.

But he was sure he was walking out in an enormous and sort of empty hall, when,

He bumped into something.

What the—

Man, it was almost rock hard as a wall.

The file in his hand slipped as he realized it was a someone from their shoes.

Magnus blinked twice,

Maybe he gave his own luck to the man as well because it looked like he won't be back here again.

For any and every matter.

Without looking up, he crouched to the floor immediately to collect his documents.

"I'm so sorry—"

The hall went dead silent, the only thing ringing was Magnus' voice apologizing.

Magnus quickly collected the papers and stuffed it in the file. He looked up from the same position,

Oh what a handsomely terrifying view it was,

"I'm so sorry, sir, I wasn't looking."

Magnus stood up with the messy file in his hands.

The man looked angry, his big Blue eyes gave him a once over.

Magnus would have stepped aside by now but the man's gaze was just so cold that it made him freeze there.

He almost got shivers down his spine.

"What are you doing here?"

The man asked calmly, yet harshness was grazing his tone.

"I— I'm sorry, sir—"

"Answer what you've been asked."

If eyes were daggers, Magnus would already be dead by his gaze.

Magnus' gaze fell at the man's back, a Black woman gave him a nervous nod.

He looked back at the man as he said,

"I— I was here for an interview and I was just walking out."

The man looked at him a moment longer,

"Bring him to my cabin, Ms. Roberts."

"Yes, sir."

The said man walked past him and towards the elevator simultaneously as Magnus stepped aside, leaving him to stare at the back of the suited man.

Typical cold and arrogant director or CEO something, huh? 

He cocked his brow as that thought crossed his mind,

The hall burst into murmurs the moment the doors to the elevator closed.

Magnus looked back at the Black woman as her shoulders slumped and she breathed out a breath of relief.

"You're so lucky, do you know that?"

Magnus furrowed his brows,

"And how is that?"

"Come with me, I'll tell you."

*

"I'm Maia Roberts,"

The lady, namely Maia, pressed the button to the top most floor,

"The one you just bumped into,"

She sighed,

"He's my boss. He's everyone's boss here. The CEO to Idris Corporations."

Magnus furrowed his brows, 

As expected.

Then said as a joke,

"Does that give him the green light to be this angry and arrogant all the time?"

Maia's eyebrows creased,

"Arrogant? I don't think so. Angry? Maybe. Look, I may hate my job of being his personal assistant but I don't think he's arrogant. To me, that man just wants a break but won't say so."

"But hasn't been it only one year since he started working here?"

Maia looked at him and gave a playful smile,

"My, my, someone knows a lot."

Magnus scoffed,

"Everyone was talking about the same thing when I went for the interview. Seems like he's the hot topic for today."

"Not for today, everyday. Every time I happen to get a coffee, he is always being discussed. How cold and mysterious and arrogant and angry he is all the time. How skilfully he handles the whole empire even though he only worked as a PA for his mother for two years."

"Does the whole building crush on him?"

She chuckled,

"You can say that."

The elevator dinged opened,

"How long were we in there?"

"A minute or two, you'll get used to it. It's a skyscraper after all."

Magnus saw that the very short corridor opened into a beige walled room, a Floor-To-Wall window at the left and a big desk at the right, matching the colours of the wall.

On the desk, a rectangular name slate was there. Her full name was written there in bigger font than the PA at the left of it.

"Not many people are allowed up here." Maia casually added.

In the middle, there was a two doored entrance to the supposed cabin of the CEO.

Yes, because he looked at the right and saw 'CEO Alexander G. Lightwood' written in different sized fonts and in Black on a glass rectangular slate.

The doors were all mahogany except for the mid line where it was all silver and door handles were present in the same color.

Maia knocked on the door and then opened it, stepping inside. Magnus silently following her.

"Sir, I've brought him up here."

Magnus saw him gazing outside the Floor-To-Wall window.

Hands in his pant pockets.

Is he trying to look cool?

He turned around,

"Thank you, Ms. Roberts."

He said in a husk. Maia was about to leave when he said,

"You might actually want to stay and listen what I am going to tell you two."

Magnus and Maia shared a look.

Maia stood beside Magnus.

There was clear awkwardness in the room.

Magnus and Maia stood straight as the CEO sat himself in the comfortable office seat.

"I have decided something."

He looked up at Magnus,

"You want a job right?"

Magnus blinked and nodded,

"Y— yes."

"Great. Maia,"

Her back straightened further,

"You're given a week off. Mr…"

"Uh— Bane, Magnus Bane."

His gaze moved over the both of them as if he was an eagle and was about to eat them. His tone equally scaring.

"Mr. Bane will work in your place for a week as a test drive."

Maia nodded, before she could ask anything, the CEO said, looking at Maia,

"Now if you please."

Maia took that signal and gave a single nod.

Magnus knew what was happening, he dreaded this now.

He met Maia's eyes, he knew his own were pleading. Maia gave him a sympathetic smile and walked out.

Magnus didn't want to but turned back to him. He gulped when the CEO wasn't looking.

"So, Mr. Bane, can I please have a look at your resume?"

Oh no, why was that man asking him for his resume? He hasn't even landed one proper job! Except for that time at a call centre or as a part time barista as a teenager.

Heck, he hasn't even done much more than part time jobs.

All he had on his damned resume was a few courses he'd done.

Yet he still found himself dreadfully handing the file into the CEO's hand.

He then stood there with his hands folded humbly and cold sweat trickling down behind his ear as the man was slowly nodding, looking at Magnus' resume file.

In the slightest, Magnus hoped he passed.

The said CEO closed the file and looked up,

"Do you know how to make coffee?"

Magnus' brows gave a jump, "Yes— Sir."

Ugh, he wished he could punch his nervousness away.

"Can you make me one?"

Magnus nodded,

"Right away, sir."

Magnus popped out the cabin. Maia was standing just by the desk,

"What kind of a coffee does he drink?"

*

Maia started her vacation then and there.

And Magnus' trip to hell started from there.

To say Magnus was tortured was the least.

Not two minutes went by and Magnus would be standing back in the cabin, asking,

"Yes, sir, what do you need?" Or, "No, sir there isn't anything left on your schedule for today."

Why was that man making his already hard life unbearable?

Magnus had thought, brewing the third coffee for the day.

This time, the CEO wanted Black coffee with minimal sugar and just a little bit of milk.

Thank God, it wasn't like yesterday, he had to squeeze a full lemon into a big cup of it.

How is the person who has drunk lemon and coffee together still sane?

It's like Magnus is his personal servant rather than his personal assistant.

And damn his short height.

He'd have to almost race after him everyday.

And which CEO in the world has business lunches every fucking day?

Did this guy have time left for himself? Let alone family.

Magnus could only wonder.

"And you have a final meeting at four o'clock with the board of directors."

Magnus finished announcing the schedule to the CEO.

This had been a long week. And without him knowing, it had passed.

The CEO nodded his head not looking up at him, "Mr. Bane," Magnus looked at him,

Their gazes met.

Is it the first time he's noticing or did he actually have beautiful Blues for eyes?

He blinked and came back to reality,

"Do you have faith you will land this job?"

Magnus blinked again and looked away,

"Not precisely but I've been giving this, sudden but precious, chance at a job all I have…"

The CEO looked at him a moment longer in the eyes and then proceeded opening a drawer.

"On your second last day, I received a letter."

He opened, drew out and placed the file in front of Magnus,

"Maia Roberts, my ex-PA,"

Magnus blinked, what?

"Has resigned. And you've been working quite well in her position, so I presume, you might want to take this job?"

Magnus looked at the papers like a faded dream had come true.

He blinked again.

He would want to have a talk with Maia tonight but right now, something more important lie in front of him.

Magnus blinked again, was this real?

Was he really getting this job?

Was it because of his hard work or because Maia left her position?

That mattered to him but what mattered more was landing this job.

Having a stable life for once.

He gulped and met the man's eyes.

The look in them was… Expectant?

"May I read it through before we discuss the salary?"

Chapter Text

Oh my God.

Magnus Bane managed to land a job.

Unbelievable.

He didn't even attend college!

How was he able to land this job?

This was like a fairy tale dream come true for Magnus.

He was walking home, earphones plugged into his ears, blasting Feeling Good by Michael Buble.

He hopped all the way home.

He was so happy.

And after a very long time.

Things were finally starting look up for Magnus.

Even though he just landed the job.

He arrived at downtown.

Above the Jade Wolf, where he previously worked part-time, he had a one room apartment above it.

He hopped up the stairs, took out his earphones, popped the keys in and twisted open the door to his apartment.

Kicking it closed, he took a few long steps forward and collapsed on the bed on his back.

He let out a sigh.

A sigh of relief.

A smile came on his face.

And a lone tear too.

Magnus wiped it and looked at his hand,

"Now where did you come from to spoil the mood, huh?"

He laughed it off and then closed his eyes.

He took in a deep breath as his relaxed mind started digging at something.

He's forgetting something.

Wasn't he?

He sat up and his eyes fell on the Chinese lucky cat waving it's hand on his dresser.

Oh yes, Maia.

*

Magnus waited for Maia at the Jade Wolf.

They had exchanged contacts the day Maia was given her vacation.

And just fifteen minutes ago, he learned that Maia lived nearby and would be here in a short while.

Speak of the devil, Magnus looked up and a brightly smiling Maia entered.

She waved her hand gleefully, gladly came and sat in front of him.

"Wow, you look alive and much more happy compared to that day, not that I mind or jinx it."

Magnus said a little baffled.

"Well, it's thanks to you and congratulations on landing the job, Magnus!"

She put out a Black box, Magnus raised a brow and opened it.

In it was a shining Black tie.

Magnus took out and admired it,

"This is so pretty."

But Magnus quickly put it back as he then looked up,

"How do you know?"

"I'd already, somehow, told him that I'd be resigning soon."

"Any specific reason why did you want to resign from the boring but easy job?"

Magnus almost cocked a brow,

"My dream is to be a Marine Biologist and my semester will be starting soon. Besides, I have landed a scholarship. But you see, the CEO wasn't letting me go because he had no other person stay for this long."

"What do you mean by,"

His eyebrows creased together,

"'No other person has stayed for this long'?"

"I think it's either because of his cold attitude or simply the previous PAs he's had are just so much tolerant of his behavior that they all leave after like three or six months. That's how I landed this job in the first place."

"How long have you been working for him?"

"One long and boring year."

Magnus' brows furrowed,

"That's a really long damn time,"

"Yup, the things you need to do to survive and attend college."

Magnus nodded.

It was as if a switch turned on,

"You got to know what you wanted now tell me what happened after that coffee mission?"

"Ugh, what not happened. It was like I am not there as his potential personal assistant but permanent personal servant.

"Every two minutes and I mean it, every two minutes, I was being summoned in his office— 'Mr. Bane, what is next on my schedule?' Or 'Mr. Bane, call this department to report to me.' Or 'Mr. Bane, can you bring the report from that department?' Or 'Mr. Bane, where is my coffee?' Ugh!"

Magnus threw his head back,

"That man sucked the life out of me. I mean who in the world drinks lemon with coffee?!"

Maia burst out into a fit of laughter as people from other booths gave them a look,

"Are you sure he wasn't teasing you? Because he's never behaved with me that way. He was 'professional' every minute I've worked with him."

Maia asked as she finally calmed down from her laughing fit,

"Man, it almost feels like it is a cliche Thai boy's love drama and he did this all to you because he likes you."

"Likes?"

Magnus made a face,

"I don't think so."

Maia shrugged,

"You never know."

Magnus wiggled his brows in exasperation, his focus elsewhere as Maia then gave a mischievous smile.

"Let's see how long can you go."

Magnus met her mischievous gaze,

"And how long do you think will I last?"

Maia looked away again, pondering,

"Not as long as I did."

Magnus scoffed,

"I take that as a challenge."

"Be careful, don't let your health fall into shambles while being stubborn in completing your challenge."

"I won't and I'll make it out without a scratch." Magnus smiled.

Maia ordered a round of drinks,

"Let's make a toast to you getting the job, shall we?"

The waiter soon came and served them drinks.

Magnus picked up the shot glass and clinked it with Maia's and drank.

"Um— Does he lash out or anything?" Magnus asked after he gulped the burning shot down.

"No. But yes, if someone does anything wrong in front of him, be it work or just simple ethics and morals, he won't stand both. He'll put the person in place."

Magnus made yikes face,

"Okay, noted. Is there any specific story of him being this way?"

"Not really. He was actually worse when he was dating his last partner. His last PA told me about it before moving out to Canada. That woman went through a lot. Only after his break up did he seem to cool down a bit."

Magnus nodded and then sighed,

"Let's order another round of shots. This time, we're toasting to the hell I will go through at work."

Magnus ordered as Maia jokingly asked,

"Gosh, is it that bad?"

"Running around like a maid? Definitely."

*

Alexander arrived at the office as usual.

Professional life with his new PA was so better, even if it's only been three weeks, two plus the trial week.

His messy schedule was finally sorted out by a person who didn't even go to college.

Not that he judged.

But this was the first time he had ever employed a person without a proper degree.

But maybe he should start believing that the capability of one did not come from one's academic skills.

The elevator doors to the floor to his cabin opened.

He walked up till the door to his cabin.

Something's off.

He entered his cabin and just as he'd sat down on his office chair, the door knocked, opened and came in Magnus.

But he didn't look at him.

"I apologize for the delay sir, the coffee machine was acting up."

He placed down the cup.

"I'll bring the tablet in and announce your schedule for the day."

Alexander's eyebrows knitted for a split moment.

Magnus seemed... Off.

He came back in, announced his schedule and went back outside.

Just like that.

No bright smile with twinkles in his eyes.

And this went on for two days.

For two days, Alexander's coffees arrived late, for Bane was a very punctual person.

"Mr. Bane, tell Raj from the marketing team to report to me."

"Yes, sir."

Alexander let the button go.

The same dull tone, Bane replied to him in.

It was bothering Alexander.

For the whole week, Bane 'interned' as his personal assistant, there was something about him,

About the way he looked,

About the way his eyes shone,

About the way he spoke.

Like a spark.

Which seemed… Dead.

But the problem was, how will Alexander ask him what's wrong? He has never talked to Bane apart from work.

Would Bane trust him enough to tell him? 

Gosh! He liked it when Bane told him his schedule all bright and smiley.

He has liked that about him since day one.

Him being all sulky and not his usual a bit cheerful and smiley self was just like someone sucked out all the shine and warmth of the sun.

And it was bothering him.

But wait, why did Alexander care about this?

Why did he want to ask Bane about this?

Why was this bothering him?

Him?

Alexander Gideon Lightwood?

One of the most youngest CEOs to have such a big business empire in empires out there?

His life should all be about work and nothing else.

So why was Bane's sulky self bothering him?

In all his thoughts, Alexander didn't hear the door to his cabin being knocked and then being opened.

Raj walked in warily and soon stood before his desk.

He had called out to him a few times already.

Did his boss suddenly go deaf? 

Raj sucked in a breath, this time he knocked the table as well as addressing,

"Sir,"

Finally, Alexander blink snapped out of his reverie as he looked up at the person standing before him,

"Huh— Yes?"

Alexander straightened as his demeanor slipped back.

