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Chapter Text

Job interviews. Magnus hates doing them, but he needs to hire some new people at his club. He has just had Pandemonium redecorated and renewed, and he needs to get in some bartenders, some bouncers, and some professional Doms and Subs. Magnus is ambitious, when he bought the club, the former owner was on the verge of bankruptcy. Now Pandemonium is one of the most important and famous clubs in the BDSM scene in New York.

He is proud of it, it’s a safe place, where people can have fun, where everyone can find what they need. But it’s also tiring, the last few months have been challenging, to say the least.

Next interview is with a young man, who applied for one of the professional Dom positions. He hasn’t exactly sent his resumè, but just an email asking for an interview. He said he has been a professional Dom for an appropriate amount of time, that he was 27, gay, and that he had just moved to NY. Not much, admittedly, but Magnus needs people, so he is interviewing as many applicants as he can.

However, this one is really young, he’s only 27, so Magnus is not sure it’s going to work, he may lack the necessary experience and, on the other hand, customers, who book a session with one of his employees, need someone who knows what they are doing. Magnus figures that all the Doms working at Pandemonium need to be both authoritative and reassuring.

Magnus is 34 and he has been a Dom since he was 20. He started working at clubs when he was really young, he was broke and needed a job; he started as a stripper when he was barely of legal age, then as a bartender, eventually as manager. He learnt how to run a club and, mostly, what made a club a successful one.

So, the last thing he needs is someone inexperienced.

He’ll just give him a few words, he has some minutes to spare after all, but he’s already thinking about how to decline his application in a polite way. He really needs someone reliable and not someone who improvises; this job doesn’t allow mistakes.

All those sensible and logical thoughts are easily swept away as soon as Alexander Gideon Lightwood enters his office.

What the fuck??

Magnus widens his eyes. In spite of his age, Alexander gives off confidence and authority from his whole being, his posture, his way of walking, his intense gaze.

The man looks at him from bottom to top, as if he was the one who has to evaluate Magnus and not the other way around, then he smiles, satisfied with what he saw and Magnus is almost blinded by that smile. He struggles a little to regain the ability to speak, as Alexander reaches out to shake his hand.

“Hi, you must be Magnus, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Alec.”

“H..Hi. Yes, it’s me, and the pleasure is all mine. Please, take a seat, Alec.”

Magnus shakes his hand briefly and firmly, trying to get a hold of himself.

Alec sits down on the chair in front of Magnus’ desk and crosses his long, long legs with a surprising grace. Everything about him screams power and sex. 

“So, you’re here for one of the Professional Dominant positions, am I right?”

“Exactly.”

“So, how long have you been a Dom, professionally?”

“Eight years. I used to live in L.A., actually I was born here, but I came back only about a month ago. In L.A. I had worked at Red Velvet for the last five years, if you need some references I can ask the owner to contact you.” 

Magnus briefly ponders that information.

“It won’t be necessary. Tell me more about you. I need someone to go on stage regularly, do you have any experiences of that kind of performance?”

“Of course. I’m a rope master. I studied Kinbaku and Shibari in Japan for almost one year. So I’m used to performing as a “Bakushi”, especially with the aim of impressing the audience. Also, I’m kind of specialized in impact and pain play, as I enjoy them extensively. I can actually do pretty much almost anything, apart from dangerous practices obviously, not suitable for a place like this. I think, hope actually, they are forbidden anyway, like breath play, blood play, and so on. In any case, I’m open to almost any sort of practice; I don’t think there is a kink I haven’t at least tried. And I used to perform for the audience very often, so it won’t be an issue.”

Magnus feels a strange heat pool in his stomach. The way this young man speaks, it’s so sure and appealing.

When he says there is nothing he hasn’t done, Magnus has the urge to ask to prove it, with him, right now. As a sort of test. It is reasonable, right? He has to be sure he is well trained, after all. It’s about the safety of his clientele we are speaking about, isn’t it? 

Magnus is a professional Dom too, he owns the club, so his role is not really negotiable. 

But in his private life he is a switch, he loves both roles equally, he finds release and pleasure both in dominating and in being dominated. And he is a sucker for tall, dark, authoritative men. However, he has always preferred to sub only to his partner in life, men or women they may have been. And because it has been at least four years since his last relationship ended… Well, he misses the mere feeling of submission enough to have this weird and absolutely misplaced instinct to drop on his knees in front of the man sitting, gorgeous and unattainable, in front of him. It was as if this Alec had immediately unlocked something in him, something powerful, something that he had kept at bay for so long.

“Oh this is interesting, Alexander; oh, can I call you Alexander?”

Something passes in Alec’s eyes, something dark and dangerous.

“Well, Magnus, I think you can. I like the way it sounds when you say it.”

That voice… it does something weird to Magnus’ stomach. The worst thing is that unexpectedly he blushes. This is crazy! He just can’t become red because a young and surely less experienced man speaks and looks at him that way, that sinful, suggestive, absolutely erotic way. He notices the cocky smirk on Alec’s face. 

Fuck! He knows what he is doing to you. 

He tries to pretend nothing has happened, to pretend he is not getting hard in his pants. Because he is not. 

Magnus clears his voice. 

Alexander Gideon Lightwood, you want to play? Let's play, then!

“So, Alexander,“ he rolls his name in his mouth more than necessary and looks at him with an amused grin on his lips, “let’s talk about your schedule and of course about money.”

“Ok, I’m listening.”

“I need someone to go on stage once or twice a week; we also organize seminars and special events, especially on weekends. And I need you to be here at least another one or maybe two evenings a week. Clients will book their sessions with Clary, she is my assistant. She will send you the form they have to fill in, so you know what to expect. I need you to fill out a form too, to know your hard nos. Everything sexual is allowed, but of course we recommend always using protections.”

“Of course. What about the pay? Am I allowed to have clients outside this club?”

Magnus hands him a sheet of paper. It’s a sort of rate table. 

“Here you can find the pay per session. You will have a weekly pay, to which we will add commissions based on the actual number of sessions that will be booked, both through Clary, and directly by our clients during the evenings here. As regards demonstrations, shows, events, the pay will be agreed from time to time, and sure, what you do outside the club is none of my business, as long as it doesn't affect your shifts here or you don’t see our customers privately.”

Alec reads the sheet carefully, nodding.

“I think I can grant you five or six evening per week, if it’s ok with you. But I’d prefer not to work on Sunday, unless you plan some important events I may attend. Of course, only if it is not a problem.”

Magnus is quite surprised, it’s a lot, other employees, both Dom or Sub, work only two or three times a week. 

But Magnus refrains from remarking it. Evidently the boy has very pressing needs, or he is in need of money; in any case, Magnus is not here to judge, he needs a Dom and Alexander embodies that perfectly, he is that impeccable Dom Magnus has often imagined in his most lascivious dreams.

“Oh, it’s perfect Alexander. I think we can start with a trial period, one month maybe? After that, if we are both satisfied, you can sign a permanent contract. Can you start tomorrow?”

“It sounds like a plan, Magnus, thank you.”

“You’re very welcome Alexander.”

Magnus uses his most velvety and eliciting voice, as he gets up from behind his chair.

However, he does not realize that his tight leather pants cannot hide his evident and quite "remarkable" erection. Alec's eyes slowly lower down and at the same time a crooked smile appears on his lips.

Fuck.

But in the end he has nothing to be ashamed of. He is a young and healthy man and this is what happens when someone like Alec shows up at his door exuding sex from every pore. 

So, great Alec, you know how to do your job, it seems, and here is the proof. You passed the test, you're hired, congrats.

Magnus swallows a groan at the dirty images that are flowing before his eyes and walks to the door, swaying his hips more than necessary, to say goodbye to Alec.

Alec calmly gets up from his chair, and heads to the door held open by Magnus.

"So Magnus, see you tomorrow. You know? I can't wait to work for you."

He says the last two words almost whispering and standing so close, that Magnus has to fight so hard not to throw himself at his feet and worship him.

God.

This man will be the end of him; how could he work with him, if he doesn't even manage to carry on a simple conversation without drooling?

“Sure, see you tomorrow. Can you come at 5 instead of 6? So Clary can make you sign some documents, you know, for the insurance. And I need to show you the club and outline some further rules we have here.”

“Of course, no problem. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Magnus.”

As soon as Alec leaves his office, Magnus rushes to the bathroom to wash his face with some cold water. He needs to regain his control, the interviews aren’t over for the day, and he has to be focused and professional. Looking at the mirror, all he can see is a horny mess, though. He laughs at himself. It has been years he's been so affected by someone. He has to admit that Alec seems a pretty interesting man, and dangerous in a very good way.

Chapter Text

It has been a long and sleepless night; one like Magnus hasn’t had in a while now. He has been thinking about Alec Lightwood, until the sun rose in front of his window. Something kept stirring in his gut. Now, as he drinks his second coffee, just lazily hanging around in the kitchen, Magnus realizes how much he misses certain sensations. Alec has unleashed something unexpected, a long-dormant craving he didn’t even know he was missing.

Alec is a beautiful man, extraordinarily attractive. And he knows he is. That awareness is sensual itself, the way he uses his body and his voice. Wow… Magnus has met the guy for what, ten minutes?

There was something about him, something that made his stomach tremble. And that made him spend a sleepless night.

Not that there is much he could do about it.

Rule number one: do not engage in personal relationships with your employees. Some of his closest friends work for him, but any relationship of a romantic or sexual nature has to stay out of his job.

Rule number two: he is a Dom at the club, he needs to be in authority there, it just makes things easier. It’s all about his reputation and his inclination. When he sits on his throne in the VIP area, with one or two subs on their knees for him, overlooking the entire club, he relishes the way people look at him, with desire, respect, awe, and sometimes envy. And he likes that.

Besides, Magnus isn't going to expose a part of himself to someone he doesn't have a deep connection with. He sees his own submission as an act of love, or at least he has always thought it was that. It is a gift he doesn't intend to give away to just anyone. He understands that this is not the case for everyone. Indeed, many of his clients come to the club to be dominated without any sort of feeling attached, to get the maximum pleasure from it, without any worries or to satisfy an intimate and often kept private need. Magnus loves being able to give that kind of satisfaction to his clients, but submitting himself to someone? No, that is only meant for the special ones in his life.

The problem is that there is no one that special at the moment. Over the last years, Magnus has been busy building a solid career; actually, he has come a long way.

He had moved on from living on the street at the age of 16, to owning a club in New York and a nice loft in Brooklyn. Not bad. But it had been years of sacrifice and hard work. He's had a few serious relationships so far, which ended for one reason or another. Magnus had thought he was in love each time, but maybe not, he never had been. He always understood that it wasn’t true love only after the story was already over. Possibly Magnus had been more in love with love itself than with the person he was with. Yet, those relationships had been fulfilling and good in their own way.

He regrets nothing.

Magnus is happy with his life, the life he chose, the life he has built for himself. Lately, he hasn’t had time, that’s all. But he will love again, he is optimistic about that.

So, he smiles a little heartened and goes to take a long and reinvigorating shower. Today he is going to meet Alexander Gideon Lightwood again. And he is going to enjoy the most of it.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Magnus instructed Clary to welcome Alec at the entrance of the club and to lead him to the bar. He is waiting there, sipping a whisky.

It’s 15 minutes past 5 when they finally join him.

Alexander is stunning in his black attire as he walks towards him, smiling.

“Hi, Magnus, nice to see you again.”

“Hello, Alexander. Good to see you too. Are you ready?”

“Sure.”

“I think Clary has already given you the documents, right? Any questions?”

“No, I signed them and I also gave Clary my checklist.”

Clary nodded, smiling.

“Magnus, I’ll go to insert his information in my PC and to get a bracelet for Alec, do you need anything else?”

“No, my dear. I’m going to show Alexander the club. You can find us in the play area, later.”

“Perfect.” Clary leaves them waving her hand.

“Alexander, please sit, can I offer you a drink?”

“Just some water, please.”

Magnus gestures to the waiter to get their order; he has another whisky. He needs it and this evening he is not supposed to work with clients, so, who cares.

“Ok, this is the main area, you can see the stage over there. We have another smaller circular room with another stage we use almost for demonstrations, workshops and seminars.

I’ll show you the play area in a short while and, going on, I’ll introduce you to our permanent staff.

I think I already told you about the basic rules here. I would just like to underline the importance of keeping a professional attitude, and of not getting emotionally involved with our clients. Some of them may ask you for a contract, it is obviously allowed, it is a way to get customers’ fidelity, but for obvious reasons it must remain something exclusively related to the club. Any kind of weird request, any client that makes you uncomfortable, you need to tell me about that immediately. Here, no kind of bad etiquette is tolerated, neither by the staff nor by the clientele. Safety is my top priority. Raphael is my head of security, while Clary takes care of staff, booking and event planning. Maia is the bar manager and she is in charge of any type of supplies for the club; Ragnor is our accountant, you can ask him about any doubt about the pay or the contract and Catarina is the club manager. She is usually present here in the main area, especially if I’m not.

You will gradually get to know the other Doms and the Subs who work here. You may be asked to train a few new subs, if you feel like it.

We have eight Doms in all, excluding me, only you and Aline are new. Then we have five Subs, three of them are new so we need to pay some extra attention to them.

Do you have questions? Everything's clear?"

Magnus has spoken professionally, looking Alec directly in the face. He is the boss, he must immediately make his position clear. He had already dealt with some arrogant and conceited Doms and it had been a real pain in the ass to deal with them. Magnus had been taken aback yesterday, but now he had everything under control again. Alec is just another employee and he had to be treated as such. He couldn't afford to be disrespected. Not that Alec had given that impression, in fact he had been absolutely polite. Just as provocative and smug as befits his role, nothing Magnus couldn't handle.

“No, no questions. Ah no, just one. I assume I can bring my ropes with me, but will I find everything I need here?”

“Of course, you’ll have a personal locker in our dressing room. Maybe it’s easier if I show you our rooms. For now, it’s better if you use one of them, but going on we can give you a personal room that you can set as you please. Not every Dom has one, just me of course, Raphael, Cat and Clary, but if you are going to be here six evenings out of seven, maybe it will be easier.”

“Ok, I get it. So, can we go and see the play rooms? I’m curious.”

“Sure, let’s go.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

As they walk through the club, they have a pleasant and relaxed chat. Alec meets Raphael, Cat and Ragnor, and also Andrew, Aline and Luke, who are some of the other Dominants and also Lorenzo, Simon, and Raj who are the new submissives.

Magnus shows Alec his locker, the dressing room and the shower area, which has also a little SPA embedded, for the exclusive use of the staff.           

Alec seems positively impressed; he asks some clever questions about the club and they also talk about their personal preferences about the furnishings and layout of the rooms and also about some rope technique. Magnus is fascinated by how experienced Alec seems to be on the subject. He finds it interesting and exciting. A warmth sensation in his lower area, a constant pull toward the man never leaves him, but it’s a pleasurable feeling. Before they know it, a couple of hours have passed.

“Ok, well, Alexander. I think you can get your bracelet from Clary, who is waiting for you there.”

He gestures toward a counter in the hallway, “and then you can mingle with our clientele in the main area. I think you know what to do if someone approaches you. But if you need anything, you can ask Cat or Clary.”

“Perfect, thank you Magnus. This has been enlightening.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah, I think you’ve done an amazing job with this club and I’m sure I’ll love working here.”

He smiles warmly and Magnus can only nod, smiling back.

At that moment, Alec’s phone starts to vibrate in his pocket.

“Oh, I’m sorry Magnus, I have to take this.”

“Yeah, sure no problem.”

“Hey, what’s up? What? Calm down, where are you?”

Magnus widens his eyes, Alec seems alarmed, but still calm as he speaks reassuringly into his phone.

Whoever it is on the other side seems to be explaining what happened, as Alec is listening carefully, nodding and worryingly frowning.

“Ok, see you there. I’m on my way.”

“Magnus, I’m sorry… a family emergency occurred. I need to go… to the hospital, I’m so sorry but there was an accident, and…”

“Alexander, no need to explain. Just go. Do you need a car? I can ask Raphael to take you there.”

“Oh, it’s very kind of you, but I’ll take a cab. Don’t worry.”

“Let me know if you’re ok, I hope it is nothing serious.”

Magnus hands him his card.

“Here, take this, it’s my private number. If you need anything…”

“Ok, thank you Magnus. I’ll let you know, and I hope I’ll be able to come tomorrow.” 

Magnus nods rather concerned; he really hopes the emergency is not going to have severe consequences.

So, Alec has a family; Magnus can’t help but be curious about it. He admits being rather fascinated by that young man, as he looks at him leaving the club in a hurry; he has to admit that he can hardly wait to see him again and get to know him better.

Chapter Text

Those first three weeks have been really great; Magnus has received nothing but excellent feedback on Alec; besides, he easily gets along with the entire staff, especially with the subs, who truly adore him. He is already training a couple of them, and even Cat is evidently satisfied with him.

Magnus has been watching him from afar. Fortunately, what happened on his first day at the club didn't have any consequences, even if Magnus didn't know what really had happened. Alec had been evasive enough to make Magnus understand that he didn’t want to speak about it.

He couldn’t help but be curious though. That man was a mystery; the few times they actually talked, Magnus had confirmation about how much he could affect him. He looked at him and he wanted him in a way so powerful that it scared him.

Magnus is going to offer Alec a permanent contract, a very good one indeed. He has always been one to think that if someone or something is worth keeping, then you have to put true effort in keeping them. So, he would pay him handsomely to make sure he would continue to work for him.

He made a really good deal hiring him; Alec is already in high demand among his most difficult clients. Apparently, Alec is able to fully satisfy any kind of request they may have.

Tonight Magnus can barely contain his excitement; Alec will perform on stage for the first time. He is going to show a demonstration of a full suspension and Magnus is looking forward to enjoying it from his throne. The sub who is supposed to scene with him is Simon.

Alec has been training him as he started working at the club only a few weeks ago; he was one of Clary’s best friends and Magnus had hired him because she has spoken well of him and he trusts her.

