Pretty Woman

"Magnus," Alec said, looking down at himself. "Makeover is not a better idea," he sighed. He was wearing a grey suit with black buttons, and he felt completely ridiculous. He had never owned a suit, and he didn't think he needed to get one now, especially not a grey one.

As soon as Magnus had gotten the idea of a makeover into his head, he'd called up a few of his female friends. First he'd tried Camille, but she had hung up as soon as he'd stated the emergency. Magnus didn't do the same mistake, when he'd called his other friend, Catarina. He'd made it sound like a real emergency and Alec had rolled his eyes, while trying hard not to interfere. Catarina had come storming into the café, where Magnus had told her to meet them, and of course as soon as she'd been informed about the so-called emergency, she had looked at him and said in a cold voice, 'Magnus, some people have real emergencies. At the hospital. Where I work,' and she'd walked out of the café, before anyone could convince her to stay. Now Alec was in a fitting room trying on expensive clothes, while Magnus waited patiently outside.

"It's a brilliant idea. And as a bonus I will tell you about the buildings as we move along between stores," Magnus said. "Also grey is not your color, we need a darker suit."

"While I do like the sound of a darker color, I would like the sound of a shirt even better?"

"Nice try. I know what you mean by shirt, but I don't think I know of a store in New York that sells flannel," Magnus grinned. The salesman eyed Alec. He'd looked at him when they came in, and Alec had felt like Julia Roberts – out of place and completely unwelcomed. They were in the high-end of the city; Alec had noticed that much from the expensive cars and the people walking past them on the street wearing designer clothes. Magnus noticed Alec was uncomfortable and they went to another store. On the way Magnus kept pointing out buildings Alec had never heard of before and didn't think they were really famous buildings, more like famous warehouses. He recognized Versace and Gucci, but they went into Barneys instead. Magnus walked determinedly to one end of the department store and Alec kept up, so he wouldn't get lost. It seemed he had something very specific in mind, as he quickly picked out a pair of pants and a sport coat.

"Lanvin. Biker style trousers and a sportcoat," Magnus said. The pants weren't what Alec would have called biker style, but looking at the label inside he read that Magnus was right. "Don't look at me like that. I do fashion for a living. I wanted to see you in a real suit first, but after that I figured you needed to ease into it slowly. This is me compromising. See, I can play with others," Magnus said and turned towards the fitting room.

"Compromising? This is nearly as expensive as the other suit I tried on. I can't afford this side of town. Let's find Forever 21 or something," Alec sighed, but Magnus didn't listen, he just kept walking towards the fitting room.

"I want to see it on you."

"Why?" Alec frowned.

"Just try it on. Please?"

"No. I'm not Pretty Woman, I'm not gonna be your beard or whatever this weird whim of yours is," Alec crossed his arms. Magnus suppressed a laugh.

"I don't think that's quite what a beard means, but all right. I wanted to do a photoshoot with you," Magnus said. Alec thought he might have heard him wrong, but when he was certain he hadn't, he turned around and walked away from Magnus. He wasn't sure he could even find his way out of Barneys, but he didn't get very far anyway, before Magnus caught his arm. "Don't be childish. You've made me do something that took me out of my comfort zone, now it's time to return the favor."

The man had a point, Alec thought cursing himself for agreeing to it. He took the clothes from Magnus' hand.

"Fine."

The clothes weren't that bad. But it really was too expensive.

"Don't you usually have clothes lying around from old shoots? Can't I just borrow that?"

"And have you miss your chance of playing Pretty Woman? Not a chance. I'm buying."

"I should have never made that reference," Alec sighed.

Magnus had ended up buying a sweater for Alec as well, while Alec changed back into his own clothes. He couldn't figure out why Magnus wanted to spend that kind of money on a stranger.

…

They were the only ones at the studio today as well, and Magnus decided to do the shoot in the basement as his gear had already been set up there from yesterday.

"I'm honestly not going to be very good at this," Alec said.

"Maybe you'll be surprised," Magnus shrugged. Alec looked around and there was no place to change into his new clothes. He remembered that Raphael had just changed his clothes right in the middle of the room, but a porn star was used to nudity. "Just change into the new clothes. It'll be fine."

Alec knew it was ridiculous to feel self-conscious changing his clothes in front of another man, because he knew that he probably wouldn't feel the same if it had been any other man. He put on the clothes quickly, while Magnus was adjusting his camera. Once he had the clothes on, Magnus insisted on doing his hair. Alec ended up feeling a bit more confident once he was ready to do the shoot. But the confidence quickly went down. Posing was difficult, and it felt unnatural and by the look on Magnus' face, he could tell he was doing a poor job.

"I told you it would be horrible," Alec sighed self-consciously. He did not like to be in the spotlight, especially not this literally.

"We just need you to feel natural," Magnus said.

"Nothing about this feels natural."

"Did you bring a book?" Magnus wondered. Alec raised his eyebrows.

