Disclaimer: In this chapter, "Alex Maystarr" is an original character mentioned in a couple of my good friends, Kayda Charlemaigne's stories, "Castle of Teddy Bears", and briefly mentioned in "The Magic Number" in Wattpad.

This chapter also makes the NYPD, and the New York District Attorney's Office out to be complete idiots. BUT NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!!! They are some of the hardest working, and overworked people in all of New York.

Kayda Charlemaigne is responsible for the outcome of Alex Maystarr's plotline in this chapter. I am merely borrowing it for cohesiveness. I apologize in advance if I inadvertently offend anyone by the content in that part of the chapter.

Also, Lemonland warning ahead!!!

Magnus woke up feeling more rested than he had in years. He felt warm, safe and secure. But then Magnus tensed as he realized that there was another body pressed against his own. Looking up, Magnus noticed that he was practically laying on top of Alexander with Alec's arms wrapped securely around him. As he relaxed into the embrace, Magnus thought back to the events from the night before. Yesterday, he'd subtly tried to ask Alexander on a date, but when Magnus noticed what appeared to be a look of fear on his face, Magnus backed out. Alexander looked so scared at the prospect of them going on a date that it nearly broke Magnus' heart. Still, he thought he had detected slight disappointment in Alec's voice when he backpedaled, and tried to reassure Alec that they would be going as friends, which was why he had introduced Alec as his date to various colleagues. Magnus felt like he made the right call when doing so, because with every introduction, Alexander's eyes seemed to light up.

When Magnus received the invitation for the opening, his first thought was to invite Alec. He was the only person Magnus wanted to spend his evening with; in fact, Alexander seemed to consume all of his thoughts these days. Magnus didn't lie when he told his friends that he was going to ask Alec to be his plus one. They all seemed to agree that he would be the best choice to attend with, and it was no secret that Alexander didn't get out much. Hell, even when they all got together on the weekends, they spend their Saturday evenings at Alec's loft instead of anywhere else. Raph, Ragnor and Cat said that Magnus was being a good friend by inviting him. They just didn't know that Magnus had really been hoping for last night to be a real date.

Overall, last night had been the perfect night. When Magnus picked up Alexander he couldn't help but marvel at the sight of his date. Alexander looked like sex on legs, and he had considered scrapping the entire evening just to take Alec right then and there at the entryway. Magnus also loved how easy they could carry a conversation. Talking to Alexander was as easy as breathing, and he loved the mischief in Alexander's sparkling, sapphire eyes as he educated Magnus on the myths of caviar. Sometimes Magnus thought he could watch those eyes sparkle everyday for the rest of his life. He quietly sighed at his own thought.

Magnus hadn't felt this content - or connected - to anyone before. After everything that had happened with Camille, Magnus refused the thought of putting his heart on display ever again. Her betrayal had been Magnus' last straw. All he'd ever wanted was to love and be loved, and Magnus hadn't felt that since before his mother passed away. He found himself wondering if Alexander could ever love him, but based off past experiences, Magnus highly doubted it. Even after he and Alec came back to the house, Magnus felt this intense pull towards Alexander. There was no other way to describe it than that. As they had eaten their pizza, he'd listened to Alec go on and on about the food critics. He felt that he could listen to the sound of Alexander's voice forever, but also knew just how dangerous thinking like that could be.

Camille had no problem talking about herself and what was going on in her life, but she would never listen when Magnus had anything to say. Then towards the end of their relationship, it seemed like the two didn't even speak to one another unless they were arguing. Imasu never wanted to talk - as their relationship was mostly physical - and then there was Etta. His time with Etta started wonderfully until she started harping on him for marriage and children. Then it seemed like their relationship was nothing but the two of them bickering over her wanting to get married right away and start a family. Etta never gave their relationship the proper time to develop before she started making her demands. Sure, Magnus very well could have gone back to dating her once he was ready to settle down, but Etta seemed to forget that the two of them would have disagreements more than they had decent conversations. Magnus just really didn't want to go back down that road.