"I have brought the report you asked for and came in to further update you on it."

Alexander nodded and Raj handed the file to him.

Alexander started looking through it as Raj explained him the details and kept nodding with the way.

"I'll leave this file here with you."

Raj said and had just taken few steps to leave when he stopped and came back.

Alexander blinked back up at him. Raj looked hesitant, he met Alexander's eyes,

"Sir, I have something to tell you."

"Go on."

Raj gulped,

"I know, this might put my job at risk but I felt like I needed to tell you."

Raj paused for a moment. He finally looked up at Alexander,

"People are talking behind your back and making rumours. Well, actually behind your personal assistant's back but the rumours aren't that good."

Alexander started in his usual tone,

"Rumours never have been. Tell me all the details, I will not tolerate this kind of inappropriate and non-professional behaviour against any of my employees."

"They are people of my team, they started this. Everyday at coffee breaks or lunch hours, they do nothing but this. They say you appointed your personal assistant not because he was actually capable and worthy of his job but because… He…"

Raj bit the inner of his lips as he hesitated,

Alexander's gaze hardened,

"Pr— provided you with… Some kind of… Sexual pleasure."

Alexander was gritting his teeth by now.

He looked away.

So this was why Bane was late with coffees and his mood was down.

"I should get back to work."

Raj said as he slipped out of his office. The CEO didn't even notice.

These people would not be seen here tomorrow.

Chapter Text

The same day. Lunch break.

He asked Bane to get him his usual coffee, Black.

Alexander never thought he'd play undercover.

He took off his coat and hung it on the office chair.

Drew out his old PA card from the desk and threw it on.

He'd only have to hide his face now and he needed to figure out how quickly.

He sucked in a breath and walked in the elevator.

Just as he'd stepped out the floor to the cafeteria three, where Raj had told him to come, he saw and grabbed a pamphlet from the stand nearby and opened it.

Voila.

Covering till his nose, he looked around as he slowly but casually walked in.

He spotted Bane at the coffee machine.

Although he stood sideways, Alexander couldn't see his face.

He looked around and saw that on a not so far table, people were sitting and laughing.

He spotted one person in them, who wasn't doing the same, Raj.

He walked up and stood beside Bane.

He saw how distracted Bane was.

Slowly stirring in the coffee mug.

He focused in the indistinct chatter of other employees.

"And have you seen how that new PA of the CEO hurries to make coffees for his new boss?"

"Oh, of course. The CEO must need his energy go on and on." They all laughed.

Alexander's blood boiled.

Bane sighed beside him. He took the mug and had just turned left when he was left shocked.

The CEO himself was standing there.

Alexander spared him a glance,

"Turn back and don't move from here until I leave this place."

Bane only nodded and did so.

"Ah~ Ah~ Ah~ C-E-Ooooooo~"

The group burst into a fit of laughter again as Raj stood up, took his tray and went away.

Alexander had turned a little bit and saw from the corner of his eyes.

"He always spoils the mood."

There were three men and one woman in the group.

"Where were we?"

"The personal assistant sucking the CEO's dick."

They all chuckled again as Alexander slammed the pamphlet down on the slab and the person behind the counter, who stood by donuts got shocked twice.

Once by the slam and second when he noticed who did that.

Alexander recomposed his posture and put his hands in his pant pockets.

He turned and started aloud as he walked up to the table,

"Can I ask the reason why you people are so interested in my sex life?"

The whole cafeteria fell dead silent.

Especially the ones sat at the table which he approached,

"Or my personal assistant's?"

They all gulped and slowly stood up,

"Sir—"

"Shut up!"

He snapped at the one who started.

"You have no right to reason after what you've done. There is no place in Idris Corporations for such filthy people who have such a disgusting mindset.

"I don't feel the need to explain this to you but let me make this clear, my personal assistant is at his position because he proved himself to be."

He looked at all of them, who looked pale and shocked to death,

"Now that I have cleared the rumours myself, all of you are fired!"

He spat in their faces.

He half-turned when something popped up in his mind, he looked at them again,

"And yes, I want hand written apologies to my PA from you all submitted to me, before you leave. I am assigning Raj to this task. Get it done right away."

He stood up from where he sat on the next table, "Yes, sir."

"And you all are henceforth banished from stepping foot into my empire and applying for job here again. If you do so, I will make sure, no other company offers you anymore opportunities."

He glared at them once more and then walked away.

Leaving Magnus gazing at his retreating back for once.

*

Magnus knocked and then walked in the cabin, rather hesitant.

He saw that the man behind the desk didn't look up and kept flipping pages in a file.

Magnus quietly came and placed the coffee, a fresh one. He took the old one himself.

"Your coffee, sir."

He folded his hands as he took in a silent breath, finding strength to say the words he wanted to say to him.

"Sir, I want to say something."

The CEO didn't look up but stopped,

That was his cue to continue,

"Thank you for doing what you did there. It means a lot."

Alexander snap shut the file as his glaring eyes met Magnus' thankful gaze,

"Why didn't you say anything about it?"

He asked rather calmly but there was a certain anger in his tone,

"Why didn't you stand up to them? Or why didn't you report to me about this? Why did someone like you not say a thing?"

Magnus blinked,

"It's not like I enjoyed it or wanted it. I just… Couldn't. If I stood up to them, it would be fuel to the fire. Rather than buying what I'm telling them, their belief would solidify in what they're thinking and it could've been harmful to this empire's name— To your name. As for why didn't I tell you— How could I? You're always absorbed in work, I…"

Magnus looked away as he sighed,

"I couldn't find the strength to do so."

He said in all honesty.

"Well, mark my words now, although I hope nothing like this happens again, but if something like this does happen, to either you or any other employee, even our clients or whatever, you're gonna report it to me.

"The mental health and the dignity of my employees matter to me more than my work. And spread the word into the whole office. Understood?"

And for the first time in a few days, Magnus smiled,

"Yes, sir."

In Magnus' perspective, Alexander managed to gain huge respect.

Magnus looked down, unable to wipe that grin off.

"And that's…"

Magnus looked up, the CEO wasn't looking at him while saying this,

"Mr. Lightwood, for you."

Magnus blinked again,

"Okay, s— Mr. Lightwood."

"Everyone calls me sir so much that I sometimes forget my own name."

Inhale and exhale,

"So Mr. Bane—"

"Uh—"

Magnus raised his right hand's index finger, he smiled a little more as he said,

"That's Magnus for you. I can never fully digest being addressed to as Mr. Bane all the time."

Alexander looked at him a moment longer, "Okay."

He looked away at the other,

"So… Magnus, what is the schedule after lunch?"

Chapter Text

"I can't believe that happened. But I think I can believe that he did that."

Maia said as she stuffed a spring roll in her face.

"I know right, maybe he's just not that arrogant as I perceived him to be. But I don't think he wants a break from his work either. He crazily loves it."

Magnus kept on dipping the spring roll in ketchup.

"That he surely does. I wonder how come he doesn't get tired. He gets there on time and if given the opportunity, he'll even pull an all-nighter there every night. I wonder if he works from home as well."

Maia shook her head as she downed a shot.

After a short pause, Magnus asked, although he didn't want to, "Maia?"

She looked at him, "Hm?"

"During your time there, did you ever call the CEO, Mr. Lightwood?"

Maia shook her head, "No, why?"

"Was just asking."

Maia's face slowly started to mould into a playful smile, which Magnus caught from the corner of his eyes, picking up what she was throwing,

"Maia, it's—"

Her phone rang, saving Magnus' life. She picked it up quickly. "Hey, babe!"

Magnus cocked a brow,

"Yeah I am at the Jade Wolf. You coming to pick me? Okay, I'm waiting. Okay, I'll buy you spring rolls."

By now Magnus had a smile, though soft, "Who was it?"

Magnus asked as Maia ended the call, "My boyfriend, Jordan."

Maia raised her hand, "Excuse me!"

Magnus reeled away as Maia turned to order,

"Two spring rolls, please. Take out."

Maia's voice touched his ears but it was as if he could not notice anything but his own thoughts.

No one has called the CEO Mr. Lightwood before.

No one.

That made him the first person to do it.

What did it mean?

"Thank you so much, I'll see you around, Magnus, good luck!"

Maia got up and ran off with the take out but Magnus still didn't look at her or say anything at all.

No, even if Alexander was Bisexual or Gay, he wouldn't have feelings for his own personal assistant, right?

He would date someone of his own calibre.

Yes, why would he like Magnus?

Magnus sighed,

It's rather better to stop here.

*

Another usual day at work.

Magnus was sitting at his desk, most certainly not thinking about how big and gorgeous his boss' eyes are.

That incident was a week old now. And no one seemed to be messing with him anymore.

Guess it was the perks of being the personal assistant to the CEO.

Then he heard the elevator doors ding open. His head turned that way as he stood up.

It was a woman, a fairly middle aged woman if Magnus was not wrong.

But Maia told him not many people were allowed access here.

And the woman who was drawing close felt familiar to him too.

Her stance spoke of authority.

She stopped before Magnus, "Afternoon, is the CEO in there?"

Magnus smiled as it clicked in his mind who she was,

"Good afternoon to you as well. And the CEO is currently in meeting with the board of directors. How about you go in and wait for him? I'll drop a quick text to my boss?"

The woman's eyebrows knitted for a brief moment, "And why would you do that?"

"Because, if I am not wrong you're Maryse Lightwood, my boss' mother. Inspiration to many out there, just not only woman."

Magnus smiled in his signature style.

Oh, thank God I did necessary research.

"Now, shall we?"

The woman, Maryse, smiled and lifted her left hand indicating to lead the way.

Magnus entered first and held the door open for her to enter.

She sat on the single sofa which faced the door.

The sofa set was placed on the right hand side of the desk.

"And I'll text him now."

Magnus just pulled out his phone when his boss' mother asked,

"Uh— What was your name again?"

"Magnus Bane."

"Mr. Bane, he might actually come early if you don't message him."

Was there some kind of fight going on between them?

Well Magnus didn't think much of it as he obliged and put his phone back.

"Would like to take anything while you're waiting? Tea, coffee or donuts?"

It was Magnus' contagious smile which also came up on Maryse' lips,

"No, thank you, I'd first like to meet with Alec. Maybe then you can make us two cups of coffee?"

"Sure thing, sugar and milk?"

"No milk and one cube of sugar, thank you."

"At your service."

Magnus smiled one last time and headed out.

He saw that a few pens were scattered on the table, because he certainly wasn't daydreaming.

So he widened his eyes at them in exasperation and went to clean them up while standing in front of his desk.

Just as he was done, the doors to the elevator opened again and walked in his boss in all his usual aura of richness and angry young boss around him.

And no, he did not look so breathtakingly handsome in that grey three piece suit with a matching tie and his hair perfectly styled.

No.

Magnus blinked and came back to his senses just as he stopped before him.

He was about to say something when Magnus beat him to it,

"Even if something is on your schedule, I am either postponing it or cancelling it for now."

The CEO frowned, "Why is that?"

"Your mother is waiting inside for you."

And suddenly the CEO looked tired,

"Why did you let her in?"

"Because if I am not wrong it would be highly disrespectful of me to stop the ex-CEO and mother of my boss from going in. I didn't know that you don't want to meet her, so I certainly didn't want to risk my job."

Magnus smiled at the end. The CEO just looked at him in an unreadable expression.

To Magnus, it was almost like he was trying to show he was angry at him so Magnus quickly changed his expressions and said,

"Maybe I should go and tell her that you don't want to meet her."

He had just turned when the CEO grabbed his left lower arm. Magnus looked at him but the CEO wasn't looking at him,

"I'll handle this."

With that being said, he slipped into the cabin.

Nope, Magnus did not feel anything when the CEO touched him for the first time.

His grasp wasn't so warm and firm and gentle.

No, Magnus' heart was not racing.

And Magnus was definitely not blushing.

No.

Telling himself that repeatedly in the head, Magnus headed down to the cafeteria to make coffees.

*

"Mom."

Alexander addressed as he stood by the door. His mother looked up at him from the magazine,

"How are you?" He asked rather stiffly.

His mother sighed, "I should be asking you that, Alec. Come sit here."

Alexander let out a silent breath and sat down near his mother on the two seater.

"What was the cause to skip dinner yesterday night? Isabelle had brought her boyfriend home."

Alexander immediately pulled out his phone and checked the date.

He closed his eyes as he said in a low sighing voice, "It was yesterday."

Maryse said after a moment,

"Alec, look, I really appreciate you're working hard but it also matters that you have a life outside of the empire. Isabelle bringing home her boyfriend was just an excuse, you rarely see any of us anymore, unless it's us making the effort to do so. It's been so long since we had a family dinner without an excuse."

Alexander slowly nodded, listening to what she was saying,

"Is Izzy upset?" He asked looking up at her,

"If I am not wrong, she just misses having her big brother around."

Just then the door knocked and then opened, "Coffee's here!" Magnus chirped.

He walked in and placed the coffees down, "No sugar and with just a little bit of milk, for our CEO. And no milk with just one cube of sugar for our ex-CEO."

Maryse took it with a smile, "Thank you."

Just in time, Maryse turned to Alexander and asked, "So have you found someone, Alec?"

Magnus just glanced at Alexander for once.

The look on his face was so done with all this.

Magnus should feel the need to repay his boss for what he did to save his reputation in front of the whole office,

But it shouldn't be right now.

Because what Magnus is thinking right now, might backfire at him.

That is, him losing this job.

"Mo—"

Magnus wanted to control himself but instead he found the words already slipping his mouth.

"Honey,"

He was surprised at himself at how sweet he sounded.

Maryse and Alexander both looked up at him in surprise.

"What?"

Alexander asked in a low voice, utterly astonished.

Magnus could only just smile down at the CEO, hoping he took the signal.

"You... Didn't tell your mom about us yet?"

Magnus looked at Maryse who then looked down and met Alexander's gaze with her mouth slightly ajar and eyes widening into circles with surprise and question.

He then finally blinked, the situation starting to make sense in his head.

Alexander once turned back to Magnus only to see him stretching his lips.

He then faced his mom and smiled awkwardly,

Playing along felt like the safest option here.

"Maybe, I should join this conversation and formally introduce myself."

Magnus gracefully sat himself down beside and quite near to Alexander.

He snaked his hands around Alexander's right elbow and said looking at his mother,

"Allow me formally reintroduce myself. I am Magnus Bane, your son's personal assistant and boyfriend."

Maryse looked at Alexander, mouth still agape.

It was comical, how her shocked face broke out in to a big grin showcasing her White set of teeth,

"That is so amazing. Alec, why did you hide this from us?"

Alexander had just opened his mouth when Magnus raised his hand and said, "Allow me."

He turned to Maryse,

"Your son just wanted to take things slow but I didn't think he'd go this slow. I mean such as hiding this from his family but I think he just wanted to be sure about me before he told you all about me."

In the end, he looked at his boss with a sweet look,

"Am I correct... Babe?"

And was returned with a bittersweet stretch of lips as he met his eyes and forcefully nodded.

Both of them turned to Maryse as she smiled once again, "I'm so happy that finally my son found someone."

While Maryse proceeded to finish her coffee, Alexander said in a whisper,

"I demand an explanation after this."

