Alec was in Magnus' kitchen - as per usual - washing dishes with his earbuds in when he felt a hard body pressed firmly against his back. He was so attuned to Magnus that Alec knew it was him and he automatically melted into his lover, embracing Magnus' lips as they pressed against the back of his neck. Alec pulled out the headphones and tilted his head to the side to give Magnus better access, moaning at the sweet torture. If Helen weren't in the house, Alec would have dragged Magnus back to his bedroom to finish what Magnus had started.

"God, Alexander," Magnus ground his erection in Alec's ass. "You're too irresistible for your own good." Emphasising his point, Magnus moved his hands from Alec's abdomen to his ass, squeezed and spread Alec's cheeks apart in the process. "I could just bend you over this counter and take you right now."

Since the shift of their relationship, Alec and Magnus have been having sex damn near every night, and every morning when Magnus came downstairs, they would have a quick moment before Magnus ate breakfast and left for work. Alec hated to admit that he'd grown addicted to those moments.

"You're insatiable, you know that," Alec turned in Magnus' embrace to properly kiss him on the lips.

"Only for you," Magnus nipped at Alec's bottom lip and continued his assault, grinding against each others legs like a couple of horney teenagers. Slowing down their makeout session, as well as the blood that was rushing south, Alec reluctantly pulled away from Magnus' chasing lips.

"Calm down there, high speed," Alec chuckled at Magnus' whimpering pout. "Behave Magnus. You know Helen has a tendency to walk in here right when things are heating up."

"You're right," Magnus sighed and stepped away from Alec. "She's such a cock block."

"You came down later than normal, do you have time to eat?" Alec barked out a laugh, but agreed nonetheless.

"Barely, but yes if I eat quickly," Magnus swiped a piece of bacon from his plate and started eating. "What do you have going on today?"

"I'm meeting Luke and his designer at the bistro in a couple of hours, then the usual Friday stuff that I do here," Alec continued washing dishes. "Not much after that."

"Hm. At least you're going to have more of a productive day than I am," Magnus set his plate beside the sink, much to Alec's pleasure. The last time Magnus tried to put any dishes in the sink while Alec was washing them, almost ended in Alec going to the hospital for stitches. There had been a knife already submerged in the dishwater, and Magnus' plate had hit the handle at just the right angle, causing the blade to flip upward and cut Alec's palm.

"What's going on with you today?" Alec couldn't help but ask. He felt bad for Magnus because it seemed that Magnus really hated his job. Alec could never imagine doing something he didn't love. He had to keep himself from asking Magnus why he didn't just sell the record label after his father passed away, but then he remembered Cat telling him once that the subject of Magnus' father was off limits. Alec was almost positive a quick google search would at least give him an insight to Magnus' past, but he wasn't going to break Magnus' trust that way. If Magnus wanted to enlighten Alec about his past he would do so, if and when he was ready.

"I'll be in financial meetings all day to work out the budgets for the next fiscal year," Magnus started rubbing his head like he was staving off an anticipatory headache.

Thank god for the mandatory business courses his school made him take, otherwise Alec would have no idea what Magnus was stressing out over so much.

"Ah yes," Alec nodded in understanding, voice laced with sympathy. "July is quickly approaching. And even though that's one of the tedious parts of running a business, doesn't mean it's any less important, Magnus."

"So..." Magnus shuffled on his feet looking down, completely ignoring Alec's statement. Alec quirked an eyebrow at his uncharacteristic behavior. "I do have this thing to go to tonight, and I know your normal Friday night plans with your parents and Max are cancelled. I was invited to the opening of 'Alicante', a new five star restaurant that's just on the other side of the East river in Manhattan. And you're the only chef I know that would probably enjoy fine food, would you like to go with me?"

Alec sucked in a sharp breath. Magnus' nervous behavior, him inviting Alec to a restaurant opening - and a fine dining one at that - and the uncharacteristic rambling. Was this really happening? Was their relationship about to shift yet again?