Suddenly, the lights dim a little bit more and Alec enters the stage. He is a sight for sore eyes; he is wearing black jeans and a tight black tank top and he is barefoot. Simon is walking behind him, wearing only his underwear. His wrists are tied together with a red rope and he seems completely relaxed. On the stage everything is ready. Alec is going to create a diamond harness around Simon’s chest and then he will proceed with the suspension.

The demonstration gets started in the silent hall.

Alec’s movements are firm, gentle. He checks on his sub again and again, touching him, whispering something in his ear, caressing his hair, brushing his fingers on the ropes in an almost reverent way.

When Simon is finally hovering about three feet off the ground, held only by the ropes, expertly intertwined on his skin, Alec continues to touch him without ever letting go. A constant contact that keeps Simon peaceful.

Magnus looks closely at Simon's face. He is totally ecstatic. He seems to fly free, embraced by the ropes and caressed by Alec's fingers and his voice in his ear. He is beside him, continuing to soothe his skin with light touches. They are so beautiful; Magnus is really impressed.

There is nothing sexual about what he is looking at; even so, it's one of the most intense scenes he's ever witnessed. And Magnus realizes he's a little jealous. He looks at Simon and all he wants is to be in his place, he longs for what he is definitely feeling right now, so evident on his face; floating lightly, losing himself confidently in his head space, under Alec's attentive and careful watch.

Magnus wants what Simon is having. He hasn’t felt like this for a very long time, but there is something in Alec, something that makes him feel so weak and desperate for him.

When the scene is over, Alec leads Simon to the same room they used to get ready for their show and takes care of him. Magnus wonders how Alec’s aftercare may be. He imagines how it might feel, being held tightly in those strong arms, being pampered, cuddled. His hoarse voice washing over him, with praises and sweet nothingness.

Oh God. He is really screwed.

But… Maybe? A crazy idea suddenly gets its way in Magnus’ mind.

Why not?

Alec is a professional Dom, so he can be hired, right? And he asked if he was allowed to take private clients. Magnus wouldn’t do it at the club, but maybe he could ask Alec to scene together at his place and obviously to take the thing for himself. He is sure Alec is used to protecting his clients’ privacy.

He can try at least, and if it works, it could be truly rewarding for both of them. From what they have said in the few exchanges they have had, about what they like best, Magnus knows they are mostly compatible. It might actually work.

Magnus has also understood that Alec needs the money, he works up to six evenings every week, he never refuses a client and has always a full booked schedule.

Clary told him that Alec had asked to get as many clients as possible, as he needed to work as much as possible. So he was at the club every night, but Sunday, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., scening privately with those who booked him, for half the time and remaining available in the main area the other half.

“Magnus?”

He realizes he has spaced out, while he is still sitting at his privileged spot with one of the subs on his knees next to his legs.

He turns his head just to meet a questioning look on Cat’s face.

“Hey Cat, everything ok?”

“Sure, Alec is really great. The boy is young but he knows what he is doing, right?”

“Yes, the show was… interesting.”

“Interesting? No, it was amazing. Everyone in the audience was in wonder, and I bet a lot of people were envying Simon. Don’t you think? He had such an idyllic expression.”

“It’s true, I’ve never seen Simon so lost.”

Magnus giggles, shaking his head. Cat was right. He was clearly envying Simon.

“It was a great stroke of luck to hire him, don't let him get away, he will make us great deals. Is he satisfied with the work? Do you think we could give him a private room? We have a couple of them still free, we could set one of them for him. He is here most of the time!"

Cat has never been so enthusiastic about anyone. Alec was the kind of man who seemingly left a strong impression on people.

"It's an amazing idea, actually I was already thinking about it. I'll talk to him and I'll make sure he is happy with the arrangement."

“Good. Okay, I'll take a quick tour of the club to see if everything is alright in the play area. See you later.”

“Ok, Cat, thanks.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

When Alec walks into his office, he has a perplexed expression on his face.

“Hey Magnus, is everything okay? Did you want to see me?”

They haven’t spent much time talking after Alec’s first day and it was the first time he was called to his office. The trial period isn’t over yet, so Alec is understandably concerned.

“Alexander, please come in.” He gestures to the chair in front of his desk, the same one Alec sat on during his interview, just a few weeks earlier.

Alec looks at him expectantly. He can’t afford to lose the job, he is making really good money and he likes the environment too, he gets along well with the staff and the working hours are excellent, allowing him to spend a good part of the day at home. His life is already complicated, but this work has already solved many things. He just has to go on for another year or two, then he can finally find his way out of this. He knows that he will not be able to do this type of work forever and in any case he has a goal in his life and is doing everything to achieve it, with enormous sacrifices.

“Alexander, your demonstration was… well, amazing. I have to admit I’m impressed. You really master the art of ropes. And the audience, well, was just as stunned.”

“Oh, thank you Magnus, I’m happy you enjoyed it.”

He relaxes just a bit; Magnus’ words don’t seem to lead anywhere dangerous.

“How is Simon?”

“He is fine, he has gone home with Clary; she’ll take care of him, if he needs anything. But I made sure he was ok, before letting him leave.”

“Perfect. I know you’re very attentive, Alec. Anyway, I called you, because I decided to end your trial period…”

“What?”

“…and hire you permanently.”

“Oh. Ok… ”

Magnus chuckles.

“Don’t worry, Alexander, I have no intention of letting you leave this place. You are way too precious… for the club.”

A wide smile lightens Alec’s face and Magnus gets lost looking at his face, just for a sec, but it’s enough for Alec to notice it.

“Thank you Magnus, I’m just doing my job.”

“And you are really good at it… And… For this very reason, I’m going to ask you something. You don’t have to say yes of course. It won’t change anything as far as your job here is concerned. I’ll offer you the contract, no matter what you say about my request, ok?”

“What is it?” Alec’s look is wary, he doesn’t know what to expect.

“Alexander, what I’m going to tell you is private. So, I need to be assured that you won’t tell anybody.”

“Of course Magnus, you have my word.”

“Perfect. I’d like to offer you a job.”

Alec’s eyes widen, this is nothing he could have expected and it’s confusing.

“A job? Another job? A different job? What do you mean?”

“A private job. You asked me if you were allowed to see your clients outside the club and I said yes, unless they are clients here at the club or if it affects your schedule here.”

“I remember.”

“Perfect. I have a private client for you.”

“Magnus, I… Ok, thank you, I’m flattered you recommended me to someone, but I’m working here basically all week, I really don’t have time to get private clients. I asked you about the possibility just in case you couldn’t give me enough shifts, but fortun... ”

“The client is me.” Magnus blurts out.

Alec shuts up, blinking. After a few moments, something shifts in his eyes. Magnus has already witnessed that change in Alec’s look, how it gets darker and unsettling, in a good way. A thrill runs along his spine. Just a look from Alec makes him shiver, it’s incredible.

They look at each other, intensely, for what seems to be an endless moment.

Eventually Alec's mouth forms a pleased, wicked, and so sensual grin that Magnus feels a flush of heat reach his face.

“Well, this is interesting.” Alec says almost whispering.

Magnus relaxes and smiles confidently.

“Is it a yes?”

Alec’s grin widens.

“It is.”

Chapter Text

It’s Sunday afternoon and Magnus is home. He has left his club under Cat’s full responsibility and he is waiting for Alec to come over; they agreed to meet today, since Alec doesn’t work on Sunday, even if Magnus sensed that he had to give up something personal to be available for him. He was under the impression that Alec had already something important to do. But his brief hesitation did not last long; almost immediately, Alec reassured him that he would love scening with him on his only day off.

So, here he is, with a knot in his stomach, pacing back and forth between the living room and his bedroom. He was wearing comfortable clothes; he had a long shower, trying to relax as much as possible and a light lunch.

Today they are supposed to talk; they need to go through a proper negotiation, as hopefully their relationship will be a long-term one. If things worked fine between them, Magnus would find the perfect balance between the two sides of his needs. Maybe one day he’ll find someone to love and then he will be able to share the most intimate part of himself with them. In the meanwhile, he would submit to a professional Dom, who already works for him and whom Magnus instinctively and unexpectedly trusts. A Dom extremely attractive, tempting in his whole being, almost irresistible.

Despite being fully convinced to go all the way with scening with Alec, he is also a little scared. First of all, because he’s going to let someone else, someone he doesn’t really know, see a part of him he has shown only to a few people before. He could count on a single hand how many they were, actually. Secondly and precisely for the same reason, he is afraid of not being able to let himself completely go, of being able to enjoy what Alec might offer him. Surely it would be a great experience, if he could embrace it completely.  

Finally, Alec arrives and Magnus rushes to open the door. He feels like feverish and doesn’t know how to contain his excitement. It has been so long…

He welcomes Alec in his living room, inwardly scolding himself.

My God, Magnus, you are not a rookie, you certainly have more experience than him, give yourself a calm.

Alec, instead, walks in looking totally relaxed and at ease. Of course he is. And he also seems to notice Magnus’ emotional turmoil. Magnus turns around to face him and Alec suddenly gets into Magnus’ personal space, hovering over him, even if he is only a few inches taller than he is. He puts his hand onto Magnus’ nape and looks intensely in his eyes.

“Magnus, are you ok? Do you still want to do this? If you have changed your mind…”

“No!” Magnus exclaims, a bit too loud.

Then he breathes and closes his eyes, relishing the nice and grounding touch on his neck.

He looks at Alec again, trying to sound calm. He has no doubts, after all.

“No, I want this. I’m just a little nervous I guess.”

“It’s ok. How long has it been since the last time you submitted to someone?”

Too long.

“Almost four years, and I’ve never done this with someone I wasn’t involved with, you know, romantically.”

Alec frowns almost imperceptibly.

“Ok… And what changed?”

You came along.

No, he can’t say such a thing. It’s easily misinterpreted.

“I don’t know, I guess I wanted to give this a chance, as I realized I have been missing the feeling of submission lately. I’ve been a Dom for… well 14 years now. But I do like being a Sub, as well.”

“And... Why me?”

Magnus doesn’t want to answer this question, but he has to.

Alec keeps caressing his neck and the short hair on his nape. That single touch is driving Magnus crazy. Alec’s hands are warm, strong, big. He can feel his words fail him as he lowers his eyes.

“I…”

Alec grabs Magnus’ hair, gently, and makes him look at his face again.

“I need to know Magnus. I need to trust you; I need you to tell me how you feel.”

“Yeah, I know. Well, I guess I just trust you. I can’t explain it, but I just want you… you know, to take control over me. I feel this need so deeply, and it is a new feeling, Alec. It’s so new for me. I hope this is enough of an answer for you.”

Alec narrows his eyes for a moment, then smiles in a reassuring way.

“Of course it is. Very well, Magnus. I think we need to talk now, to get to know each other a little bit, then we can negotiate our contract, and after that, if you feel up to it, we can do something simple today, just to get started.”

“Ok, it’s fine with me. We can go and sit on the couch? Would you like a soft drink?”

“Just water for me, please.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Alec is reading the negotiation form Magnus has just filled out, as Magnus looks at him, expectantly. He brought one of his own, he didn’t use one of Magnus’, from the club. This is customized on his own boundaries and he usually uses it with his clients.

He hums as he goes through it. It’s full of 3 (that means “Yes!”) and 2 for “Ok”. Just a single 1 “Soft No”, Pet playing wasn’t Magnus’ cup of tea possibly, and only a few zeros, for his hard nos. Those unpassable limits concern playing with others in groups, humiliation and verbal degradation. Alec is surprised about all those enthusiastic “Yes!” Magnus has put in every kind of impact play; he is also ok with choking and face slapping.

This is going to be certainly interesting. Alec is good at his job; he is competent and careful. His clients’ safety is his priority, as it is for Magnus. Truth is, though, that he is not that happy about being paid to scene with people he doesn’t even know.

No need to go around it, he is a sex worker. It is rare to develop a lasting relationship with club goers; not that it has never happened to him, he has had loyal and affectionate clients whom he had played with for several months, but Alec has always maintained a professional and detached attitude, outside the playroom.

He would rather go to the club in his spare time, maybe together with a partner; have a normal job, in short, a normal life. But he can’t afford it, he needs this job, he earns very well, and he can stay at home for most of the day. At the moment, that's what he needs. When he was living in Los Angeles he worked at Red Velvet, and before that he spent, a couple of years in Japan, studying both martial arts and ropes. Actually, he was an expert in different martial arts and his dream was to open a gym where he could teach Judo, Karate, Aikido, Kentjutzo and Kendo. It was his dream, their dream, but first he had to sort out the goal they had come back to New York for. It was too important.

All this considering, Alec was just happy Magnus asked him to scene with him privately. Mainly because he offered him almost double his usual fee, and secondly because he could experience something different, something exciting.  He could have a more lasting D / S relationship with him. Magnus is beautiful. They were absolutely compatible and their mutual physical attraction was even too obvious.

Magnus is so strong and confident; being able to make him give up all of his undeniable power to him would be something great. Alec could already savor the sensation of wrapping that perfect body in his ropes, to make Magnus sweetly surrender to him, to give him what he needs.

Magnus is still looking at him.

“Is everything ok, Alexander?”

Alec realizes he has got lost in his thoughts for a while, looking at the sheet in his hand.

“Yes, of course. I’m just surprised how compatible we are.”

“You said there aren’t things you won’t do in there, correct?”

“Yes, but some of these things are ok with me, as long as I have clients who ask for them. Even if they are not my favorite ones, I’m not opposed to them.”

Magnus thinks about what Alec just said. Then he slightly shakes his head.

“Alexander, if there is anything you prefer avoiding, is fine with me, but we should discuss it now.”

“No, it’s ok, I have plenty here to work with. Don’t worry. As I told you, we are incredibly in agreement on our likings. I’ll prepare our contract and the next time we meet, we’ll sign it.”

Magnus nods and smiles at him.

“I look forward to it.”

“Very well. I’d like to go through some rules now. I have a few of them and they are really important. Are you ready to listen to them?”

“Of course I am.”

“Good. First of all, you will address me properly; Sir is what I prefer, if it’s ok with you.”

Magnus nodded.

“Ok. We’ll use the color system at the beginning, if you have any safe words you want to introduce, you can tell me about them; we also need not-verbal signs you can use, as your mouth will often be occupied.”

Alec smirks in an alluring way and Magnus widens his eyes. He is imagining Alec pushing his cock down his throat, and almost moans at the thought.

Magnus’ cheeks have become darker and he evidently swallows. Alec giggles at his reaction.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing.”

“Uhmm. Another rule, the most important actually.

Never lie to me. You will speak only when asked to, unless you need to safeword, or to beg when required. But when I ask you something, you need to be honest with me, Magnus, are we clear?”

“Yes, Sir.”

Alec’s demanding voice is already making him feel dizzy with lust.

“Now, the last rule you need to mind. I expect you to follow my rules and my orders. You will usually be required to stay still and quiet, unless I tell you otherwise. If you don’t, you’ll be punished. I’ll use everything you have allowed on the checklist to punish you. Do you have something to say about this?”

“No, Sir.”

“Do you want to renegotiate anything? This is your last call, Magnus.”

Magnus’ head is spinning. It has been so long he felt like this. His will is already wavering, he wants Alec to put him on his knees, he reached that point so fast. He feels he is sliding into a world of jagged borders, and he is doing it with a light heart, free to let go of all that is not important at that moment. It’s amazing.

“No, Sir.”

“Perfect, Magnus. I see that you learn quickly. Come here.”

Alec is sitting on the couch, while Magnus is on an armchair before him. Alec reaches out a hand and Magnus gets up and grabs it. Alec tugs him to make him stand between his parted legs.

Despite Alec being sitting down and looking up at Magnus from his lower position, Magnus is feeling so overwhelmed. He already feels at the mercy of the Dom sitting in front of him. He's starving for him.

Alec puts his hands on the back of his thighs and slides them upward, in a sensual touch, while holding his gaze. He rests them on Magnus’ hips in a possessive gesture.

“Very well, Magnus, you’re already doing so well. Now, you can go to your bedroom and get ready. I want you in your underwear, kneeling on the floor at the end of the bed. Color?”

Magnus's brain overloads. Something in him shifts definitely. He would do whatever Alec asked him to do.

But he trusts him, and it feels so good.

“Green, Sir.”

Chapter Text

Pain. Pleasure. His brain can no longer distinguish between them. Magnus only knows that the sensations he is experiencing are so intense that he no longer has a precise perception of the boundaries of his body. He is wrapped tightly in ropes, tied to a chair, his arms behind his back, stretched out, restrained together in different places starting from his biceps down to his wrists, so that his shoulders are pulled back, to the limit of the bearable. His knees and ankles are tied to the chair to keep his legs open. He is completely unable to move, his vision is blurred, and he struggles to keep his head up. He is trying to focus on Alec, who is kneeling on the floor in front of him, between his legs, with one hand wrapped around his cock, hypersensitive by now, slowly stroking it, as he keeps sucking and biting alternatively at his nipples. This has been going on for a while now. Magnus doesn’t know how long, he has completely lost track of time. Alec was perfect, leading him to this cloud of pleasure which he is totally surrounded by. He would never want to go back. He would never want Alec to stop. He is softly moaning and writhing, he is feeling amazing, his second orgasm is slowly building, but Alec keeps going slowly, sliding his hand up and down with a firm grip. His nipples are aching, probably they will swell a little later, but it feels so good; Alec’s teeth scraping them and then his warm tongue soothing them, over and over again; it’s just maddening.

He has always been so sensitive there and Alec found it out in no time. Of course, he has.

When he entered the room, Magnus was already on his knees, relaxed, his eyes closed. Alec had checked his pose, praising him with his low and deep voice.  On the other hand, Magnus knew what Alec expected of him. His Dom kneeled behind him and for the first few moments, nothing happened.

Alec was behind him, without touching him, without speaking. He could only feel his breathing at the base of his neck. Okay, he could have gone crazy if Alec didn't do anything, whatever, but please something. Magnus knew the rules. He had to remain still and silent. Not that it was easy, but he understood this was a test and he wanted to be perfect for their first scene together. He wanted to please Alec, he wanted to give all of himself; he wanted to take what Alec would give him, down to the last drop.

He was excited, but also calm, he found himself immediately in the right state of mind. He had never been so sure about giving his total submission to anyone. Alec's presence behind him was reassuring, even in the absence of any contact. A shiver went through his back and nothing was happening yet.

