Help Wanted

by Shin Sankai

Answering an ad in the paper, desperately in need of money to pay the rent and also several other debts, Alexander Lightwood never would of thought he'd be sitting in front of the most beautiful man he'd ever seen in his life and being advised just what the job entails which is far from the private tutoring he thought he was applying for. AU-none Shadowhunter-verse (MALEC)

22. Chapter 22

Help Wanted

By Shin Sankai

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Authors Notes: Most of this, I think, is all harmless and sweet, with some Malec sex, but then things turn sour when Camille does what she does best – getting between the boys.

Enjoy!

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Chapter 22: Biscuit and Bane

Alec had woken to an empty bed, again, and sighed as he rolled out and hit the shower in Magnus' ensuite.

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Christmas felt like a distant memory, almost like it hadn't happened in a sense, but then Alec knew it had, because having broken the news to his grandparents, about everything that had been going on in their lives, the major issue being the debt his parents left them, it ended up being very liberating to Alec.

Of course never in a million years would he think they would then offer him money in return. He got that it was a trust fund, but he hadn't been in their lives for over two decades, and then Andrew and Phoebe didn't even know about Jace, Izzy or Max and yet all four of them were treated like family. Alec wasn't sure how he felt about it, never thinking anything like this would ever happen in his life. He waited for the bank to open, hating the fact he was carrying around an eight million dollar cheque though no one knew about it except Magnus and his family, but it was still stressful. When he stated he wanted to deposit a cheque to the cashier behind the counter, silently handing it over, the woman kept looking at him and then down to the cheque, though he couldn't blame her since he would do the same. He had gone through all sorts of identification verifications and they even rang up Andrew just to clarify too, and once everything was above board, the cheque was cleared and deposited into his main account.

The best thing ever to happen for Alec was transferring money into his parents account and paying the debt off. When the woman said it was now a zero balance he immediately asked for it to be closed, pretty much wiping his hands of his parents.

He sat there for a good five minutes looking at the last of the paperwork with the zero balance and it felt more real. He no longer had that burden over him. Magnus and his grandparents were right, the world was now his oyster. He could do whatever he wanted. Only problem was, Alec wasn't sure exactly what that was right at the moment. He didn't want to go ahead and make any rash decisions either. He also knew, whilst eight million dollars was a lot of money, not looking after it correctly could also mean you could loose it quickly, especially in a city like New York.

As Alec was taking that all in, the lady behind the counter had to clear her throat to get him to come back to earth, a flush on his cheeks but she gave him a nice smile, possibly thinking she'd be the same way if she came into that sort of money. Before Alec left, he transferred two million each into Jace's, Izzy's and Max's bank accounts which he had authority over. He knew Izzy had one of her own, maybe even Jace had another too, but this would be his new years present to them. That money was theirs, to set them up and do with as they will, he taking his name off the accounts as an authority figure. It was their life now. He had to let them fly as Magnus said.

The decorations in Magnus' place were still up, the kids were still talking about how yummy everything was and how happy they were with all the presents they got, and how lucky Alec was at meeting Santa too. Unfortunately, now with Christmas over, this also meant Magnus was back to being absent. Alec understood it, of course he did, because he was an adult. Magnus' babies on the other hand, did not. All they knew is their Papa was not home again and the very statement wounded Alec's heart. He almost wished that New Years would come and go already so Magnus would make an appearance again. Not just for the kids but for him too. He might be the adult, but now everything truly did feel like a job to him now. Like he and Magnus were back to how they were in the beginning, Magnus just hiring him to look after the kids and clean his home. And whilst Alec would do those very things, he felt sad because of it. Being an adult didn't make things any easier. He missed Magnus just as much as his children did, maybe even more, because this was his boyfriend after all and Alec was missing him terribly.

They had not been intimate since Christmas morning. Alec wasn't even sure if perhaps he was seeming a bit needy, since he didn't know how often couples should be kissing, hugging and having sex, and whether they were deemed not a 'true' couple because Magnus hadn't made love to him in five days now. When Alec's thoughts were turning to such matters, he would scoff at his own silly thoughts, trying to rid them from his mind as they seemed a little bit pathetic and would try and forget about it and continue to cook, clean and entertain the kids. Alec and the kids had gone on many adventures to various parks, the zoo, theme parks and even off to some galleries or museums, as well as the movies, and all to try and keep them and him from thinking about their absent father.

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Alec left the bedroom, fresh from his shower and now dressed in black jeans, black tank and sweater. A fail safe combination of clothing he usually wore when he wanted to feel safe, secure, warm and comfortable, which these days was pretty much how he wanted to feel all the time now.

"Ah, you're finally awake." Alec jerked his head up and over to the balcony to see Magnus was coming back in from watering his plants, they seeming to be able to survive the harsh winter as snow was falling quite steadily outside, though the balcony was sheltered so not much snow was falling onto the pavement out there.

"What are you doing here?" Alec's eyebrows creased as he watched the man lock the door and placed his hands on his hips. Magnus was dressed in red skinny jeans, a black button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and a red and black leather belt and boots.

"I live here."

"Debatable..." Alec mumbled as he shifted his head around the apartment as it was far too quiet, only to suddenly remember the kids were having sleepovers at their friends places and had left yesterday afternoon and would not be due home until this afternoon.

"Alexander?" Said man jerked to attention, standing tall, hands behind his back.

"What can I do for you Magnus?" That got a raised eyebrow from the older man, almost like the very notion seemed to make Magnus pause in what he was going to say for a few moments.

"Have you got anything planned today?"

"No more then the usual. Cleaning, baking, taking care of the kids, just like you hired me to do." Alec was sure he saw Magnus flinch a little, though his eyes may have been playing tricks on him. Although, as soon as those words flew from his lips, Alec immediately felt guilty. He was an adult and yet he was acting like a child. Alec gulped nervously as Magnus quietly and silently made his way over to him. He felt his breath exhale in a shudder as Magnus' warm fingers entwined with his slightly cold ones. First brush of skin on skin contact in over three days.

"May I take you out?"

"Really?" A smile was fast forming on Alec's lips, excitement bubbling within him.

"I want to show you the gallery."

"Oh..." The smile started to fade.

"Then I want to take you out for lunch." And the smile was back on as Alec leaned up, pressing his lips to Magnus' and relished in the sweet touch when Magnus returned the kiss. First kiss in over three days too. Magnus broke the lip-lock, not wanting things to become heated, since that would end in the bedroom, as he really did want to show Alec what he and Clary had been doing all this time. "Come on Alexander, put some shoes on." Alec nodded as he rushed back into the bedroom for some nice thick socks, also picking up his wallet and phone, and then came back out to shove his feet into his boots.

Magnus was already by the front door and once Alec laced up his boots and stood up, he was helped into his leather jacket and Magnus placed the black beanie he got him for Christmas on his head.

"I'm ready." Alec mumbled and when Magnus took his hand, Alec's inner self calmed.

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Arriving at the gallery hand in hand Magnus gentlemanly opened the door for Alec, letting him enter first.

"Wow..." Alec mumbled as he started to remove his outerwear and placed it on a temporary coat rack Magnus and Clary seemed to have bought as it already had a bright red puffer jacket, yellow scarf and dark green gloves and beanie. Clary was certainly not afraid to wear whatever she wanted as she was always full of colour and life. Alec removed his gloves and beanie, it spiking his hair up adorably, or so Magnus thought, and then waited for the man to remove his own outerwear before his hand was taken again and they walked further into the gallery.

"Alec!" Blue eyes darted to sparkling green ones and he smiled at the tiny redhead, dropping Magnus' hand to go over and greet her.

"Hi Clary," He gave her a one armed hug as he placed a bag on the table she was still using as her makeshift workstation, a mountain of papers, a thermos and two mugs and two laptops taking up most of the room. "I come with gifts." He watched her squeal as she opened it up to see two containers, one bigger then the other, and were filled with all sorts of cookies from chocolate chip to shortbread and even Magnus' favourite, his sugar cookies. "That bigger tin is for the construction team."

"They'll love it. Thanks Alec." She beamed him a hearty smile. "I feel like I haven't seen you in ages!"

"Yes well... You and Magnus are pretty busy."

"Mm..." She looked back down at some stuff she was working on last minute whilst also biting into one of his shortbreads. Alec noticed her gaze shifted to Magnus. "I'm really sorry, but could I just borrow you for a few minutes?"

"Don't mind me, do what you need to do, I'll just wander." Alec absently voiced as he shifted away from the gallery owners. He was trying to be mature, truly he was, but Alec wanted one on one time with Magnus too. Though he did have to remember that Magnus was taking him out to lunch and that made his smile widen as he shifted about the ground floor. Though there were no artworks hanging up just yet, Alec could truly see the hard work that had gone into restoring this property. There were the features like the old fireplace and mantel piece, painstakingly restored to its former glory with its marble surrounding. The floorboards were sanded, polished and now shining beautifully, Alec pondering as to whether he should have taken his boots off, but then it was still an active construction site and knew that would be against the rules.

Magnus and Clary had also installed an elevator for easy access to all floors and there was wallpaper on each side of it. The stark black with the massive gold fluer di lis. Looked like Clary won the back and forth debate on the wallpaper against Magnus as it was not all over the gallery and was just used as two feature walls on either side of the elevator accordingly. Alec assumed that was probably the same on the 1st and 2nd floors too. In front of the wallpaper were wrapped lounges and coffee tables and a water cooler machine too, which was already in use, keeping Magnus, Clary, James and his crew hydrated. It truly was a nice use of space where people could just sit back, relax and take in all the artwork which would be on the walls. There was also a unisex toilet which Alec assumed would be pristine since this was Magnus. Bathrooms were not a selling point for Alec after all.

Alec continued to take it all in, focusing on the details like how Magnus and Clary decided to show some exposed brickwork and then just stared up at the beautiful mahogany staircase. Magnus and Clary had decided not to rip it out and go for something retro and sleek and instead kept the grandeur staircase, restoring it to its former glory and the steps were draped in black and gold carpet, tiny little fluer di lis on it too. Alec gathered this was so the wallpaper didn't look so out of place.

Alec brushed his hand over the polished bannister details, looking closely at the carvings before shifting over to some massive floor to ceiling windows and French doors as they could open up into a decent sized courtyard. That hadn't really been on the agenda for Magnus and Clary as it was overgrown and the stone work looked like it was hazardous and very uneven but Alec assumed it would be closed for tomorrow nights festivities since he did take note of the heavy black velvet curtains which were floor to ceiling in length and held open by gold rope tassels.

"Alec is looking good." Clary mumbled softly, even though said man was quite a distance from them and seemed to be lost in taking everything of the ground floor in so wouldn't truly be paying attention to her. Clary watched Magnus' gaze shift over to his boyfriend as a tiny smile graced his lips.

"Biscuit, do you think you could do me a favour?"

"Of course."

"Can you send out some more invites, though through email, since mailing an invite would not reach their home addresses in time for tomorrow night."

"Sure, I can do that." Clary took the slip of paper from Magnus, opening it up to read the names and addresses inside. She only knew of one, Lydia Branwell, since they were distant cousins and hadn't thought to invite her because they weren't particularly close, even though their mothers gossiped frequently. "How do you know Lydia?"

"She is a friend of Alec's."

"Huh... Small world." Clary mumbled.

"Thanks to her, Helen and Aline, we met." Clary beamed him a smile. "If you have anyone else you want to invite, then do so."

"I'd love it if my best friend could come."

"And where is she?"

"He and his band are doing a bit of tour of the east coast. He was going to not go ahead with it when I told him about our opening, but I made him go since it might be a once in a lifetime chance and all." Clary shrugged as she had farewelled Simon a few days back, hugging him tight and wishing him the best of luck. "Anyway, when I was doing the invites awhile back, mum saw me and started telling me who needs to come and such." Clary rolled her eyes. "On the plus side when she told me some of the names, they were actually business connections of hers and they might drive more business for us on opening night."

"That's very nice of her. Please tell her I am looking forward to meeting her at our opening too."

"She's looking forward to meeting you as well. I've been talking about you and the gallery non-stop after all." Magnus grinned at that. "Mum says you've brought out a passion in me that she's never seen before." Clary grinned up at Magnus.

"I'm happy to have another kindred spirit."

"Another?"

"Mm, Max Lightwood is my other kindred." Clary chuckled as Magnus gave her a wink. "Speaking of him, would you mind terribly if I took a small amount of our space and gave it to him, to show off some of his work on the second floor?"

"I'm all for helping a fellow artist."

"Good, because I already sent him a message two days ago to get four artworks ready for tomorrow."

"Magnus!" Clary admonished, hands on hips as she rolled her eyes at her business partner. "What if I said no?"

"I'd convince you to reconsider. He's very talented, and I'm not just saying that because he's the kid brother of my boyfriend." Clary nodded her head at that, knowing each of the Lightwood's were talented in their own rights. "So, any news on final numbers yet?"

"I haven't checked our email this morning, but so far we've 50 people coming."

"That is a decent amount for a first try since to the art world we are unknown."

"I think its pretty good considering how late we sent our invitations out too." Magnus nodded in agreement.

"I'd be happy with a few more since we want to make a grand flourish."

"Magnus I think this is pretty grand as it is. Aside from you deciding to host your own fireworks display, I think we'll be fine with that amount." Clary arched an eyebrow at her partner. "Oh please tell me you haven't done that!"

"No, no, I didn't have time, but speaking of fireworks, the park across the street is going to have a display. Conveniently they will also be having one at 9:30pm for any families who want to bring their children and if our numbers are down, they might be intrigued to come on over and have a look as we'll probably be one of the only businesses on the street open at that time of night. We could allow for some stragglers coming in off the street."

"Magnus, what about security?"

"Don't you worry Biscuit, I have the perfect man for the job." Magnus grinned.

"Uh huh..." It all went rather quiet between the both of them, which was a little odd and that is when Magnus observed Clary fidget from foot to foot.

"Something wrong Biscuit?"

"You've been working insanely hard Magnus."

"As have you."

"Yeah, but I at least go home in the evening...or early morning."

"That's because your mother would get angry if you stayed overnight any more. As would your stepfather too. I do not want to be on the wrong side of him."

"Magnus, just because Luke is a Detective, it doesn't mean he's a scary man."

"Oh I've had my fair share of run ins with the law my dear, so you'll forgive me if I reserve judgement until I meet the man."

"Um..." The redhead didn't know what to say to that.

"Also, we've only got the rest of today and tomorrow morning left and then I want us to take the afternoon off so we can get all dolled up before the big event. Besides we really only need to just wipe the surfaces down, unwrap the furniture, unpack our artworks and hang them up, make sure the security cameras are working, and hope its all good for our Head of Security and the other four gentleman I have hired, one on each floor and then one manning the door. We also need to get the tablets up and running with payment options in case we have buyers, place that cabinet near the entrance, get some plants in and give the windows down here one last clean especially on the outside and our sign for the gallery should arrive this afternoon too and James' men are going to hang it up for us outside."

"Oh, so not much then?"

"Biscuit, I'm not afraid to get a little sweaty." He gave Clary a wink and watched her cheeks flush. Her adorable response reminded him of a certain someone else.

"Magnus, you've been placing in a lot of hours. Ridiculous hours and I'm worried. I know you still feel like you owe me for missing those three weeks, but we conversed nearly everyday you were gone, plus we had video chats and everything, so technically you were still working, just from the UK." Clary took hold of Magnus' hand. "I'd never begrudge you for going to help out family." Magnus had finally told her about Catarina, not only being a dear friend of his, family really, and also an ex-lover, but she was Madzie's mother too.

"Thank you my dear, but somehow this appears to be leading to something else, so what is on your mind Biscuit?" The little redhead was fumbling through her words, being cautious as though not wanting to upset him.

"You've slept here three nights in a row now Magnus, on the plastic covered lounge."

"And?"

"What about your kids? Even with them being so young, surely they are noticing how absent you've been?"

"I'm doing this for my kids."

"Do they understand that? I mean, they are just little kids. All they would know is that yet again their beloved Papa isn't home for dinner or bedtime stories." For Magnus, these words sounded awfully familiar to him. "I don't want to place anymore on your shoulders..."

"Thank you for your concern Biscuit, but we are fine." In the back of Magnus' head he truly hoped that since he had selfishly just left Alec with his children once again. That is when it finally clicked. Was that why his boyfriend and been a bit blunt with him this morning? He'd been neglecting them. He shook his head of that for the moment, focusing on Clary. "Now, tell me what's truly on your mind." Magnus stood in front of her with arms loosely folded over his chest.

"Alright, so even though we don't know how many affirmatives we'll receive back, but I can try and estimate we may get about 60-80 people and if you are wanting walk-ins even though this isn't a restaurant, we can still sort of handle a bigger crowd, I think, and since you always talk about wanting to make a flourish on the art scene, but we've not really looked at doing anything, about...um...catering.

"You leave that to me."

"You're going to look after the catering as well?" Clary voiced in shock, ready to complain again, but she finally snapped her lips closed when she noticed Magnus' gaze shift to the eldest Lightwood who was now heading up the stairs to the first floor.

"Oooooh..." Clary drawled out, completely knowing where Magnus was going with the lingering stare on his boyfriend and pat her hand on his shoulder, giving him a nod of consent before he even told her what his intentions were. "Leaving it a bit late though aren't we Magnus?" Magnus gave her a grin.

"He is amazing in the kitchen Clary, I'm sure he'll even love the challenge."

"Uh huh..." She watched the man practically go gliding off after his boyfriend to ask him his request. Clary giggled as she watched Magnus go skipping up the stairs, giddy as a schoolboy for the eldest Lightwood. She thought the two of them were adorable together.

