Separating Alec and Madzie proved impossible even after the police left. With Alec being forced to rest for the majority of the day and Magnus once again working from home because of it, Catarina and Will decided that it actually wouldn't be bad to have Madzie spend the entire week with them. They dropped by for dinner almost every night with groceries, which Alec, with assistance from Madzie, would turn into a wonderful meal as that seemed to be the only exertion that Magnus would allow him.
Alec's siblings dropped by the day after the cops had come. They had crowded and fussed over Alec for a good half hour before Madzie managed to provide adequate distraction. Izzy didn't stay long as Meliorn had decided to actually ask her on an official date, which Magnus knew to be a very good sign of his actual interest. Max and Madzie played airplane darts as Jace, Alec and Magnus sat on the couch and talked. Clary had apparently also been worried and wanting to see Alec, but Alec was very relieved that Jace had managed to persuade the stubborn redhead to stay back. He would see Clary when he could move properly again.
The day after Magnus had a meeting with Ragnor in his apartment. It was the first time in months that Ragnor had actually come to the apartment and it was honestly the most productive and comfortable meeting Magnus had had in months. Alec dropped by twice to offer drinks, but other than that mostly kept an eye on Madzie in the living room. It was the first time that Ragnor had come to the apartment in months, though they had stuck to their dinner plans after Ragnor's birthday and made several visits to his office.
Ragnor and Alec would probably never be really good friends, but they could enjoy both being in the company of Magnus who really could ease all tension. Ragnor's intense dislike of kids had originally also extended to Madzie, but seeing her and Magnus interact had warmed him up to her as long as she didn't try to involve him. This being Madzie, that was no problem.
And so the week pottered on and by the end of it Alec had started to look a lot better. Most of the cuts and bruises had healed. He was doing some light exercises to get his shoulder back in shape and most of the bruises had either faded to a light yellow or completely disappeared. His ribs were the most serious thing still, but Alec knew from experience that that would get better and he was considering taking less painkillers so he wouldn't get reckless.
Having Madzie around really was the best distraction for Alec. She had taken up residence in his room with him though they had fit up a second, child sized bed for her. It was also an indication to her that no matter what happened, she was always welcome with them. Alec spent large parts of his day entertaining her, or watching her play from his position on the bed or lying on the couch.
At the end of the week it really had to be enough, however, as Alec was well enough recovered to accompany Magnus to an event he really couldn't miss. The fourth of July party was a big fashion thing where Magnus was going to have to rub some elbows with some of the bigger local names. Before the incident he had been excited, as it generally was a rather good party. But now he was actually considering asking Alec to stay behind, just so the man would not have to suffer.
Of course Alec wouldn't let him cancel or go by himself. He had actually been itching to get outside as, despite Madzie being a very good distraction, he was too active by nature to not work for this long. He was feeling well enough to do his job, so he would.
During bedrest he had actually prepared for the event as he usually did, and it was a well organised non-threatening affair. His biggest concern was a possible appearance by Camille, but as far as he could tell, she was not currently in the city. He had been trying to keep up with her movement as well as he could without warranting stalking charges himself. She had left for California two days ago, probably for work because Magnus had informed him that Camille was, surprisingly, not fond of California's climate.
Alec fiddled with the tie Magnus was insisting he wear. Though it was by far not the worst one in Magnus' rather impressive collection of them, he couldn't help but feel slightly ridiculous. Alec didn't like wearing bright colours and the red tie was like a siren around his neck. In combination with a white long sleeved shirt and the navy vest, it made that he fit the dress code just barely, but that didn't mean he had to like it. The tattoos on his arms could be seen through the fabric of his shirt.
'That tie is too neat,' Magnus voice came from the doorway. Alec turned and felt his breath hitch in his throat. How the hell did Magnus look this good in a red and white pinstripe jacket? Literally anyone else would have probably looked ridiculous in the combination of patterns, but Magnus simply looked daring and breathtaking. Speaking about breath, Alec really should be getting his back and stop staring at the silver glitter on the man's face.
Magnus clearly disagreed with that sentiment as he strode over grabbed Alec by the tie and started adjusting it. His fingers brushed Alec's throat and when his eyes flicked up to meet Alec's he was pretty sure he was looking like a deer in headlights. But maybe not, because as Magnus held his gaze the movement of his hands slowed down as if he was equally transfixed by Alec, as Alec himself was by his employer. Magnus thumb brushed over Alec's adam's apple and he swallowed, breaking the spell that had them both bound.
'I didn't expect you to know how to tie a tie,' Magnus pulled back his hands to give Alec an approving once over.
'My mother taught me,' Alec replied. 'For when I would accompany her or my father to one of their business functions. The bowtie didn't stick, but I've tied a couple for Jace in the past few years. Why did you mess it up?' Alec turned back to the mirror but made no move to change it. The tie looked slightly less ridiculous when it was not perfectly tied around his neck, but more loosely hanging over his shirt.
