Hey ya! First of all: I want to thank everyone who reviewed last time. If it wasn't for you this would've never happened. Secondly: I'm sorry for the length of my chapters. I know they're not very long, but I'm trying. As for my anxiety… it's getting better! :) It has been almost 4 months (4 whole months!) since my last panic attack and I feel like I'm getting back on track if you know what I mean.
I know this AN sucks almost as much as this chapter, but that happens. Deal with it.
I hope you enjoy this one.

Today was a rainy Saturday and the Magic Cup was stuffed with people. There was a group of teenagers sitting in the left corner, making jokes and crying with laughter. Next to them sat a young couple with their little boy, who was telling stories about flying space lions on the moon. Two tables to the right sat an older couple with wise old twinkling eyes as they sipped their coffee and enjoyed each other's company. This was why Magnus loved his pub so much. It was a safe haven for everyone. No matter what age, race, sexuality or gender, everyone was welcome and accepted in the Magic Cup.

There was a lot of work to do. One of the coffee machines broke down yesterday, which meant that Magnus needed to use one of the older ones. The ugly one. That ended terribly with coffee all over the floor and bar. He sighed and started cleaning up the mess humming a song he couldn't remember the name of. He looked up when he heard a familiar voice and was greeted by a bunch of fiery red hair.

"Magnus!" Clary yelled as she pulled him into a hug over the counter.

"Hey biscuit, how's Jocelyn? Is she doing any better?"

"Yes! That's why I'm here actually. My mom got released from the hospital yesterday, which means I don't have to be at her side 24/7 anymore. Well, more like 2/7 as they always sent me away because I was being too loud or something. Can you believe that?"

"You being too loud? No way!" Magnus said with a sarcastic tone. Clary poked him with her elbow and they laughed together for a while.

"I'm glad she's finally released." Magnus said more serious.

"Yeah, I missed her at home."

"Clary!" Ragnor came running towards the duo and pulled the girl into a hug. "You're back!" He exclaimed. "I missed you!"

"Ragnor! I missed you too! And yes, my mom's finally out of the hospital so I can work here again. That is, if Magnus still wants me to." Clary said looking at Ragnor and Magnus with a big happy smile on her face.

"Of course he does!" Ragnor said. And they all laughed.

"When do you want to start again?" Magus asked Clary.

"What about right now?"

"That'd be perfect! I was about to call Jordan actually because it's getting really crowded in here and we can use another waiter."

"I think it's settled then; Clary's officially back!" Ragnor said happily. "It was so boring here without you. Jordan can't shut up about his perfect girlfriend Maia and Magnus is no fun too."

"Hey! Remember I'm your boss, you need to work for me. I'm paying you!"

"Oh, I'm sorry mister Bane. Did I hurt your feelings?"

"God, I missed you two losers." Clary said pulling them into a hug once more.

Alec finished cleaning the windows a while ago. He was looking trough the thick glass as he pulled at the sleeves of his sweater and started day dreaming about being back at home. Today was a rain soaked day. The kind that made you want to go outside and explore the wet streets in the dim light of the lampposts. The kind that made you want to crawl under your woolen blanket with a hot cocoa and a good book. The kind that made you want to sit by the window all day listening to music and watching the rain fall. It was that kind of a day and Alec loved it. It made him want to go back home even though he knew all too well he wasn't welcome there anymore. With that feeling of longing also came sadness and shame. Memories he'd rather not think about. And that's what he did. He stared out of the window for what felt like hours, not paying attention to his surroundings. Zoning out completely. He jumped as a hand started waving in front of his face. He looked over at his interrupter and found a small girl with red hair and bright green eyes. Alec looked down again but couldn't hide the red glow that came over his face. First day here and already caught day dreaming. Good way to go, Alec, good way to go.

"Hello, anybody there? I don't think we've met yet. I'm Clary, I'm a waitress as you can see." The girl said pointing at her apron.

"Hey, I'm Alec. I uhm… clean things." Alec said awkwardly, still looking at his shoes.

"Well, it's nice to meet you Alec."

"Nice to meet you too." The shy boy answered, slowly looking up at the smiling girl.

She seemed a genuinely nice person. Her hair was in a high ponytail and even her eyes smiled when she looked at Alec.

Strange… He thought. She doesn't seem bothered by my appearance at all… He pulled at his sleeves and smiled back at the small girl

Clary and Alec grew very close over the weeks. It was mostly Clary who was talking and Alec who listened, but it was working for them. They had lunch together every day and they often stayed a bit longer after their shift was over to drink a cup of coffee together. Alec considered Clary a friend, something he'd never had before. And it felt amazing. It felt amazing to know that there was someone waiting for him to come to work. It was amazing to know there was someone who'd notice his absents. It was amazing to have a friend for once. Alec started to enjoy working at the Magic Cup. And even though Magnus told him it wasn't necessary, he made sure he was there at 6 every morning to open with Magnus. He started to feel like a part of the so-called 'family' Ragnor always talked about. And for once in his life Alec felt truly happy.

Awww that's it for now. I'm sorry!
I hope you liked it and if you did please review!

Love,

Mariëtte