"L-like a date?" Alec couldn't control the stutter even if he wanted to. His heart was racing with anticipation.

"No!" Magnus said loud and quickly, shaking his head. "Like I said, I don't know of anyone else to ask. I received the invitation late last night, and you can't exactly go to these things alone. With you being a professional chef yourself, I thought you'd be the perfect friend to bring along."

"Oh okay," Alec replied, hoping and praying that his expression remained neutral, however, his voice betrayed him. He didn't realize how much he wished their relationship would evolve into something more until that moment, but quickly tried to dispel the thought altogether. Magnus had made it perfectly clear that whatever this thing was between them it was purely physical, and besides, why would someone like Magnus Bane want to be with someone like Alec?

"After I'm done with everything here, I'll grab something to wear and be ready when you get home," Alec added.

"The reservations are for eight, so I can come and pick you up instead," Magnus said, seemingly to have more confidence now that he'd made it clear they weren't going as a date.

"But what about Raph?" Alec couldn't help but ask. They were supposed to keep their 'thing' away from their friends.

"Everyone knows I'm going to this opening tonight, and I've already told them that I was going to ask you because you're the only option that makes sense," Magnus explained, but Alec didn't necessarily feel like he should be flattered by the invitation. It almost sounded like he was a last resort.

"Okay," Alec mentally shook the unexpected emotions away. He and Magnus were just friends... with benefits, and if Alec wanted something more he'd look somewhere else, or at least keep his options open.

"Well, I must be off," Magnus pulled Alec into another kiss, and turned towards the door. "I'll pick you up at seven."

~oOo~

As Alec looked at himself in the mirror he couldn't help but reflect on the last time he was this put together. His hair was gelled back away from his eyes, and he was wearing his favorite three piece suit; it was slim fitted pants, vest and blazer in royal blue over a white collared shirt, choosing to forgo a tie and leave the top three buttons open. Alec hadn't worn this suit since Isabelle's rehearsal dinner almost a year ago. Quickly shaking that memory out of his head, Alec grabbed his wallet, keys, and phone as a knock sounded at the door.

Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath to push all encompassing thoughts to the back of his mind, Alec opened the door. Magnus was wearing a deep red velvet thigh length jacket with black silk lapels and matching vest, black slacks, and a black silk collarless shirt with red paisley threaded pattern running throughout, and a ruby pendant placed on the top of his collar. Magnus' makeup was flawless as always, and his hair was styled in a quiff with red glitter shining throughout.

"Alexander," Magnus spoke. Alec was so busy checking Magnus out that he didn't realize Magnus was talking at first. "You look breathtaking."

"Thanks," Alec ducked his head, feeling his cheeks heat up at the possibility of Magnus noticing his lingering gaze. "So do you, by the way."

"Shall we go?" Magnus crooked his arm for Alec to slide his arm through to link them together. Nodding his head, Alec accepted Magnus' arm and the two left for the restaurant.

Pulling up to the valet parking, Alec noticed paparazzi were everywhere in front of the restaurant. As soon as Alec and Magnus exited the car, people were calling both of their names. Politely, they declined interviews, but posed for a couple of pictures out of courtesy, before entering the restaurant.

The decor of the restaurant was a mixture of hot pinks, purples, blues, and greens. The light fixtures hanging from the ceiling were modern wiried pendulums with Edison lights. All of the tables were high topped acrylic with multicolored lights illuminating the tables themselves, and polished metal chairs. Their table was situated at the far end of the room with an unobstructed view of the river, the only problem was that Alec didn't care about the view outside because he was more mesmerized by the man sitting across from him. Alec was about to comment again on Magnus' looks, but a server strolled over to the table.

"Gentlemen," the server put two glasses of a white wine in front of them. "Your first course will be caviar, the Chardonnay pairs nicely with the dish." With that, the server left.

