Magnus enjoyed his afternoon with Max, Maryse and Izzy. He had never felt so welcomed before. Alexander had blushed on cue whenever Izzy teased him, and Max had wanted Magnus to play an endless amount of basketball with him. His height had really been his only advantage here but it hadn't stopped him from losing epically to Alec's little brother. Maryse had invited Magnus to stay for dinner, and afterward they all sat in the living room drinking tea by the fire. It was overall lovely. Maryse didn't even seem annoyed to hear of Magnus's true motivations for getting a job at her shop.

"Sales are up and Alec is smiling," Maryse had said simply with a smile. "What do I have to complain about?"

Izzy must of texted Jace because he showed up after the store closed to help Izzy tease her brother. Alec spent most of the evening turning different shades of red while hiding his face in Magnus's shoulder. This simple gesture had made Magnus so happy. After all, it was because of Magnus they were teasing him and yet Alec sought comfort with Magnus. The hour had grown late, and Maryse invited them over for dinner on Friday when Robert would be back. After they had happily accepted the invitation, Magnus and Alec left the house with a wave. A huge grin on his face, Alec beamed at Magnus rather than looking where he was going. He tripped and fell into Magnus's arms on the way to the car.

"That went great!" Alec exclaimed, once Magnus had him standing upright again.

"Indeed," Magnus said, smiling. "Your family is lovely." Alec reached up to hold Magnus's cheek leaning in for a light kiss.

"Where to?" Alec asked. Magnus knew what he wanted, but being able to fall asleep next to Alec two nights in a row seemed just a bit greedy. He didn't want to push his luck.

"Well that depends," Magnus said, placing his hand over Alec's, which was still cupping his cheek, and leaning into the contact. "Where would you like to sleep tonight?"

"Can we go back to your motel?" Alec asked, sheepishly. A huge smile broke out across Magnus's face as he replied that nothing would make him happier. They got into the car and drove back to the motel, stopping first at Alec's so he could grab some clothes. It seemed Alec really didn't want to wear Magnus's clothes despite his gracious offer, even though he hadn't brought a single item with sequins!

"I-" Alec yawned, interrupting himself. He shook his head as he turned off the engine.

"Tired?" Magnus asked. Alec nodded and moved toward Magnus to lean on his shoulder. "How does snuggling in bed and watching a movie sound?"

"Perfect," Alec sighed. They got out of the car and made their way to Magnus's motel room. Alec went straight into the bathroom and emerged ready for bed a few minutes later. Magnus quickly washed up as well and when he returned Alec was tucked up in bed, motioning for Magnus to join him.

"I'm cold," Alec said, grinning at him. "Warm me up."

"How can I turn down such a request?" Magnus laughed, climbing into bed next to Alec. Not even halfway through the movie, Alec fell asleep. Magnus turned off the tv and settled down beside him. With Alec's even breathing to calm his mind, Magnus fell asleep peacefully.

Magnus didn't remember his dreams as he stirred. Opening his eyes, he saw Alec propped up on one elbow watching him.

"How did you sleep?" Magnus asked, smiling.

"Much better thanks," Alec replied, kissing him. Alec snuggled in close and Magnus put his arm around him. They lay in bed, holding each other and talking idly until both their stomachs growled in defiance of their staying in bed plan. Magnus suggested they got out for breakfast and Alec agreed.

Thankfully, there were no old friends of Alec to recognized him at this restaurant. Magnus annoyed Alec for writing tips while they waited for their order and Alec in turn asked Magnus about music. Like all Magnus's time with Alec, it went by too quickly, and soon enough they were both pushing their empty places away.

"I'm so full!" Magnus laughed.

"Me too," Alec agreed. Alec checked his watch and sighed. When Magnus asked what was wrong, Alec explained he had to close tonight. Magnus cheerfully announced he was also closing tonight. Alec just rolled his eyes.

Magnus tried to focus on sales and stocking shelves but Alec was very distracting. He stole chaste kisses when the store was empty which kept him grinning, until Maryse arrived after lunch.

"Izzy said you were here Magnus," Maryse said after greeting them. Izzy had opened that morning and had seemed quite pleased when both Magnus and Alec had shown up for Alec's shift. "So, how are my children doing?"

"Excellent students," Magnus answered quickly. She laughed, then joined them behind the counter.

"Why don't you boys go have fun," she said, smiling at Alec. "I'll close."

