Help Wanted
By Shin Sankai
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Author's Notes: Two words about this chapter: Bloody hard! Three words after finally finishing this chapter: Thank fucking Christ!
Moving on from that since I don't want you to have to read my dribble on how ridiculously difficult I found this chapter, lets just rejoice in the fact its over.
What will be in here is a very serious warning for you all... There is barely any 'present day' Magnus in here! SHOCK! What was I thinking? Alright, so not really a necessary warning. I was just a bit sad that most of this didn't have my favourite man in it. However, what you will find in here is some Izzy and Alec time, along with, if you can believe it, Asmodeus and Alec time! OMFG! And the man is in quite a sharing mood! You will also get a little bit of how Asmodeus met Magnus for the first time, so be prepared for adorable, vulnerable and tiny Magnus...or so I hope. I really wanted to place in some of Asmodeus' memories of his boy into the story, to give Asmodeus some 'depth' in a sense and it turns out I have some going in this chapter! Hooray me! Another added extra treat, is the Lightwood's are back together for an evening of Thanksgiving dinner but not all goes to plan... Note: I accidentally placed Thanksgiving as a Saturday and not a Thursday. Oops. Its not something I celebrate so I couldn't be bothered going back to correct it.
Anyway, I'm still sitting on the fence with this chapter, but its done now so no turning back! My favourite moments would definitely be a tiny confession from a little princess, I did get choked up over it, and also Asmodeus' memories of his precious little boy... I hope someone enjoys it!
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Chapter Sixteen: Absence makes the heart grow fonder...
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Alec had been out for most of the day, running some errands for himself, paying some bills for Magnus and also doing a grocery shop too. The pantry and fridge had been getting insanely low since Alec hadn't realised just how hard it was to look after three children on his own and how quickly time passed when you were actually doing it on your own too! He'd always had Magnus around in some way and now that the man wasn't here, he was pretty much run off his feet! In a sense, Alec had pretty much become sole parent-guardian to the Bane children and truly had a better understanding of just how challenging it was. He also had even more respect for Magnus (and any other single parents) for having done it for so long. He knew he'd pretty much been looking after his family since he was 18 years old too, but his three siblings hadn't been 6 years old and under!
What Alec had also realised was how fortunate Magnus was to have someone like Raphael in his life too. In his times of need, the rather mysterious and quiet man was there for his friend and 'older brother' whenever he called, and it turned out that same courtesy had been passed to Alec as well!
Just last night, Alec had finally caved under the exhaustion and pressure of looking after three children on his own and sent an 'SOS' message to the busy man. The next morning (which was today) had greeted Alec with a message from Raphael. He had told him that he would take the kids this evening, giving him a moment to himself. It would be Alec's chance to breathe. A chance to do all the chores he'd been lapsing in and also prepare for the Thanksgiving dinner he was hosting for his family and the Bane children too.
Truthfully Alec didn't think it was going to be this hard, but then he had to remember that of course Magnus' children's emotions were going to fluctuate. They weren't always going to be perfect little angels for him. After all, they'd never been without their father for more then a day, two at the most, and he was always in contact with them when they weren't with him. The times when Magnus had been absent, only Madzie had been born back then, and she was too little to remember being away from her father as he was off seeking treatment for his alcoholism.
Now that Madzie was older, and she had her little brothers with her too, they were taking notice of how absent, or preoccupied, their father had been recently. Plus Magnus wasn't meant to be gone this long either. He had promised it would only be for a few days, which to Alec – rather stubbornly – was meant to be three days maximum. He had wondered if the kids would of thought that too and of course that is exactly what happened because when they woke on the fourth day, running into their father's bedroom, massive smiles on their faces, eyes peering about the brightly lit room – the sunlight was streaming in through the dual aspect windows – all they saw was Alec making the bed, and their sweet smiling faces fell instantly.
Crying ensued as all three demanded they wanted their Papa and Alec was a floundering mess as he rushed to the three children, kneeling on the floorboards and cradled them to his broad chest, murmuring sweet nothings into their ears as he listened, heartbreakingly, to their sobs. He decided no one was going to school or day care that day. It was a day full of cuddles, movies, naughty food and the countdown to when they could Skype with their beloved father.
Since then, an entire week had passed, and just like Magnus' children, Alec too was really missing the man. The apartment did not feel the same without Magnus' colourful presence. It didn't feel like 'home' when he wasn't there.
Of course, once Alec thought about that, he immediately blushed and had quickly swatted the very thought away.
Over that week Alec was getting used to, even if he hated to see it, Magnus' children's tempers flaring, as the man was still absent. It really hit when they came to the realisation that their Papa would not be home for Thanksgiving. It had dawned on them last night since it was this coming Saturday (technically tomorrow) after all. Magnus had missed Halloween due to work and now Thanksgiving was being missed due to him being in England. The pouts on their sweet faces were soul crushing.
'What about Papa's pumpkin pie?' Max frowned up at Alec with big dewy eyes.
'We always make it together.' Raphael piped up as well. Alec lifted all three onto the couch and then kneeled on the rug before them.
'I'm sorry he's not here with us. If your Papa could be here, you know he would be. He loves you all so very much.' Just as Alec was trying to think about what else to say, to try and lift those sad faces into happy ones his phone went off and that was when he received a response to his SOS message and Raphael (senior) had come to his rescue. 'You know who has been missing you this week too?' He had received shakes of the head at his question. 'Your Uncle Raphy. He's going to pick you up after school and day care and you can have a sleep over at his place. That will give me time to look for your Papa's recipe and when you come home, we'll make the pumpkin pie together.' Magnus' children scrambled off the couch and leapt right into his arms, he placing kisses atop their heads. 'You'll have lots of fun with Uncle Raphy.' They nodded their heads whilst cuddling close.
Alec broke from his past thoughts as he placed the groceries on the ground, kicked the door closed and went about removing his jacket and beanie and one of Magnus' more 'plainer' scarves from around his neck and hung it up. He seriously needed to get out of this funk. There was so much going on right now that he seriously shouldn't be thinking of the absent man, though how could Alec not think about Magnus – his boyfriend – since he had so heavily ingrained himself into the Bane family.
A sudden crash down the hallway jolted Alec on the spot and he darted his eyes to where it came from, which was behind Magnus' ajar bedroom door.
"Magnus?" Alec muttered softly, heart thundering in his chest as a smile lit up his face. "MAGNUS!" Alec called out, quick feet taking him to the man's bedroom. Yes it may have only been a week, but it was a week too damn long. For Alec and the children. Boy were the kids going to be over the moon at their father sneakily returning without telling them! "I'm so glad that you're..." Alec pushed the door open, faulting in his happy words as the smile on his face dropped as the man was no where in sight. Out of the corner of his eye, Alec caught a flicker of movement and his heart sunk as a tiny little head popped out from behind a fallen lamp.
"Meow..."
"Chairman..." Alec mumbled as he moved over to pick up the lamp and placed it back on the bedside table and then swooped down and picked up the kitten, cradling the grey and white fluff ball against his chest, Chairman purring into his neck adorably.
Nope, no one was going to be happy as Magnus had not come home.
Alec sat down on the bed, right hand splayed on the satin material, brushing his fingers over the side Magnus slept on.
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(A week ago...)
'Cat, what's wrong?' Alec could feel how anxious Magnus was, not only by the hand that was wrapped around his wrist, but by the nervous look in his eyes too. Alec had watched Magnus' eyebrows scrunch up. 'Just hang on Cat, I'm on my way.' Alec's heart hammered in his chest as Magnus ended the call rather quickly, letting out a massive shuddering breath.
'What's going on?'
'I'm not sure.' The softness almost sounded like defeat in Magnus' usually confident voice and for Alec, it was shattering to hear. 'She was so weak on the phone, I could barely make out what she was trying to tell me.'
'I'm so sorry Magnus.' What else could Alec say?
'I did hear one thing though.' Brown-golden orbs lifted up to Alec's blue ones. 'She needs me Alexander.'
'Of course she does.' Alec placed his hand over Magnus' firm grip on his wrist. 'Go.'
'The kids...'
'I'll take care of them. Right now, you can't break your promise to Catarina." Alec could see the conflict in Magnus' gaze. "You said if there was ever a moment where she needed you, you would be on the first flight out. You want her to know she isn't in this alone, right?'
'I do...'
'So that is what you need to do.' They both glanced into the living room when they heard delightful giggles as whatever was on TV was making Magnus' three cherubs erupt into hearty laughter. 'We'll let them know together. I'll organise your flights whilst you pack a bag. I'm sure we can get you on a flight out this evening. If I can do that, lets take the kids out for dinner and we'll then explain to them that you have to go away for a little bit.' Magnus handed over his wallet.
'Tablet is on the coffee table since I'll be taking my laptop with me.' And at that Magnus headed for his bedroom to pack for his rather urgent trip to England.
Alec for his part wrapped up all the food he'd been chopping and placed it back in the fridge for tomorrow and then moved to the couch to fire up the tablet. Once it was up and running he began to search for flights to London and had several options. When he opened Magnus' wallet, his boyfriend had an adorable picture of his children inside and then found various credit cards contained within it, along with his licence, insurance cards and other club cards for various shops that he seemed to frequent. It was then Alec found a frequent flyer program card and matched it with a flight that was leaving this evening at 11pm. As he began to book the ticket, it was then he realised there were only business class seats remaining.
Alec doubted Magnus would mind, since he didn't look like a man to skimp on travel expenses. Then there was the fact that, although it wasn't his money, Alec wanted Magnus to be comfortable on the flight as his nerves, for what could be happening to Catarina, would mean he wasn't going to have a pleasant trip or sleep on the plane at all, and because of all those reasons, Alec went ahead and booked a seat and used a credit card to pay for it, realising it too was attached to his frequent flyer program.
'Were you able to find a flight out?' Alec jerked his gaze to Magnus as he stepped back into his open plan living room and was wheeling a small suitcase and he had his laptop satchel bag slung over his shoulder before placing it on the couch. The man had not bothered to change his attire but seemed to have freshened up with some lovely smelling cologne.
'I did, but you have to fill in the rest of the information.' Alec handed over the tablet as Magnus clacked away, needing to place in his passport documentation and didn't even comment on the ticket being business class. 'I just did a one way ticket.' Magnus nodded his head and sent all the confirmation details to himself, so he could access it on his phone, and then shifted his gaze to his adorable children cuddled in the large beanbag together.
'I don't want them to be out late.'
'We won't be. Your flight is at 11pm, so it's best if we drop you off 3 to 4 hours before your flight.' Magnus gave a nod. 'If its alright with you, we could just go to dinner and if you're comfortable with me driving your SUV, we can drop you off at the airport and the kids can see you off and then I'll bring them straight home. We'll probably get back just after nine, but this is a once off special circumstance and I'm sure they'll fall asleep on the way back anyway.' Alec watched Magnus quietly move over to his children.
'My darlings, how would you like to go out for dinner tonight?'
'Papa, we're in our pyjamas.' Madzie piped up as Alec had already bathed them for the evening.
'That's alright, Alexander and I will wait for the three of you to go get dressed.' Magnus watched his three children scramble to their feet, muttering to each other about where they could be going and then trotted off to their bedrooms. Each one missed the suitcase near the couch.
Alec quietly followed Magnus out onto the balcony, the man seemingly needed a breather and thankfully it wasn't towards the bar cart. Magnus seemed lost in thought and all Alec could do was stand beside him, silently offering support.
'How are you doing?' Alec knew it was a crap question, but couldn't help but ask. He watched Magnus shrug as he leaned heavily on the balcony railing.
'Thank you Alexander.'
'For what?'
'For being you Sweetheart.' Of course he blushed a little at the endearment and the fact Magnus ended up shifting closer towards him and pressed his lips chastely against his own, one hand resting against his hip. When they broke apart, something else caught Alec's attention for the first time since he'd been here.
'Magnus, can I ask a dumb question?'
'Sure,'
'Why is there a set of stairs going up to the roof? Shouldn't the fire escape be going down?'
'It does go down, you've just not really paid attention is all.' Magnus seemed mildly amused, which even at Alec's expense was a little uplifting to see. And yes he finally took in the staircase which indeed did lead down. 'It goes up because that is how I can access the rooftop terrace.'
'Rooftop terrace?'
'Yes, I have half and my neighbours across the hall have the other half. Its divided up by a rustic red brick eight foot wall so we each have our own privacy.'
'Why didn't you tell me?'
'The occasion never arose as its not something I think often about and because...' Magnus faulted in his explanation as Alec was already climbing the stairs! 'Please be careful, those stairs have not been used in quite some time and could very well be unsafe!' Magnus ended up rolling his eyes as Alec paid him no attention and continued on his way. 'You stubborn pretty boy.' Magnus mumbled to himself and headed on up, to stand slightly behind and off to the side of Alec who was gazing around.
'Magnus this is...' Even with Magnus only having half the space, the fact that it was indeed the roof and therefore ended up being quite a massive space which of course was very unused and unloved. That was going to be Magnus' warning to Alec, that he hadn't bothered with it over the years, but his boyfriend had been ignoring him.
What was up here was a rusted white chipped iron table and two chairs, along with a potted plant that had seen better days. So much so it had died long ago as it was nothing but a twig and some old dry soil. Even the pot itself was a poor excuse for a red ceramic container, most of the paint on it was weathered off.
As Alec continued to gaze about, there was a set of fairy lights which he was sure wouldn't even be working these days and as he shifted his gaze to the right, the view of the Brooklyn Bridge and New York City was even more spectacular up here!
'Why have you let this go to waste?' Alec was floored as a variety of possibilities began to fill his head of just what could be done up here.
'My attention has been elsewhere Alexander. You know, trying to raise three children, avoiding being harassed at work, finally giving that job the flick, my continuous problems with alcohol, oh and now setting up my own business... So why wouldn't I forget about it?' Magnus watched Alec sheepishly glance over at him before his gaze drifted around once more.
'Can I have it?' Magnus arched an eyebrow as he watched Alec flush adorably at his own words. 'I mean... You know... You'll be gone for a few days and because of that the kids need a distraction so... I mean, you know, there is a possibility you'll miss Thanksgiving with travelling and such so... So this could be the best distraction, especially on a weekend when they'll probably notice more with you not being here. Not that they don't ever stop talking about you during the week, even when you're working all hours at the gallery and...' Magnus may have fallen a little bit more for the rambling young man at his side. 'I mean, we could clean it up and turn it into something nice for you.'
'Do you need a distraction too?' Magnus grinned teasingly, having interrupted Alec's blathering, watching the adorable man snap his lips shut. 'Well, do you Alexander?' Magnus stood impossibly close, their warmth burning an intense fire between them as he had unknowingly (lets face it – knowingly) backed Alec up to the brick wall.
Magnus drew a hand up to Alec's cheek, cupping it and making his boyfriend shudder, so much so, it really wasn't Magnus' fault as he couldn't help but lean in and...
'Papa! Alec! We're ready!' Magnus let out a groan and pressed his forehead against Alec's shoulder.
'Give me a good reason not to call up Raphael and ask him to take the kids so I can have my way with you before my flight.'
'B-Because you shouldn't use Raphael like that?' Magnus' heated gaze locked with Alec's, delighting in the way his cheeks flushed as his words sank in. 'And we agreed to go out to dinner so the kids can have this evening with you as we both know how crushed they are going to be when they find out you have to go away. You've never been gone for more then a day or two right?'
'Right...' Alec lifted up his hands and rubbed them up and down Magnus' back comfortingly. Or at least he hoped he was. He also realised that it was quite chilly out and he wasn't exactly dressed appropriately so they shouldn't really stay up here too long.
'So you see, not only will they miss you, you will miss them too.'
'You understand why I have to go right?'
'Of course I do. Catarina is Madzie's mother and one of your dearest friends. I'd never begrudge you going to her side. I'd never begrudge you doing the same for Ragnor or Raphael as well.'