"So..." Alec started, rubbing the back of his neck while trying to wrap his mind around the curt waiter. "I guess this is one of those restaurants where you eat whatever it is the chef feels like serving for the night."

"It appears so," Magnus' laughing response was melodic. "How did it go with Luke today?"

"It was great," Alec smiled. "We went over the layout of the restaurant, then a few design ideas, and the architect took notes on everything that I wanted. They're going to get blueprints together and start requesting permits. Once the permits go through they can start their work. They also need to get ahold of my landlord to verify and approve the reno's."

"I'm sure that won't be a problem, Alexander," Magnus said with a wave.

The server placed their caviar in front of them in a hot pink bowl with a gold spoon. Alec was about to start eating when he noticed an odd look cross Magnus' face, "What's wrong?"

"I thought you weren't supposed to eat caviar with a metal spoon?" Magnus looked perplexed and slightly disgusted at the thought of eating the delicacy.

Alec set his spoon down and cleared his throat, "Magnus," his sharp tone drawing Magnus' attention away from the food in front of him. "I've been working in restaurants for years. Do you know how caviar is shipped?"

"In glass jars, of course," Magnus said with conviction, causing Alec to laugh.

"No. They come in metal tins. The whole eating the delicacy with natural materials is actually a myth," Alec then looked down and pointed at his spoon. "With that being said, gold is a natural material. Granted, I would have served it with a spoon made from Mother of Pearl because it's most aesthetically pleasing, but this works too."

"Well damn," Magnus shook his head and picked up his spoon before he started eating.

"How did your budget meeting go today?" Alec asked, genuinely curious how Magnus spent his day.

"It was boring... productive - we managed to cut some costs and redirect them where they were needed more - but boring," Magnus sighed.

"Yes," Alec agreed. "But it's a necessary evil. I'm going to be dealing with the same thing once the bistro opens. I'm sure we're going to have to make adjustments constantly throughout the first couple of years."

"Ah," Magnus smiled. "The joys of finding the right balance in a new business."

"Truer words, my friend," Alec laughed and held up his glass towards Magnus.

As the night went on, Magnus and Alec spoke to several celebrities, high profile clients of Robert and Maryse, as well as a few chefs and food critics. Alec knew some only by reputation, but others he'd met a few times over the years, and then others he even called friends. Magnus introduced Alec as his date - which Alec wasn't going to complain about - but it was rather odd considering that Magnus made it abundantly clear that morning that they were not in fact on a date. The five course meal was delicious, however the portion sizes left Alec feeling more hungry at the end of the meal than when he arrived to the restaurant.

"So," Magnus started as they waited for the valet to bring his car around. "What did you think?"

"It was, uh..." Alec looked around to see if anyone was paying attention to their conversation, but sighed in relief when Magnus' car pulled up to the curb.

Once they were seated, Magnus looked at Alec and smirked, "Okay, Alexander. Be honest with me. What did you think of the restaurant?"

"Oh my god!" Alec exclaimed, waving his hands around. "Where do I even start? Oh, I know. Let's start with the decor. Seriously, that table alone made me feel like I was going to have an epileptic seizure!" Magnus let out a deep belly laugh. "The servers - or at least the one we had - looked down on us as if we were the scum of the earth. What the hell was that all about anyway? The food was decent enough, I guess. But would it hurt them to plate real portion sizes, and not bite sized samples? I mean fuck! I'm starving, and I shouldn't leave a restaurant hungry!" Alec shook his head then rested it back against the headrest, staring up at the roof of the car. He'd been holding his thoughts about the posh restaurant since the moment they stepped into the place.

"Well, I guess it's a good thing that I ordered a pizza before we left," Magnus's voice spoke, and Alec whipped his head towards Magnus in astonishment.

"God bless you, Magnus," Alec gave a grateful smile. He was honestly considering doing the same thing when he got home. "When did you even do that?"

"When you were talking to those food critics I stepped aside and ordered from my favorite pizza place on my phone app," Magnus gave Alec a cheeky smile. "Speaking of which, I didn't think food critics would critique a restaurant on their grand opening?"