Magnus didn't see Alec on the first floor so with a light hum on his lips he headed up to the second floor. He wasn't far from the landing, still ascending the stairs when he froze where he stood as Alec was facing him, near the massive stained glass window and the large skylight overhead, the winter sun streaming in and over his darkly clothed body. Alec didn't wear a lot of colours, even if Magnus tried on several occasions to convince him to give it a go, but he was never disappointed in the form fitting jeans and the adorable baggy sweaters Alec usual wore. His sweater today, as per usual, had one sleeve off the shoulder, showing the black tank beneath and Magnus really wanted to touch the sweet man. To glide his fingers up Alec's sides, under the soft material of his sweater and cotton tank, fluttering over firm quivering abs before shifting around his shuddering sides to then draw south and over the taut curve of his ass. You know, because he could.

Shaking his head of that for the moment, clothing aside, the reason why Magnus had truly frozen on the spot, still on the stairs, was the fact Alec's head was tilted back, his pale skin practically radiating in the sunlight, the dark tattoo on his neck having a glow of its own and Alec also had his arms stretched out horizontally. The stain glass image behind him, of a full length angel, was obscured from where Magnus was and in all honesty it looked like the large beautiful wings were connected to Alec! Like they belonged to him!

To think Magnus had to fight Clary tooth and nail to keep the window which was in dire need of a lot of restoration and had taken a lot of work and money to restore it, but it was utterly breathtaking. And there Alec stood, like he were the angel and Magnus' heart thundered away as he slowly rose up the remainder of the stairs and practically drifted towards his boyfriend in a daze.

"Alexander..." He voiced his name so softly, like the very man was a figment of his imagination and was going to disappear. However, those sparkling blue eyes snapped open and focused on Magnus, an infectious smile shifting over Alec's lips.

"Magnus this place is amazing. I know you've been working insanely hard, you and Clary, and you've been coming home at ungodly hours, and lately not at all, but I get it now. This place is incredible. And this window..." Alec shifted his gaze over his shoulder to look at the angel image. "I can't believe this was here."

"I too was surprised when the contractors pulled the boards away."

"It can't have been cheap to have it restored." Especially in such a short period of time too.

"It was worth it." Magnus voiced as he came to stand in front of Alec who was still gazing over his shoulder at the angel, looking up into the heavenly beings blue eyes. "Is it silly of me to believe, no matter where I am these days, I feel like I have an angel at my side?"

"Of course..." Alec felt his breath hitch as he finally shifted his attention back to Magnus, finally noticing just how close the beautiful man was to him. "...not." Alec had a hard time remembering to finish his reply as Magnus was definitely invading his personal space now.

A pleasant shiver trickled down Alec's spine as Magnus' arm snaked around his waist, drawing their bodies closer. Alec gulped down the lump in his throat as Magnus set his body aflame in seconds. It had felt like forever since they'd been this close, this intimate that Alec felt his cheeks flush. His lips parted a little as Magnus dragged him in even closer, pulling him flush against him like it was the most natural thing to do.

"And he's right in front of me." Magnus skimmed his upturned lips against Alec's, watching the blush darken when his words finally sunk in.

"Magnus..." He knew compliments like that really made Alec feel uncomfortable, even if he looked utterly adorably with the pink hue brushing his cheeks. One day Magnus vowed that this man would get used to his positive compliments, because someone like Alec deserved to be praised.

Magnus couldn't help but draw his lips over Alec's, stealing the very breath from the blue eyed beauty in his arms. He let out a delightful hum, like his mind, body and soul was remembering what this was like. How natural this felt, swooping in on Alec when he least expected it and on occasions when he did expect it. Either way, with an element of surprise or not with his advances, Magnus was never disappointed in the younger man's reactions.

Alec's arms had, after all, lifted up within seconds and wrapped around his neck and he was eagerly returning the kiss with a fire all his own. Magnus felt a little guilty that he'd been neglecting his blushing angel and vowed, once he got the opening out the way, he would absolutely lavish Alec in so much attention the man would have to pry him off with a crowbar. Or two. Or ten.

When Alec's breath began to hitch in the back of his throat, becoming drunk on the onslaught he was giving him, Magnus flipped the switch and slowed the kissing down, knowing if he didn't calm down some, he was seriously going to undress Alec right here and now and have his wicked way with him. The beautiful young man had that instant effect on him and Magnus was not complaining.

His hands rubbed soothingly up and down Alec's shuddering sides as he listened to his heated panting breaths, which were music to his ears and gave Alec another quick and rather tight hug before placing him at arms length.

"Sorry about that." He felt compelled to apologise since Alec was still a bit skittish on public displays of affection and watched his adorable boyfriend shake his head, unruly hair swishing about as Alec licked his lips.

"N-No, its alright." The pink hue against his cheeks seriously had Magnus wanting to just swoop on Alec again, but after his quick chat with Clary, he really needed to ask his boyfriend a rather important question, given the timing and all.

"I did actually come up here to ask you something important." A grin twitched at Magnus' lips. He so loved how lost in their kisses Alec got as he gave the adorable man a few more seconds to come back to him, Alec's eyes were still fluttering behind his closed eyelids. It was a sight Magnus would never tire of, of how exquisite Alec looked when he lost himself in their kisses and even more so when they were making love. He really needed his body to reacquaint with Alec's and soon, feeling his libido coming to life just looking the man up and down. He was like a starving man these days if he didn't have Alec close and he knew that was his own fault. Just as Clary had said, he'd been absent a lot.

Whist he was making his dream come true, opening up his own business with Clary, he was doing this for his children too, knowing he selfishly had Alec (and Raphael) there to help take care of them whilst he got the gallery up and running, but what about Alec? Just how was he feeling during all of this. He might be an adult, might be able to persevere, but even adults can feel neglected too. That was why Alec had been a bit upset with him this morning. Now he was starting to feel like the worst boyfriend in the world. He needed to make it up to Alec. And soon.

"What..." By the angel, the way Alec licked his lips again, as though savouring Magnus' taste, was really working wonders on him, he having to suppress the groan that really wanted to burst from his lips. "What did you want to ask me?"

"I know how hard you work as it is..." Magnus took hold of Alec's hands, lacing their fingers together effortlessly. "How much I have been selfishly relying on you with the children as opening night has drawn closer and closer, but I was hoping maybe you might want to work a bit more? With appropriate pay of course."

"Magnus, if you and Clary need to pull an extra night tonight, though I hate the thought of you wearing yourself out, you know I'll be here to support you." Magnus' heart skipped a beat. He'd never had such unconditional support like this before. From a lover that is. Like he was number one to someone. This was a definite first for him. "I can look after the kids whenever you need me to. You know that." And Magnus did. He had known from the very beginning just how much this delightful man was an utter blessing to him. When was the last time he told the man that?

"That is not exactly what I had in mind, although I'm hoping Clary and I can get a lot of last minute things done today and not have to stay late tonight. I'm definitely promising not to spend the night here tonight." He watched Alec tilt his head adorably, those eyes completely focused on him. "You know that Clary and I are aiming for us to have a New Years Eve opening, and we have to do it now because we've sent all the invites out, which we are in a bit of a panic about since tonight really is our last night to get things all in order with the party starting around 8pm tomorrow."

"Magnus, if you need me to distract the kids for one more night, I can do that. I hope, once the opening is over and done with that you and Clary will get some sort of roster system in place so you can have better regular hours and make it up to the kids."

"Make it up to you as well?" Magnus watched Alec flush as his eyes darted away. He knew his darling boyfriend didn't want to seem selfish at all, even though Magnus could read him like an open book and honestly, sometimes Alec should feel selfish with how utterly selfless he was, and the fact he's been neglected too. He let out a tiny sigh as he placed his hands against Alec's hips. "I'm sorry Sweetheart. I'm sorry I've been neglecting you." Alec shook his head vehemently, cheeks flushed at the endearment and also not wanting Magnus to apologise when he knew this was his dream and it was about to be realised. Plus, they were together now, even for a few moments, and that was more then enough for Alec right now.

"Its fine Magnus. You're nearly there right?" Magnus gave a nod as Alec gave him a crooked smile. "Its going to be worth it." Alec voiced with conviction and Magnus nodded in agreement.

"Biscuit and I decided on a cocktail themed evening since it is a gallery which will be displayed over these three floors after all. The attic space is of course for Clary and I to store whatever we want and its big enough for office space and where we'll have security monitors and such too."

"I did notice the cameras..."

"They are not yet operational." Magnus grinned when Alec let out a sigh of relief. He had such an adorable and awkwardly shy boyfriend and yet there were times that even Alec's instincts shocked him. "The cocktail theme makes sense too. You want potential clients to mingle and admire all your works, cheque books in easy reach if they come across a piece of artwork they like."

"Its mostly direct deposit or pay wave these days my darling." Alec rolled his eyes even though his cheeks flushed again at the endearment.

"Whatever... To-may-to, to-mar-to."

"Clary's looking after the last of the invites for me and I told her I'll be taking care of the catering side."

"Well sure, I can help serve drinks and food. I've worked in a restaurant before waiting tables. Its been awhile but..." Alec stopped short as Magnus' long slender index finger brushed against his lips, quietening him.

"I'm not explaining myself properly." Magnus shifted his hand to cup Alec's cheek adoringly. "The catering side of things... I want you to do it." Alec's eyebrows furrowed, still not completely understanding him. "I want you to be our caterer for our opening night." And right then Alec's mouth dropped open.

"B-But I'm not a professional chef. Surely there are rules against..."

"You leave the legality side of things to me."

"I..." Alec was beyond flabbergasted. "I don't... I can't..." He shook his head. "I don't want to...to embarrass you. You and Clary."

"You won't Alexander. I have faith in you. You are amazing." Pale cheeks tinted pink again. "And so very cute."

"Magnus..." Alec whined adorably again as Magnus chuckled, his warm minty breath fanning over him as he was once again pulled into a soft sensual kiss which made Alec weak in the knees.

"So, what do you say?"

"What about Clary?"

"Biscuit is more then alright with handing off catering duties, plus she's tasted some of your food before and likes it a lot."

"When?"

"When I used to steal the leftovers from home and bring them to work with me. Plus don't you remember the few times you have come and fed her during my absence? Then there is the fact you always make slices and cookies and such and I do bring some with me, plus you bought cookies today."

"Oh yeah..." It was so cute how he forgot about that, even from when it was about half an hour ago too! Magnus chuckled as he brushed his fingers through Alec's messy hair before once again cupping his face within his hands, a hopefully convincing smile on his face and a sparkle in his gaze.

"So, what do you say?"

"I wouldn't even know where to begin with such a task."

"By doing what you do best." Alec tilted his head since Magnus finally let go. "Letting yourself loose in the kitchen. Experimenting to your hearts content and researching anything you are unsure of. Granted I selfishly realise I haven't really given you a lot of time but..."

"Are you sure you want to give such an important task to someone like me?" Magnus frowned at the 'someone like me' comment from Alec. There were still moments where the delightful young man doubted himself. Perhaps it would take some years for that confidence to grow, since during childhood the displease of his parents was so heavily ingrained in Alec no matter how much of a poster child he was for them. It still wasn't enough. Well, this would be another thing Magnus would strive to do for the young man. For him to believe in his endless talent.

"Alexander, I only ever thought of you." And the blush was back. That was promising. "To me, you are the only man for the task." Silence filled the space, until...

"Alright."

"Alright?" Magnus felt a smile drifting to his lips once more.

"Alright. I'll do it." Alec repeated, Magnus' smile infectious. His gaze shifted away from the handsome man before him as Alec lost himself within his thoughts already. "I could probably take a bit of space up here, temporarily of course."

"Alexander, I won't have you hiding in the shadows. You might think you are meant to be there, but I assure you, you are not."

"That's probably what scares me most, you taking me away from my comfort zone."

"Darling..."

"As long as I'm concentrating on the job at hand, I should be fine." Alec quickly blurted out before Magnus went on a rant about how he shouldn't think like that. He gave a tiny grin when Magnus gripped his hands and gave them a squeeze.

"I want to have you on the first floor, so its equal distance between ground floor and the second for catering staff to get back to you for refills and such."

"That's a smart move. Besides, everyone is there for you and Clary, they aren't going to remember the food since we're hoping for credit cards to be out and purchasing both your works." Magnus grinned at the sparkle in Alec's eyes. "The food will just be a fleeting moment. What they'll remember is the atmosphere that you and Clary create together." Magnus continued to smile at his boyfriend. "I'll also make sure the food won't be too pompous. This is going to be a gallery like no other, where families can come to enjoy everything that you and Clary create, but its to also get young minds interested in art and photography too."

"It is..."

"You're still going to create that kids corner right? Where they can paint and draw and learn to use a camera?"

"Yes, this space we are in now is where the kids corner is going to be." Magnus thought this pocket of space, with the angel watching over young inspiring minds would be perfect. "Clary wasn't sure at first, but I convinced her it was going to be great." Alec gave a nod as Magnus could be a very stubborn man and would not take no for an answer if he knew his instincts would be right. Alec gazed about the space which needed to be filled with bits and pieces, like the rest of the gallery, but he knew it would be perfect for young minds and could very well see Sweet Pea and his little Prince's sprawled here and colouring away. "What are you thinking about?" Magnus softly asked.

"I can see the kids here." Alec grinned and Magnus returned it with one of his own. "They're going to love it."

"It also means, during school holidays, they can come and spend time with me here."

"They'd love that too."

"You could come too." Magnus sultrily murmured and Alec blushed adorably. He'd love it too, being able to see Magnus in his element, wooing potential buyers with his endless charms and just knowing he was close, along with the kids, it made a goofy grin form on Alec's lips just thinking about it before he shook his head and became serious.

"Whilst the evening is going to have a touch of flare, this is you after all, and I'm sure there will be some big shot names with yours and Clary's connections, but I don't want the gallery to lose its homely feeling either."

"Alexander..."

"Because that is how you make it feel Magnus. Like home, wherever you are." Bright blue eyes shone over at a floored Magnus. "You create that type of atmosphere. It truly warms the heart."

"Alec..." So many things could be said, but Magnus was having a hard time placing anything together.

"I wonder if I can do a miniature version of my spaghetti and meatballs? Even on my crappiest of days, somehow that pasta dish always made me feel better. It has that comfy homely feeling about it. Though with everyone's expensive clothes and yours and Clary's artwork, I would hate for people to slop anything all over them, so maybe I can just replicate the meatballs and have a rich chunky tomato sauce. That way I can use toothpicks for your guests to pick them up and eat them in one or two bites. I could see what else I can do like that. Maybe to round out the evening, when you and Clary are ready to kick everyone out since it'll have been a long and exhausting day, we can finish the evening off, into the new year, with a parting gift to your guests with a New Year's greeting tied to a bag of my sugar cookies that you like so much. I can even bake some extras, in case any children have come along and they can have their own special bag and..."

Magnus could see the excitement in Alec's sparkling blue orbs as he rambled adorably about all the ideas swirling in his head as it was.

An overwhelming feeling burst within Magnus as he shot forward, knocking Alec from his thoughts as he backed the younger man up against the window and drew his lips down to Alec's, swallowing the rest of his speech in his heated kiss.

As the very breath was stolen from Alec, he immediately clung to Magnus whose hands were suddenly all over him, again setting his very skin on fire. Magnus' left hand was pulling his sweater and tank up, those short sharp nails grazing sensually up his spine, making Alec whimper and shudder against the man who leaned heavily into him, his back pressed harder into the window, it warm against his suddenly shivering body.

"Oh god..." Alec gasped before his teeth sank into his lower lip as Magnus' lower half ground against his own, he not even realising that Magnus' right hand had skimmed over his backside and then yanked his left leg off the ground, his inner thigh rubbing against Magnus' hip as he shifted hotly closer, making another moan burst from Alec when teeth nibbled against his neck as his boyfriend sensually rocked their lower bodies together as one. "By the angel I've missed you." Alec babbled as he clutched desperately to Magnus, face flushed at hearing his own confession and bit his lip to stop the whimper from forming when Magnus stopped for a moment to look at him. "M-Magnus... Is everything..." Alec moaned when his boyfriend's lips were hotly over his own as Magnus decided to get back into rocking his half hard groin against his, never mind the fact his index and middle fingers trailed up and down the seam of his jeans where his ass crack was! Everything was making Alec shudder as he responded hotly to the kiss as Magnus coaxed his tongue to play.

When Magnus' lips left his own, trailing down his neck, Alec jerked in Magnus' possessive embrace when he felt teeth sink into his skin, not enough to break the tender flesh or anything, but enough to leave a mark as Magnus began to suck at Alec's throat like a starving man dying for a drink!

"I... We... This is... OH!" Words were so damn hard for Alec to achieve right now as all his senses were heightened right now. Alec felt a flush take over his entire body and he just couldn't help but try and enthusiastically grind against Magnus' erection too. A little hard on one leg, but Alec gave it a red hot go. Magnus was making his head spin, his mind was muddled and all he wanted was his boyfriend, here and now. Though not only did his fuzzy mind think only of Magnus, Alec also was very grateful that the construction crew were currently on a break too!

"MAGNUS! DELIVERY!" Clary's yelling burst the intense bubble the men had been enveloped in as Magnus finally drew back, his own chest heaving for air as he unclenched his hand from Alec's muscular thigh and stopped tracing his crack with his other hand. "THEY WON'T LET ME SIGN FOR YOU!" The redhead bellowed up the stairs.

Slowly, Magnus lowered Alec's leg back to the floorboards, steadying his boyfriend so the man didn't collapse, even though Alec was still flat against the window. His head was titled slightly back and to the side, since he had been happily sucking against his pale neck and those very kissable lips were puffy and kiss swollen. Magnus just knew Alec would have been biting on his lower lip to try and suppress his cries of pleasure.

Ever since they had advanced their relationship sexually, Magnus was delighted to witness and be the instigator of Alec's pleasurable sighs, moans, whimpers, cries, gasps and shouts of surprise and delight. Everything the younger man gave him, and did so in reactions, Magnus lapped them up joyfully. He would never tire of pleasuring Alec.

A shameless grin burst onto Magnus' face as his gaze shifted to the growing hickey on Alec's neck. It was loud and proud, Magnus pretty much having marked his territory in a sense as this one couldn't be hidden beneath clothing. He'd take Alec's scowling for it later, but right now it looked so lovely on his pretty pale flesh.