Magnus just giggled as his natural charm slipped from his smile, he gritted out through his teeth,

"You forgot but I didn't, you have a meeting over lunch with the CEO of Downworld Group of Companies, Luke Garroway."

Before Alexander could fire something back at Magnus, he saw Maryse placing her mug down on the coffee table from peripheral vision,

"Ah, I missed the coffees of our office."

She looked at them, "Well I should get going then."

She looked at her son, "Alec?"

He nodded. Magnus finally untangled his arms and all of them stood up.

He led his mom out as Magnus and Maryse exchanged farewells,

But before going out himself, he gave a look to Magnus.

The door clicked shut as the plastered smile on Magnus' face drained and, for real, collapsed back down on the sofa and sighed out loud in defeat.

Oh boy, I am in trouble.

Chapter Text

"I know, it's okay to take your time, Alec, but you should've told us. About you having a boyfriend."

Maryse stopped before the elevator and turned to Alexander,

"I didn't even know I had a boyfriend." Alexander murmured under his breath,

"What?"

"Nothing,"

Maryse sighed, "Alec, you may find me annoying but,"

Their gazes connected as her concern reflected in her eyes.

"You really need to work on balancing your work and your life. If not for us then for him. We're your family, we understand your workaholic self but with your boyfriend, it's a fairly new relationship. Try and give it some time if you want to make it work."

She gave a smile and put a hand on his cheek.

Alexander gave her half a smile, she opened her arms then, "Come here."

He wrapped his arms around her. Breathing in her calming lavender scent that was forever registered in his head.

"I'll really get going now."

She said as she parted and pressed the button to the elevator.

*

"Since when me and you are dating?!"

The door to the cabin had flown open and had burst an enraged voice in the silence of the atmosphere,

Magnus turned and saw his boss fuming and at the brink of breaking his demeanor,

The Blues in his eyes looked ablaze with anger at that moment.

"We'll discuss this after your lunch meeting."

Magnus calmly put, 

"You don't tell me what to do."

Alexander almost growled at Magnus while simultaneously squinting his eyes a little as he took a few steps into the room and lowly pointed his finger at him,

Whereas Magnus, he looked back at him with an almost amused expression,

"Yes, I don't. But your schedule does."

He raised the tablet,

"And after your lunch meeting, your schedule is clear. You can peacefully fire me then."

Magnus met his eyes and smiled.

Alexander just stood there breathing in and out like a mad bull.

"You shouldn't keep the CEO of Downworld Group of Companies waiting for you. It will create a bad impression of you and your corporation."

Alexander sucked in a breath.

Something about how his PA handled the situation confidently and with a smile plastered on his face, made his anger strangely dissipate a bit.

How could he just recall his meeting with the said CEO when Alexander was silently raging right in front of him and could totally fire him with all the authority he had.

Just how?

"I will be back in an hour and after that, I want an explanation on why you did that."

The door slammed shut.

Magnus turned around and gazed outside the window.

He didn't even register speaking out loud,

"He looks so cute when he's angry."

*

"You seem distracted, Alec."

Alexander snapped out of his reverie and looked up at Luke.

"No, it's just—" Alexander sighed,

"Come on, you can share it with me. I've been your family friend since forever."

Alexander sighed again,

"I just... Missed another family dinner and mom paid me a visit. She was quite worried about me not having a life outside from work."

Alexander half lied as he shoved a piece of steak in his mouth.

Well, he was concerned about this but,

"If I was in your mother's steps, I'd do that too. I'm sure she must've at least expressed some of her worries."

Alexander scoffed, "You know my mom." Alexander shook his head as he took another bite.

"Well, what business did you want to discuss?"

Alexander observed how Luke slowed and stopped.

He put his cutlery down and looked Alexander in the eyes.

He looked nervous.

"I am thinking of proposing to your mom."

Alexander furrowed his brows. It wasn't such a hidden thing, at least in their family, that his mom was dating Luke.

But he hadn't expected that they'd get married.

Or maybe, "Wow, I mean that's nice. Does Izzy and Jace know about it?"

"Yeah, she was the first person to know, following Clary. Then Jace and Simon."

Wow, everyone knows.

"So when is it happening?"

"That's what I am confused about. Should I do something really plain or something really surprising? Something extravagant? Or—"

"Luke,"

He took in a breath and met Alexander's gaze,

"You know my mom, you know yourself and you know how the relationship between you two is. Do what you think is right."

Alexander ended with a curl of his lips.

Something clicked in Luke, "That's a great idea."

"So this was your business you wanted to discuss over lunch?"

"Let's be honest, Alec,"

Luke picked up the handkerchief and wiped his hands,

"Your mom is right. If I had called you normally over lunch, you would never make it. So I had to make an appointment."

Alexander blinked,

Okay, he was not that deep in work that people, who basically and were his family, would have to take an appointment to meet him…

Was he?

"Well then congratulations. I see another family dinner coming."

Luke chuckled,

"Please make to that one."

*

It was evening.

Magnus hummed as he cleaned the shelves beside the sofa set.

The door opened and Magnus turned around, stopping in his movements.

Alexander, who stood in the doorway, still holding the handle asked as he pointed with his other hand,

"What are you doing?"

"I saw that the shelves were pretty dusty so I thought why not clean it."

"With a wet rag?"

Magnus looked at his hand holding the rag.

Why was he Asian?

Alexander sighed,

"You know what, never mind."

He entered, walked over and placed his phone down on the desk.

He walked about it as he took off his coat and hung it on the office chair.

He started to open his cufflinks and loosen his tie, then proceeded to open the collar button.

Magnus, on purpose, didn't look at him and just continued cleaning the shelves.

"Don't you have something to say?"

"Yeah,"

Magnus stopped and turned to him,

"You don't have a maid or something for this kind of stuff?"

Alexander glared at him with those cold Blues. Magnus looked away,

"Okay, fine. I did it out of sympathy."

"Sympathy?"

He looked at Alexander from the corner of his eyes, who proceeded to sit down.

Magnus sighed,

"The thing is my parents, usually my mom, used to bug me all the time with these questions of, 'Have you found someone?' Or 'Are you dating anyone?' Or 'It's about time you bring someone home to introduce to us.' Even though I was just seventeen at that time. I don't know, maybe because she saw through her Asian goggles and thought I am ready to marry and pop kids. So yeah, I went through much of a same hell as you were going through so I thought why not save you from it, even if for a while."

And also because I felt like repaying you for what you did for me.

Alexander just gazed at him.

If it was someone else, he would have probably said something like 'Don't interfere in my personal life.' But looking at Magnus' face, he couldn't bring himself to say that.

Maybe because of the fact that this could actually help him.

"And how long do you think this lie should go on?"

"As long as you want, Mr. Lightwood."

For the second time in the same day, he felt words slip out of his mouth so smoothly,

Alexander looked at him for a moment longer, then averted his gaze, seemingly in thoughts.

"Okay then,"

 He straightened and looked up,

"If I am not wrong, my mom will be remarrying soon. Just until after that."

Magnus took a full breath before saying with a small grin,

"Sure, why not."

Magnus was about to return to cleaning the shelves when Alexander said, looking at his back,

"That means you'll have to attend family dinners with me."

Magnus turned and flashed his signature stretch of lips at him,

"Don't you worry about me, Mr. Lightwood. I dress to impress. You should worry more about yourself."

Alexander wanted to snap back at him saying that he had a great fashion sense but then abandoned that thought for every fibre in his body felt heavy.

He just wanted to close his eyes for a moment or two. And so he did.

Magnus finished with the shelves and placed the files back, which he'd brought out in the first place in order to proceed, when he heard his phone ring.

While admiring his work, he picked the phone from the table and answered it.

Alexander opened his eyes just in the right moment as Magnus answered the call and set the phone near his ear.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Alec?"

It was a shrill voice.

Magnus' eyebrows creased and then he looked at Alexander who seemed taken aback.

That's when Magnus realized,

His own phone was in the back pocket of his pants.

"No... This is Magnus."

Alexander closed his eyes in defeat and frowned.

"Oh, so this is the reason why my big brother didn't make it to the dinner last night."

Chapter Text

"Can you please give the phone to my brother if he is around."

Magnus looked at Alexander.

"Sure."

"Mr. Lightwood?"

Alexander opened his eyes and saw that Magnus was handing him his phone with a please-don't-kill-me look.

Alexander took it while still boring holes first into Magnus' face then his hand that held his phone,

"I'll make myself scarce."

With that being said, he took the rag and walked out the cabin as Alexander eyed his every movement. 

Only when the door clicked shut did Alexander silently sigh out preparing himself and placed the phone against his ear,

"What is it?"

"Geez big brother, I didn't know you'd be so possessive about your boyfriend talking to me."

"I didn't even—"

"Well, you don't need to spell it out for me to understand, big brother. You'd straight up get the hands chopped off of the person who touched your phone if it was just anybody. Well, I am not so angry with you anymore. But I and Jace do want to meet you."

"It means you two will be crashing at my loft tonight."

"With movies and pizza!"

Alexander sighed.

This wasn't so bad after all,

The piled up frustration somehow slipping away and the smallest of a smile coming on his face.

Though he knew of the teasing that was gonna befall him.

"Magnus! How can you do that?"

Maia exclaimed in his face with a low voice but the look on her face was alarming enough.

"I was just helping him, Maia, there's no reason for you to react this way."

Magnus said, bored but his tone was edged with anger.

"Yeah, but you know getting involved with the riches isn't always good. Well it's mostly bad. And the Lightwoods, they are aristocrats as far as I know. Old money. God knows what kind of dirty money they have."

Magnus said almost offended,

"I don't know about the past generations, Maia, but I am sure of one thing that the current CEO of Idris Corporations isn't like that."

"Oh I know it myself, Alexander Gideon Lightwood is an idealistic role model but what about his family, have you even seen them? What if one of them turns out to be a snake and creates some fake drama, what then?"

"Maia, for one thing you need to calm down. Second, although I do believe something like this won't happen, I'd talk to the CEO about this if I sense some sort of a thing, happy?"

"Not exactly."

Magnus looked at her with pursed lips, she gave him a frustrated expression,

"Ugh, I just don't want you to end up dead, Magnus."

"You watch too many dramatic shows for your own good."

A few days later, a text popped up in Alexander's phone.

On the steps, at the right side, he saw Magnus, who still smiled at him the same way. If anything, he brought his hand up as if waving him greetings.

And all Alexander could do was, sit there and stare.

Even from this distance, he could clearly see Magnus.

All shining and bright like a star. Even that comparison felt like a nuisance to Alexander but he didn't acknowledge that.

Magnus looked different. As if he gave himself a complete makeover in a matter of a few hours.

Royal Blue shirt under a Black starred coat. Various rings graced his fingers. Hair beautifully set with gel. Orange eyeshadow.

He sparkled.

Even though the car was unlocked, Magnus asked for permission. Admirable?

Alexander reached his hand as Magnus straightened and backed away. The door opened and Magnus caught it. He shuffled inside and closed the door.

"Good evening, Mr. Lightwood. I thought you said to meet here at seven-thirty? Why so early, may I ask?" Magnus fastened the seatbelt around him.

"I could ask you the same thing."

"Oh, I happened to be ready early, so I thought why not take a walk to here instead of sitting around."

Alexander looked at him with knit of brows, "You walked up till here?"

"I suppose I said that, right."

"Don't you have a vehicle of some sorts?"

"I prefer taking a walk rather than relying on vehicles every time I step out of the house. Except when I have to reach to the office."

Alexander looked forward, "Fair enough." He muttered under his breath, he let out a breath then, "Now that we're both here, let's not dally and get going."

Alexander started to drive. The silence in the car was peaceful until Alexander started fidgeting.

Magnus observed him silently. Him tapping his finger impatiently at the steering wheel. Constantly licking his lips. Looking out his side of the window every other moment.

If his leg was free, he would be shaking it too, Magnus thought.

"Calm down, Mr. Lightwood. Everything will be fine. You're just taking me to have dinner with your family, it's not like we're getting married."

Alexander blinked as if something very important rolled into his mind which he had apparently forgotten.

The car stopped and both of them got down. It was quite a drive away from the city, Magnus was almost stiff from sitting. But all the soreness went away when he looked up at the mansion.

"This is the Lightwood mansion. It has been passed down to first sons, for at least four generations. And this is also where I grew up."

Alexander elaborated as he came and stood by Magnus, whose eyes savoured the beauty of the mansion.

Characters— Probably in ancient Latin or Greek carved in the White pillars surrounding the house, which were coloured in Gold and Red, gave an exquisite look to the otherwise White mansion.

Up the few steps was a beautiful White fountain, a statue of a lady holding a tilted vase stood in the middle, and water flowed from it.

Moonlight reflected from the water.

Around them were plains, grass was finely trimmed and at the far boundaries of the mansion, herbs and shrubs were planted. Which were obviously well taken care of. Small garden lights were set in front of them to showcase their greenery at night.

Magnus exhaled silently,

"What is a beauty if you don't admire it?" Alexander and Magnus' gazes met. Magnus gave him his signature smile but with a hint of amusement, Magnus looked back at the mansion and then around but Alexander didn't, "This is art. Pure art."

Something came up in at the very back of Alexander's mind but pushing it further away, he said,

"Shall we?" Magnus looked at him with the same expression as he raised his left arm. Alexander bopped his head and brought out his right arm as Magnus linked them.

To Magnus, it felt like he was royalty entering the reception hall with his newly wedded royal partner.

Alexander rang the bell once they reached and soon, they were greeted by a smiling Maryse, who opened the door for them.

"Alec! You actually made it!" She stretched out her arms and Alexander hugged her, "Of course, I did."

Magnus stood them watching. Then Maryse unexpectedly took Magnus in a hug just as she parted from Alexander.

"You both look so handsome," She looked over both of them,

"Come on, I've made lots of food for tonight." She said a little over the moon as she turned and disappeared in the mansion.

They deliberately stopped to take the coats off. Helping each other like real boyfriends would.

"Although, I don't have a problem but your mother seemed to be a collected type when I first met her, she seems…"

Magnus' hands reached up on the shrugged off coat on Alexander's shoulders as he took it off.

"Excited? Yeah, Luke, her boyfriend, said he has a surprise for her tonight. He is going to propose to my mom." Magnus hung it as his brain's gears turned.

"Luke? Luke Garroway? The CEO of Downworld Group of Companies?" Now he shrugged his own shoulders as Alexander helped him.

"Yes. He's actually an old family friend of ours. He helped my mom a lot after dad passed away."

Alexander hung his coat. In those few fleeting moments, he shoved the surprise away and cleared his throat.

"Good for them, I wish them happiness." Magnus added as they walked in, the aroma of fresh food was filled in the air,

"Oh boy, the smell's amazing, I can't wait to grab a bite."

Chapter Text

The foyer of the mansion was marvelous. Taking off the coats, Magnus hadn't noticed. But when Alexander had moved in to the West of the house, only then he saw,

Double stairs, mahogany in color, which curved into the foyer. A big chandelier hung in the middle and beneath it, was a round medium sized table. Delicate carving graced it, in the middle there was an un-carved circle where a translucent vase stood, White Lilies in it.

Although Magnus couldn't tell they were fake or real. Statues stood here and there as well as pictures and murals decorated the Golden-Beige walls of the mansion.