Alexander had never been like any of his ex's. Their conversations always flowed easily and naturally, and that was something that Magnus had never experienced with a partner before. And Alexander always asked about what was going on with him, and what plans Magnus had for his days. He was always attentive to Magnus' gripes and complaints, helped Magnus work through the things that he could, and was empathetic to the problems he couldn't talk Magnus through. Alec was always genuinely interested in whatever Magnus had to say or at least seemed to be. Magnus' thoughts were interrupted by Alec stretching beneath him.

"Good morning," Magnus murmured into Alexander's chest, breathing in the scent of vanilla and warm sugar, that was wholly Alexander.

"Morning," Alec tightened his hold on Magnus, and Magnus couldn't help the sigh of contentment that left his lips. It felt so good being held by Alexander's strong, hard body.

No sooner than Magnus felt Alexander relax, then he felt the exact opposite. Alec stiffented. "Magnus, god! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep."

Alec started getting up, but Magnus wasn't going to allow it. Magnus moved so he was straddling his lover, and put a finger over Alec's lips.

"Darling," Magnus smiled and looked into those deep blue eyes that he was growing so fond of. "It's fine. In fact, that was the best sleep I've had in a very long time. Not only that, but I want to get rid of the 'no spending the night' rule."

Magnus felt Alexander relax at that. He saw those blue eyes light up, and a smile grace Alexander's gorgeous features.

"Okay," Alexander placed a kiss on Magnus' finger before Magnus removed it from his lips.

"Hmm," Magnus humed as he leaned down to place a kiss upon Alexander's lips. Their kiss started out as slow and languid, but quickly grew more passionate. Still straddling his lover, Magnus ground their erections together.

When air started to become a problem, Magnus pulled away to see Alexander's cheeks flush.

"Magnus, as much as I would love to go another round with you, I don't think my ass can take it," Alec said with a slight chuckle, and a blush creeping its way up Alec's chest, neck, and face. Magnus was so pleased that he was finally able to see just how far that beautiful blush went down.

"No my love, I want you to be inside me this time," Magnus said as he began trailing kisses down Alec's chest. Magnus made sure he paid special attention to Alec's pert nipples. Over the last couple of months, Magnus had figured out where Alexander's most sensitive spots were located. Magnus moved further down Alexander, kissing his way down his chest and stomach, marveling at the way Alexander's muscles bunched and jumped under his ministrations.

Magnus pulled back up briefly so he could retrieve a condom and the bottle of lube from his nightstand. Before Magnus could do anything else, Alec pulled Magnus back on top of him, kissed him breathlessly, then while Magnus was still straddling him, Alec grabbed the back of Magnus' thighs and pulled Magnus up to where his knees were on either side of Alec's chest. Magnus' dick twitched at the action; he was so close to Alexander's mouth, and could feel his warm breath dance across Magnus' heated flesh. Alec took the lube from Magnus' grasp, popped the top of the bottle and thoroughly coated his fingers. Alec inserted one of his fingers in Magnus' tight opening while his mouth descended on his erection. Magnus let out a guttural moan, placed both hands on the headboard for balance, and let his head fall back. Alexander truly did give amazing blowjobs! Once Magnus felt three fingers scissoring him open he couldn't take it anymore. Pulling away from Alexander, Magnus placed the condom onto his lovers impressive length, and applied copious amounts of lube. Lining himself up, Magnus slowly eased down until he was fully sheathed. Magnus gave himself enough time to adjust, then started to move. Magnus almost came undone , as he heard the moans coming from the man beneath him.

"God, Magnus... you're so tight!" Alec said breathlessly as he easily flipped Magnus on his back without pulling out of him. Alec hovering over him and started his thrusts.

Magnus, unable to respond, was trying so hard to make the moment last. It had been so long since Magnus bottomed that he felt that he wouldn't be able to last long at the pace they were setting. Instead, he pulled Alec down into a kiss. Thankfully Alexander slowed their pace to drag their pleasure out for as long as possible. Alec propped himself up on his forearms and maintained eye contact. The look in his eyes was so intense that Magnus had to close his to keep from tearing up. Alexander was looking at Magnus like he hung the moon, and dear god, Magnus wished that Alexander actually felt that way. Alec leaned down to place opened mouthed kisses all over his neck and chest. Then Alec took Magnus' erection in one of his hands, stroking him at the same agonizingly slow speed as their thrusts, causing Magnus to moan deep in his throat.