After some deep breaths to calm himself down, Magnus finally drew his body away from Alec's rather responsive one.

"You are so damn lucky Pretty Boy." Magnus murmured hotly into Alec's ear, delighting in the shudder as he planted a quick kiss on Alec's parted moist lips before sauntering away, adding a sway in his hips as he headed downstairs to sign for the delivery.

Alec for his part had watched Magnus leave, knowing the tease in his sway at just what power the man had over him. It was frightening and insanely hot and also all very exciting for Alec. He never wanted it to end.

He had never thought in all his life he would have something like this, no matter how weirdly it had started. Alec also never thought he would ever react to a kiss like that either. He hoped he wasn't developing some sort of weird fascination in Magnus pretty much making out with him, grinding against him, in public like that, even though no one was around at the time to see any of it.

Alec could have debated long and hard over it, but decided to let it simmer down, like the rest of his body for that matter, as he was certain that whatever Magnus did to him, his body would react to regardless. This was Magnus after all. The god-like man that Alec had, rather bizarrely, snared as his very delicious and smoking hot boyfriend. Alec wasn't sure if he'd ever get used to that, but he was damn well going to enjoy it as Magnus brought him out of his shell time and time again.

Clearing his throat and pulling his clothing back down, Alec took in a few deep breaths, running a hand through his messy hair and then finally headed back downstairs. He could sit patiently and wait for Magnus to finish off a few bits and pieces before being taken out to lunch, even if he squirmed a little due to his half hard erection. Even though his baggy sweater would cover it, by the angel he hoped it would simmer down before they headed for whatever restaurant Magnus was taking him to.

#

"I won't be long Clary." Magnus voiced as he helped Alec into his jacket rather sweetly and then placed his beanie on his head for him, Alec gifting him with a tiny adorable grin. That seemed to have become a tradition between them now. Alec thought it was kind of cute.

"Yes, yes, you go and enjoy your little date whilst I slave away here." Alec frowned at that, his blue eyes shifting over to Magnus.

"Maybe we should invite her to come with us?" He softly recommended, even though all Alec wanted was one on one time with Magnus, and as much as he wanted that, he didn't like anyone being upset and feeling left out.

"Absolutely not. Biscuit is just being dramatic and besides, we are not going that far." Magnus opened the door, ushering him to leave and so Alec quickly called out a farewell to the redhead and then Magnus took his hand and literally took no more then a dozen steps and they were standing in front of the building right next door to the gallery!

"Um, Magnus, this place looks closed." Alec didn't want to state the obvious but he did since it was all boarded up out the front.

"It is." Alec watched the man pull out a set of keys. "I bought it three weeks ago and haven't decided on what to do with it just yet."

"Oh..." Alec stepped into the darkness, noticing a flickering candle, but didn't focus much on it as Magnus flicked on the lights, his eyes blinking several times to adjust and then a tiny gasp broke from his lips. "Magnus, this is..." In the middle of the open and quite large vacant space was a table for two, complete with a white table cloth, linen napkins, silver cutlery, two wine glasses filled half way up with a merlot and the lit candle in the centre. Whatever lunch they were having was hidden under two silver domes, keeping the food warm, but Alec's eyes took a dive to the floor where yellow and red bi-coloured rose buds were scattered about.

"Come," Magnus tugged on his hand and Alec practically floated over to the table as Magnus held out a chair, gesturing for him to sit down and he did so with a smile on his face. Magnus pulled out the other opposite him, but before he sat down, he picked something up and handed it over, making Alec beam even more happily then he was already feeling just as a pink hue graced his cheeks. There were six yellow and red bi-coloured roses wrapped up in a bouquet just for him.

"Thank you." Alec hugged them gently to his chest, bending his head to smell the sweet fragrance, a sappy grin on his lips. He'd forgive Magnus anything for this as he gently placed them in his lap, not wanting to part with them but knowing he needed his hands for eating, although Magnus had stolen one of them as he entwined their fingers together and smiled over at him. Butterflies swarmed in Alec's stomach instantly.

"That particular bi-coloured rose means happiness, joy and excitement." Alec grinned wider at that. "I chose it because right now, it is how I feel. Happiness that you are here with me, joy that my dream of opening a gallery is literally a day away and excitement for the future ahead." Alec practically melted into a puddle of goo at Magnus' confession. By the angel this man was perfect.

"I feel that too Magnus." Alec was so very pleased when the older man leant forward, he quickly doing the same, one hand keeping hold of the flowers on his lap and basked in Magnus' soft plump lips peppering kisses against his own. He could feel the warmth of the candle against his cheek and a dreamy sigh bubbled up when Magnus finally ceased with his tender kisses and they sat back down properly in their chairs, though Magnus kept hold of his hand for a little bit longer, eyes very much on him as he brought it up to press a kiss to his knuckles and then palm, making Alec's cheeks brighten a little in colour.

"I know its not exactly a lavish restaurant but..."

"I don't need lavish anything Magnus." Alec voiced truthfully as he gazed around at the bare and chipped walls, the stained tiled flooring, even wondering what was behind the door with the small little window down the back, but none of that mattered to him at all. "This is perfect." Alec enjoyed the smile Magnus gave him, watching it light up his beautiful face and sparkle in his eyes, just like the candlelight did. It took Alec a few moments to break from the trance because he still couldn't believe that little old him could make Magnus look like that!

"Are you not hungry?"

"What?" Alec jerked his gaze down, not even realising that Magnus had removed the dome lids to reveal lunch. It looked and smelt so good. "Oh, sorry, you were just so..." Alec stopped there, not needing to embarrass himself even more as he picked up the soup ladle and scooped some of the chicken curry laksa broth into it and then took a taste. The flavours that hit his senses had Alec moaning. "God this is good."

"I'm glad you like it."

"Did you..." Alec made a gesture to the bowl and the contents inside.

"Oh goodness no. As much as I want to take all the credit for this, and I do make a decent laksa, but time is short and I got this delivered a few moments ago. I did do the rest though, setting a table, creating a scene even in a run down place like this, is pretty easy." Alec didn't even realise Magnus left the gallery, but then he was around near the elevator on the plastic covered lounge and keeping out of his and Clary's way. He did get to see a couple of the construction crew, and James, and chatted with them for a few minutes but didn't want to distract them from their duties. When they left, after thanking him for the cookies that they were munching on, he went back to reading some magazines that were on the plastic wrapped coffee table, curling up on the wrapped couch. Perhaps that was when Magnus had slipped out.

Either way, it didn't matter now, because this lunch date was awesome.

#

Time slipped by far too quickly for Alec as he and Magnus just talked and talked like they hadn't talked in ages. Alec had finished off the laksa and the red wine, much like Magnus had, his belly full and content like the rest of him and only frowned a little when Magnus gazed down at his phone, which had been playing some romantic music on it, really setting the tone for their lunch date.

"Need to get back to work?" Alec softy questioned.

"I do." Alec got to his feet just as Magnus did, keeping a hold on the flowers with his right hand. "There is something else I want to show you though." Magnus held out his hand and Alec gladly took hold of it as Magnus headed for the door in the back with the small window.

"Where are you taking me?"

"Out the back for a little action."

"Wh-What?" Alec's heart sped up.

"I'm joking Alexander." Magnus chuckled at the hearty blush on Alec's cheeks as he looked back at him over his shoulder and felt his lips widen into a grin when Alec let out a sigh of relief. They ended up in a palely lit corridor. "Down there is a very overgrown courtyard, like the gallery's, but in here is what I wanted to show you and where I thought you could work your magic." Magnus pushed open half the double swinging doors and flicked on some more lights. Alec's mouth dropped open as he was looking at a fully workable kitchen!

"Wow..."

"This place used to be a thriving catering business and a bit of a shop out the front there with restaurant and culinary supplies for purchase. It closed down about two months ago, the old couple retiring. If all things go well with the gallery, and we decide to expand, this space would be perfect in the future, but for now, I've had electricians in to check all the equipment here and everything is up and running and there is gas and electric cookers and plenty of fridges and freezers. I know you love working in my kitchen, but I figured you'd need quite a bit of space for prep work and getting everything together since we are predicting maybe 60-80 guests, possibly even a hundred so..." Magnus never did finish as a thrill ran up his spine as Alec pushed him up against the wall, lips moulding hotly over his own. Well, who was he not to return it as he pulled Alec even closer, groins touching once more as he slipped his tongue inside Alec's eager mouth, delighting in the moan as he wrapped his arms around his boyfriend, one around his waist, under his clothing, and the other around his shoulders. They broke apart, panting heavily to catch their breath as Magnus pressed his forehead to Alec's. "Who are you and what have you done with my shy boyfriend?" Magnus grinned wide when Alec blushed, eyes drifting to the tiled floor, but not for long when he made Alec lift his gaze to look at him. "I like getting a taste of all these different parts of you Alexander." The pink hue brightened as Magnus wriggled his eyebrows.

"You perve." Magnus chuckled as he pushed at Alec, indicating for him to let go which he did, they focusing their gaze back on the kitchen.

"So, what do you think? Could you make it work with the limited time I've given you?"

"Definitely. I've already got ideas forming as it is." Magnus kissed Alec's cheek as he could see he was practically oozing excitement.

"Well, if you want to start getting things organised, probably a good idea to do it now." Alec nodded his head.

"I'll have to do a massive grocery shop and..."

"Fear not, its already done." Alec's mouth dropped open as Magnus shifted further into the kitchen, opening up a cool room which was filled to the brim of all sorts of produce. "Through that door is a massive walk in pantry for everything that doesn't require refrigeration." Alec's eyes were practically bulging as he looked everything over again, never mind the fact there were also three stand alone fridges and another three stand alone freezers too! "If there is anything that is missing that you need, just go and get it using the credit card you have on you." Alec really didn't know what to say.

"Can I bring the kids back here with me?" Magnus lips parted but Alec quickly interrupted whatever he was going to say. "Not out the back here, but out the front. I can bring some blankets from home and we'll pack some books and games and the tablet so they can watch cartoons or movies to keep them busy. Before dark we'll take a break and go to the park for a little bit since they'll like that, even build a snowman before coming back here and maybe, hopefully, would you and Clary like to join us for pizza as dinner?"

"That sounds lovely Alexander."

"We won't stay much longer after that as I want to get the kids back home and into the warmth." Magnus' heart melted yet again at just how much Alec always looked out for his babies.

"What time were you thinking about dinner?"

"Probably a bit after six?" Alec followed Magnus out of the building as he locked it up and then passed a set of keys to Alec, grinning as his darling boyfriend took his hand and they took the short stroll back to the gallery.

"I'll see you and the kids at six." Magnus smiled as he turned to head inside just as Alec moved further down the street.

"Hey Magnus?" The man in question turned back around, grinning wide and chuckling at his adorable boyfriend as Alec blew him a kiss before dashing off towards the subway. He truly had the cutest boyfriend in the world as he stepped back into the gallery, removing his outerwear and hanging it up before shifting his gaze to Clary who was looking over at him and grinning from ear to ear.

"I know, I know, we are sickening, you can say it." Clary's laughter bubbled around the ground floor space as she shook her head.

"I like seeing Alec like that. The random times I did see him years back when I was starting out with Jace, he was never open at all, barely cracked a smile really. Its like you've brought out this spark in him, bringing out the real him." Magnus smiled softly at that before he jolted, just like Clary did, when there was a crash upstairs. They both bolted upstairs, hoping nothing too major had happened and would delay opening night.

#

Several hours later Alec was neck deep in the industrial kitchen, in the process of frying off a whole lot of meatballs. He didn't know whether people would eat them, but even if they didn't he could give them to Izzy and Max to eat over the coming days, all they would have to do was boil pasta and Alec had faith in Max to do that over Izzy. Plus he didn't think Magnus and the kids would mind eating a lot of them too. They did love them after all.

Alec wanted to ensure to get them all cooked tonight, since meatballs became tastier as they got older, or so Alec thought, and would just heat them up tomorrow evening before serving them up with the chunky sauce that was also bubbling away. It was downright convenient that this kitchen was next door to where the gallery was and if things needed to be heated up he could run over here, do so and then run back without wasting too much time.

Although the kitchen looked like a war zone, since Alec had never had so much space before, he had decided to use it to his advantage and take over every available counter space on offer for different bits and pieces he'd be doing. He didn't want any cross contamination that's for sure. There was also another two pots on the gas cooker which was bubbling away as it was cooking what looked like tonnes of chopped up sweet potato and pumpkin. In another two massive pots was his mulled wine since not only was the kitchen well stock with fresh and canned produce and condiments, but also a fair amount of booze too. Alec hoped he was allowed to use it and it wasn't for tomorrow evening, even if there was a lot there, and it was too late to ask now anyway. Magnus had loved it at Christmas and he wanted that to be the starter drink for his and Clary's guests.

When Alec returned to Prospect Park with the kids, they got excited at seeing their Papa's gallery, only pouting a little when Alec said they couldn't see him yet. They got over it as they stepped into the building next door, placing down blankets and cushions and a portable heater, since Alec didn't want them getting cold and then out came books – reading and colouring in ones – plus the tablet was already on and Batman cartoons were playing which pleased Raphael greatly. They also brought along some cards with them too. Alec cleared away the table he and Magnus had lunch at, washing the dishes and stacking them away. He made sure the kids were alright, because as much as Alec really wanted to play with them, he wanted to get started on what he had in mind for Magnus and Clary's opening night and with cookies as treats and some warm milk, he left them be and headed out back.

Alec had made sure to prop the doors open with the chairs and told them that if anyone knocked on the door to come and get him. The kids had nodded, the darlings that they were, and happily dunked their biscuits in their milk as Madzie read a book to Max and Raphael half listened in since watching Batman was important too.

The run down building was pretty quiet, and even though Alec could hear the children giggling every now and then, when he lost himself in his prep work all noise fell away. He methodically did a lot of peeling and chopping and now that all pots were on the stove, with what he was thinking of for now, he had taken a glance over to his phone and realised over an hour had passed already! Time certainly flew by when he was in the kitchen as Alec went to wash his hands, leaving things to bubble away and checked on the kids. They were currently playing snap and it looked like Madzie was beating her pouting brothers.

'Want to go build a snowman?' Big golden-brown eyes jerked in his direction and then squeals of delight erupted, Alec wondering if they could possibly hear them next door, but shook his head and helped his princess and little princes into their boots, coats, scarves, gloves and beanies. They stepped out onto the street, Alec locking up and then glanced at his phone. They could take a break for half an hour, a super fresh one at that since he could feel the chill in the air and see the puffs of air exhaled too, and then they'd be back inside, in the warmth and he'd finish off the soup and the chunky tomato sauce for the meatballs. Then he'd get stuck into frying them up. They walked passed the gallery, standing by the large windows as they gazed inside to see Magnus talking to James and pointing here, there and everywhere it seemed. 'Knock on the window and wave to your Papa.' Alec grinned as the kids did just that, Magnus grinning wide as he, James, Clary and a couple of James' construction crew turned to look at them.

'We're going to build a snowman!' Madzie shouted excitedly and got two thumbs up from her father who had heard her words, though it would be muffled through the thick glass windows. He then blew them kisses, making his darling children giggle at him but they did adorably return the gesture with blowing kisses back at their father. Brown-golden orbs finally drifted up to Alec, making a gesture with his hands and Alec knew that meant for him to take pictures. He gave a nod and off they trotted to the park across the road.

#

Tapping of rings on the door jerked Alec from his thoughts. He lost himself in what he was doing and what he'd already done, having finished off the last of the meatballs and was placing them on plates and into tupperware containers he found. His gaze jerked over to see Magnus leaning all sexy against the propped open swinging doors and just watching him. Alec pondered and how long he'd been there.

"Penny for your thoughts there handsome?" Alec grinned even if he blushed a little. He walked straight over to Magnus, head tilted and Magnus grinned as he bent down a little and gave him a kiss. "You look pretty busy in here." Magnus stated the obvious as Alec pulled on his hand and dragged him further in.

"I know it looks messy, but its amazing what I've been able to get done already." Alec beamed. "That pot is cooling down as it has my chunky tomato sauce for all these meatballs." Alec pointed to what he was talking about. "These pots here have got the mulled wine still bubbling away. And this one has my creamy pumpkin and sweet potato soup in it." Alec opened a draw and pulled out a spoon, dipping it in and then blew on it lightly before lifting it up to Magnus' lips which opened automatically as he tasted the soup.

"Mm, Alexander, that's lovely!" Magnus praised and Alec beamed in response. "Why have you not made that for us?"

"Oh, um, sorry?"

"I'm joking Sweetheart. You able to leave this be for a moment and come have some dinner?"

"Its dinner already?" Magnus nodded as Alec glanced back to his phone seeing it was 6:15pm. "I didn't realise how quickly time passed."

"If you are busy we can just leave some slices for you."

"No, I want to eat with everyone. I also want to tell you and Clary what I'm going to be doing too since I've pretty much come up with the entire spread already." Magnus knew he had picked the right man for the job. "I want to make sure the both of you are happy with the choices I've made."

"Darling, your cooking is amazing, of course we'll like whatever you decide to do. We have also put you on the spot, placing you under quite a bit of pressure with time constraints and all, so we'll be happy with anything." Magnus earned another kiss to his lips for that and was really enjoying these little gifts from Alec as they headed back out to the front and to where Clary was eating a slice of pizza and listening avidly to Madzie telling her all about the snowman and snow angels they had made. Alec sat down, passing his phone over to Magnus and Clary so they could look at the pictures of the kids doing just that. He even recorded a thirty second short video of them having a snow fight.

It did not take long before Max crawled into Alec's lap and he took the offered slice of pizza from Magnus before the man settled his daughter and Raphael down with the tablet and then started devouring a slice of pizza himself.