'Thank you Alexander.'
'We'll be fine Magnus. Please just make sure to factor in some time to Skype with them alright?'
'I will.' And this time Magnus was taking no chances and quickly locked lips with Alec, delighting in how his boyfriend melted into him and slowly, adorably so, responded to his kisses, groaning sensually when Magnus decided to press flush up against Alec's spread legged posture, shoving him harder against the wall. At the gasp Magnus quickly slipped his tongue into Alec's mouth. A fire burned within the both of them and Alec's arms quickly wrapped around Magnus' neck, holding on tight and seemingly never wanting to let go. The older man was contemplating whether he should drag Alec's body up his own, wanting him desperately to wrap those long muscular legs around his waist and...
'Oh god...' Alec broke the kiss, head thumping back on the brickwork, a grunt bubbling up when Magnus' intoxicating lips sucked a hickey into his neck again. "Ma-Magnus... We shouldn't..." A full body shudder rippled through Alec, hands flying to Magnus' hair and messing it up some as his boyfriend suddenly bit down on his shoulder, having pulled his long sleeved shirt away to reveal his pale skin. The bite had Alec moaning as he was sure Magnus may have broken through the skin as his fogged brain felt Magnus' tongue graze over the throbbing pain there.
"So you'll see it and think of me whilst I'm gone for a few days." Alec could do nothing but dumbly nod his head, trying to get his lust filled brain (and body) to calm down. It was also a little alarming they were outside on the rooftop doing this type of stuff too.
"Papa, are you and Allie playing hide and seek with us?" Magnus finally shifted his body away from Alec's at hearing his youngest child's curious voice.
"I know where I'd like to hide something..."
"Magnus!" Alec flushed red and smacked his boyfriend as he finally slipped his rather responsive body even further away from the older man and made his escape towards the stairs. "We're up here Maxi. We're coming down now." Alec called out and listened to Magnus chuckle, taking his response in a very different direction and refused to acknowledge it himself and carefully headed down the creaking stairs.
Dinner that evening had gone off well, until just after dessert and Alec was asking for the bill and that was when Magnus told his babies he was going away for a bit. The table fell quiet and even the ride to the airport was far too quiet. Every now and then the two men shared worried gazes at each other.
Alec had pulled up in the 'drop off' zone at the airport and they all piled out together, Alec lifting the children from the back of the car as they stood gazing up at their father, pouts and frowning eyes all on full view.
'I will miss you all so much.' Magnus mumbled as he cuddled his sniffling children close to him, pressing kisses to their faces. 'You be good for Alexander alright?' Magnus brushed the tears from his darling cherubs faces as they reluctantly nodded their heads as Magnus rose to his feet, shifting his gaze to Alec who picked up the boys and Madzie hugged his left leg. 'If anything happens, you call me day or night alright?' Alec gave a nod.
'I'll let Clary know of your absence too. I won't go into too much detail but I'll let her know you are available on your phone and you'll contact her once you settle in.'
'Thank you Alexander.' A clearing of the throat not far off had both men shifting their gazes to one of the airport traffic staff who was pretty much telling them to wrap it up and move along. 'Well, I better get going or else you may get ticketed.' Magnus softly voiced. Alec observed Magnus pull out his wallet for a moment and a black and gold credit card was suddenly placed into his jeans pocket. 'For any expenses whilst I'm gone.' Alec felt his breath catch when Magnus moved a bit closer, not even caring about anyone that may be looking at them in passing. 'The roof terrace is all yours. And the pin on the card is 6969.'
'Got it.' Alec watched Magnus grin even wider.
'When you get home, and you are alone, google '69' for me Pretty Boy.'
'Ok...' Alec watched Magnus give Madzie another kiss, then he did the same to his boys and then Alec's breath hitched in his throat when Magnus pressed his lips to his rather sweetly as well.
'Take care.' Magnus mumbled before he swiftly turned away, heading into the airport to deal with check-in, security screening, customs and then of course the three hour wait or thereabouts in the lounge until his flight was called.
Alec was certain he was blushing at the open display of affection Magnus had bestowed on him. Not only in front of his children, who did refer to them as 'sweethearts' already, but also the general public. Alec seemed to wait for some sort of scathing comment from passers-by but when nothing came, his shoulders eased.
'Papa will come back, right Allie?' Alec shifted his blue eyes to teary innocent orbs belonging to Magnus' youngest.
'Of course he will.' Alec asserted with much conviction. Alec was still reeling at the thought of Magnus having just kissed him, at JFK International Airport without a care in the world, but that didn't matter right now. What mattered were the sniffling children surrounding him. 'He will.' Alec repeated and then squat down so he could kiss Madzie's forehead before doing the same to Raphael and Max.
'Papa has us waiting for him, right Alec?' His adorable Princess confessed, even though her big brown-golden orbs were filled to the brim with tears as well.
'That's right Sweet Pea.' Alec finally began to place the kids back into Magnus' SUV and then buckled them in. 'You know what we should do tonight?' He gazed back at them through the rear-view mirror before signalling to pull out into traffic and then headed towards Brooklyn. 'We should eat ice cream and snuggle in your Papa's bed together and watch movies all night long.' Alec felt relief flood him when smiles reached their faces.
'Papa says we aren't allowed to stay up all night though.' Raphael voiced whilst he was holding his big sisters hand. Madzie was in the middle seat with her little brother's on either side of her in their booster seats.
'I won't tell him if you don't.' Alec winked and giggling ensued. He knew these next few days were going to be tough, but Alec would give Magnus half a day to settle in the UK and then he'd make sure to watch the time and Skype the man so his precious children could talk to him.
When Alec finally got home that night, it was well after 10pm. Traffic had been quite a bitch that evening. When Alec parked Magnus' SUV in the underground parking lot, it was a little difficult to get all three kids up to the apartment, but somehow Alec made it. He coerced their sleeping bodies into pyjamas and then slipped into some himself. Although no ice cream or movies was had that evening, all four did indeed sleep in Magnus' bed, the earthy scent of the man wrapping around them like a comforting security blanket.
The next morning, right on the cusp of sunrise is when Alec woke and found three tiny bodies were pretty much lying horizontal over him, the children still drawing in long deep breaths. It was around that time when Alec finally remembered Magnus' request from last night and swiped up his phone and did a google search. He blushed up a storm, mentally reminding himself to whack Magnus once he got home and then quickly placed his phone away when groaning children began to rise from slumber.
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"Meow..." Alec jerked from his past thoughts as Chairman gave him a head butt.
"I know little guy, I miss him too." Alec mumbled as he scratched behind the kittens ears, earning a purr for his efforts. "The kids are out tonight too, so its just you and me. You going to keep me company?" Alec watched Chairman jump from his light embrace and slink out of the room, probably on the hunt for food. For such a tiny little cat, he certainly ate a lot. Chairman Meow was definitely a 'Bane'.
"Meow..." Alec jerked his gaze back to the door where Chairman was looking at him.
"Alright, lets go get something to eat together. I need to put the groceries away as well." He received another meow for his efforts as he headed back down the hallway and picked up the forgotten bags and then moved into the kitchen and placed everything away. "What do you say to chicken?" Chairman slunk between Alec's legs, purring up a storm. "Chicken it is." Alec shook his head and his chuckle echoed through the quiet apartment. "By the angel, I'm talking to a cat."
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(The next evening...)
Alec was a bundle of nerves. Not only did he not want to mess up tonight's dinner, since Izzy and Max were coming around to spend it with he and the kids, he also didn't want the pumpkin pie to turn out terribly since he had found Magnus' recipe and did indeed prepare it with the children. He knew it wasn't going to be the same, since he could never replace their father, but he hoped it still tasted nice and the friendly faces of his siblings would cheer up Magnus' pouting brood.
Raphael had dropped them off around lunchtime, just as Alec was in full swing with preparing the turkey and roast vegetables for tonight's feast and it was then Alec quickly invited the man over for dinner. Raphael declined and advised him he had "other plans". Of course the IT expert didn't elaborate on those plans and bid the four of them a wonderful thanksgiving and headed off.
Whilst Alec tried distracting the children as much as possible, his mind was also elsewhere, because another very important guest was coming this evening too: Jace.
He'd received a progress report on Jace's treatment and he was not naïve to realise his brother would have ups and downs. What had been suggested, in the last report was for Jace to spend thanksgiving with family. A night in a controlled environment to see how he would cope and then the next day they would come to pick him up and return him to the Sanctuary so he could talk about his experience and define where he was at in that sort of scenario.
It was baby steps and Alec was thrilled to be able to see his brother again. The head treating doctor did have rules though. It wasn't to be anywhere public, it had to be a private location and absolutely no alcohol or drugs were to be anywhere in the vicinity of Jace. Then there was the fact that Jace wasn't sure whether he was ready for this step, but after a conversation with Alec, he said he'd give it a go. Of course if anything went wrong or Jace felt unsure about anything then Alec was advised to ring the Sanctuary contact straight away and they would come and collect his brother.
Alec agreed to all of the above and at exactly 5pm, with Magnus' bar cart no where in sight, and there were no medications in the main bathroom which his family would have access to, he gazed at the kids in the beanbag and then over to the clock.
"You three stay here alright? I'm just going downstairs to get someone and I'll be right back."
"Who?" All three piped up.
"Well you remember that Max and Izzy are coming tonight, right?" He received nods of the head. "Well my other brother, Jace, is also coming tonight too. So I'm just going down to meet him and I'll be right back." More nods of the head were given and then Alec slipped his feet into his sneakers and was too excited to wait for the elevator and bounded down the stairs in his dark grey jeans and black sweater ensemble.
"Happy Thanksgiving Mr Lightwood."
"And to you as well Alaric." He returned the greeting kindly. "Are you going to be able to spend some of it with family?" Alec had gotten better with random chit chat with the main security guard in the building.
"I've got a couple hours left on my shift and then I'll be home in time to tuck the kids in bed." Alec gave a small grin and a nod.
"I have family coming around to spend it with us."
"How are Madzie, Raphael and Max doing with Mr Bane being absent?"
"Its been tough, but they are really good kids. I'm hoping my siblings can perk up their moods, along with the copious amounts of food that I've been cooking too." Out of the corner of Alec's left eye he noticed a white van pull up. He quickly gave a nod to Alaric, cutting the chit chat short and pushed the doors open and rushed down the stairs just in time to see Jace hop out of the van. He noticed there were three other occupants in the back too.
"Mr Lightwood?"
"That's me." Alec piped up, shifting his gaze from the van and his rather quiet brother to the man standing before him.
"Please sign here." Alec felt a bit odd signing his name on the dotted line like his brother were a package he was receiving. "If for any reason something happens, please call this number." Alec accepted the card and with a quiet nod watched the bulky man get back into the van, signalling for the driver to continue on. When the van was out of view, blue eyes shifted to mismatched ones.
"Hey..." Jace quietly mumbled, shuffling on the spot with a half empty duffel bag slung over one shoulder.
"Don't give me a stupid 'hey', get over here." Alec ordered and before Jace could do anything, he was pulled into a hug. "I've missed you."
"Me too." Jace returned the hug.
"You hungry?" Alec broke the embrace and placed Jace at arms length. "I've got a lot of food cooking upstairs."
"Are you sure its alright for me to stay? I don't want to get in the way."
"Magnus had to go away for a bit so its just me and the kids. Plus Izzy and Max are coming over too."
"Have you..."
"Jace!" Whatever Jace was going to say was forgotten about as both men shifted their gazes to the duo that were walking towards them and had shouted out the blonde's name simultaneously.
"Where have you been?" Max queried before giving his blonde brother a hug and then palmed him off to Izzy who did the same.
"Um..."
"Where are my hugs?" Alec piped up, saving his brother from having to say anything at the moment, since they really hadn't talked about what they should say to their siblings about Jace's drug addiction and now rehabilitation. Alec grinned when his adorable bespectacled brother dove into his arms. "Its a bit cool down here so why don't we all go up and get warm? Dinner isn't far off too."
The Lightwood's piled into the elevator and then into the apartment as shoes and coats were removed.
"Make yourselves at home." Alec piped up as he went to check on the kids and then once they were fine, he headed straight into the kitchen.
Max immediately went to greet Magnus' children, accepting hugs from the three of them as they were so very adorable and then started pulling out a board game since a few were on offer, along with playing cards as Alec had told them to pull out their favourite board and card games as they would all play together before and after dinner. Turns out, since it looked like Alec was busy, Max (senior) wasn't waiting for them and began to entertain the children as best he could.
"I'm going to help Alec in the kitchen." Izzy piped up as Jace sat on the couch.
"You sure that's wise?" He received a poke of the tongue for his teasing and then lost himself in his thoughts as he gazed about the apartment. It was strange without the home owner not being there.
Izzy stood in the archway as she watched Alec potter around. "I bought some salads." Blue orbs shifted over to his sister as Izzy placed the bag she'd been carrying onto the island bench top.
"You didn't..."
"No I didn't make them!" Alec grinned at his sister's pout as she knew exactly what he was going to say. He moved over to a cupboard and pulled out three bowls so she could pour the different salads into them. When Izzy did that job and accepted the serving spoons too, she just stood there watching her brother turn the light on in the oven to have a look at the turkey and veg sizzling away in there. "I know I'm a disaster in the kitchen, but with your directions, I can help Alec."
"There isn't much that needs to be done." At her frowning face Alec pointed to the fridge. "There's some iced tea, fruit juice and pop in the fridge. Organise drinks for everyone."
"That's lame! I want to help you with dinner!" Izzy complained.
"We want to be able to eat it though." Came a loud voice from the living room, it belonging to their cheeky baby brother.
"He is so getting a laxative in his drink."
"No he's not." Alec chuckled and passed her some glasses.
"Why aren't we popping some wine?"
"Because its not fair to Max and the kids." Alec quickly voiced before turning away, so she couldn't see the desperation in his eyes at wanting to tell her what was really going on, but knowing he shouldn't be the one to do it. "Go give everyone their drinks. Afterwards, I need your artistic talent to set the table as I promised Magnus, before we devour dinner, I would send him a picture of how it all looks before we destroy it all." That request seemed to perk Izzy up as she placed the glasses and bottles of drink on offer onto a large serving tray and headed back into the living room calling out to everyone to come and get what they wanted.
"We've got about twenty minutes and then dinner will be ready." Alec called out and Magnus' children cheered happily. They had, after all, been complaining about how hungry they were for the past hour. Never mind the fact that Alec did have a platter of condiments which consisted of dried fruit, nuts, cheese, crackers, dips and some cured meats. It was meant to be a light appetiser for everyone and the kids had pretty much inhaled it which got Alec shaking his head.
Jace in all of this remained glued to the couch, unsure what he should do, but had received several murmured remarks from Alec telling him to sit back and relax. So he did. Or tried to do as he just watched Max entertain Magnus' children and then observed Izzy set the table rather spectacularly.
There was a beautiful crystal centrepiece which was a large bowl and a flickering candle within it which sort of smelt like chocolate and coffee and reflected rainbow lighting about the room. Alec had also brought out crystal glasses and Magnus' best fine china dishes to boot. The glass dining table was covered in a pretty cream coloured tablecloth with pumpkins, leaves and vines around the edging. Jace observed Alec give Izzy a squeeze of the shoulder in thanks for her decorating efforts and took some photos, which of course she got in on, along with coaxing the absent man's children into some.
Alec then went about directing Izzy back into the kitchen to pull out a variety of sauces from the pantry, along with pulling the salads from the fridge and also the cranberry sauce as he was mixing the gravy on the stove top. Alec poured it into a jug, once again handing it off to a beaming Izzy as she joked about being his head waitress and started calling him 'Chef' which Alec rolled his eyes over.