The mansion had a warm feeling to it. Magnus liked it. Both the warm feeling and the way the mansion was decorated.

"Alec!" A rather thin voice caught with both of their attention, "Max!" Magnus saw how the kid smiled and ran towards his older brother. Alec put one knee down and hugged him.

"I missed you so much." Alec said, Max parted as he said, "You're a liar, you don't miss me or mom or Izzy or Jace. If you did, you would visit us."

"I'm not lying, Max but yes, it often slips my mind because of work."

Max looked up at Magnus, "Who are you?"

"I'm Magnus Bane, your older brother's..." Magnus looked at Alec, their gazes met, "Partner?"

Alexander stood up, before he could say anything, Max started as the little man folded his arms,

"If you're his boyfriend, you should tell him to come visit me once in a while. I know you get to be with him all day while I am here all alone in this big mansion. Even Izzy or Jace don't have time for me anymore."

This time Magnus kneeled down before Max, and gently put his hands around Max's forearms, "I promise you, Max, I will make sure your older brother visits you more often." The boy furrowed his brows, his arms unfolded slowly,

"I am trusting you."

Magnus smiled. Alexander observed, there was something about the way Magnus was gentle with children. Just before he'd get carried away, a sweet voice called,

"Well if it is Alec Lightwood, did you forget your way and ended up here?"

Magnus and Alexander looked at her almost simultaneously. Magnus stood up, looking at Isabelle Lightwood. Who stood with her arms folded.

For a fashion designer, she sure had taste. Red dress hugging her body perfectly, outlining her beautiful curves. Hair in half pony, tied upon the edge of her head. Black heels. Silver snake bracelet in her right hand. Matching Red lipstick, and perfectly done makeup.

"Izzy,"

"You should be grateful that the reason you didn't show up stands right here." She looked at Magnus and smiled. Max moved beside Isabelle.

She put forth her hand, "Isabelle Lightwood." Magnus shook her head, "Magnus Bane."

"Mom told me about you." She drew her hand back as she said, "Nice eyeshadow."

"I love the Good Evening Orange from the palette of the Mortal Mirror." Isabelle perked up on that, "That's—"

"Your product. Yes, I love them. The makeup you make is unbelievably awesome." And slightly expensive too.

Isabelle chuckled a little.

"Pardoned." Magnus was confused though he didn't show and Alexander drew in his brows for a split second.

Magnus and Alexander were about to ask what when Isabelle turned to Alexander and said,

"You're lucky you have a charming boyfriend." She turned and walked into the dining room.

Alexander turned to Magnus, "Did you just say that to get on her good side?"

Magnus turned to Alexander and placed a hand on his forearm, "Alexander, not everything I say here is a lie."

And then, he disappeared after turning the corner towards the dining room, Alexander had to take a deep breath before following suit.

"Is that one of the classic wine's from your dad's collection?" She looked up and saw the glass in Magnus' hand as Isabelle said, "Yes mom, this night calls for a celebration but only you and Magnus can drink."

"As expected." Isabelle said under her breath as she cut a piece of chicken and ate it. "Well, I'm glad you two met. You two look so good together."

Maryse, Isabelle and Jace looked at them from the corners of their eyes.

Magnus was smiling, twirling this glass. Oblivious to the reaction of the person sitting beside him.

Alexander was blushing.

"It was such a lovely evening, having you over was amazing." Maryse said to Magnus as they both prepared to leave.

She turned to Alexander, "And Alec, please take care of yourself, okay?"

Alexander gave half a smile, "I will, mom." And hugged her, "You too, Magnus." She said as they parted. Magnus gave her a light smile.

Isabelle with Max and Jace had already left. Alexander and Magnus walked out the front doors as well.

"Get home safe, you two." She sounded rather tired now, Alexander nodded, "Bye, mom, take care."

They both started walking away as a moment later, the sound of the door clicking shut resonated in the emptiness.

Alexander couldn't help but rush.

Soon, they were in the car and driving away. Silence between them wasn't awkward but Alexander seemed rather… Tensed?

Magnus noted this and said, "It wasn't so bad, Mr. Lightwood, now was it?"

Alexander released a stiff breath, "It was okay." Magnus didn't push it further and looked out the window.

The roads, shops and streets started becoming more familiar to him as they drove back in town.

Magnus recognized the small cotton candy stall coming into vision. Just crossing it, he said, "You can drop me here, Mr. Lightwood."

Alexander slowed and stopped, "Are you sure? I mean, you've drunk."

"I've high tolerance for alcohol, so, I'm just a little tipsy, Mr. Lightwood, I'll make it back from here." He looked at Alexander once.

His eyes looked rounder and Bluer and beautifuler.

Maybe he was really drunk.

He felt really warm for some reason, but the air condition of the car was on.

Sucking in breath, he opened the door to the car while saying, "Good night, Mr. Lightwood. Drive safely."

He closed the door and slowly started walking away. Shoving his hands in his pant pockets.

Alexander didn't know why he didn't hit the accelerator the moment Magnus was out the car. Instead, he sat there watching Magnus' form becoming small as he walked away.

Alexander couldn't take his eyes off his retreating back. He was wary about Magnus going back to his apartment, tipsy and alone.

"Damn." He mumbled under his breath as he pulled over near his office and parked the car there.

He shuffled out of his car while saying,

"I'm gonna regret this."

Chapter Text

Magnus woke up, it was still dawn, he noticed as he looked out the window. He half-blinked. The left side of his face was buried in the pillow.

He pulled the sheet closer to him. Flashbacks of last night came in his mind as his lips stretched in a lazy smile.

Shocked Mr. Lightwood looked cute.

Then the smile slipped away from his face as Maia's words came back in his head,

'But you know getting involved with the riches isn't always good. Well it's mostly bad.'

Maybe, not this time?

'Alexander Gideon Lightwood is an idealistic role model but what about his family, have you even seen them? What if one of them turns out to be a snake and accuses falsely what then?'

His family seemed quite decent to him. Maia was definitely over thinking.

But what if…

It's not as if anything was real. And Mr. Lightwood certainly wouldn't have feelings for him. Whatever his sexuality be.

But it won't hurt to imagine what it would feel like waking up next to Mr. Lightwood and grazing his finger over his eyebrows. Savouring his peaceful sleeping face.

Magnus released a breath.

Let's not get carried away.

And then he got up to get ready.

Alexander wasn't so sure but the usual light to his eyes was replaced by something else.

Or was it Izzy's makeup?

Alexander would try to make a conversation with him, even if the topic was work… Always but Magnus just gave him monologue answers and slipped away.

Finally, he got the chance to make Magnus stay in his office for more than a minute.

"My mom is throwing her engagement party and as expected, we're both invited." Magnus looked at him, the look in his eyes seemed to shift for a moment.

Then he smiled, "Great, another event for dress to impress. When's the party?" Magnus lifted and held the files.

"In three days."

"O~h, very short time to prepare." Magnus looked away already calculating things in his head.

Alexander looked down as he mumbled, "I'm sure you'll look stunning."

"Did you say anything, Mr. Lightwood?"

Magnus and Alexander met eyes,

"I— Uh— No, nothing."

"Okay," Magnus smiled, "I'll be out of your hair then." And with that Magnus turned and walked out.

"Well enjoy the party, boys." Maryse said as she turned to Jia.

Chapter Text

After ten minutes, Luke got on the stage as he swiftly took the mic. "Attention please!"

Everyone stopped and looked at him, Luke looked at Maryse, "I'm no singer, my love, but this one's dedicated to you." Maryse smiled at him and he returned it,

Then he looked up, "Dim the lights please and all the couples please grace the dance floor."

Luke hopped off. The piano to the beautiful melody started flowing as the lights were dimmed, all the couples came on the floor and formed The Waltz positions.

Didn't know that I'd fall so hard ,
That my feet left the ground ,

Alexander was making a face to an Isabelle who gestured him to join.

Gravity don't make no sense when you're around ,

Then he found himself walking and in the middle of all the couples suddenly.

I come up against myself when
Demons in my head get loud ,

His right hand being lifted and his waist being pulled in. He looked in the eyes of the smaller man who'd taken him by storm.

I don't know how you do it but you turn them down ,

"Magnus, I don't know how to dance." Alexander said, nervous.

I slip and wonder who I'd be,

"Sh, Mr. Lightwood," Magnus whispered, "Just follow my lead and move slowly."

If I never found you and you never found me,

Alexander let himself be led by him.

Well, I don't wanna see ,

He didn't have much of a choice anyways seeing he or they were in.

So won't you give me tonight ,
And the rest of your life ,
I wanna have it all with you ,
I wanna have it all with you ,

Magnus and Alexander's gazes met as they swayed with the song slowly.

And when you open your eyes ,
I'll be there by your side ,

Magnus wanted to look away from him. From his dark Blue eyes, which made him feel like he was under water, but he couldn't bring himself.

I wanna have it all with you ,

For a long yet fleeting moment, as he swayed with Magnus alongside other couples, he forgot where he was and just stared right ahead into those dark Brown irises.

It had never appeared to be such a beautiful color before.

I wanna have it all with you ,

It was as if their eyes were stuck on each other, both of them felt.

'Cause your love is biblical, 
Biblical, it's biblical ,

Something about right now made Magnus and Alexander want to just stop here. To have a little more than these slipping seconds.

If you evеr go to pieces,
Fall between thе thunder clouds,
I will put you back together, I won't let you down,

Luke funnily lip synced to the song as Maryse chuckled. They connected their foreheads then.

I slip and wonder what I'd do ,
If you never found me and I never found you ,
I don't know what I'd do,

Jace and Clary talked in between their smiles and kept looking at each other in the eyes.

So won't you give me tonight, 
And the rest of your life, 
I wanna have it all with you ,
I wanna have it all with you ,

Helen and Aline swayed with their foreheads connected, eyes closed and arms draped around each other.

And when you open your eyes ,
I'll be there by your side, 
I wanna have it all with you ,
I wanna have it all with you ,

Simon and Isabelle talked with each other and then giggled as if in their own little world, they were.

I wanna have it all (I wanna have it all)

A thought crossed Magnus' mind, as he gazed deep in Alexander's eyes,

I wanna have it all (I wanna have it all)

That his boss was a handsome tsundere.

I wanna have it, I wanna have it all (I wanna have it all)

Somewhat cold when you met them the first time and slowly with time, they warm up to you if you're nice and kind enough.

'Cause your love is biblical ,
Biblical, it's biblical ,

Now, other couples were slowly starting to lean into each other.

So won't you give me tonight ,
And the rest of your life, 

Magnus' other hand reached and held Alexander's waist as Alexander wrapped his arms around Magnus' neck.

The eye contact unwavering.

I wanna have it all with you,
I wanna have it all with you,

Alexander's eyes closed as he inched in and connected his lips with Magnus' with the melody taking it's final rise.

So come on and give me tonight,

Magnus' eyes closed as well as he kissed him back.

And the rest of your life,

Their lips moved slow against each others'

I wanna have it all with you ,

And so perfectly.

I wanna have it all with you ,

Magnus stopped as Alexander parted as well but they were so close.

Their foreheads almost touching.

Their breaths grazing each others' skin.

And when you open your eyes,

Magnus and Alexander opened their eyes,

I'll be there by your side,

And their gazes met again.

I wanna have it all with you,
I wanna have it all with you,

It was held for just a short moment but it felt like an eternity. An eternity Magnus wanted to freeze.

'Cause your love is biblical,
Biblical, it's biblical.

The song ended as couples parted and then started clapping as they all smiled.

Magnus and Alexander were snapped out of that low key staring competition as Alexander awkwardly retreated his hands.

He averted his gaze as he clapped not that loud and gave a forced smile.

Magnus doing the same, the only difference being, he looked more natural.

He stopped and turned his head. In the far distance, through the crack between the curtains, he could see a man clad in Black with a Martini in hand pass.

Alexander headed out. There was Magnus, his back facing Alexander. Seemingly, he was gazing at a plant.

Magnus turned at the sound of the trimmed grass crunching but not quite looked up.

"Magnus," Alexander addressed, with a mixture of nervousness and awkwardness, "What are you doing out here?"

Magnus blinked lazily. "It was getting stuffy inside, so I thought why not take a walk in the open air." Alexander nodded.

Magnus turned away from him, "These plants are beautiful." Magnus said to no one particular.

Alexander drew in a breath, his nervousness increasing at Magnus' drunk behavior. He called after a short pause, "Magnus?"

He turned back to Alexander, who wasn't looking at Magnus,

"I have something to say," Alexander looked up after moment. Magnus was waiting for him to continue,

"I… I'm sorry…" Magnus' lip curled from the right side after a moment. He blinked and said, "For kissing me?"

Alexander looked at him a moment longer, then he started looking away from him, "I shouldn't have done that, I—"

"Mr. Lightwood,"

He stopped and looked back at Magnus, "It's okay. Besides I kissed you back, didn't I?"

Alexander nodded just a little, head empty. Only Magnus' words echoed.

"So don't fret over it. Okay?" Alexander turned his gaze away.

He silently inhaled and exhaled. Trying to think up something to dissolve the heavy atmosphere even when they stood in open air.

Then he shifted his gaze back at Magnus, "W— well, dinner's served, eat something then I'll drop you home."

"Good idea. Drinking too much on an empty stomach will surely give me a severe headache." Magnus walked past Alexander.

But he stood there. His Blue eyes, troubled.

He didn't regret kissing Magnus.

But he was afraid what will happen now. How things will turn out.

Chapter Text

"He did that?!" Maia exclaimed in a hushed voice and then looked around to see if someone was noticing them.

She had invited Magnus down to the Jade Wolf after she got to know he had a hangover. Not that bad, it was, but enough to be considered a hangover.

They both were eating the hangover soup there and Maia couldn't help but ask the back story of it.

Magnus was at first reluctant but then told her what happened.

"Yeah," He took a spoonful of soup after saying that,

"And you allowed that? Not that I mind or anything but for just a show, wasn't this a bit too much?" She looked away, stirring in her soup,

"Does he like you? Or," She looked at Magnus as she slowly said,

"Or do you…?" Magnus didn't meet her eyes. He heard her dramatically breathe in a moment later.

He set his spoon down and said, before Maia could say anything, "Look, Maia, if at the end of the day he doesn't like me, although I think he does…"

A memory from last night flashed before his eyes for a brief moment.

Flushed Mr. Lightwood with big and round and Blue eyes malfunctioning to say what he wanted to.

He finally met her eyes, shaking out from it, "I'll move on."

Maia looked at him with a little sympathy, "You sure?"

"Come on, Maia, I can withstand a little heart break." He gave a seemingly reassuring smile but Maia could see through it.

Another usual day at work.

It was past two. The CEO had gone to review a presentation about the updates and improvements in their products.

Magnus had came back up to his desk to plug the tablet in it's charger. He usually took pretty good care of these things but somehow this slipped from his mind and the tablet died just as the CEO entered the room.

For the first time while working as the CEO's personal assistant, has this mishap happened.

Where was his focus?

Well, he won't let this happen again.

Just as he had opened tomorrow's schedule in his phone, to squeeze in a meeting, the doors to the elevator dinged open.

The meeting shouldn't end this soon, Magnus thought as he turned around.