"Fuck Alexander, I'm gonna come!" Arching his back, Magnus shouted out as he shot his load all over his and Alec's chests. Two more thrusts and Alec was spilling into the condom.

Alec leaned down, still sheathed inside Magnus, and pulled Magnus into a rough, passion filled kiss. When they broke the kiss, Magnus pulled Alec down on the bed with him and they both let out a contented breath, not even paying attention to the mess they'd made.

After a few minutes of laying with his head on Alec's chest, listening to his heart rate steady, Magnus made the decision to get up and clean off.

"Let's shower, then I can make you some breakfast before you have to go home to meet Max," Magnus said as he pulled Alec up.

"I would like that," Alec's lopsided smile caused Magnus to beam at his lover as he guided him into the bathroom.

In the shower, they washed each other - paying extra attention to certain areas - and ended up getting each other off yet again.

Once out of the shower they towelled off, and Alec started the search for his clothes. Damn, he truly is a work of art! Magnus thought as he watched Alexander out of the corner of his eye and found a silk robe to dress in. He watched as Alec's back muscles moved and bunched with each layer of clothing he donned; it was the sexiest thing Magnus could have ever bear witness to.

"I'm going to head downstairs and start breakfast," Magnus announced, clearing his thoughts from the view in front of him.

"Sure," Alec replied. Magnus heard as he started walking towards the door before he continued. "Hey Magnus, can I use your charger? My phone died overnight."

"Of course, cintaku," Magnus smiled at how easy the word 'my love' slipped off his tongue and walked towards Alec, pulling the phone from his hand and plugging it in.

Before Magnus could leave, Alec grabbed him by the arm, pulled him in close while bringing his other hand to cup Magnus' jaw, and kissed him. The kiss was so tender that Magnus melted into it. Alexander rubbed his thumb along Magnus' jawline and deepened the kiss.

"Darling," Magnus said when the need for air became too much. "Let me go and make you some breakfast before we end up right back in bed. I don't want Max waiting on you too long."

"You know," Alec said, then gave Magnus a chast kiss. "You don't have to feed me. I'm sure dinner cost a fortune, and you wouldn't even let me pay for that."

"Well, I do have a confession to make," Magnus smirked at the cuteness that was his Alexander. Alec cocked his head to the side and raised an eyebrow. "Apparently, word got out to the chef that you were a guest. She's a huge fan of yours and told her husband - who owns the restaurant - that he needed to find out what table you were at and comp your bill. Neither one of us had to pay for dinner last night."

"Who's the chef? Are they known?" Alec asked.

"Let me get the invitation. I'm sure the chefs name is on there somewhere," Magnus reached for the invitation off his dresser and handed it to Alexander.

"Jessamine Lovelace-Gray," Alec read. "Never heard of her, or her husband, Nathaniel Gray."

"Well, not everyone can make guest appearances on cooking shows darling," Magnus nudged Alexander with his hip. "Come on. Let's make breakfast."

In the kitchen, Magnus pulled out various pans, not having a clue as to what he was going to attempt to make for his lover. There was afterall, a reason he had to hire a personal chef. Magnus glanced at Alexander out of the corner of his eye and noticed him leaning against the island, arms crossed, and a smirk on his face.

"What?" Magnus quirked an eyebrow.

"Nothing," Alec chuckled. "I'm just trying to see how long it'll take you to come up with something to try to make. Want some help?"

"No," Magnus huffed, but couldn't keep the smile from crawling on his face at being called out on his bullshit. "The whole purpose of me making you breakfast is that I actually make it. I just... don't know what the hell to make."

Alec let out a full belly laugh at that. Magnus wanted to be annoyed, but he couldn't help but admire Alexander's unguarded expression. His head tilted back, laugh lines visible as his eyes squinted, and the most gorgeous smile Magnus had ever seen appear on his face. Not for the first time that morning, Magnus marvelled at the beauty which was Alexander Lightwood.

"Yeah, yeah," Magnus laughed along with Alec. "Get that sexy ass over here and teach me how to make an omelet."

"Fine," Alec said raising his hand in surrender, moving towards the refrigerator. "What do you want in your omelet?"