Suddenly something wet and warm touched the side of his throat. He gasped at the abrupt sensation.

"Magnus, you are really something, you know? So perfect. Let me hear you." Alec whispered in his ear. Then he ran his tongue along the back of his neck, up and down again, biting hard at the end of it.

Magnus couldn't help but whine. A series of chills were going through him and goosebumps spread all over his skin.

Finally, Alec put his hands on his shoulders, pushing them back. Magnus was pliable, like putty in his hands. He pulled him backward until his back rested on his chest. Alec’s hands slid forward to reach his nipples. As he nudged his thumbs on them, Magnus couldn't hold back a louder moan.

"Magnus, you are beautiful, your body is perfect, you are perfect. Perfect for me."

Magnus sighed in contentment.

“I brought my ropes and I’m going to tie you up. As I said before, today we are going to do something simple, I want us to attune to each other. Tell me your color.”

“Green, Sir.”

After that, Magnus wasn't sure how he found himself on the chair in his bedroom; Alec was wrapping him in his ropes, and the feeling was fantastic. He was naked now, his skin was on fire, as was his groin, he felt an intense heat emanating from his innermost core. He was aroused beyond belief, his cock was hard and leaking and the constant touches on his skin, the pressure of the knots that Alec kept adding on his body, the tension in his legs and in his shoulders were making his mind slip away.

By the time Alec completed his work, Magnus was already perilously on the brink. It would take only a little step further to make him fall. And Magnus wanted to let himself fall.

"Magnus, color?"

"G..green." His eyes were half lidded and a little glassy. Alec smirked.

"Oh, look at you, you are already so gone."

Alec sat at the end of the bed, just in front of him, to enjoy the sight. His creation, his masterpiece. He was clearly appreciating what he was looking at.

Magnus was looking back at him, feeling so exposed. Alec unbuttoned his jeans and pulled his cock out, starting to masturbate, moaning softly, never taking his eyes off Magnus.

"You don't know what you do to me Magnus, I can't resist seeing you like that."

Alec quickened his pace, getting up and moving closer, until he was close enough to grab Magnus' hair and pull his head up. Magnus widened his eyes, panting hard.

"Look at me Magnus, look at what you do to me."

Alec was jerking himself off at a brutal pace, moaning until he groaned and came all over Magnus' chest.

Magnus thought he would come just from that. But he couldn’t. Alec knelt before him and started to lick his own come.

Magnus was so aroused that a single touch on his cock would make him come, so he started whining. He needed Alec’s touch, he felt like combusting.

"Magnus, what is it, do you want something?"

"Sir, please, I need to come, I'm so close."

"Of course, sweetheart, you've been so good, so perfect. I’ll make you come now."

Alec's show for him wasn't over. He licked his hand thoroughly and then he grabbed Magnus' aching cock, stroking it fast and hard. Magnus was a mess, he was shaking and wriggling against his restraints.

It only took a few strokes and Magnus came hard. Alec kept his firm hold on him during his orgasm.

It had been very intense, and Magnus was really gone.

After that, Alec continued to touch him, kiss him, until he focused on his nipples again. Magnus kept letting out some incoherent sounds. He seemed so wrecked.

When Magnus was hardening again, Alec started masturbating him but slowly. He hadn’t finished with him yet.

So, that’s how he got to this point, lost in pleasure, on the verge of overstimulation, his legs and shoulders pleasantly sore, his nipples on fire. He was in heaven.

"Magnus, I think you have another one in you, do you? Can you give me a color?"

Magnus struggles to answer, but he wants to come again. For Alec. Everything is so intense. So, he manages to utter a single word.

"Green."

He is totally spent, but he knows he can come again, he can feel it in his gut, his balls are already tightening.

"Good. You can come whenever you want then."

"Thank you Sir."

He barely registers Alec putting a condom on him, but all of the sudden he feels his cock engulfed in his Dom's warm mouth. Maybe he is screaming, he doesn’t even know.

He wasn’t expecting that and his second orgasm just hits him right away. The sight of Alec with his mouth stretched around his cock has sent him into overdrive. The intensity of the orgasm is such that he squirms convulsively, pulling hard at the ropes.

And then silence. Only his fast breathing.

Bliss. Lightness. Freedom.

The ropes that slowly release his skin; warm hands massaging his aching arms and shoulders, his wrists and his ankles. He can't sit up straight anymore, without the support of the ropes, but he isn't required to. He feels Alec's wide body supporting him, holding him tight, then he feels himself being lifted up and led to the bed. He is hurting everywhere and he just wants to sleep, he is exhausted and so, so happy. A content smile doesn’t leave his face.

Alec is quickly settling him under his sheets to let him rest; he cleans him before, and he makes him drink some water; finally he envelopes him in his arms, continuing to soothe his aching limbs with light touches. Magnus can’t resist anymore, he feels he is falling asleep, but he is safe; Alec’s soft and comforting voice is lulling him, even if he can’t really understand what he is saying. Right now, it doesn’t really matter, though.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

When Magnus wakes up, he feels relaxed and mentally well rested. He takes a few moments to assess his physical conditions, keeping his eyes closed. His muscles are still tired and his nipples have swollen a little, as expected, but they don’t hurt; they are just a little sensitive as they brush against his silk sheets. He finally opens his eyes and he doesn’t see Alec in bed with him. He is laying on his side, facing the other side of the bed, his back to the door.

Has he gone away? The room is still lightened by the sun outside the windows, so he hasn’t been asleep for long.

He sits up abruptly and his head is spinning slightly. Magnus closes his eyes again and brings his hands to his head. He feels someone moving quickly to his left towards him.

Alec.

He is still here.

Oh, good.

"Hey, sweetheart, how are you feeling?"

He sits on the bed next to him, looking at him in a tender way that makes Magnus melt down and relax instantaneously.

He is so relieved not to be alone. Their first scene was simple but so intense. He still needs Alec.

"I'm fine, thank you. I thought you were off…"

"Magnus, I couldn't have left you while you were asleep, you know that well. Besides, I don't want to go away. I was just making you a hot bath and I ordered some Chinese takeout for dinner; I hope it's okay."

"Oh, thank you. It’s perfect.”

Alec smiles.

“You are.”

Magnus smiles back, with a shy look that says, "You don't need to flatter me."

And Alec just confirms what he said with the intensity of his gaze.

They stay there for a while, basking in the perfection of what they have just shared, before Magnus takes a nice warm and fragrant bath, and finally enjoys some more cuddling on the sofa before dinner.

Chapter Text

It’s official; Magnus has irremediably and irrevocably fallen head over heels for Alec Lightwood, his Dom, his amazing, caring and so damn hot Dom.

After their first scene, they have established their routine; they meet every Sunday afternoon at Magnus’ place, they scene and then Alec takes care of him. Such good care. Magnus is absolutely elated, each time they have been together has been simply amazing. Alec would stay until the day after, he always wanted to be sure about Magnus' well-being. He always went back home quite early in the morning though. Anyway, Magnus couldn’t be any happier with their relationship.

Alec is fulfilling that specific need he has been craving for. Magnus can be himself with him, he wholly trusts Alec to keep him safe. And Alec seems happy too. Magnus knows he is a client; he pays him a lot of money, but he has enough experience to understand that Alec is enjoying their scenes together as well.

But…

There’s a big “but”.

Magnus is getting jealous. And possessive. Mindlessly possessive. And his behavior may easily turn into something ridiculous and inappropriate. He has never been good at handling those kinds of feelings, the dominant part of his desires demands possession, and it doesn’t matter that this time Magnus is supposed to submit his will to Alec. He simply can’t let go of those greedy thoughts. He wants him, always.

Every time he sees Alec at his club, going to his personal room with someone, he feels sick.

Magnus is shocked at how quickly his feelings for Alec have changed. He has learned that his Dom is a very private person, but as long as you don't deal with topics that might be too personal, he is also someone very pleasant to spend time with, chatting about very interesting matters. Magnus is increasingly fascinated by Alec's expertise of Japanese martial arts for example and Alec has often told him about his years in Japan. Magnus has also traveled extensively in his life, so they found more than some common ground to be able to have a pleasurable and relaxing time together, of course when they are not scening.

Because when they are, well, Manus can’t just contain himself. He still blushes when he thinks about the first time Alec had fucked him. It has been one of the most intense experiences he has ever had. Alec was simply perfect, the perfect mix between a furious God of sex and a tender and attentive lover; he fucked the Hell out of him. Literally.

The day after he had to call in sick and stay at home, because, well, he had a little limp and It was not sensible to be spotted hobbling around his club, especially by his friends. It makes him giggle; you know when they say “I want to feel you for days?”. Often it’s just dirty talk people have tumbling between the sheets. Not this time; with Alec that happened for real, and Magnus loved all of it. Obviously, Cat and Clary wouldn't let him hear the end of it and he didn't want to talk about his relationship with Alec to them. To anyone, actually.  For once, he had something that belonged only to himself. It was a great feeling.

Those few weeks had been enough for Magnus to lose his mind. His jealousy issue was becoming unbearable. Unfortunately, it has also started affecting their dynamic. Last Sunday Magnus felt like he wanted to provoke Alec, to trigger his wildest instincts. He wanted to be claimed, to be marked, more than usual. The day before he had seen him with a regular client and he just freaked out. Alec punished him, of course. He wouldn't let him be a brat and disrespect him. He was very strict and rigorous on discipline. But Magnus wanted to get his marks, he wanted to feel that he belonged to him. He knew perfectly well that it was the wrong path to take. It may turn into some toxic, unbalanced dynamic. He had to find a way to handle it. The worst part was that Alec worked every night, and was in so high demand that Magnus was badly cracking up. Today is Saturday again and Magnus is holed in his office; he has taken refuge there to avoid seeing Alec around the club. Actually, he has been booked again by the same regular, for a double session even, so he wouldn't see him for hours. The mere thought is driving him crazy.

He is mine. Mine.

He wants Alec to belong to him.

Maybe it is time he talked to him; that would be the most mature thing to do. Probably it would be even better to break their relationship before it was too late. But how does he give up on Alec? No, he can’t.

At that moment, Clary walks into his office, with a worried look.

"Magnus, are you all right?"

"Of course my dear. Why?"

"You've been hiding in here for too long and I know you too well. What's going on?"

She sits down in front of Magnus' desk and rests some sheets on it.

Magnus looks at them and recognizes Clary's reservation sheet.

A bizarre idea flashes in his head.

"Clary, I'm your boss, right?"

"You're my friend, Magnus."

"Sure, but if I told you to do something, you would do it, right?"

"As long as it's nothing illegal or immoral, sure."

"Clary ..."

"Ok, just nothing illegal. Tell me." Magnus grins at his friend.

"No questions asked?"

"Now you're exaggerating."

"Please, Clary."

She sighs.

"Ok ... What is it?"

"Could you try to book Alec’s sessions only with platonic clients?”

"What?"

"You heard me."

"But Magnus, you know that people who seek platonic domination are a small part and Alec is doing so greatly, he's already made an excellent reputation for himself. And for the club. With his performances on stage and all, the word has been spread. I have so many requests for him…"

"Ok, do what you can, ok? Just…  avoid what is avoidable, I trust your judgment, but it’s important… to me."

“Did Alec ask you this? Maybe we went too far with him? I thought it was ok with him, he always asked for more private sessions.”

“Clary, please, I cannot talk about this.”

“You can’t or you don’t want to, Magnus?”

“Both. And this is all I’m going to tell you about this.”

“Ok, ok. I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thank you, Clary.”

“I just hope you know what you are doing, Magnus.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Magnus knows that this isn't going to solve the problem, that things will only get worse, and that sooner or later he'll have to deal with Alec in person. If Alec had been showing him some kind of interest beyond their Sunday meeting, he could have come forward and asked him out. After all, they could date, why not. Except that Magnus knows nothing about his private life, aside from where he used to live, what kind of martial arts he knows and which kinks are on his personal list.

In addition to every inch of his body; the various soulful expressions on his face, gentle or stern they may be; how beautiful he is when he has an orgasm; his caressing voice; his elegant and strong hands, capable of feather-like touches and deadly firm grips; his incredible eyes, in which Magnus has lost himself more than once; how reliable and careful, scrupulous and demanding he is.

Okay, he's pretty much the perfect man, but Magnus could be biased. Maybe Alec acts in such a detached way when they are not playing, just to keep his professional life separate from his personal one.

There is even the possibility that he has a partner, Magnus doesn't know. He cannot imagine how anyone could accept their man doing this kind of work. Even if there was absolute mutual trust, Magnus couldn't be ok with it. He is selfish. He could not share his boyfriend or husband with anyone. Ever.

For now, Magnus tries to think about tomorrow, he will scene with Alec again and he just looks forward to it.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Another two weeks have passed and it’s Sunday again. Magnus is happy, as every Sunday. It’s become his favorite day of the week.

He hasn’t seen Alec for the last couple of days, but he is not worried about it. He was very busy at the club and Alec too, evidently. As usual he tries not to think about all the people who Alec is seeing there, all the subs he doms, professionally, because he knows him, he knows how he puts everything of himself into the scenes he plans.

If he lets his mind linger on these thoughts, he is sure he’ll go insane.

He is eating something, spread on his couch, absently watching some TV program, when his phone rings.

It’s a text from Alec.

“Did you really think I wouldn’t find out? Why are you doing this to me? If someone complained about my work, you should have told me. I thought we trusted each other. I don’t know what happened, but I need to work, so tomorrow evening I’m coming to the club so we can talk. Today I don’t feel like scening. I’m not in the right mindset right now.”

Magnus looks at the screen in disbelief.

What the fuck…

Oh no, this wasn’t supposed to happen.

The first thing he thinks about is calling Clary.

“Magnus?” She sounds wary.

“Clary what happened with Alec?”

“What do you mean? Today it’s his day off, I saw him yesterday when he finished at the club.”

 “Was he… ok? Did something happen?”

“He asked me the reason why he was having fewer sessions, lately. I didn't tell him about your request, I stalled a bit, I don't know what he might have thought about it. Then he just left. I’m sorry, I wanted to call you this morning, but I didn’t want to get you worried on your day off.”

Magnus pinches his nose. This is a disaster.

“Clary, send me his address, can you do this for me? I need to talk to him.”

“Ok, Magnus. I hope Alec is fine, but you will explain to me what the Hell you did.”

“Sure, Clary, I’m sorry. I have to fix this first. Talk to you later. Thank you.”

“Ok Magnus.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Magnus has tried to call Alec several times, but to no avail. He just won’t answer.

So he goes out, heading to his place. He needs to talk to him, he needs to apologize and maybe he’ll find the courage to come clean about his feelings.

He parks his car along the street. Alec lives in a nice suburb; wide tree-lined streets, a row of semi-detached terraced houses with gardens on each side of the road. A residential area like many others, but nice. Knowing how Alec made his need for money clear, he didn't expect such a thing.

Magnus approaches the house where Alec is supposed to live. There are some people in the garden.

He approaches the bush hedge that surrounds the garden and stands behind a tree; he does not want to be seen yet.

On a blanket lying on the grass, there are two men sitting down. One of them is Alec; Magnus would recognize him among a thousand. Between his legs, a blond man is practically laying on him, with his head resting on his shoulder. They are laughing at something while Alec massages his thigh.

Suddenly a pretty little girl, about 5 or 6 years old, runs out of the house and heads towards them.

"Daddy!!!" She yells happily.

She is so cute, with her long hair of a particular color, a shining golden blonde. When she reaches the two men, she throws her arms around the blond man's neck.

Alec and the other man laugh with her, Alec tenderly caresses her head, as she settles herself on top of the man she has called daddy. Alec has an adoring expression on his face, as he wraps his arms around them.

Magnus is frozen, completely incapable of reacting.

So Alec has a family. His own family, he has a man and a daughter, seemingly.

Magnus didn’t see it coming. He feels like a bucket of ice has been knocked over his head.

The realization hits him. He behaved not only unprofessionally, but also incredibly unfairly.

He had no right to interfere in Alec's work. Evidently, he has his own life to run and he made his choices. Magnus did something he always promised not to do. Losing his head for one of his employees.

He knew it, every time feelings are involved, Magnus becomes the least reasonable person in the world and he tends to get himself into some huge bullshit. This is exactly the case.

Huge, probably unfixable, bullshit.

Chapter Text

Another packed and challenging week is finally over. Saturday is arrived and he is quite exhausted. Not much from work, on the contrary, it has been a strangely quiet week, but he had a lot of things to do at home. Finally, they have been called from the hospital, so he had to take Jace there a couple of times. And Céline had to prepare for the dance recital, so it had been a flurry of rehearsal and there was the dress she would wear to be tailored and then the usual school meetings with her teachers, Jace's usual daily therapies and the interview with the bank to apply for a loan to open the gym.

It’s late, but Alec is just relaxing a bit, sipping a soda at the bar of the club. He is about to go back home and tomorrow he will go to Magnus’ place, for their weekly appointment. Sometimes he feels a little overwhelmed, but hopefully things are going to get better, soon.

Fortunately, he is satisfied with his job at the club, as well as with his private scening with Magnus.

He hasn’t much time for himself, but he doesn’t care. Tonight he is slightly pensive, though. He noticed that lately Clary has been assigning him fewer clients than she had the previous weeks. He earned a bit less than usual. It’s not a big deal, not yet at least. Magnus is paying him the same amount of money for each time he goes to his place he usually gets with two or even three full sessions at the club.

Alec knows Magnus is paying him for his discretion, even if he really doesn’t need to. Alec has learned how to do his job, he knows how to protect his clients’ privacy; at the same time, he won’t say no to some extra money. Besides, he adores domming Magnus, he is simply perfect for him. But if his sessions at the club keep decreasing in number, he will have to find a way to make more money again.

He is just about to get up and head home, when Andrew, another Dom employed at the club, approaches him.

He is with a submissive, a man who had already scened with Alec three or four times before. So, he is surprised to see him with Andrew. The man had always seemed rather enthusiastic about their sessions together.

“Hey Alec.”

“Andrew. How your evening is going?”

