Hey guys. This chapter is up just a little early. I had a VERY rough day at work today and would much prefer to sleep in until I have to go to work tomorrow night. So instead of sending you guys a chapter halfway through the day tomorrow, I'm posting it tonight before I go to sleep. It's technically Friday where I live so at least there's that. Hope you guys enjoy this chapter and have a great weekend!

Side note: Ibu means mother in Indonesian.

Chapter 6

Magnus wakes up the next morning still feeling giddy from his date with Alexander. As Magnus is lying in bed, debating on whether or not he's ready to get up, he continues to replay the date in his mind. Magnus realizes that he monopolized the entire conversation last night, and barely learned anything new about Alec. Magnus makes a mental note to change that as soon as possible. He's already thinking of second date ideas when his phone vibrates on his nightstand. Picking it up, he sees a text from Ragnor.

My Little Cabbage: Hello old friend. Would you like to meet for coffee this morning? I still feel bad for standing you up last weekend.

Magnus: Sure! There's this coffee shop that was recommended by a friend at work, Java Jones? Do you know where that is?

My Little Cabbage: That's the best coffee shop in town, of course I know where it is!

Magnus lets out a chuckle after reading that message. 'Maybe I'll run into Alexander today…' Magnus thinks to himself. Magnus looks at the time and realizes that he should start getting ready for the day. With one last text to Ragnor to finalize a specific time to meet, he gets up and starts his morning routine.

Wanting to look nice, but without putting too much effort into his look, Magnus decides on a pair of dark blue skinny jeans, and a cream color Henley. He quickly spikes his hair up, and adds some eyeliner, then he's out the door, all while entering in the address of Java Jones into his GPS.

~oOo~

Magnus walks into Java Jones, orders his tea, then finds the nearest table and waits for Ragnor to show up. He's looking forward to catching up with his friend. While Magnus is scrolling through his social media on his phone, he hears a very familiar voice up at the counter. As Magnus looks up, he sees Alec speaking to one of the baristas. Taking a better look, it appears that Alec has been out on a run. He's wearing black basketball shorts, a black tank top, and black and gray running shoes. Magnus takes a mental note to really update Alec's wardrobe, and add a bit of color in Alec's life. Alec wasn't joking when he said that black is his favorite color, Magnus thinks.

Magnus watches as Alec picks up two cups of coffee, turns, and starts heading out of the door. Before Alec could make it that far, Magnus decides to speak up.

"Not even going to say hi, darling?" Magnus' question is laced with amusement. Alec stops, turns, then his eyes go comically wide when he realizes that Magnus is the person speaking to him.

"Magnus, hey! What are you doing here?" Alec asks.

"Well I remembered you mentioning this place to me the first time we went out. Then my best friend sent me a text this morning asking if I wanted to get together for coffee, so I suggested here." Magnus pauses. "Although, this is the same best friend who stood me up at the bar the night we met, so his track record for punctuality isn't the greatest." Magnus concludes, causing a chuckle to escape Alec. "Tell me Alexander, besides the amazing coffee, what brings you here?" Alec blushes, as usual.

"I was out on my morning run and decided to stop. Then I realized that Clary's shift was almost over so I grabbed a cup for her as well." Alec says, gesturing to the cup in his left hand.

"That's nice that you think of her when you get your own coffee."

Alec chuckles. "Oh, this isn't me thinking of her. This is me thinking that I want to live to see tomorrow. If Clary sees that I came here and didn't get her a coffee as well, she would castrate me!" Magnus can't help but laugh at Alec's dramatics. "Well I should head out before our coffee gets cold. I'm happy that I ran into you today. I wasn't expecting to see you until work on Tuesday," Alec says shyly. Magnus can't help smiling as Alec leans in, then places a kiss on Magnus' cheek. "Bye," with that, Alec walks out as Ragnor walks in.

"What's got you smiling like an idiot?" Ragnor questions as he joins Magnus at the table.

"That guy that you just passed on your way in here, he, my friend, is Alexander Lightwood," Magnus responds, still sporting a dopey smile. Ragnor glances back at the door before turning towards his friend again.

"Well I must say, he certainly is your type. Did he spend the night with you last night or something? Usually you send them off once you've had your way with them." Magnus glares daggers at his friend at that accusation. He would never send Alexander away, in fact, it would be quite the opposite. He has a feeling that - even at this early stage in their relationship - Alec is different than anyone he's ever dated.

"He's different, my little cabbage. I didn't sleep with him, in fact, I didn't even know that he was going to be here. It was completely coincidental that we ran into each other this morning," Magnus points out. "I was planning on calling him when I get back from my parents' house tonight, to set up another date with him."

Ragnor, with wide eyes, and an incredulous look. Magnus knows that he's never been one to settle down and just date one person, but he's also getting older, and he is ready to be in a committed relationship. "All I'm saying is that I feel incredibly lucky to have met Alexander. He's shy and slightly closed off, but I see a lot of good in him and I want to actually take this relationship further than a good lay. I want to take this slow and get to know him, I also want to have a healthy relationship for once. You know as well as I do, that my prior relationships have been toxic," Magnus finishes, thinking of Imasu and Woolsey.