And indeed it wasn't the CEO but a Blond woman.

Her everything about her screamed class and designer.

Her sunglasses, stilettos, dress, bag.

And if he wasn't wrong, he noticed as she neared in, there was a look of arrogance on her face.

He could see through from her shades.

She walked up and then past Magnus smoothly, fully ignoring his presence. As if he wasn't there.

She had just touched the handle to the CEO's cabin as Magnus called, "Excuse me, please stop right there."

She stopped but didn't turn as Magnus slowly walked up beside her saying,

"You're not allowed in there. There wasn't an appointment made by someone of a personal meeting at the office, neither did Mr. Lightwood inform me about this, so, would you like to introduce yourself first?"

Magnus stopped beside her, eyeing her. She looked at him, took off her sunglasses and looked at him as if he was a servant,

"Lydia Branwell."

She then again tried to open to the door to the cabin but Magnus swiftly placed his hand on the door,

"And who are you exactly, Ms. Branwell?"

She rolled her eyes as she grunted under breath, "Listen, don't come in my way, otherwise there will be consequences. And I'm sure your boss won't like them."

It wasn't hard connecting two and two. In the back of his mind, Magnus had an idea who she might exactly be but not letting her enter the cabin was the priority.

"I'm sorry but I really can't let you enter the CEO's cabin. You can make an appointment real quick and wait downstairs or come back tomorrow after making an appointment with the CEO. Through me, of course."

Magnus smiled at her as he ended his sentence. A flare of anger rose up in her eyes. She let the handle go,

"How dare you stop me?! Just let Alec come, you won't survive another minute here."

Magnus stretched his smile just a little more, "Then, let's wait for Mr. Lightwood together. I'm sure, I won't be the one leaving." Magnus said a little smugly.

"You son of a—"

She threw her handbag in his face but Magnus, whom had taken martial arts classes while he was in school, thanks to his Asian dad, was agile and ducked.

The hand bag flew from her hand and landed on the stand lamp behind the desk, in the corner. The head of the lamp became crooked as it shook and fell.

"Ya~h!"

She went for Magnus' hair in a fit of rage but Magnus ducked her again and karate chopped her in the back of her legs as she fell to her knees harshly,

"Ow!"

Magnus, taking advantage of the situation, took out his phone and immediately dialed Alexander. But then the phone fell from his hand as he barely dodged her.

Thanks to her yelling.

She had taken the name slate from the desk and had swung it at his head. The slate left her hand and ended up knocking a hole in the wall near the window.

Magnus low key wanted to know about what the CEO was saying but the matter at hands seemed more important to him.

They entered the precinct as Magnus saw Lydia in a cell on their far right. She saw them walk in and immediately stood up, her eyes were fixated on Alexander.

"Alec!" She literally called out across the whole precinct, blatantly ignoring the whole presence of Magnus and other police officers. Alexander ignored her and moved forth towards Jace's desk.

Jace, himself, made a case file of physical assault against Lydia as he stood with the police officer who took both their statements,

While Lydia literally called out Alexander like a petty and a needy woman,

"Alec! Alec, baby please listen to me! I just went there to meet you but that mother fucker—"

Alexander stopped in between his statement as his hands fisted. He was almost about to get up when Magnus placed a hand atop his fisted one. Alexander looked at Magnus who shook his head.

Alexander continued with the statement as Lydia didn't stop,

"Manager of yours didn't let me in! I tried to reason with him but he still didn't let me—"

Alexander finished his statement in a haste as he stood up and darted towards the cell. Magnus, baffled, followed after him as he called out.

"Mr. Lightwood—"

Magnus worried that if the CEO said one wrong word in the fit of rage, the respect and reputation of Idris Corporations and the Lightwood family would be tarnished there and then.

But the adrenaline pumping in Alexander's veins due anger made him burst before anyone could stop him,

"You did not try to reason with him! You tried to physically assault him! Who? My personal assistant and boyfriend!"

He emphasized on words as if he was spitting in her face, Magnus was beside him by now and he looked at Alexander's side profile.

He was fuming.

As if she really hurt someone close to him.

Lydia reached her hand out between the bars, trying to cup Alexander's face but he stood out of her reach,

"Alec," She tried to sound as pleading as possible.

"Please, I know you're mad at me for what I did but please Alec, don't do this with me. I know you still love me, I know that you just lied saying you were gay because you wanted me out of your life. And I know that you're also lying about your boyfriend! I know you're doing this all just to drive me away from you!"

Alexander frowned as he said in a loud voice,

"This is your problem, Lydia! You just can't accept the fact that I am gay, that I like men, that I have no interest in women and that includes you!"

Magnus placed a hand on Alexander's shoulder, as he whispered, "Calm down, Alexander."

But it was as if Alexander didn't listen as he was breathing heavily. A vein on his forehead started popping out and he turned a little red with his bubbling wrath.

"Oh! So that is how it is? After all I did for you, you do this to me?! How could you, Alec?!"

"And what exactly have you ever done for me, will you elaborate?"

His voice dropped to a dangerous low.

"Alec!" Jace said from behind trying to stop him from fueling the fire but the damage was done.

Lydia had already started.

"The love I gave to you? What about it?! I gave you me and my each and everything! I loved you more than anything in the world and this is how you return it?"

There was a moment's pause, his tone turned soft,

"At some point, I did believe you loved me, Lydia. When I realized I was gay, it truly troubled me how to break it to you. How would you react? I used to think. But you know what I mostly expected from you?"

From his tone, it felt like he was about to burst into tears,

"It was support,"

His voice cracked. Then his tone hardened as well as his features,

"And as far as I remember, you didn't give that to me. Instead of appreciating that I realized who I was and told you to prevent further pain, you just said to my face how disgusting I was! I thought that because you love me, you'll understand! But I was wrong. So so wrong…"

Alexander shook, thin lines of tears in his eyes. Magnus' grip on his shoulder gently firmed.

Magnus said as he looked at the CEO who was still looking at Lydia.

"Alexander, you need to calm down. Let's get out of here, okay?"

Although, no one could see, Magnus saw.

Alexander looked so vulnerable.

Magnus whispered as he managed to make Alexander walk, "It's gonna be okay."

He had just turned to Jace to ask him to take complete the further process of the statement recording outside, when Lydia started,

"You!"

Everyone turned to her as she pointed a finger at Magnus,

"Get your filthy hands off Alec!"

And it was as if a volcano erupted unexpectedly after already exploding once,

"You don't get to talk about my boyfriend like that!"

Alexander almost shouted in a monstrous voice as he took another step forwards the cell, but still out of Lydia's hand reach and out of Magnus' grip.

"Alexander!" Magnus swiftly hugged him to stop him from going further.

"Listen carefully, Lydia Branwell,"

He put her name like a filthy profanity even he despised.

Magnus parted just a little, looking in between an Alexander who was trying to control his rage and a Lydia who's expressions were a variety of emotions.

"You barged into my office and laid a hand on one of the most important people in my life, do you think I'd let you go like that? No, I'm suing your father for what you did to my boyfriend and my office. Don't you ever come near me, my family or my office."

"Jace!" Magnus hurriedly called as he and Jace finally succeeded in getting him out of the precinct.

The heat of the scene started to cool down the moment they stepped out the precinct and with the officers dispersing.

Lydia didn't take her eyes off the direction where they walked out.

"I promise you, Alec, I won't come near you again,"

Tears dropped from Lydia's eyes,

"But if I can't have you, then no one else can either."

Chapter Text

Alexander sat in the car as Jace recorded Magnus' statement. After he finished, he sighed and said,

"I have never seen Alec burst out like that. Ever." He looked at the parked car.

Magnus smiled, trying his best to keep it real and longer but it faded soon, "Don't worry, Jace, I'll take care of him."

"I hope you do. Although I don't doubt my brother but if what Alec said there is a hundred percent truth, then I might just kill her myself."

"Jace." Magnus said in a calm-down tone. "Call Clary before you go inside."

He exhaled, "That explains why he never introduced her to us. I have to talk to him about why he kept this from us." He started towards the cars,

"Not now, Jace. And I'm sure he must have a reason to not to share this."

Jace looked back at him, "I'm his brother, I'm supposed to enlighten him from his worries—"

"I know, Jace. Just call Clary. I am sure once you calm down, you'll think straight. And I am also sure you and Isabelle will want to have a talk about it with Alexander and I know Alexander, although reluctantly, but will talk to you about this. But not now."

He sighed looking at Magnus. How was he so calm in all this chaos of a situation?

"Why do you always call him 'Alexander'?" Jace suddenly asked changing the topic.

"You don't get to talk about my boyfriend like that!"

"You barged into my office and laid a hand on one of the most important people in my life,"

Magnus pondered without his will, if what the CEO said was in all honesty or blatant lies thrown at Lydia in a fit of rage.

He sighed as the car stopped in the parking lot of the building. Magnus was about to get down when he felt Alexander was still in his place.

He turned to him, and found his suspicion to be true,

"Mr. Lightwood?"

"Huh?" Alexander looked up and then at Magnus, "What?"

"We're here." Alexander blinked and looked out the window again, "Oh."

They got down almost simultaneously. And walked in the building. Alexander was too busy in the train of his thoughts but Magnus saw,

How the employees looked at them and then started talking in hushed voices.

What was the fuss about?

They got in the elevator and headed back to his cabin.

There was a dead silence still.

The elevator doors dinged open and it took Alexander a calling out from Magnus to step out.

They entered the cabin, ignoring the mess outside. Alexander sat at his office chair as Magnus stood before the desk like he always did.

Alexander clasped his hands and put his elbows on the desk as he rested his forehead on the outstretched thumbs of his hands. His eyes were closed.

Magnus stood there looking at him for a long moment.

He sighed, lowered his hands and looked at Magnus, "While your desk area will be in repairing, you will work in my cabin."

He nodded and went out without another word.

Alexander stood up a short while after Magnus left. He took off his coat and hung it on the back of the seat. Opened the cufflinks and rolled up the sleeves. Loosened his tie and opened the collar button.

He gazed out the window, hands in his pockets, as he was absorbed thinking about what happened and how he thought he shouldn't have done that.

Then his cabin door opened as Alexander turned shortly after and appeared Magnus, a tray in his hands with two mugs and plate of glazed donuts,

He raised the tray a little as he smiled his signature, "Coffee and donuts. It's been a long day, hasn't it?"

Magnus didn't wait for a reply as he went on and placed the tray on the table. Alexander observed him do it, Magnus straightened and motioned for him to sit down.

Alexander walked over and sat at the same place where he'd sat talking to Maryse. Magnus sat where Maryse had, Alexander took the mug consisting of coffee. He looked in the tray and found that there was milk and sugar too, with teaspoons.

He sighed for nth time, Magnus who was dissolving a little sugar in his coffee, looked at him.

"You look like you can use someone to talk."

Alexander looked up at him and blinked. In the next moment, he was spilling out against his will,

"I… Just don't know what to feel anymore…"

Alexander gazed blindly ahead now,

"I really did love Lydia at some point. But yes, it was not the way she'd desired it to be. But I… I hadn't known she'd turn out to be such a two faced person. I felt bad… Even guilty about not telling her right away who I was after I found it out myself. She was such a nice and sweet person, or at least showed herself to be. Someone who'd do anything for me… So I thought that if she really loved me, she'd understand me… I trusted her and told her but it was then she showed her true face to me… She couldn't comprehend that I told her I was gay… Told me I was just over thinking… That it might be a phase… Forced herself upon me… To sleep with me…"

Alexander slowly shook his head as he continued,

"Day by day, her behaviour turned bad and bad, she'd fight me and make me look like the bad guy when actually it was me and my mental health that was suffering. I broke up with her the same night but she didn't stop coming after me and doing those things. It didn't stop her until I ended all sorts of contracts and alliance with her father's company. That had caused her family a fortune. I thought she'd appear at my apartment or office to cause a scene but she didn't… Maybe she was waiting… Waiting for a right time like this…"

A silence overtook as Alexander breathed in and out. He felt light after letting out the river of things he'd wanted to say for so long. But the trouble of emotions still hung heavy on him.

Then the events which happened in the previous two hours actually settled in as he let the handle of the mug go.

He put his hands against his face and fell back on the sofa,

"Gosh," He sounded tired. He removed his hands,

"What have I done? I shouldn't have done that in the precinct."

He said after a little gap,

"I have successfully managed to tarnish the name of the prestigious Lightwood family and the reputation of Idris Corporations… Just like that…"

He looked at the ceiling as he rambled and Magnus sat there listening to him.

"You do know that you're a human,"

Magnus spoke after a good moment passed as he mixed a little milk in his coffee and then drank from it.

He didn't look up at Alexander who turned his head to him,

"And that humans tend to make mistakes,"

He finally looked at him, "What happened there, I believe, wasn't in your control after listening to you vent. Apart from her coming here and causing damage and trying to hurt your employee, you'd been bottling this up for a long while and the glass holding it in became weaker as days passed by. So when it was poked at, and by the root of the cause, it shattered. Spreading the shards of it here and there."

He let Alexander digest this,

"Yes, I do agree that you should've controlled yourself but I don't blame you for what happened. And don't trouble yourself with the regret or burden of tarnishing the family name or the corporation's reputation. We'll find a way to get through this."

His worries, anger, frustration and every other emotion, it all seemed to slip away.

Hearing Magnus say those words, It was an odd comfort.

"So please, drink your coffee before it gets cold." Magnus smiled at him the way he did. Suddenly, Alexander felt calmer.

Magnus focused on his coffee as Alexander gazed at him for a moment longer.

Then he turned his gaze to the steaming mug of coffee.

Then he sat up, held the mug's handle, lifted it and took a sip.

"I must say, Jace seemed upset about you hiding this from him. So be prepared. Jace and probably Isabelle will be coming after you."

Alexander shut his eyes and pressed them, "Oh no." He mumbled under his breath.

Magnus didn't notice. And maybe Alexander didn't realize as well but he had the tiniest of a smile on his face watching Magnus.

"This is your problem, Lydia! You just can't accept the fact that I am gay, that I like men, that I have no interest in women and that includes you!"

Alexander stood gazing out the window of his loft. Hands wrapped across his torso, a grim look on his face.

His voice echoed in the place coming from the television.

On the kitchen counter, his phone was there but on vibrating mode. His phone's screen lit up again as it buzzed. It's buzzing over lapped from the voice coming out the TV.

It was Isabelle calling. After it buzzed for a while, the call ended. Showing the notifications.

Three missed calls from Maryse and Jace. Two from Isabelle. One from Luke.

"When Lydia Branwell insisted that she just tried to reason with his personal assistant, the CEO lost his temper and burst out saying she hadn't tried to reason but used violence against his personal assistant and, according to the CEO's words, boyfriend."

Alexander inhaled and exhaled, closing his eyes.

This was gonna be a tiring time.

Chapter Text

"After so much mom did to build and protect the corporation's and our family's name, it took me only this much provoking to ruin mom's hard work of years."

Alexander sat at the corner most table, set in open air and on a terrace, of a luxurious cafe.

Apparently, after watching the news, his anxiety went up again.

Luckily, Luke had called again and Alexander happened to pick up. Luke didn't waste no moment into calling him here.

