Lemonland Warning ahead! And… two smutty chapters in a row? *gasp*

Near Slip Up's, Missteps, and Cures For Boredom

"Shit!" Alec exclaimed, looking at his watch. He was currently in a meeting with his parents and Max going over some marketing strategies for advertising his 'Want' ads. "Guys I'm so sorry, but I need to go. I have a benefit to get ready for."

"It's okay, sweetie," Maryse said, standing up along with Robert, Max, and Alec. "Have fun tonight, and please tell Magnus we said hi."

"Will do, mom," Alec smiled and hugged his family. "I'll see you at dinner on Sunday." With an 'I love you' to his family, Alec hightailed it out of his parents office. His parents worked in Manhattan, and he knew it would take at least forty-five minutes in the subway alone to get back to Brooklyn.

Alec sighed, and picked up his phone. He didn't really want to call Magnus and disappoint him, but Alec had no other choice than to meet Magnus at the hotel where the event was taking place.

"Hello, darling. Are you on your way?" Magnus said without preamble.

"Magnus, I'm so sorry," Alec stated. "My meeting with my parents ran over, and I'm just now getting to the subway. I can meet you at the hotel."

"Well, I'm at home now. I can run to your place and pick up your tux and meet you back here if you'd like?" Magnus said, causing Alec to release a breath did wasn't aware that he was holding.

"You wouldn't mind?" Alec asked, wanting to be sure he wasn't inconveniencing his boyfriend. "I would still need to take a shower."

"I wouldn't have offered if I minded, sayang," Magnus chuckled. "Get your pretty ass here, and I'll have everything ready for you."

"Thank you, Magnus," Alec responded, feeling the tension leave his shoulders at the thought of Magnus letting him get ready at his place. "I'll see you shortly. I lo-" Alec abruptly snapped his mouth closed and cleared his throat. "I'll let you go so you can get yourself ready. Bye."

"It's no trouble at all, cintaku," Magnus relied, and Alec could hear the smile in his tone. "Bye, darling."

Alec groaned when he put his phone away and slipped into the packed subway car. He can't believe he almost slipped out the 'L' word. Alec hadn't even taken a close look at his lovelife with Magnus yet. He felt that it was too soon to fall in love, but Alec had barely anything to compare it to. His feelings towards Magnus always felt stronger than with his previous boyfriends, but love, Alec couldn't be too sure. He also didn't want to over analyze his relationship like he did with everything else in his life, but at the same time, he didn't want to spout out any declarations too soon.

Walking out of the station closest to Magnus' house, Alec pulled out his vibrating phone to check his messages. He was only three blocks away from the brownstone so he picked up the pace upon reading the text Magnus had sent him.

'Hello darling. I'm getting into the shower so just let yourself in. Your tux, and everything else you'll need is laid out on my bed. See you soon!'

Grinning, Alec picked up his pace.

He made into the house and raced upstairs to Magnus' en suite, shedding his clothes in the process.

Alec slinked in silently and his breath caught in his throat at a sight only he now got the privilege to bare witness to. Magnus' glistening skin catching in the light of the shower was pure, raw, unadulterated beauty. Alec slid in behind Magnus, wrapping his arms around Magnus' middle, kissing his way up Magnus' shoulders and neck.

Magnus moaned, leaning back into Alec's touch, "I was hoping you'd get here soon," he said, turning in Alec's embrace and kissing him roughly, his member already fully erect. "I want you, darling." To add emphasis, Magnus thrusts his hips, causing his erection to rub against Alec's own growing arousal.

Alec's eyes rolled to the back of his head as he moaned at the friction. Turning Magnus around, Alec sank to his knees. He ran kisses and nips along the back of Magnus' legs, and reveled in the sounds of Magnus' moans and gasps, making his way to Magnus' enticing hole. Alec spread Magnus' ass and dived in, nipping and sucking on Magnus' puckered hole, tongue probing his boyfriend, and prepping Magnus for the impending intrusion. Alec started losing his finesse at the erotic sounds Magnus was making as they bounced off the walls of the shower stall.