"It's okay, mom," Alec said quickly. "We can finish the shift."

"Oh but I am sure there are other things you would rather be doing," she smiled knowingly at them. Alec blushed.

"It's okay really," Alec mumbled. "I already got a morning off this week when Jace covered my shift."

"You work too much, Alec. Don't think I haven't noticed," Maryse replied. "Always taking Izzy or Jace's shifts whenever they ask. Never asking them except once this very week. Go have fun. Work will still be here when you get back." Alec had told Magnus once that his parents usually worked weekends at the surf shop and mostly did admin work and inventory during the week while the kids covered the floor. Alec opened his mouth to protest some more, probably to mention those very facts, but his mother all but shooed him out the door. Magnus thought Maryse Lightwood was rather marvellous as he grabbed Alec by the hand and led him out of the shop.

They spent the afternoon on the beach since the sun was out. Magnus got in a little more surfing and they ran into Karla who, upon realizing Magnus still hadn't told Alec everything, gave Magnus a very dirty look which he chose to ignore. He had almost told Alec everything when they'd woken up together yesterday but he'd chickened out when he realized how little Alec liked attention. Dating Magnus Bane never failed to bring attention. Because of that, Magnus was no longer keeping his secret because he was worried Alec might only care about his fame and fortune. No, now Magnus was worried his fame and fortune would ruin everything for a whole different reason. The whole situation was making him uneasy, but fear held him back from telling the truth every time.

They ordered dinner at Magnus's motel while Alec helped Magnus work on his poetry some more. Magnus loved the way Alec taught. He was kind and patient and for once Magnus believed there was a chance he could one day actually write song lyrics that didn't suck. They slept at the motel again that night in each other's arms. Even after just three nights, Magnus was becoming so used to Alec sleeping beside him that he started to feel like he would never again sleep well without Alec there. They eventually woke to a text from Alec's mother, in which she announced his opening shift had been cancelled.

"I think I rather love that woman," Magnus smiled when Alec told him. Alec seemed a little confused, but Magnus was able to convince him with lots of kisses that not working today may not be such a bad thing. By the time Alec's lips were swollen and his hair disheveled, Alec was more in the mood to embrace his day off. They went surfing again but the weather didn't hold out, so they had an early lunch and then walked along the beach. Alec talked to Magnus about his dad, who Magnus was going to meet tonight.

"Izzy knows about your poems but why don't your parents know?" Magnus asked when the flow of conversation allowed it.

Alec shrugged. "Felt weird telling them."

"So I am not allowed to brag about your wonderful poetry at dinner tonight then?" Magnus asked. Alec blushed, as Magnus knew he would.

"Nope," Alec said. Magnus sighed. It was good to know but he couldn't understand why Alec felt the need to hide. His parents obviously loved and supported him no matter what.

By the time they finished their beach walk, it was time to get ready for dinner. Magnus washed the sand from between his toes and changed into something a little nicer before they left for dinner. They arrived at the Lightwoods' just on time. Like the first time they'd been here, Alec didn't knock but just walked right in, calling out to see who was there. Maryse greeted them and guided them into the living room. Sitting in the chair by the fire sat a man who had to be Alec's father. He was tall, like Alec, with dark brown hair and kind eyes.

"Hello," Robert said, waving at them but not looking up from his tablet. He had reading glasses perched on the end of his nose and seemed rather engrossed in what Magnus assumed was an ebook. Magnus and Alec sat down on the couch opposite him. Izzy glided down the stairs seconds later and joined them.

"Magnus!" Izzy squealed. Robert looked up and, if Magnus's eyes weren't deceiving him, did a double take.

"Magnus," Robert said but he'd pronounced the end of Magnus's name abruptly as if he'd stopped himself from adding a last name. Magnus was trying not to panic. Why would Robert Lightwood, of all people, know his music? "My wife neglected to mention your name."

"Sorry!" Maryse called from the kitchen. The layout of the room was very open and Magnus wasn't surprised she could hear them.

"Magnus had his first shift with me," Izzy said happily. "He knows all sorts of wonderful things about fashion." Robert looked at his daughter in confusion, before his gaze turned back to Magnus.

"Ah well," Robert laughed. "Alec could use some pointers in that regard."

"Dad!" Alec whined, going slightly pink. Robert paid no attention his son's complaints, but focused again on Magnus.

