On the drive home, Alec chastised Clary and asked if that was her ulterior motive all long, to see if she could set up him and Magnus. She vehemently denied it and said she really did just want to meet Max and that setting him and Magnus up was just a bonus, but Alec wasn't convinced. He still hadn't really made up his mind. He was extremely attracted to Magnus but he didn't know anything about the guy still, aside from the fact he wasn't married, had a son and seemingly took pleasure in flirting with Alec. Clary saw him staring off into the distance and not listening to a word she was saying so she said "What's up Alec? Did I go to far with the thing with Magnus?" Alec looked at her and spit out a quick no, he didn't want to hurt her feelings. "So what is it then? Because you look like you're really upset about something" Clary continued to question. "I just don't know if I can do this. I have Max to look after and he has to be my priority. But I'm 19 and I still remember what my life was like before; to just be able to go out whenever I wanted, not have to worry about money or anything. It's so tempting to give into Magnus' flirting but I just don't know if I should. What if Max doesn't like me having someone else around" Alec explained. They were just pulling into the drive when Clary turned to Alec, waited for him to unbuckle his seat belt, put her hand under his chin turning his head towards her, then said really gently "Alec, you are doing your best for Max, look how happy he is. You wouldn't know he'd just lost his parents four months ago. You are doing a great job. I know you think that having a relationship isn't the best thing for you right now, but think about what it would be like to be able to share your life with someone. From what you've told me your parents didn't exactly approve of you being gay, and not that I want to speak badly of them, but maybe now you have a chance to truly find someone who can make you happy, without having to worry about what they might think. Maybe even Max too, don't you think Max would like to have even more people to support him as he grows up?" Alec, looked at Clary properly now, could see that she was being completely serious and replied with "Yea, I guess you're right, maybe." Clary realised that was the best she was going to get at the moment.
It was nice to have someone else play with Max whilst he cooked dinner and caught up on a few chores whilst the fish fingers were in the oven. They had a nice dinner and Clary even offered to read Max his bedtime story which Alec was thankful for. Max had an obsession with a book about a dog that they had read about 10 times in the last two weeks and Alec didn't think he could stand reading that book again.
Alec was chilling on the sofa with a beer when he felt a vibration in his pocket. He opened his phone to see a text message that just said
Hey Blue Eyes, this is my number. Magnus x
Alec spent a good five minutes staring at it until Clary came down from upstairs, proclaimed that Max was asleep and then sat on the sofa next to Alec, who was still staring at his phone. Clary leaned over slightly and tried to get a better look at Alec's phone so she could see what he was looking at but Alec was too quick and shoved his phone back in his pocket before she could see anything. That was obviously highly suspicious behaviour to Clary who then proceeded to grill Alec until he gave in and showed her the text.
Clary had no idea why Alec had tried to hide that, it wasn't like they were sexting or anything. In fact, Alec hadn't even replied seemingly. "Why haven't you replied?" Clary inquired. Alec just lowered his head and mumbled "I don't know what to say". Of course, Clary then wanted to reply to Magnus on Alec's behalf but Alec wouldn't let her as he had already figured out that Clary was a pretty straight to the point kind of person, and didn't really want her to start something he couldn't finish. He suddenly felt very tired at that point, he'd had a full day of work and hadn't had a proper night sleep because Max had had a bad dream and he'd spent half the night trying to console him.
Clary could tell that Alec was tired as he was getting a bit irritable with her pressuring him to reply to Magnus. She decided to call it quits once it got fairly late and left Alec to his own devices to text Magnus back. She hugged Alec goodbye and gave Alec a cheeky smile saying "If you need help with the kinky stuff just let me know". Alec just laughed it off and playfully pushed her out the door when her cab arrived.
Alec got into bed, wrapping himself up in his duvet and thought about everything that Clary had said to him in the car. He still didn't know what the right thing to do was but he didn't have to know just then and sleeping on it might help. The text from Magnus was on his mind though and although it didn't necessarily warrant a response Alec knew he wouldn't be able to sleep unless he had replied. Alec mulled over a few ideas in his head, repeating them over and over until he ended up just getting anxious about it. He settled on a simple response
Hi Magnus, thanks for the text. Sorry once again for the coffee incident x
He had debated for at least 30 seconds about whether to put the kiss on the end or not. He wouldn't usually do that with friends, but Magnus had put one and if he was being honest with himself deep down he knew he didn't want to just be friends with Magnus. Even though he'd only met Magnus yesterday, he already felt such a strong pull towards him, like he wanted to get to know him better and understand him as a person.
Alec, will you please stop apologising, otherwise I'll have to come over there and make you! x
Okay, sorry, I'll stop. I promise x
You still said sorry, maybe I'll have to come over there and make you… x
Alec gasped out loud at that one, it was only now that he recognised this as flirting from Magnus. He really didn't know how to reciprocate properly with this flirting, having only been out and actively trying to date for the last year or so. Once again, Alec decided to play it safe.
Not necessary, I've definitely stopped now. But we should arrange a playdate for the boys soon x
Oh I won't forget, don't you worry Blue Eyes. Goodnight x
With that, Alec went to sleep and dreamt of caramel skin and bright green eyes.