"Oh, I don't know. Whatever you'd normally put in an omelet is fine with me," Magnus shrugged. It was true, he usually didn't choose the ingredients that were in the omelets Alexander had made for him in the past, so learning something about what Alexander liked was no hardship for Magnus.

"Okay, let me see what you've got as far as ingredients go," Alec rummaged through the fridge and started pulling things out. "I'm going to teach you how to make a basic French omelet. Come on," Alec motioned for Magnus to follow him to the counter.

"Go ahead and crack two eggs in that bowl," Alec instructed. Magnus grabbed the bowl and got to work while Alexander grabbed a measuring spoon and filled it with water. "Now dump this into the bowl."

Magnus looked at the spoon and saw that it measured a tablespoon.

"Now put another tablespoon of water in the bowl," Alec continued. Magnus did as he was told, then looked expectantly at his friend. "I went ahead and measured out the salt and pepper so go ahead and throw that in there, then beat it all together."

Magnus did, then picked up the whisk and went to work. Alec pressed himself up behind him, circling his arms around Magnus' waist and placed his chin on Magnus' shoulder. Magnus let out a sigh and relaxed into the embrace while he worked.

"Now what?" When Magnus felt that he was finished he turned his head, and kissed Alexander's jawline, loving the feel of his stubble.

"Well, the cheese is already shredded. It's left over from the salad I made for you the other day, so we just need to cut the vegetables and the ham," Alec returned Magnus' kiss and then pulled away, clearly focused on his cooking lesson.

They chopped the ham and spinach, then cut the cherry tomatoes and put them in a pan to saute. As Magnus was keeping an eye on the contents, Alexander grabbed a second pan and heated it up with butter for the omelet, but he never moved too far from Magnus. When the mixture was done, Magnus moved the pan off of the burner to wait until they needed it for the eggs.

"Okay, this skillet is ready for the egg mixture," Alec tilted his head towards the bowl. "Could you grab that, please?"

Magnus did as he was asked, then poured it into the pan, and Alexander handed him a spatula.

"Now, gently push the eggs towards the center of the skillet, but tilt the skillet to get the bottom coated," Alexander placed one hand on the small of Magnus' back with his other hand on top of Magnus' hand that was holding the handle to help guide the eggs where he wanted it. Magnus was keeping a mental note with everything they were doing because he knew that Alexander wouldn't be around forever, and he really didn't want to hire another chef. No one would be able to replace his Alexander.

"See where the egg is thickening?" Alexander motioned towards the pan. Magnus nodded, unable to vocalize while not only trying to concentrate on what Alec was instructing, but also trying to keep his hormones under control. "Now we're going to spoon out the vegetables and place them on one side of the eggs, then sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of that," Alec stepped back for Magnus to do as instructed.

"Now we're going to fold the omelet," Alexander handed him the spatula, then placed his hand on top of Magnus', again to guide him. Magnus may not know a lot about cooking, but he knew that this was probably the hardest part about making a decent omelet. When the eggs folded perfectly, Magnus got excited.

"I did it!" he exclaimed. In Magnus' excitement, he dropped the pan nearly ruining his perfect omelet. Luckily, Alexander had quick enough reflexes to catch it before everything fell apart.

"You did," Alec laughed, pecking Magnus on the lips. "Now grab a plate so we can get this thing out of the skillet before it burns."

Magnus quickly went to the cabinet and got the plates, then made his way back. Alec easily slid the omelet onto the plate and handed it to Magnus.

"Bon appétit monsieur," Alexander said with a perfect french accent and a smirk, making Magnus' knees go weak.

"Shit, that's hot," Magnus breathed out as he leaned against the island for support.

"Si vous pensez que c'est chaud, pourquoi ne pas vous dire que la façon dont vous bougez votre corps me fait souhaiter que je puisse vous garder dans votre lit et l'adorer jusqu'à ce que nous ne puissions plus rester conscients," Alexander said, moving so close to Magnus that they were sharing the same airspace.

"I have no idea what you've said, but I like the sound of that," Magnus purred watching Alexander's eyes darken with lust.

"Eh bien, si je te disais ce que j'ai dit, ce ne serait pas aussi amusant de te voir défaire comme tu es," Alexander then placed an opened mouth kiss to Magnus' neck, and stepped back effectively breaking the trance he held over Magnus. "Maintenant, sois un bon garçon et mange ton omelette."