"I think we're nearly ready. I want the turkey to rest for a little bit." Alec piped up as he pulled it and the baking trays filled with veg from the oven and placed them onto heat resistant place mats. The veggies bubbled and squeaked as Alec scooped them into a prettier serving dish and Izzy was at his side taking it from him with a massive grin on her ruby coloured lips.
"This smells amazing Alec."
"It has to taste good though." Izzy rolled her eyes at that.
"Your food always tastes good." Izzy headed for the table to place down the medley of roast veg which consisted of potato, sweet potato, pumpkin and carrot. There was also a smaller bowl with mini corn on the cob smothered in fast melting butter and also a bowl of broccoli with a cream cheese sauce over the top.
Izzy had been dieting lately, since she and Max had been eating far too many pizzas lately, but tonight she'd give her salad diet a miss and woof down her brother's delicious meal. She knew if she said she was on a diet her big brother would pout up a storm and she always caved at that look.
As for Jace, he wasn't all that hungry but would make sure to appreciate Alec's efforts this evening and was reaching for his glass of water when he paused as he felt someone staring at him. His mismatched orbs shifted to his left and he found a little boy blinking widely and curiously up at him. Jace couldn't help but think how much he looked like Magnus and for some reason he felt like he was being judged right now.
"Hey kid."
"I'm not kid, I'm Max."
"Hey Max, I'm Jace." The little boy, though adorable, continued to stare at Jace. It was a little unnerving for the blonde when his eyes appeared as calculating as his absent father. "What's up?" Jace could totally do this. He could speak to a child nice and calm even if in his head and heart he was feeling far from calm right now. He felt that way as soon as the van left the Sanctuary and even more so when he stepped out of said van onto the streets of Brooklyn and saw Alec for the first time in what truly felt like an eternity.
"Are you really Allie's brother?"
"I am."
"You don't look like him."
"I don't. I'm a bit different to Max and Izzy and not truly related to them. I was adopted into the family."
"Adopted?" Jace had to realise he was speaking to a four year old.
"Um, well, lets see... Something not nice happened to my mum and dad and because there was no one else to look after me, Alec's mum and dad took me in and made me part of the family. So to me, Alec is my big brother." Jace wasn't even sure if that was a better explanation to the youngster.
"Is Allie a good big brother?"
"He's almost too good a big brother." Jace's gaze shifted to where Alec was directing Izzy to carefully lift the turkey from its baking tray and place it onto another large serving dish. Jace knew Max's job had been to keep the children entertained whilst Alec was busy, but young Max here had slipped away to come and inspect him looking all tense and unsure on the couch. "Just think, maybe one day he'll be your big brother too." Jace laughed at his own joke. "Or maybe that should be another dad instead, since he likes yours so much." Once again, the blonde was going for his glass of water but wasn't able to when a tiny hand clenched against his jeans, near his knee, his gaze focusing on the four year old looking widely up at him.
"You mean... You mean something bad is going to happen to Papa?" Max squeaked out, tears pooling in his eyes. "Like what happened to your mum and dad?" Jace immediately freaked at how the youngster had taken his words.
"N-No, not at all. I didn't mean..."
"ALLIE!" Max cried aloud, shocking Jace as the youngster burst into tears. All movement and joyful sound in the apartment stopped as Alec raced out of the kitchen and directly over to the couch, swooping down and picking up a rather hysterical Max. All eyes were on the crying boy and a very awkward Jace.
"Hey Buddy, what's going on?" Max buried his face into Alec's neck and shoulder region, clutching him tight.
"I don't want... I don't want anything bad happening to Papa!" Young Max sobbed out and Jace watched Alec's eyebrows furrow as he had no idea what was going on and just cuddled the boy closer, cooing softly into his ear and swaying from side to side telling the youngster his Papa was perfectly fine and would be home soon. Alec tried to console the youngster even further by stating that after dinner they would be calling up his Papa and then he would see that he was alright too. Alec had made sure that once his dinner date with his family was done, he was going to sit on the couch with the kids cuddled around him and ping their father for a Skype chat.
"S-Sorry..." Jace found blue eyes gazing down at him. "Bad joke to a four year old. I didn't mean..." The blonde stood up, suddenly feeling so out of place and itchy right now. Jace immediately knew this feeling which was creeping quickly into his belly. He needed a fix...and now! At that sudden realisation, Jace jerked his shifty and worried (and very vulnerable gaze) to his brother.
"Its alright Jace." Alec tried to calm his brother and little Max down at the same time and right now he didn't know how to divide up his time or attention. His brother needed him and so did young Max.
"Alec... I... I know at the time the idea behind this seemed good but..." Jace gulped down the lump in his throat as he dropped his gaze. "I think the staff thought it might do me good, to remember I have family out here waiting for me and such, but I just... I can't do this." Jace felt his voice crack for a moment and he was trying with all his might to keep his shit together.
"Jace..."
"I'm not ready." Jace let out a shuddering breath as he lifted his gaze to his brother. "I mean, I love seeing you and Max and Iz, but I'm so not ready right now. I feel so out of place. I feel like I might..." Alec moved closer, hand shifting to the back of Jace's head as he knocked their foreheads together, the blonde not needing to go any further as Alec wanted, needed, him to calm down. When he finally broke the small amount of contact, Alec felt his heart ache as he watched those mismatched orbs tear up rather suddenly. "I want to go home." And for Jace, right now, the Sanctuary was his home. It was an environment he could control and what had control over him too.
"Its alright Jace. I'm glad you tried this for me. Even tried it for Iz and Max too. Don't think for a moment that you have failed in any way. You had a go, its not working for you right now, and because of that its fine to feel the way you feel. Its fine to go home."
"Yeah?" His hesitant voice was but a whisper. This was so not his brother at all and Alec wanted to cry, but held back for obvious reasons.
"Yeah. Do you want me to give them a call to come and get you right now?"
"Will you? I just need to..." Jace gestured towards the hallway and of course towards the bathroom as he needed some privacy and to clear his head for a moment. Probably even wash his face to try and get the flushed and itchy feeling on his skin to cool down or disappear entirely.
"Iz, can you take Maxi for me?" Alec handed the youngster off. His crying had ceased awhile ago and he was just down to the odd sniffle here and there now.
"Sure, but what's going on? What was that all about?" After all, her and Max were only getting bits and pieces and not the full picture. It was like their brothers were talking in riddles.
"I just have to make a call."
#
Ten minutes later Alec was back in the open plan living space with Jace now back on the lounge and still sitting rather stiffly there. Only this time he was apologising to young Max who was drinking a cup of his favourite juice and sitting in Izzy's lap. Alec placed his hand on his brother's shoulder and watched as tired orbs gazed up at him.
"They should be here in about 10-15 minutes so I'll come downstairs and wait with you." Alec watched Izzy frown at that.
"What's going on?"
"Jace isn't feeling well so he's going to go."
"You haven't told them what's been going on?" The blonde gazed up at his brother who shook his head.
"Its not my place to tell them. I mean I want to, we do need to communicate better as a family, but Jace, I think you should be the one to say it. It might help with the steps you need to take." Alec watched Jace shift his eyes to Max and Izzy as all attention was on him now. The children were forgotten for now, but that was alright because Max (senior) had placed on a movie and the kids were sitting on the rug completely engrossed in it and would wait until Alec called them to the table for dinner, which all three hoped was soon since their tummies were grumbling.
"I'm...not well."
"What does that mean?" Max questioned which is clearly what Izzy wanted to say too. These two Lightwood's who were not 'in the know' were sitting in the same chair, squished together rather cutely and held each other's hands at what could possibly be voiced to them.
"The reason I haven't been home since we reunited with Alec after our fallout is because...because I'm staying somewhere else for now." Jace received tilts of the head at his vague explanation. When Alec placed a comforting and supportive hand on his shoulder, the floodgates opened. "I'm a drug addict." Brown orbs widened at his confession. "Its been that way ever since LA and...and I've tried to kick it before, but its never worked out. I always gave up too easily. Now with everything that's been going on, with how Alec has opened up to us...and I've...I've not been showing the same courtesy to any of you so...yeah...there it is." Jace took in a deep breath and knew he needed to offer more then that. "My first step was to admit it to Alec and from then on I knew I needed to try and stop for good this time. For me and for all of you too. I've been able to get into a good rehabilitation centre thanks to certain...connections. This weekend was a 'go' to try and have an evening with you guys, my family, but I'm...I'm not ready to be out here yet. I don't feel comfortable or in control right now. I feel, even if I'm with the three of you, I'm going to just run away, relapse and...and I've been clean for two weeks now." Jace fumbled through his explanation and he finally got the courage to lift his gaze and saw Izzy place her hands over her mouth, tears in her warm brown eyes.
"Oh Jace..."
"I'm... I'm sorry." Jace let out a grunt as Max had barrelled into him. "I've let all of you down for years." A shuddering breath escaped his lips as Izzy came over to give him and Max a good hearty squeeze too. "I promise to do better from now on."
"I'm so proud of you." Alec mumbled as he got in on the hug too, trying desperately to hold back his tears for when he was alone.
"Alec, your hugs are too tight!" The younger Lightwood's muttered at the same time, earning a round of laughter which echoed through the apartment.
#
(Several hours later...)
Though dinner was a little sombre after Izzy and Max found out where Jace had been and what for, the evening still went off rather well with pictures being taken, even Alec reluctantly getting in some, forced by Izzy of course, and with bellies full of delicious dinner and dessert, Alec farewelled Izzy and Max and gave them some money to catch a taxi home. He accepted their hugs and praises and agreed to their requests to keep them informed on Jace's recovery.
Alec decided that clean up could wait until tomorrow, he was exhausted from such a busy day and the emotions that Jace showed at not being ready for the outside world. Not that Alec could blame him either. Two weeks was just that. Two weeks. It was not long at all. And as much as Alec would love a miracle in being able to click his fingers and have his head strong and cocky brother back, life just didn't work that way.
Alec jerked from his thoughts when he listened to yawning and noticed the children were hunkering down in the large beanbag which was near the roaring fireplace, Madzie's princess blanket wrapped around them.
"Hey you three, no sleeping until you've had your baths." He received pouts as tired eyes peeled open to look up at him. "Plus, there is a certain someone that you want to talk to, don't you?"
"Papa?!" They squealed excitedly, sleep all but forgotten for the moment as they scrambled out of the beanbag.
"Come on, lets go have a bath and while you're in there, I'll turn on the tablet and make sure your Papa is ready for a chat before bedtime alright?" Nods of the head happened and Alec helped the three youngsters to the main bathroom and then watched them remove their clothes, dumping them into the overflowing hamper. Alec made a mental note to do laundry tomorrow. He tested the bubbled water, just to make sure the temperature was fine and helped the kids into the tub.
"Allie, it smells like fruit." Max piped up as he splashed the water about him.
"I thought we could try a different bubble bath scent. Do you like it?"
"Its okay." Alec would take that as a 'maybe' since they'd always used the bubble bath that smelled like Christmas. Magnus had probably been using the same one since they were babies so Alec couldn't blame their adorable iffiness about something new.
"When you're ready to get out, let me know." He received nods of the head and then left the bathroom, door wide open so he could hear what was going on in there and moved back into the living room. Alec ended up swatting Chairman off the coffee table as he was licking at one of the plates which had the remnants of turkey and gravy on it. "You've already eaten you gutsy cat." Alec admonished and took all the plates to the sink. Though, just because it was thanksgiving, he did place a handful of dry food in Chairman's bowl and left him to it.
Alec fired up the tablet, waiting for the system to load and connect to the wi-fi in Magnus' home and then tapped the Skype logo and logged in. He felt a smile reach his lips as Magnus' login popped up on the screen, flashing away and Alec immediately accepted the incoming chat, the camera turning on and there his boyfriend was, looking a little rumpled and sleep weary, but so very beautiful.
"Hey," Alec mumbled softly, feeling his shoulders ease when Magnus gave him a smile.
"Hello Sweetheart, how are you?" The endearment made Alec blush, because why wouldn't it?
"I'm fine. Tired since its been a long day, but I'm glad I can talk to you."
"Are you alright?"
"Some stuff has happened, but I don't really want to get into it right now."
"Alright, when I get home then?" There was hope in Magnus' eyes that Alec would continue to open up to him.
"Ok. How's everything there?"
"Well..."
"Alec, we want to get out now!"
"Oh, can you hang on a minute, the kids are just in the bath."
"Alec, what time is it there?" He could see the slight frown on Magnus' lips.
"A bit late, but I promised them you so..." He fidgeted on the couch, thinking perhaps Magnus would get angry at him, but he watched the man melt.
"Please go get my babies for me." The love was as plain as day on Magnus' face and it made Alec gulp down the lump in his throat. He wondered if there would ever be a day in his life that someone would look at him like that. "Alexander?" He shook his head of such silly thoughts and muttered he'd be right back and off he rushed to scoop Magnus' children out of the bath, got them dried and into their pyjamas.
Alec was too busy placing the kids on the lounge, not paying attention to Magnus' slight groan in his throat as his backside was to the camera.
"Are you three ready?"
"Ready!" They cheered, sparkling eyes blazing excitedly. Alec moved away and Magnus felt his smile widen as there were his little cherubs, adorably flushed in the face from their bath. "Papa!" They cried out and gave him adorable two-handed waves which he reciprocated. "We miss you!" Came the chorus of affection from the youngsters.
"And I miss all of you as well."
"When are you coming home?" Raphael piped up as he cuddled into his big sister, Max doing the same on her other side. It made Magnus coo at how adorable his three babies were. He hoped the closeness they had at such a young age would never change as they grew older.
"I'm not sure. There has been a lot going on over here, but hopefully its not too long now. Have you all been good for Alec?" They each nodded their heads and Magnus' gaze shifted to Alec for a moment who gave a look that pretty much read as 'yes and no' but they were just little kids who missed their father so Alec had no complaints in all honesty. "Did you enjoy Thanksgiving with Alexander and his siblings?"
"Big Max played board games with us and then showed us some card tricks."
"Was that exciting Sweet Pea?" He watched his darling daughter nod her head.
"I got to cuddle with Izzy. She's really pretty." Young Max piped up.
"That's cause Jace made you cry." Raphael quipped, watching his twins face puff up as he seemed to fume a little at his 'older' brother's comment.
"Hey Raph, that's not nice." Magnus could hear Alec's voice in the background as he had disappeared for a moment and so he couldn't see the man. There was faint noises of clinking, so he assumed the man was just pottering around and giving him a moment with his children, even if he could hear everything going on.
"But he did!" Raphael defended himself.
"We know he didn't mean it and what he said isn't true, because your Papa is right there, isn't he?" Magnus had no idea what this was about and was just a spectator right now as his children's gazes were obviously looking at Alec and he watched them nod their heads. "Now, no more talk about that and tell your Papa how well the pumpkin pie came out." That seemed to work as the three of them started talking over the top of each other as they described the entire dinner to their widely grinning father as well as how well Alec did on baking his pumpkin pie.
Somewhere in the hearty chatting young Max had started to doze off which Magnus knew meant it was time to wrap up the conversation.
"My darlings, its getting awfully late and you need to go to bed." At that Max seemed to snap awake.
"We're not tired though." That got a chuckle from both men as Magnus saw Alec's arm come into view of the camera as he brushed his fingers down Max's chubby cheek.
"How about Papa sings to you?" Delight flashed in tired eyes as Magnus watched his children snuggle more into the couch and the cushions, getting themselves comfortable. When he knew they were ready, his voice fluttered through the speakers, filling their ears and their hearts with warmth and joy, eyes fluttering closed and heads lulling together. Even Alec himself, who was sitting off to the side felt his eyes flutter closed as Magnus' melodious voice washed over him, very much a soothing balm as he felt his shoulders ease. "Alec?" Blue eyes snapped open as the only noise that was now in the apartment was the crackling of the fire. He quickly got to his feet and moved into view of the camera, taking notice that Magnus seemed to be walking down a corridor.