"Oh fuck!" Magnus shouted out, pressing his ass closer to Alec's mouth. "Please Alexander, take me. I need you!"

Alec groaned at Magnus' begging. Still on his knees, Alec removed himself from his boyfriend and turned him around. Alec lightly pushed Magnus up against the shower wall, picking him up by his knees and draping them over the crook of Alec's elbows as he began to stand. He lined himself up against Magnus' hole and slowly, slowly eased his boyfriend down on his member. Alec held still, giving Magnus time to adjust to the intrusion, lewdly kissing him in the process.

"God, Alexander," Magnus moaned, breaking the kiss. "Move, darling, move!"

Alec did so with an animalistic growl. He started slow, giving Magnus more time to adjust, but listening to Magnus moaning and begging, Alec picked up his speed. With the help of the shower wall, Alec was able to set a brutal pace, pistoning into his lover that had his head spinning at the sensation. Alec had never had sex in the shower before, and realized that he could feel every crevice of Magnus' channel.

"Baby," Alec groaned, realizing that he was closer to completion than he thought. "Touch yourself, I need to cum with you."

Magnus complied, stroking himself in time with Alec's thrusts. Feeling Magnus tightening his channel, Alec and Magnus came with hoarse cries, both of their names being shouted together.

Alec, feeling his arms and legs start to shake, removed himself from Magnus and gently slid him on his feet. Still breathing heavily, Alec rested his head on Magnus' shoulder while it appeared that his boyfriend was using the wall to keep himself upright. Magnus was running his hands up and down Alec's spine when Alec's entire body tensed, and the pressure of hot tears filling his eyes.

"Darling," Magnus' voice was laced with concern. "What's wrong?"

Alec lifted his head off Magnus' shoulder, but unable to hold Magnus' gaze while trying not to freak out. "I-" Alec stuttered. "I forgot to use a condom, Magnus."

Alec had just been thinking about his near misstep by telling his boyfriend that he loved him on his way over today, and now that he fucked up by forgetting a god damned condom, he realized that his chance of ever saying those words to the man in front of him were ruined. Alec wanted to kick himself at his own stupidity. Hey Alec, go ahead and fall in love with your boyfriend of two weeks, then screw things up even more by forgetting the motherfucking condom, Alec thought fervently.

"Alexander, look at me," Magnus spoke firmly, but kindly. When Alec got his emotions under control, they finally locked eyes, and Magnus was looking at him with a soft smile. "It was the heat of the moment, okay." he waited until Alec tensely nodded before continuing. "I know that you're clean, and so am I."

"But what about the rules?" Alec couldn't help but ask. He wasn't sure if the rules they'd made up all those months ago even still applied.

"Those rules were placed before we began our relationship," Magnus said as he lifted his hand to cup Alec's cheek, wiping away the tears that began falling from Alec's cheek bone. "We're together for however long you want us to be, Alexander. We're exclusive, so I'm not worried about it." Magnus placed a finger over Alec's mouth as Alec tried to speak, "I'm not saying that I'm comfortable forgoing condoms completely, but if we're ever in a situation where we let our passion for one another overrule us, I'm not opposed to the idea. I do like having the idea of condoms as my security blanket though," Magnus finished.

"You sure you're okay with what we've done?" he couldn't help but ask.

"I'm fine," Magnus said, placing an opened mouth kiss against Alec's lips. "I assume this is the first time you've had sex without using one?" At Alec's nod, Magnus chuckled. "How did it feel?"

"It felt amazing," Alec breathed out, grateful that Magnus wasn't upset with him. "How did it feel for you?"

"It was wonderful, darling. But then again, sex with you is always wonderful," Magnus replied, kissing Alec once more, using a bit of tongue. "Now, lets finish our shower and get to this event, shall we?"

~oOo~

Alec felt lost! They'd arrived to the charity event Magnus' company was hosting about five minutes prior, but it seemed as if Alec had been there for hours already. As soon as they walked in the door of the luxurious hotel the event was taking place, Magnus was swept away by Cat, leaving Alec to just stand there looking like an idiot. As he scanned the crowd, Alec felt dejected when he recognized no one he knew. There were a few famous singers, actors, and other celebrities; but Alec was so focused on looking for Ragnor and Raphael he startled when someone put a hand on his shoulder from behind.