"So, because of not having a lot of time to prepare lots of home-made stuff, I was thinking with your cocktail party we'd have a good spread of cured meats, smoked salmon, pitted olives, mini gherkins, pickled onions, pates and an assortment of crackers. Anything that is easy to eat with toothpicks really. I'll also work on doing some cheese truffles which will be a nice change to just the usual cut cheeses and such. Give it a bit of a homely feel if you like."

"Cheese truffles?" Clary asked as she bit into another slice of pizza. She was so hungry since she had forgotten to eat her packed lunch her mum made her. Though she did devour Alec's cookies throughout the afternoon.

"Yeah, I'll use a variety of cheeses like feta, cream cheese and goats cheeses and coat them in different toppings like crushed walnuts, finely chopped almonds, chopped dried apricots and cranberries and finely chopped cooked bacon.

"That sounds yum." Clary remarked.

"I'll also have curried devilled eggs with smoked paprika and I'll make some guacamole, corn relish and beetroot dips. I've also got mulled wine bubbling away since I thought that would be a nice welcome drink for your guests coming in from the cold and since New Years isn't that far after Christmas, it still has that nice Christmas cheer about it too. Once they settle they can then have whatever house wines you decide to offer for the rest of the evening. When the majority of your guests have arrived I can start them off with my sweet potato and pumpkin soup. We can serve them in some small teacups so they don't fill up on just that."

"Its delicious." Magnus interrupted Alec who grinned once more.

"I've then got meatballs with a chunky tomato sauce on offer and then we can get the wait staff to just take trays of the cured meats and such around the floors and they can tell them where it all is if they wish to help themselves with more as we'll have plenty to go around. On a separate table or two I'll have the sweet stuff which will be melon skewers consisting of watermelon and rockmelon, like a cleansing of the palate. I'll also do white chocolate balls, rum balls and coffee balls. There will be mini lemon tarts, espresso brownie bites with kahlua buttercream which I'll try and keep away from any children attending, along with the rum balls, and finally I'll make strawberry mousse cups with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top. I'll make sure there are place cards so everyone knows what everything is too. At the end of the evening, everyone will go home with a bag of sugar cookies." Alec was staring at two pairs of wide blinking eyes and suddenly frowned. "No good?"

"No!" Both Magnus and Clary shouted a little too loudly as the kids all looked at them funny.

"It sounds perfect Alec." Clary smiled over at him.

"Really?" A relieved smile etched over Alec's lips.

"Really Sweetheart." Magnus confirmed as he squeezed his hand before they got stuck into the rest of their pizza.

#

That night, technically early hours of the next morning, it was actually Alec who came home late, smiling tiredly as he locked up and trudged down the hallway after having removed his outerwear and kicking off his boots. Even though it was after 1am and Alec's muscles ached all over, he didn't care because he was grinning at only being able to see the top of Magnus' head poking out of the sheets and comforter, the rest of him was curled beneath the warmth of the blankets. He had left the bedside lamp on, whether by accident or for him, it didn't matter. Magnus was in his bed and Alec was going to join him. Soon.

He had gotten a lot done which he was thrilled about, tomorrow was pretty much all about the desserts, except the cookies, he and Clary had pretty much finished those off and he sent her on her way – having walked her to the subway as he wasn't letting her walk alone – with a bag of extra cookies for her and her parents. All the rest were in containers and under cling film until he could pick up some clear bags and gold ribbon to place them in.

Alec had even sent Clary home with a little project to do, which she was happy to do since her mum had some graphic design behind her and could assist in printing out a greeting for their guests which could be tied to the bags which read: 'Wishing you good health and happiness in the coming year ahead.'

Not wanting to disturb Magnus, since he knew the man hadn't been sleeping much at all, at least not comfortably in his bed, Alec went into the bathroom to relieve himself, dumped his clothes into the hamper and took a warm shower to relax his muscles as he thought over what happened when they were finishing off their pizza...

#

(Earlier that night...)

With bellies full and the kids starting to yawn, Magnus noticed Alec kept glancing back towards the kitchen.

'Why don't you stay a bit longer? I can take the kids home.'

'But the gallery...'

'We only had one mishap, a broken light globe, and everything else is all set and ready to go. Magnus and I can't be picky anymore. Tomorrow is the day.' Clary had piped up.

'All that we'll do tomorrow is wipe down the floors and any other surfaces and unwrap the furniture. It won't take long for us to set-up the tables for you which will house the food and drinks and we'll then get stuck into the painful task of working out what artworks are being hung up throughout the gallery.'

'I've been dreading that.' Clary had mumbled, thinking of hers and Magnus' combined artworks which were currently in the attic. They both hadn't realised how much they actually had accumulated over the years.

'Me too Biscuit.' Magnus grinned before shifting his attention back to Alec. 'So the good news is, we get to have an early night tonight as I had hoped.' Alec was relieved to hear that. 'Though you look like you want to get some more stuff done.'

'I do, but, I can come home.' After all, that meant spending time with Magnus!

'Stay Sweetheart.' Magnus shifted his gaze to his children who were huddled around the tablet. 'Hey munchkins, you three are coming home with me tonight as Alexander needs to stay here for a bit longer.' Smiles split their faces.

'Will Papa have a bath with us?' Max asked excitedly.

'I will.'

'And read bedtime stories?'

'Absolutely.' They squealed in delight and Clary cooed at their adorableness. 'Alright my darling cherubs, give Alexander kisses and cuddles as you'll all be fast asleep when he comes home tonight.' They did just that as everyone packed up the stuff that was brought here in a variety of bags, Magnus pretty much looking like a pack mule. 'Make sure to lock up after us.'

'Don't worry Magnus, I'll keep Alec company for a bit longer.' Clary offered up and though Alec really didn't need the company, since he was just going to place some music on through his phone and start making the cheese truffles tonight instead of tomorrow, but he didn't mind Clary so...

'Get home safely. Message me when you do.'

'Such a delightful worrywart.' Magnus murmured as he kissed Alec sweetly on the lips before he and the kids waved goodbye and jumped into a taxi which was conveniently driving by. When it turned the corner Alec closed the door and locked he and Clary inside.

'Alright Alec, where do you want me?' Clary was rolling up her sleeves on her paint stained top.

'You're going to help me?'

'Of course.'

'How good are you at boiling eggs?'

'Boiling eggs? That's all you want my help on?' The redhead pouted up at him. He gave a shrug as they headed out back. 'You know, I'm not like Izzy, I can actually cook a few dishes and not have you admitted to hospital because of them.' That got Alec chuckling.

'Let's start with the eggs Fray, then I might move you onto helping me make the cheese truffles or you might even get to measure out some flour or even crush biscuits for me.' She scowled adorably at him, but set to work at pulling dozens of eggs from the fridge.

#

(Back to the present...)

Alec clicked off the bathroom light after brushing his teeth and gargling with minty mouthwash. He had forgotten to take some clothing with him and came out in a towel, heading for a small stack of clean washing on Magnus' desk where he had all sorts of make-up and varying bits and pieces and knick knacks. Alec dropped the towel, draping it over the chair and stepped into a pair of grey boxer briefs.

A muffled whistle from behind him had Alec jerking around just as he pulled them up over his backside, the elastic snapping against his pale taut skin on his abdomen.

"Now that's what I don't mind waking up to." Alec rolled his eyes even if he knew he was blushing and instead of going for some sweatpants he crawled onto the bed, making his way towards Magnus and pretty much flopped down over his blanketed form, gaining an 'oof' from the man below him.

"Hey," Alec softly murmured, liking when Magnus hands came out from under the blankets to cup his face, drawing him down into a kiss.

"How was the rest of your evening?"

"Very productive. Clary and I got a lot done and she's pretty much cut even more prep work for tomorrow down for me."

"She's a tough little worker isn't she?"

"Clary's a machine." Alec remarked as he pressed kisses to Magnus' smiling face as he started at his eyelids, then shifted to his forehead, cheeks and then back to his intoxicating upturned lips. "I'm a bit worried she'll be exhausted before you open tomorrow."

"Never underestimate the energy a pint sized young woman has, especially when they are on a mission."

"Noted." Alec mumbled as Magnus tilted his head to kiss him once more, this time a bit more deeply as one hand went to the back of Alec's head, holding him in place.

"Now, are you going to join me under the covers?" Magnus sultrily murmured against Alec's kissable lips, ceasing his onslaught.

"Don't know, what's under there on offer to tempt me?" Magnus chuckled at the boldness of his tired looking boyfriend.

"Well there really is only three options." Magnus ticked them off using his fingers. "Naked, half naked and not naked."

"I'm liking two out of the three."

"That better be naked and half naked."

"Well..." Alec gasped when Magnus suddenly pinched him on his bum.

"Don't be so cheeky at this ungodly hour of the morning... Pun intended." Magnus' heart fluttered at Alec's tired giggle as he finally rolled off him and scooted under the covers to shuffle closer to his warmth.

"Half naked... I like." Alec tiredly confessed and Magnus shifted his head, pressing a kiss to Alec's forehead and drawing him into his arms. "I missed this... Missed you..." Magnus grinned up at his ceiling before planting a kiss in Alec's hair.

"Me too Sweetness. Me too." Magnus softly replied, placing out his right hand and flicked off the light before wrapping Alec up nice and tight once more. He definitely needed to make up for his absences in the New Year. A little resolution for himself.

Magnus drifted off to sleep listening to Alec's delightful little snores.

#

(The next morning...)

"So, today is the day." Magnus shifted his gaze to Alec who was looking at him. It was barely before 7am.

"Good morning Sweetheart." Magnus responded without bothering to answer Alec's question.

"How long have you been up?"

"Half an hour."

"Why didn't you wake me?"

"I like watching you sleep." Magnus was lying on his side, just as Alec was and brought up his right hand as he brushed a strand of messy black hair out of Alec's pretty blue eyes.

"I better get up soon, make a move and finish off preparing for tonight." At Magnus' pout Alec flopped onto his belly, head still turned to face his boyfriend and arms folded under the pillows as he gave him a sweet smile. "Although I can lay with you a bit longer." Magnus' coy smile widened.

Alec let out a sigh, eyes fluttering closed when his boyfriends right hand drifted down his back, tracing down his spine and making him shudder, a tiny gasp escaping his lips when Magnus' fingers dipped under the waistband of his boxer briefs, toying with him a little, which was such a Magnus thing to do. Alec liked the attention.

Moving closer to his moaning boyfriend, Magnus began to pepper kisses over Alec's exposed skin, nipping at his sensitive neck.

"Magnus..." Alec muffled into the pillow, legs spreading a little eagerly, wanting to coax Magnus to touch him some more. And in certain places too.

"My, my Alexander... So eager in the morning?" The older man teased as his lips dipped further and further down Alec's back, teasing over the curve of his ass now that his briefs were pulled down, exposing his supple cheeks to Magnus' hungry view - thanks to the moonlight – and his middle finger slipped between Alec's ass cheeks to caress teasingly. Alec's breath hitched.

"Maybe..." Alec gasped at the stroking of Magnus' finger. "Maybe this will be..." His legs spread some more. "...a good luck charm..." Alec's breath shuddered when Magnus' finger found its intended target, circling his hole which was already twitching eagerly. "...for tonight." Alec gasped out, face scrunching a little when Magnus' finger dipped inside without any lube to the first knuckle. He felt the heat, the burn, but by the angel he was desperate for it. Magnus licked his own lips, observing Alec like a hawk. This young man was surely going to be the death of him when his eager boyfriend jerked his hips, making his finger dip in even deeper. "Please..." The whine and desperate plea had Magnus' cock springing to attention.

"How can I refuse such a delicious offer to be in you again, my darling." Magnus hotly responded, licking a trail up Alec's bowed spine before watching his inexperienced boyfriend shuffle about on pure instinct as he spread his legs even more, digging his knees into the mattress and popping out his ass, eagerly opening up further to Magnus' hungry gaze and making his single digit dig even further within his hot tight hole, right to the final knuckle.

"Magnus... Take me..." A shudder went straight down Magnus and right into his cock, a groan bubbling up within him as he slipped in a second finger, Alec taking it with a gasp on his lips before he dug his teeth into the pillow as Magnus sunk his teeth into his shoulder and began to slowly drive his fingers in and out of his twitching hole. Every now and then, Alec jerked his hips to try and feel the intensity, match his thrusts too, heat coiling in his abdomen.

In the quiet of the room, just above his panting breaths, Alec was sure he could hear the soft squishy sounds between the connection of Magnus' fingers and his throbbing hole as he ground himself back onto them and Magnus applied delicious pressure making him whine.

"Oh god... Magnus... Please!" Alec practically hugged the pillow, mouth open and drool wetting the fabric, face flushed as he rocked back and forth on Magnus' fingers, mewling as he so desperately wanted something hotter and thicker within him. He felt like a starved man of Magnus' affections, desperate to be connected so intimately with him once more, never wanting this desire and desperation to ever fade. "More... Harder... Magnus... Please... Do something!" Alec cried out when Magnus' long digits probed against his prostate, making him shudder. He was so at Magnus' mercy and Alec didn't care. "Take me!" He demanded again.

"You'd like that very much wouldn't you sweetheart? If I just shoved myself deep inside you?" Alec moaned at the very image as he rocked faster on Magnus' fingers. He so wanted to get off, his cock was oozing pre-cum as it was, but the current stimulation he was getting just wasn't enough. "Wouldn't you Alexander?" Magnus questioned again, Alec moaning as his hot breath was right at his ear. Alec's briefs were now shoved down to his bent knees and Magnus' rock hard cock was brushing against his quivering thigh.

"Yes..." Alec's face blushed bright as Magnus placed in his third finger, stretching him wide and Alec choked on his own spit. The stretch, with yet another un-lubed finger in him, the burn it provided, it made Alec harden even more, pre-cum spurting onto the sheets below him as he cried out again. "Yes Magnus!" Alec gasped out once more to his boyfriend, his muddled mind finally realising that Magnus had stopped gliding his fingers into his hole as he was doing all the thrusting on his own! Alec knew he should be horrified by his lack of restraint, cheeks still flushed, but he couldn't stop himself. He had wanted this since the last time they had sex.

When a cool hand wrapped around his rock hard and very hot cock, it only took two or three strokes from Magnus' very experienced hand and Alec was crying out, cum exploding as he saw white. His entire body continued to rock back and forth on Magnus' fingers whilst his boyfriend timed it with his hand as he continued to jerk him off and through his orgasm, allowing him to ride the wave of bliss for as long as he wanted to.

"Not too loud Alexander." Magnus warned him, pressing kisses into his shoulder and Alec bit into the pillow as the last of his cum dribbled out of his spent cock before he collapsed, breathing hard, his asshole throbbing as it was now twitching against air.

Alec practically whimpered at the loss of Magnus' fingers within him. This wasn't how it was meant to be. He wanted to come on Magnus' cock!

"Shhh... Its alright. I've got you." Magnus murmured softly as he turned Alec over onto his back, his legs spread wide open whilst his chest heaved for breath. Carefully, slowly, just in case Alec didn't want to go any further, Magnus drew Alec's arms above his head. Pretty blue eyes snapped open, lust blown with continued need for him which was nearly Magnus' undoing. "You want this, don't you, my darling?" Magnus was resting between Alec's spread legs, his left hand over Alec's wrists, holding him captive and his right had his leaking cock at Alec's twitching hole. Alec moaned wantonly for him. "Don't you?" Magnus groaned, maybe a little in need and desperation for his lover, hoping he would say yes.

"I'm yours..." Magnus lips parted open. "I'm yours Magnus..." By the angel it was an even better response then he thought it was going to be! It was almost like Alec were drunk and sharing his deepest feelings with him. "Please..." Taking in several deep breaths, Magnus braced himself before beginning the torturous and slow glide of his cock breeching Alec's hole as he slowly slipped inside, inch by agonising inch. He never wanted to hurt Alec by just thrusting in him, even though he was almost sure, with some further education and practice, Alec probably would like it, but right now he wanted to be gentle, Alec's desperate whine an added bonus to the delicious torture. Magnus was desperate for Alec, but he was so consumed by his sweet boyfriend's words, his pleas, that he hadn't, once again, even pulled the lube out of the drawer! He just couldn't bare being a second away from Alec's heated body and so slow and steady was the pace.

They both groaned when Magnus was fully inside Alec's tight hot crevice, their bodies shuddering as one.

Truthfully, Magnus could have exploded then and there, but with a strength that even he was impressed with, he raised himself up, hands gripping under Alec's knees, spreading his legs further and drawing them up towards his chest, folding him up and shifting deeper inside. If Alec weren't as flexible as he was, it would have been awkward and painful for him, but his sweet, delicious and very addictive boyfriend took the position, the angle, so damn well that he gtoaned effortlessly, head arched back and giving him a view of his entire neck rune. Goodness Magnus just wanted to bite it and leave a line of hickeys all over his throat.

When Magnus shifted, doing a few short and sharp thrusts, Alec's voice increased in volume, possibly a little too loud and so Magnus quickly ducked down, slamming his lips over Alec's as he rocked in and out of his quivering hole, desperate to orgasm and to also let Alec experience a second one.

"Magnus... Magnus I... I lo-" Alec cried out, legs now wrapped tightly around Magnus as he bit into his bottom lip, drawing blood as Magnus pounded into him to the fullest. Magnus' girth and length and his own tightness, Alec knew he wasn't going to last long at all, feeling his balls draw up and his mouth parted open on another cry of pleasure. Again Magnus was quick to press his lips over his own, muffling his scream as Alec exploded over their stomachs whilst Magnus ejaculated within him, filling him up hotly.

When it was all over, they both shuddered within each others arms, drawing in long deep breaths.

"You, are something else Sweetheart." Magnus murmured into Alec's ear before loosening Alec's legs from around his waist as he went to ease out of him.

"No!" Alec's cheeks flushed at his own cry of displease, ankles locking around Magnus' waist. "Not yet." Magnus hummed as he throbbed within Alec, but after a few moments, he still decided to pull out, Alec's whine making his cock turn rock hard once more in seconds. He'd never been this hot or horny in all his life.