"Jesus, you're going to be the death of me," Magnus whispered. Alexander must still have caught it because he chuckled and went about making his own omelet.

~oOo~

Magnus and Ragnor were running late getting to Alexander's loft. They needed to prepare for an upcoming press conference pertaining to a certain singer who was arrested nearly a month ago. Knocking on the door, Magnus was surprised to see that it was Clary who answered.

"Hey guys," her smile was bright, and eyes shining. "Come on in. Alec's just in the kitchen working his magic."

"Good," Ragnor groaned. "I'm starving!"

"Well, everyone's out on the balcony if you want to join them. Alec put out snacks to hold us over until dinner is finished," Clary waved them into the house. Ragnor made a beeline to the balcony with Clary following, and Magnus veered off to the kitchen to see Alexander.

Magnus took a moment to observe his lover. Alexander was wearing a gray t-shirt with a pair of ripped bootcut jeans. He was wrapping something up in aluminum foil and was completely oblivious of Magnus shamelessly checking him out.

"Hello, darling," Magnus said as he walked further into the kitchen, kissing Alexander on the cheek. "Need any help?"

"Hey," Alexander smiled wide returning the affection. "I just finished and was getting ready to put everything on the grill. Wanna drink or something?"

Before Magnus could answer, Max walked in, causing them both to jump apart.

"Magnus, how's it going?" Max walked over and patted Magnus - a little too hard - on the back.

"Good, Max," Magnus wheezed out. "How was the date last night?"

"It was okay. My date was a little too standoffish for my liking. Trying to engage in any conversation with her was like pulling teeth," Max shrugged. "Anyway, Clary said we're out of wine so I came in to get more."

"That's fine. I'm going to get these on the grill," Alexander was holding a tray of foiled packets and carried them out.

"Sorry to hear about your date," Magnus said lamely, having no idea how to date anymore.

"Well, I guess it was my fault for asking her out based solely off her looks. I probably should've tried talking to her first," Max laughed, shaking his head as he grabbed a couple bottles of wine and headed out to where everyone else was. Magnus followed along, laughing.

"Was she really that bad?" He couldn't help asking.

"Dude!" Max exclaimed, turning around. "It was the worst. Anytime I asked a question - open ended or not - she would only give me one word responses!"

"You live and you learn, I guess," Magnus placed an arm around Max's shoulder, chuckling at his outburst.

He couldn't help but compare this conversation with the conversation he had with Alexander about the restaurant last night. Both Alec and Max used the same tone, the same animated hand gestures, and even their facial expressions were almost identical.

Walking out to the balcony, Magnus noticed that Simon was amongst their group of friends.

"Sorry we're late, everyone," Magnus greeted Catarina with a kiss to the cheek, and Raphael with a hug.

"So what happened with Maystarr?" Raphael asked.

"It was a case of mistaken identity," Ragnor stated. "The firm we contacted, Gamble, Murphy and Associates, got their private investigators to dig up what they could. They subpoenaed all of Alex's social media records and pulled various posts with time stamps. They even pulled the GPS recording off his phone - apparently his mother likes to know where her 'darling little boy' is at all times - that proved that he was in Brooklyn at the time of the incident. Maystarr went over to a groupies house after his concert that night, and the guy has one of those doorbell's with a camera on it, the date and timestamp from that camera showed that he arrived about three hours after his concert, which was right around the same time as the carjacking in Jersey."

"Wow," Simon said with this look of awe. "Didn't the cops do any investigating?"

"No," Ragnor said with a laugh. "The Brooklyn police didn't run any prints on the car, gun, or the drugs they found. They were so caught up in the fact that they arrested a big name celebrity that they didn't even do their job."

"Ladies and gentlemen, New York's finest," Max said sarcastically, with an eye roll, leaving everyone in hysterics.

"We're releasing a press conference on Monday morning," Magnus said. "Hence the need for the impromptu meeting this afternoon."

Pretty soon everyone was serving up their dinner. Conversation started flowing, and despite his best efforts every few seconds, Magnus' eyes roamed over to Alexander. He watched Alec's movements, his mannerisms, and his lighthearted smiles. Ever since Max told Magnus to really look at Alexander he could see what the boy had been talking about. Alexander's smiles didn't reach his eyes, and he barely laughed over the last few months. Tonight though, he was engaging in conversation, and just seemed overall relaxed.