'It suits your more casual look,' Magnus grinned, 'and shows of the tattoo in your neck better.'
'Are you sure you're okay with them showing through the shirt?' Alec asked.
'Alexander, if I wasn't I wouldn't have bought you that shirt. Especially now that I've had a couple of chances to observe them and can tell them apart from the outlines.' The comment had the desired effect of forcing a furious blush onto Alec's cheeks. Magnus laughed at this.
Dressing had been a serious pain for Alec the first days after the injury. And since they hadn't really had anywhere to go, as long as it had been just the three of them around the apartment Alec had been walking around shirtless a lot more than he usually would. Madzie hadn't cared, but Magnus had found himself mightily distracted by the man's physique and the tattoos he desperately wanted to map out with his tongue. Of course, Alec, in true Alec fashion, hadn't noticed that the attention was positive and had told Magnus several times that if he was bothered by it, Alec could cover up.
'We should probably get going,' Alec managed to choke out. They were walking further than usual, but the incident had firmly cemented Magnus' dislike of cars and revealed that Alec shared the sentiment, and the subway was likely to jostly Alec's ribs in the celebrating crowd, so walking was the better option.
'I agree, there is being fashionably late and then just being late. Are you sure you're going to be alright?'
'I'll be fine, Magnus. I wrapped them up and I've got more painkillers on hand in case I need them. I want to get back into the swing of things.' Magnus acquiesced and they went on their way.
The air was getting warmer and the sun went down later every day. It made their stroll through the city rather pleasant. Magnus was talking about some of the people he expected to see and ranting about sunglasses being the stupidest accessory available. Alec merely smiled and nodded, not really caring much about the topic, but liking to see Magnus talk animatedly.
They arrived to the party in full swing. The venue was ritzy and expensive, but the red-white-blue colour scheme made it all seem much less extravagant. There was music and dancing and drinking and garden doors wide open. Alec felt uncomfortable in the mass of people, but slipping into function one step behind Magnus gave him back his confidence.
Magnus had an awful lot of people to talk to, half of them he didn't even like, as Alec was informed. Magnus was an excellent conversationalist and within moments knew exactly how to make someone like him. It was honestly fascinating to watch in glances as Alec continuously scanned his surroundings.
What was most surprising was the fact that in this mass of people Alec himself was receiving attention. Magnus actually noticed it before Alec did, in looks the younger man received, but as the evening went on and people consumed more alcohol they actually started to approach Alec. And honestly, who could blame them? Even among models, and fashionistas dressed to the nines, Alec's height and quiet confidence in his function made him stand out. He pulled off his casual look incredibly well.
At first it had been a couple of women who had asked him to dance with them, but had been gently refused by Alec. Then a man with some rather bold advances, who Alec had rebutted by telling him he was in function tonight. He'd declined several drinks from men and women for the same reason. And when someone had handed him a business card with the offer to "call me, maybe we can do some work together. Or pleasure, I'm not above mixing those." Alec had returned it almost immediately with the confused remark that he already had a job.
Honestly, Magnus had a great time observing Alec in the unfamiliar situation of being noticed. Alec was completely oblivious to his own charms and it made him all the more endearingly attractive to Magnus. He'd found his eyes drifting over to Alec more than they ought to and at some point decided to teasingly ask Alec his opinion on the people at the party.
'They are very friendly, but a bit pushy,' had been Alec's only remark and Magnus had laughed heartily at that. Honestly, going to these events with Alec, who was completely unimpressed by all the airs that people put up was brilliant. Whenever he felt completely fed up with the schmoozing, Magnus would turn to ask Alec his opinion on something or someone and would get such a deadpan response in return that he immediately felt rejuvenated again.
With his eyes wandering over to Alec so regularly now it was impossible to not notice the moment that Alec froze.
Completely.
They had been walking through the crowd when Alec had suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. Magnus tried to see what had caused it, but following Alec's line of sight was not enough. And the look on Alec's face…
Alec had always had his wits about him when dealing with Magnus' problems. It was one of the reasons why Magnus felt so safe around the man. But right now Alec stood frozen in shock, colour draining from his face as if he had seen a ghost.
'Alec!' Surprisingly the call of his name had not been Magnus. Through the crowd there was a woman with jet black hair, scarlet lips and a hint of spanish heritage in her stern features making her way over to them. Magnus felt like he should know her, that he should recognise her. She was closing in and Alec had still not recovered and Magnus was at a loss for what to do.
'Alexander?' A gentle touch to his arm shook Alec from his stupor. He immediately looked down to meet Magnus concerned eyes.
'Magnus, I'm sorry. I never expected-.'
'Alec,' the woman now stood in front of them. Dark features, tall stature and bright eyes.
'Mother.' Magnus felt like he had been slapped right across his face. Alec's mother was dead, he knew that, but it had been Alec himself who had just addressed her as such. And now looking at it, it was undeniable, the woman was the spitting image of Isabelle a few years later. Maryse Lightwood had not changed at all from her picture eight years ago, with the exception of a small scar that had been added along her jaw.