"Get on your stomach." Alec's dark eyes, filled with lust, did as Magnus demanded. When he was flopped onto his stomach his body went willing with Magnus' hands as his boyfriend manhandled him expertly.

Alec was suddenly sitting up on his legs, resting on Magnus' thighs with his cock shoved back in him. He had frozen immediately at the intrusion, a little squeak of shock and slight discomfort bubbling up since it was so unexpected. Not unwelcome, just surprising. Magnus pretty much sat there, rigid as all fuck, again, as he waited and waited for Alec's clenching hole to loosen a little around him, even if he felt his cum around his cock and oozing out of Alec's stretched hole.

Magnus wrapped his arms around Alec's waist and pressed kisses between his shoulder blades in silent apology for going so fast like he had. Alec truly obliterated his self control.

"I... I'm ok..." As though to ease his own worry, Magnus felt Alec wriggle his bum a little, of course making the both of them gasp at the sensation, Magnus' long thick cock probing his over sensitive prostate.

"Careful Pretty Boy, you might be waking something up you aren't yet ready for." When Alec wriggled his bum again, Magnus shuddered and groaned, holding on tighter to Alec who let off a delighted giggle at the sudden power he was feeling right now.

The very sound was utterly precious to Magnus who took firm hold of Alec's hips, pretty much lifting him slowly off his cock and then quickly slammed him back down onto it. Alec cried out, biting down on his bottom lip once more and easily and eagerly went pliant in Magnus' arms, head tilted back on his shoulder as he gasped hotly into his right ear.

"Magnus... Magnus... Magnus..." His panting breaths, the mulling of his name every time he hit home within Alec, it was all molten hot fire to Magnus' ego but he knew this angle is not what Alec truly needed to get off for a third time, even if his cock was rock hard and ready to explode. This angle right now would not allow him to fully hit his prostate on every surge of his hips.

"Lift yourself off me sweetheart." Alec in his hazy mind did as asked, but he was not prepared for when Magnus' firm grip on him left his shaking body and he toppled over, landing face first into the pillows. He flushed bright red as he lay their sprawled, ass in the air and right in front of Magnus' face, his boyfriend seeing his twitching hole throbbing around air and possibly even some remnants of cum smeared there too.

"M-Magnus..." Alec panted as he tried to lift himself up on his shaking arms but seriously did not have the strength to do so. What he did hear was his chuckling boyfriend behind him.

"I thought you had control of your own body Alexander." Magnus teased a little and listened to Alec's whine as he shuffled behind his boyfriend, lining up his engorged cock but not yet pushing inside.

"You know perfectly well I don't have a damn controllable bone in my body when it comes to you and sex!" Alec grumpily moaned out, hips jerked back against Magnus and gasping when the head of his cock slipped inside his eager hole.

"Noted, Pretty Boy." Magnus growled out and sunk in to the hilt. Alec's back bowed, popping his ass out and Magnus sunk home even deeper, grunting along with Alec's moans of delight as he once again began their desperate dance once more.

Magnus controlled Alec's thrusting, hands clenched at his hips, possibly leaving bruises as he delighted in the hot little noises bubbling up from Alec's lips. It was even quite the sight as Alec's arms lay splayed at his sides, complete and utter trust in Magnus as he rocked within Alec who was panting and drooling on the pillows, eyes clenched closed and giving himself over to his boyfriend fully and freely.

"Come for me Alec. Come untouched! Just for me!" Magnus hotly drawled and commanded and Alec let out a shrill cry, short and sharp, as he exploded all over the sheets once more. Magnus, seconds later, filled him up again with his hot seed.

Alec was practically boneless as his entire body shuddered in aftershocks. Magnus was enraptured by the euphoria on Alec's turned face. It was the most amazing feeling in the world to Magnus to watch Alec unleash himself and be free like he currently was, hips still stuttering a little as Magnus' cum started dribbling down Alec's thighs.

"M-Magnus... Magnus I feel... I feel..." Said man watched in wonder and delight as Alec gasped, a fourth and final, and rather quick orgasm, burst from Alec before his lower half went slack, Magnus slipping out as Alec collapsed to the bed, knees giving out on him.

This very image had Magnus' very breath punched out of him, a third orgasm of his own being pulled from him as he came all over Alec's lower back and ass, his thick cum oozing between Alec's ass cheeks. Magnus had not been expecting that! He flopped onto the bed, onto his side and faced Alec's twitching body, probably even lying in Alec's cum now that he thought of it. Not that he had much time to actually think on that when Alec cuddled close, throwing a leg over his hips and shoved his face into his chest, pretty much clinging to him.

Magnus knew they really should go and clean up, change the sheets too, but with Alec looking the way he was, spent and thoroughly fucked and satisfied, well Magnus just wasn't ready to let him out of his arms just yet and wrapped him up nice and tight once more. Of course Alec went willingly into his sweaty body, a sweet grin on his handsome and tired face. With the flushed cheeks, the spit shine on his plump lips, puffy and with a slight cut since Alec had bitten it until it bled... Even so, Alec was utterly beautiful to Magnus. He observed those beautiful blue eyes flutter open to look up at him, Alec's smile widening, looking very inviting and Magnus couldn't help but roll himself over, squishing Alec into the mattress beneath them, but his darling boyfriend didn't seem to mind at all as Alec just wrapped his arms and one leg around him, making his older boyfriend chuckle tiredly into his shoulder.

Any doubt that Alec was a cuddle-bug/boyfriend was completely obliterated now, Magnus unable to help but chuckle into Alec's shoulder whilst remembering to press kisses to his neck tattoo as they both dropped off for a little more sleep after their rather rigorous workout.

They needed it too, because tonight was going to be a night no one would forget.

#

Several hours later found Magnus and Clary at their gallery with the kids on the second floor testing out the 'kids zone' whilst Alec was next door working up a storm in the kitchen. He didn't want any help or any distractions, Magnus' children sad that they couldn't come and see him at lunch – since Alec was working through it – but Magnus distracted them with putting on an act of wanting his babies with him and how he'd been missing them so much, even if it were his own fault (and he always missed his children no matter what) and they had bought it, excited to play with the paints and blank canvases upstairs. Alec had smiled gratefully and then set off, agreeing to be home by 6pm so they could all get ready, end up at the gallery by 7pm and await guests which would turn up between 7:45 and 8pm for the rest of the evening and into the early hours of New Years Day.

#

(Magnus' Apartment – 6:30pm)

Alec was fresh from a shower, standing in Magnus' bedroom in pressed black trousers, a belt around his narrow waist and a pair of black socks.

"Magnus, is there something you specifically want me to wear?" The older man was wrapped in his black and gold robe, having taken a shower first, since he and the children were home before Alec and he'd been doing his make-up as Alec had rushed in, mumbling an apology about being late, since he got home at 6:20, kissed him on the cheek and dove into the bathroom. Alec took the fastest shower known to man and now was subjected to Magnus looking him up and down. Not that the attention was unwanted, but still, they didn't have time for this!

"Ideally I would like you to wear a chef's hat."

"Why?"

"You'd look so cute in it."

"Magnus, I could never do that."

"Why?" Magnus frowned. "Not even if I say 'pretty please'?"

"No. I am not chef. That would be dishonouring chefs around the world."

"Oh my darling..." Magnus shook his head at just how proper his boyfriend's rational thinking was. "Fine, no chef's hat. What about one of those jackets then?"

"Magnus..." Alec sighed aloud and watched his boyfriend place up his hands. "Just hurry up and choose a shirt for me." Alec took a few steps towards his boyfriend, hands at his hips as Magnus' gaze stopped looking for whatever he was looking for. "You can take if off me after the party." Magnus' smile widened as Alec's cheeks flushed.

"Don't get me all hot and bothered Alexander, I may just skip out on opening night."

"No you won't."

"Alright, I won't, but still, you are awfully tempting."

"Thanks." Alec beamed happily. Maybe he could get used to Magnus' compliments. "Now give me a top and then I'll make sure the kids are all ready and leave you in peace to get dressed." Magnus pulled a black shirt from a coat hanger and helped Alec place it on, doing up the buttons for him and then smoothed his hands down the cotton material. Alec glanced down at the shirt, noticing the little gold fleur di lis on the left breast pocket.

"We went through all that drama when you already had a shirt for me?" Alec raised an eyebrow and only jolted a little when Magnus decided to tuck his shirt in for him. A gasp broke from his lips when Magnus cupped his ass, slamming his lips to his own for a few moments. "M-Magnus... No time..." Truthfully, Alec was sort of still throbbing from this morning!

"Fine, fine, ruin my fun." Alec stepped closer, Magnus blinking when he stood up on tiptoes, lips brushing far too lightly against his own to truly be known as a kiss.

"Lets get tonight over with and celebrate together tomorrow. Raphael is taking the kids for us after all."

"Damn you..." Magnus murmured as he pulled Alec even closer. "Now I'm going to be thinking of that ALL night." Alec grinned wide as he smacked his lips to Magnus' before pulling out of his arms and went to check on the kids.

#

At 6:50pm, Alec was helping the kids place on their good black sneakers and for Madzie it was a pair of glittery black ankle boots.

Madzie was adorably dressed in a black and gold sequinned dress with the gold sequins mainly around the bottom of the dress and the bodice. It billowed out and fell to her knees but she did have on black leggings to keep her warm and of course her glittery black boots. As they waited for Magnus, Alec placed her hair into two braided pigtails and then tied them off with gold ribbons whilst listening to her and her brothers chat away about spending time with their friends and what they had done. As for Alec's little princes, they were dressed all in black like Alec, hair adorably messy as they wanted it to be like his, which of course made him all gooey inside.

"Where are your puffer jackets and bags?" He watched them scatter into their rooms to get said items. "Magnus, we really need to..." Alec lost all train of thought instantly as Magnus was heading down the hallway and straight for him.

Alec's breathtaking boyfriend was dressed in shiny black shoes, black darkly patterned trousers, a black and gold sash belt and then, to Alec's surprise, he was wearing HIS cobalt blue satin shirt! Although not the way Alec had worn it. In fact, whilst it was loosely tucked into Magnus' trousers, almost every single button, except the two tucked into his trousers, were undone! Magnus was showing off an immense amount of his golden-bronze skin. It shone in the lighting of the apartment as two necklaces rested against his finely sculptured body. A black velvet jacket with gold lining was over the top and as Alec's eyes drifted up Magnus' eyes popped with smoky eye-shadow with a hint of gold and blue. He even had some gold glitter in his perfectly styled hair. The man was utterly stunning and Alec's mouth just dropped open taking him all in. Magnus' skin seemed to shimmer and glitter as though he'd placed some sort of body cream on or something.

"Why..." Alec gulped down the lump in his throat. "Why are you wearing my shirt shirt like that?" Alec pouted at how much skin Magnus was showing. He knew Magnus was never afraid to be himself and although he did like Magnus wearing his shirt, however, all that skin...

"Why, does it look terrible?"

"Of course not. Its just..." Alec's eyes drifted down. "People will stare."

"And that's bad because..." Magnus drawled out his query and found the deepening pout so darn adorable on Alec's face.

Once more his darling boyfriend was a vision in all black, hair adorably messy, Alec never being able to tame it, nor would Magnus want him too. He liked the tousled, just fucked look Alec had. He carried it insanely well.

"You're my boyfriend." Magnus grinned wide and proud. It was rare for Alec to use the term and when he did, it was like a delightful prize to Magnus.

"I am."

"So..." Magnus drifted his gaze down, even just for a moment when Alec's index finger on his right hand ghosted down the middle of his chest, stopping just before his belly button and then moved up and tugged cutely on one of the simple gold chains around his neck, pulling on it as it drew Magnus closer to him. "Isn't this only mine to look at?" Alec's cheeks flushed at his own confession.

"Many can look, my dear." Alec's frown deepened. "Only you can touch though." The adorable pout turned into a massive smile as Magnus' glossy lips fell over his, Alec eagerly responding to the sweet kiss. He sighed when Magnus finally broke away and just couldn't help but lick his lips.

"Strawberry?" The glittery lip gloss Magnus had on tasted like his favourite fruit.

"Especially for my boyfriend." Magnus winked. "There's more where that came from too." Alec blushed. "Later though."

"Magnus..." Alec was having a hard enough time not throwing himself at Magnus as it was and his words were not helping!

"Papa! Allie! We're ready!" The men broke apart as Magnus' cherubs had their jackets on, Raph and Max in their batman and superman ones and Madzie was in a black glittery one. They had their backpacks over their shoulders and all that was left was for Magnus to pull out two little gold bow ties as he placed them around his boys necks, they were on elastic bands and then stood back up after zipping up their jackets. Madzie's was already zipped up.

"Now don't we look amazing?" Magnus boasted as his children nodded their heads and then Alec was filing them out of the apartment, after grabbing his leather jacket from the hook near the door and they made it to the lobby, conveniently stepping out onto the street after wishing Alaric a happy new year, as their private vehicle had just turned up to take them to the gallery.

#

(Gallery – 7:10pm)

When Magnus, Alec and the children arrived all lights were on at the gallery, a few people already inside and one of his security guards already out the front, manning the door appropriately and ushering people along as tonight's function wasn't yet open for the public.

"You ready?" Alec asked as he opened the door.

"Its now or never." The kids climbed over Alec to get out and then Alec exited the vehicle himself. He placed out his hand to Magnus, his boyfriend grinning as Alec helped him out of the car. "Thank you my darling."

"I wouldn't be a good boyfriend if I didn't escort one half of 'Biscuit & Bane' into the gallery now would I?" Alec held out his arm for Magnus who slipped his arm through his and then they both glanced up at the name of his and Clary's gallery. It was a black sign with gold cursive writing. "Its a great name for a gallery Magnus."

"I thought it had a nice ring to it. Here's hoping when people go away tonight, or tomorrow morning, it'll be on their mind to tell all their friends and family to come visit us, though technically we won't open until the 2nd."

"It will be. I can feel it." Magnus closed the door to the vehicle and the five of them headed towards the gallery, the children in front and Magnus and Alec with arms linked just behind them.

"Good evening Mr Bane."

"Good evening Claude." The man opened the door for them and they stepped inside, removing their overcoats and placing them in a storage cupboard to the left of the front door.

"How many security have you got this evening?"

"I've five in total, one for each floor, Claude is at the door and the fifth is the overall Head of Security who is manning Claude, Conrad, Erik and Elliot, who all work for the same security company as Alaric, as well as overseeing the camera surveillance upstairs in the attic." Alec nodded at that before turning his attention to a mahogany and glass cabinet.

"Magnus that's your dad's camera!" Alec blurted out the obvious as there was a small reception spot with a wall in front which was now housing a beautiful night shot of New York and in front of that was the cabinet with the camera Magnus' father had gifted him for his birthday and next to that was a set of paintbrushes which looked like they'd seen better days. In front of the two items there was a sign which read: 'How it all Began for Us'

"Do you think its a nice personal touch? I placed in my father's treasured camera and Clary placed in the first paintbrushes her mother ever bought her when she was six years old."

"It is a nice touch Magnus. Its unique and so...you." Alec grinned at his boyfriend as he picked the kids up so they could have a look.

"Alec!" Blue eyes drifted over and he grinned wide as Izzy (and Max, though he hadn't seen him yet) were already here.

Izzy was dressed in a long sleeved black mini with a ruby red rhinestone collar, it matching her ruby lips and had black thigh high boots with six inch heels. Her make-up was done to perfection, probably using the stuff Magnus got her for Christmas and aside from the Lightwood family ring, Izzy had a chunky bracelet, gold and red, clasped to her left wrist. Whilst Alec was slightly horrified with just how short it was, since the dressed stopped just below her backside, he couldn't help but admit to how amazing his baby sister looked. He had to reel in his 'fatherly' reactions to the dress as she wasn't a little girl anymore and gave her a hug when she was within reach.

"You look amazing Iz."

"Thanks! Magnus helped me pick it out." Alec wasn't sure if he liked his boyfriend offering fashion advice to his sister and would have to talk to him about that at a later date. Though perhaps he really should just let it go. After all, tonight really showed what a beautiful young woman she was. He grinned wide as she gave Magnus an affectionate hug and then bent down, ladylike too, and gave hugs to the children as well.

"Wow, don't the six of you scrub up well." All eyes shifted to Clary and even Alec's eyes widened at what a vision she was. The petite redhead was adorned in a long and sexy, sides cut out, backless black and gold beaded dress, showing off quite an amount of her pretty pale skin. The black and gold beaded portion of the dress was from the waist up and then the dress was plain black from the waist down as it flowed elegantly to the floor. She was also sporting a pair of gold strap heels, matching her little clutch purse, but they were not as dangerously high like Izzy's boots though. Clary was, to this day, still a bit of a tomboy, and needed thicker heels as she just wasn't used to wearing them like Izzy was. Though tonight she was an absolute stunner. Her red hair was curled and styled over one shoulder and she had adorned make-up, smoky eye-shadow, her lips were glossy and pink and she had on diamond droop earrings.

"Biscuit, you look fabulous!" Magnus gushed over the young woman.

"Magnus, you helped me pick out the dress." He shrugged as he pulled her into a hug. She wasn't just his business partner anymore. To Magnus, Clary was family now. When he let go of her, she immediately went to Alec, being engulfed in his warm embrace, and then like Izzy, she gave the children a hug too. Once she brushed some strands out of her face she went back to Magnus and actually punched him on the arm!

"Ouch!"

"You sneaky bas..." Clary stopped there as big innocent brown-golden orbs were looking up at her. "Bane. You damn sneaky Bane. How dare you do that to me." Magnus grinned as he knew exactly what she was talking about.

"Now Clary, I would never..."

"Oh yes you would, Mister!"

"What are you two talking about?" Green eyes blinked over at Alec before shifting to Magnus' tiny smile.

"Oh, a bit of this and that." Clary rolled her eyes at Magnus' attitude before observing Max come jogging over, having returned from using the bathroom.