"Where are you?"
"Can you put the boys in bed but leave Madzie with you for a little longer?"
"Of course." Alec did as requested, the boys barely rousing from slumber as he tucked them into their beds, placing kisses on their foreheads and then moved back to the lounge, picking up Madzie and placing her in his lap which in turn did actually wake her up.
"I was sleeping..." Came the adorable pout.
"I'm sorry Princess, but your Papa wants to talk to you a little more." Her big tired eyes shifted to the tablet in Alec's hands as they watched Magnus shift into a room.
"Are you up for talking?" It seemed like he was having a conversation with someone and Alec was finally putting it all together in his head now. There was some murmurings and then Magnus shifted his attention back to Alec and his darling daughter. "Sweet Pea, there is someone here who wants to say hello." There was some rustling going on, a bit of shuffling as Magnus' laptop was placed onto a moveable table and then suddenly a very familiar person came into view.
"Madzie,"
"Mama!" The youngster cried in delight, any form of tiredness leaving her in seconds as she sat up straight in Alec's lap.
"How have you been Sweetie?"
"Good. Alec said I've grown."
"I was thinking that you've gotten bigger." Alec watched Madzie puff out her chest in pride before he found warm dark eyes shifting to look at him. "Hey Alec,"
"Hello Catarina." She looked frail and tired, cheeks sunken in as she'd definitely lost weight, but Alec noticed a certain spark in her eyes.
"Mama, what happened to your hair?" Madzie questioned as there was a bandanna on Catarina's head trying to cover her baldness from view, but when she had such distinct locks of hair, woven into tight braids which Madzie had seen her entire life, of course the little girl was going to ask the obvious. Alec watched Catarina tentatively draw a slender hand, which had a tube stuck in the vein, down the bright blue bandanna.
"Mama's hair has disappeared for a bit, but it will grow back because I'm getting better."
"R-Really?" Alec felt his heart pounding when he questioned her, watching a smile reach her lips as Magnus came into view, arm carefully resting over Cat's shoulders as he gave her a light squeeze.
"Really." The sparkle in Magnus eyes was enough for Alec.
"Oh thank the Angel." Alec pressed his lips to the top of Madzie's head, closing his eyes in pure relief as he cuddled his little princess to his chest. He knew by those words that whatever intense experimental treatment Catarina had been getting was working. Her body was responding to it. "Isn't that wonderful news Sweet Pea? You're Mama is getting better which means she'll be coming home soon."
"Really Mama?"
"I am. And I promise, when I'm home, things are going to be different for us Madzie."
"Ok," Alec's darling princess remarked a little tiredly, probably not fully understanding what that meant, but both Alec and Magnus knew what it meant. Catarina was going to do better. Be a better mother to her daughter. She'd been given a second chance and this time she was going to do it right.
"Sweet Pea, its way past your bedtime so blow Mama and I some kisses and head off to bed." Magnus watches his daughter do exactly that. "I'll be home as soon as I can, alright baby?"
"Ok Papa. Night, night."
"Sweet dreams my darling."
"I'll come tuck you in shortly." Alec murmured as he pat her on the bum as she headed off to bed, one hand fisted and rubbing adorably at her sleepy eyes. Once Madzie was out of ear range he shifted his gaze back to Magnus and Catarina on the screen. "I'm so glad you're going to be alright Catarina. Magnus and Madzie have been terribly worried about you." Alec watched her dark eyes shift to Magnus who was sitting on her hospital bed at her side.
"Your boyfriend's quite cute Magnus." Alec felt a flush drift to his cheeks, since it appeared that Magnus had told Catarina about the two of them. "I feel like once I get back, maybe I should try and steal him from you." Alec watched Magnus scoff at her words, arms folding defiantly over his chest.
"Never going to happen. Alec is strictly a man's man kind of guy. If you catch my drift." The said man being talked about chewed on his bottom lip.
"Oh... Well damn, he seems like such a keeper. Don't stuff it up Magnus." Alec watched Magnus roll his eyes at his dear friend.
"Do you see what I have to put up with?" Magnus voiced while pointing at Catarina and she swat his hand and muttered 'don't be rude'. It all brought a smile to Alec's lips. He could see a hint of the closeness these two had.
"I should get going. Sweet Pea is probably waiting for me to tuck her in."
"Thanks for keeping the kids up for me." Magnus voiced wholeheartedly.
"Lucky its Sunday tomorrow." Alec voiced as he began to place the cushions back into their rightful place.
"There is quite a bit of conversation to be had and after care to sort out for Catarina so I might be another week or so."
"Oh..." Magnus heard the disappointment in Alec's response loud and clear, his heart melting for the man on the screen.
"I miss you too Pretty Boy." Alec felt his cheeks brighten and ducked his head when Catarina let off a tired laugh as she place her hand on Magnus' bicep.
"You boys are so cute." She mumbled before a yawn left her lips.
"Alright, that is my queue to wrap this up. We'll chat soon Alexander."
"We will."
"Sweet dreams."
"Same to you. And you Catarina." Alec voiced and gave a small wave before the conversation was cut and the apartment fell silent.
Alec turned off the tablet for the evening and then switched off all the lights in the living room, the only glow coming from the dying fire and the twinkling of city lights that danced over the floorboards near the glass balcony door.
He made his way down the hallway and slipped into Madzie's bedroom, her night light was on as it cast glowing stars over her ceiling. Alec kneeled on the rug as he tucked her winter blankets up to her chin.
"You all snuggled in nice and tight?" Alec gently whispered.
"Mm..." Alec brushed tender fingers across Madzie's forehead. "Alec, is Mama really going to be okay?"
"She is Sweet Pea. The treatment she went away for, to help her get better, its working and I'm sure it won't be long and she'll be home."
"Do you promise?"
"I do." Alec murmured as he pressed his lips to her forehead and then tucked a lock of her frizzy hair behind her ear. "Now get some sleep." He rose to his feet and padded quietly to her bedroom door.
"Alec?" He shifted his gaze back over to Madzie, she curled up on her side, hugging her plush unicorn to her chest and her tired half lidded eyes were looking over at him.
"What is it Princess?"
"I love you." Alec sucked in a breath of air, tears instantly forming in his eyes at such a confession being voiced to him.
"Oh Sweet Pea..." Alec whispered as her words sunk home and settled into his heart for safe keeping. "I love you too." He returned the affections immediately and watched a small little smile brush over Madzie's lips before she turned over, snuggling deeper under her blankets.
Alec carefully pulled the door closed, though of course left an inch of it ajar for the youngster and quickly brushed the tears from the corner of his eyes.
He knew Madzie and he shared a bond together, because she was his little princess now and he was her blue eyed prince, but to now be bestowed with such open affections, Alec was sure once it fully sank in, he was going to render himself into a blubbering mess. He hoped when that happened, he was alone and away from Magnus' teasing, though he couldn't wait to tell the man all about it too.
Alec moved straight past his own bedroom and went into Magnus'. Even if it'd been a week now, he really only felt comfort in the man's bed these days and stripped down to his boxer briefs, pulled on some plain dark grey sweatpants and then promptly fell into bed, right on Magnus' side as Alec took in a deep breath, the faint trace of Magnus still there as he fell deep into slumber, a massive smile on his lips.
#
(More time has passed...)
Alec and the children were still without Magnus, still missing him terribly and how much he constantly lit up a room whenever he walked into it. And even though it was hard, and it seemed chatting through Skype was becoming less and less of an occurrence at the moment, making the children pout up a storm, but somehow they were surviving.
Magnus had sent him an email, trying to explain what the delay was in him returning home and it pretty much was trying to figure out all of Catarina's after care. She needed to return to some normalcy of her own, but it was going to be quite a slow process as she still needed to constantly go through a multitude of tests and scans and if there were any changes, it was straight back to the UK for her. It was the only country which was currently allowed to do the experimental treatment after all. And with all that going on, of course Magnus was front and centre and ensuring everything was going to go smoothly and of course he was reading up on some health care service providers to pick the best one for his dear friend.
All Alec could do was wish him luck and to let him know when he would return so he could tell his darling children the good news.
#
Today was another blustery cold day and Alec, for once, couldn't take the chill in the air and had bundled up in one of Magnus' coats, along with a black and grey scarf which seemed to match his grey beanie rather well and was on his way back to the brownstone, four big bags of various merchandise in his hands as he'd picked up some cushions, throws and an assortment of tableware for the terrace which was coming along nicely.
In the two weeks Magnus had already been gone, Alec had ventured off to the gallery, not only to check on Clary, but he had also wanted to ask James a few questions about the design layout he had haphazardly drawn up and hoped the man was there.
When Alec saw that James was indeed there, he apologised profusely, knowing how busy the man was, but he really knew nobody else with that sort of expertise and the handsome man – Alec wasn't blind – seemed to take pity on him and offered to come around to Magnus' place to check out the rooftop terrace for him so he could understand what it was that Alec was trying to do.
Over some coffee and sitting on the rusty chairs, the two of them mapped out what it was that Alec wanted to do and luck was on Alec's side as James sent around a couple of his employees to assist him with making his design a reality.
The first thing that was done was the stairs up to the rooftop were reinforced and James' men made sure to tell Alec to get reimbursed for the costs of the repairs to the owner of the building, since it was their responsibility for the upkeep of such structures. When Alec had gone to enquire about getting that information from Alaric, to make application so Magnus didn't have to worry about that, he was quite surprised to find out that Magnus owned the entire building! Every other tenant in the building rented their apartments from the man himself! Alec may just have to give the man a tiny lecture about keeping such things like that from him and also telling him it was probably a good idea to do a general overhaul on the entire building or else someone might try and sue him one day for reckless negligence.
It was then Magnus' words of 'I know everyone in this building' finally sunk in. When he owned the building, of course he would know everyone. After all, he was the one that would give approval for people to rent out the other apartments.
Alec had thanked Alaric, who did look at him a little weirdly, probably thinking he should know that information already, since he was living with Magnus, and headed back up to the apartment to see the two men were hard at work measuring and began to saw up the treated wood which was being used to construct the large 'L' shape main seating area.
Alec himself wasn't that great at building things, unless it was constructing food and instead of getting in the way he would bring the two men drinks, sandwiches and some baked treats before advising them he had to go out and pick up some supplies and that he'd be back in a couple of hours. The men would wave him off, turn up their god awful radio station and back to work they went. Alec wasn't sure about them, but James said they were two of his best workers and so left them to it.
As the days rolled on, Alec should have never doubted James as the men were always on time, only breaking for a ten minute morning tea break, courtesy of Alec, a lunch break, also courtesy of Alec and then a coffee break before finishing their day around 5pm. Even when the delivery truck had pulled up to drop off the furniture Alec had picked out, along with some pots for the plants that would go up there and also the smaller ceramic ones that were going to be used for the walled garden, along with a hefty barbecue and griller, the two men had assisted him in getting everything up there too. They truly were great workers and Alec was more then happy to feed them.
Alec had once again stopped by the gallery to check on Clary a few times during the past week, making sure she too was alright and even brought her some food. She had swatted him on the arm the first time he had done it, saying how dare he try and charm her, which to Alec's credit all he did was silently blink at her. He had no idea what the hell she was talking about and did the best thing he could, shrugging nonchalantly which she just shook her head at and grinned up at him.
Earlier this morning he'd come again to see Clary hunched over her laptop and chewing on a carrot stick.
'That all you've got to eat?' She jerked up, Alec having scared her out of her deep thoughts.
'It is, unless you're offering up something?' She grinned cheekily, but of course this was sweet Alec and of course he had something with him as he lifted up the plastic bag in his left hand.
'The sandwiches are from the deli near the station, but the baked goods are all me.' Clary beamed him a smile as she peered into the bag he placed in her lap. As he took a seat on the stool on the other side of the makeshift workbench that had been constructed for her and Magnus, he caught the ham and salad wrap that had been tossed to him by the redhead and bit into it just as Clary did the same to the other one. It wasn't as good as his own, since he preferred to use baguettes, but it would do. Whilst Clary held the wrap between her teeth she pried the tupperware lid open to look at the treats inside.
'Lemon slice and sugar cookies.' Alec offered up.
'Awesome.' Clary mumbled through a mouthful of food and then pulled a bottle of water form the bag and handed it to him and twisted the cap off the other. 'You're a lifesaver Alec.' Again he shrugged his shoulders, never one for compliments and always tried brushing them off. They still felt foreign to him and really he never got any until Magnus came into his life.
While Alec quietly ate his wrap, Clary was humming away and clacking on the laptop one handed. He had tried gauging her into a conversation about Jace and she had eyed him suspiciously about that and whilst Clary answered a few of his questions, Alec knew now was hardly the time when she was pretty much a one man – woman – show at the moment. Plus there was the fact that it looked like getting the gallery up and running was all that was on the redheads mind right now. Then there was the fact that Jace wasn't exactly in the right head space to be in a relationship either.
'How are you coping without Magnus around?'
'I'm lucky James is here to keep me sane and is constantly hovering around me to ensure I don't snap like a psychotic banshee at his workers if they do one tiny mistake, which might just be a dribble of paint on the floorboards.'
'So, going well then?' Alec voiced with a little dry sarcasm and Clary poked her tongue out at him. Alec's gaze shifted to the very tired looking floorboards. 'Aren't they going to be sanded back and polished?'
'Yep.'
'So why the need to snap at...' Alec paused as Clary gave him a narrowed look and he shut his mouth, not wanting to get into an argument with her since Clary did just admit to her own faults and how, probably underneath it all, her stress levels were through the roof. 'Um, did you and Magnus work out a wallpaper? I know he's been agonising over that for a bit.' Alec thought it best to change the subject.
'We did. Take a look.' Clary flipped her laptop around and Alec was staring at a plain black wallpaper but with a massive gold 3-D fluer-de-lis on it. 'What do you think?'
'Bold?' Alec offered up as he glanced around the main floor they were on and pondered where it was going to go.
'Apparently its the symbol for royalty.' Clary rolled her sparkling emerald eyes as she shifted her laptop back around, clacking away on it with her right hand whilst biting into a piece of lemon slice, Alec listening to her moan appreciatively. 'God that's good.' Alec gave a tiny grin, always happy when someone liked his cooking. 'I made sure he wasn't going to splatter it around the entire gallery and its just going to be a feature wall on every floor. We are still arguing exactly where to put it. I'm opting for the wall to the left of the elevator.'
'I'm sure the two of you will come to a decision and it'll look nice.'
'We'll try, but I'm quickly learning Magnus really does have a flare for showmanship and possibly a bit cocky and over the top too.'
'Indeed.' The two of them chuckled together before Alec got up from his stool. 'I should get going. I've a few things to do before picking up the kids.'
'You don't have to Alec, but really, thank you for stopping by and checking up on me over the past couple of weeks.' He gave her a nod and a wave, leaving her with the tupperware container with the slice and cookies in it to keep her going.
Just as Alec was about to head down the stairs to the train, he just happened to glance up and across the road and noticed a down and out home-wares store. He rushed across the road, once the coast was clear of cars of course, and then headed inside to wander around as he began to think about what kind of colours he should choose for the rooftop terrace.
#
A honking horn broke Alec from his thoughts as he was still heading back to the brownstone, it now in view and he really couldn't wait to get back, since he'd been gone for several hours now and was interested in seeing what had developed in his absence. Apparently the brickwork was being cleaned and the furniture was being constructed and treated so it would withstand mother nature. It wasn't full proof, but it was the best on offer. The bench seating was all constructed now and the waterproof fabric and main seating which was cushioned (naturally) would be delivered tomorrow.
Alec pulled out his keys from his pocket, they jingling in his hand when he stopped suddenly, seeing a young woman near the building, gazing up at the front of the brownstone as though lost in thought.
