Chapter 2

By the time Magnus and Ragnor were back, Alec had managed to get Chairman out of his lap, with a lot of hesitation on his part, and a lot of protesting on the cat's, and introduce himself to the Catarina, who was apparently Magnus's manager. She seemed nice, and if it wasn't for the possibility of him losing his first real possibility of a job, he probably would have been able to have a proper conversation. Catarina soon excused herself to go and un-pack and he was left alone again with the cat. So, when Ragnor walked out, Alec was glad for the awkward silence to be over, and to not have to wait any longer, thinking of how things could go down the drain.

Magnus walked out right after, a look of defeat mixed with, what Alec was almost sure was anger. Alec was standing up this time, but Magnus actively ignored him and walked straight to his pet, picking him in his arms, all without a word being spoken. Alec made a conscious effort not to run out of the room considering the daggers being thrown at him, and oh lord, was it hard.

"Well, seems like you didn't need to come today after all." Ragnor broke the silence, and Alec bagan bracing himself for some bad news. "But at least you got to meet who you'd be working for. And Magnus got to meet you too" Ragnor continued, and Alec let out an unnoticeable sigh of relief, "But tomorrow you'll start working. We'll discuss payment over the phone Mr. Lightwood, and Magnus, you're meeting the rest of the cast and crew for drinks tomorrow at Pandemonium-"

"I know. I planned the party" Magnus said looking bored.

"Just a reminder. And thank you for meeting us today Mr. Lightwood."

"Alec is fine" he smiled.

"Alec. We'll see you tomorrow then."

"Thank you Mr. Fell, Mr. Bane" He was probably not expecting cold ignorance, but if that's what he had to work with, he'd find a way to do it. He walked out of the loft and let out the breath he had been holding for the entire duration of the, he wasn't really sure what exactly that was. A meeting? A second interview? Whatever it was, Alec was extremely glad it was over.

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This wasn't what Magnus had in mind on his first day back home. Maybe re-arranging the furniture, or sit on the couch binging on 'America's Next Top Model', spending more time with Chairman, who was currently sleeping beside him. Meeting his bodyguard, not so surprisingly, didn't make the cut. He should have expected something fishy when Ragnor didn't call. Magnus was expecting him to rage out when he walked in, not add a person to his life! It was his decision to make.

"It's not that bad, you know. You're probably not even going to notice he's there." Cat said digging the kitchen for some food. She had walked out claiming to 'unpack' before things got awkward. Her luggage was already in her apartment, but she had unpacked most of Magnus's things during the encounter. "And he honestly doesn't seem like the talkative type to me, so you wouldn't even have to make small talk."

Magnus gave her a disapproving look.

"I'm just trying to help." She raised her hands up.

"I know." Magnus sighed. "I just was not expecting my day to go like this."

Cat smiled knowingly. "Well, it's an experience. Plus, give it a few months then you can just fire him or something," she paused, "considering you keep yourself from doing anything stupid that requires protection."

"Catarina!" Magnus exclaimed a bit too dramatically. "I can't believe you think so lowly of me!" Cat hit his shoulder in reply, and before they knew it, they were off planning tomorrow's get together. Most of the cast and crew would be there. It had somehow become a pre- season ritual of theirs. The little bit of a boost that they needed to go to work two or three days later (considering the hangover they might have the next day) and kick things off with much needed enthusiasm. It started before they were filming season 2, and Magnus loved to organize it. It was a chance for existing crew to mingle with the new additions to each team and cut off on some of the 'new kid' awkwardness that might exist. He really was excited for tomorrow.

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Alec wasn't looking forward to tomorrow. To begin with, he didn't do well with social gatherings. But he didn't really have to do anything, did he? He just had to stand there and make sure Magnus was safe and 'out of trouble', as Ragnor had put it. And stay out of Magnus's sight too, if possible. The man seemed to want nothing to do with Alec. And Alec understood. Imagine having someone knowing every place you'd be, every meeting you have, ever person you'd meet, and the said random person trailing you everywhere to 'keep you safe'. The thought doesn't settle well with most. Which is why Alec avoided being a personal detail for as long as he could push it. Because he wouldn't like one himself.

Alec sighed into his pillow, unable to sleep. He needed this job, he reminded himself, if he wanted to pay off his debts. According to Ragnor Fell, the job would pay him more than well. So maybe in a few months, he could quit. He could explore a little more. And tomorrow was going to be completely bearable, hopefully, because Clary and Jace were going to be there. That is if he went to sleep now.

He tried, he couldn't. So, he picked up a book from the shelf in front of him hoping that would help him doze off. He finished the book, but still couldn't sleep. Probably first day jitters. He finally gave up and went to brush his teeth.