“Oh, it’s going great. I’m going to take care of Marcus here.” The man makes a respectful bow with his head to Alec and then continues to look at his own feet.

Andrew pulls on the leash that is attached to the collar around the man’s neck, to bring him closer and releases it.

"Marcus, go sit at that table and wait for me." He orders with a stern voice.

"Yes, Master." The man turns around and basically runs away.

Andrew waits for the man to be far enough to speak again.

"Alec, is everything ok? Clary booked a session for Marcus with me tonight, but I know he is one of your client; a tough and demanding one I’d say. She passed me other clients of yours and she did the same with Luke, she gave him some of your subs, so I was wondering if everything is ok with you."

Alec warily squints in surprise; he doesn't understand what may have happened for Clary to take away his clients, without telling him. He knows that the satisfaction questionnaires their clients are required to fill out, go directly to Magnus, so if Clary is moving his submissives from him to the other Doms, it is surely by Magnus' specific order. But if he's doing something wrong, if his clientele is somehow complaining about him, or is not satisfied with him, Magnus could have told him, right?

“Andrew, I have no idea, what did Marcus tell you?”

“Well, he said he tried to book a session with you, but Clary answered you were already busy. The fact is that I saw you hanging around here in the main area for almost the whole evening.”

“Ok, Andrew, thank you for having checked on me; as far as I’m concerned everything is ok. I’ll talk to Clary as soon as I can.”

“Ok, Alec, I’m sorry.”

“Andrew, it’s ok, I’ll figure it out.”

He can’t understand what happened, he thought he was doing well.

Before heading out he meets Clary, but it was all too obvious that she was trying to avoid answering his blunt request for clarification, so Alec prefers not to insist. He will speak directly to Magnus, but not tomorrow. He's too upset to play with him. He knows that if he has such feelings, he may not control his reactions. He is confused, a little angry and disappointed. Not quite the right mind set. Tomorrow he will stay at home where he is needed.

When he gets home, everybody is already sleeping, so he takes a shower and goes to bed. He knows that the next morning he will have to be present and lucid; Sunday is the only day of the week when they can all be together and he wants to enjoy those few hours of serenity. He really needs it.

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He wakes up around 8, with some loud and joyful noises coming from the kitchen downstairs; they are surely preparing breakfast all together. So, Alec hurries down.

He finds them all gathered around the counter, making pancakes probably. The kitchen is already a mess, but it's not important, they will clean later. Isabelle is sitting on a stool, in her pajamas, drinking her coffee, while little Céline is kneeling on Jace's lap. He's in his wheelchair holding up his daughter as she stirs the pancake batter, making a remarkable mess on the counter and all over their clothes. It is a very tender scene; his siblings and his niece seem relaxed and peaceful. 

Time helped them get through the tragedy that befell their family. It's been almost 6 years now and Alec still can't believe what happened. That cursed day turned their lives upside down, throwing them into an abyss of despair and pain, from which they are still recovering.

If a recovery was still possible. Alec, Jace and Isabelle lost both of their parents in a damn car accident and Jace lost his wife and the use of his legs. Céline was still in her mother's womb, the doctors miraculously managed to make Jace’s wife deliver her, but there was nothing they could do for her. She died giving birth to her daughter.

Alec remembers his flight back from Japan, the anguish and desperation. He wasn’t there when his family was swept away.

The next years were difficult; Alec and Isabelle had to combine their effort to help Jace, who found himself alone and with a child to raise. And Max was still so young. Now he was in college, so he lived at the campus most of the time.

Even though their parents hadn't left them broke, they had a house in L.A., a house in New York, and enough money to pay for Max’s studies, Jace's medical care was expensive; he couldn't work as he was often in very acute pain. So, Alec had to definitely come back from Japan and started working at the BDSM club in L.A. Working during the evening so that he could be with Jace and Cèline during the day. Max went to school and Isabelle worked at the county morgue, as a pathologist, returning home in the afternoon, in time to let Alec go to work. They maintained the same schedule in New York, Isabelle had found a job at the hospital, Max has left to study at Harvard and Cèline has started primary school.

The house where they live now is the house where they grew up. They had rented out it while they were in Los Angeles. Alec really didn't think they would ever go back to New York.

The opportunity had arisen about six months earlier, when a doctor had given Jace a concrete hope to walk again; but the surgery he would have to undergo was risky, and extremely expensive. Jace had decided to give it a try anyway. That doctor was in New York and he needed to follow Jace’s progress for a while, before trying to fix the issue he was suffering from. So, Alec and Isabelle had planned their return to the Big Apple, with a thousand hopes in their hearts and in need of money.

Actually, Alec had already saved up enough money for the surgery, but that money was meant for starting their business, their martial arts school. Now it had to be done all over again, and therefore Alec is saving for their future, again.

He was tired, it had been overexerting years, but his brother needed him, and he would always be there for him, as was their sister.

Now Alec is there, leaning against the door, enjoying that fragment of normal life that they were trying to offer to little Céline, when Isabelle finally notices him.

"Alec, good morning, you slept more than usual today."

"Uncle Alec!!"

"Hey hon, what are you doing? Some experiments of yours?"

"We are making blueberry pancakes. Do you want some?"

"Of course. But first... coffee."

He turns to make some, but Isabelle is already handing him a steaming cup of black coffee. She knows his brother too well.

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Later that morning, after having worked out and taken care of Jace’s morning exercises as well, Alec sent a text to Magnus. He really doesn’t feel like speaking to him, not to mention seeing him. He just wanted to enjoy his day off with his family. He has missed them so much.

It’s a sunny day, so he and Jace decided to sit in the garden after lunch for a while and let Céline play outside.

Alec puts a blanket on the grass, then goes back into the house and takes Jace in his arms. He is strong enough to carry him outside, so the wheels of his wheelchair don’t get dirty on the lawn. He gently lays his brother down on the blanket and sits down, making Jace lean against his chest, to support him with his body.

Jace and Isabelle know exactly what kind of job Alec is doing, so Alec is telling Jace some gross and funny anecdotes about some of his clients. He won’t reveal any personal information about them, of course, but sometimes he found himself in some crazy and bizarre situations that are worth telling; he knows it’s a good way to cheer Jace up.

They are laughing at something Alec has just told him, when a cramp in Jace’s thigh makes him grimace in pain.  

He has not completely lost sensation in his legs; it is a matter of strength why he cannot walk. There is something pressing somewhere in his spine, Alec doesn’t know exactly what it is. However, this is a good thing, as there is hope for a full recovery. On the other hand, Jace suffers from sudden excruciating pain from time to time. He has to do some physiotherapy every day, Alec helps him with that, and he also takes some pills, mostly supplements and mild pain relievers. Jace has always rejected heavier medication that could be addictive.

Instinctively, Alec reaches out and begins massaging Jace's quadriceps, which twitches painfully. Jace turns his head and hides it in the hollow of Alec's neck, softly whining as the cramp ebbs down.

"Damn, I can't wait to get the surgery done."

"I know Jace, you have to hold on just another couple of months, okay?"

At that moment, Céline gets out of the house, running. She is a lively and overall serene child, Alec loves her and he would do anything for her happiness. She settles onto her father’s lap and Alec hugs them both. Together with his sister and his little brother, they are the most important people in his life, the only people who matter.

Suddenly, another man's face flashes in front of Alec's eyes. A person he thought he knew quite well, or at least that he has begun to know. An incredible man, kind, intelligent, strong, but also vulnerable, who had put the most precious side of himself in Alec's hands; a man who had entrusted himself to him in such a total abandonment, that Alec still found it hard to believe the intensity of his own feeling in front of the sheer magnificence of his submission. A man who perhaps had lied to him for no reason. Alec would have investigated tomorrow; perhaps this mess was just a misunderstanding. He really hopes so, he doesn't want to lose his job, but surprisingly, he doesn't want to lose the best D/S relationship he's ever had, even if he hasn’t even realized what it was, till now.

Chapter Text

Despite having found loads of missed calls from Magnus, Alec had decided to ignore them. To ignore him. Eventually, Magnus stopped calling him in the early afternoon and Alec spent the rest of his Sunday peacefully.

Not that Alec wasn’t concerned, but he didn’t want to get unnecessarily worried and honestly, he just needed a day off. He had been working without a break for weeks and whatever has been going on with his boss, who was incidentally also one of his submissive, was the last straw. He cannot figure out what precisely it could be yet, but he is sure that someone complained about him, for some reason, and Magnus, possibly Clary too, were just trying to protect him. That was the best case scenario. He feels hurt, though. He knows he is good at his work, he may be young but he is experienced and qualified, and he thought he had extensively proven that. Mostly he was sorry because Magnus hasn’t found the courage to openly talk to him.

And he lied to him. He acted behind his back. That went beyond their relationship as employer and employee. Magnus knew he had to be honest with him. Always. It was the most important rule Alec had. And Magnus had broken it.

It’s Monday again, and he has arrived at the club a little earlier than usual, shortly after 5. Alec’s going to confront Magnus now. He is ready and he also knows that he has to keep the two aspects of their incoming discussion, being a Dom at the club and being Magnus’ Dom, separated; it won’t be easy, but he has to. In any case, his priority is to keep his job.

When he knocks on the door of his office, nobody answers.

“Alec?”

He turns around and he finds himself facing Clary, who is looking at him with a weird expression.

“Hi Clary, I’m looking for Magnus.”

“Oh, he isn’t here. He is staying at home today, he isn’t feeling… well.”

Alec sees concern in her eyes.

“Really?” He raises one of his eyebrows.

“Alec… you’d better call him. And, for what it's worth, I’d want to apologize. I changed your schedule because I thought it was what you wanted, that you needed to slow down a bit. It was a kind of misunderstanding, I'm sorry. Still, talk to Magnus, okay?  Would you do that?"

“So, it’s true, you have been passing my clients to others… I don’t know why you thought I needed to slow down. It’s quite the opposite, I told you that. Well…”

If before it was a little more than a suspicion, now Alec is pretty sure it was Magnus who asked Clary to cut his reservations down. He can't really figure out why and he's also worried about Magnus. What does it mean that he is not well? He needs to see him.

“Clary, don’t worry; it’s ok, as long as everything goes back as it was before.”

“Alec, about that, you really need to talk to Magnus.”

Alec stiffens. Does Magnus want to fire him?

“Ok… I’ll call him as soon as I can. Today…”

“For today I have already cleared your schedule, you don’t have any clients, I’m sorry.”

Fuck!

It seems worse than expected, Alec needs to fix this mess.

Clary reaches out and lightly squeezes his shoulder.

“Call him, now.” Alec nods and is off.

He texts Magnus as soon as he is outside the club.

“Magnus, I don’t know what the Hell happened, can I come over?”

Fortunately, Magnus answers immediately.

“Yes, of course. When you didn’t answer my call, I thought you needed some time and I intended to give it to you, but I really need to talk to you as soon as possible.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

He is finally standing in front of Magnus’ door; he has just knocked when Magnus opens it. He looks awful.

Of course, he is still beautiful, Alec can’t even figure him being otherwise, but something is decisively wrong with him.

His eyes are swollen and rimmed in black and he looks sad, or at least he doesn't look like the usual Magnus, bright and full of life.

“Alexander, you’re here. I’m sorry, I wasn’t sure you would come to the club today... Come in.”

Magnus makes him sit on the armchair in front of his couch, but he remains standing. He is clearly too nervous to sit down.

“Well, I think I was pretty clear when I texted you yesterday. Anyway, how are you? Clary told me you are not feeling well.”

“I just had a hard time yesterday. Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

“Ok… Would you mind explaining to me what the Hell happened? You know I need to work and I thought you were satisfied with what I’m doing at the club. I know it’s you behind Clary’s actions.”

Magnus is not looking at him. Guilty and shame are way too evident on his face.

This won’t work. This is not how things are supposed to be going.

“Alexan…”

“Magnus!”

He has raised his voice, making Magnus flinch.

“If you are going to lie to me, well, don’t. I deserve to know the truth. I can’t believe you lied to me. Besides, I can handle some criticism, you know? If I’m doing something wrong, I need to know it, so I can fix it.”

His voice is sharp and Magnus is still avoiding looking at him. As he remains silent, Alec feels suddenly exasperated. This is ridiculous.

He sighs and gets up. In the end, he can always find another job.

But another sub like Magnus…

“Well, if you don’t have anything to say, I’ll leave. Just tell me if I’m fired.”

“Fired?”

“Yeah, fired; if you’re not happy with my performance, I can’t keep working for you, what did you think? I know how important your club is to you, and if I cannot assure your clients’ satisfaction, well…”

“No, Alexander. Look, I’m sorry. You’re right, I should have talked to you earlier. But it’s nothing related to your performance at the club. You are quite perfect in your role there.”

Alec’s expression hardens, so do his eyes.

“So nobody complained about me?”

“Not at all.”

Alec narrows his eyes in confusion and sits down again. If this is not related to his job at the club, then…

“And then what?”

“I… Oh God, it’s not easy. You’re not going to like what I am about to say.”

“Well, you’ll tell me anyway, won’t you?” His tone is defiant and compelling and Magnus cannot help but react to it.

“Yes…”

Sir.

Magnus doesn’t say it, but he is sure that the word lingers between them. He can see something familiar shifts in Alec’s look.

“I’m listening, Magnus.”

“Ok… I just wanted… you. All for myself. I didn’t want to share you with other people. I know it’s selfish, I know it’s wrong, but that’s how it is. It’s the truth.”

“What???”

Of all the things Alec could have thought of, this was definitely the last one.

“Magnus, have you gone insane? That is literally my job, for God’s sake!! I work for you! That is what I do, that is what you pay me to do, I can’t believe it…”

Magnus brings his hands up, trying to calm Alec down.

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. You’re right. I just… I don’t know what I was thinking. It was inappropriate and uncalled for.”

“You should have talked to me, you know I can’t offer you any sort of exclusivity. I need to work, Magnus; I need to make as much money as I can. I am not ashamed about that, and I made it abundantly clear, didn’t I?”

“I know that!!”

Magnus snaps in return and then he is clearly taken aback by his own reaction.

“I guess… I didn’t think that some sort of selection of your clients would affect your income, sorry.  I just got possessive. Sometimes I get this way, I’m not good at handling this side of me, but I’m really sorry Alexander.”

“Now please, stop apologizing. If this isn’t about the club but it is about our contract, maybe we should revise it, or maybe end it.”

“What?? No, no please. There’s no need to rush things. Let me fix this. It won’t happen again, I swear, I’ll keep our relationship and your work at the club separate. I swear. Please…”

Alec is partially relieved, at least he is not about to lose his job.

As he isn’t worried anymore about that, he slips easily into his role as Magnus’ Dom, without even noticing it. Magnus looks so vulnerable and Alec, on the contrary, is suddenly calmer, in control; he looks at the man in front of him and all he can see is his sub. His sub, who is in distress and in evident need for him. Alec realizes he doesn’t want to give up on him, either.

“Look, Magnus, you always have to tell me what you need; if you don’t, how can I trust you? Do you understand this? Now, as I told you, we can’t be exclusive, for obvious reasons. So you need to be honest with me now.”

Magnus nods.

“Do you want to keep our relationship?”

“Of course I want it.”

“Even if I have other submissives?”

Magnus lowers his gaze.

“Magnus, if you can’t accept this, we need to end our contract. I don’t see any other solution. I’m sorry.”

“Alexander, can I ask you something? You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”

“Ok…” Alec has a wary look in his eyes, he doesn’t really know what to expect.

“Please, don’t get upset, ok?”

“Magnus, you are worrying me.”

“No, ok, no need to worry. Just… Is there any particular reason why you need to make so much money? You are overexerting yourself; you can’t deny it. You work every day of the week, basically.”

“Uhm, I don’t think this is any of your business. You are overstepping here, you have to back off, ok?”

His voice is cold and slightly threatening.

“Sure. I’m sorry. I knew you would have reacted like this, but I have a new job to offer you. So, I need to know if your need for money is something temporary, if you have... let’s say, I don’t know, a final goal, a deadline or something. I have to understand if I actually can offer it, if there are the conditions for doing so.”

“Magnus, what the Hell are you talking about?”

“Would you answer me before? Please, you don’t need to tell me what you’re trying to achieve, I just need to get an idea about the extent of time you think you’ll need to accomplish it, whatever it is.”

Alec sighs. He doesn’t like people poking their noses into his business; on the other hand, he wants to know what Magnus' offer is.

“Jesus… Yes!! Ok?? I do have something to get done; I think I need to work at this pace for another year, and then I have… plans. Different plans, so I’m going to quit this kind of job.”

“I see…” Magnus is nodding and Alec can’t understand if he is relieved or not about what he has just revealed. But he is definitely under the impression that Magnus already expected something like that.

“Well?”

“Well, ok, I am able to hire you. Actually, I could afford to pay you up to a couple of years, so it’s ok.”

Alec wonders why every time he talks to Magnus he gets disoriented. It’s incredible how confusing he can be.

“Magnus… I already work for you. Can you explain what you mean, please?”

He can’t help but sound a little complaining.

“If you agree with what I’m going to offer you, you will still work for me, at the club, but no longer as a Dom. I need someone to help Raphael, two or three times a week; lately our clientele has considerably increased in numbers and he cannot be there all the time. I need someone trustworthy to ensure the safety of our employees and patrons. If you want, you can also perform on stage, from time to time. But, aside from this, you will be my Dom. Exclusively. I can offer you the same amount of money you used to make before. We can continue to meet at my place, once or twice a week, and never on Sunday, so you’ll have your day off.”

The first reaction is to refuse and flee. He can’t afford to give someone else this kind of power over himself. An exclusive contract? Is he ready for something like that? Magnus was clearly trying to top from the bottom; he wanted to be in control, and he could because he was paying him more than necessary. Something feels wrong.

Alec is the one in charge, the one in control. He couldn’t imagine that taking up the second job with Magnus would conflict with working at the club.

Besides, he has never seen anything off beam with his job. Sure, he wasn't totally happy with his life, but not because he felt that what he did was immoral or inappropriate, but because he felt it was somehow poorer, that he was missing out on a fundamental part of what being a Dom could mean. He wasn’t supposed to do it for money when he approached the BDSM world. Having a real and lasting relationship with someone who was worth it was what he craved. Surely, what Magnus has offered could be an opportunity to fulfill something similar to that and at the same time he could have more free time to devote to his family. Of course, it would still be for money, so it would be fake somehow.