"Izzy?" Alec called out and watched his sister jerk on the spot before darting her gaze over to him.
"Alec..."
"What are you doing here?" They'd not seen each other since Thanksgiving dinner. Of course they were meant to be meeting on Wednesday's for the 'Lightwood Family Day' gatherings but since Magnus was absent right now, Alec had to postpone spending a day with his family unless they came to him and were alright with three Bane children hanging around. It was then Alec noticed how nervous his sister seemed right now and placed his bags on the ground, leaning them against his legs. "Why didn't you send me a message saying you were coming over?"
"Um..." When he cupped her cheek, Alec felt his eyes widen.
"How long have you been here?" Her cheek was colder then it should be and he began to worry as to whether she might get sick.
"Can we talk?"
"Of course, do you want to come up?"
"I saw a little coffee shop just around the corner. Can we go there?"
"Sure, just let me leave this stuff with Alaric." Izzy watched Alec dash inside to unload his hands of the four bags he'd been hauling back to the brownstone and then he was back on the street, standing in front of her. She gave him a little grin and they silently walked towards the café that Izzy had wandered past earlier.
#
Stepping into the café, warmth engulfed the siblings as Alec and Izzy removed their jackets and slipped into a booth.
It wasn't long before a waitress came along to introduce herself as 'Kimmy' and then asked what they wanted. Coffee and cake was the orders of the day and the woman left them be to get that organised.
"What's going on?" Alec removed his beanie, dragging a hand through his unkempt hair and making it even messier then what it was. Izzy did find it adorable and she had appreciated the coat he was wearing. It looked quite fashionable and a bit form fitting around her brother and gathered it belonged to Magnus. He was definitely way more fashionable then her big brother. It was kind of cute that Alec "stole" his boyfriend's clothes. Then there was the fact that her big brother was quite a looker, even if he didn't believe it himself.
"I've been thinking about my behaviour towards you."
"What are you talking about?" Alec tilted his head in confusion.
"When you came clean about mum and dad's debts."
"Iz, has that been worrying you all this time?" Alec watched his sister nod her head.
"When you finally opened up about mum and dad's debts, I should have been there for you. I should have taken your hand, held you close, told you everything was alright, that we were alright and that I loved you no matter what."
"Iz..."
"I did none of that. All my emotions were a whirlwind within me and instead of accepting this news, thanking you for opening up to us about it, I made you feel guilty instead. I was being a stubborn and stupid idiot. I'm so ashamed of myself." Izzy dropped her watery gaze to her clenched hands in her lap. "I was angry and sad that you didn't think you could rely on me, but once I got my head out of my own ass since its not just all about me, I should have known you better without you needing to tell me such things. I should have paid more attention to you. I should have been a better sister." Izzy gulped down the lump in her throat. "Once I acknowledged all of that, I didn't even know where to begin about apologising to you for my selfish behaviour." She finally raised her gaze to widely blinking bright blue eyes. "So here I am, needing to do the simplest of actions which is saying I'm sorry."
"Come on Iz... Its water under the bridge now."
"Alec please..." Her hand went out to her brother and she was so damn grateful that he took hers, giving it a squeeze and silently offering her support to get through her jumbled feelings and words. "You have always taken all the responsibility on your own shoulders, keeping all the pain bottled up in yourself. Please know, you don't need to do that anymore. We are here for you. I'm here for you. Always." She watched her brother chew on his lip. It was so utterly sweet that Izzy felt a loving smile grace her lips. "You've cared for me my whole life and I know you always will. You shower me with so much affection that I've realised now I do not return it as much as I should. That is going to change starting from now. I'm going to do better and make you proud of me. I'm going to appreciate you more and the first step is hoping you will accept my apology for being so rude to you. Even if it takes days, weeks or months, I will strive to earn your forgiveness. So please Alec, please accept my heartfelt apology for putting you through so much anxiety and pain."
"Give me your other hand." Alec requested and Izzy quickly placed it on the table, feeling warmth envelope her as Alec took hold of both her hands. "Who are we Iz?" He watched the crease form on his sister's brow. "We're Lightwood's. We take no shit from others, we break noses if needs be and we stick together." He watched her smile widen. "Through good times and bad, no matter where you are, you'll always have me on your side. Yes I stuffed up, I made a bad choice and I probably will do it again too, but so will you. Its part of life and its never going to be perfect, but what we can strive for is a happy medium and that for me is remembering I don't have to keep things to myself anymore. I have my beloved siblings with me who will support me no matter what." Alec watched as a tear slipped out of the corner of his sister's eye. "Don't cry Iz..."
"I know..." One of her hands slipped out of his as she brushed the offending tear away. "I look so ugly when I cry."
"That's..."
"Only you can fix that and make me pretty again." Alec tilted his head at that. "By forgiving me." His sister pouted over at him.
"Crying, screaming, laughing, it makes no difference. You'll always be beautiful to me." Izzy's heart melted.
"You really are one of a kind." Izzy was fighting more tears as Alec squeezed her hands in his once more, offering her comfort and stability as he dragged one up to his lips and pressed a kiss on her palm. "Only a brother like you can love me as I am and like our father should have. Only you can annoy me like you do, as if you were a nagging sister." Izzy grinned as Alec pouted at seemingly being called a girl. "Only you can show such a beautiful, soft and caring side, which feels me with so much warmth and realisation that that is how our mother should have been to all of us. Only you support me like the true friend you are to me."
"Iz..."
"I'm so glad I was born. Even with how mad mum and dad made me, and even in death I'm still mad at them for how they reacted to you, but if there is one thing I am thankful for, its for being born, because I get to call you my family. I get to call you my big brother." Izzy gave Alec a loving smile, even with watery eyes. "I'm so glad I'm your little sister."
"That goes for me too Izzy." Slightly red eyes glanced across at him. "The day I held you, I knew love for the first time in my life. I knew from that moment I would protect you for the rest of my life. I know I can't be everywhere you are, but you are, and will always be, my little girl, my first princess." Alec gave her a sweet tender smile. "So get all this shame and guilt out of your system because the day the three of you came to Magnus' place, that was the day my world righted itself. I had the three of you back, so for me you have nothing to apologise for, but if it is what you need, in order to move on, so I can have my head strong and kick ass sister back, then I forgive you Izzy." Alec squeezed her hands. "I forgive you."
"Alec!" Izzy let out a soft sob, her hands dropping from her brother's as one lifted to muffle her sob whilst the other was rummaging through her handbag to quickly pull some tissues out as she dabbed at her eyes and was trying not to ruin her make-up.
The waitress came over with their orders, placing down the two slices of black forest cake and their coffees, glanced at Izzy for longer then she would have liked, and then headed off to serve other customers.
"As a peace offering, now that everything is good between us, you can have the big piece." Alec mumbled as he listened to his sister laugh and of course she accepted the cake offer. It was her favourite.
Alec's left hand and Izzy's right remained locked together on the table as they both ate their cake and drank their coffees in silence with massive smiles on their faces and tense shoulders eased.
#
Sometime later Alec was sipping at his second strong black coffee and Izzy was on her second piece of cake, diet be damned. She'd just finished the last of it and then slid the plate away, her gaze now firmly on her big brother.
"So, got yourself a pretty sexy boyfriend there." She watched Alec choke on his coffee, not in the least bit prepared for a chat like this.
"Iz..." Alec blushed.
"You didn't think you could hide that hickey from us, did you?"
"I forgot it was even there..." Alec mumbled out. "And I was hoping you would have forgotten about it too."
"Alec, it hasn't been that long since we all saw it." She loved the adorable pink blush on her brothers cheeks as she sipped at her coffee. "So what was it like?"
"What?"
"Sex with Magnus." Alec turned redder then ever before, eyes darting about since Izzy wasn't exactly quiet about things like this and he sighed in relief as no one appeared to be paying attention to her ridiculously embarrassing question. "I know it was your first time Alec, so don't even try and deny it." She watched blue eyes shift back to her. "You are not like Jace and I who just sleep around for fun." Never mind the fact she had paid a bit of attention to the stiffness in Alec's lower body that night, so of course she knew exactly what went down with her brother and Magnus, but decided not to ask him outright how he felt taking it up the rear. She thought that might send her brother running from the café and she did not want that when they had come so far as it was.
"Please tell me you're using protection?" Alec immediately blurted out, his 'fatherly' side coming out of him in torrents. Yes he knew his sister was no innocent, but he didn't exactly like hearing about it. Since that just now made him worry as to who the hell she was out and about with and whether they were actually treating her right!
"Of course I am. Are you?" Izzy quipped back. Her dark eyes bore over at her brother and her mouth dropped open as his cheeks brightened. "Alexander Gideon Lightwood..." Izzy commented rather sternly as she folded her arms under her breasts. Izzy watched him thud his head down on the table and she really couldn't hide the wide smile from her lips. "I am appalled..." Worried blue eyes jerked up. "That you haven't come clean about this earlier!" Izzy snapped as she gave her brother a punch on the shoulder over the table. "Tell me everything!"
"Nooooo..." Alec drawled rather pathetically.
"Please Alec? Just one little word and then I'll drop it."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
"Magical..." Izzy could hear the dreaminess in Alec's voice.
"The moment or Magnus?"
"Both." Alec was surprised his face hadn't exploded at his confession. "Can we talk about something else now?" Alec reeled off quickly.
"Sure." Izzy picked up her cup of coffee and took a long swig of it. "Just tell me he's clean?"
"I wouldn't be doing that if he wasn't." Alec voiced firmly. "We both are." He ended up mumbling as he took a long gulp of his strong black coffee. Izzy gave a pleased nod of the head at that, though there was so much more she wanted to ask but knew her big brother was not going to give up the answers. It was as Magnus said to her, Alec needed time. And if Izzy was honest, she wasn't really a patient woman, but would try her absolute hardest for her big brother. Or befriend Magnus and get the answers that way. That was a possibility since he seemed like an interesting character to be around.
"Max has started getting letters back from the University's he's been applying to." She decided on neutral territory of their adorable baby brother.
"Really? Which ones?"
"Not sure. He's keeping it all under wraps the cheeky brat." Alec let off a tiny chuckle at that. Of course Max would. Alec guessed he was still on the fence about which school to accept since he knew any letters being received would be 'congratulations' to his baby brother and soon the teen would let them know his choice. Izzy placed down her coffee, a sudden frown forming on her lips. "Alec..." His blue orbs shifted to the worry in her gaze. "What if Max chooses a school outside of New York?" The very thought had made his stomach churn multiple times over, much like his sister it seemed.
"We congratulate him with open arms and tell him how proud we are of him."
"But..."
"And later on, when we are alone, we can eat ice cream together and cry over his baby pictures." Alec watched Izzy grin at that, tears glistening in her eyes.
"Promise?"
"I promise." He listened to her phone beep and observed as she turned it over to see who it was. "Work?" Alec guessed and guessed right as his sister nodded her head.
"Becca's sick so she's asked me to swap a shift with her."
"Then you best get going." Alec fished out his wallet, but watched as Izzy placed money on the table first.
"My treat big brother." She grinned and though Alec was not used to being treated by any of his siblings, he gave a nod and then slid out of the booth and headed for the exit along with his sister, holding the door open like the gentleman he was and let her step out onto the street first. "Brrr, winter is definitely here early." Izzy griped as she pulled her bright red puffer jacket on and zipped it up.
"That it is." Alec placed Magnus' coat on over his jeans and sweater ensemble. "Take care going to work alright?"
"I will. See you later." Izzy waved and headed off.
Alec looked at the time on his phone, pondering what he should do next. Should he go back to the brownstone and drop the bags off in the apartment and quickly go up and see how the men were doing with the terrace and then head back out to get the kids or just do that and pick up his bags when they all returned to the brownstone and ask the men then. They were usually still around for a little bit once he returned with Magnus' children.
"She looks like your mother."
"Jesus!" Alec jerked on the spot, whipping around to see the very man that was attached to that rather distinguished voice. Asmodeus Bane. Standing right before him. "Where the hell did you come from?" Alec felt his blue eyes suddenly narrow. "Are you following me?"
"Why would I do that?"
"I don't know, it sort of seems like something you might do." Alec hadn't meant to be rude, but immediately felt on guard right now. He had no Magnus to protect him from 'the big bad wolf'.
"I'm hurt Alexander."
"Alec." He snapped. "No one is allowed to call me that."
"You mean other then my son?" Alec did not respond to that. He had to bite his tongue from snapping 'he's special' as he was sure that would give away his feelings too much to this rather mysterious and seemingly calculating man. He just didn't know what to make of one Asmodeus Bane. "Now, why would you think I'm following you?"
"Because I'm dating your son." Alec didn't know how he felt finally admitting that aloud to someone, and more so the fact it happened to be his boyfriend's father!
"You are not the first person to date Magnus, so why would you think yourself special that I would have you under some form of surveillance?" Alec did not want to admit to how much that hurt him since he knew he was nothing special, but having someone say it to his face really affected him more then he liked to admit to. Plus he didn't actually have a response to that either. "Perhaps you are being watched." Alec's lips parted. "Though it is not by me or George." Alec felt his eyes narrow at that. "George has always had two jobs with me. To be my driver and to watch over Magnus." Alec arched an eyebrow at that, pondering as to why the heck this man was even sharing this information with him. "He's been doing it since Magnus was a small boy."
"You're not lying to me are you?"
"Do I look like someone who has the time for that?"
"I guess not."
"I was being serious by the way." Alec tilted his head at that, feeling his body stiffen as Asmodeus stepped closer. Thankfully the man didn't touch him this time though. "I do have my suspicions on who has taken a sudden interest in you, and if you would like to know more, why not come round tonight, 7pm?" Alec drifted his eyes down as a business card, black in colour with fancy gold lettering on it, was handed to him. Alec wordlessly took it, flipping it over to see a handwritten address on the back. When Alec looked up again, Asmodeus was gone. Like the man had never been there before.
"Alec?" He jerked his gaze back over his shoulder to see Izzy behind him. "Who was that man?"
"I... I thought you were going to work?"
"I was, but there was something I forgot to do."
"What was that?"
"Who was that man?" Izzy ignored her brother's question for now and repeated her own. "He sort of looked a little familiar to me."
"No one you know."
"Alec..."
"Its nothing bad Iz, he's just an acquaintance is all."
"Ok..."
"Now, what did you forget?" Alec blinked a couple times when Izzy stepped closer, lifting up on her tiptoes as she pressed her ruby lips against his cheek.
"I forgot to tell you that I love you." A goofy smile drifted to Alec's lips.
"I already know you do, but thank you." He gave her a tight, but quick, hug. "I love you too. Now get going." She gave a nod and headed back on her way.
Alec dropped his gaze once more to the business card given to him. He would have to google that address when he got home.
It didn't take long for the hairs on the back of Alec's neck to suddenly stand on end, he snapping his gaze up and whirled around. For a split second he was sure a woman across the street had been looking his way but when he tried to focus once more, a bus went past and blurred her from view. Once he was able to refocus his gaze, the woman wasn't there. Alec had no reason to believe what Magnus' father said to him, but then he had no reason not to believe him either.
Instead of walking home, Alec decided to wave down a taxi that would take him to Madzie's school and then they would pick up her brothers and once again use a taxi to get home, Asmodeus' words playing over and over in his mind.
Maybe he was being watched.
#
When Alec did return to the apartment with chirpy kids in toe, picking up the bags that Alaric had been hanging onto for him, they entered the apartment and Alec placed down the bags before helping the kids out of their coats and shoes and asked them if they wanted spaghetti and meatballs and garlic bread for dinner tonight. Of course the answer was a big fat yes!
"Alright you three, go wash your hands." They trotted off to the bathroom just as the two men were coming down the stairs and moving back into the apartment.
"All done for today?"