Maryse leaned in and let Alec meet her in pressing a kiss against each other's cheek. It seemed very stiff and formal for a reunion of mother and son after six years of her having been dead.
'Mother, you can't be here.'
'But I am and I have to be. Alec, what do you think you are doing? What possessed you to think it was a good idea to work for Magnus Bane?!' His name was spoken with such detest that Magnus almost wanted to remind her that he was standing right there. But for Alec's sake he held his tongue.
'I'm doing what I promised,' Alec replied. 'Why are you here?'
'He knows, Alec. He knows. But he hasn't been able to find me. And then you go and do something so monumentally stupid.'
'I was doing my best, mother.'
'That doesn't take away from the fact that you are putting yourself and all your siblings in great danger.'
Alec swallowed hard: 'Maybe you should have thought about that before, or when you approached me just now.' He turned to Magnus. 'We need to leave right now.' Magnus was very confused, but he didn't even consider arguing with Alec about this. He simply nodded and started to turn to leave.
'Alec, you have to listen to me.' But Alec completely ignored his mother's words and led Magnus away, knowing that she abhorred making a scene enough to not follow them.
Alec was walking fast. His expression was closed off and he was quiet. Magnus struggled to keep up and the pit of dread in his stomach and turbulent confusion of thoughts in his head kept him from asking questions he desperately needed the answer to. Alec was on edge. His eyes were darting around almost paranoid and he was sticking very close to Magnus, closer than normal.
Magnus breathed a sigh of relief when they entered the lobby, but Alec didn't release any tension until the apartment door closed behind them. Then suddenly things came spilling out of his mouth.
'I'm sorry, Magnus. I'm so sorry. If I had known… I never meant to put you… This is not making any sense, is it? But I don't know where to begin. It's… I can't… I'm so sorry.' For the first time since meeting him, Magnus thought Alec looked young. Just a boy with the world on his shoulders in desperate need of some help, but unable to find it anywhere.
Magnus took a step closer and put a hand on his cheek: 'It's alright, Alexander.' His soft words seemed to break something in Alec because suddenly a pair of arms wound their way around him and pulled him tight into Alec's embrace.
'No, it's not,' were all the words in reply before Alec buried his face in Magnus shoulder. Magnus had never seen Alec this upset. Not when Izzy had relapsed, not when he had been hit by that car. Alec looked as though his entire world was about to collapse and there was nothing he could do but stand and watch as the ground crumbled underneath his feet. Right now, Alec needed him.
Magnus carefully wrapped his arms around the younger man and rubbed soothing circles on his back as he too rested his forehead on Alec's shoulder. Moments passed as they just stood there, Alec clinging on to him for dear life. It must have been minutes before Alec moved to disentangle himself, releasing Magnus from his hold, but not stepping away.
'I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Magnus. About all of this. She's right, I should have stayed far away from you. I-.'
'Alexander,' Magnus cut him off. 'I don't know what is going on and you are not making any sense. But I do know, that no matter what we're going to be facing, no matter how bad or painful it is going to be, I will always be glad that you came into my life. You have given me back my life, so even if someone tries to kill me again tomorrow, I wouldn't trade the time we had for another thousand years. Whatever it is, we'll get through it together.'
'The hit was not on you,' Alec blurted. 'Maybe it was, but it wasn't for you. That's why it was so sloppy. It wasn't meant as a hit, it was a message.'
'A message?'
'I lied, Magnus. I lied to you, to Jace, to Izzy, to Max. I lied because that is what I do and I can't…'
'Alexander, slow down,' Magnus took Alec's hand between his own. Alec looked so small and lost and Magnus would give almost anything to take a little of the younger man's pain away. Alec didn't talk about himself, Alec didn't talk about the important things. He skirted minor issues and told larger half truths, but he was a terrible liar. Alec hated being deceitful and it was visible any time he tried to be except when he spoke those few half truths. He had perfected those to a scary degree because clearly it had been necessary. And now he was buckling under the weight of the secrets he had been carrying by himself for so long. He didn't know how to open up and unburden himself anymore.
'Okay, listen to me. I'm going to make us some tea and we are going to sit on that couch together. You are going to start from the very beginning and without leaving anything out, you are going to tell me what happened in the past that is now coming to return to you. I will not interrupt you, I will not question you, I will not pity you. I will sit and listen until you are done. And once we are done we will calmly look at the situation together and see what can be done.'
'You should ask questions when something is unclear,' Alec replied softly.
'Okay, then we will do that. Are you okay with this?'
'Yes,' Alec answered. Magnus immediately went into the kitchen to make tea. When he returned Alec had discarded his tie and vest and taken a seat on the couch. Magnus gave one of the cups of tea to Alec and sat down next to him, working off his shoes so he could fold his legs under him on the couch. He didn't say anything, but patiently waited as Alec twisted the tea in his hands preparing himself for what was clearly going to be a very painful conversation. It was after a minute or two that Alec finally started speaking.