"Woah," came Jace's voice. "Didn't mean to scare you there bro. Who are you looking for?"

"Anyone I know," Alec said, allowing himself to relax upon seeing Jace and Clary by his side. "I didn't know you would be here." Alec reached out and hugged his brother, then leaned down to give Clary a kiss on the cheek and a delicate hug, not wanting to mess up her artfully styled hair.

"Yeah, Magnus invited me, Clary, and Luke and Jocelyn personally," Jace responded with a nervous laugh.

"Where is Magnus, anyway?" Clary asked, her gaze seemingly taking in every detail of the room.

"Cat whisked him away as soon as we walked in the door," Alec sighed out, feeling his shoulders slump in the process making him look as pathetic as he probably sounded. "I've kinda just been standing here feeling like a lost puppy until you two showed up."

"Oh, Alec," Clary's eyes softened when he looked down at her. "You could never be pathetic," she said, always being able to read Alec's thoughts.

"Thanks, Clary," Alec chuckled, smiling fondly at his friend. "I've just never been to one of these things before. I have no idea what to do."

"Sure you have, buddy," Jace interjected before Clary could respond. "You dated that ballerino a few years ago. I remember you telling me that he would drag you to functions like this all the time. This is no different, and besides, now you've got us to keep you company." Alec chuckled at Jace's cheeky grin, shaking his head at his brothers antics.

"Fair point. Let's go and get some drinks," he gestured towards the bar, and followed Jace and Clary.

As they walked, Alec took the time to really look at Jace and Clary. Clary was wearing this gorgeous deep green ball gown that had what looked to Alec as a lace bodice, and silk skirt with a small train. Her hair was pulled up in a low, intricate looking bun with a sparkly headband. Alec really knew nothing about fashion, but still, he knew Clary truly looked breathtaking. Jace's tux jacket was the same deep green as Clary's dress with a black threaded paisley print, and had black silk lapels to match his black pants and tie.

Alec smiled as he noticed the way Clary seemed to relax when Jace put his hand on the small of her back, and the brilliant smile that lit up her face when Jace leaned down and said something in her ear. Alec really hoped that things were looking better for those two. Even though Clary said they were taking a break, it seemed to Alec that they were still the happy couple they've always been. Either Clary was as good of an actor as Jace, or she was already starting to forgive him and work on building their relationship back up. Alec hoped for the latter; he still felt guilty for partially being the cause of the rift between the two of them. Simon and Alec met up at the archery range a few times in the last couple weeks, and filled Alec in on everything that happened the night Clary walked out on Jace. Alec was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even realize Jace had ordered a drink for him.

"Are you okay?" Jace asked as he handed Alec his scotch, concern evident in his tone.

"Uh… yeah, sorry. I was thinking about a few things I need to do for the bistro," Alec easily lied, then his heart dropped down into his stomach. He'd never lied to his family before, but Alec really didn't want to dampen the mood by telling Jace that he was internally beating himself up for breaking him and Clary up. He knows that Simon - and even Jace himself - told Alec that the blame lay solely with Jace, but Alec couldn't help feeling guilty about it nonetheless.

"You know, I told you to stop stressing," Raphael's voice said coming up behind him. "You're supposed to be enjoying yourself tonight."

Alec turned to greet his friend, subtly flipping Raphael off at his condescending smirk. Ragnor, who was beside Raph, noticed what Alec was doing and laughed heartily. Alec then greeted each with a back slapping hug.

"Guys," he said, gesturing to his two friends. "This is my brother, Jace. And you both already know his fiance, Clary." Alec said feeling weird about introducing them as being together, when they no longer were, but even Clary had said she wanted to stay a couple in the eyes of the public. He then turned more towards Jace, "And this is Ragnor. He works as a contract attorney for Magnus, and is Cat's husband. Raphael here is going to be my general manager, and he, Ragnor, Catarina, and Magnus are all investors in the bistro."

"Hey," Jace smiled cheerily, walked towards the duo and stretched out a hand. "It's good to meet you both."