Magnus was engrossed in a conversation with Cat and Ragnor, but looked up at the delighted laughter coming from Alexander. His head was thrown back, dimples full on display, and laugh lines prominent around his mouth and eyes. Magnus then realized that Max was right. This was the first time he'd seen Alexander truly happy. He thought he saw a hint of it the night before, but Magnus had been so wrong.

"He looks happy, doesn't he," Cat said, pulling Magnus out of his daze.

"That he does," was Ragnor's response. "What happened last night Magnus?"

"Huh?" Magnus turned towards his two friends rather confused. "What do you mean?"

"His spirits seem to have been up since yesterday. I ran into him while I was out for lunch, and he had just finished up talking with his contractor. He seemed a bit on edge. I just figured the reason for his change in mood would have had something to do with dinner last night," Cat said with a shrug.

"Well," Magnus was at a loss for what to share and not share. "I picked him up. We were seated at our table. The server was an ass, to say the least. The food was good, but left us feeling more hungry than when we arrived, so we went out for pizza afterwards."

Magnus was praying to every God, angel, and demon alike to make his friends drop the subject, then thought of another idea.

"Maybe having Clary and Simon around is helping. He's known them longer," Magnus feigned nonchalance.

"Yeah," Cat sighed. "I guess you're right. I was just hoping that the different atmosphere from his normal routine is what helped."

"I'll be right back," Magnus said, hoping his voice didn't let on to his panic.

Getting up with the pretense of going to the restroom, Magnus walked inside. Magnus glanced at the wall by the front door and paused. There were twin canvases hanging of what looked like a print of the Brooklyn Bridge. It was almost an exact replica of the view out of Alexander's window.

"Those just shipped from Alec's Paris flat," Clary said, startling Magnus.

"They're wonderful prints," Magnus commented, still staring at them.

"Um," Clary cleared her throat, causing Magnus to glance down at her with an eyebrow raised. "They're not prints. They're paintings. It was Alec's second year in culinary school, and he was terribly homesick. He told Jace that he was considering moving back home. Jace, of course, encouraged him to at least finish school before coming home. Jace really wanted to do something nice for Alec - give him something to remind him of home - so one night while we were walking down the riverfront after a date, I took a photo of the bridge on my phone. When we got home, Jace mentioned that the photo would make a great present for Alec. He had planned on having the photo developed and send it framed over to Alec, but the phone photos were grainy so I told him I would just paint it."

"The next day I went over to my mom's studio and told her my idea. She suggested that we split the photo in half, and each paint one half of the photo on two seperate canvases," Clary finished with a blush.

"You both did an amazing job, biscuit," Magnus said as he put an arm around Clary. "Which side did you do? If I were to guess, I would have thought the same person painted both canvases."

"I did the one on the right," Clary giggled, nudging Magnus with her hip. "Mom's brush strokes are more even than mine. But thank you for the compliment, I've always looked up to my mom when it came to art. She taught me everything I know."

"Well," Magnus said, glancing back down at Clary. "Your mother is an amazing artist, and an amazing teacher from what I hear."

"That she is," Clary said, the fondness she held for her mother was clear in her tone. "However, I want to know something."

"Hm," Magnus hummed into his wine glass, taking a sip out of it.

"So, how long have you and Alec been banging?" Clary asked, causing Magnus to all but choke on his wine.

"Holy hell, woman!" Magnus exclaimed while coughing. Clary let out a musical laugh at Magnus' pain.

"I said, how long have you and Alec been banging?" Clary smirked.

"I have no idea what you're talking about biscuit," Magnus tried deflecting.

"Oh, don't give me that crap, Magnus Bane," Clary laughed. "You've been watching him like a hawk all night. And it's not just a generalized look that friends give other friends. You keep staring at him like you're ready to devour him." Clary continued as Magnus went to open his mouth to defend himself, but promptly closed it again. "And stop denying it. It's not a one way thing here. Alec keeps staring at you as if he were undressing you with his eyes!"

"Fine," Magnus conceded, bowing his head. "We started sleeping together a couple of months ago."