Ragnor nods and smiles. "I'm impressed that someone's managed to enamor you so quickly there, Mags. You've been home for what, three weeks... a month?"

"I've been back for five weeks, but yes, the night I was supposed to meet you at the bar, that's when I met Alec the first time. We talked and flirted all night, then I gave him my number. On Monday, I met him again at work. He's a paramedic on my team. He flipped out on me about giving him the wrong number - which I totally didn't do - he just couldn't read my handwriting, but we cleared that up; we went out after work and got to know each other a bit, then last night was our first date. I've never put that much time and energy into one person before. It's a bit refreshing."

"Do you think it's a good idea to be dating your coworker? I don't want to see you get hurt, dear friend," Ragnor states worriedly. Magnus smiles, appreciating his friend's concern.

"We discussed that. He knows about what happened in London and he's not going to out me. He told me that he'll keep my sexuality to himself. He also doesn't think anyone will have a problem due to the fact that he and another of our coworkers are out," Magnus says with a fond smile. He really is smitten already by the blue eyed angel. Magnus and Ragnor sit at the coffee shop for another hour talking about anything and everything.

~oOo~

Magnus is looking forward to spending time with both of his parents. They've been so busy within the last few weeks that it's been difficult to get together with them both at the same time. Magnus is grateful that his father was able to take a Saturday night off in order to spend time with him. He walks into his parents penthouse at exactly six o'clock Saturday evening. As soon as he opens the door, he's assaulted with the smell of garlic and Italian spices. Knowing that the lasagna is in the oven, Magnus' salivary glands kick in, and his stomach releases an embarrassing growl.

"Well, someone certainly is hungry tonight," Magnus' mother says with a chuckle, "I guess you really did come hungry just like you promised." Magnus turns to face his mother who is looking at him with a loving smile. He immediately pulls her into a hug, lifting her off the ground, and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Ibu, I have missed you so much! You're working way too much for my taste," Magnus says fondly while his mother laughs.

"Magnus, my dear, I love what I do, just as you love what you do. Now tell me, how is this new job treating you? Better than being in London I hope?" his mother asks.

"So far so good, mom. Everyone there is amazing. They all have welcomed me with open arms. I did just recently find out that one of the daughters of one of the associates that you work for, also works with me. Aline is on my team. She hasn't mentioned anything about going out with her and her wife as of yet, but they seem to have conflicting schedules at the moment. She also hasn't mentioned my sexuality to anyone as far as I know. I'm not looking forward to that conversation anytime soon."

"Mags, you really shouldn't worry about that here. Things are different here than they are in England. I just wish you could learn to trust people again," Mrs. Bane finishes. Magnus nods solemnly and pours the wine for their dinner. As he finishes, his father walks into the dining room with the lasagna dish.

"There's my son! How did your date go last night?" Magnus' father asks, causing a blush to rise in Magnus' cheeks.

"Papa!" Magnus greets his father, "It was the best date I've ever been on! I just wish that I hadn't monopolized the entire night. Alexander just kept asking question after question so I didn't even realize that I was doing most of the talking."

"Well from what I saw, it didn't seem like he minded that much. Every time I went to spy on the two of you, he was smiling and looking at you like you hung the moon." Mr. Bane states, "That's what I saw. It seemed like he was enjoying himself just as much as you were."

"Oh you were spying on me now were you? I almost feel offended." Magnus joked, causing both of his parents to laugh. He truly loves the relationship he has with his parents. "Oh, he also wanted me to thank you for the meal. He says that you may have ruined all other steak for him now." This statement caused his father to laugh even harder.

"Tell him that I appreciate the compliment. He seems like a very smart young man. Anyone who approves of my steaks, and is as attentive as he seemed to be, is a keeper in my book." Magnus can't help the grin that spreads at that statement.

"I was planning on giving him a call when I get home to set up another date. I would like to see him again before work on Tuesday." Magnus manages to say before stuffing his face full of lasagna.

"Alexander works with you?" his mother questions.

"Yes, it's a funny story actually." Magnus continues to give his parents the story of how the two met, and everything else that has transpired up to this point. By the end of the story, Magnus' mother looks worried, and Magnus' father is laughing hysterically.

"I know that look mom, don't worry. We've already discussed everything, and we're both willing to give this relationship a shot."

Mrs. Bane nods and smiles."Well we would love to meet him dear. I can see that you're very enamored by him already." His mom says. With a shake of Magnus' head, he smiles fondly at his mother.

"I'll introduce him to you both after we've been dating a while. I really don't want to scare him off with the whole, 'hey, I know we've only been on one date, but my parents really want to meet you' bit. That would have him running for the hills fast," Magnus says.

The rest of their evening consists of light conversation. Magnus listens to his father talk about some of the new staff he's hired at his newest restaurant in Manhattan, as well as some items he's considering adding to his menu. His mom speaks about a few cases that she's helping out with at the law firm, as well as a few charity events she's starting to plan and organize. Overall, Magnus is enjoying his night with his family all while in the back of his mind, the thought of blue eyes and a shy smile continues to taunt him.