Alexander was skeptical about coming here but Luke reassured Alexander that this place was safe.

They had just ordered refreshments when Alexander started about this.

"Alec, calm down, we'll find a way out." Luke said, trying to stop him from over-thinking.

"How can we find a way out?" Alexander snapped, "This already has been so messed up! Over night, there has been a whole controversy over my personal life! About me being gay and dating my personal assistant on Twitter! How can we find a way out of this, Luke?"

The waitress serving them refreshments stopped Alexander.

She had just walked out of the hearing frequency after placing their orders down when Alexander sighed, looking away and bouncing his leg.

Luke exhaled, almost like an exhausted parent.

"Alec, I saw what was going on Twitter. But you really need to calm down and stand your ground. Because I saw numerous tweets where people stood against you but I also saw numerous tweets from the LGBTQ+ community and from people who aren't of that community defending you and Magnus. Also, people are siding with you, on what happened, rather than criticizing you."

Alexander finally looked at Luke,

"The video that was leaked clearly showed that Lydia provoked you into bursting out like that. And the CCTV footage has been released on the internet as well. If you care about the people, then let me tell you, majority of them are siding with you. As for the controversy on your personal life, I have the perfect solution for you but you might wanna look behind you first."

Alexander looked behind him and then stood up immediately.

It was his mother, striding towards him with a worried expression.

"Oh my poor boy," She hugged him. His mother's embrace was comforting, Alexander wanted to become a child all over again and just be there, protected in her arms.

They parted as she said, "I went to your apartment but you weren't there. Then Luke texted me."

Alexander looked at Luke, "Well she'd been worried about you, a lot, when I last called her. And then when you picked up my call, I couldn't help but text her to come meet us here."

"Alec," He looked at mom, "Jace told me further about this. Needless to say—"

"We need to talk." Alexander completed, "Mom, I will talk to you about this but Jace and Izzy are also waiting to give me an earful about this too."

"Well you most certainly have two ears to take two earful." Luke added as a joke and managed to get smiles on their faces, though faint.

Then Luke stood up, "You mother and son talk while I make a few calls. It's not easy being a CEO."

For the day, he'd again pushed the work on the shoulders of the Chairman and given Magnus an off.

"It started from twitter, it should end with twitter." Luke said to him.

Chapter Text

Magnus didn't tell anyone about this.

About how he was feeling.

Although he'd somewhat expected this. But still.

So when the CEO went to have lunch with his brother, Magnus took the chance and went to somewhere to meet people he longed to.

He bought four bouquets of flowers on the way.

He entered the place. The grass felt damp, even through shoes.

Near a tree, he stopped, after walking for a short while, at five grave stones.

He placed one bouquet of flowers down between the two left graves. And the other three bouquets on the the other graves.

He gazed from left to right, reading the names in his mind.

Asmodeus Bane, Adele Bane, Raphael Bane, Catarina Loss and Ragnor Fell.

Magnus gazed at the grave stones as he traveled back to the memory about when he'd been eighteen.

His parents loved traveling. He'd grown up traveling with them.

Once they'd planned a trip, including his two best friends along with his family and had set out on a little road trip.

He remembered they were on a highway and his father had pulled up to the station for refueling the tank.

Magnus had gotten down and gone to the convenience store, situated with the gas station, to buy everyone refreshments and snacks.

He remembered his father honking as he came near the road. Raphael, Ragnor and Cat, on purpose, not getting down to help and yelling from the car to speed up when they told him to buy almost half the store.

He vividly remembered that moment.

His little brother and friends' laughter, mother's smile.

He remembered finally managing to pick up the two bags stuffed in his hands as he had turned to run to them.

And then it all happened a little too fast for him.

A truck slipped and turned. It slid all the way with heavy speed and before his father could realize, the car consisting of his world had collided with the truck and then landed in the car wash next to the store.

No one survived,

Alongside the driver of the truck. He remembered standing all numb at the funeral, arranged by his friends' parents, and then crying alone for nights.

His parents always wanted him to have a stable job and life. That's why he was struggling this hard to get a job but wasn't successful until the last month.

He blinked, he realized there were tears in his eyes.

He smiled and looked down, "I miss you guys a lot. I wish, at least, one of you was here to see where I've gotten. To celebrate with me. To listen to me…"

His voice trailed away. He stood there for a moment. Lost in memories.

"Magnus?"

He turned to the one who called out him, breaking him out of his reverie. He was pretty surprised to find the people standing there, "Mr— Alexander."

"I told you it was your boyfriend."

Max looked up at his older brother. He gave Max the look and then looked at Magnus,

"What are you doing here?"

"I can ask you the same."

"Max wanted to meet dad…" Magnus' gaze shifted to Max, "Who were you meeting?" Max asked in curiosity.

Magnus furrowed his brows, "Come, I'll introduce you."

Max marched up and stood beside Magnus who put a hand on his shoulder.

Alexander slowly joined them, as Magnus pointed out, "That's my dad, my mom, my little brother, my girl best friend and my boy best friend."

The plain tone in which he started had moved to a gloomy one,

"They were my world, the only family I ever had."

Alexander gazed at an oblivious Magnus. Even if he could only see half his features, he could see his sorrow.

"Don't say that, Magnus. Me and my brother are a part of your family now just as much you are a part of ours. Mom, Luke, Izzy, Simon, Jace and Clary. Aren't they?" He looked up at Magnus with eyes so hopeful.

Magnus couldn't help but smile, "You all sure are."

But Max's words ached him. When everything was crystal clear in front of him, it pained him to lie to Max.

But as long as he got to bask in the so-called family's warmth, he'd take it. At least for now. Even if it pained afterwards.

For now, he wanted to forget the pain he was feeling.

"Come, I'll introduce you to dad." He took Magnus' hand from his shoulder, "Sure, why not." And Max cheerily pulled him all the way over to Robert Lightwood' grave. Alexander slowly following them.

"This is my dad. I never really got to meet him. Sometimes, I wonder if he misses me."

"I am pretty sure he misses you, little guy. Just like how you stand here wondering what it would feel like to have him as a father, he also would be up there somewhere thinking, what it would be like to have you as a son."

Magnus smiled as Max looked at him with stars in his eyes, "Really?"

"Really." Magnus assured him as he moved out Max's hair from his eyes. "I'm hungry!" Max suddenly said.

"Me too." Magnus acted just like Max to change the sappy mood, "Where are you taking us today, brother?"

Max turned to Alexander standing beside him, "Us? If you are including Magnus with us then Max, properly ask him to join us."

"But he's your boyfriend! You should be the one ask him!" Max almost whined.

"Yes, he is, but you're the one wanting to have lunch with him so it's your responsibility to ask him if he wants to have lunch with us."

Max turned his head to Magnus, "Will you have lunch with us, Magnus?"

Magnus pondered playfully, "Let me think."

Max gave him puppy eyes as Magnus looked at him from the corner of his eyes. Then Magnus smiled giving in, "Okay, only if it's okay with your brother."

They both looked at Alexander almost simultaneously. Alexander looked between them twice before saying,

"Why would I have a problem?"

Alexander kept stealing glances at Magnus. Thanks to Max blasting BTS' songs, his fidgeting noises were muffled out.

Ever since they've sat in the car, Magnus didn't say a word. He felt oddly distant.

Was it because he was sad and missed his family?

Or was there more to it?

He wanted to know.

He felt this urge to take him in a hug right there but he didn't know what was holding him back.

There was this restlessness in his chest after what happened in the cabin.

If he remembered right, Magnus did seem a little… Turned down?

But he could only see a small fragment of it in the back of his eyes before it vanished.

He must do something.

He must do something and quickly before this miscommunication deepened.

"We're here!" Max announced jubilant, snapping out the both of them of their trances.

He threw open the door of the car barely before it stopped and hopped off.

"Max! Wait!" Alexander called out as he got himself down.

He caught up with Max before he could enter the McDonald's.

"Maxwell Lightwood, stop right there." His tone was firm.

Max stopped dead in his tracks and turned around.

Max looked up and then looked away. Alexander's gaze was as sharp as a piercing dagger.

"What you did back there, it was dangerous, do you get that? Not only you, others could've been hurt too." His tone was becoming harder with the moment.

That was until Magnus came in,

"Alexander," He said calmly. Alexander turned to look at him, "You're scaring Max."

Alexander looked again, Max stood with his hands folded and he looked down. Now he felt a pang of guilt.

Magnus kneeled before Max, "Max, look at me." He said gently as Max looked up at him. Magnus took Max's forearms and squeezed them softly.

"I agree with your brother. What you did was actually quite dangerous, you could've gotten hurt. And you don't want to be hurt and feel pain and have your mom and sister to be worried, right?"

Max nodded, "So, tell me, what you should and shouldn't do?"

"I should wait until the car is stopped to get down and I shouldn't jump out of a moving car unless it's an action manga."

Magnus chuckled, "Great." He stood up and ruffled his hair.

Max turned and ran in, "That's how you deal with kids." He turned to Alexander, who gave him an arched brow.

Alexander said as they both entered the McDonald's, "You're gonna be a hell of a dad when you become one."

"Sure, I will be." Magnus replied. He then turned to Alexander, his mood seemed quite better,

"How about you go and order? Max said in the car that he wanted a Happy meal and you can buy me anything you want, Alexander."

With that being said, Magnus stalked away, not waiting for Alexander to reply, who stood there watching him.

Alexander found a table suitable for three after ordering.

He had just sat down, placed the order slate on the table and exhaled, when his eyes fell on the play area.

He could see Magnus indulging with Max and possibly other kids.

He saw Magnus stand near the slide. Max slid out and jumped high five-ing him and running back in.

He saw Magnus' smile. Wide and big. Unknowingly his own lips twitched up.

In that moment, he wanted to protect that smile of his.

Was it weird? Was it bad?

After messing up like that?

But there was place for apologies and making it right, right?

He should stop over thinking on it and start thinking about how to say it to his face.

Then he remembered someone who could help him.

But he forgot about it as one of the staff brought the tray with food on the table.

Magnus looked back just in time and then called out Max.

Max came fast after putting on his shoes, Magnus trailed behind him with a pursed and content smile.

Looking at the scene in front of him, he knew he wanted this and with Magnus,

But yet again, it was at the far end of his mind.

But it was there.

Chapter Text

Alexander and Magnus were in the back seat of Alexander's car.

Being driven back to the office. Dropping Max back took a little more time than expected.

It was currently five minutes up after lunch time, Alexander checked in his phone.

Magnus looked at his phone, the schedule opened and he was scrolling through it. Alexander kept his phone back inside his coat and looked outside.

He placed his hand down beside his thigh. Magnus pressed the home button and put his phone inside his coat as well.

It was almost comical how he also looked out and placed his hand down beside his thigh.

Their little fingers grazed.

Magnus and Alexander quickly glanced at their hands,

But Magnus immediately drew his back. Caressing his finger afterwards.

That sensation of the CEO' skin was electrifying.

It tingled.

The silence hanging in the car was somewhat light until this happened.

In order to prevent further awkwardness, Alexander cleared his throat and started, "I hope you had fun today."

"It was Max who was supposed to have fun today and because he did," He looked at Alexander, "I also had fun."

He couldn't look another moment and averted his gaze.

Those eyes would be the death of him.

After a long moment, Alexander asked, "Was it…" Magnus turned his face but he looked at Alexander's hands this time,

"Your family's death anniversary?"

Magnus shook his head, "I just… Missed them."

Magnus looked out again, "Ever since I've gotten this job, I didn't have the time to visit them."

Another long moment passed between them. Alexander finally mustered up the strength, "Magnus, I—"

The car pulled up in the parking lot of the office and stopped.

Magnus was out in a moment.

He closed his eyes and sighed as he fisted his hand and lifted it a little.

And Alexander just looked as the door to his cabin clicked shut and there was emptiness in the room. He blinked again.

Did Magnus even notice what was lying on the desk?

Has his plan failed?

He knew not.

He sighed, a little deflated and focused on his work.

Would he never get to see Magnus' sweet smile again? Or to hear his usual tone?

The door knocked and opened again. Magnus came in and Alexander did not look at him. He saw from the peripheral vision, Magnus putting the mug down.

"Mr. Lightwood?" He stopped typing to show he was listening.

"I found these outside on my desk,"

Wait, what?

"Are they yours?" Magnus looked at Alexander.

Play it cool, Alec, just like Izzy said. Play it cool.

Alexander tried and successfully contained his reaction. He looked at Magnus and then at the items in each of his hands, "These are actually… Gifts…"

Alexander almost said, 'From me.'

"From Isabelle," He finally ended up saying, "She told me to give them to you."

Magnus raised a brow when Alexander wasn't looking. He turned his hands and laid his eyes on the beautiful products himself, "Well, please convey my gratitude to her for these."

And finally!

Finally, it happened, what Alexander was waiting for.

Magnus' lips curled up.

"I believe these are unreleased exclusives from her latest collection."

His tone was slightly sounding like his usual tone.

"Yes, actually, she wanted you to be the first user of her latest collection." Magnus nodded, admiring the beauty in his hands.

"I'll be back in a minute."

Magnus turned and walked out the cabin as Alexander dropped his act. He covered his mouth as he blinked a few times. Then he looked away.

It worked? It really worked?

Wow, was it this easy to coax someone? Or was it just Magnus?

Let's not get ahead of himself. He still has some things to put into words.

Alexander shook his head and got back to his work.

"Um… Izzy's…" Alexander thought what to say next. His reaction might give it away to Magnus.

Think, Alec, think, Alexander forced himself.

"Friend…"

Alexander finally met Magnus' eyes, who didn't seem that suspicious of his behaviour.

"Yes, friend. They happened to make some… Improvements… In their products and they wanted someone to try it before they launched it so Izzy convinced them to let you try them…"

Alexander tried his best to keep his composure but he was sure he has already fucked up.

Magnus blinked, "I'll let you know the review when I use them." He gave a short smile to him and went out the room.

Alexander took a deep breath and exhaled from his mouth to calm himself down after Magnus left.

His heart was racing and he was sure it was showing on his face due to his complexion.

And his heart wasn't racing because of the embarrassment of the explanation.

Magnus walked over and picked up the box. Admiring the rings with an unknown curling to his lips. He opened the box, pulled out one from it's styrofoam and put it on his right index finger.

Magnus took notice of the CEO's behaviour as he knocked and entered the cabin.

The CEO seemed too focused on his work.

Just like the last two days.

He greeted the man, then as he announced his schedule for the day, he noticed from his peripheral vision,

He seemed tense… No, rather nervous.

He saw the CEO tapping his leg.

Bingo.

"That's it for today." Magnus said as he looked at the CEO. His boss nodded, not looking at him, "What kind of a coffee would you like to drink today, Mr. Lightwood?"

The man didn't answer. Magnus called out to him then, "Mr. Lightwood?" The said man was tapping his index finger on the table now,

"Mr. Lightwood?" Magnus called out a little louder.

He finally looked up at Magnus, "What?"

"What kind of coffee would you like to drink today?" Magnus smiled at the end, he saw something flicker in the man's eyes as he blinked.

But before he could put his finger on it, it vanished.

"Um, a little bit of milk added to the usual."

"Anything with it?"

The man stopped and blinked again, thinking up a response seemingly.