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Magnus was up just before noon. He hadn't had a good night's sleep for weeks, and it more than helped to be back in his bed. He had a lazy day. A long shower, a late lunch and no disturbances. But his bubble was burst when he realized… what was his name? Alexander Lightwood. Yes. That Alexander Lightwood would be here in a few minutes to escort him to Pandemonium, the club where the party was being held. He groaned as he fell back to his pillow. He needed to get ready as well. He got up, and just as he did he heard a sound form outside the door. He was almost certain it was a meow. Did someone leave a cat at his door? He turned around and opened the door.

"Umm… Hi?" Alec said, his cheeks turning red. "I'm sorry, I wasn't really sure what to do. I found him near a bakery when I was getting here," he said pointing at the cat that was snuggling deeper into his jacket for warmth, "It was cold, and I didn't want to leave him alone."

Magnus said nothing. So, Alec continued after noticing Magnus's attire "Uh, if you will… Um- if you need some more time to get ready, I'll just drop him off at my place and come back here."

Magnus just moved out of the way indicating the two of them to come in. "What will you do with him then?" he finally asked.

Alec glanced at the cat before looking up to face Magnus. "I don't know, maybe drop him off at an animal rescue. I won't have time to take care of him." He shrugged.

"Then let him stay here. Chairman will have company." Magnus walked to take the cat from Alec's hand. He looked at its collar. "Church? That's a good name!" and it seemed Church didn't like his warmth stolen away from him, because he jumped right off Magnus's grip and started circling Alec's feet, who then lifted him up, with a genuine smile on his face.

"Okay, I'm going to go get ready now. There's food for Church on the top shelf there."

"Thank you, Mr. Bane"

Magnus waved his hands dismissively. When he walked back out ready with a touch more of make-up than usual, he realized that both the cats had taken an unpretentious liking to Alec. He also realized that this situation wasn't really Alec's fault either. He got a job he took it, the same as any other person would have. But that didn't make handing over your life's schedule over to him any easier. He cleared his throat. Alec got up and picked the car keys ready to escort him out.

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Alec was clearly underdressed for the occasion. It wasn't like anyone sent him a memo saying that it was a black-tie kind of event. He just assumed it would be like a normal get together, so he wore one of his sweaters without holes in them. Seeing Magnus should have served as a warning, but from what he knew, the star loved making a fashion statement, so he didn't think it was a big deal. And if he had any questions about his employer hating him, it was clear now. A single sentence, that's all!

He looked over to the other corner where Magnus was talking to Clary. They were both laughing about something. He wasn't supposed to drink, so he had ordered a coke that he had been sipping on for ages now. Clary needed to mingle. Sure. Understood. Where the hell was Jace?

"Hey Alec." Speak of the devil. "Did anyone tell you that you look like a creepy stalker that you are supposed to chase away?" He said, taking a seat next to him.

"Ha ha. Where were you?"

"Nowhere. Clary just wanted me to be there with her for a while because she didn't want to feel out of place. But now apparently Clary and Magnus are best friends." He pointed over at where the pair were still indulged in conversation. "So, I came to help you feel a little less out of space. Speaking of, what the hell were you thinking wearing this?"

"I didn't know it was going to be this kind of a party." Alec shrugged helplessly.

"But hey, at least no one seems to notice."

Alec scoffed. "And that comment definitely helps. Thank you Jace."

"I'm surprised Magnus Bane didn't tell you when you went to pick him up."

"Magnus Bane, apparently, wants me in this job less than I want to be in it."

"Don't worry man. I'll drink your share today." He said signalling the bartender for another drink. "To taking crappy jobs to pay your crappy debts, and hopefully getting your crappy life figured out." Jace said, lifting his glass

"I wish I could drink my share of that." Alec raised his own glass to Jace's.

"Don't worry Alec. If all you have to do is sit and stare at him, then you've got it." Alec rolled his eyes checking one more time to where Magnus was standing.

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Magnus didn't remember too much of what happened after midnight. He had a few too many drinks, sure, but that was the purpose of it, no? He remembered going to the bar to get himself another drink when the crowd started dying down, then he remembered Alec finding him a few beers later.

He rolled in his bed to find his phone. He squirmed at the screen. What time was it? 4 am, well if he'll be damned. Just near the phone he found a glass of water.

"Hi… you're awake? I just went out to go get an aspirin if you had a hangover." Alec placed the tablet on the table near the glass of water. "Good night." He said and left. He looked tired, but that was about all magnus noticed.

Magnus heard the door lock softly and went back to sleep. He wasn't really sure any of that was actually happening. He was probably still buzzed.

When he woke up the next afternoon, the aspirin and the glass of water still next to him.