"Alec!"

"Hey Buddy!" Alec wrapped his kid brother in his arms. Man he was going to miss hugging both him and Izzy when they set off in the new year, even though the both of them weren't going until March. Alec quickly shook his head, not wanting to dampen this evening with such thoughts and finally let Max go.

"Did you hear about what Magnus did for me?"

"Um..."

"He doesn't know Maximilian, so why don't you and Izzy take him upstairs and show him? I've placed your prints on the second floor, prime position opposite the deature window up there." Magnus voiced as he engulfed the teen in a hearty hug, Livia having come up beside him and beamed him a lovely smile as he squeezed her hand in silent greeting.

"Are you sure I can steal him away from you?" Max cheekily voiced.

"Only for a few minutes, then I want him back." Magnus winked as both Lightwood's rolled their eyes simultaneously. Magnus grinned as he watched them head off, Livia and Izzy trailing behind the boys as they headed upstairs. Livia was way more modestly dressed, but still looking sweet in a light pink cocktail dress with a sheer white shawl draped over her shoulders.

All was silent until their was an echo of Alec's, Max's and Izzy's voices shouting "OH MY GOD, JACE!" which fluttered down to the ground floor and made Magnus grin wide.

"You didn't tell them about hiring their brother to be Head of Security?" Clary asked.

"I wanted it to be a surprise." Magnus shrugged his shoulders.

"Not just for them." The redhead muttered.

"How did your reintroduction go after so many years apart?"

"It was awkward Magnus. How did you think it was going to go?"

"Well I didn't. Not truly." Clary let out a sigh.

"He's changed." Magnus arched an eyebrow. "Not that we talked much, since I think we just mumbled each others names too many times and then we kind of just started laughing at how shocked we both were."

"I bet you blew his mind looking like that." Magnus grinned wide as Clary blushed sweetly. "Now, tell me, why do you think he's changed?"

"There is just something different about him. I mean he's still good looking, still has that little grin that really gets to me." Magnus raised an eyebrow and Clary coughed away her embarrassment. "Anyway, he's just...different. He's not as cocky as he appeared to be over six years ago. I can tell its still there but he almost seemed...I don't know...on edge." Magnus placed his hand on Clary's forearm.

"He's carrying some baggage, like the rest of the Lightwood's."

"Are they alright?"

"They will be, they just need time. Jace especially." Clary chewed on her bottom lip.

"Don't do that Biscuit, you'll ruin your lipstick."

"Why would you want Jace to be a surprise to Alec, Izzy and Max?"

"Well..."

#

(Flashback – 3 days ago...)

Magnus pulled up at a rather familiar place in his SUV and placed it in park and turned off the ignition. He'd spent a little bit of time here and walked up to the familiar security booth to advise who he was here to see. Once he was allowed inside he headed for reception to sign in, obtaining a visitor pass and then took a seat in one of the communal visitor rooms and waited.

'Magnus?' Brown-golden orbs rose from his phone, seeing the blonde heading his way and immediately pocketed the contraption and stood up, but Jace Lightwood waved him back down into his seat as he took one opposite him. 'Is everything alright? Has something happened to Alec?'

'No, no, nothing like that.' He watched the blonde visibly let out a sigh of relief. 'I'm sorry if I made you worry, but I wanted to ask this in person and not over the phone.' Jace arched an eyebrow. 'After your overnight stay with Alec and I at Christmas, how did you transition back into the controlled environment of the Sanctuary?"

'Fine. Why?'

'Is that really true?'

'Whilst I didn't have the doctors and nurses around me, or my actual own space, your place was like a safe haven to me. You made it feel welcoming and comforting to me. When I was able to fully thank you for what you've done for me and my family, I felt a tension within me lift. I truly did feel comfortable there in the end and I think I can do another night out again.'

'I'm glad to hear that.'

'What's this about Magnus?'

'Would you like to clear your debt with me?' Not that Magnus was really treating it like a debt. He saw someone in need of help – even if at first they had started off on the wrong foot – so he did what any normal and sane human should do and that was lend a hand. Of course the blonde being related to Alec did have a pull in Magnus' decision to help, he'd do anything for Alec after all, but it was still the right thing to do even if they weren't family.

'Of course.'

'Then how would you like a job?' Jace arched an eyebrow.

'Isn't that just you doing another favour for me by employing me?'

'Its just for one evening. Has Alec told you about my intention to open up a gallery?'

'He's talked about it in his letters.'

'Well, my gallery opens New Years Eve. With the amount of guests coming, I need someone to work security for me. Actually I already have four men lined up but I want someone, namely you, as my Head of Security."

'Why me?'

'I may not know you well, but I believe you have the strategic mindset for it. Plus, you can handle yourself.'

'Not as well as you apparently.'

'I'm sure you could give me a run for my money sober.' Jace grinned at that. 'So what do you say? I'm offering cash in hand for services rendered.'

'You really want me to do it?'

'I wouldn't be here asking you if I didn't Jace.' The blonde grinned.

'You called me Jace.'

'It it your name Goldilocks.' Jace rolled his eyes at that. 'So, what do you think?'

'I'll do it.'

'Really?'

'I don't want your money though.'

'Jace...'

'Please Magnus, let me just do this for you, because I can.'

'How about you think on it tonight?' Magnus offered up. 'Whilst you will mainly be overseeing the cameras and directing the four men accordingly through microphones from the attic, I do need to warn you there will be a lot of people there and there will also be alcohol. I know it wasn't your addiction of choice, but it might still be tempting to you.'

'I'll be working, so I won't be drinking.'

'Yes, I understand that but...'

'I won't lapse Magnus.' The older man tilted his head at that. 'I won't let Alec, Izzy or Max down. I won't be an embarrassment to them.' The determination behind Jace's eyes had Magnus convinced.

'Alright.' Magnus placed out his hand and Jace shook it. 'I've already cleared this up with your doctor's already, although they have reservations naturally, but I think if they hear what you said, they will release you for the evening.' Jace gave a nod. It was almost like another test for him. He would not fail. 'This is the address of the gallery, please be there around 6:30 to look everything over. Claude will already be there, he'll be manning the door for most of the evening, but feel free to rotate the men if you see fit.'

'I'll have a small meeting with the five of us about the plan for the evening and what to look out for, but I'm sure nothing will go wrong.' Magnus nodded his head thinking the same. 'Besides I'm sure those four would know more then me since I am not an expert.'

'True, but I trust you more then them.' Jace's eyes widened at that. 'They may work for the same security company I have at the Brownstone, but they are not Alaric and they are not vetted by my boyfriend.' Jace grinned at that.

'Way to put the pressure on.'

'It'll do you good.' Magnus winked at him. 'I'll make sure the bedroom is all set for your arrival as well.'

'No need.'

'Why?'

'I want to stay with Izzy and Max, if that is alright?'

'I'm sure they would love that. Would you like Alec to be with you as well?'

'Not that you could keep my brother away from me, but I'm cool, Alec and I converse through our letters. I want to give Izzy and Max some one on one time, in case they have any questions they want to ask me.' Magnus found the gesture sweet.

'And because they are heading off on new adventures.' Magnus finished off for Jace.

'Can't get anything past you huh?'

'I'm glad you'll still be sticking around New York. Alec will need you more then ever when Izzy and Max pack up and go their separate ways.'

'I know.'

'Are you prepared for that?'

'No, but I will be.' Magnus gave a nod. 'Have you told my family what your plans are about hiring me?' Jace watched Magnus grin.

'I want it to be a surprise.' Jace shook his head as he laughed.

(End of flashback...)

#

"Magnus?" Said man jerked to attention, breaking from his thoughts and looking down into worried green eyes.

"Jace isn't currently staying with his siblings right now and with everything that has been going on, he wanted to pay off a debt he owes me. Its also like my New Year's present to Alexander, Isabelle and Max too."

"Uh huh..."

"I hope it is a lovely surprise for them."

"Oh, I think it is." Their gazes shifted to the stairs to see Alec was literally running back down them, Izzy and Max close behind him as the blue eyed beauty came striding back over, arms raising and securing around his neck in seconds.

"Thank you Magnus. For what you've done for Max and hiring Jace as security for tonight too."

"Head of Security." Magnus corrected, and beamed, as he squeezed Alec back before letting go. "And there is no need for you to thank me. I'm just helping out family." Magnus gave a wink, Alec blushing a little, which Izzy teased him about before she wriggled her way into Magnus' arms to give him a thank you hug, Max doing the same once Izzy let go of the man. "So, do the three of you like your surprise?"

"Didn't the ecstatic hugs give that away?" Clary sarcastically asked. All eyes shifted to the redhead.

"Oh my... Clary... You and Jace..."

"We're not going there Izzy, thank you very much."

"Want to come clubbing with me afterwards and then we can get drunk and talk about it?" Izzy grinned wide which made Clary laugh.

"Absolutely." The redhead was all for it.

"Try not to drink too much Iz, Jace said he's going to stay with you and Max."

"Yes, daaaaad." Izzy drawled whilst rolling her eyes and Alec scowled at her.

"That is rather fortunate for me." Magnus remarked and then moved closer to Alec, lips against his ear. "I plan to remove this top from your body with utmost pleasure and have my way with you on the lounge." Alec's cheeks brightened and his lips parted open, blue eyes wide in shock. He tried to cough away his embarrassment, Izzy ready to tease him again, eager to know what Magnus muttered to him to have him like that, though she could sort of guess, but all eyes shifted to the door as five men walked in.

Even with Magnus' right hand in Alec's left, and even if he wasn't staring at the front door like Clary and his family, he would have known it was someone important just by the quick intake of Magnus' breath and the play of emotions he observed on Magnus' beautiful face at seeing the very man, his father, walk through the door along with his associates. It tugged at Alec's heart. He captured the delight, the wonder, the surprise and shock within Magnus' facial features.

"He really came..." Magnus softly confessed, watching as his father looked into the glass case with his associates, muttering something to them as he pointed inside, most definitely to the camera, probably telling them that it was once his father's, then his and he handed it down to Magnus, and of course it was what started his son's love of photography. "Alexander, he actually came!" Alec grinned wide as Magnus was beaming a smile at him, making him a hundred times more beautiful then he already was.

"Of course he came. He promised you at Christmas." Alec softly voiced as he pressed his lips, quickly, because he can already see his sister grinning like a loon and ready to annoy him about it, against Magnus' cheek. "Go and say hello, since the kids have already attacked him." Magnus kissed his hand rather prince like and then headed over. "Clary, why don't you go be with Magnus, you are business partners after all, and those very men could be potential clients." The redhead grinned and strolled over to Magnus, placing her hand at his back as he turned towards her and then seemed to be introducing her to the men whilst also waving his children off to go back over to Alec, which of course he didn't mind as he opened up his arms and they rushed to him for extra cuddles.

"Shall we look at some of the artwork hanging up?" They nodded their heads as Alec, the kids and his siblings walked off, leaving Magnus and Clary to charm his father and business associates.

#

Around 7:45pm, with more guests arriving – even if things technically weren't truly starting until 8pm – the ground floor was filling up fast. Alec had already been up to the first floor to introduce himself to the waiters and waitresses helping him this evening and had a quick conversation about what was to happen this evening with the food and beverages. Maia Roberts, someone Magnus had known for two years now, was running it alongside him and Alec liked her within the first five minutes. Then there was Amelia, Amanda, Ethan and Evan as the other wait staff.

Maia had actually been here since 6pm, dressed in black like the others, but Alec was the only one out of the six of them that had the little gold fleur di lis on his shirt. Maia had already brought over a lot of the food, setting it up on the tables accordingly and he thanked her wholeheartedly as he was going to rush off and do that at 7:30 but now didn't have to. Alec made some slight adjustments, being a little picky, but it was nothing major. With Maia having Magnus' spare set of keys next door and Alec had the other set, they knew it wouldn't take long to go and crap anything they required and would take either one or two of the wait staff with them for extra hands so there wasn't too many delays in serving Magnus and Clary's guests this evening.

Since everything was now spread out wonderfully, sitting atop black and gold paisley patterned table cloths, with black and gold saucer plates and black and gold napkins, Alec decided to set to work on pouring the mulled wine from the massive pot into drinking glasses with handles, practical so people didn't burn their fingers, and placed the drinks on serving trays for Amelia, Amanda, Ethan and Evan to take around. Guests had already started drifting up here and also to the second floor, so Alec directed everyone where to go whilst he took an extra tray and headed downstairs with Ethan.

Ground floor was getting pretty packed as it was and guests were taking their welcome drinks, chatting away happily and when he listened to the murmurs of compliments at the warmth and spice of the mulled wine, it made him smile. He just handed off his last two, ready to head back upstairs when his happy feelings came to an abrupt stop when out the corner of his eye there was a flutter of movement, a slender yet busty woman in a satin red dress which left little to the imagination was drifting sneakily between guests, trying to conceal her presence, but Alec had felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

Quickly he passed the tray off to Ethan, asking him to go back upstairs to refill as more guests were arriving, the young man looking at him a little funny, but took the tray from him nonetheless.

Alec's narrowed gaze followed the woman as he drifted easily between the guests, coming face to face with the one person he had hoped would not make an appearance here, but that was his naïve wishful thinking.

"Oh, what a coincidence." Her blood red lips tuned into an almost sinister smirk, eyes glinting.

"You need to leave."

"I was invited."

"I highly doubt Magnus would invite you Camille." Alec wasn't playing games this evening as he grasped her forearm and started pulling her towards the door, hoping beyond all hope that Magnus was not in the vicinity to see any of this. "You don't belong here."

"And you think you do?" Camille jerked out of his hold, not that he was holding her all that tight. He hated the very thought of touching this toxic woman, but would do so in order to boot her out on her ass. "I'm taking back what is mine." Alec's eyebrows furrowed at that.

"Magnus is not a thing!" He watched her roll her eyes.

"He deserves more then plain and boring." Alec frowned at that as Camille looked him up and down. "He will return to my side. I know what he likes and I know what he needs." Alec highly doubted that, but for some reason his voice was just not working right now and he hated that. "Someone as green as you will never understand Magnus the way I do. He is so beyond your league." Before even Alec could have a chance to defend himself or to even snap at this crazy woman at how delusional she was in thinking that Magnus would ever return to her and her twisted ways, or so Alec hoped Magnus wouldn't want to return to her, but never got the chance to voice such things when suddenly a tall man slipped between him and Camille! Alec's blue eyes widened, a small panic attack occurring when the man's cologne almost smelt exactly like Magnus', however it wasn't his boyfriend that was standing in front of him, but Asmodeus Bane himself!

"Do you not remember what I told you years ago Camille?"

"A-Asmodeus!"

"You dare speak my name so casually?" Alec blinked up at the man who seemed to be trying to keep Camille away from him, like Magnus' father was actually trying to protect him!

"I didn't think...you'd be here." Of course she didn't think Asmodeus was going to be at Magnus' gallery opening because she knew about the fractured relationship between father and son. What she didn't realise, or was counting on, was there ever being a slight possibility of the two of them mending their relationship.

"I'm everywhere, so you best remember that." Even Alec felt a shudder run down his spine at the way Asmodeus voiced that. Camille did not look happy at this confrontation. She no longer had the upper hand. "I told you never to show your face to Magnus ever again." Alec listened to Asmodeus' voice darken even more. Even he felt on edge and that tone wasn't even directed at him! He could only imagine what Camille was thinking right now, a small smile brushed across his lips at feeling a small amount of victory at the meeting of Magnus' father and his twisted ex-girlfriend. "I warned you that I would make your life a living hell if he even got a whiff of you and that overpowering perfume."

"Magnus and I..."

"Are no more Camille." Her lips snapped shut as Asmodeus took a threatening step towards her, Alec couldn't help but hold onto the back of Asmodeus' business suit jacket, like that were going to stop the man from causing a scene in here if he so desired to. "My threat, and it is a threat Camille, to make your life hell, is very real if I ever see you anywhere near Magnus. That also extends to Alexander here." Alec felt his lips part open in shock. "You don't get another shot at my son, not whilst I am alive. And you certainly do not get to harass his boyfriend either." Alec watched Camille's lips part open. "Get. Out." Alec gulped down the lump in his throat, eyes shifting between Asmodeus and Camille.

"This party was boring anyway." Camille flicked her hair, turning away from them, her red silk dress billowing in her movements, parting high on her left thigh as Asmodeus' narrowed gaze watched her head for the door and then signalled to George, who was also attending this evening with his wife, and Alec watched the older man head off after her.

"What will George do to her?"

"Make sure she gets in her car and leaves." Alec nodded at that, finally releasing the breath that he'd been holding and the grip he had on the man's jacket, almost becoming a little embarrassed he'd even done it. "He'll also advise security at the door not to allow her entrance again."

"Thank you." Asmodeus finally turned around, facing Alec fully. "You didn't have to do that."

"She is nothing but bad news Alec. Never give her an opening." Alec gave him a nod at his insider information on one Camille Belcourt. "And if I let anything happen to you, knowing she is around to cause harm, and Magnus found out about it, I will truly have lost my son for good if I didn't step in and help out the man he is dating." Alec flushed at that.

"Is everything alright here?" Both men jerked on the spot, Magnus sneaking up on them as he looked between his flushed boyfriend and his father.

"Everything is fine." Alec quickly voiced, not wanting to place a dampener on the happy and excited mood of opening night and ruining things for Magnus when he and Clary had been working so hard. Alec tried not to pay attention to Asmodeus' frown.

"Alec, have you not told..."

"Since more people are arriving, I better get back upstairs and make sure everything is running smoothly and start organising more mulled wine for everyone and we'll start serving the soup soon as well."

"Alexander..."

"Knock 'em dead Magnus." Alec quickly pressed his lips to Magnus' cheek and then took off. It wasn't long before Asmodeus found narrowed brown-golden orbs looking at him.

"What did you do to him?"

"Nothing."

"If you confronted Alexander in any way..."