"There's been an issue at one of our other construction sites and James needs all hands on deck. We'll be working through the night, so we might not be available tomorrow." Alec gave a nod and silently hoped it wasn't Magnus and Clary's gallery that had the problem. The two of them were on quite a tight schedule as it was.
"Thanks for your help." Alec saw them out and then shifted his gaze to Magnus' three children who were coming back down the hallway. "Would you like a sugar cookie whilst I get started on dinner?" Once again, the smiles were answer enough.
As the kids settled into their beanbags, Alec shifted into the kitchen after handing off a small plate of sugar cookies and pulled all the ingredients from the fridge and got a pot of water on the stove.
It was then Alec remembered the card that Asmodeus Bane had handed him and pulled it from his pocket, swiping open his phone and then pulled up a search engine. He typed in the handwritten address on the card and sucked in a deep breath as the 'Bane Industries' building in the CBD popped up. He knew by the word 'Penthouse' it meant that Magnus' father lived on the top floor of his office.
For Alec, curiosity was a bitch, and he really wanted to know more, whether it was about the hardened businessman himself or Magnus. And lets not forget about what Asmodeus had speculated merely a couple hours ago too, about the possibility of someone stalking him in a sense. It was all a bit creepy, but if Alec was going to face some unnamed danger in the future, or the not so distant future, he'd rather tackle it head on. And if Asmodeus Bane was going to be the one to shed some light on the matter, regardless of whether he was going to be in enemy territory, Alec needed to know. Or so Alec could only assume Asmodeus was the enemy. Maybe there was more to this? Maybe there was more to Asmodeus Bane then both he and Magnus thought about, but especially Magnus since he was a scarred man from his upbringing.
Well, Alec could play dirty too, for he was not going to go alone.
Yep, Alec made his decision. He was going to Bane Industries, with food and children as his backup.
#
(Bane Industries – 7:15pm)
Alec and the children walked into the lobby of the massive building, eyes shifting to the security guards behind the desk. Letting out a breath Alec headed on over.
"Can we help you Sir?"
"I'm here to see Mr Bane."
"Office hours are closed. Its best you return tomorrow morning."
"I am aware of that, but he requested the meeting. My name is Alec Lightwood so please call him and let him know I am here." It did not take long for the man to be handing over some sort of access card.
"Wave this over the sensor and then press floor 50." Alec gave a nod and shuffled towards the elevator and then once he and the kids were inside he did as the security guard directed. Alec was a little surprised that the men didn't seem to be familiar with their employers grandchildren, but shrugged his shoulders when the express lift brought them to floor 50 in less then a minute.
When they stepped out into a foyer area with a floor to ceiling window at one end and a fire escape at the other, there was lush carpet from one end to the other, marbled tiles and gold trim work with some hearty plants and bright lighting and some obscure artwork which was not to Alec's taste but he could guess the excessive price.
"Oh!" Alec shifted his gaze to the kids when they had gasped simultaneously.
"You know where we are now?" He got three nods of the head. "Are you excited about seeing Grandpa?"
"Yes!" Alec held a small smile on his lips and had more respect for Magnus since regardless of his fractured relationship with his father, he would never come between the relationship his children had with the man. As long as Asmodeus treated them right, he was allowed to be in their lives. Or so Alec assumed as he shifted the bag containing dinner from his right hand to his left and then rang the doorbell.
It did not take long for the door to open and even before Asmodeus could say anything cocky to Alec, probably about how of course he would turn up because he wanted to know more, though a little later then what Asmodeus stated, it just wasn't possible when three adorable shouts reached his ears.
"Grandpa!" And his legs were attacked. Asmodeus had been surprised, eyes shifting to Alec and he saw the look in his eyes.
"Hello my darlings." Alec was all but forgotten at the moment as Asmodeus shifted his attention to his grandchildren hugging his legs. It'd been quite awhile since he saw them last. Alec couldn't help but feel a twitch at his lips when he heard the way Magnus' father greeted the kids.
'Like father, like son.' Alec confessed internally.
When the man finished hugging his grandchildren they bounded into the penthouse without the need of an invite while Alec remained on the threshold. Asmodeus' attitude immediately shifted once the children were gone, face unreadable, though his gaze did shift back to Alec and the eco-bag in his hand.
"What's that?"
"Dinner."
"Dinner?"
"The kids and I haven't eaten yet. Have you?"
"Well, no..."
"I figured you could shed some light on whoever is watching me over something to eat." Faint squeals could be heard from further inside.
"I had wanted to speak alone."
"Did you honestly think I would come alone?" Alec challenged back.
"I suppose not. I applaud your scheming."
"Grandpa," Asmodeus shifted his gaze to his youngest grandchild. "Why aren't you letting Allie in?" The glaring look from the young boy really did take him back to when Magnus was but a little boy too. The older man promptly stepped away from the door. "Welcome to my home." He voiced quietly and waved his hand with a flourish, Alec really seeing similarities between the him and his son in the last five minutes then he'd ever thought possible.
When Alec stepped in and gazed about, the penthouse was possibly even bigger then Magnus' place, though just as stately and extravagant, but Asmodeus' decorations were a lot more clinical and subtle. Magnus' place was bright and eclectic and everything seemed to have its spot and yet the different colours, fabrics and age of pieces all tied together nicely and summed up Magnus: bright, cheerful, layered and timeless.
Asmodeus Bane on the other hand stuck with blacks, whites and chromes, practically giving nothing away, though Alec wasn't so sure now that he thought of that because whilst the view was magnificent with the floor to ceiling windows, what had grabbed Alec's attention were three large black and white framed pictures hanging on a stark white wall within the open plan living space. The kids were already sprawled on the rather comfortable looking couch and the large TV was on and playing 'My Little Pony' since it seemed Madzie had control of the remote at the moment, much to the frowning faces of her brothers.
Alec really couldn't help himself as he shifted over to the images and the first one he stood in front of was a husband and wife with nine children!
"That's my family." Alec jerked his gaze to Asmodeus and then back to the photo. It was pretty worn, but forever protected behind glass now for preservation purposes. "I am the oldest of nine children." The faces were a little faded, but Alec was sure he made out which one was Asmodeus, surprised that he wasn't the tallest in the family when he was a pretty tall man, like Magnus himself. "Disease spread like wildfire through isolated villages back when I was a child and my father only made it out alive with me and two of my siblings."
"What about..." Alec never even finished when he watched Asmodeus shake his head.
"My mother and the rest of my siblings perished, all passing away within a week. Back then health care was extremely poor. I will never forget having to help my father bury my siblings and mother. I was only 12." Alec chewed on his bottom lip, unsure what to say. Then there was the fact he had no idea why Asmodeus Bane was actually sharing this with him too. "Our village was pretty much wiped out and we fled with others that had survived. My father and I carried my brother and sister on our backs and with what little money my father had, he paid for a small amount of space on a smugglers boat and we fled China. My siblings barely survived the trip as the boat capsized during a rather harrowing storm and fortunately we washed ashore at San Clemente. It took awhile, but we began a new life there. This is all I have left of them." Alec, even for just a single moment, felt his heart ache for the man standing next to him.
"Your brother and sister, do they live here too?"
"They do not."
"Oh..."
"Like my father, they only met Magnus a handful of times, if that. I'm sure he has forgotten all about them since he was only 8 years old. He barely acknowledges my existence, so there is no way he would consider extended family." Alec really wanted to defend Magnus, because Magnus really loved family, but never got the chance as Asmodeus continued with his story. "My brother and sister live in California and Oregon respectfully with their families. Life got away from me and I pretty much lost contact with them when I was building my business. I lost much during that time..." Alec definitely knew the older man was referring to the fractured relationship he had with his son. "We Skype every now and then, mainly around the holidays, but I do see my father a bit since he ventures to America often to see my siblings and his grandchildren on the West Coast. He retired in Shanghai."
"That him?" Alec pointed out the obvious as the next picture on view was Asmodeus, Magnus and an older gentleman who had the same features as Asmodeus and most definitely was the man's father. He watched Magnus' father nod his head as they both gazed up at the framed photo. The two older men were sitting on chairs, side by side and Magnus was standing behind them, his tiny arms thrown over their shoulders and his chin was resting atop their tilted heads, a cheesy grin on his lips. It was three generations of Bane's.
Alec wondered if one day there might be a photo where the three men are together again, along with Magnus' children too.
"That was Magnus' 9th birthday. I asked him what he wanted and he said for Pops, as that is what Magnus called my father from day one, to come and spend a week with us and also for the three of us to have a photo together." It was then Alec took note of the tilted birthday hat on Magnus' head. He really was such a cute kid. "My father fell in love with Magnus the moment they met." Alec wasn't sure what to say to any of this, but left it be since the third image had him grinning like an idiot.
"By the angel he's cute." And yes Alec felt a blush rush to his cheeks at being that honest in front of Magnus' father, but with a photo like that in front of him, how could he not? Alec knew the boys were going to be identical to their father as Magnus was beaming a cheeky smile at the camera, eyes sparkling and giving it two victory signs even if there was a slight bruise near his left eye. Plus one hand seemed to be bandaged.
"He protected a smaller boy from a bully at school." Alec felt his grin widen and his heart swell.
"Xanda," Alec jerked his gaze to Raphael. "I'm hungry."
"Oh!" Alec lifted the bag and then shifted his gaze over to Asmodeus. "Do you mind if I borrow your kitchen?" The older man shook his head and directed Alec through the french doors which could be closed between the main living area and the kitchen and dining spaace if needs be. Asmodeus sat on a stool and watched Alec potter around in the kitchen like he owned it, pulling out the food and began to warm it on the stove whilst placing the cold garlic bread under the grill. "Plates?" Alec questioned and Asmodeus pointed to a cupboard as Alec pulled some plates and bowls out.
"Cutlery are in that drawer." Asmodeus offered and in minutes Alec was handing bowls of pasta and some garlic bread to hungry children, telling them to be careful and not spill anything on their grandfather's furniture or the carpet. He also made sure to pour them some glasses of water too.
"If you need anything, just call out as your grandpa and I will stay here in the kitchen and talk about boring grown up stuff." Nods were the only answer he got because mouths were already filled.
Alec shuffled back into the kitchen, closing the french doors so he could have a bit of privacy with Magnus' father and sat a couple of stools away from the man.
"I don't bite Alexander." Blue eyes narrowed. "Sorry, Alec."
"I'm not sure about that." Alec bit into one of the meatballs, nodding silently to himself as he was pleased with the flavours. "My guard has been up ever since you touched me at the restaurant."
"I was testing you."
"Testing me?" Alec watched Asmodeus twirl some spaghetti on his fork and then directed it to his mouth, chewing thoughtfully.
"Not bad." Came the comment and Alec would take it as a complimant.
"Testing me on what?" Alec repeated himself.
"On whether you would be swayed...or charmed...by the older Bane in the family."
"Why the hell would I be?" Alec questioned incredulously, dinner all but forgotten as he shifted on the stool to face Magnus' father. "I'm dating Magnus." Of course his cheeks warmed at admitting that aloud and to his boyfriend's father.
"It has happened before." A frown marred Alec's lips.
"Wait, have you been stealing his partners?!" Alec was appalled!
"Absolutely not!" Asmodeus shot right back, making Alec snap his mouth shut. "I have no time for frivolous dalliances." Alec wasn't sure how offended he should be by that comment.
"I'm protecting my son from gold diggers."
"Gold diggers?"
"People that are only with him for his money. Or the money they think they'll get or be entitled to because he is Asmodeus Bane's son."
"I know what a gold digger is. I'm just not following why you are saying this to me."
"My net worth is in the billions." Asmodeus watched Alec's mouth drop open and his eyes widen. "Magnus, as my one and only child, if anything were to ever happen to me, will inherit the lot."
"But your relationship..."
"Is far from ideal, but everything I am, everything I earn will become Magnus' and in turn his kids. It is so stated in my last will and testament." Blue eyes continued to blink over at Asmodeus.
"I still don't understand why you are telling me this."
"I did have you investigated." Alec blinked over at the tall man, his appetite for dinner all but gone now. "You don't seem surprised."
"Magnus warned me you might do something like that." Alec picked up the bottle of water to quench his dry throat. "Is this your roundabout way of telling him to stay away from him or something?"
"Would that work?"
"No."
"I know about your financial situation." Alec felt his heart begin to thunder in his chest.
"What does that have to do with..." Alec stopped as he put the pieces together. Finally. "You think I'm with Magnus because I want money?"
"Aren't you?"
"No!" Alec snapped, quickly quietening down when he had to remember he was in the man's home, but they were not alone as the kids were in the other room watching TV whilst they were having this little "chit chat". Asmodeus arched an eyebrow at Alec's snappy remark.
"You really had no idea about his financial situation?"
"Why would I? I've only been back in New York for a year and I've been too busy taking care of my siblings to worry about business tycoons like yourself. When I first had my interview with Magnus, he asked me if I knew who you were, but I didn't. I don't know anything about your business endeavours. Quite frankly, I don't care about them either." Asmodeus arched an eyebrow at that. "Believe me, don't believe me, that is your choice. I'm here for Magnus and his children. Its as cut and dry as that." The room fell silent, aside from the faint sound of the TV coming from the other room. "I'm also certain Magnus wouldn't want anything to do with your money either. Its nothing that he has earned off his own back." Alec watched Asmodeus give him a crooked smile which was a little unnerving.
"In such a short period of time you seem to know my son well." Alec did not want to go into any of that. "Would you like a drink?"
"I...guess?" Alec for some reason felt his shoulders ease a little as Asmodeus poured them each a scotch and then handed over a crystal glass, clinking it with his own and then for some odd reason the two of them went back to eating cold pasta.
#
Alec pushed his plate away, not up for eating what usually gave him comfort because his stomach was indeed churning and his head was filled with too many thoughts.
"You seem troubled." Asmodeus voiced the obvious as he poured himself another scotch.
"You said someone has been watching me." Alec declined the offer of a refill with the shake of his head.
"I did. And she is."
"So it is a woman." Asmodeus arched an eyebrow at that. "When you left me on the street earlier today, I felt like eyes were on me. I saw a woman across the road looking at me, but lost sight of her."
"Blonde hair?"
"Yes." Alec watched Asmodeus sigh.
"She's back."
"Who's back?"
"Camille Belcourt." Alec sat up straighter, recognising the name. Well the first name at least. It was not a common name after all. "Has he told you about her?"
"Not really, but I know he was hurt when it all ended."
"She has turned him into a shell of a man. A man that I know is not him." Alec furrowed his eyebrows at that. "The Belcourt's are quite a rich family in their own right, however when their clients began to switch sides, switch to me, as I started to invest on the West Coast, it wasn't long before their fortune began to dwindle and we became instant rivals."
"What does that have to do with Magnus?"
"When your family's business is in trouble, what would you do to try and save it?"
"Certainly not target an innocent man, who in all rights, is estranged from his father!" Alec snapped angrily.
"Magnus became an easy target. Though he never publicised just who his father is, people did find out and used that to their advantage. Or tried to." Alec gulped down the lump in his throat. "Magnus' heart is far too soft. He befriends easily and gets hurt easily. Its his Achilles heel in a sense. Camille is but one of many who have conveniently showed up in Magnus' life some way or another. She clawed at Magnus' heart and did the most damage because he fell in love with her." Alec chewed on his bottom lip at Asmodeus' soft voice filling the kitchen space. "She was almost like this unattainable rare jewel that he wanted to have a piece of, like many others before him, and once he got a taste, he couldn't get free. He was bewitched."
"Mr Bane..."
"Because of Magnus' upbringing, he doesn't love easily and when he freely gave her his heart, he thought he was giving it to someone who would treasure it. He was too blind to Camille's conniving and could not read the signs through the haze. When I truly found out who she was, who her family was, I knew she was not with him out of love. I saw the signs, but with our relationship, there was no way for me to tell him and for him to believe me. In the end, Magnus lost the one he loved and spiralled downhill. Camille killed his heart."