"You want me to read a book? Won't that look… pretentious?"

"Just get it," Magnus sighed. He seemed to get a bit impatient, but his amusement still showed or Alec would have never continued the shoot. He went to get his book and held it in his hand. "What's it about?"

"I haven't really read it yet," Alec said and looked at the back of the cover. He read it out loud. It was about creating a fantasy world without making any pitfalls. Alec noticed Magnus was taking pictures while he was explaining, but he tried not to think about it. He put the book down, when he was done explaining the back of the cover.

"Have you created a world yet?" Magnus asked, looking over his camera. Alec felt his cheeks blush. "Don't tell me it's something dirty?"

"It's not. It's more silly," Alec said.

"Tell me," Magnus said with a soft expression. Alec really did like work-Magnus much better. There was really nothing more attractive than someone passionate about what they did, whether it was a hobby or a career. Alec realized that he was talking about his own passion, and finally Magnus' request made sense.

"I've only created the world so far. But I was thinking it should be a parallel world to our own, in which there are demons and then there are demon hunters hunting the demons, so that regular people can live in peace," Alec told.

"That sounds cool. Sort of like Supernatural?"

"Yeah, but the demon hunters aren't people, they are part angel. Regular people are called mundanes, and they can't see demons unless they have the sight."

"Sounds interesting. What about characters?"

"I'm not sure yet. But I think I'll let myself get inspired by my sister, my brothers and my friends. They could all be demon hunters."

"Badass. I have a suggestion," Magnus said, waiting for Alec to look at him before continuing. "What if the demon hunters were called Shadowhunters? If regular people can't see demons, wouldn't that be because they live in the shadow? Metaphorically?"

"That's a great idea," Alec had to smile. "Maybe I should make a character for you?" He absentmindedly bit his lower lip, but quit it as soon as he realized.

"Yeah? Would I be a badass Shadowhunter?"

"No, I think you should be a Downworlder," Alec smirked.

"What's a Downworlder?" Magnus hadn't snapped a picture the past few minutes.

"You're not taking any pictures?"

"Oh, right." He held up his camera again, and Alec continued. He walked around the small space in the light.

"Downworlders are what they call vampires, werewolves, warlocks etcetera."

"I would probably make a good sparkling vampire," Magnus smiled behind his camera.

"My vampires don't sparkle," Alec snorted. "But a warlock might. A warlock is half demon and half human."

"That doesn't sound good?"

"Didn't you say that your father was practically the devil himself?" Alec smirked.

"That's a good point. But wouldn't that make me the bad guy?"

"Not necessarily. I believe more in the cultural circumstances of the upbringing rather than genetics." Alec pictured it all in his head now. Of course he would never make himself the main character, but he imagined his character falling in love with the immortal and fashionable warlock, who had issues about sharing his past. Perhaps it sounded more like a fanfiction of his life, had it been an interesting life.

Shortly after telling Magnus all about his plans with the novel so far, Magnus showed the pictures that had gone directly onto his computer. Some of them had turned out all right, and Alec had to admit that the light in the room gave a pretty good effect, completely different from the light at home in front of the mirror.

"These are great. You really have the look going for you, with your blue eyes, black hair and great cheekbones," Magnus said, absorbed by his own work. Alec wished he had sounded flirtier, and less professional telling him, but it did boost his confidence.

"You sound like Izzy," Alec rolled his eyes.

"I mean it too. You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. You can probably pull anything off."

"Then why couldn't I just wear my own clothes?" Alec challenged.

"It's not that you're not pulling off the sweatshirt and jeans look, it's just that when you look like you do, you should embrace it and not try to hide it," Magnus explained.

"You're being awfully nice. What's the catch?"

"We're going for dinner and then alcohol," the other man grinned.

"I kind of need a drink anyway," Alec shrugged.

"Welcome to my world."

…

Magnus had made reservations at a restaurant, while they went home so he could change his clothes. Alec had been told to keep his new clothes on, and Magnus promised he had a great evening planned out. Alec was going to see the best side of the New York nightlife, or so he promised. And it wasn't going to be anything like the other night.

Alec had never been to a restaurant where you needed to make reservations first. It felt fancy and he was glad he'd gotten a new outfit after all.

"This is really glamorous," Alec said, looking at the menu. He had no idea what any of it was.

"You still feel like Pretty Woman? Do I need to tell you which fork to use first?"

"No, Julia Roberts already taught me that," Alec winked, and Magnus laughed.

"Do I need to order for you then?"

"Would you?" Alec asked, hoping Magnus hadn't been joking. He probably had been joking, because his expression softened, before he answered.

"Sure. Steak?" Alec nodded. After Magnus had ordered their food and wine, Alec had to clear the air.

"I really had a good time today, despite leaving my comfort zone. I think you're really good at your job," Alec said. Everything got serious suddenly.

"You weren't a terrible client. Now Raphael on the other hand…" Magnus grinned. "I'm glad you had a good time. I haven't spent a day off with such a good friend in a while now. I can't believe we've just met."