"No— Nothing, thank you." He nodded as he went out to prepare the coffee.

It wasn't hard for Magnus to connect two and two.

Just because he chose to ignore what happened past two days didn't mean it didn't exist.

While making the coffee, he replayed those events and analyzed his boss' actions.

If anything, he definitely seemed changed around him.

It won't hurt to ask him, right?

Neither would it hurt to make the first move. After all, Magnus' been gifted thrice by him.

If any other thing, the boss would put it out clearly as he had done last time.

And if Magnus wasn't wrong, he was doing this all to prove he didn't mean what he said.

Time to find out.

He knocked and entered the cabin. The boss was on a call, staring out of the window.

He looked back when he heard the door open as Magnus came and put the coffee on the table. Magnus stood there, waiting for him to end his call.

He was not leaving without getting his answer.

The CEO finally said, "Yes, Mr. Graymark, if you can give me some time to think about this. Yes, thank you." He ended the call as he turned to the desk and went to grab the coffee.

Magnus started, "Mr. Lightwood, I have something to ask."

"Go on," The CEO blew on the coffee,

"Whose name would you say today if I ask you who gifted me those rings?"

The man stopped in his tracks, the mug near his mouth, Magnus continued as he slowly lowered the mug and looked at Magnus,

"I'm sure it's not Isabelle this time. Jace is a police officer and we're not that close. Same with me and his girlfriend, Clary. Isabelle's boyfriend and I are barely acquaintances and Max is too young to gift me such expensive looking rings. As for your mother,"

Magnus looked at his boss, giving a small smug grin, "I believe she doesn't see me as her son-in-law, does she?"

Alexander blinked with his mouth slightly agape. He sighed then. It was no use hiding now.

"It was—"

And it suddenly felt like the whole world stood against them having this conversation.

Because the CEO' phone rang again.

Magnus looked away, widening his eyes as his amused mood was replaced by an annoyed expression. The CEO rolled his eyes and took his phone in his hand.

They both simultaneously looked at each other, his boss said in a tone which clearly yelled 'I wanna talk to you about this but guess the universe isn't in our favour today'.

"It's important…"

Magnus released a silent breath from his nose as he smiled,

"It's okay, Mr. Lightwood, please pick it up,"

Alexander's eyes spoke to him things which he couldn't put into words because of the call.

"As for me, I'm not going anywhere."

Chapter Text

After that call, it was time for Alexander to attend a meeting and then things flowed the way his schedule wanted.

Alexander couldn't get to answer Magnus the whole day.

Not at lunch, not even when Magnus brought him his coffees.

That damned phone of his kept ringing and he couldn't have each call either be missed or denied.

Finally as the day ended, did Alexander's fidgety self calmed down. He came out of his cabin and saw Magnus getting ready to leave.

Their eyes met as Alexander walked up to the desk,

"Magnus… I—"

And Alexander swore to God he would break this phone as he pressed shut his eyes.

Cause the damned device rang again.

Magnus let out a somewhere between a breath and a chuckle, Alexander took out the phone.

It was his mother. Alexander looked up, a done look on his face,

"It's my mom." Magnus smiled and said, "Don't keep her waiting, pick it up."

"But—"

"It's okay, Mr. Lightwood, I'm sure your answer will be worth the wait."

Alexander gazed at his features as Magnus stretched his smile just a little, "See you tomorrow, Mr. Lightwood."

And Alexander stood there, gazing at Magnus' retreating back.

The phone still ringing in his hand. The elevator doors opened and Magnus entered. He turned to him as he pressed the button.

Magnus gave him a final smile as the doors shut.

For some reason, Alexander didn't want Magnus to go alone.

"Apparently your boyfriend has made it to TV."

What?

Alexander was suddenly more than awake. He blinked and sat upon his elbow, "What do you mean?"

"Look at the news." He was out of his bed the next moment, striding towards the lounge.

He turned on the TV and switched to a news channel as he asked, "Will you like to explain what's happened?"

And then Jace' words fell on deaf ears as Alexander's attention was fully focused at the news.

'The CEO of Idris Corporations, Alexander Gideon Lightwood in a fake relationship?' Was written in the headlines.

The phone lowered from his ear, his mouth agape as he saw Magnus' face on TV, in an odd angle.

"A video has surfaced on Twitter from an anonymous account, the infamous boyfriend of the CEO to Idris Corporations is in it, stating that nothing between him and the CEO is real and that it is all an act. Here's the actual video,"

Alexander's eyebrows knitted,

What is happening?

He couldn't comprehend it. And it was not because of him just waking up.

Magnus' words poured in his ears.

"There's nothing between me and him… If anything, it's an act. We're pretending to be boyfriends just so he could avoid his family asking him about if he has a partner or not. I was the one who started it, it's not Alexander's fault."

Just yesterday Magnus said his answer would be worth waiting for.

"Alec? You there?"

But it somehow felt fishy to him.

"I need to talk to Magnus. Something's happened."

Alexander hastily paid the driver and stepped out. He'd always seen Magnus disappear into the entrance beside Jade Wolf. He didn't exactly know where Magnus' apartment was.

He took out his phone and came to a side so that no one noticed him. He dialed Magnus' number.

The call went on voicemail.

He tried another time. And another time, it went on voicemail.

He tried for the third time, he hoped Magnus picked up because then he'd have to go and knock every door, looking for Magnus. Not that he wouldn't do that but the situation at hands was too delicate to show either of their faces.

"Come on, Magnus, pick up." He mumbled under his breath. After the fourth ring, he picked up as Alexander let out a breath of relief.

"Magnus, what is your apartment number?" Alexander asked before Magnus could say anything.

There was a silence on the other side.

"Magnus please. I know someone made you say that. I know, you did not say it willingly. I'm here to help you, just like you've done for me so please… Let me up."

Magnus still didn't say a word.

"I'm not moving from here until you give me your apartment number."

There was a shuffle after a moment and then a sigh, "Apartment number is two."

Alexander ended the call and ran up the first floor, ignoring the paint coming off the walls and the creaking of the steps.

He immediately found the apartment as he looked around. He walked up the short distance and was just about to knock when the door opened slightly.

A figure's shadow retreated back in the apartment, he saw from the door's gap. Magnus. 

He entered and found that the apartment was smaller than he'd expected it to be. Didn't he get claustrophobic?

But that wasn't the main focus here. He walked in, closing the door, and saw Magnus by the door of the balcony.

He was still in his clothes… From yesterday.

He looked around the small apartment, it was a mess.

"Magnus?" He stood there as if he didn't hear Alexander, "What happened, tell me."

Magnus didn't face him. Alexander saw him breathe in and out,

"Lydia… Happened…"

Alexander blinked, two and two connecting in his head.

He should've known from the start it was her.

"Tell me exactly what happened, Magnus."

He started after a prolonged moment,

"She met me last evening at the Jade Wolf. Lied about you being an abuser to her. I obviously didn't believe her and was about to leave when she moved her coat a little… She had a revolver."

Alexander's eyes widened for a split second,

"A fully loaded revolver. If she'd threatened my life, then maybe, I wouldn't have cared and walked away but…"

He finally looked at Alexander.

Magnus looked like he hadn't slept the night,

"She threatened to use it on the people around. There were families there… With young children." He looked away again,

"She told me two things to do. One to break up with you. And I'm sure you're here after watching the news."

The suspense was gonna kill Alexander now.

"As for two… It was to resign from my position of being your personal assistant."

Alexander gazed at Magnus with a weird feeling bubbling in his chest, "Tell me you said no."

Magnus said after another long moment,

"She threatened me with Max's life."

Magnus met Alexander's eyes, "I couldn't—"

Alexander walked about the room in fury,

"Why did you hide this from me?!" Alexander almost shouted at him, "Why did you not tell me or the cops about this, the moment it happened?!"

Magnus fully turned to him,

"And let Max die?! She said if I told you or the cops, Max would die! Me telling you this is putting Max's life in danger!"

Magnus looked Alexander in the eyes.

"You think I didn't want to call you and tell you what's happened?! But I couldn't! Because Max's life is at stake!"

Magnus' tone turned softer,

"I know the pain of losing loved ones! And I can't bare seeing you lose Max!"

Alexander stopped and just gazed at Magnus, "Look, I don't care what happens to me. I'm ready to lose the first real job I got after struggling for years if it means Max's safety."

Magnus and Alexander held their gaze for a moment longer.

Magnus, with difficultly, tore his eyes off Alexander and went searching for something, messing up further his already messed up bed.

Alexander's eyes didn't leave him, even for a moment.

He drew out a letter style neatly folded A4 sized paper from in between a diary sorts of book.

He opened the drawer on his bedside and drew out an envelope. He put the letter in there, took a pen and scribbled on it in beautiful italic font of his hand writing.

Glued the envelope and stood before Alexander, raising his hand holding the envelope.

Chapter Text

Alexander stood there, gazing at Magnus.

It was an unsaid competition between them. He looked at the envelope once and then back at Magnus as he took it.

Magnus broke the eye contact the moment the letter slipped out from his hands.

Alexander, still boring holes in Magnus' face, didn't open the letter.

Instead, he started tearing it.

Magnus looked at Alexander's hands, tearing the letter he made with all night's effort and then at Alexander's determined and almost fierce looking eyes as Alexander further tore the letter away.

Their gaze didn't waver, until the letter was small pieces enough that it couldn't be further be teared. He only looked away to throw the pieces in the bin.

When Alexander looked back at him, he saw Magnus look at him with an almost pleading look.

"I promise you, Magnus," He took a step near Magnus, "Just like how you promised Max, that I will protect both you and Max from Lydia and her evil plans."

The look in Alexander's eyes was almost enough for Magnus to throw out the inhibitions.

"As for the other mess which Lydia made," He looked away, "I'll do something about it."

Magnus shook his head as he walked away, "What exactly will you do about it, Al— Mr. Lightwood? What can you do about it?"

Magnus didn't like it when he had to rely on people for help. But this situation was far out of his hand.

"I'll figure something—" He stopped mid way.

A marvellous, marvellous idea popping up in his head,

"Out..." He completed as Magnus looked at him.

Magnus knew something was going on in his mind when he looked at Alexander's face. "Pack your stuff, Magnus, you're coming with me."

"Where are you taking me?"

"My house."

"Your house?"

Magnus asked almost instantly as his brows furrowed. Alexander looked at him, quickly saying, "My family house I mean."

Oh no…

It was already so messy, the news and the social networking sites constantly repeating the controversy like a mantra. Going to his family house might make this even messier if someone caught them.

And what if his family was actually against Magnus after what's happened? A voice said, deep in his head.

"Mr. Lightwood," Magnus quickly started, "I don't think that is a good—"

"Magnus,"

He gently interrupted him, "The situation right now is dangerous, if anyone, you know it better than me. You were the one who faced Lydia yesterday. You know she'll do whatever it takes to get what she wants. And I'm not leaving you here alone and in danger."

Magnus sighed, "What about your family? What would they say?"

"We'll explain to them." Magnus looked doubtful.

Alexander, without hesitance, reached out for Magnus' hands and held them,

"Magnus, it's gonna be okay. All I want is for you to trust me."

It all happened too fast after Magnus stepped out of the bathroom.

He took Magnus where he lived in a luxurious apartment, just to get his car. After that, things flew even faster as Alexander, himself, drove.

This was the second time Alexander had driven Magnus to somewhere. And Magnus wanted it to be the last already, with the speed they were going— Magnus was worried he might crash the car somewhere.

Magnus wasn't that surprised when he looked at Alexander from the corner of his eye, and saw that all he wore was an expression of complete seriousness.

When they got to the Lightwood Mansion, it was bonkers.

It was tight security in and out the mansion.

They entered through the opened front doors of the house. It seemed like someone had just entered the mansion that the doors were opened.

"Alec!"

Max came running to hug Alexander in his school uniform, who sat down and took Max in a hug,

"Max!" Jace and Maryse who stood there talking, stopped and looked at them.

Max greeted Magnus as they both came over to them, "Alexander Gideon Lightwood, I demand an explanation. What do you mean by Max and Magnus'—"

"Mom!" Alexander cut his mother a little loud as he stood up. Magnus and Alexander shared a look.

Magnus turned Max then, "Max, would you like to show me your room?"

Max nodded and took Magnus' hand. Maryse turned to Alexander as they went up the stairs talking,

"Alec." Her tone was demanding enough.

Jace stood there with his arms folded across his chest, Alexander sighed and started in all seriousness,

"Mom, last evening, Lydia met with Magnus. She manipulated Magnus into saying— No, lying, that there is nothing between me and him. She came armed with a revolver and threatened Magnus. She also told him to quit his job of being my PA, otherwise Max would..."

Alexander stopped, taking a frustrated breath. While listening to Alexander explain what happened, their faces turned from angry and confused to grave and serious with other emotions in the hindsight of their eyes.

"I know Lydia, she'll do anything to separate me and Magnus. That is why I asked you to prepare a spare bedroom, until this matter is settled, Max is not going to school and Magnus is staying here, with us. I'm also moving back for the while and tell Isabelle to do the same. And if needed, call Luke, Clary and Simon to stay here as well. Lydia might get them kidnapped and blackmail us with their lives."

They both nodded, "Does Isabelle know about this?" Maryse asked looking between both of them,

Jace pressed shut his eyes, "I forgot to tell her."

"I'll call her." Maryse walked away with that, Jace turned to Alexander, "What are you gonna do now?"

"First of all, I'm gonna clear the mess she made on my boyfriend's image."

Chapter Text

Alexander came back home at around evening with his important stuff from his apartment. The servants took them away as well as his coat when he called out, "Magnus?"

Before he could ask the servant, they walked away with his stuff, guess he'd have to find him now.

He walked towards the living room in the East wing of the house. And then he almost roamed about the house calling out for Magnus or anyone.

"He's not here, big brother." Alexander turned around, Isabelle leaned sideways on the wall, her arms folded.

They were near the TV lounge which was the last thing before the corridor to the ball room.

"Then where is he? And where are all of you?"

"We were just discussing your controversial press conference. Plans ruined to propose him? You better not be lying, Alec, cause Magnus is in a very bad mood."

"Can you please tell me where he is?"

"We sent Max on the mission to find him without letting him know. He's standing at the small pavilion near the swimming pool,"

"Thanks." Alexander turned on his heels and almost ran away. Isabelle shook her head, seeing her brother being 'whipped'.

Alexander found Magnus just where he was informed as he stopped and calmed his breathing.

Magnus had his back on Alexander from where he was standing and panting. He also seemed to have his arms folded.

He exhaled one last time and approached Magnus under the pavilion. Magnus heard steps approaching and then stopping. Knowing full well who it was, he started as he turned around,

"You were going to propose to me?"

He talked like an upset boyfriend, Alexander won't lie.

"Magnus, I—"

"No, Mr. Lightwood, what was the need to put another lie on top of this mess? I'm not doubting your promise that you will protect me and Max but do you know that by saying that there, you have endangered everyone you love and the ones they love. Isabelle, Simon, Jace, Clary, Your mom, Luke. Everyone. Even yourself!"

Magnus unfolded his arms as he turned his head unconsciously away,

"You're risking the lives, of the ones you love, of yourself, for who? For the one who isn't even your boyfriend—"

"Then become mine now."