"What brought you into town?" Robert asked him.

"Vacation," Magnus replied a little warily.

"From?" Robert asked rather more seriously than Magnus thought the question warranted. Magnus had a feeling Robert knew the answer to his question was his concert in Toronto, and was just trying to make Magnus admit it. This was so not good!

"Magnus sings," Alec said.

"Exactly," Magnus answered, relieved Alec had spoken up.

"Where do you sing?" Robert asked. All the major theatres in Europe ran through his mind, but before Magnus could think of something to say that wouldn't give him away, he was saved by Maryse.

"Alec," Maryse called. "Would you come help me in the kitchen for a moment, please?" Alec looked at Magnus slightly worried about leaving him alone but after an encouraging smile from Magnus, Alec got up and went to help anyway.

"Mom never wants me to help," Izzy complained.

"Izzy, dear," Robert said but he was holding back laughter which rather ruined the fatherly feel to his words but there was still an overall warmth and affection in his voice. "You are wonderful at many things. It's just that cooking isn't one of them."

"Humph," Izzy grumbled.

"I'm a horrible cook," Magnus volunteered.

"Maybe we should start a club," Izzy said brightly. It seemed her bad cooking wasn't enough to make her sad for long. Either that, or this was a running joke Magnus wasn't familiar with.

"Sure," Magnus laughed.

"You like music," Robert said suddenly. "I have quite the CD collection." What was he playing at?

"He does!" Izzy added. "It practically reaches from the floor to the ceiling."

"Why don't I show it to you," Robert said. He got up without waiting for an answer, and headed down the hall, not even watching over his shoulder to make sure Magnus followed, After a second of hesitation, Magnus did, looking down at his feet, his mouth dry. Robert did indeed have a wall of CDs that stretched nearly from floor to ceiling, but the moment they entered Robert's office the CDs were forgotten.

"You nearly gave me a heart attack," Robert laughed. "I thought I was seeing things. Why would Magnus Bane be in my house?" Robert shook his head, exasperated. "Why don't Alec, Izzy or my wife seem to know who you are?"

"I-" Magnus started but his face fell. "I don't have a good answer." Robert gave him a look that Magnus was sure better belonged to a judge rather than a shop owner. Magnus gulped but his words seemed stuck in his throat.

"Should I go over and tell them now?" Robert asked. "That you are lying to them. To Alexander."

"I am not!" Magnus exclaimed a little louder than he intended.

"Oh so you aren't Magnus Bane, the internationally famous pop star who ran off almost two weeks ago and hasn't been heard from since?" Robert inquired.

"Did you google me?" Magnus asked perplexed. To his surprise Robert blushed a little, in a way that almost reminded Magnus of Alec. With a slight chuckle Magnus figured it out. "You're a fan."

"Don't tell Izzy!" Robert said quickly. "She would never let me hear the end of it."

Magnus couldn't help but laugh slightly. "I can imagine," he said grinning. "Since her father is a fan of music targeted to teenage girls."

"Oh shut up," Robert scolded. "You're the one singing the songs!"

"Yes, but it's my job," Magnus counted. "Not my guilty pleasure I hide from my children."

"You are, however, hiding it from my son," Robert said, sobering instantly. "Who my wife tells me you have become quite close to, I might add."

With a sigh of defeat Magnus said, "I met Alec over a week ago but during the course of the last five days…" Words failed him. What should he say? Was it alright to tell Alec's father he thought he might be falling in love with his son before he had even told Alec? Robert seemed to catch the note of affection in Magnus's voice and his posture softened slightly before he spoke.

"You care about him," Robert translated. Magnus didn't know how to answer but Robert seemed to take this as confirmation of his statement being true. "It's funny," he added. "I thought you were straight."

"I'm a little more free-wheeling than the media knows," Magnus said with a huff.

"Clearly," Robert laughed. "Though I can't say I'm that surprised. I mean, you do wear a lot of eyeliner." Robert laughed at his own joke and Magnus fought back the desire to swat at him.

"The truth will come out sooner or later," Robert said once he'd sobered.

"I know," Magnus said. "But I promise I haven't lied to him."

"If you say so," Robert replied. "But he doesn't know what he's getting into, which amounts to the same thing."

"He doesn't like being in the spotlight," Magnus defended himself.

"If I tweeted that you are in my house and work at my store," Robert said. "I'd get noticed. I can't imagine the kind of attention dating you gets one into."