"Likewise," Ragnor said and glowered at Jace, but shook his hand nonetheless.

"Pleasure," Raphael said in a neutral tone, his face placid. Then turned towards Clary with a smile. "It's wonderful to see you again, Clary. You look absolutely stunning tonight." He took her hand in his, and gently placed a kiss on her knuckles.

"It seems that Raphael has broken your brother," Ragnor whispered to Alec while discreetly pointing towards Jace. Sure enough, Jace was standing there, eyes wide and his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. Meanwhile, Clary was a blushing, giggling mess. Alec couldn't help but huff out a slight chuckle at the scene in front of them.

"Raphael Santiago," Magnus said, making his way towards the group with Cat on his arm. "I didn't know you knew how to charm the fairer sex?" Raphael only response was a scowl aimed towards Magnus, causing everyone in the group to laugh.

Magnus then handed Cat off to Ragnor, and moved to stand beside Alec.

"Where've you been?" Alec asked softly after placing a gentle kiss to the underside of his boyfriends jaw.

"Cat had me off doing media bullshit," Magnus groaned. "I hate talking to the media."

"I hope they didn't bring up the article or the press conference," Alec said worriedly. "Tonight should only be about the charity event."

"Oh, darling," Magnus' face softened as he rubbed Alec's back. "I assure you, they only asked me questions about the event. Cat made sure that if anyone brought up unrelated questions, they'd be removed from the venue altogether."

Alec relaxed at that. He really didn't want their personal life to dwarf the importance of this event. The fundraiser was for a very good cause, and Alec didn't want anything to overshadow it. Now that his mind was at ease, Alec decided to take a look around the room. Scanning faces of all these famous people made Alec feel grossly inadequate. As Alec noticed a small group of people conversing at the far end of the banquet hall he tensed and sucked in a breath. He must not have been as discreet as he'd thought, because their entire group stopped all conversation and looked at him.

"Darling," Magnus said softly. "What's wrong?"

"Th-there are three Iron Chefs standing over there," Alec didn't care that he sounded starstruck, some of those guys were his idols.

"Yeah," Jace responded, sounding confused; not that that was abnormal for him. "But you're also an Iron Chef, so what's the big deal? You're culinary skills are right on par with theirs."

"B-big deal! Big deal!" Alec looked at his brother like he'd grown a third eye or something. "Jace, I was an Iron Chef in France! That pretty much means nothing here. These guys are the best of the best! Their like culinary royalty or something." Alec was gesturing wildly, and he could hear his voice going up an octave.

"Alec, sweetie," Cat came over to him, gently pushed his arms down and put a hand on his cheek. "Jace is right honey, you're just as talented as those guys. They're probably all standing around saying the same thing about you." Alec scoffed, there was no way that those guys would talk about him. There was nothing special about him!

"Why haven't you gone out for Iron Chef of America?" Ragnor asked, seemingly genuinely perplexed.

"They stopped doing it in the states," Alec shrugged. "Besides, it's not something you try out for or anything like that. You're requested by a panel to join the competition, and challenge the title holders. I just so happened to challenge Chef Christian Le Squer, and won. "

"Wait!" Jace exclaimed… loudly, then lowered his voice upon seeing people looking at him. "You challenged your boss and won? How did you not get fired?"

Everyone laughed at Jace's bewildered expression.

"I'm sure that Christian Le Squer didn't take the challenge as a personal attack or anything," Raphael stated, rolling his eyes. "He probably felt honored to compete against Alec."

"Okay, you give me too much credit," Alec said, feeling his face flame. "But in a sense, you're right. Chef Le Squer was happy that I challenged and beat him. I believe his exact words were 'L'élève dépasse le maître.' And then he told me he was proud of me, and hugged me."

"What does that mean?" Clary asked at the same time Alec heard Magnus whisper 'fuck' under his breath. Alec internally smirked, knowing that Magnus loved when Alec spoke in french.

"It means 'The student surpasses the master,'" Alec smirked at his friends and their wide eyed expressions.