The truth is that he doesn’t feel fairly at ease at accepting but perhaps he feels like that only because he is not used to this dynamic and he may be a little scared. Having only one sub, being able to take care of him, to get closer to him, to develop a deeper bond.

Suddenly Alec realizes he wants to accept Magnus’ offer anyway. It’s a surprising insight.

Screw everything. He can do it.

“Let me get it straight, do you want an exclusive D/S relationship, which also extends beyond our sessions? When will I be exactly in control?"

"Always, except when I’m at the club; needless to say, I won't have any other submissives either, apart from when some of them stay with me in the main area, to keep up appearances; you know, I still have to keep my role, but I won't play with them or with anyone else."

"And you will pay me, as before, weekly. Right? I'll be working two or three times a week at the club and a couple of times here with you."

"Correct."

Magnus doesn’t like how Alec keeps remarking that he is just work for him, but… in the end he can only accept it.

"Magnus, I need to know why you want this. My life is… complicated, and while I can surely offer you what you are asking for, under these conditions, it wouldn’t be anything more than this. If what you want is just about your need for exclusive submission, I'll be more than happy to change our contract accordingly. But you won't have to go behind my back again, and you will have to be honest with me. If for some reason your motives change, you will have to tell me. "

"I understand, but I told you, I'm a possessive man, I’ve always been. When I play the Dominant role, it doesn’t bother me, but when I ... Well, you know, when I give full control over myself to another person, I don't... I can't accept not being the only one for them. I need to know that my Dom is mine, and mine alone; and that I’m his, that I have his full attention. Only this way, I feel truly cared for and owned, as I need. This is what submission means to me.”

Something stirs in Alec’s stomach at those words. He likes the idea of exerting his control over Magnus, completely. To own him, not only for a few hours during their sessions, but constantly. He has never had such a thing; he had never even allowed himself to hope having it, at least until he doesn’t fix his messy life.

It would work. Why not? Little by little, he starts seeing the positive side that the new agreement could bring, and he likes what lays ahead.

He looks intently at Magnus and something in his eyes must have changed again, because Magnus suddenly gasps, widening his eyes.

Alec loves how he always has such an effect on him. He definitely loves it.

Chapter Text

“Magnus, it’s ok, come here.”

Magnus obeys immediately, snapping forward as if attracted by an invisible force.

Alec pats on his knees to gesture to him to sit on them. When Magnus has settled down onto his lap, with his legs to one side of the chair and facing him, Alec takes his hands and brings them behind his back. Then he grabs both his wrists with one hand, wrapping them with his long and strong fingers, while with the other hand he caresses his cheek, brushing a thumb under his eye. Magnus dares to look at him. Alec’s face sports a stern expression, but he is not angry anymore.

“You know that if we are going to continue with our relationship, to change it the way you asked for, I need to punish you, right?”

Magnus closes his eyes.

“Alexander…”

Alec suddenly lifts the hand that was cupping his face and grips his hair, yanking his head backward, hard, making Magnus whine.

“Come again?”

“Sir…”

“That’s better. Now, tell me if you understand why I need to punish you.”

“I do, Sir; I broke your rule.”

“Exactly. You disappointed me, Magnus. You should have told me your needs. How can I take care of you, if you aren’t honest with me? You know that I want to look after you, right? You are so worth it. But it seemed you had forgotten it and you didn’t voice your discomfort to me. How do you think it makes me feel?”

Magnus whines again at these words, not because of the pain irradiating from the strong hold into his hair, but because he knows he has failed his Dom. He perfectly understands where he has fallen short.

Alec loosens his grip anyway.

 “Sir... please. I’m sorry.”

“I know you are, sweetheart, and I know you want to be good for me.”

“Yes, Sir, I want it. I promise.”

Alec knows he has to do it; he needs to punish Magnus, so that they can start over and leave all this mess behind them, but he is not sure it’s a good idea to do it right now. Magnus seems to have had a hard night; he looks tired and helpless. But postponing the punishment could be even worse.

Normally, for such a lack of honesty from one of his subs, he would engage in some sort of impact play, something strong, to hit them hard, perhaps with the flogger or even with the cane. He knows that Magnus has them in the dedicated wardrobe in his room and that they are among the tools he had agreed to be used on him.

But that's not what Alec wants right now. It doesn’t feel right. He has to punish Magnus, but, most importantly, he has to make him understand who is in charge, who has the responsibility of making his needs be met. Alec has to make him surrender willingly, open to him, show him he trusts him to fulfill his necessities.

Magnus pretended he was ok with how they built their dynamic, but he wasn’t. Maybe there wouldn’t have been an easy solution; still they should have talked about it, and found a common ground to renegotiate it together. Now it seems they have found it, a way to keep going on. Therefore, it is not just a punishment; it is a lesson to be learned, a penance to be accepted to finally get better, to be truly forgiven. Alec needs it, and Magnus does too. He knows that.

And Alec knows he shouldn’t discipline Magnus in anger.  He can’t take the risk of overdoing it. On the other hand, he has to be effective and timely.  Magnus is evidently sorry for how he acted, he has internalized the reason behind his mistake, and Alec knows that what he did wasn’t meant to hurt him. Still, rules are important.

He knows what he has to do.

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Magnus is kneeling on the bed, his elbows pressed into the mattress and his forehead between his forearms. His legs are slightly parted and his back is arched, so his ass is on display for Alec standing behind him.

No ropes today, only his hands and maybe his mouth. He knows Magnus relishes the comforting sensation of being restrained and Alec won’t concede even that.

Magnus is wearing nothing and his body is tense.

“Are you comfortable Magnus?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Good. Listen carefully Magnus, today I’m going to give you an orgasm…”

Magnus whines at that.

“Shh, it’s ok. Before that I’ll edge you a few times, you need to keep your position, and I don’t want to hear your words, only your sounds. Eventually, you’ll come when I say you can, but you will experience it the way I decide you have earned.”

Alec puts his hands on Magnus' waist, and he brushes his thumbs into the dimples he has on his lower back. They are so irresistibly sexy.

“You need to be reminded that I have control over your pleasure, over you. You’ll stay perfectly still and get what I give you. You will let me touch you as I please. You won’t complain, you won’t beg, you’ll just be grateful for whatever I’m going to let you have. After that, I’m going to use you for my pleasure. You won’t come again though. Is your punishment clear?”

“Yes, Sir”

“Color?”

“Green.”

Alec moves his hands on Magnus’ cheeks and he starts sliding his thumbs along his crack. Magnus is already moaning shamelessly. Alec smirks and leans forward to kiss the flawless skin. Alec loves Magnus’ ass, it’s round, firm, toned, but also perfect to grab and knead. He can’t resist and bites hard at the soft flesh, making Magnus whines and jerks forward in surprise. He slaps his thigh.

“It seemed to me I told you to stand still. Don’t move Magnus. Apologize.”

“Sorry Sir.”

Magnus is already hard and judging by his heavy breathing and the slight twitches in his leg’s muscles, he is struggling to keep his position.

Suddenly Alec grabs both his cheeks, firmly parting them and dives in to lick at his hole.

Despite the abruptness of the wet, amazing feeling, Magnus manages not to move, but starts moaning in such a sinful way that Alec can only put a bigger effort in what he is doing. Alec loves eating him out that way so he keeps pushing his tongue around and inside his entrance, eliciting delicious little keens from Magnus.

After a while Magnus can’t just take it anymore, his cock is spilling pre-come onto the bedsheets and he loses control over himself and thrusts backward against Alec’s mouth.

Alec pulls back immediately and hits his ass with his hand, a quite hard strike, which entails a choked off, desperate moan out of Magnus’ mouth.

He is on the verge of coming and it’s clear he is doing all he can to prevent himself from disobeying his Dom.

“Magnus! If you keep moving you won’t come at all. Is this what you want?”

Alec’s voice is so low and threatening, it makes Magnus shiver involuntary.

“No, Sir, please.”

Alec stands up and gets some lube from Magnus’ drawer. Then he comes back exactly where he was before. Magnus feels at least two slicked fingers poking at his hole and Alec’s hand wrapping around his cock.

This is too much, he starts whining, he doesn’t know if he can do it.

Alec slides his fingers inside of him, starting jerking him off at a rather wild rhythm and successfully brushing his prostate with his fingers. It’s too much, too quick, too intense. He has to keep his position, but it’s impossible, he is going to fail. Magnus loses it, he is about to come and he starts crying.

Alec stops everything, and Magnus sobs louder at the abrupt loss of contact, as his orgasm flows back.

“You are doing so well, Magnus. We are not done yet. But it’s almost over. Can you give me a color?”

“It’s green.”

Manus sounds wrecked but firm.

“So, let's keep going.”

Alec resumes exactly what he was doing earlier, pushing two fingers mercilessly in his ass and stroking his cock simultaneously.

“Magnus, you can move now, let me see you love how I’m taking you apart.”

Magnus starts pushing back against his hand and a wicked smirk appears on Alec’s face.

“Perfect, like that Magnus, let go. I’m going to make you come now.”

Alec considers bringing him near his limit again, but he thinks his punishment will be enough.

Alec speeds up the pace with both his hands, as Magnus keeps fucking himself back on his fingers, sounding desperate to come, but as soon as he feels Magnus stiffens, his legs shaking, Alec withdraws his fingers, loosens his grip on his cock and suddenly and unexpectedly digs his nails along its underside, not so hard to make it too painful, but enough to totally ruin his orgasm. Magnus groans in disappointment while his cum just leaks out of him, as Alec has stopped the contractions to make it spill out in spurts. Magnus is crying in earnest now and his legs can’t hold him anymore, so Alec gently helps him slide down, until he's laying on the bed on his stomach.

Alec sits down next to him stroking his head. "Magnus, how are you feeling?"

"I ... I'm ... fine, Sir. Was I ..."

"You did great. I'm so proud of you. This is just a reminder of how things work, I decide what you are worth. Even so, you never, ever have to hide how you feel from me. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Sir."

Alec gradually moves him so that Magnus's head is in his lap and continues to tenderly stroke his head. Alec knows that experiencing a ruined orgasm, after being pushed to the limit so quickly, leaves one frustrated, disappointed and needy. But Magnus didn't complain. Nor did he beg.

"Are you ready for the second part of your punishment?"

"Green Sir."

“Lay down on your stomach Magnus.”

Magnus hurries to roll over and settle down on the sheets. Alec straddles his thighs, feeling his hard-on tent his pants. He hasn’t realized how aroused he was. He undoes his fly and makes his cock spring free.

Alec starts jerking himself off brutally. He is almost feral.

“Put your hands behind your back.” He growls.

Magnus obeys and Alec grabs both his wrists pressing Magnus onto the mattress, to hold him in place, while with his other hand, he keeps stroking his member, fast and hard, his eyes never leaving Magnus’ back, the strain in his arms restrained by his hand.

It doesn’t take much, he is suddenly coming all over Magnus’ cheeks, letting some lewd and loud moans out. It is so intense.

“Magnus…”

“Sir…”

He releases his hands and leans forward to kiss him on the back of his neck. It’s a sweet kiss and Magnus sighs in relief. He feels owned again; his Dom has claimed him. It’s done and it was worth it.

Alec immediately lays down next to his sub and takes him in his arms.

“Magnus, it’s over. You were perfect, you took your punishment so well. I’ve finished with you, you’re forgiven, and now I’m going to take care of you.”

Magnus breaks into soft sobs, clasping Alec’s shirt. He is still slightly shaking, but he is just relieved.

Alec soothes him for a while, until his trembling calms down.

“Sir… I’m sorry.”

“Shhh, sweetheart, no need to be sorry. You were so good, so eager to learn. I think you learned your lesson, Magnus, you won’t lie to me again, will you?”

The scene was quite strong, not much from a physical point of you, but Magnus is emotionally drained now. He was stripped of what he wanted most and then put back together and given something infinitely more valuable. He gave up on his pleasure, knowing that Alec would take care of him anyway.

This was the first time he didn’t get his sexual satisfaction at the end of their scene. And Alec has begun to know Magnus’ reactions, he knows that he becomes quite clingy and that he craves and relishes his aftercare.

Alec gets up and goes to retrieve all the necessary things to take care of him.

He cleans Magnus’ ass with a wet cloth, carefully. After making him have an electrolyte drink, he just spends the rest of the evening cuddling him in bed. Neither of them feel like speaking, they just spend some time in enjoyable silence, even when they start being hungry and move to the kitchen to have a light dinner. 

As he heats some leftovers he has found in the fridge, Alec realizes he needs this time together as much as Magnus does. The way his sub keeps looking at him, the way he clings to him, or he nuzzles his face against his chest, it’s so spontaneous and intimate.

It goes beyond the physical side of aftercare. He is surprised at how much he is enjoying this evening, even if their scene was about punishment and there had been an emotional toll to be paid by both of them. For the first time he can feel Magnus is really his. Because he is now. He knows something has changed between them.

Around 10, when they are comfortably tangled together on the couch, an old movie running on the TV, Magnus starts stirring uneasily.

“Magnus is everything ok?”

“Yes, Alexander, it is. I was just wondering if you would stay the night, as you weren’t supposed to spend the night out, today.”

“No, it’s ok, I won’t leave you alone Magnus. I just need to send a text home.”

He smiles reassuringly at Magnus, but he doesn’t understand the weird look Magnus gives him back. It seems sad and guilty.

Probably he is wrong, though. He can’t see the reason why Magnus should feel guilty, or sad, about him spending the night at his place as he already has done a few times before.

Chapter Text

Sunday, after lunchtime, in front of the Lightwood’s residence

It takes a while for Magnus to regain control of his emotions. The guilt for acting behind Alec's back envelops him, suffocating him. He got stuck in the conflict between being Alec’s employer imposing his own rules and agreeing to submit to Alec, accepting his rules. Rules that he has undoubtedly broken. Magnus knows he has to fix things; he has to confess his misdeeds, explain what led him to behave so treacherously.

The weight of his guilt oppresses his chest, as he walks away from Alec's house and returns to his car. The “family picture” he witnessed a few minutes earlier left him with a sense of emptiness. It’s now clear that Alec is out of his reach, of course. So, he moved from, “If I would want him I could ask him out, but I’m not pretty sure he’s even interested”, to “I’m desperate, I have no chance with him”. So, the first attitude was just a big, fat lie. He realizes that he wanted something more, a chance to move beyond their relationship. On the other hand, Magnus doesn't intend to give up on what they already have. But he needs to think, to plan, to find a way to make the most out of what Alec is willing to give him and at the same time a way to protect himself, before he would fall for Alec, irremediably.

As he gets into his car, he feels like moving in slow motion, everything is fuzzy.

He stays there for a while, sitting inside the car, his hands clutching around the wheel; he can feel his heartbeat in his ears, so he tries to focus on his own breathing.

No way, he just seems incapable of thinking straight.

Suddenly he takes his cell and dials the number of the only person he knows would help him.

Cat.

He is perfectly aware of the fact that Cat would have scolded him. He deserved it, of course. But an idea was coming to him, a dangerous idea and if there was one person who could reason with him, it could only be Cat. Either way, he had to talk to someone before finding himself into even bigger bullshit. He had already understood that Alec was jeopardizing his ability to see things clearly and make fair and reasonable decisions. He won’t stretch his already frail possibility to get things back on their path.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Magnus’ place - Sunday afternoon

Cat agreed to go to his place before going to the club later, for her shift there.

She has a dumbfounded expression on her face, to say the least; first, she didn't expect Magnus to have started a relationship with Alec, as a sub then. Secondly, he did it without telling her, and that was weird; and finally, he has totally gone insane trying to tamper with Alec's job at the club, acting as if he were carried away by jealousy and other not-so-pure feelings. Incredible.

She is speechless for a while, looking at him while a train of thoughts are clearly passing through her mind. Magnus thinks most of them aren’t nice.

"Magnus, have you gone crazy?" She finally asks.

"Obviously." He confirms calmly.

"And how did he find out what you did? I didn't even notice, maybe because we have so many clients lately, I’m quite busy."

"I don't know, Clary told me he asked her about his schedule last night. Maybe he talked to someone, to some of his submissive who has been moved to others. I have no idea, to be honest. In hindsight, it was a horrible idea, wasn’t it? It is clear that I have not acted in full control of my emotions, Cat. I acted on impulse, hoping to keep my possessiveness in check. But then I went to his house... "

"What have you done???"

Cat screams more and more incredulously. She doesn't recognize the man she has in front of her.

"I wanted to talk to him... He texted me he would miss our session today."

"Do you realize that you are acting on the verge of illegality? You have a contract of employment with him, you can’t behave like this; besides, going to his house without being invited is called stalking. But how the fuck did that come to your mind?"

Cat is beside herself with anger, but then she looks at her friend, and takes in his slumped posture, his sad face, and immediately calms down.

"Magnus, sorry. It's just not… like you. What did he tell you anyway?"

"He didn’t see me. He was sitting outside, in the garden, with his… boyfriend? Husband? I don't know ... Anyway he wasn't alone and his daughter was with them too. You should’ve seen them, Cat, the perfect family. I’m an idiot...

"You are."

"Cat, please..."

"Ok, ok, you're an idiot, but you're still my best friend."

"Thank you. You can't abandon me now; I have to fix this mess."

"And how do you plan to solve it?"

"I have a plan."

"I don't know why, but I don't like that."

"Listen, I didn't expect him to have a family. Alec is so reserved about his private life. One thing doesn’t add, though. I can't understand why he always claims his need for money. He lives in a nice neighborhood, in a nice house. I was wondering if he might have some kind of serious problem, some debt… I don't know, however I'm worried, beyond my unsolicited and misplaced possessiveness. I’m worried about him."