"They don't!" Alec was getting riled up again. "This chef or owner has to be an arrogant asshole in order to request a critique at an opening, especially when you only serve whatever it is that the chef wants. Food critics can't get a good feel for their reviews when they can't order multiple items! You should never make a request until you've had time to work out the kinks that go with a new restaurant. The rule of thumb is to never request a food critic before the one month mark when you open a new place."

They arrived at the Brownstone the same time as the pizza delivery driver. Halting the conversation while Magnus tipped the driver, Alec went inside to grab plates and drinks.

"Why don't we eat in the upstairs den?" Magnus gestured and started up the steps, Alec dutifully following.

"I know you've met those critics before, but you seemed really friendly with them," Magnus stated as he grabbed his slice of pizza.

"I actually have a pretty good rapport with all of them," Alec poured their wine. "But they're all tough to please."

"How so?" Alec loved how easily conversation flowed between them. He's never felt more comfortable with anyone than he did with Magnus, and Magnus always without fail seemed to be interested in anything that Alec said.

"Well, Sophie Collins -she's the really pretty one with dark hair and eyes - she's probably one of the sweetest women I've ever met, but damn if she doesn't speak her mind," Alec laughed, shaking his head fondly for the woman.

"She's the one with the scar?" Magnus asked. Alec glared at Magnus, wishing people wouldn't point that out. Magnus must have sensed Alec's annoyance because he mumbled a quiet 'sorry'.

"It's fine," Alec sighed. He hated how Sophie got the scar, but he knew Magnus wouldn't judge her. "She has a tragic story, but she's probably the strongest woman I know. She went to culinary school with my old high school best friend, Lydia, who Sophie is still close friends with. Every summer when I came home for break we would all hang out together. Sophie was working her way through school at a restaurant in Queens, and one of her coworkers advanced on her. He tried to rape her one night in the alley behind their work, and held her at knife point. She was able to get out of his grasp, but the end result being the huge scar on her right cheek."

"That's awful," Magnus gasped, putting a hand over his mouth. "How did she manage to escape?"

"Jace and I were meeting up with her after her shift before going to a club because her work was on our way. We were early, thank god, but we heard a noise in the alleyway and found the guy on top of her. Jace beat the shit out of the guy, and I pulled Sophie away and called the cops. I'm glad we decided to leave as early as we did, otherwise things could have been so much worse for her. I only wish we had gotten to her faster," Alec explained solemnly.

"That poor girl! But Alexander, you don't need to beat yourself up about it. There was no way you couldn't known that would happen to her," Magnus said reassuringly.

"I know, but it still sucks," Alec shrugged. Sophie had told him the same thing at the hospital when Alec refused to leave her side, even when the doctors tried to make him leave the exam room. He put up one hell of a fight until Sophie talked him into staying in the waiting room. Alec even felt horrible that she - who was the victim - had to calm him down instead of it being the other way around.

"What about the others?" Magnus asked. "How do you know them?"

"Well," Alec thought about who he wanted to discuss first. "The guy with the black hair and blue highlights, that's Kieran. I met him in England, and he's brutally honest. Every review he's ever written has been harsh. You either love him or hate him, but outside of his work he's a pretty great guy. And last you have Sebastian Verlac. He's the blonde with the soulless eyes. He's a true asshole if you ask me."

"But you were laughing and treating him like he was your best friend," Magnus' eyebrows were knit together.

"Ah," Alec pointed with his wine glass and took a sip. "I have to keep him on my good side. All critics - they are all journalists - should remain objective. Sebastian however, is not. If he doesn't like a chef he'll make that known in his reviews. It's not right, but it is what it is. Sebastian and I have known each other since I first got out of school. He was born and raised in France and is very influential there. He's done plenty of reviews on Le Cinq, which is the restaurant I was the sous chef for. He reviewed the head chef, Christian Le Squer, and myself multiple times. But they all work for the magazine Bon Appetit, which was why they were all there."