"Mr Bane, please stop!" Alec let out a shuddering breath when the man shifted his gaze to him and his panicked request. "I don't think you should be telling me this." Alec lifted his gaze to Asmodeus. "I want to hear about Camille from Magnus himself. I feel like I'm betraying him by listening to you tell his story."
"Then I will shift it to when she came to me. What I was certain of was Camille was with Magnus to try and get him to sway me to remove my business endeavours out of the West Coast. What her conniving ways failed to research was that Magnus and I had been estranged for years. That is when she came to me, to try and seduce me." Asmodeus watched Alec wrinkle his nose in disgust. "She began to tell me some of Magnus' secrets, not realising I knew all of them already. I did not take kindly to the way she was stabbing my son in the back, especially when I had seen how devoted Magnus was to her."
"What did you do?"
"What any self respecting father would do." Alec tilted his head at that. "I threatened her." Alec's eyes widened. "As I said before, she came to try and seduce me and when that didn't work she shifted to blackmail. She had come to air some of Magnus' dirty laundry, thinking I didn't know about them, but what she foolishly forgot to understand was just who's son she was messing with. She never realised until that evening that I had her under investigation too. I had quite a lot of incriminating photos of her with various CEOs from rival companies which I'm sure she probably blackmailed to cover up their affairs and also the fact she was sleeping with a father and son from the company she had been working at. The company Magnus had last been working at."
"You really are someone not to mess with." Alec muttered mainly to himself but Asmodeus had heard him.
"The defeated look on Camille's face was utterly satisfying to me. I beat her at her own game."
'I will spare you this time, but take this lesson to heart, never mess with me or my son.' Camille's green eyes snapped up to Asmodeus as he stood over her. 'If I ever see you or catch a whiff of you around my boy, I will end you.' Camille Belcourt left his office with her tail between her legs.
Asmodeus had not seen her in years. Until now...
"I warned her to stay away from Magnus. However it looks like she has been keeping tabs on him in some way and now knows about you."
"So? I'm no one to her."
"You are dating my son. She will try and air all of Magnus' dirty laundry wanting to break the two of you up so she can get her claws into him once more. She will think, by breaking the two of you apart that he will spiral downhill and she can be there to catch him."
"I don't care what she says. I'm not going to believe her nor will I break up with Magnus."
"Don't be too quick to say that." Blue eyes shifted to gaze into older brown-golden orbs once more. "He still hides one of his darkest secrets from you. One that even he is ashamed of and from a time even before Camille." Asmodeus watched Alec chew on his bottom lip. "I am not even sure he knows that I know about it too." Alec hated being left in the dark but this was not Asmodeus' story to tell. "I will never allow her to get close to him again." Alec watched the man slip him a photo, he gazing down at a very attractive (and busty) woman with long wavy blonde hair and piercing green eyes. "That is Camille Belcourt. If you see her, and you are with Magnus, walk the other way. If you are on your own and she comes towards you: run. Get him and yourself as far away from her toxic presence as possible. Magnus can never lay eyes on her again or else I'm afraid he won't ever return to being the great man I know he is." Alec glanced at Asmodeus as the man was gazing into his scotch, hand gripping the crystal glass rather tightly, almost like it was going to shatter under the pressure! It made Alec gulp down the lump in his throat when something finally hit him hard and fast in his chest.
"You love him." Sharp and calculating orbs drifted over to Alec. "Don't you, Mr Bane?"
"I never stopped." Alec chewed on his lip at this revelation.
"Grandpa?" Both men jolted at sneaky children interrupting them.
"What is it?"
"Can we have ice cream?" Alec jerked his gaze to the clock and he could see Magnus' disapproving facial expression in his minds eye when he realised it was past 10pm!
"Its too late for ice cream." Alec softly voiced, watching pouts form. "While your Grandpa tucks the three of you into bed, I'll make you all some warm milk and you can each have a cookie with it alright?" Asmodeus blinked over at Alec as his voice grew softer and he observed his grandchildren grin at the compromise. When he had refused to give them ice cream when they were younger, they had thrown a temper tantrum and didn't want to see or speak to him ever again. Of course they got over it, but here was this young man who had somehow weaved his way into his grandchildrens hearts in such a short period of time!
Asmodeus watched Alec shift around in his rarely used kitchen once more, pulling milk from the fridge and placed a saucepan on the gas stove top. That was Asmodeus' queue to shuffle the children down the hallway towards the massive bedroom they shared together, it containing a large king size bed in it. He knew once they got older, the desire to sleep snuggled together would dwindle, but for now, they loved this cushy bed and of course jumped on it profusely.
"Alright you three, time to settle down." Asmodeus' stern voice broke their fun as he helped them into spare pyjamas they had in the wardrobe here and then they cuddled under the blankets just as Alec came in with three small cups of warm milk and three cookies.
"Be careful alright?" Alec received nods of the head as he and Asmodeus eyed the kids with caution as they dunked their biscuits into their warm milk, adorable sighs escaping their lips as they gulped the warm liquid down. There was just something about warm milk and cookies which made you feel comfortable and cosy. Or at least it did Alec and he loved that Magnus' children seemed to be the same. "All finished?" Alec softly voiced as the kids nodded their heads and so he took the cups away and placed them back on the tray he had brought in. He watched, along with Asmodeus as they snuggled deeper under the thick blankets.
"Grandpa, will you read a story to us with Allie?" Both men eyed each other before Asmodeus moved over to the bookshelf and pulled 'The Bumbling Little Prince' from the shelf. The older man started the tale, Alec speechless as he and Magnus truly did have the same melodious voice when the man wasn't being calculating and stern. They each took turns in telling the adorable story until tiny little snores could be heard. Both men crept out of the bedroom and drifted back towards the kitchen where Alec began to clean up.
"That can all go in the dishwasher."
"Its fine, I can wash it by hand." Asmodeus poured himself a third scotch and sat back down on the stool, swirling the amber liquid in the glass.
"Has Magnus been busy?" Alec shifted his gaze over his shoulder to look at Asmodeus. "George said Magnus hasn't been out of the apartment for awhile." Alec still felt a bit weird that Magnus seemed to have his own personal (and seemingly secret) bodyguard in a sense. He wondered if the man actually knew about it. Even though Alec now understood why Asmodeus was doing what he was doing for his only child, Alec wasn't sure if he'd ever get used to the fact that he was dating a billionaire by birthright! It just would not compute in his head because to Alec, Magnus was Magnus. He was just so beautiful and sweet and funny and so very sexy. And whilst Magnus had money, it didn't seem as important to him as what others probably perceived about him.
"Um, he's not even in the country." Alec quickly remembered to respond since he did recall Asmodeus asking him a question.
"So that would be why George hasn't seen him lately."
"You can ease George's worries as Magnus had to go to England." Furrowed eyebrows was Asmodeus' response. "Catarina is sick. She went there for experimental treatment. She asked for Magnus and so he went."
"But the kids..."
"I'm here to look after them for him. He never wants Catarina to feel like she is alone in any of this."
"I hope she pulls through. Losing her will crush Magnus...and Madzie too."
"It will." Alec placed the now dry dishes away and shifted his attention back to Asmodeus. "I'll pass on the well wishes to her via Magnus."
"No!" He arched an eyebrow at that. "My son hates me as it is. I needn't add more fuel to the fire." Alec desperately wanted to say many, many things to the man. Number one being 'Can you blame him with what you are trying to do by taking his children from him?' but it never reached his lips. "Does he know you are here tonight?"
"He does not." Asmodeus arched an eyebrow at that. "I will tell him about this, but now is not the time. Magnus has a lot on his plate right now. With everything going on with Catarina and the fact he's trying to open his own business..."
"He is?"
"Work for Magnus has been up and down, but he's finally going to achieve his life long dream in opening up his own business with a friend of his." Alec guessed he could call Clary Magnus' friend now. They had an instant connection after all. Though he assumed that he and Clary were friends now too. He'd come to worry about her since Magnus had been gone and all.
"What is his business?" Alec frowned at the question. "Surely you are not surprised that I am not up in what my son currently likes?" When Asmodeus put it like that Alec was a bit confused because the man seemed intent on protecting his son, had a bodyguard for him too, and yet didn't know the simplest of things about Magnus in regards to his passion! A passion which had actually been inspired from the very man sitting before him!
"Well..." Just how should Alec tell him?
"I know he worked in advertising and modelling but our relationship is the way it is."
'It doesn't have to be.' Alec internally voiced and thought best to keep that to himself.
"Magnus' passion is art. He's been drawing since he were a teenager and also got into painting too. I've seen some of his stuff and its amazing. He and his friend are going to open up a gallery together."
"I see..."
"However, his true passion is photography." Alec gauged Asmodeus' reaction and watched the man's eyes widen slightly. "What is that look for?" He decided to play dumb.
"He remembers..."
#
(Many years ago...)
After two years in foster care and six different families, an 8 year old Magnus had his suitcase packed and he was suddenly placed into the back of a black car with quite a scary man at his side. He'd wanted to ask what was happening, but instead hugged his plush toy to his chest tighter and gazed out the window, watching the massive buildings whizzing by.
When the car stopped, his door was opened and Magnus slipped out, a bundle of nerves as he watched people milling about him.
'Magnus,' His gaze jerked up and over to a familiar voice calling out to him, his tiny feet running over to the woman. This lady was Ms Theresa, also known as Mother Theresa to Magnus and she was his case worker. 'Do you remember what we talked about? About my having found your real daddy and that he wants to meet you?'
'I remember...' Magnus wasn't sure he wanted a daddy though, since his stepfather and the foster father's weren't nice to him at all.
'You don't have to go if you are scared.'
'I'm not scared.' Ms Theresa smiled gently down at the little boy. There was a stubbornness in him that was rather endearing.
'Then are you ready?' She placed out her hand and watched as Magnus bit his lip before slipping his tiny one into hers.
'Ok...' She directed him into the building with the big scary man who was holding his suitcase and backpack whilst he had his plush toy clutched in his other hand. They were escorted into an elevator by two other men and once they reached where they were getting off, Ms Theresa pulled him gently into a large office.
Warm sun streamed through the large floor to ceiling windows and his big brown-golden orbs shifted over to a man clad in a dark business suit as he made his way over. Though Magnus was young, he felt his breath catch, because as soon as he saw the man, saw those eyes, he knew that what Mother Theresa had said to him was true. This man was his real daddy.
As the man continued to quietly walk over, Magnus discovered he was really quite tall, which made him take a step back as he bumped into Mother Theresa's legs.
At seeing the wide eyed look he was receiving, the businessman immediately squat down.
'Hello Magnus,'
'H-Hello,' He held on tight to his fox plush.
'My name is Asmodeus. Can you say that?'
'Asmo... Asmo...' Magnus furrowed his brows at his fumbling.
'Its alright. We've all the time in the world to get the pronunciation correct.' Asmodeus shifted his gaze to the clutched toy in the frightened boys arms. 'What's his name?'
'B-Blue,' Asmodeus gave a rare smile as he held out his hands silently and waited for Magnus to give him a better look at the toy. When the boy held it tighter in his grip, Asmodeus knew he needed to request to have a look and not just expect the youngster to hand it over. 'May I have a look at him?'
'Promise not to hurt him?'
'I promise.' Magnus eyed him silently before carefully handing over his precious toy. 'You've looked after him very well.'
'Mother Theresa gave him to me. She said he would protect me.'
'Was she right?' The adults in the office watched Magnus shake his head negatively.
'He helps me sleep at night though. I cuddle him tight and wish all the bad things away.'
'Do you want to look out the window, to see the view from there whilst I speak to Ms Theresa for a moment?' They watched Magnus take back his fox and then dash over to the window, one hand still holding Blue while he pressed the other to the large window and gazed out at New York's skyline. Asmodeus rose to his full height and shifted his wise brown-golden orbs to the woman at his side. 'Has he been mistreated in foster care?'
'I honestly cannot say. There were rumours and hearsay but nothing we could substantiate.' Asmodeus furrowed his eyebrows at that. 'Magnus doesn't like talking about it. I've tried to approach him on the matter a number of times, but he is quick to change the topic which to me means something did happen to him, but I do not know what or when. He has had six different foster families in his two years in foster care. Four of which are not in this state anymore.'
'I see...'
'We can try and investigate if you so desire.'
'If Magnus does not wish to talk about it, we shouldn't force him to relive what he went through, even if he probably already is doing that in his nightmares.' Asmodeus hated the very thought of any child being hurt by an adult, let alone his own flesh and blood! 'Perhaps one day I will request an investigation be opened on all his foster families, but now is not the time.' Asmodeus' gaze shifted over to Magnus. 'He's just a scared little boy and I don't want him to feel that way around me.'
'I've scheduled a catch up meeting for two weeks time to see how everything is going. You must understand Mr Bane that even with the DNA proof that Magnus is your son, there are still protocols we must adhere to. He is still technically a child of the State and we must consider what is best for him.'
'I understand.'
'Asmo, look! A plane!'
'I'm coming Magnus.' He gave a nod to the woman, this his indication to her that she can leave them be, which she did, security escorting her and the man back to the lobby and out of the building. Asmodeus dropped his gaze to the suitcase and backpack near his office door. That was all the little 8 year old had. Well that and his plush toy as he headed on over to his floor to ceiling windows and crouched by Magnus' side. 'Have you been on a plane before?' A shake of the head was Magnus' answer. 'Maybe someday we can take a trip on one together?' Excited brown-golden orbs were shining up at the crouched man, Magnus not being able to contain his excitement at the possibility of going on an adventure.
'I like adventures! I always run away so I can go on adventures on my own.' Asmodeus didn't like the running away comment at all, but the speculation that this little boy...his little boy...had been hurt... Well, no wonder he'd run away.
'I like adventures too.'
'Really?'
'Really.' Asmodeus was still floored at how those very eyes were his own. They held so much innocence in them but Asmodeus was certain the boy had been hurt because every now and then when he moved, even if he wasn't moving towards Magnus, there was a flicker of pain, a dash of fright in those big innocent eyes when his own hands got too close for comfort to the youngster. Like if Magnus said something, it may set him off and punishment would ensue. Asmodeus gazed down at his watch, noticing the time. 'What's say I take the rest of today off and we spend it together getting to know each other better?' Asmodeus watched a smile light up Magnus' face. He was such a cute little boy. How could anyone even think to hurt such innocence, let alone actually do so!? 'We can go to the park near here as we'll be living in the Penthouse in this very building and its a place where you can play on the equipment and then we'll eat ice cream after we have some lunch.'
'Ok!'
#
'You know what Asmo?' Identical orbs, though older and wiser, gazed down at the youngster at his side, observing Magnus swing his legs back and forth since he was too tiny to touch the ground.
'What Magnus?' He mumbled softly whilst pulling a handkerchief from his pocket and couldn't help but whip it across his son's face. It was smeared in choc-chip ice cream after all. He had paused when the youngster froze, those big eyes looking up at him, but Asmodeus softly continued to wipe the mess away when Magnus seemed to relax under his gentle touch.
'You're not like the other adult men at all.' Asmodeus wasn't sure if he wanted to know what those other men had done to Magnus. 'You let me pick my ice cream and you also let me play in the park without getting angry at me too.'
'You can come and play here as much as you want, you just have to remember to tell me you want to come here and we'll go together. The times where I cannot come is if I'm working and when you are in school as well, but you can play after school, just as long as George or Sarah go with you.'
'Who are they?'
'They work for me and when I'm not able to, they will look after you. You can trust them Magnus, because I trust them.' The wind rustled through the trees and Asmodeus felt a jolt within him when Magnus leaned against his side, his big innocent orbs looking up at him for a moment before drifting back to a young family playing fetch with their energetic dog.
'You're really nice Asmo.' For the first time in Asmodeus' life his heart truly melted for another person.