"Magnus, I don't know if he really has any problems, and I sure hope not. I can tell you though that last week we stayed for a drink after work, he was very worried and tense for some reason. He didn't tell me what that reason was, but we were talking about the club, how the clientele was increasing. I told him that in a few years he could take my place as manager and he replied that in a few years he would not be doing this job anymore, that he is putting together the money for something important. Then he clearly regretted telling me this, as if I had caught him in a moment of weakness and he changed the subject. It was the only time I saw him vulnerable, but at the same time hopeful and determined. So I don't think he has a problem, maybe more of a... project?"

“Oh… well, then maybe I can help him to achieve his dream or whatever it is and at the same time, fulfill my own need.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Cat, doesn't it seem strange to you that his man takes his job so serenely? Oh, okay, I'm asking the wrong person, since you and Ragnor are in an open relationship. But it's not that common, right? The way you and Ragnor have found a balance…"

"No, people tend to be monogamous, especially if there is a family involved, or children."

"Perhaps it would be better for Alec to have a single relationship than to have many clients, every night of the week."

"Magnus, I still don't understand."

"Well, Raphael needs some free time, he's got the bouncer and security team up, but he can't always be at the club. I thought I'd ask Alec to change role and help Raph, as a security manager. At the same time, we may have an exclusive relationship. I can't give up on him and I can't accept that he has other subs. You know me... I don't just need a session every now and then, I don't know what to do with something like that. I can always dominate someone at the club, to have some fun, some easy relief. But right now, that's not what I want. Alec is... special. He unleashed something unexpected and unstoppable in me. "

"But Magnus, are you sure that no feelings are involved in what you are unfolding for you two? Do you realize that an exclusive relationship is dangerous? He has a family, what if you fall in love with him?"

Magnus snorts.

"I’m not stupid Cat; this is about giving myself the best that money can get. Now that I know what I want, I know how to get it. I will make this proposal to Alec. If it’s all about money, I think it is better for him to see only me twice a week than several people each evening. I don't think he will pass up this opportunity. Do you have any idea how long he wants to continue with this job anyway?"

"It's a bad idea Magnus, anyway no, he didn't tell me about a timeframe. I guess less than a few years, anyway."

"Well, I'll have to ask him. Paying him so much for dealing just with me is an investment, but it's worth making. I don't lack money. It's a win-win solution, Cat. I don't see what can go wrong."

"Magnus, you obviously have no idea what you're talking about. Do you realize you're trying to buy this man’s time and interest for you?"

"And isn't that what we do at the club? We sell our subs and our doms, their time, their involvement and we haven’t ever had moral issues about it. The important thing is mutual consent. I know what I want; I have the means to get it. If Alec agrees, I think it will be a very satisfying contract for both of us. "

"When are you going to talk to him?"

"I tried to call him this morning several times, but he never answered. I guess I'll have to give him a couple of days to sober up. When he's ready, he'll come to me. I need to call Clary and tell her to cancel his schedule for the next week. "

"Magnus ..."

"What..."

"I know you won't listen to me anyway, I don't even know why you made me come here. But I want to tell you one thing: you are moving on slippery ground. I know that you have submitted only for love in the past. I don't see how it can work differently this time. I know you too well."

"This time it will be different, because I'm not looking for love. I'm looking for a person who can give me what I crave and Alec is perfect for that. I can do it."

"If you say so... You are the boss."

"I really am.

Cat shakes her head in defeat and looks at her dearest but also delusional friend with a worried expression.

Magnus’ place Tuesday – early morning

A deep sense of well-being welcomes him in the awareness of waking. As he leaves the dream world, populated with feelings of welcome, enveloping, soft clouds of caresses and hugs, Magnus finds himself in an even better situation, because it is real. He is completely wrapped in Alec's warm body. Even though he knows that he's going home soon, Magnus enjoys the feeling of this awakening, he wants to enjoy it until the last moment he's allowed to. During the day Alec has his family, his life, but his nights are all for him, whether they stay at his place or at the club, at night Alec belongs to him and for now this is enough.

Magnus caresses Alec's arms wrapped around his waist and shoulders, enjoying the sensation of warmth emanating from Alec on his back; he is hugging him tightly while he sleeps. Magnus thinks back to yesterday's punishment. He was amazed by Alec's choice of modality. When he told him he would be punished, he expected... pain. But Alec had surprised him, choosing a refined form to teach him his lesson. Not pain, but denial of pleasure. Not complete denial though. It would be acceptable too. Magnus got the message clear; Alec showed him what he would lose if he didn't learn to play by his rules. Alec was a promise of something beautiful, it was up to him to let himself grasp it, accept it. He would no longer act wrongly; he would work hard to make things work. Eventually, he got what he wanted. Sure, he didn’t ask Alec what kind of relationship he had with his partner, but he knew he couldn't ask for such a thing. Their agreement was about professional domination and nothing else. On the other hand, he didn't even want to know. He would have avoided thinking of that blond man, rightfully in Alec's arms.

Obviously, they must be in love. He thinks back to the way Alec stroked the man's leg, so forcefully. He squeezes Alec's hand, which is on his stomach, lacing their fingers together. He thinks about the way the man's head was resting against Alec's neck and in that moment he realizes the slow, steady breathing on his neck. He sighs. He must be able to separate that double idea he has of him, his Dom on one side and a father, a husband maybe on the other. Not his husband, though. The two images screech in his head, they always will. He will deal with that. Magnus has made a choice and will go through with it, no matter what.

Chapter Text

The last few weeks have been rather eventful. Alec was trained by Raphael about security protocols at the club; he has also performed every Saturday evening either with Lorenzo or Raj and his shows have always been amazing, as one would expect from Alec. A few new people were hired and they still need training; everyone is just doing their utmost to make things work out right. All in all, his club has never been so crowded and Magnus is elated about their success, his and his staff combined.

He is sitting in his office, alone, looking at some pictures, which have been taken during Alec’s last performance. Magnus has never had the opportunity to see such a show. It involved both Lorenzo and Raj; Alec started demonstrating a few harnesses on both his subs, gradually more and more complicated, and making them getting closer and closer, until he started to bind their relaxed bodies together. In the end Alec masterfully performed a double suspension, symmetrical, Lorenzo and Raj hanging together from a ring, upside down, embracing each other, their bare torsos pressed together, so were their faces, cheek to cheek, their backs harmoniously arched, their arms wrapped around one another. They were bound together by one single ankle, the one tied up to the ring. The ropes which they were held from supported their lower back and formed a complicated shape of knots along the free thigh of each of them. In fact, their free legs were bent back so as to be parallel to the floor and the ropes were linked to a couple of hooks on the ceiling, at both sides of the central ring. Alec had also taken care of the arrangement of the lights around them and of some white silk drapes wrapped all around the two men at the end of the performance. The result was graceful, ethereal, Lorenzo and Raj seemed to float effortlessly and lightly from above, their faces were completely relaxed.

Amazing.

And those pictures are just as remarkable.

Magnus has learned that Alec has his own peculiar way of arranging his subs’ bodies, obtaining an immediate surrender and their total abandonment. Magnus could understand that sense of trust Alec inspired. He leaves no room for fear; his strong, reassuring and all-encompassing presence makes his subs’ bodies malleable and yielding, their minds empty and free, their emotions strong but controlled, and their pleasure a precious gift given without conditions, if not the full acceptance of his dominant and overwhelming will.

The staff at the club easily accepted Alec’s new position. The most surprised was Raphael; he had been asking for another security manager to help him for a while, but he thought Magnus would have hired someone new. Obviously, Magnus didn't get away with it, even Raphael knows him too well. So, he told him the truth, that they had created an exclusive relationship and strangely Raphael did not bat an eye, on the contrary, he confessed in return that he had started a relationship with Simon. But they were in fact dating. Magnus has noticed that Simon was working fewer shifts, but Raphael assured him that for now Simon would not have left his job.

Magnus really couldn't understand how people could handle relationships this way. He was more of a soul at a time kind of guy; but that concerned soul, once it had entered his heart, extended to the whole person of his beloved one, including their body. Magnus had had sex with countless men and women, all kinds of sex, vanilla sex, kinky sex, he had masterfully dominated his clients for money and sometimes his partners as well. He had granted his submission to those few people he had committed to. He could surely understand that sex was just that: sex, pleasure, satisfaction of a need. But if there were feelings involved, things would be different.

He is aware he is experiencing a dichotomy with Alec, but after a month and a half, he has gotten used to it. Or, at least he believes that.

Obviously, Raphael also expressed his concern about his relationship with Alec, exactly as Cat did; he stated that Magnus was exposing himself too much, taking the risk of confusing his feelings for something they are not. Magnus didn't tell Raphael what he found out about Alec's private life, in the end ’it is... private. Telling Cat already seemed unfair, but Magnus needed someone who could take him by the scruff of the neck and get him back on track. And Magnus is perfectly conscious, and grateful, that Cat is watching over him.

In addition to their working life at the club, Alec and Magnus have had three meetings a week, every week since they changed their contract. Each time, it was simply magnificent. Everything, from the initial relaxed preliminary chat to the actual scene; from the night spent in Alec's arms, to their breakfast, consumed together in a quiet and peaceful silence. Magnus started getting up early to share that moment with Alec, earlier than usual, but it didn't matter to him. When Alec left, he would go back to bed and often fall asleep again thinking about what happened the night before.

That was exactly what happened that morning.

Magnus had lingered in bed until lunchtime, reliving the moments of the previous evening, relishing the sensations still tingling in his muscles, the marks and bruises all over his body. Such a feeling of well-being is addictive and Magnus realizes he will never be able to give up Alec willingly.

Anyway, it is Tuesday again and tonight they both are supposed to be at the club. Alec will be alone, without Raphael, for the first time in charge of the security.

Magnus leaves his office. He has chosen a few pictures to be uploaded on their website and it’s time to make his appearance in the main area.  He goes to sit down on his throne and a gorgeous girl hurries to sit down at his feet. She is very showy, practically naked. She wears super-short glittery panties that leave her buttocks exposed, high-heeled boots, and a short mesh t-shirt down to under her busty breasts. She is wearing no bra, leaving practically nothing to the imagination.

Magnus knows her well; she is a regular client of the club, even if he hadn’t seen her for a while. In the past, they had often stopped by for a drink after playing together. Now she is there, kneeling close to his legs, seeking his attention. Magnus strokes her long hair absently, as he watches Alec stride from one side of the club to the other. He talks to Cat, then to Clary, who keeps nodding and giggling; he even dedicates a few minutes to Lorenzo who doesn’t miss a chance to flirt with him. Magnus ignores him. Then Alec checks on Andrew, smiling at whatever he is telling him; he exchanges a few pleasantries with some regular patrons, does a quick check with Maia about the situation at the bar.

Alec is born for that role, undoubtedly. Magnus admires how, whilst giving his full attention to the people he is talking to, Alec always seems to have the whole situation under control, as he looks around calmly and attentively.

It was rare for anything bad to happen at the club; the clientele was carefully selected and alcohol was forbidden for customers; only Magnus, Clary, Cat, Raphael and now also Alec could order something stronger and always and only when they had no private meetings with customers. It was one of the few concessions Magnus allowed himself and his friends.

All of the sudden, Magnus perceives someone looking at him. He turns his head and meets Alec’s eyes on him, piercing, intently analyzing the intentions of the girl who continues to brush her breast against Magnus’ knee.

Magnus’ stomach flips; he likes being checked out by his Dom, he likes the fact that he cares enough to look at him even when they are there at the club, even if right now, they aren’t supposed to be following their usual dynamic. Alec’s look on him is so hot. It makes it difficult to breathe.

Suddenly, it’s not enough. Magnus feels the urge to unleash Alec's jealousy, or at least his possessiveness.

Only yesterday, during their scene, Alec had continued to growl in his ear.

"You are mine, Magnus, never forget that. Mine." He spoke those words while fucking him at an impossible pace and with considerable force. Magnus barely holds himself from moaning at that memory.

Magnus is convinced that in addition to evidently training with weights, given the amount of muscle tissue spread almost everywhere in Alec’s perfect body, and the agility and grace derived from practicing martial arts, Alec also devoted some time to cardio training. He kept that crazy pace for an astounding amount of time. Magnus had already reached his limit, even though he was literally in Heaven, bent in half, on his back, wrists tied to his ankles, a spread bar that kept his legs from getting close and a cock ring that prevented him from cumming. Alec had already had two orgasms, but he kept denying him and Magnus was about to burst.

As he returns his Dom’s look from the other side of the main area, in a smug and defying way, Magnus recalls his last words from the previous night, before he was allowed to have his release.

"Magnus, if you want to come, you have to beg for it."

And Magnus had begged and implored and cried desperately, tears running down his cheeks copiously, dealing with the unbearable edge where the stimulation was too much, but not enough.

Eventually Alec had allowed him to cum after reaching his third orgasm, and it had been so powerful that Magnus was sure he was unconscious for a few minutes.

Since Alec and Magnus exchanged the results of the tests they did a few days ago, they started avoiding condoms.

It had been Alec's idea and Magnus had accepted, refusing to think deeply about what such a choice entailed. But he trusted Alec, and so he easily agreed, wanting to be as close as possible to him.

He felt Alec’s cum fill him again, and it was incredible, he felt Alec’s claim on him so powerfully.

But now, they aren't at his place, they are at his club, which is his kingdom. Here Magnus has his undisputed and unlimited power. This thought makes him somewhat aroused. He grabs the girl's hair and pulls back hard, so that she looks him in the face.

"Hey, Katie, do you want to be good for me?"

She widens her eyes and nods.

"Yeah, please daddy, can I make you feel good?"

"Well, I was thinking about nothing fancy, but I'm feeling a little cold you know, maybe daddy needs a blanket, a soft, warm blanket to cover him.”

He tugs at her elbow to make her stand up and straddle his thighs.

Katie quickly realizes what he meant and covers Magnus's body with hers, pushing him against the throne, then starts kissing his neck as Magnus' hands go over her bare buttocks, grabbing and squeezing them.

Magnus is perfectly aware that he is cheating, he is playing dirty. Alec can’t intervene, can’t prevent him from doing what he is doing. But he also knows that he will pay a high price for that, later. That thought makes him even more excited.

He has dared to defy his Dom. Their contract says that when they are at the club together their dynamic is on hold, unless they agree otherwise; besides neither of them will privately play with other submissives on any occasion, at the club or elsewhere. But here they are in public and in the end nothing much is happening; they are just doing a little show for the benefit of Magnus’ clients.

Well, the killer look Alec gives him makes him realize that his Dom probably doesn't agree with his analysis of the situation. Magnus gasps at the intensity of that gaze and after a while he stops Katie’s assault to his neck, making her get up from his lap.

"My dear, why don't you go dance and wiggle this nice little ass of yours on the dance floor?"

"But daddy! Wasn't I good enough to warm you up?" She pouts, but it’s clear she is joking.

Magnus smiles, because he knows Katie, he's pretty sure she doesn't get offended or feel rejected. Katie is there to have fun, show off and if she feels like going to some playroom with a Dom, she knows she has to go find Clary to book her a session.

"Of course, my dear, the best blanket ever. But now I have to go, work is calling, ok?"

"Ok, daddy." She smiles at him.

"Good girl, come here give me a kiss."

She leans down and kisses him on the lips.

When she waltzes away, actually swaying her ass in an alluring way, Magnus dares to look back where Alec was a minute ago, but he no longer sees him there. He looks around, a little alarmed, but doesn't see him anywhere. He then gets up and heads back to his office. He just hopes he hasn't exaggerated. A slight anxiety is rising in his stomach. That look. Alec was furious. But Magnus didn't break the rules, did he? He is walking thoughtfully down the corridor towards his office, when he feels someone grab his wrist and forcefully pull him into one of the playrooms.

He yelps in surprise at the sudden move, but in a second, he finds himself slammed against the wall with a solid and strong body pressed against him. He recognizes Alec right away, and looks him in the eyes with a surprised expression. Alec slams his hands on the wall, on both sides of Magnus’ head, effectively caging him and preventing him from moving.

Magnus feels a sudden warmth in his gut.

That was what he wanted, wasn't it? Alec's gaze is feral, burning.

"What do you think you were doing Magnus?"

"I..."

He cannot find his words and swallows, making his Adam’s apple bob up and then down again.

"Answer me!" Alec shouts a few inches from his face.

"I'm sorry, she… she is a friend of mine, we were joking, I didn't mean..."

"Don't lie, you were looking at me, you acted like you did to provoke me, didn't you?"

Magnus gives up. He cannot do anything else.

"I… yes, I did. I… I needed you Sir."

Magnus coyly looks at Alec trying to convey how sorry  he is and it works because Alec seems to soften his stance a little.

"I know. I know you were trying to get my attention, but next time I suggest you call me, you talk to me and don’t act like a brat, are we clear?"

Alec's hand slides from the wall to Magnus' throat; it covers his Adam's Apple and Alec squeezes slightly on both sides with his fingers and thumb. Magnus moans, he feels he is on the verge of passing out from the arousal.

"I'm sorry Sir, it won't happen again, I promise."

“What’s your color Magnus?”

“It’s green, Sir.”

Alec smiles and leans down to kiss him.

It is a desperate kiss, open mouthed, wet. It is all about Alec's need to point out his claim. Magnus makes him intrude his mouth and Alec continues to fuck it with his tongue, as he keeps applying a light pressure around his throat, his solid body squashing him against the wall. Magnus is instantly lost in that kiss. Finally. If that's the result of being a brat, well Magnus has learned his lesson.

When everything around him begins to lose meaning and Magnus feels that he exists only because he is connected to Alec's mouth, Alec pulls back, making him whine in protest.

Alec looks at him; the sheer intensity of his gaze makes Magnus’ knees weak.

"When are you going to stop lying to me, Magnus? When are you going to learn how to use this mouth of yours properly? You have to learn to talk to me, even if we're at the club, you can still talk to me. It seems like you can't really behave. Maybe you need to understand what it's like not to be able to talk at all. On your knees. Now! "

Magnus drops gracefully down and raises his head to look at Alec, who is undoing his pants to free his already hard cock.

"Now we're going to put that mouth to good use Magnus, but as far as you're concerned, you won't be able to come today, and not even tomorrow.”

Magnus moans, but Alec looks at him in such a stern way that he quickly falls silent. It's impossible, he can’t do it. Magnus knows that if Alec is going to fuck his mouth, he might just come from that. Still… He wants to be used so badly.