"No Magnus, its nothing like that." Asmodeus placed a gentle hand on Magnus' forearm. "I like Alec."

"Y-You do?"

"I do." Magnus was very pleased to hear that, even if he was a little surprised too, as worry was still churning in his belly.

"Then why is he so jumpy? Its like he's keeping something from me." One look at his father and Magnus knew he had hit the nail on the head. "What is going on?"

"Magnus... The thing is..."

"Uncle Magnus!" Magnus, Asmodeus and several guests nearby, turned their gazes to watch two children come dashing over.

"James! Lucie! Goodness you two have grown!" Magnus gushed as he hugged both children before letting them go as their mother was walking over, dressed beautifully in a deep red strapless, rhinestone taffeta full length gown and a diamond heart necklace with matching earrings. She was also sporting a massive smile on her lips.

"This place looks amazing Magnus. I'm almost ready to forgive you for ignoring me because clearly you have put in a lot of hours here."

"Tessa my dear, you were the one to postpone our last date, which was six months ago I might add, and you've never rescheduled with me since then."

"I've been busy running the Institute of Culinary Education Magnus." Tessa rolled her eyes at her dear friend.

"I'm way more important then your little culinary students!" Magnus dramatically replied.

"Will the two of you stop talking like a bunch of old ladies and just kiss and make up already? Its driving me nuts!" Will grinned at his wife and friend.

"Dad, don't talk about mum kissing other men!" Lucie complained. "Even if it is Uncle Magnus!" The 11 year old blushed since secretly she did find her Uncle really handsome. Her brother James, at 9, just rolled his eyes before pulling out a portal game console and started to play a game.

"Its a figure of speech Luce." Will brushed his hand through his daughters wavy brown hair, smiling sweetly at his little girl as she was in a pale yellow. knee length dress. with daises on it. She had the same smoky grey eyes as her mother and Will knew his baby girl was going to be a beauty as she got older, just like her mother.

"I hope we get a warm reception like that too?" Magnus drifted his eyes over to even more guests, mouth dropping open at who had come through the doors and into his line of sight.

"NO WAY!" Magnus shouted, guests looking his way. "MAMA!" Magnus called out in shock as he weaved around the Herondale's and bundled his tiny Mama Santiago up in a massive hug as she chuckled into his ear and pat him motherly on the back. "What are you doing here?"

"Raphael wanted it to be a surprise." Rosa voiced as she was engulfed in a hearty hug from her other 'big brother'. "We weren't going to miss your gallery opening for the world, were we brother?" Rosa shifted her gaze behind her to where Raphael was quietly standing, holding Samuel and carrying a diaper bag on his left shoulder. Magnus' eyes went misty at what his little brother did for him, though he did have to bite his tongue at how good Raphael looked with a kid on his hip, knowing if he said something it would make the man uncomfortable. Though right now, what Magnus did do, was walk on over and squished Samuel's chubby cheeks because he could. His little nephew giggled in glee.

"How dare you keep this from me Santiago." Magnus griped and Raphael rolled his eyes before shifting his gaze back to Magnus when he had placed his hand on his shoulder. "Thank you Raph." Said man gave a silent nod of the head as Magnus turned back around towards his 'mother' and 'sister'.

"Mama, Rosa, you have to come and meet Alexander!"

"Who is Alexander?" Rosa quipped as she took her grizzly son back into her arms and swayed from side to side to quieten him.

"He's Papa's Sweetheart." All eyes shifted to Max who had popped out from literally nowhere and was currently eating a meatball.

"Sweetheart? Magnus, my son, what have you not been telling us?" Mama Santiago placed her hands on her hips and Magnus gave a sheepish smile before she squat down and cuddled Max who giggled with glee at seeing his Grandma Santi.

"A lot has been going on...and well...I met someone." Mama Santiago finally let go of Max, he running over to Rosa and Raphael for hugs, as she walked back over to Magnus and placed her hand on his cheek.

"Is he a good boy?"

"Almost too good for Magnus." Rosa whacked Raphael before watching Magnus nod his head once more, they almost certain a tiny blush reached his cheeks.

"He's absolutely lovely."

"Well, I better go meet him then. One of my boys cannot have a Sweetheart without my approval of them." Magnus chuckled at that as he took hold of Mama Santiago's hand, linking it with his own and headed for the elevators. Rosa of course was right behind them.

"Thank you for doing that for him." Raphael turned his dark eyes to Asmodeus. "Your family truly is family to Magnus."

"Don't be so quick to rule yourself out as family Mr Bane." Asmodeus blinked quietly as Raphael handed him his invitation to this evenings opening event, tapping at the gallery name of 'Biscuit and Bane'. Asmodeus felt a small smile reach his lips. "If he wasn't proud of his last name, no matter the issues between the both of you, he wouldn't use it." Asmodeus gave Raphael a slight nod. The IT company president was about to head off, to go be with his family when Asmodeus placed his hand on his forearm, dark eyes looking back up at him.

"Alec and I need your help."

"How so?"

"Camille showed up. She's been stalking Alec." The only notion that Raphael was shocked at this news was the slight widening of his eyes. "We have sent her on her way, however..."

"She'll be back." Raphael darkly completed Asmodeus' sentence. "Its Camille after all." Asmodeus nodded his head in agreement. "I'll be sure to keep an eye out. I won't have her ruining Magnus' evening."

"He's lucky to have you."

"I'm lucky to have him." Raphael relied instantly as he headed off towards the stairs, eyes shifting around and wondering if there were any hidden entries or exits that the snake of a woman could end up sneaking in from. He did notice there were cameras and wondered if he should have a word with the Head of Security and ask them to kindly keep an eye out for a witch.

#

Upstairs on the first floor, Mama Santiago and Rosa were looking around at all the people milling about.

"There are a lot of good looking men around here." Rosa couldn't help but state the obvious. "Which one is yours then Magnus?"

"That one, right there, all dressed in black, handsome as the day I met him and looking after all the food and beverages this evening for Biscuit and I." He watched their eyes shifted to where he had been pointing, they now observing Alec.

"Oh my..." Rosa mumbled. "Magnus he's..." Rosa looked the tall lean man up and down, taking notice of the tattoo, the discolouration against his pale skin knowing Magnus had given the man a hickey. Then there was the messy black hair and the bright blue eyes. "He's so pretty!" She gasped and Magnus grinned wide.

"I know right?" He pulled two very important women in his life towards his unsuspecting boyfriend. Alec was so busy directing the two waitresses that he hadn't seen him. After a couple of minutes, Magnus cleared his throat.

"Yes Sir, what can I do for... Oh!" Alec finished off as he finally turned to face a widely grinning Magnus who had two women hanging off his arms.

"Alexander, this is Mama Santiago and her daughter Rosa." A squeal of displease came from Rosa's right hip. "And this is our darling little Samuel." Magnus cooed as he tickled Samuel's belly and he giggled with glee once more. Alec wiped his hands and moved around the table, a smile on his lips as he was giddy with excitement at meeting people that were important to Magnus. He could also see Raphael's warm dark eyes in them too.

"Its so lovely to meet you. Magnus has spoken of the both of you often, and when Raphael told me you were coming to surprise Magnus, I couldn't wait to meet you." Alec kindly and happily voiced as he shook their hands. Mama Santiago was having none of it as she instead wrapped Alec up in a hug and then gave him two kisses to his cheeks, watching him flush at the gesture.

"Mama, don't scare Alec like that." All eyes shifted to a lightly smiling Raphael, Samuel reaching out to him and he took hold of his nephew once more.

"Why does Alexander know of Mama and Rosa coming?" Magnus practically pouted at his brother.

"What part of, it was a surprise for you, did you not understand?" Magnus watched as Alec began to pull some rather adorable faces as he shuffled closer to Raphael as his attention was all on Samuel, wanting to make the little boy giggle and exceeded in doing so.

"Tonight is all about you and Clary so lap it all up Magnus." Alec mumbled as he soon had an armful of Raphael's nephew and Alec was fine with that as he was remembering what both Izzy and Max were like as babies and happily bounced the smiling Samuel in his arms.

"He's really good with kids." Rosa stated the obvious.

"You should see him with mine, they absolutely love him." Magnus grinned adoringly at Alec, everyone seeing it but the man himself as he had quietly shuffled away, taking Samuel with him as he went back behind the tables and was stirring a big container of his sweet potato and pumpkin soup and was spooning it into small teacups, all the while poking his tongue out at Samuel which made Rosa giggle as did Maia who was right at Alec's side helping him place the soup dishes onto serving trays for the staff to take. When four trays were filled, the wait staff headed off to hand the hearty soup out.

"Papa, say cheese!" Magnus turned just in time to put on a wide smile – even though he was oozing happiness already – as his darling little girl took a picture of him with Rosa, Mama Santiago and Raphael who was half turned away, hating having his photo taken, from her polaroid camera. "Ah! Grandma Santi!" Madzie beamed as she dashed over to the older woman who wrapped her up in a warm hug.

"My beautiful little Madzie, you have gotten so big now!"

"I've missed you!"

"Me too! Now where is your brother Raphael, he needs a hug from me too."

"He's playing upstairs, want to come up and see?"

"I do."

"Where is my hug Madz?"

"Aunt Rosa!" The youngster beamed as Rosa gave her a hearty hug before she gave one to her Uncle Raphy, super excited about spending the night at his place, along with Grandma Santi, Rosa and Samuel too.

"You think he'll be alright with Samuel?" Rosa shifted her gaze back to Alec as Magnus was slightly off to the side now, engaged in a conversation with some of his and Clary's guests. The redhead was conversing with some of her mother's associates on the second floor.

"He's a pro Rosa." She arched her eyebrow at her brother. "He's pretty much looked after two of his three siblings since they were babies. Plus he looks after Magnus' cheeky trio as well."

"Well, he must be special then." Raphael never did respond as he just continued to watch Alec multi-task with a baby on his hip.

"Go check out upstairs, I'll be there shortly." He watched his mother and sister head off with Madzie and with Magnus out of ear range, Raphael shifted over to Alec. He just stared at the blue eyed beauty until the man realised he was there and watched those blue eyes drift down to the gurgling baby in his arms and then back over to Raphael who was still holding the diaper bag.

"Oh my god, I just stole your nephew! I'm so..." Raphael placed up his hand.

"Relax Alec, he likes you." Alec drifted his eyes down to the youngster who gave him a gummy smile which melted his heart. "Samuel is a good judge of character." Alec felt his cheeks warm at that compliment, though he became a little on edge when Raphael's expression turned hard. "Mr Bane told me." Alec furrowed his eyebrows not following. "About Camille and her turning up tonight and also the fact she's been harassing you." Alec's eyes widened and he darted his gaze over to Magnus who was surrounded by three women and one man, completely engrossed in whatever they were talking about. Raphael followed his gaze. "You haven't told him what's been going on have you?"

"I haven't."

"Are you going to tell him?" Alec shook his head.

"Tonight isn't the right time. Everything that is going on..."

"When is there ever a good time to talk about bad stuff? Or more importantly a bad person?" Alec had no comeback for that. "He deserves to know Alec. Especially when she is causing you problems."

"Its not that bad." Raphael arched an eyebrow at that. "I... I'll tell him when he's got a free moment and..."

"I can make him have several free moments."

"Don't!" Alec panicked. Samuel became a little grizzly and Alec shushed him down, bouncing him and patting him on the bum to quieten him, along with soft murmurs of telling him he was a good boy and such. It worked like a charm. "I don't want anything to ruin this evening for Magnus or Clary. She won't be back either. Mr Bane sent her packing."

"You don't know what she is capable of Alec."

"If she comes back, we'll get rid of her without Magnus knowing. Tonight has to go off without a hitch. They've worked so hard and I... I don't want to ruin it for them." Raphael watched those bright blue eyes frown over at him. "Please Raph?" His dark eyes widened a bit and Alec's face flushed. "S-Sorry..." After all, only Magnus and Rosa ever called him that. "I didn't mean..."

"Alright Alec." He watched the said man sigh in relief. "We'll do this your way, but promise me you'll talk to Magnus about her causing you problems and in turn, him too, without him truly knowing about it. He might be fragile towards her, for what she did to him, but Magnus is pretty tough overall. He wouldn't stand for her harassing you in any way." Alec gave him a nod and found the two waitresses and waiters heading back his way, trays already empty.

"Sorry, I've really got a lot going on and..." Raphael shook his head as he reached his arms out and took back his nephew who grizzled a little but quietened down as Alec poked his tongue out making him giggle once more.

"I've got your back Alec." Said man grinned as he watched the IT company president head up the stairs to go find his family. He took a glance at Magnus, looking wonderful and sexy and practically glowing and shook his head of any negative thoughts and got back to work.

Tomorrow, after all this was over, he would tell Magnus everything.

No more secrets.

#

(Later that evening...)

All three floors were filled with guests, Alec believing that Clary and Magnus got more then the 60-80 guests they were thinking about, but it didn't matter, there was lots of food and wine and he was truly happy for them. He was sure he'd even seen the tablet come out for a few sales which made him grin wide even though in the past hour he hadn't seen either gallery owner as they were clearly busy, just like himself.

During the evening, as Alec was plating up some more meatballs, a clearing of the throat caught his attention.

'Long time no see stranger.' Alec grinned wide as Lydia, Aline and Helen were all dolled up beautifully. Lydia was in a conservative pale blue dress, Aline was wearing a black cocktail dress with ¾ length sleeves and Helen was in a white pant suit.

'I'm so glad you came.'

'We weren't going to miss out on free food and alcohol." Helen stated matter of fact which made Aline roll her eyes at her girlfriend.

'Plus my mum keeps hearing from Clary's mum how she's grown up and it has everything to do with how amazing this Magnus is and I need to see it for myself. Though so far we've only run into Clary and Jocelyn this evening.'

'Oh, Clary's mum is correct...' Three pairs of eyes were looking up at Alec. 'My boyfriend is pretty amazing.' Alec felt a lopsided grin form as he watched those words tick over in their heads. When it finally hit, they squealed like Izzy, of course gaining attention from other guests, but he accepted their delighted hugs at this news.

'You have to tell us everything!' Aline demanded.

'I will, I promise. Once everything calms down here, I'll give you a call in the New Year and we'll have dinner together.'

'You better Lightwood.' Lydia grinned up at him, her blue eyes shining happily.

'Magnus is upstairs. You can't miss him, he's the most attractive man here tonight.' He watched the girls grin wide at that and headed off. Alec hoped they weren't going to be too embarrassing.

#

Again the night rolled on and Alec was still serving up mulled wine, lips having formed into a grin when Catarina had come wandering over, dressed in a velvet cobalt blue gown with a black scarf over her head, since her hair was still growing back and she was still a bit self conscious and all. Alec couldn't blame her, he'd been that way with the scar on his head and most of it had been hidden by his hair when he was hit by the car. That felt like a world away to where he was now.

Madzie had been right at her mother's side, lapping up all the attention Catarina was giving her. Alec's darling little princess had waved him to squat down, which he did and she had adorably kissed his cheek, telling him how much she loved the strawberry mousse cup.

'Thank you Princess.' Alec got up, taking Catarina's empty glass from her and went to refill it with mulled wine. Of course Alec reminded her to take it easy which she rolled her eyes at. They chatted for a few moments before Amelia came back over, advising him that a couple of the guests wanted a few moments of his time. Catarina left him to it, Amelia taking him over to the two guests and they had asked him who had made the desserts for this evening. With a tiny flush on his cheeks, Alec confessed to being the creator and at their honest praises of how delicious they were, he could almost feel himself bursting with more happiness. He thanked them for their kindness, hoping they were having a lovely evening and advised them to come see him before they left for a bag of sugar cookies as a parting gift. They wandered off to go have a look at some more artwork and Alec headed back to his spot, thanking Maia for taking over for a few moments. She had smiled at him and then took a tray and headed around the first floor to see if anyone wanted anything.

Then there was the moment when another couple had come to ask Alec where his restaurant was so they could reserve a table for a family gathering! Alec looked just as shocked at the very thought as they did when he advised them he did not work in a restaurant or own one for that matter. He received a business card from the wife, she a CEO for some finance firm and asked for him to call her office in the new year because she was going to be hosting some large corporate meetings and wanted him to cater them!

Alec had no idea what to say, just taking her card, thanking her for her praises and hoped they would enjoy the remainder of the evening. Turns out they were heading off, needing to make an appearance at another function, but were looking forward to seeing their purchase hanging up in their penthouse. Alec's smile widened at the thought of either Magnus or Clary getting a sale and quickly pulled out two bags of sugar cookies and handed them over.

'Happy New Year, to you and your family.'

'Thank you Mr Lightwood, and remember, please call my office in the New Year.' Alec nodded his head, pocketing yet another business card, not fully being able to comprehend what was going on as he went back to directing Ethan and Evan to take around some of the cured meats, cheese truffles and crackers. Along with plates, napkins and toothpicks.

Alec had also seen half a dozen children come bounding down the stairs and over to the dessert tables they went. He quickly went over too, smiling gently at them as they debated on what to choose. He made sure to let them have one of everything, except the brownies, rum balls and coffee balls for obvious reasons. They had pouted up at him, but he had wriggled his finger, commenting they had to be 21 to eat them (well maybe not the coffee balls, but they were young and he doubted they'd like the taste) and then they rushed off, back upstairs to the kids corner to clearly do more painting as they were wearing smocks over their attire which was already smudged with paint.

As word seemed to spread that the creator of the mulled wine, soup, meatballs and all the desserts was Alec himself, more business cards were given to him. His cheeks flushed, since this wasn't about him at all. This evening was all about Magnus and Clary and yet people were coming over to ask him questions about how he made his soup so creamy, or the mulled wine so spicy or the strawberry mousse so light and fluffy. Alec didn't want to seem rude so he answered their questions wholeheartedly, though if a little kid asked him, he just stated 'magic' with a sparkle in his eye, their parents close by listening in with smiles on their faces as their children giggled in glee.