"Oh, yes. Sometimes brown nosing is a necessary evil," Magnus agreed, laughing. When his eyes met Alec's they looked smoldering, causing chills to run up Alec's spine. "Would you like to take this to my room?" Magnus stood, holding his hand for Alec to take.

Alec released a shuddering breath but agreed nonetheless. Reaching out to Magnus he stood, but stumbled as Magnus pulled him flush against him, capturing his lips with Magnus' own in the most tender kiss Alec had ever received. Pulling away, Alec locked eyes with Magnus, taking his time to really get a look at the man standing before him. Magnus' eyes were alight, yet soft at the same time. Before Alec could decipher the look, Magnus pulled him towards the bedroom. Once inside, Alec pulled Magnus towards him and started to reach for the buttons of Magnus' shirt. However, Magnus seemed to have other ideas, stopping Alec's movements, Magnus placed yet another tender kiss to his lips.

"Alexander," Magnus said, making sure Alec maintained eye contact before continuing. "I want us to take our time tonight."

"Okay," Alec whispered, feeling as if the mood would be ruined if he'd spoken louder.

Magnus pulled him into a passionate kiss, coercing Alec's lips open with his tongue. Alec moaned into the kiss. This one felt so different than any kiss he had ever received from anyone he'd been with before; full of passion with a hint of something that he couldn't - nor did he dare - place a name to. As much as Alec didn't want to, he pulled away for some much needed air, he had no choice. Magnus trailed his lips down to Alec's jaw and continued along his neck, all while slowly removing Alec's vest and shirt. Magnus' lips continued their journey down Alec's chest as each button was removed. Alec felt every feather-like touch, every breath taken, and his skin felt like it was on fire.

Once Magnus removed Alec's shirt he gestured towards the bed. Alec removed his shoes, sliding on the bed laying on his side to get the perfect view as he watched Magnus remove his own shirt. Alec's fingers twitched just thinking about running his hands along that smooth caramel skin that he loved so much. Magnus must have noticed the smouldering look Alec gave him. Smirking, Magnus moved forward, and his body and lips descended on Alec. He rolled onto his back to accommodate Magnus' weight, feeling his erection rubbing against his leg. Alec moaned into the kiss, ignoring that niggling feeling still going on in the back of his mind, and concentrating on the feel of Magnus' chest rubbing against his own. Their kiss turned to a burning passion as Alec continued to grind his erection against Magnus' hip.

"Patience, my love," Magnus chuckled in Alec's ear before nipping at it. Alec stiffened briefly at the new pet name, but relaxed immediately as Magnus started sucking a livid bruise into his neck. Alec could worry about the pet name later, right then he just wanted to enjoy the pleasure he knew Magnus was going to give him. Magnus worked his way down, nipping and sucking on Alec's chest making Alec's skin heat up from the inside out.

"These abs are truly a work of art, Alexander," Magnus whispered as he ran his hands all over Alec's stomach, tracing the lines of his abs and making Alec quiver under his touch.

"Please Magnus," Alec moaned. "I need you, so so much."

Magnus' only response was to place opened mouth kisses all over Alec's stomach, his tongue licking as he worked the clasp of Alec's belt, moving on to Alec's button and zipper. Before pulling Alec's pants off, Magnus gently glided up Alec's torso, his smooth skin never breaking contact with Alec's. Magnus bent forward and devoured Alec's mouth as he reached into his nightstand to grab a condom and the lube, then worked his way back down Alec's body. Alec closed his eyes, reveling in the sensation of Magnus' touch. Alec felt Magnus removing his pants and underwear in one swift motion, then felt his warm, wet tongue swirl around the head of his cock. Arching up, Alec let out an indecently loud moan. He opened his eyes, staring down the beautiful man resting between his legs, marveling at the sight. As Magnus' mouth enveloped Alec's member, his breath hitched and his fingers automatically entangled themselves in Magnus' hair. Alec wanted to pump his hips so bad that he had to grip the sheets with his free hand in order to keep himself grounded from the pleasure coursing through him. Alec felt Magnus hollow out his cheeks, and added pressure to the underside of his dick. Alec's hips jumped as he let out a loud cry.