#
To think three months from that introduction and Magnus and he had been sitting on the couch, Magnus' tiny body leaning against his side once more as a cartoon was playing on the massive screen.
It'd been quite a trying day with Asmodeus brokering a deal when it was interrupted by Magnus' school calling him. His boy was in the Principals Office at his private and rather prestigious school and had been suspended because he punched a boy in the nose for picking on a smaller one.
Asmodeus apologised to his client, requested they adjourn the meeting until tomorrow due to an incident at his son's school, but didn't elaborate further. Fortunately for Asmodeus his client also had a son who was the same age as Magnus and was happy to reschedule.
Asmodeus made it to Magnus' school in record time, eyeing his hunched over son who was cradling his bandaged right hand in his left one and would not meet his eyes as he walked past and straight into the office to get the full story of what happened. When the meeting was over, Asmodeus gestured for Magnus to follow him to the car and they headed home, George looking in the rear-view mirror every now and then at the quiet duo.
'Asmo, why aren't you angry with me?'
'Do you think I should be angry with you?'
'I caused trouble at school.' Magnus' voice was barely above a whisper. 'The others were always angry with me.' Asmodeus knew when Magnus said that he was talking about the father's in the foster homes he had and possibly what they might have done to him if he stepped out of line. 'When I was late for school because they forgot to take me, or when I didn't do my homework because no one would help me with it, I was always in trouble then. Or when I left something on my plate because it tasted yucky or sometimes I forgot to put my dirty washing in the laundry basket... They were always mad at me...'
'I'm not them Magnus.' His blood boiled at the unknown men (and possibly even women) who may have raised their hand (or objects) to Magnus.
'So...you won't...hit me...or...or touch me...for being bad?' Asmodeus let out a shuddering breath and closed his eyes to try and push the demon within him down and desperately tried stopping it from rising up. From rising and striking down those that had dared touch his sweet boy. He so wanted their head on stakes!
'I will never do that to you.' Asmodeus softly voiced. He gulped down the lump in his throat as he felt now was a good time to broach the sensitive subject. 'Did you want to talk about what they did to you?' Asmodeus watched Magnus shake his head vehemently, tensing up instantly. 'Alright Magnus... Its alright. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.' It was fact now. Terrible things had definitely happened to the 8 year old whilst in foster care. 'When something happens at school or at home which I think isn't the correct behaviour to have, then we'll actually talk about it together, alright?'
'Like today?'
'Yes, like today. You do know its not good to get into fights right?' Magnus nodded his head. 'Fighting is not the answer at all.' Asmodeus softly reprimanded as he cradled Magnus' bandaged right hand within his much larger ones. 'However, you did want to protect someone smaller and weaker and therefore I am proud of you.'
'Y-You're proud of me?' Asmodeus watched Magnus' fearful eyes rise to look up at him. There was a forming bruise near his eye which would turn black as the days rolled on. Asmodeus made a mental note not to allow Magnus out for a few days in case people thought he had abused his boy. He would make sure Sarah went out tomorrow and picked up some ointment so it wouldn't swell.
'I am.' A beaming smile grew on Magnus' adorable face. 'I think we need to take a picture, so we can always remember how brave you were in front of a bully.' Asmodeus took a photo of Magnus' beaming smile and his victory signs. Probably not the greatest parenting the man was doing right now and quickly shoved his pride to the side and turned serious. 'You are going to have to apologise to that bully.' Asmodeus watched Magnus' face scrunch up rather adorably, immensely displeased at that. 'Though that will not happen until you can return to school.'
'When is that?'
'In one week.'
'What do I do for a week?'
'Well, I will have to discipline you.' Asmodeus felt Magnus stiffen at his side and wanted to smack his head against the wall for using that word to his little boy. 'No TV for a week.' He quickly reeled off and felt his son ease against him. 'Starting from tomorrow.'
'Ok...' They stayed as they were, watching the mind-numbingly boring show (to Asmodeus anyway) but when there was slight pressure against his side, it was then Asmodeus realised Magnus was falling asleep.
'Hey kiddo, maybe you should go to bed, it is getting pretty late.' He listened his son let out a whine as Magnus curled up into a ball, much like a cat and placed his head on his left thigh, refusing to go anywhere. Asmodeus felt a small grin form on his lips before he effortlessly picked up his son and carted him off to his bedroom. He placed Magnus into his double bed, right in the middle of it and then tucked his satin sheets and comforter over his tiny body and then quietly headed for the door.
'Asmo?'
'What is it Magnus?'
'Can I call you daddy?' Asmodeus, for the second time in his life felt his heart melt.
'Of course you can.'
'Night daddy.'
'Good night Magnus.'
#
To think, three months after that endearing request, Magnus was being packed up once more. Only this time he was going on an actual adventure! And not alone either!
Asmodeus was taking his son away for a week. Just the two of them. They would be getting out of the hectic city and would be spending quality time together up at Asmodeus' lake house. He'd purchased the property cheap, because it was run down and had spent many year restoring it to its former glory and was now going to share it with his little boy.
'Are we there yet daddy?' It was still a little surprising to Asmodeus that Magnus was calling him that.
So much had been going on and the most important moment of all was Magnus' legal proceedings. The Children's Social Services Department – Ms Theresa in particular since she was Magnus' case worker – was very impressed by the young boys integration into life with Asmodeus as his biological father and one Friday, a war could be raging outside, but Asmodeus didn't care because he was not going to miss this hearing. He was in the courts to sign all the paperwork which would mean that he and Magnus were legally family. Legally father and son. Not just by blood, but by law. He was becoming Magnus parent.
Asmodeus needn't even think it over, even if he had been asked that in court. There was no way he'd ever let his boy be alone again. He signed the paperwork and when it was all over he left the courts and found Magnus sitting on a bench, eating his favourite choc-chip ice cream and chatting happily with George. He made his way over, paperwork in hand as George knew exactly what it was and gave him a smile. Asmodeus went about telling Magnus that the two of them were going to be living together permanently now, as true father and son because they were family now. He watched Magnus' eyes light up and Asmodeus accepted the energetic hug from his boy. Asmodeus' heart soared that day.
The family of two went home, ordered takeaway and watched Disney movies until Magnus started falling asleep at his side. Asmodeus carried his boy to his bed and tucked him in for the evening. He went to turn away when a tiny hand clasped his fingers.
'Daddy...' The very name, the endearment and affection behind it, Asmodeus thought then and there he was the luckiest man alive.
'Yes?'
'Will you stay with me until I fall asleep?'
'Of course I will.' Magnus was out in less then twenty minutes but Asmodeus couldn't bare to leave him that evening, still reeling that his little boy was now officially his! He was a father!
Asmodeus fell asleep in the chair beside Magnus' bed and woke to his sons giggling as he told him he'd get a stiff neck sleeping there. Which is exactly what happened to the man, but he'd put up with the ache since he and Magnus made pancakes for the first time together that Saturday morning and his reward from his son was a cute neck and shoulder massage.
Now that Asmodeus had the official paperwork stating Magnus was his, and though it was coming a bit late, he did finally decide to let his father know. He knew once his old man found out, the news would spread like wildfire to his two siblings and they would all demand to meet his boy via Skype. And if Asmodeus was surprised to have his own father turn up on his doorstep – days later after the reveal of him being a father – the older man having flown in from China to come and meet his newest grandson, well Asmodeus never showed it on his face.
'Daddy, are we there yet?' Magnus' voice broke into his past thoughts, asking his question again and he couldn't help but grin. It'd been six months since Magnus had come into his life and Asmodeus wouldn't change a thing. He was only in his early thirties and to think he was a dad! A single dad, but a dad none the less! Asmodeus never thought he'd ever be one and yet he could honestly state (completely bias too) that he had the cutest kid in the world.
'Not yet Mags, but we'll stop for something to eat soon and stretch our legs.' When it was just the two of them, which when they were in New York was rare, but when it was just father and son together, Asmodeus had his own sweet nickname for his little boy and used it often since it delighted his young son so much to be given such a name. He had made mention that some of his other carers had nicknames for their children but he never got one. Magnus believed it was because he wasn't special enough. So when Asmodeus had first done it, his boys eyes had lit up and that moment would forever be etched in Asmodeus' heart until the day he died. He was knocked from his thoughts when he listened to his boy begin to hum adorably. 'What are you humming?'
'A song mummy taught me. She said it was what helped me sleep when I was a baby.' Asmodeus had no response to that. He wasn't even sure if he should bring up Magnus' mother since the youngster had found her dead and such. She was a one night stand for him, so there wasn't much he could talk about when it came to her, plus he didn't think his boy wanted to relive his mother killing herself. Asmodeus decided to keep his attention on the road before he pulled into a parking lot at a diner. He'd been driving for nearly two hours already.
'Pit stop Mags.' Magnus unbuckled his seatbelt and hopped out, Blue constantly with him. 'Are you alright to go to the bathroom by yourself?'
'Yep, I'm a big boy. Can you watch Blue though?'
'Of course.' Asmodeus took a seat in a booth by the window, placing Blue on the opposite side and it wasn't long before his boy was walking over, brushing his washed hands on his black jeans and light blue shirt to dry them off. 'They have apple pie and ice cream here.'
'Yum!' Magnus cheered happily. 'But we have to have a main meal before dessert daddy.'
'Yes we do.' Asmodeus waved the waitress over and he ordered his meal before allowing Magnus to choose from the six choices on the kids menu.
When their meals came out, Magnus devoured the curry before tucking into some apple pie and ice cream. Asmodeus was realising that Magnus had a bottomless pit for a stomach.
'Did you know I can cook a mean curry.'
'Why is curry mean?' Asmodeus couldn't help the chuckle, just like the waitress who had come to give him a refill of his coffee, at his confused little boy.
'Sorry Mags, my wording is not the greatest. I just meant, whilst we are at the lake house, maybe I can make you my curry. Its a recipe that has been in the family for a long time. Pops taught it to me.'
'Can we... Can we make it together?' Asmodeus was still noticing that at certain times his little boy was still frightened to ask questions or do something in case it angered him. He was certain, if he ever ran into the foster family or families that had hurt his boy, he'd personally make their lives a living hell.
'Of course we can. I'm certain the kitchen is being stocked as we make our way there and I bet, when we open the freezer, there is going to be a tub or two of choc-chip ice cream in there. Just for you.'
'Oh! Oh! Oh!' Magnus exclaimed, pouncing up and down in his seat. 'Can we go now? I'm ready to go now!' Asmodeus watched Magnus scoop up the last of his apple pie and then dropped his spoon into the bowl and hopped out of the booth. His little boy was that excited at the prospect of copious amounts of his favourite ice cream. It was utterly adorable.
'Absolutely.' Asmodeus slipped out of the booth, placing money onto the table, along with a hearty tip for the waitress as he, the staff and other customers watched his boy go racing towards the glass door, a massive (and very sweet) grin on his face.
'Hurry daddy!'
#
During their week stay, many memories were etched into the hearts of both father and son, none more so when Asmodeus took Magnus out for a long walk and showed him the camera his father had given him a long time ago. Carefully he had let Magnus look through it and also click the button as he took pictures of flowers, birds, clouds, Magnus himself and the landscape around them wherever they walked.
What had been one of the most adorable memories during that week together (and there were heaps) was when Asmodeus had gone into the small town not far from the lake house and purchased an instant polaroid camera. He ventured out that afternoon with his eager boy at his side and took a picture of a ladybug crawling on a leaf and when he had clicked the button, the camera made its usual noise and then the image popped out.
'Oh! Daddy, you're a magician!'
'Far from it Mags.'
'I'm going to be a magician like daddy when I grow up.' Asmodeus had laughed at his young son that day as he handed over the camera, he witnessing the biggest smile form on Magnus' face as he said it was a present for him and Magnus was off and running around, snapping pictures left, right and centre.
#
"Mr Bane?" Asmodeus jerked from his past thoughts, shifting his attention to the young man who had clearly been watching him. The father didn't know just how long he lost himself in memories of when Magnus was a boy. Of a time when life seemed so much simpler back then. "Are you alright?"
"Its late." Alec watched the man rise from his seated position. Alec took that as an indication he'd overstayed as it was. He grabbed his gear, which wasn't much and then headed for the front door, Magnus' father close behind him. "I will drop the kids off around midday tomorrow."
"Midday it is." Alec placed his hand on the doorknob and pulled the front door open, stepping out into the foyer. "Mr Bane," Alec turned around and faced the older man. "Why me?"
"Why you what?"
"You don't seem to be a man who would chat much about his life, especially to a stranger, which is what I am to you, and yet you did." Alec gulped down the lump in his throat, unsure why he suddenly felt nervous. "So why me?"
"I am wondering that myself." That was hardly the answer Alec was looking for, but as he gazed up at the tall man, he realised that the older Bane truly had no answer to his question! "Here, take this for a taxi." Asmodeus shoved some money into Alec's hand.
"I don't need your money." Alec shoved it back into Asmodeus'.
"I made you come all this way this evening."
"You didn't make me."
"Just take it." Asmodeus shoved it back. "Its snowing outside and she might be around." Alec chewed on his lip at that and gave a slight nod.
"I'll pay you back tomorrow."
"That isn't necessary."
"I said I'll pay you back. I hate debts." Asmodeus arched an eyebrow at that. "Good night Mr Bane." Alec curtly voiced, giving the man a nod and then hit the button for the elevator. He got into the lift, turning around to see if the man was still at his front door and was a little surprised to notice that he was. Alec wasn't sure how to feel about that. Maybe he thought he was going to try and swipe one of the artworks or bits of pottery in the foyer. Alec would never know and gave a nod before the elevator doors closed.
#
(Back in Brooklyn)
Alec got out of his clothes and without even bothering to place on some slacks he fell head first into Magnus' bed, sighing heavily as his eyes drifted closed.
Tonight had been a bloody weird evening for Alec and he was utterly drained.
With all the information currently running through his mind, it was no fault of Alec's when he completely missed the buzzing of his phone which was flashing in his jeans pocket with a picture of Magnus on the screen.
#
(The next day...)
Like clockwork, right on Midday, Asmodeus had dropped off the kids. They had come home with a plastic bag containing a bunch of craft items and scurried to the lounge to pull out the contents whilst Alec tried to conjure up some small talk with Magnus' father. Thankfully the man had a work luncheon to attend and let him off the hook. Alec for his part was still reeling about last night after all.
When he had woke this morning, and realised he missed a call from Magnus, he felt rather guilty about it. Then there was the fact that he wasn't sure how to go about telling his boyfriend about spending an evening with his estranged father. Plus what had also been revealed too. Now that was going to be quite the conversation...
"What are you three doing?" Alec had been fixing the kids some hot chocolate since it was still snowing outside and also brought over a plate of chocolate-chip cookies. He had some very exciting news to tell them too.
"Making birthday cards."
"Birthday cards for who?" Alec found three pairs of eyes gazing up at him from their lounging positions on the plush rug.
"For Papa." The three children voiced simultaneously. Alec's eyes widened at that.
"Your Papa's birthday is coming up?" He watched the three children nod their heads.
"Grandpa reminded us that its on the 8th." Madzie voiced as she glued some glittery stars to the card she was making, her tongue poking out the corner of her mouth rather adorably.
"The 8th? As in this Thursday?"
"Yep!" The three children chimed in once more, accepting the drinks and cookies from Alec before he scurried away, his exciting news all but forgotten as he swiped up his phone which he had left on the coffee table and opened up his message history from Magnus.
'Everything is finally sorted. I'll be home on Thursday!' Magnus had sent him an image of a dancing emoji after his text message which he did grin over when he first read it. Now though, it was sinking in even more thanks to three little cherubs and their rather startling news.
Magnus was finally coming home. On Thursday. On his birthday!
And Alec hadn't prepared a thing!
#
To be continued...