"Yeah. I never thought I would become good friends with anyone in just two days," Alec looked down, adjusting the utensils although they didn't need adjustment. He felt self-conscious suddenly. He really enjoyed this man's company and he was beginning to fear that it would soon have an end. Magnus wouldn't be able to have him follow him around forever. And Alec wouldn't want to just follow him around forever either. He realized he wanted more, and maybe that was a sign that he had to move on to a new place soon, before it would be too heartbreaking for him.

"Fifty-four hours," Magnus said.

"What?"

"We've known each other for fifty-four hours," he shrugged. Magnus had counted the hours. Was that a good sign or a bad sign?

"I need to use the restroom," Alec stood up, realizing how ridiculous it was, because once again he came off as Pretty Woman. "I'll be right back," he added. In the restroom he pulled out his phone and called Izzy.

"Hello?" Izzy chuckled.

"Izzy, I need your advice," Alec said in a hurried voice.

"Stop it Simon! It's Alec," she said in the distance, "I'm sorry Alec. What were you saying?"

"I think I'm screwed." Alec looked up at the ceiling. It wasn't really a ceiling; it was a mirror. It seemed inappropriate for a restaurant, and he looked down again.

"Oh dear. Is he straight?"

"I don't know."

"You haven't found out yet?" she exclaimed.

"No. And today he bought me new clothes, he took pictures of me in his studio and now we're at a really fancy restaurant and I have no idea what I'm doing!" Alec thought he might be having a panic attack.

"Gosh, he sounds lovely. And completely gay," Izzy said. "But Alec, just relax and see how it goes. I'm sure someone like Magnus would take the first move if you showed just a tiny bit of encouragement. And if not, then you have to act if he shows you that kind of interest, okay?" It sounded so easy coming from her. She was used to getting boys to do everything for her. That's why he had needed to call her in the first place. "Now don't keep him waiting," she told him.

"Right. Thanks, Izzy. Love you," he said and tried to calm down, before going back to his seat. Dinner had been served while he was in the restroom and it smelled delicious. He downed half a glass of wine first and then dug in to the steak. Dinner went smoothly, and they even decided on dessert. They couldn't decide which one to get, so they ordered two different kinds of cake and switched when they'd tried half of one. As the evening went on, and more wine went down, Alec felt fonder and fonder of Magnus by every minute. But despite the look in Magnus' eyes when he looked at Alec, and despite the laugh he rewarded Alec's jokes with, he still wasn't sure of how Magnus' felt. Alec had gotten the feeling that Magnus was a loner. He had one-night stands, casual sex and nothing was ever serious with him.

After dinner and two bottles of wine, Magnus took him to a club. Alec had tried to protest, but Magnus had assured him he wouldn't abandon him this time, and he wouldn't try to force any girl on him either. Alec quickly noticed that it would be difficult to find any woman to force on him in this specific club, as it was all men. The closest he would get to a woman was a drag queen.

"Come on," Magnus said and walked towards the bar, before Alec could object. Alec eyed him, as they settled by the bar. "You said you were curious," Magnus shrugged.

"I didn't mean…" Alec began, but he ended the sentence with a sigh, knowing that it wouldn't matter what he said. He couldn't really deny it. But he also wasn't just curious, in fact, he was very certain about his sexuality. He was a twenty-one-year-old virgin, because back home he didn't know any places like this to meet guys, and he had always kept his distance from girls. He had never had the desire to experiment. He had always known what he wanted in life, and what he wanted was something real. But looking at Magnus in this scenery, he began to re-evaluate his desires. If he had met someone as gorgeous as Magnus undeniably was on a night like this, he wasn't sure he would have hesitated if he had come on to him. But he knew Magnus now. And he could never have a one-night stand with someone he knew. He was certain that because of his feelings, he couldn't have anything casual with him either. He was doomed. So he ordered a whiskey and Magnus looked impressed when he downed it without as much as a wince.

"You drink whiskey on the rocks, but you can't drink a daiquiri without twisting your face until it's unrecognizable?"

"Izzy has a pub. She likes to keep it old fashioned," he shrugged. Magnus looked impressed.

"I might have underestimated you," he said.

While Magnus kept his promise of not imposing any girls on him, he did drag Alec to a table full of very feminine guys. They weren't exactly unattractive, but they weren't exactly Alec's type either. He wasn't sure what his type was, except the annoying voice in the back of his head told him he knew exactly what his type was. He glanced involuntarily at Magnus once in a while. Magnus had his arms around him in a brotherly way, and Alec didn't make anything of it, but one of the guys thought the two of them were the cutest couple he'd ever seen.

"I love mixed race couples. You're the perfect combination of ivory and caramel," the boy said dreamily. Alec wrinkled his forehead and objected.

"We're not a couple."

"This one is single. Can you believe it?" Magnus said.

"Unbelievable!" the boy agreed. "There's no way you're not a couple."