"Ngh," Alec couldn't keep his hips still as Magnus worked him over. "Please! Don't tease me."

Magnus pulled off of Alec with a pop, grabbed the lube and coated his fingers. Magnus slid forward bending down to connect his lips to Alec's, while Alec tented his legs to cradle Magnus' body between his them. Alec ran his hands up and down Magnus' back, enjoying the feeling of Magnus' muscles flexing beneath his fingertips. Magnus moved his own hand down to Alec's puckered hole, sliding his finger deep inside to caress Alec's prostate. Eventually Magnus worked two more fingers in, stretching and scissoring Alec open.

Alec, grabbing the condom, tapped Magnus on his back. Magnus sat up, still working Alec over while Alec ripped open the wrapper and unrolled the condom over Magnus' impressive length, feeling Magnus' entire body relax at Alec's touch. Alec then grabbed the lube, applying a generous amount to Magnus' sheathed member and marveled at the way Magnus' head fell back at the sensation of Alec running his hand up and down lathering him up.

Magnus meaneuvered himself, hovering above Alec lining his length up with him and slowly slid himself in. Oh, the exquisite feeling of that sliding cock! He didn't want it to stop. Alec locked eyes with Magnus, and saw the pure pleasure and lust he felt mirrored in his lovers eyes. Magnus was resting his forearm beside Alec's head while his hand was cupping Alec's face, thumb gently rubbing Alec's cheekbone. Alec's heartbeat skipped, his breath hitching at the way Magnus was staring at him. The look was so tender, and laced with something else Alec couldn't, or wouldn't place a name to. Magnus bent down for a kiss that Alec was all too eager to receive. Alec wrapped his arms tightly around Magnus' waist and shoulders. When Magnus began to move in long slow thrusts, Alec felt that he was drifting on a cloud. Magnus' gaze never once faltered at their lovemaking. Could Alec even call it that? The slow, gentle thrusting, the way Magnus kept one hand on Alec's ribcage and the other still cupping his cheek, and the way Magnus maintained eye contact, and the way his hips moved in perfect sync to Magnus' was almost too much. This was the most intense pleasure Alec had ever felt. He could feel that Magnus was getting close, his thrusts were steadily getting harder, and his rhythm was growing irregular, massaging Alec's prostate head on with each thrust brought Alec closer to the edge as well. Before Alec could reach down to grab himself, Magnus hit his prostate with so much force it caused Alec to scream out and cum untouched with the most intense orgasm of his life. The clenching of his walls must have triggered Magnus' as he shouted Alec's name, shuddering through his own orgasm.

Magnus collapsed on top of Alec panting, burying his face in Alec's neck with a low moan that caused chills to run down Alec's spine. Alec's grip on Magnus' waist grew tighter as an unfamiliar feeling crawled into his heart. Alec closed his eyes and basked in this new, strange feeling.

"You really are amazing, you know that?" Magnus mumbled then started sucking on the crease connecting Alec's neck to his shoulder.

"So are you," Alec murmured, kissing the top of Magnus' forehead. Magnus tapped on Alec's arm indicating to Alec to release him. Reluctantly, Alec did so as Magnus' softening length slipped out. Magnus got up and went to the ensuite bathroom, quickly returning with a warm wet cloth. Alec reached for the cloth, but Magnus shook his head and sat down beside him, tenderly cleaning Alec, then crawled back to bed curling himself around Alec. With a sigh, Alec circled his arms around his lover and closed his eyes.

"Give me a few minutes and I'll be out of your way," Alec mumbled. That was the last thing he remembered before sleep quickly took over