With more cards being handed to him, and requests to call their offices for assisting with catering for various functions, meetings and training courses, Alec would have to talk to Magnus about all of this later, unsure if he could even offer any such services when he wasn't a professional of any kind.

#

To think, as the hours ticked by, getting closer and closer to midnight, more guests still came to talk to him. Alec didn't want them talking to him, as flattering as all their compliments were, he wanted them to buy artwork from Magnus and Clary.

"They should be concentrating on them, not me." Alec mumbled out quietly, after a rather enthusiastic, and slightly tipsy woman finally left him be. His gaze shifted to Maia as she placed a hand on his shoulder having heard him.

"You're not good with compliments are you?" He didn't even need to respond to her for her to already know the answer. "Look, the next time someone compliments you, draw them into a conversation about one of the artworks on the wall, even lie and say you drew inspiration from it or something. That will turn the tables for you."

"That's actually a really good idea Maia."

"I'm not just a pretty face." He chuckled at her boastful comment and filled up her tray with a variety of desserts.

"Shut up and go..." Alec never did finish when there was suddenly an almighty scream! Chatter on the first floor ceased as guests parted and Alec's blue eyes focused on the young girl that had screamed at the top of her lungs.

"Sweet Pea!" Alec called out, wiping his hands on a dish cloth before making a beeline for Magnus' little girl, just reaching her in time as Magnus was taking the stairs three at a time, coming up from the ground floor. "What's wrong Princess?" Alec swooped down and picked her up, just as Magnus came over.

Magnus and Clary had been chatting happily with her mother, his father and one of his father's associates who actually worked for the New York Times, when suddenly he had heard that very familiar scream. He knew it was his baby girl and quickly excused himself, his father's gaze on him, he too recognising it, and watched his son go running up the stairs to where it had come from.

When Magnus reached the top of the landing, Alec was already there, being closest and his darling boyfriend was tending to his precious little girl, cuddling her close.

"What happened?" Magnus asked, his heart had been hammering in his ribcage at the sudden shrill cry.

"I'm not sure." Alec rubbed his hand up and down Madzie's back as she buried her face into his shoulder. Magnus placed his arm around Alec's waist, not caring that his guests were watching on as he placed his other over Alec's on his daughter's back and then bent his head, whispering sweetly to his little girl.

"Sweet Pea, what happened? Did you have a fall?" Madzie shook her head as she finally lifted her teary gaze to Alec.

"You said to scream if I saw her." It only took all of five seconds, almost five seconds too long, before Alec went rigid.

"Oh god..." Madzie had seen Camille. She was back.

"Alec, what's going on?" Blue eyes jerked to warm brown-golden ones.

"N-Nothing. Nothing at all." Magnus frowned at that. "Here, take Sweet Pea. There is something I need to do."

"Its nearly midnight Alec." It was 11:30pm and time had certainly flown by.

"I won't take long. I'll make sure Maia starts getting the bubbly ready for your closing speeches and such." Magnus was still puzzled as he watched Alec go back over to where Maia was standing. She nodded her head at Alec's directions and then he walked back over to Magnus. "Where's your father?"

"Downstairs, why?"

"Thanks." Alec kissed him, his body on high alert as he bounded down the stairs on the hunt for one Asmodeus Bane.

"That was odd." Magnus muttered to himself as he sent out silent apologies to his guests for his little girls screams, but they didn't seem to mind too much and went back to their conversations which seemed to result around critiquing some of his photography.

"Papa, can we go upstairs and look at the angel?" Madzie sniffled out as she cuddled close to her beloved father.

"Of course Sweet Pea." Magnus did a quick glance down the stairs, hoping all was alright with Alec and also hoping that Clary was still schmoozing the New York Times reporter well in his absence.

"Everything alright?" Magnus' gaze found Raphael standing on the staircase leading up to the second floor. Clearly he had heard Madzie's distinct scream too.

"Madzie had a bit of a fright and Alec has taken off to go find my father." Magnus watched his brother frown at this news. "Do you know what is going on?"

"Its not my place to say."

"Raph..."

"Come on, let them deal with it and lets get Madz settled and have a drink together."

"Fine." By the end of the evening Magnus vowed he was going to get some answers.

They headed upstairs, Magnus placing Madzie down with some other children, plus her brothers who were insanely happy to draw away with Keelie from their Day Care looking on sweetly. Magnus gave her a thank you smile for looking after the variety of children this evening, even with it being New Years, and before he could even try and convince Raphael to tell him what was going on, or even try and sneak away, Will and Tessa came wandering over, smiles on their faces as they dragged him (and Raphael) into another hearty chat.

#

On the ground floor, Alec was scouring the crowd, trying desperately to find Asmodeus, but the man was nowhere in sight! Alec wanted to know how in the hell Camille even got back in when George specifically advised Claude that she was not to be let inside again!

"Looking for me?" Alec whirled around to see Camille there once more. Again she had an air of confidence about her and Alec had enough, no longer playing Mr Nice Guy and yanked her towards the door, guests parting way to let him stomp through, some whispering a little as to what was going on. That was when Alec noticed the doorman was not Claude at all, but another man with 'Conrad' on his name tag.

"She's not allowed access!" Alec snapped at the wide eyed man.

"Y-Yes Sir, Sorry Sir." Conrad's cheeks flushed. He was a young man and Alec knew exactly how Camille had gotten in. Without a doubt, she seduced the security guard. Alec was fuming as he pulled Camille out onto the darkened streets and then yanked her around into the side alley. "What part of get lost do you not understand?" Alec watched her cross her arms over her boobs. They were practically falling out of her dress.

"You are not a good match for someone like Magnus."

"Oh really? And why is that?" He would give her five minutes and then he might just very well call the cops on her for trespassing.

"If you knew the things he has done, you would not be by his side. I know what he has done. I'm the only one he has ever told and even though its disgusting, I'm the only one who'll ever accept him the way he is." That stung a little but Alec tried not to let it affect him. "Someone as innocent and green as you would never understand him and what he has done over the years." That stung a bit more. "He'll never trust you with his past like he does with me." That stung a lot.

"You are such an evil, evil woman." Alec spat angrily. The slap to his cheek shocked him, his head whipping to the side. His heart sped up as he clenched his teeth, narrowed eyes looking down at her.

"Here I was being my wonderful self and coming to give you a present too." She smacked an envelope to his chest.

"What's that?"

"Magnus' past."

"Not interested." She scoffed at him for that, he observing as she rolled up the envelope and shoved into into his front pocket on his trousers. "I said I don't want it!"

"You'll thank me for showing you the truth about him."

"Are you even listening to yourself? Standing here telling me that you are the only one that deserves Magnus and yet here you are trying to spill his secrets without his say so! What the hell is going on in that head of yours that thinks for a single moment that Magnus would even want another second with you?" Alec blurted out, heart hammering and watched her mouth part open. Clearly not many people stood up to her, possibly even Magnus didn't stand up to Camille, and yet here Alec was, a nobody, and he was done with her shit. This time Alec was prepared and caught her wrist and stopped her from slapping his face. "Don't touch me." Alec darkly voiced, almost feeling like he was channelling Asmodeus right this moment. "Do you even realise what you have done over the years."

"Oh and I suppose you are going to tell me?" She mockingly voiced.

"You broke him Camille. You and you alone." Her lips parted at that. "No matter what you try and do tonight, or maybe even in the future, I will not stand for it. I will tell Magnus what you are doing and if you try and get closer to him, I will do anything to keep him away from you. Your time with Magnus is over. I will never let you have him. I will..." Alec's eyes widened as lips were suddenly against his! He froze instantly, eyebrows furrowed at what kind of game she was playing.

Everything began to churn in his belly when there was noise behind him, coming from the emergency fire escape door, it immediately making Alec jerk away, his brain finally kicking in.

"There you are Alexander." A feeling of utter dread consumed Alec at the sound of Magnus' beautiful voice reaching his ears.

"Magnus go back inside!" Alec yelled, heart thundering as he glanced down at Camille's cruel smile on her smudged lipstick lips. He already knew the rest was on his own.

"What?" There was immediate confusion in Magnus' melodious voice. "Did I just see you kissing a woman?" It was voiced jokingly because Magnus knew Alec wasn't one for women and the lighting in the alley was quite poor and he couldn't quite make out who she was. He assumed the woman was probably drunk and Alec was turning her down gently but she'd just latched onto him in desperation.

"Go back inside!" Alec shouted again, the sound of his heart literally pounding in his ears now and the cocky winning look on Camille's face said it all. This was her ultimate goal, getting him out here and then somehow Magnus following too. Camille had put her plan into place and it had worked splendidly. Alec had given Camille an opening and she took it. Alec had fallen into her trap, Magnus doing the same, although he wasn't aware of her at all. Yet.

Alec had never wanted to hit anyone in his entire life, until this very moment. Camille being a woman, a despicable one at that, be damned. Unfortunately, now, Alec knew exactly what was coming now, something flashing in Camille's eyes and his own closed for a moment as she stepped around him, moving into the light.

"I'm sorry my dear, but Alexander is not..." Magnus was in the process of wanting to blow the 'drunken' woman off, but Alec can hear the very moment Camille's presence is known to Magnus, he now knowing she was the one that had kissed him – due to no fault of his own – but it would still look like he had kissed her too. Alec pried his eyes open, staring out onto the street as people were passing by, either staggering or strolling passed, shouting, laughing, talking or singing at the top of their lungs and all unaware of the three of them in the alley and the turmoil in Alec's heart right this moment.

It took him far too long to turn around and face Magnus head on.

"Hello lover," Alec wanted to throw up at how Camille called Magnus, never mind the fact she had now snaked an arm around his waist. As much as he wants to yank away, Alec's body is not cooperating with him, betraying him in this moment, as he is too frozen in shock to even push her away in this moment. Jace's words of 'All bad shit comes out eventually.' circled in his head.

"Camille? What... What are you doing here?" The confusion was plain to hear. The hurt aches all over as Alec watches Magnus shift his gaze over the woman who broke him and then looking over at him, trying to make sense as to why the to of them were together and the fact how in the hell did Alec know what Camille looked like. Alec watched Magnus' eyes drift down to his waist where Camille had her arm wrapped around him. His brown-golden orbs finally lift to look at him once more. "Alexander...? What's going on?" Before Alec could say anything, Camille started doing more damage as her red lips press against his cheek, once again making him freeze, and yet adding another kiss mark to his face since his lips were still redder with her lipstick.

"Do you mind Magnus, you are interrupting Alexander and I." That is when it all goes quiet in Alec's head, he not hearing whatever damaging words she was saying to his boyfriend. All he can do is look at Magnus, look at the small signs his body shows, signalling the moment of confusion, anger, hurt and worst of all...betrayal.

"Magnus..." Alec can finally hear his own voice. "Magnus this isn't..." Its too late though. Those soulful eyes, those eyes Alec adores, in a beautiful face he admires suddenly grow hard. His own heart plummets as Alec finally has his mind and body synchronised, even if it is late, as he jerks himself out of Camille's clutches, staggering towards his boyfriend, forgetting all about her in that moment, needing desperately to reassure Magnus that all of this was just a game to her. He needed to reach out for the one person he'd only ever wanted to be with, to get him to understand this was nothing but a ploy to try and break them apart. "Magnus please..."

"E-Excuse me..." Alec's heart screamed as Magnus took a few steps away, jerking his hand from his light grip he had on him, those eyes hauntingly casting their anger at him for something he had no idea was truly going to happen. Alec shook his head, mouth moving but words were not forming as he had Magnus was backing up like he'd seen a ghost of his horrible past, only realising now the nightmare was very real.

"Magnus!" Alec yelled as he watched his boyfriend flee, a fight or flight situation taking over and Magnus was gone, staggering back into the gallery, the fire escape door slamming shut, echoing loudly, almost like it was a symbol of Magnus' heart closing off to him.

There is laughter behind him and Alec truly feels like he could vomit. Preferably on Camille. Maybe hit her first and then vomit on her.

"He'll never be yours now." Blue eyes harden and glare at her. "He'll never forget me and he'll never forgive you for kissing me."

"You kissed me!" Alec shouted in defence, even though the one he needed to say that to was no longer here. Camille flicked her hair as she sauntered over to him. "He'll be mine once more." When her disgusting lips fell on his once more, Alec's body revolted in seconds as he pushing her away.

"GET AWAY FROM ME!" Alec shouted, spitting into the alley and clearly pissing her off at that. "Even if there was ever a moment in my life where I would be attracted to a woman, even if you were the last one on this earth, I would NEVER feel an attraction to someone so despicable!" Her hand came up and cracked him over the cheek once more. Alec had to fight back the urge to retaliate.

"It was fun playing with you." Alec's stomach churned at that. "I've done what I came to do. You are no longer in my way." Alec watched as she swiftly turned around when the fire escape door burst open once more, HE watching Camille escape down the alley towards a car, apparently fleeing the very person who was walking towards him.

"Alec!" Said man could very well have cried then and there because the one who Camille was afraid of the most was too late! Asmodeus Bane was too late to the end of this horrifying party! "I ran into Raphael and he seems to think that..." Asmodeus stopped as he watched a woman blow a kiss their way before jumping into a car as it sped off. "Don't tell me that was..."

"It was." When Asmodeus placed his hand on Alec's shoulder, his very resolve crumbled and Alec couldn't help but begin to panic, breathing laboured, hands rubbing at his face especially his lips and cheek, trying to rid the smell of perfume from his skin and the marks of her lipstick there too.

"I saw Magnus come back in from the fire escape door, he looked upset and..." Asmodeus froze, eyebrow arching when Alec yelled in pure frustration, he observing the emotions swimming in his crestfallen gaze before watching him lash out at the nearest trash can, boot kicking it over and the lid went sailing down the alley.

"FUCK!" Alec screamed, passers-by looking into the pale lit alley and scampering off, deciding not to investigate what was going on. Alec's outburst was quite surprising to Asmodeus as he never seemed to swear at all, not even when he was sizing him up while back.

"Look, what's done is done for now. Just come back inside. Its nearly midnight." Asmodeus placed his hand on Alec's shoulder once more. "Come back inside and..."

"And what? Magnus hates me!" Alec voiced in anguish as he took it out on the man who said he'd have his back and wasn't there at his time of need! "Why didn't you just fucking kill her off?!" Alec fumed to a slightly wide eyed Asmodeus. "If she was fucking dead, none of this would have happened!" Asmodeus just blinked quietly at Alec's irrational thoughts.

"I'm not a murderer." That shut Alec up. He knows its no ones fault but Camille's but he needed an avenue. He needed a punching bag. This man was currently it. "I'll talk to Magnus. I'll tell him what's been going on."

"Don't." Asmodeus raised an eyebrow at that. "I brought this on myself. You and Raphael and even my own brother told me that I should talk to Magnus about this. I didn't listen. This is all my fault."

"Alec..."

"Go back inside, I'm fine."

"No."

"Go back!" Alec shouted. "Please!" He practically begged. Asmodeus reluctantly left him in the alley.

Alone, in mostly darkness, Alec could hear his own rugged breaths. He truly was trying to fight off a panic attack as he slumped against the brick wall of the gallery, head tilted up as he blinked away his frustrated tears. Above, the heavens opened up, and snow flurries begin to fall, melting against Alec's flushed cheeks as he continued to draw in some deep breaths trying to calm down.

It wasn't long before the fire escape door opened once more and ended up being propped open by a milk crate this time. Alec knew who it was without even having to look.

"What do you want Jace?"

"Everyone is gathering on the ground floor as Magnus and Clary are doing speeches right now, thanking everyone for coming this evening. I've cleared the second and first floors and Erik and Elliot aren't allowing anyone back up so I could join in the countdown to midnight with everyone."

"So go join everyone."

"Do you know Magnus has a camera in the alley." Alec's blue eyes jerked over to Jace, watching him jut out his chin as he glanced up to the camera. "Who was that woman? She looked like trouble." He didn't get a response. "Was she actually kissing you?" Jace's eyes widened a little when Alec's gaze finally shifted overt o him, he noticing how watery his brother's blue eyes currently were. "Alec, you alright?"

"No."

"Want to talk about it?"

"No."

"Look, I ran into Magnus and asked if he'd seen you and he said you were taking a break, but now I'm not so sure." Jace's hand rested on Alec's shoulder. "Come on Alec, talk to me. Did you guys have a fight or something? Does this have to do with that woman?"

"Its nothing."

"I highly doubt that." Jace sighed as Alec was even more stubborn then he was at letting out his feelings. Or in this case, not letting out his feelings. "Magnus looked pissed. He snapped at one of the waitresses for not giving him a drink." Alec shifted his gaze to Jace. "He apologised quickly after but he's... I don't know... He's just not his usual sparkly self from earlier."

"Lets get back inside."

"Alec..."

"Its nearly midnight. I need to ensure everyone's glasses are full and they all have their sugar cookies as a parting gift, and if they want anymore additional desserts and such."

"You know you can talk to me right?"

"Not right now."

"Soon then?" Alec never responded as he headed back inside, a quick glance over to Magnus as he was standing beside Clary as she was doing the finishing speeches as their guests began to clap. There was a toast, Magnus downed his drink in seconds, before calling Ethan over as he took another from his serving tray.

Alec stopped looking at Magnus for a moment as Maia came rushing over to him, alerting him to the fact everyone had a drink (or two or three – possibly more – if you were Magnus) but she hadn't had a chance to hand out any bags of sugar cookies.

"Let's place them near the door and pass them out when everyone starts to leave. The entrance is the exit after all." Maia beamed him a smile, unaware of the turmoil flooding Alec as they carted the massive box counting all the bags of cookies, but stopped when shouts began to fill the crowded space, the countdown to midnight had begun. Alec's stomach churned as he was unable to be at Magnus' side during this time.

The New Year was rung in with cheers from everyone but Alec. He couldn't even raise his eyes to look over at Magnus anymore.

Tonight had just turned into a bad dream.

#

To be continued...