"Good evening, everyone," Alec heard, looking up to see a smiling Jem Carstairs, and his companion, Tessa Gray. Everyone greeted the couple, but Alec stood stock still. He loved Tessa's music. Tonight it seemed was a gonna be a starstruck one for Alec's celebrity idols.

"Ah, Alec," Jem said, pulling him out of his trance. "Tessa here, has been dying to meet you. So Tessa, this is Chef Alexander Lightwood, and Alec, this is my girlfriend, Tessa Gray."

"Oh my god!" Tessa exclaimed, throwing Alec for a loop. "It's such a pleasure to meet you, Chef Lightwood. I am such a huge fan!" she exclaimed, looking completely in awe. Alec couldn't help the way his jaw fell open. If this had been a cartoon it would have literally been on the floor. Magnus placed his hand under Alec's chin to gently close his gaping mouth. Alec glanced around his group of friends only to find identical smirks and 'I told you so' expressions.

"You're kidding, right?" Alec asked in disbelief.

"Not at all," Tessa said, looking confused. "I watched all of your shows on the Travel Channel, and every show you've ever guest judged in. I used to sing at night clubs back in London, I would record your shows just so I could watch them after I got home at night. I can't wait to try your food in person! I'll be your best customer when you open that bistro." She was slightly bouncing on the balls of her feet as she said that, and Alec was still speechless.

"Actually, Tessa my dear," Magnus said, gaining her attention. "You've already had the privilege of tasting Alexander's exquisite food. He's the chef responsible for the dinner party that I threw for you when I first signed you."

"What!" Both Alec and Tessa exclaimed.

"That dinner party was for Tessa Gray?" Alec was starting to feel faint. "I cooked a ten course meal for one of my favorite singers?" he finished, though it was more of a mumble. He turned towards Tessa and shook his head. "Do you realize how bad I was cursing Magnus over that dinner party? He gave me less than a day to prepare for it. I felt like the meal was lackluster because of the lack of time I had to get ready for it."

"Oh dear," Tessa said, her eyes softening in what Alec could only guess as being sympathetic. "I'm so sorry we did that to you. But that meal was absolutely divine!"

"Told you," Cat said under her breath in a sing song manner, looking smug as ever. Alec just glared playfully at her. He didn't think that he could ever be truly mad at Cat. She was like an older sister to him.

"Well," Alec said, clearing his throat and getting back to the original conversation. "It's a pleasure to meet you." He smiled and kissed the back of Tessa's hand.

"Okay, watch it you two," Jem chuckled playfully. He then turned to Jace. "We have a few reporters wanting interviews with you. Would you and Clary join us?"

"Sure," Jace said with a shrug, then turned towards the rest of the group. "It was great meeting all of you."

There was a chorus of 'you too's' and Jace was off.

"Darling," Magnus whispered to Alec. "I need to circle around and mingle. Would you care to join me?"

"Of course," Alec said with a smile, following Magnus to go mingle with people whom he had no desire to do so with.

~oOo~

After a few hours of speaking to rich snobs, Alec was growing impatient. He didn't want Magnus to see that he was bored out of his mind, and quite frankly annoyed by the amount of people who hit on Magnus, both men and women - blatantly ignoring the fact that Alec was standing right next to him - and he was ready to leave. Magnus turned down every advance, then gently scolded them for being so callous. Alec had never been the jealous type in the past, but at the same time, he'd never been in love before either. Yes, after his near misstep earlier that day, he'd fully admitted to himself that he was in love with Magnus. Alec wasn't exactly sure how it happened, just that it had. He also wasn't stupid enough to ruin his relationship with Magnus by saying the words aloud yet. They'd known each other mere months, and had been sleeping together nearly as long, and it was too soon for such to be said.

"Darling," Magnus said, pulling Alec away from his thoughts. "Is everything okay? You seem bored."

"I'm sorry, baby," Alec said as he felt the heat rising in his cheeks, and feeling guilty for the way he felt, but he couldn't deny that he was just so bored. "I was trying to be discreet about it."

"It's quite alright, cintaku," Magnus replied quietly. "If I'm being honest, I'm bored too... out of my mind bored!" He laughed. "I've always hated these things."