"But you want more with him," she stated. It wasn't a question, but Magnus reluctantly nodded anyway. "So... why not just ask him to go on a date with you?"

"Because," Magnus sighed, not feeling comfortable with the conversation. "I tried that yesterday, but he looked like he was going to run away at the prospect."

"I highly doubt that Magnus," Clary put her tiny hand on his bicep. "He was probably surprised. Alec tends to overthink everything. How did you ask him?"

Magnus thought for a moment. He spent so much time trying to block yesterday morning out of his mind, that he couldn't recall exactly what happened anymore.

"Well, Thursday evening I received an invitation to a restaurant opening. Cat, Ragnor, and Raph suggested that I invite Alexander to go along with me," Magnus paused, thinking on what he said to Alexander, and his reaction to Magnus' suggestion. "I told him about the opening, and I think I said something along the lines of 'he's the only person I know that would appreciate the food', and then I asked him."

"And what did he say to make you think that he didn't want this to be a date?" Clary inquired.

"Let me think," Magnus took another moment to really visualize Alec's reaction. "His eyes widened, he sucked in an audible breath, then stuttered out 'Like a date.' It just seemed that he was scared for me to confirm it or something."

"Magnus," Clary sighed shaking her head. "Alec only stutters when he's nervous. As much as I don't want to ask this, how did the whole sleeping together thing come about? I need to know some details in order to be able to help you work this out."

"It was a few weeks after he decided to move forward on opening his bistro. I asked for cooking lessons, because when he stops working for me, I don't want another personal chef. He was teaching me how to make spaghetti, and as the sauce was cooking, we moved on to washing dishes," Magnus smiled fondly at the memory. "We were splashing each other, and I slipped on the wet floor. Alexander caught me, and the next thing I knew, we were kissing. After we pulled away, I told Alec that we needed to stop. When he asked why, I thought my heart was going to stop, because once I started kissing him, I never wanted to stop. I thought that it wouldn't be a good idea since he's my employee. Luckily, he didn't seem to mind..., " Magnus paused and cleared his throat, not wanting to give Clary the play-by-play. "After, I said that we needed to talk. I told him that I don't do relationships, and to make a long story short, we agreed to be friends with benefits. We then set rules..."

"And those rules are?" Clary's eyes narrowed when Magnus finally looked her in the eye. He had to turn away while explaining things, because talking to Clary about sex was like talking about sex to your baby sister.

"Uh," Even though Magnus sometimes thought of Clary as an innocent child, she was currently sending him a glare that could kill. "No telling our friends about us. No public displays of affection. We only have our affair at my house. If we catch feelings for each other, we're supposed to end our arrangement-"

"Hold up," Clary interrupted. "There it is, right there. I've known Alec since I was like twelve, and if he really likes the way something is going, he's not going to do anything to jeopardize that. Now who was it that made the 'no catching feelings' rule?"

"I did," Magnus was quick to respond.

"Then that's your problem, Magnus," Clary let out a frustrated noise. "You set that rule, and Alec doesn't want your agreement to stop, so I guarantee that when you asked him to go, he started overthinking," Magnus had to shush Clary as her voice started raising. "You two set the rules, so you guys can change them. Just talk to Alec, I really do think his feelings match yours. Talk. To. Him. And ask him on a real date, but just make it clear that it's a date, okay?"

"Thanks biscuit," Magnus said with a smile.

~oOo~

  Translations (keep in mind that I haven't spoken, written, or have read in French in years so I needed the help of google translate):

"Si vous pensez que c'est chaud, pourquoi ne pas vous dire que la façon dont vous bougez votre corps me fait souhaiter que je puisse vous garder dans votre lit et l'adorer jusqu'à ce que nous ne puissions plus rester conscients." Translates to "If you think that's hot, why don't I tell you that the way you move your body makes me wish that I could keep you in your bed and worship it until we can no longer stay conscious."

"Eh bien, si je te disais ce que j'ai dit, ce ne serait pas aussi amusant de te voir défaire comme tu es." Translates to "Well, if I told you what I said, it wouldn't be as fun to watch you come undone the way you are."

"Maintenant, sois un bon garçon et mange ton omelette." Translates to "Now, be a good boy and eat your omelet."