Alec is giving himself a few slow strokes, a few inches from his face.

"Sir, please."

"What Magnus?"

"Can I? Please..."

Magnus can't take his eyes off Alec's cock, so close and so unreachable without Alec's explicit command. This idea is driving him crazy.

Alec sticks two fingers in his mouth, instead.

“You don't deserve to suck me Magnus, what do you say? You can at least suck my fingers and thank me if I don't put your cock in a cage until Friday.”

Magnus whines as he continues to eagerly suck his fingers while Alec masturbates faster and faster.

"There’s one thing you can do for me though. I don't want to get dirty, so open up, but stay still."

Alec sounds quite wrecked.

Magnus obediently opens his mouth wide, relaxes his jaw. Alec shoves his cock all the way down, and immediately spills his come down his throat. Magnus is caught off guard and can't swallow it all, a few drops slip out of his mouth, dripping along his chin. He keeps his eyes closed, his face is red, his mouth wide and stretched as Alec holds him forcibly pressed against his groin. When he feels Magnus slightly gag, he releases him and pulls himself out from his mouth. Magnus coughs a little, trying to breathe, but recovers almost immediately. Alec has gone away for a second but he is immediately back to him with a bottle of water in his hand, which he has also already opened.

"Here, drink this."

Magnus takes the bottle and takes a few sips.

"Are you OK?"

"Yes Sir." His voice is hoarse, his eyes wet with tears.

Alec looks down at him with a strange look, then grabs him by his arms and yanks him up. His strength is impressive, as usual. Magnus practically feels himself being pulled up. He doesn’t know what to expect now. He just hopes Alec has forgiven him.

Suddenly Alec hugs him and waits until he feels Magnus relax in his tight hold.

He brushes his lips over his ear and whispers with a strange voice.

"You are mine, Magnus, you must never forget it. I do not care that you are the owner of this club, or that you are my boss, do not let me see such behavior again, otherwise you will not like the consequences. I’ll let you go now. I remind you that you do not have the permission to come neither today nor tomorrow. Color?"

Magnus, with his face pressed into the crook of Alec's neck, would have given up on all his orgasms, if he could stay like that, close to him, held so tightly.

"It's green, Sir. I'm so sorry."

Alec hugs him even tighter for a brief moment.

"You don't have to be sorry. Just remember… you are mine and mine alone. I hope you won't question it anymore."

Magnus sighs in relief.

“No, Sir I won’t. I’m yours. Only yours.”

They stay there for a while, entangled together, as if nothing else matters.

Chapter Text

Wednesday morning

It is undeniable, it happens. Sometimes, the greatest uptakes in life happen suddenly, in a span of seconds. For Magnus, the sharp tang of realization stings him as he opens his eyes in his bed. He is unable to remember exactly what he has dreamed of, but an incredible and so realistic feeling of Alec's hands on his body and of his soft and demanding mouth is still lingering on his skin… He can still feel a light tingling on his lips, Alec’s scent in his nose and a pleasant sensation of diffused warmth all over his body.

Pity. It was just a dream. He is sadly alone in his bed.

As soon as his consciousness resurfaces into the real world, taking with it an unbearable yearning and an enveloping feeling of belonging, Magnus understands.

Fuck. He really does. He has fallen in love. Hard.

Gradually some images from the dream start rolling by in front of his eyes. Magnus feels his cheekbones flush. They weren't playing, they were together for the sake of it; were they making love? Magnus knew exactly what had triggered that obscene, yet emotional, dream. It was what happened yesterday; before letting him go, Alec hugged him in such a desperate way, and for the first time, Magnus had glimpsed the vulnerable side of his Dom.

Something had stirred inside of him, an instinct of protection and care. On the other hand, Magnus is also a Dom, and tasting the intensity of Alec's need for him was surprising and unsettling. It was as if Alec wasn’t looking for his submissive, but for the man, the whole man behind it; as if the faint yet clear and defined boundaries of their relationship had begun to waver. On Magnus' part, there were no defenses up. In no way. He would be blown away at the slightest hint of any sentiment from Alec, even though he knew it wasn't even fair to hope for it.

There was nothing he could do about that. He knew that was wrong, Alec had a family. On the other hand, people fall in love unexpectedly and things can easily get out of control. It’s just life as it goes.

People have a right to be happy and maybe Alec deserves to know his true feelings. Magnus knows he has to make a choice. Fighting for Alec, giving up on him, or keeping stalling and trying to handle the situation without getting hurt.

The first two alternatives would be the most reasonable ones; they involve, at least, a good dose of honesty. The last one is the hardest to put up, and also the least sincere; it's about continuing to lie, if not to himself, surely to Alec.

But of course, Magnus knows which choice he will opt for. He is a coward, in a way. Time will help him make better decisions. He'll go on a little longer, hoping that it won’t blow up in his face.

Wednesday evening

The moment Alec steps into his loft, Magnus can see, even perceive, that something is wrong.

His eyes are dull, tired. The usual spark of his imposing physical presence is muffled.

“Alexander, is everything ok?” Magnus asks with sincere concern, as they make their way toward the living room.

“Yeah… I’m just a little tired; today has been… tough. At home… You know… I’m sorry. I just need to relax a bit, but we are not in a hurry, right?”

“No, of course not. If you are not up to it, we can set aside our scene tonight and, I don’t know, just hang out? We can watch something on TV, or we can talk, if you want; I may just listen to you? I don’t mind Alexander, as long as you are ok, really.”

“What? No Magnus, I… I came here for you, and you will get my total attention, as usual.”

Magnus looks at him for a few moments, trying to assess the situation. He doesn’t like the distant look in Alec’s eyes, but he trusts him, he trusts his judgment.

“Ok, as you prefer. I just hope you know that even if… well, I pay you, you are not obliged to do something you don’t feel comfortable with.”

“I know, but I need this right now. I need you, Magnus.”

And with these words Alec strides forward, invading Magnus’ personal space, hovering over him. He cradles his head with both his hands and kisses him. It’s a long, deep kiss that leaves Magnus breathless.

When Alec pulls back, Magnus can’t be any readier to cede control over to him. He can no longer think past this moment. Alec is with him now, and this is all that matters.

Besides, Alec actually seems a little more like his usual self.

“Now, Magnus. Have you been good for me today?” He speaks in a hushed tone, so effective.

“Yes, I didn’t touch myself.”

“Good. Even so, I think you need a little discipline today. I’m not mad about the girl, I get what you were doing. I’m mad because you defied me. I cannot allow that, can you understand?”

Alec is speaking with his face so close to Magnus’, their lips almost brushing, his hands keeping a firm grip around his head.

“Yes, I understand. Of course.” He lowers his look in acceptance and respect.

“I’d like to talk about your punishment before we start, though. Have you already eaten?”

“Yes, sure.”

“Good.” Alec nods, pleased.

They take a seat on the couch, one next to the other.

“I’m going to propose something to you; you can say no, of course. It’s a little extreme, but I think it would do good for you.”

“Ok…” Magnus looks at him with a little concern.

“I noticed, Magnus, that sometimes you struggle to be in control. When I manage to obtain your total submission it’s… amazing. You are amazing. But I’m not sure you have understood that it’s not supposed to be a fight, you have to trust me.”

“But…”

Magnus tries to protest.

“Magnus, let me finish.”

“Sorry.”

“Today,” he pauses just to get Magnus’ full attention, “I’m going to punish you, we’ll have a good spanking session. You won’t know how many times I’m going to hit you, and you will be allowed to say yellow, but not red. You will need to trust me with the extent of your penance and, most importantly, with your safety. I need to bring the punishment to completion; there is no time limit, we can stop whenever you need it, but in the end, you will have to complete your discipline session. If you manage to do this, you will be rewarded, even if I told you that you would not have your release tonight. So, it’s up to you. If you say no, we will agree on the number of spanks you have earned and you will be able to safeword as usual. But you won’t be allowed to come afterward.”

Magnus widens his eyes. This is… Wow. Suddenly he wants that, he desperately craves exactly what Alec has just told him. A total surrender, a complete handover of power, with no possibility of going back. Alec knows his limits well, he would never hurt him, Magnus knows that, but he has never done such a thing. The anticipation is so strong that he feels his head spinning, a deep arousal in his lower abdomen. He doesn't know how he will survive such a thing, but he knows that he wants to try it and he also knows that if he reached his limit, he would still be safe; he can, he has to rely on Alec.

“I… Ok, I want that. It’s ok with me. Green.”

Alec stifles a gasp, as if he were holding his breath and smiles warmly at him, obviously relieved. His expression is way more relaxed and open than it was when he arrived and the way he's looking at Magnus, well, it's having a shattering effect on him. It is as if they reached a point of no return. After almost two months, this is a test Alec is putting him through.

A test that he will not fail, because Alec will not allow it. Magnus is not afraid; he is not worried. The pain does not scare him; indeed he often needs it, he longs it, he knows that after the pain, he will be free and pleasure will flood him. He can't even stay still on the sofa anymore; he wants to let it all go. He slides gracefully to the floor, placing one cheek on Alec's thigh.

"Sir..."

"Oh Magnus, what have I done to deserve you." Alec strokes the back of his neck, slipping a hand into his T-shirt and begins to massage his shoulders, slowly, to make him relax more and more against his leg.

After a while, Magnus has gone completely pliant and Alec has to help him to stand up and get rid of his sweatpants and briefs; he lets him leave his T-shirt on. Then Alec takes a cushion and sets it on his lap. He gestures to Magnus to lay down on the couch, with his stomach over the cushion on his thighs.

Magnus is completely stretched out, his ass slightly propped up on Alec’s lap. Alec takes another cushion and settles it under Magnus' head.

“Hug this cushion Magnus, so you will be more comfortable. Are you ready?”

“I am, Sir.”

“Perfect. Don’t move. I want to hear only you count and thank me after each strike, nothing else. Are we clear? If you cannot follow this simple order, I will continue to spank you until you’ll learn how to stay still and silent. Can you tell me your color?”

 “It’s green Sir.”

Alec puts his hand on Magnus’ lower back, trying to ground him, making him gasp at the sudden contact. He also notices that Magnus is slightly shivering.

"Very good, Magnus, shhh. Perfect. You’re perfect, so beautiful. Everything's going to be fine. If you need to slow down you can say yellow."

Magnus is evidently struggling to keep his pose and to hold his mouth shut.

“Magnus, I need a last verbal answer now. Tell me, will you use your safeword if you need it?”

“Yes. I will safeword if I need to pause. I’m ok, Sir.”

“Good, don’t forget it. We can start now.”

The first strike is not too hard, on his left cheek.

“One. Thank you Sir.”

The second one is slightly harder, again on the left cheek.

“T..Two. Thank you Sir.”

Alec gradually increases the intensity and pace of the blows. Magnus is doing great, but after the twelfth strike, Alec hits in quick succession first to the right and then to the left, hard, and Magnus can't help but moan. The burning on his skin feels amazing, the friction on his cock is driving him crazy, he is fighting against the urge of grinding his hips against the rough fabric of the cushion.

“Magnus…”

“Sorry, Sir.” He is breathing heavily, trying to regain some control.

“It’s ok. Color?”

“Green.”

“You’re doing well, Magnus. But hold your sounds.” Alec brushes his red and sensitive skin with his fingers, making him shiver.

“Which number are we? Would you count for me?”

“13 and 14, thank you Sir.”

“Good.”

Another double hit, right and left.

Magnus holds his pose and manages to keep silent. Even so, he is trembling a little more evidently and breathing heavily.

“15… and 16, thank you, S..Sir.”

The next one is quite hard and Magnus realizes he is on the edge, if Alec hits him again he will come.

“Y…yellow…”

He feels Alec’s hand immediately rests on his lower back, drawing circles to soothe him.

“It’s ok Magnus, you are doing so well. Tell me, what’s going on?”

“I was close, Sir. I’m sorry.”

“Thank you for having warned me. You are so good, you know? You are doing so well. Can we go on, now? Or do you need some more time?”

“No, Sir, it’s green. Please…”

“Very well.”

The last few hits go smoothly, Magnus says his safeword only one more time, and when it’s over and Alec moves to make him lay on the couch on his side, his face is streaked with tears.

Alec arranges himself down next to him, taking him in his arms; Magnus’ cock is throbbing and leaking. Alec squeezes him against his body and it brushes against Alec’s jeans. Magnus whines at the rough sensation, it’s just too much. He widens his eyes, startled by the sound he let involuntarily escape.

“It’s over Magnus, it’s ok, you took your punishment so well, love. You were just perfect. How are you feeling, are you ok?”

“Yes… I’m ok, Sir… Thank you.”

Alec waits a little while to let Magnus calm down.

“Magnus, I want to take care of you now, but I want us to move to your bedroom, ok? Can you stand?”

Magnus doesn’t know if he can, he feels weak and drained. Alec interprets his hesitation correctly.

He gracefully stands up and easily lifts him off the sofa, bridal style. Magnus shouldn't be surprised by Alec's strength anymore by now, but each time he is amazed by the demonstration of his physical might. He is pretty muscular, yet he's not over-built. The feeling of being carried so effortlessly is intoxicating. Magnus closes his eyes and nuzzles his face against Alec’s chest, until he is carefully placed down on the bed. Magnus looks at his amazing Dom smiling, his eyelids half-open, his body completely malleable. He did it, he passed the test, right? And now Alec will reward him. He doesn't care how, he is just happy that Alec is pleased with him, proud of him.

"Magnus, how do you want me to get you off?"

Magnus doesn’t want to think, to choose.

"Sir ... please ..." He whines, turning his head on one side.

He can't make up his mind, he doesn't know what he wants. It doesn't matter in the end.

"Do you want me to decide for you, sweetheart?"

"Yes, Sir. Anything you want."

Alec finally shows his excitement, moaning at these words.

"Oh Magnus, you have no idea what you do to me. I want to put my mouth on you. Color?"

Magnus widens his eyes.

Ok, he is gonna die. But it will be a good death, after all.

"Green." He answers in little more than a whisper.

Alec brings him to the peak of pleasure quickly, efficiently, using his mouth in a masterly way, sweeping away what little coherent and aware was left in Magnus’ brain.

The waves of pleasure that suddenly overwhelm him make him fly high, he feels light and whole, as he embraces the euphoria that pervades his mind. He has probably never gotten this deep into subspace. It's just an astonishing feeling. He is no longer aware of anything Alec is doing around him, but who cares? He knows that he is safe, that Alec is taking care of everything, while he does not have to worry about anything. He keeps giggling, with a content smile on his face.

If he were a little more lucid mentally, he would notice Alec's gaze on him. Such an intense look, full of different sorts of feelings that can no longer be arrested or hidden; but Alec’s eyes are also sad, full of longing and resignation.

Alec gets up and goes to prepare a hot bath for both of them, fighting against an unwelcome weight that oppresses his chest; he fights it, but the anguish that is choking him just keeps growing and growing and growing...

Chapter Text

Wednesday lunchtime – Lightwood Residence

Cèline has always adored Max, perhaps because he is her youngest uncle or perhaps because he no longer lives with them and she misses him in her daily life. But whenever Max manages to come and visit them at home, Cèline is in high spirits and practically sticks to Max like a koala to a tree, all the time. And Max adores his niece too. They seem to share a deep and unique bond. Today is a special day, it's Isabelle's birthday, so they decided to keep Cèline home from school. Isabelle also took a day off from work and Max managed to catch up with them for a couple of days; he is going to go back to Boston the next day.

Over time, they have learned to enjoy and share every happy moment that life still offers them. Any occasion to celebrate together was a blessing. The aura of sadness that always accompanied them for having lost so many loved ones and in such a traumatic way, was always there, though, in the background. But the Lightwoods were tough, they always had been. So, head up and forward, no matter how much shit life keeps throwing at them.

By the time Alec returned home at lunchtime, however, the merriment he felt in the morning was gone. He’d had an interview with the bank to get a loan. Things were starting to move, the time has finally come. Jace's surgery was approaching, in about ten days he would be subjected to the delicate medical procedure which hopefully would fix his spine. After that, he would need at least six months of rehabilitation, and that would involve a considerable expense of money too. They had decided to sell their house in Los Angeles, so that with that money they could buy the place to open the martial arts school. Alec had already found the right place, it was perfect, even if in need of some renovations. Then, there was the equipment to buy, the furniture, the advertising to organize and the staff to hire. At first Jace would take care of the backend work, so as not to tire himself. Alec hopes he will be able to teach with him as soon as possible. Something easy, just to get started. Most importantly, though, Alec needed a sum of money that would ensure that his family could go on for a year, at least, when he would give up his job at the club. Of course, he knows that when you start a new business, it takes some time to start paying back your investments. Every step is perfectly outlined and planned in Alec’s mind.

Unfortunately, however, the bank would only grant him a lower amount of loan than Alec had hoped for. So, he is angry and disappointed, as he is sitting on the couch looking at Cèline riding a cheerful Max like a pony. Alec is young, but he has always made good money and Izzie has a good job too. As the bank is concerned, however, five orphans, including a disabled person and a minor, were not reliable enough to be able to grant what they had requested as guarantee.

Anyway, looking at his little brother and his niece playing together on the rug has a calming effect on Alec.

“Hey, big bro. Is everything ok? You’ve been looking a little worried since you got back home.”

“Well, I am Iz. Apparently, the bank will give us the loan, but the amount of money is less than what I asked for. I don't know… maybe I'll have to keep working at the club for longer than expected. "

"What? And why on Earth don't they want to give us the entire sum? Anyway, we could go and ask other banks for the loan Alec. You're tired, it's evident, you haven't spared yourself in the last few years ..."

"Neither did you Iz."

"No, neither did I. Everyone is doing their part, but you work at night and during the day you take care of Jace. Sometimes I think everything's all on your shoulders and it's not fair. I could do more to help you."

"Iz, no! You're practically being a mom to Cèline, and you work full time on top of that. Look, we just need to hold on a little longer and keep it up. We can talk to other banks, of course; it’s a good idea, or we might look for a cheaper place ... even if the one I found is so damn perfect; the price, the location..."

"Alec, please don’t give up on that. I'm sure we will find a solution."