Alec huffed out a chuckle as well. It made him feel better that he wasn't the only one feeling that way.

"Come darling," Magnus gently pulled Alec by the arm, and away from the guest he'd just finish speaking with. "I'm going to cure that boredom by telling you who's who."

"So that gentleman over there," Magnus said, pointing to an older man who reminded Alec of Mr. Felch. "That is Franklin Potmercy. He's the dean of Julliard, and thinks that he's God's gift to the Performing Arts World. When he found out that I'm bisexual, he had the audacity to ask me if I only topped because I was also attracted to women." Magnus scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"He reminds me of David Bradley," Alec said while trying not to laugh at Magnus blank stare. "Oh come on, Magnus. He played Mr Felch in Harry Potter." He then groaned at Magnus' look of confusion. "Okay, he also played Walder Frey in Game of Thrones…"

"Oh! The asshole who killed off Rob Stark in the Red Wedding?" Magnus asked, seemingly getting what Alec was referring to.

"Yes! Though it was more than just Rob Stark that was killed, it was a complete massacre," Alec exclaimed. Magnus waved this away as it was unimportant, so Alec added, "Well, doesn't he remind you of David Bradley?"

"I never really noticed before, but yes darling, he does," Magnus replied, smiling widely. He then groaned. "Damn, now I'm going to have to try to keep a straight face when I go talk to him later."

"I'm sorry, sweetheart," Alec apologized, yet even to his own ears, his tone sounded like he didn't mean it. "Though, I am starting to have more fun now."

Magnus smiled, shaking his head at Alec's cheeky tone. "Oh, and over there is Rosalyn Baxter. She's the director of the New York Symphony. She snubs people so often that everyone swears that her nose is permanently stuck in the air. She has deep pockets, but that's the only reason she ever gets invited to functions like this. People find her to be a truly odious woman." He then groaned. "Wonderful, she's coming over." Magnus gestured, sarcasm evident in his tone.

The woman in question, reminded Alec of a parrot. Her body was very thin, and her legs and arms looked as if her bones were hollow, just like a birds. Her neck however, was curved outwards like that of a turkey vulture, and the woman's nose looked more like a beak than an appendage.

"Good evening, Mr. Bane," The woman - Rosalyn Baxter - squawked. It took everything in Alec not to bust out laughing. He'd just compared the woman's looks to a bird, and even her voice sounded exactly like that of a parrot.

"Good evening, Rosalyn," Magnus said, giving a polite smile that Alec had only seen him use on people Magnus didn't really like. "I hope you're enjoying yourself."

"Yes, well," Parrot Lady said, waving what seemed to Alec as a dismissive hand wave. "It's all very pleasant. And who is your companion?" She eyed Alec as if he were a pig going off to the slaughter.

"Ah yes," Magnus said as he pulled Alec closer, wrapping an arm around him. Alec saw Magnus' eyes squinting as if he weren't happy with Parrot Lady. "This is my boyfriend, Chef Alexander Lightwood. Alec, this is Rosalyn Baxter; the director of the New York Symphony."

"It's a pleasure," Alec said politely, shaking the woman's hand. Though he was ready to crawl out of his skin with the way she was eying him.

"Likewise," She squawked, then turned to Magnus. "I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening Mr. Bane." Magnus didn't even get the chance to respond before Parrot Lady sauntered away.

"You're right," Alec said quietly, looking up at Magnus when he turned to face Alec. "She has got to be the most odious woman I've ever met." Alec's response resulted in a bark of laughter from his boyfriend.

Before Magnus had the chance to say anything, a cute little woman bounded up to them. She was roughly a foot shorter than Alec, curvy, with brown hair and eyes, and a round face with glasses. Magnus beamed upon seeing her.

"Hey Magnus!" The woman said, giving Magnus a hug. "I'm so excited to be here tonight. It's such a wonderful thing you're doing for us. I really hope you know how much everyone at the school board appreciates this. And thank you so much for the invitation!"

"You're so very welcome, Angela," Magnus said, his smile was very real this time as he hugged Angela back. "I'd like you to meet someone very dear to me, sweet pea. Angela, this is my boyfriend, Alec Lightwood. Alexander, this is Angela Wrights. She works for the school board, and helped me get this event set up."