Alec didn't have to work the next day, and he found himself slightly disappointed by that, of course he loved spending time with Max but he also wanted an excuse to see Magnus again. Throughout the day he found himself thinking about Magnus and what it would be like to kiss his full, luscious lips. When Max got annoyed at him for once again not paying attention to the game they were playing, he realised he needed to concentrate on Max. This was exactly what he was talking about, what if a relationship got between him and Max. I mean, Alec knew he would never let that happen but what if he just couldn't dedicate enough time and attention to Max. He was turning 3 early the following month and Alec knew that was when a lot of development would happen. He should start talking properly and being able to feed and sort of dress himself. What if Max fell behind because Alec wasn't dedicating enough time to him? He couldn't let that happen.
Later on that day whilst Alec was cooking and Izzy was playing with Max, he felt a buzz in his pocket.
I missed you at Daycare today Blue Eyes x
Alec blushed slightly with a small smile on his face and messaged back
Didn't have to work today, so spent the day with Max :) x
Oh lovely, you have a gorgeous son, did you do anything special? X
Alec inhaled quickly upon reading that. He realised he'd never explained to Magnus about his circumstances. Max did look like him, so him being his son was probably the conclusion most people would come to in the Daycare situation. No wonder Magnus thought he wasn't gay, if he had a son, of course it would appear that he was in fact straight. Like Alec himself had assumed with Magnus. Alec decided that if he was viewing Magnus as a possible relationship prospect, even if he wasn't sure on that yet, he should clear the air from the beginning.
Max isn't my son, he's my little brother...my parents died recently so I adopted him. Nothing special but had a good day, thanks for asking x
Alec didn't hear anything back for a few minutes so resumed with the cooking. He was getting worried maybe he'd scared Magnus off somehow. Deciding to put it out of his mind, he plated up the food and called Izzy and Max to the table.
Izzy's course hadn't started yet, so she had been helping more around the house and with Max, she was currently cutting up Max's food and putting it on a fork for him. As Alec was eating himself he felt another buzz in his pocket.
I'm so sorry to hear that Alec. If you need any parenting tips, I've had Finn on my own since he was born so I'd like to think I'm okay at it x
Alec smiled at that, he had barely spoken to the man and he was being so kind to him. Alec thought about his situation and realised that Magnus would actually be the perfect person to try a relationship with. He was older than Alec he assumed, so concluded that hopefully Magnus wouldn't be a jerk like half the other guys he had been on dates with before, he had a son so could be trusted around Max, he was so far really genuine and to top it all off he was Alec's idea of sex on legs. As Alec was coming to this conclusion, Izzy had looked up and spotted a grin on his face. "What's got you so happy?" she inquired. "Oh, uhm, nothing, just one of the dad's at Max's Daycare offering to have a playdate" he made up on the spot, it wasn't so far from the truth, I mean Alec assumed that's what Magnus was going to do eventually. "A playdate for Max or a playdate for you?" Izzy asked with an eyebrow raised. "Max! Obviously...not that I wouldn't mind a playdate myself…"Alec trailed off whilst trying not to giggle. He was done trying to deny it to himself, he really liked Magnus.
Izzy just laughed at him, told him he was cute, ruffled his hair and then walked off after finishing feeding Max and eating her own dinner. Alec was left at the table chuckling to himself. Max was hitting his fork on the tray of his highchair and demanded pudding so Alec got up and went to the fridge to get a pot of jelly out and set it down in front of Max. He took the lid off and put the spoon in the pot and left Max to his own devices with the jelly, even if he did just use his hands. He already had beans down his front, some jelly wouldn't make much difference.
Alec sat down next to Max but far enough away that he wouldn't be in the firing line of stray jelly and got his phone out again, he decided that he wouldn't consciously stop himself from flirting with Magnus, he would just go with the flow and see what happened.
Thanks Magnus. That sounds great, perhaps we should start with that playdate Clary mentioned? X
He got a reply straight away No problem Blue Eyes. Yes a playdate sounds good. This weekend? X
Saturday? My place or yours? I'll have to put Max down for a nap early afternoon, so could we do around 3? X
Saturday it is. Finn has to nap too but we could try to put them both down at the same time at my place and then you and I can have lunch together. I'll even make something from scratch for you... x
Alec didn't know what Max would be like trying to sleep somewhere unfamiliar and he didn't want to have to deal with a cranky toddler but he did really want to spend some time with Magnus getting to know him better.
Okay, you've sold it to me. I'll see you at 12.30 on Saturday? Text me your address before then? X
Sure, Blue Eyes, see you then. Looking forward to it x
Alec almost fell off his chair with how giddy he felt. He sort of had a date with Magnus, I mean not a proper one but he did say that he wanted to spend time with you, Alec thought. Alec didn't have a full day shift for the rest of the week so Max didn't need to go to Daycare, as Izzy could just look after him for a few hours. Alec was debating putting Max in Daycare just so he could see Magnus before Saturday but it wasn't necessary and he didn't want to waste the money. Alec sulked a little bit at that thought but realised that Saturday was only a few days away and he felt his heart beat a little faster.