Magnus met Alexander's gaze, in complete astonishment.

Alexander took a step forwards, his gaze already speaking of what he was gonna say,

"I know you feel what I feel, Magnus, then why just not turn this lie into the truth?"

Magnus looked away, he said after a moment, "It will only put us all in more danger…"

He looked back at him, "And the last thing I want is anyone of you hurt because of me. Because I didn't agree to her terms."

"Nothing you fear would happen, Magnus. Look, I know what I said is outraging you, and not only because it threatens the safety of everyone. But believe me, I did not lie. I was thinking of proposing to you to become my boyfriend…"

It was Alexander's turn to look away, "But then this happened…"

"But if you want, this— us, it can wait."

Alexander still didn't meet Magnus' eyes, he sighed. After a long moment, he heard,

"Mr. Lightwood,"

He looked at Magnus and found him smiling up at him.

"You better not make me regret this."

Alexander's own lips stretched into a smile, showing some of his teeth,

Magnus was moving close,

And so was Alexander,

"Will you be my boyfriend, Magnus Bane?"

"Absolutely."

Magnus put in a low voice as their lips met with sync.

Finally they all sat down to eat, "Well there is one good thing about this family lockdown, we all got to cook and eat dinner together without any excuses."

Maryse had said when they'd started eating. Luke had pressed a kiss on her cheek afterwards.

"Even if mine and Izzy's only contribution being stirring the spoon in the pot." Everyone burst out laughing, as well as Isabelle but Alexander only smiled when he saw Magnus laughing with them.

"Someone is whipped." Clary whispered in Jace's ear who spread the word to Simon, ultimately reaching Isabelle.

Everyone conversed on this and that until the dinner ended and Isabelle and Clary took a whiny Max to catch with today's missed lessons. Simon had to tag along as Max wasn't leaving without his 'best friend'.

Luke, Maryse and Jace exchanged glances and Magnus noticed them,

An oblivious Alexander was about to get up to clean the table and call Jace to do the same when Luke said,

"Alec,"

He looked at them, "There's something we want to talk to you about." Magnus who had sensed the situation and deemed it as some family talk, shared a look with Alexander,

"I'll leave you all then."

"No," Maryse said quickly, "I mean, this also concerns you, Magnus, sit down."

They didn't move from their places, the air in the room became heavy just like when they all had sat down to watch the press conference,

Maryse started her tone cautious of her words,

"Jace had came back when you two were outside at the pool and he told us something." Maryse looked at him, giving him the cue to continue.

"I had sent Raphael and Meliorn in disguise to the Jade Wolf, immediately after you told me where it happened. We collected the CCTV of and every place near the Jade Wolf but it seems like Lydia's erased the proof that she ever met Magnus. There's no witness as well,"

"So what are we gonna do now?" Magnus asked as he looked between the three, "I may have an idea on it."

Jace inhaled, "Except for us, no one knows we're on family lockdown. No one knows that you're staying here."

Alexander's face contorted, "What are you trying to put, Jace? Say it clearly."

"I know that what you said in the press con would infuriate Lydia. But we don't know when or how she'll attack. Look, I know this sounds dangerous but we'd be there as backup—"

Alexander exclaimed in a loud voice,

"Don't beat around the bush, Jace, tell us!"

Magnus was about to place his hand on Alexander's when Jace threw back,

"I am thinking of using Magnus as bait to lure Lydia out!"

There was silence in the room,

"What?"

Alexander said in a low dangerous voice, "How can you even think that, Jace? What if I told you to use Clary as a bait to bring Lydia out of hiding?"

"Clary is not involved in this mess! Besides, Magnus knows how to—"

"No! I did not bring Magnus here just so we could send him out there again! I won't let you use my boyfriend! Neither would I do it nor would I let you endanger his safety! Find another way! End of discussion!"

Alexander stood up and stormed away, "Alec!" Maryse called after him.

She put her forehead in her hand just as Alexander disappeared.

Jace did not meet Magnus' eyes, only Luke did, "I'll go and talk to him."

Magnus turned to stand up, "Magnus," He looked at Luke again, "Just so you know, this is just a suggestion, we're not forcing this upon you. We agree with Alec on your safety."

Magnus nodded, "Where is Alec's room?"

Magnus stepped on his tippy toes and gave Alexander a soft kiss. Alexander released a breath, every emotion of from the fight downstairs slipping out, after they parted.

Gazing deep in Alexander's eyes, he said, still smiling at him gently.

"I understand your concern, Alexander but this should be my decision. This is my decision."

"Magnus—"

"You won't lose me, I promise."

Chapter Text

Magnus walked back to his apartment in the middle of the night.

He looked up momentarily, the splash of stars not visible clearly because of the city lights and pollution.

The plan was already put in action. He had a bullet proof vest and a tracker on, just in case. His mind rolled back to the night a few days ago.

Jace held her gaze for another moment,

After a prolonged moment, Alexander said,

Mr. Branwell growled in a low voice,

"You will regret doing this, Lightwood."

Alexander squinted his eyes at him for a split second as he unfolded his arms,

"Instead of saying this to me, you should've raised your daughter right."

He walked past the man then. Holding his hand out to Magnus, who gladly took it.

Alexander turned his face sideways to him, "See you in the court, Mr. Branwell."

Alexander moved, Magnus and Mr. Branwell met eyes for a short moment.

Magnus smiled small but smugly at him. He raised his free hand and waved his fingers at the man fuming in silence.

Once out and a little far from the precinct, Magnus said with mischief lacing his tone,

"Ah, it felt so nice."

"What?" Alexander met Magnus' eyes.

"Mr. Bitchwell being put into place."

Alexander smiled in purse then. He looked away from Magnus shyly who gazed at his side profile.

Then Magnus suddenly said,

"Well, due to the sudden rush of adrenaline in my veins, it took away the last of my energy, I must say. I feel tired." He resisted the urge to yawn then and there which didn't go unnoticed by Alexander,

Alexander's grip around his hand gently tightened. Magnus placed his head on his curve of his shoulder after Alexander said,

"Let me take you home."

During this week, no suspicious activity took place from the Branwell's side.

It was odd to say the least but as long as they knew their place and didn't make matters worse for either sides, it was okay for Alexander.

They were standing in the court, the case had been presented by Simon thoroughly and the attorney of the Branwell's side didn't do much to defend.

The judge then had adjourned the court and had taken one hour to analyze all the proofs and statements.

Currently, they were standing in the cafeteria, discussing about the case as Alexander waited for the coffee to pour out.

Luke, Maryse, Isabelle, Jace and Clary were there beside and behind them, conversing.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Alexander pulled Magnus out the court, almost running.

Smiling and giggling, they descended down the stairs.

Alexander abruptly stopped at the foot of the stairs and gently pulled Magnus towards himself, whose eyes asked him what happened, as he drew close to Alexander.

And the next thing Magnus knew,

Alexander's lips was on his.

He gently yet firmly held his waist and Magnus had his one hand on his chest and the other on his forearm.

The people around acted like either they haven't seen what's going on or simply moved away.

Alexander parted but Magnus drew in, wanting for more. Alexander grinned and met his lips again.

That was amazing,

A thought crossing both their minds as they finally parted after a few moments.

"Magnus?"

"Yes, Alexander?"

"Where would you like to go on our first date?"

Magnus was actually surprised as he snapped out his trance when Alexander told him where he went to high school,

"Me too."

"Really?" Alexander lightened up, "But I didn't see you there," He said with his eyebrows creasing for a moment,

"Of course you didn't, I'm five years older than you, Alexander."

"Right," Alexander nodded his head and sipped from his drink,

"My turn," Alexander met Magnus' playful gaze as he placed his drink down, "How many people have you dated before me?"

Alexander sighed, "Only one."

Magnus pressed his lips and raised one brow in mild fascination,

"What about you?" Alexander asked back,

"I've been with both, men and women."

"You're bisexual, right?"

"You got that right."

Alexander threw in almost instantly,

"How many?"

"How many?" Magnus' facial expression changed into hesitation which Alexander did not notice.

"Come on, it's not a trick question,"

Alexander, with a little mischief, said,

"You can round down if you want,"

Magnus straightened up a little as he said, "Okay, if you want to know, I'll tell you."

He met Alexander's gaze, "The whole…"

"The whole class?"

Alexander asked, almost chuckling, Magnus looked away.

Alexander's expressions changed,

"The whole… The whole batch?"

Magnus glanced up once,

"The whole school?"

Magnus immediately countered him as Alexander looked away with widened eyes.

"It was all in the past, ancient history."

The waiter serving them their food, cleared the air for a while.

Then Magnus felt a little awkwardness surrounding them as the waiter went away.

Great, his dating history has messed up everything.

Just great.

"Wow, I mean," Alexander let out an airy chuckle as he started after a long moment. He looked at Magnus who didn't meet his eyes,

"It's you after all,"

Magnus dared looking at him now, "The fabulous and fearless Magnus Bane, how can everyone not be crazy after you?"

Magnus felt his lips twitch up then.

"Magnus, where are we going?" Alexander asked once they stepped out the elevator and strode towards the exit.

Chapter Text

Okay, maybe ordering Mu Shu Pork after the Wontons, which they ordered after the Spring Rolls, was a bit too much.

Alexander's face contorted a little as they stepped out of the local restaurant.

He placed a hand on his stomach as he said, "Maybe I ate too much."

Alexander then looked at a Magnus who looked perfectly fine even when he ate almost the same amount of food.

"How are you okay?" They started walking but slowly as Alexander asked. "I'm Asian, Alexander."

Alexander looked at Magnus with a 'what the hell' look, Magnus couldn't help but grin,

"I'm just joking. Cat, Ragnor and I used to come here a lot and have food races. It was messy but we built tolerance to stuff food and not feel queasy."

Alexander exhaled in a little pain, "Good for you."

"Let's go back to the office, I have a magical medicine to relieve you of the pain."

"Are you okay, Alec?"

Izzy placed her hand on his forehead a little playfully, when Alexander refused to pizza offered by her.

Alexander moved his head away just as her fingers touched it, "I'm okay, I just don't feel like eating."

"You sure? You don't say no to pizza."

She walked past him to the kitchen to get the plates. He sat down on one of the kitchen stools,

"Magnus and I went to have Chinese—"

"Where?"

Jace popped up, with enthusiasm that lacked his usual sarcasm, in between the conversation, "Here comes the Chinese lover."

"Jade Wolf."

"Wait," He squinted his eyes a little, "If I remember correctly, that restaurant is near where we caught Lydia, right?"

Alexander nodded, "The food was great there though. I ended up eating a lot."

"Finally mom won't have to worry about you sleeping on empty stomachs anymore." She took an elegant bite from her pizza.

"I don't sleep on empty stomachs— Why does mom worry about that? I can fix myself meals."

Jace looked away, hiding his laughter. Isabelle swallowed saying, "You're my brother, Alec, we have faith in you that you can't cook."

"Well at least I can cook better than you."

And Jace couldn't control anymore.

Actually, he was about to enter his cabin to ask where he wanted to grab lunch with him, when an Alexander, who miserably failed to hide his panic, hastily stepped out of the cabin and said,

"Magnus— Um— We need to cancel our plans for today. I— Uh— I have work, sorry."

And with that being said he darted towards the elevator,

Leaving Magnus staring in confusion.

What just happened?

Magnus blinked. His eyes caught the wetness on the floor, going all the way to the elevator.

It seemed like coffee stains.

He stood up and headed into his cabin.

And it was indeed coffee,

Spilled on his desk, save the other important things thankfully.

And a pool of coffee laid beneath the desk. He guiltily but immediately called the janitor up and cleaned up the desk himself.

It took them almost four hours to get through that. Even with the two of them.

Well, three and a half hours because they spent the first half eating the wraps. Magnus even made Alexander a coffee in between that.

Finally, Magnus found the computer and immediately shared the file.

Alexander worked with a new found strength then. Printed the file, not forgetting to turn off the devices after, and assembled it with an amazing speed. Then he immediately went back to his cabin, signed the damn thing and,

Finally, finally took a breath of relief while letting his eyes shut for a moment.

Alexander inhaled as he opened his them after a full moment and gazed out the window of his cabin.

It was just past sunset. The colours of twilight still there but dark.

Alexander felt a wave of fatigue wash over him.

Wait, Magnus must be more tired than he was, since Alexander was the only one who took a coffee.

Plus where was Magnus?

He was just there beside him…

Since he was done anyways, he went to the same floor. His eyes found Magnus sitting near the desk with printing stuff but on another pulled out chair.

His back was turned to him. Alexander owed him one, he went out his way and helped him. Thinking this and also thinking about asking Magnus what he wanted as a gift for helping him,

He strode to the chair, "Magnus, th—" Alexander stopped abruptly.

A smile graced his lips after a short moment. He took out his phone and quickly clicked a picture or two.

Because, Magnus was sat there, his face supported by his hand as he slept peaceful in this uncomfortable position.

Alexander then proceeded to wake Magnus up,

But stopped.

He was so tired that he fell asleep here. Alexander suddenly lost the heart to wake him up after having that thought.

What should he do now?

Chapter Text

Magnus felt comfortable and oddly soft. He tossed and pulled the even comfortable blanket up.

Sunlight touched his eyelids and he saw red inside of it, his face half contorting.

He moved his head in the other direction as he laid on his back now and took a full moment before stirring up.

The ceiling looked quite different.

Magnus' brows creased.

He sat up then and looked at his surroundings.

There was a full length mirror in the room, a dresser, White curtains on the windows. And he, himself, was on a king sized bed.

Where was he?

Did he get abducted?

He looked down at himself.

But would the abductor change him into a silk night suit?

Wait.

He looked up and raised a brow.

Who changed his clothes?

He almost threw the blanket aside and scooted over the king sized bed to step down.

Recollections of yesterday pouring in his head as he strolled out.

It was a normal day at work and then his boss and boyfriend messed up at the last moment with something.

Okay,

Then he brought their date to the office and then helped his boyfriend find the file.

The last he remembered was dozing off at the chair while watching Alexander print the file out.

Combing his hair back once with his hand, he stepped out into the lounge.

It was a very modern styled lounge. Grey walls and White curtains and tiles in the contrast of the room. The only vivid color in the room was the Red sofa set in the middle.

And he saw a foot protruding from his side of the sofa. He trailed his eyes up the sofa and half of his lips twitched up.

Alexander slept there almost looking like a baby, although he was sure that his boyfriend was uncomfortable there. He walked over to him and sat down on the coffee table.

Now when he got the chance, he took in Alexander's features.

His fair skin shined with sweat,

A growing stubble visible on his chin and a mustache as well,

He had a defined jawline and cheekbones,

Nose, going all sharp and turning a little soft upon the end,

He had long lashes and perfect brows.

A while ago, Magnus could only imagine what would it feel like grazing the eyebrow of a sleeping Alexander beside him.

He never really thought that this would actually become a reality.

He gently reached out his index finger of the right hand and very lightly, he grazed it upon Alexander's left brow.

So lightly that he almost couldn't feel the hair of his brows.

The other half of his lips turned up to balance the twitch.

Magnus stood up quietly then.

Since Alexander brought him to his home and treated him like a gentleman,

He should do something in return.