"Oh, it's a pleasure to meet you, Chef Lightwood," Angela said, beaming up at Alec, sticking her hand out for him to shake.

"It's nice to meet you too, Angela," Alec smiled, returning the sentiment. He was already starting to like this girl with her bubbling personality. She seemed more genuine than most of the other guests he'd met tonight. "And please, call me Alec."

"Okay, great!" She exclaimed, then just as quickly as she came, she rushed off. Alec let out a soft chuckle as he noticed her trip a little in her heels.

"I have nothing bad to say about that one," Magnus said, his eyes still trailing Angela fondly. "She is possibly my favorite person working for the school board, and she's so vastly intelligent. She is such a gem to be around."

"She seems like it," Alec intoned. He could see just from that one interaction that she was a sweet girl. He didn't know how he knew, but she just had this aorua about her that he instantly liked.

People did come up to him and Magnus to praise them for their decorum with how they handled the media scandal, telling them that they truly were New York's favorite power couple. These were mostly other people who worked for the school systems, and lower level celebrities, for lack of a better term. They had however, succeeded in making Alec blush from all their praise. He still wasn't used to people giving him compliments. When he lived in Paris, it happened all the time, but whenever Alec came home to visit, he was just… Alec.

Magnus also introduced Alec to those well known Iron Chef's he'd noticed earlier in the evening. Two of the chef's were great, and Alec was surprised when they asked him questions about his cooking techniques, but the other chef just stood there listening, and Alec felt like he was silently being judged. Alec also traded recipes with the chef's, and received VIP invitations to their restaurants to dine at their Chef's Table. Magnus of course, jumped onboard with the idea. Alec thought it was adorable how excited Magnus was at the prospect of seeing what a 'real' kitchen looked like, and how it operated.

There were also a few other well known chefs that introduced themselves to Alec - some of whom had their own shows on The Food Network - and asked if he would consider coming on their shows for either interviews, or as a guest judge. Anne Burrell even hugged Alec when she saw him, and seemed very eager to have him be a guest judge on her cooking show again. Alec of course, asked for her contact information and let her know that he'd think about it considering everything he still needed to do to get the bistro up and running. She understood and told him that if he ever needed help with anything, then she'd just be a phone call away. She even told him that she'd love to get together with him and Magnus for dinner with her and her fiance, Koren Grieveson. Alec was completely honored by the offer, and told her exactly that. Alec knew that he and Anne had a great rapport in the past, but he hadn't realize until today she thought so highly of him.

"See darling," Magnus sidled up beside him, whispering in Alec's ear. "You're very well known and respected in the culinary industry. Please stop doubting yourself."

"It still just seems weird to me," Alec replied. "I mean, I'm just me, and here are all of these high profile chefs coming to me like I'm some superstar in the kitchen or something. How did you know that I was internally freaking out about all this anyway?"

"Because I know you," Magnus responded easily, smiling down at Alec. "You're very humble, and you don't realize how much people respect you. Dot was right afterall," Alec gave Magnus a quizzical look. "You're more well known than Jace and I combined."

"I'm really not," Alec stubbornly intoned. Magnus went to open his mouth, with what Alec could only imagine would be to disagree, but they were interrupted by the presence of their friends who proceed to monopolize the rest of their evening. And Alec was spared the 'you are better than you think' lecture.

~oOo~

Hey guys! So for those of you who don't follow me on Twitter, I just got a promotion at work. I'm officially running my own site now. I'm going to be doing a lot of training for this new position, and I'm going to have to get used to a new schedule. I'm actually going to be working normal people hours! Lord help me there. I've been working the 4pm-midnight shift for far too long. Getting up at 5am is going to suck ass until I get used to it. Also my writing schedule is going to change. I have one chapter after this one completely finished, and I'm hoping to keep my every other week schedule, but there's a chance that I'll fall behind until I get used to this change here. Just bare with me until that happens okay. I will also now be posting on Thursday afternoons when I get home from work. Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter, and let me know what you thought of it. You all know that I love getting feedback :-)