"That's what worries me," Magnus replied.

"Alec has to make that decision for himself," Robert said. "And I'm sorry but if you don't tell him soon, I will." With that Robert turned and walked back down the hall, leaving Magnus to follow him, anxiety building in his chest.

Magnus wanted so desperately to protect Alec, but Robert was right. He knew he couldn't protect Alec from rumors or reporters. He hadn't even been able to save Etta from that and he'd never even dated her. Magnus resolved to tell Alec everything tonight.

Dinner with Alec's family was wonderful. So wonderful in fact that Magnus almost forgot that he may lose it all if Alec decided to cut and run. The more time he spent with Alec's family, however, the less he understood Alec's poem about hiding who he was for so long. The topic even came up at dinner and Alec's parents teased him about worried so much for nothing. Magnus had never before been in the company of such a warm and lovely family. Robert didn't spill Magnus's secret though he did get Magnus to sign his CD before the evening ended.

"I am going to tell Alec tonight," Magnus said a little forlorn as he handed Robert back the signed CD.

Robert smiled at him. "Thank you," he said though Magnus wasn't sure if it was for the signature or the promise he was being thanked for.

The Lightwood family bid them goodnight and Magnus and Alec left, heading to Alec's car. Magnus was so nervous about Alec's reaction to his news he hardly noticed where they were going until they were parked outside his motel room. Magnus smiled at Alec's assumption that they were again falling asleep in each other's arms. Motels charged you by room and number of beds, so Alec's sleeping here hadn't been a problem. The staff had even taken a shine to him. Without saying anything, Alec grabbed Magnus by the hand and together they went up to the room.

"Which movie would you like to fall asleep to tonight?" Magnus asked, trying to put off his confession.

"I was thinking about doing something else tonight," Alec said, grinning at him. There was a newfound bravery to his grin that hadn't been there before. The evening with his family seemed to have affected Alec. He closed the small space between them and kissed Magnus. Magnus's arms wrapped around Alec as he deepened the kiss. A moan escaped Alec and suddenly he jumped, wrapping his legs around Magnus's waist like he had done before. Magnus moaned again, his neck tilted all the way back to continue kissing Alec. He forgot about everything except the beautiful man in his arms.

Magnus walked, carrying Alec, toward the bed. They collapsed onto it together. Magnus pulled Alexander closer, his hands under Alec's shirt and his tongue in Alec's mouth. But, no, wait, he needed to explain, had planned on talking tonight, not this. Magnus broke their kiss then touched Alec's cheek again before he spoke.

"Alec I-" How should he say it? Should he say how many records he'd sold, or how many twitter followers he had? Why did this even matter? Couldn't they just be two people, together in the here and now?

"Magnus," Alec said softly. "Do you want me?" Magnus groaned. Was this man trying to drive him mad! Was he purposely trying to prevent Magnus from being able to say what he needed to say? Every time Magnus had tried, Alec had somehow stopped him.

"Since the moment I saw you," Magnus couldn't help but reply.

"I don't know how long we have," Alec whispered. "I don't know how long you will stay with me."

Alec's worries were ridiculous. The question was how long Alec would stay with him once he'd learned of the hazards of dating someone with a cult following.

Magnus touched the side of Alec's cheek and whispered, "Always." The smile that spread over Alec's face was miraculous to behold. So much innocent joy while simultaneously speaking of lust and longing.

"I want you," Alec whispered with sudden clarity. "As long as you want me too." This beautiful blue eyed man had already pushed Magnus's self control to its limits, more than once. Magnus surrendered with a low primal sound in his throat.

The thrill of this new experience mixed with the thrill of it being with Alec was like nothing else. Magnus could only compare it with the high of being on stage, cheered on by thousands, but even that wasn't right. This thrill was more somehow.

And Magnus knew that he was falling in love with Alexander.

So who was surprised by Robert? I know he is rather out of character but I rather like this version of him. I based him off my dad a little though dad was never shy about how much he loved Katy Perry. lol.

Also the next chapter could either be the only lemon of this story or I could gloss over it and make it super romantic and smutless. My beta has voted very strongly for lemon but what do you think? My lemons are usually romantic so its not like it won't be romantic if there is a lemon. Which would you prefer?

As for this sneak peek... well I think the lemon question above is a fairly good clue as to the next chapter...