They are speaking softly, so as not to let Max overhear their conversation, but Max continues to throw them sidelong glances.

At that moment Jace joins them in the living room, in his wheelchair.

"Alec, Iz, can I talk to you?"

Alec doesn't like the tone of his voice.

"What's up, Jace?"

"Not here ... Please… "

Max looks at them, getting up from the floor, with a worried and annoyed expression.

"You are just incredible! What is happening? I want to know. I have the right to know. You can't always leave me in the dark just because I'm the youngest. I'm 19 now."

He snaps, unexpectedly.

"Maxie..."

"Don't Maxie me... Do you think I'm stupid? Do you think I don't understand the gravity of what happened to us? Or that I don't understand all the sacrifices you all are making?

I can't go on living my carefree life at Harvard as if nothing had happened, leaving you here to take care of everything. I could look for a part time job, for instance, or take a year off from university…"

Alec gapes at him, taken aback by his resolute tone.

"Max, don't worry, we have the situation under control, and you have to think about finishing your studies. Mum and dad would have wanted that; you are the little genius of our family, aren't you?"

"I'm not a genius and I'm not little! It's useless to talk to you! Come Cèline, let's go to the garden to play. Apparently I am just a child, just like you."

Max storms out of the room, scooping up Cèline on his way toward the garden. The little girl keeps looking at all of them confused by the sudden rise of voices. It wasn't something that happened often.

As soon as Max is off, all the three of them sigh. Max is right, they need to start involving him in family business. He was so young when he lost his parents, yet he has proved so strong, so resilient. They look at each other, not sure what to say.

Eventually Alec breaks the silence.

"I’ll talk to him later, don’t worry. Jace, what did you want to tell us?"

"Well, they called from the hospital. The results of the latest tests, including the neurological ones and the CT scan have arrived. I’ll get my surgery done next Tuesday, but the doctor said the chances of success are only 30%. He... he thought they would be at least 60%, maybe 70%, but the fact that it has been so long since the accident occurred, made the chances go down. He hoped that the therapy that I was prescribed with could improve the situation. Surely the pain has lessened. But... "

Jace's voice breaks and Izzie rushes to hug him.

Alec feels the meaning of Jace’s words crushing on him. All their hopes, all their efforts. What would they do if it were all in vain? Of course, if Jace couldn't get back the use of his legs, he would still work at their school. But their dream of teaching together had accompanied them since childhood and Alec wanted Jace to make his dream come true as well. After all he had lost, his brother deserved to have something beautiful in his life, an accomplishment, a purpose. Alec wanted to be able to give him at least that and he was putting everything he had into it.

"Alec, look..."

"Jace, I'm sorry. But let's not lose hope, okay?"

"No, no. Never. Everything will be fine. Sure, the situation could have been better, but the team that will do the surgery is among the best in the US. If I have any hope of walking again, it's through this procedure, okay? Max is right, you two have been taking care of everything, for too long; if... even if it doesn't go as planned, I'll get a job, maybe part time. In the end, I can't walk, but I can work, right? I’m not completely useless, am I?"

Jace can no longer contain himself and a few tears begin to run down his cheeks. Alec feels his heart break.

"Oh Jace, of course you’re not; you just have to think about recovering, for yourself and for Cèline. You will walk again, okay? We will open our school and we will teach together, Max will graduate and find a good job and Cèline will grow up as strong and independent as her auntie."

Isabelle, who in the meantime is still hugging Jace from behind, leant forward over his wheelchair, looks at him with a small smile of gratitude and affection.

"And you Alec? What are you going to do? Will you continue to take care of all of us forever? When will you think a little about yourself?"

Alec gets up and joins them, kneeling in front of Jace's knees.

"I'm fine. Really. At the moment my life is a zero-sum game, I don't have the time or the energy to think about anything else. I can't take away my focus from you, you are my family and you have priority over anything else. When the time comes, I'll take care of myself. You've put your life on hold too, Iz; you can never go out in the evening because of my job, you think I don't know it? I just can't wait to open the school with you Jace, to have a normal life, to see you start your own family Iz, to see Cèline grow up, and Max blossom into that fantastic man that we can already see in him. I am so proud of all of you. "

There are no more words to add, they can only hug each other, and stick together. They have to find their strength in each other, as they have done for the past six years.

Everything will be fine; Alec can't help but keep hoping. He cannot stop, nor doubt, nor be distracted. They have arrived at the showdown.

However...

Sooner or later, he will also have to deal with his feelings for Magnus. Because he no longer knows how to pretend that they don't exist.

For the first time in his life, Alec Lightwood has fallen in love. Overwhelmingly and unexpectedly.

And eventually he will have to reckon with that too.

Wednesday evening – Magnus’ place

The water is filling the tub and the sweet scent of jasmine invades his nostrils. But he doesn't find any comfort in the idea of taking a relaxing bath with Magnus either. Suddenly he has realized that he has punished him for a lack of honesty, which is very much to be found in his behavior too. He feels guilty about it. The weight of his feelings are overwhelming him. Too many emotions… The apprehension about Jace's surgery, the fear of failing his family's expectations, the distrust in ensuring a better future for everyone. Responsibilities have never been so scary. He would like to open up to Magnus, he would like to give him something more of himself and also take, take back everything Magnus is obviously willing to give him. Because Alec knows, he knows that Magnus feels something for him, even if he doesn't quite know what exactly. Over the past couple of months, they've bonded emotionally and physically in such a deep way, that at times Alec could sense the flow of Magnus' feelings toward him, intensely and clearly. But he is afraid. He's afraid of being too much for him. Too much drama to handle, too many uncertainties. Alec comes with a crowded, problematic, messed up package. And whereas he agreed to sacrifice everything for his family, he could never ask Magnus to share that burden with him, right? It wouldn't be fair. Magnus is a fantastic man, confident, strong, determined, successful. He deserves someone to make him soar even higher, and not someone to clip his wings.

He finally startles out of his reverie, shuts off the water, and hurries to get back to Magnus. However, the moment he sees him, laying on the bed, relaxed, with such an ecstatic expression on his beautiful face, Alec breaks down.

Because he realizes that he just can’t go on like that any longer. He simply can’t.

Alec kneels beside the bed, and gently places his head on Magnus's stomach, his face turned towards him. Emotional tears have already started to shed from his eyes. At the contact with Alec’s wet cheek on his sensitive skin, Magnus opens his eyes and looks down at him in surprise.

"Alexander ... what?"

His reaction is almost instantaneous. Magnus gets up and quickly makes Alec get up from the floor and lay down on the bed. Then he leans forward and cradles his head in his hands. He briefly kisses him on his forehead and then intently looks at his face. Their eyes lock together for a moment and the dam breaks completely, Alec can't stop shaking and crying, his eyes shut, as he curls up in the fetal position. Obviously, Magnus understands what's going on immediately and although it will be a titanic effort in his state, he knows he has to intervene right away.

"Hey, Alexander, look at me, hey..."

Alec is unresponsive though, he just keeps sobbing in a heartbreaking way.

"Alexander, listen to me, everything is fine. You are dropping... Oh shit, I knew something wasn't ok when you got here. I'm so sorry. But I'll take care of you, ok?"

Alec seems to notice him, finally.

"Magnus, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have punished you. I’m so sorry."

"What? No, Alec, I'm ok, More than ok, actually. You were perfect. You're the best Dom I've ever had. You always know what is good for me.”

Magnus gently releases Alec’s head and then he straightens up. He has to act fast. He puts on some sweatpants and runs to the kitchen to get some fruit juice and a chocolate bar. Alec is shaking, he probably needs some sugar. Magnus also thinks about calling someone who can help them, Cat, or Raphael maybe; in fact, he knows that he is at risk too, right now, after their scene. But Alec needs him and that has drawn him into a different, clearer and more focused state of mind. A new rush of adrenaline is running through his system. He won’t let Alec down.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Failure.

This is what he is. In addition to not living up to his family's expectations, he has now also failed Magnus. What the Hell is wrong with him? He was supposed to take care of him, it was his job. But he couldn’t. Magnus made him drink a sweet juice and then undressed him with devastating kindness. They moved to the bathroom and Magnus made him get into the bathtub with him, making him rest against his wide chest, continuing to whisper words of encouragement in his ear. Alec can't remember the last time anyone took care of him. It is something that has not been granted to him for years. And it feels so damn good. Slowly, he begins to relax. It's so beautiful, being surrounded by Magnus's body, his hands comforting him with delicate touches on his arms, his lips kissing his temple, his hair, his cheek.

The continuous denial of his needs, of his feelings, eventually came back to bite him in the ass. Maybe it's just not fair; why can't he be a little happy too?

As he starts understanding what has happened, as he has more than a little experience about sub drop, and dom drop as well, he wishes he could only whirl himself around, look Magnus straight in the eye and come clean about his feelings. Suddenly, he feels a compelling need to confess.

Can he do that? He is really feeling much better. He's a little embarrassed about the moment of weakness he has shown to his sub, but at the same time he trusts Magnus and he feels relieved in some ways. His body has rebelled against his mind, it has spoken for him.

Yes, he can do it, the time has come. He can no longer deny the evidence of what Magnus’ care is making him feel. His fear is crumbling. He'll leave the choice to him, of course, but if Magnus wants him, well, then he'll be his, just as Magnus already belongs to him.

He gathers his courage, braces himself and grabs Magnus' forearms which are wrapped around his chest.

"Magnus ..."

"Alexander, hey, are you feeling better?"

"Yes. I am, thank you. Thank you for taking care of me. I'm sorry."

Alec feels Magnus smile against the skin of his shoulder.

"It's my job, you know? Sometimes it's the Sub who has to take care of his Dom. Thank you for letting me be here for you."

Alec clenches his fingers more tightly around Magnus’ wrists.

"Magnus ... I have to tell you something. I hope it doesn't upset you, but I can't keep it to myself anymore. I don't know what will happen next, but I need to be honest with you. Till now I had to put my life in order, prioritize some things over others. But I can’t go on like this, not anymore."

Magnus stiffens behind him, but the grip around his body loosens.

"Alexander ... are you going to ... break up with me?"

Magnus sounds broken and miserable.

What?? No way! Why does Magnus think such an absurdity?

Alec turns around in the tub, a little awkwardly due to his size, kneeling between Magnus' spread legs. The move is so sudden that he makes some water to splash out of the tub, but he doesn't care. He takes Magnus’ hands in his and tries to speak calmly and reassuringly.

"No, Magnus. Quite the opposite. I want to be with you. Fuck the contract, fuck the club, fuck everything.  I don't care anymore. I want you; I want all of you. But, Magnus, as I already told you, my life is complicated right now and even if you want to... try, it won't be easy. Maybe I won't be able to give you all the attention you deserve, at first at least. I have a lot of things on my plate. But I can't deny my feelings anymore Magnus, and... Tell me if I'm wrong, please, I think you feel the same about me, am I right?"

Magnus looks puzzled at him, blinking. He doesn't seem to understand what he has just told him. He has a confused, perplexed, bewildered expression. His eyes seem glazed, almost absent. It’s as if Magnus has gone far away from him, as if he stopped functioning.

Alec can’t help but wonder what was unclear about what he has just confessed. He spoke English, right?

Yet Magnus keeps looking lost and shut off and Alec doesn't really know what to do about it.

Chapter Text

In hindsight, Magnus should have expected it. He wasn't wrong, what he thought was true. Alec had developed some sort of feelings for him. The strength of what they shared has been undeniably increasing over time. Actually, Alec had begun to show a possessiveness that went far beyond their stupid contract. But Magnus is afraid. Because Alec has too much to lose and his words, albeit moved by sincere intentions, may have been hasty, not thoroughly evaluated. On the other hand, the emotional rollercoaster due to the imbalance in his hormonal levels does not guarantee the mental clarity necessary to make life-changing decisions. Alec has just dropped, quite heavily, and now what he really needs is sleep and time to recover. Magnus is stuck, though, caught between the awareness of having to do the right thing and the unbearable desire to take Alec in his arms and kiss him senselessly. Okay, he has to say something. Alec is looking at him with an increasingly panicked expression. Magnus certainly cannot allow another down in the complicated chemical stream, which has been flowing into Alec’s system. He has to muster all his strength and willpower and do the right thing.

Yet… Sounds easy right? Alec's eyes seem so sincere, full of expectations and concern. The heat from the bath has reddened his glistening, wet skin, his lips look so soft, as Alec keeps biting at his lower one nervously. He's so beautiful it almost hurts not to be able to reach out and hold him tightly against his own body.

Eventually, Magnus squeezes Alec’s hands and takes a deep breath, before speaking his mind.

"Alexander, look, I think we shouldn't talk about this right now. We miraculously got out of a crisis; I'm glad you are feeling better and I'm here for you, obviously. But maybe, we should pause everything else and go to sleep. We can talk about... us, about the next steps we should take in the morning. What do you say?"

“No! No… Why? If you don’t feel the same, you can just tell me. I can take it.”

Magnus sighs, shaking his head.

“I haven’t said that.”

It’s not the right time for arguing. Alec seems to understand that he can’t go further in convincing Magnus to face their relationship now.

“Ok… Tomorrow then.”

“Let’s get out, now. The water is getting cold.”

Cold as his voice, cold as the feeling in his heart. Magnus has gone into self-protection mode. And his priority is also to protect Alec from himself. That's what love is about, right? Understanding what is best for the other person, even if it means giving up on them. The various alternatives he had identified in the morning have collapsed into one, there’s only one choice that remains to be made. Right now, he can't hope, he can't fight, and he can't even push Alec away to save what little integrity he has left in his soul. Alec still needs him. He is evidently confused, overwhelmed by a flow of conflicting emotions.

So, everything has to stop. A restful sleep will bring a new perspective in the morning and if he has to say goodbye to the most wonderful man he has ever met, well, he will. But he won't make the mistake of harboring false hopes, right now. Because it is one thing to brace yourself for the inevitable fall and one thing is to climb the highest mountain and then throw yourself down, in free fall.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Alec didn't protest when Magnus helped him out of the tub, dried him carefully, even helped him get dressed. Although Alec usually doesn't wear anything when they sleep together, Magnus has lent him pajama bottoms and a clean T-shirt. Once they're in bed, Magnus isn't quite sure what's best to do, but ultimately the need for physical contact wins out. They both need it. He feels emotionally and physically exhausted, and a little selfish. Therefore, he tentatively reaches out for Alec and makes him lie against his side, with his head on his shoulder. Alec is completely pliant over him, he is letting himself be handled without resisting or even cooperating. He must be drained.

Magnus feels Alec’s breath on his neck, slow and steady, and begins to relax. When he is about to fall asleep Alec raises his head.

"Magnus?"

"Yes?"

"We didn't put any liniment... You know, where I hit you. Does it hurt?"

"No, not really, don't worry, the hot bath did its job. Now try to sleep, okay?"

"Ok... Good night Magnus." Alec’s voice is adorably sleepy.

Magnus’ mind goes back to the spanking he received earlier, Magnus realizes that Alec went light on him. He didn't even come close to pushing him to his limit. Indeed, Magnus essentially felt waves of pleasure, and they were so intense that a couple of times he nearly reached his orgasm. Pleasure and a strong feeling of belonging, of trust.

It was the first time he was faced with such a testing challenge. Not being able to stop, to escape the punishment. Alec, however, had narrowed his loss of control down to the emotional part of it, remaining within safe boundaries as regards the physical strain the punishment entailed. A sense of gratitude pervades him, as he feels his brain finally let go. Alec is truly one of the best Doms he has ever met. While he holds him tight, Magnus slips into sleep, hoping to be able to face whatever the next morning has in store for him.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Sleep was heavy and dreamless, like a thick blanket that obscured everything. Emotions, fears, hopes. All paused, frozen. The return to the waking state, on the contrary, is unexpectedly full with such delicate, soft, tender sensations. Magnus slowly becomes aware of Alec's fingers on his face, tracing paths along his cheekbones, his jaw, his neck.

Magnus feels something melt inside. And something else break. Alec's touch is so reverential that Magnus’ eyes burn with tears and his breathing speeds up. He can no longer pretend he is asleep, but he does not have the courage to open his eyes and look at the man who is making his skin tingle with sweetness and desire. So he slowly reaches out and places his hand on Alec's on the side of his own neck. Alec’s skin is warm and he hears him hold his breath. As Magnus finally opens his eyes and turns his head towards him, Alec tries to pull his hand away but Magnus grabs his wrist, promptly.

"Alexander... Wait. How are you feeling?"

“Better… I’m fine. You?”

Alec is bravely looking at him, even if he seems a little embarrassed to have been caught caressing his face like that.

“I’m ok…”

They look at each other for a few moments, until the silence becomes awkward and Alec breaks it, whispering a few words, which sound more like stabs into Magnus’ chest.

"I've never wanted to kiss you as bad as I do now."

No. Magnus can’t do that.

"Alexander, I don't think I can deal with it, right now."

"Okay, that's probably not a good idea anyway. I'm going to make breakfast so we can talk. Just… thanks for helping me last night, you were… great."

“I’m sorry I didn’t realize you weren’t ok earlier.”

“It’s not your fault.”

As soon as Magnus releases his wrist, Alec tenderly runs his thumb over his cheek, and then quickly gets up and hurries into the kitchen.

Magnus waits at least ten minutes before joining him.

You can do it.

You. Can. Do. It.

He keeps repeating himself these few words.

When he finally moves to the kitchen, he finds Alec cooking some scrambled eggs and some bacon.

“Hey… Here you are. I thought we needed something nutritious, would you like some fruit juice in the meantime? Or some coffee?”

“Coffee will be fine, thanks."

Alec fills two cups of coffee and then finishes toasting the bread and serving the eggs.

The smell of the food is fantastic. Magnus realizes he is starving, his mouth is literally watering.

"My God, I didn't realize I was so hungry."

"Well, eat then, before it gets cold."

Alec smiles, placing a dish full of food in front of him. He really can’t help but be so overly caring.

They eat quickly and eagerly, accompanying their breakfast with a second cup of coffee.

After they finish, with nothing left on their plates, Magnus knows he can't put off this moment anymore, so he finally does what he has to.

"Alexander, regarding what you told me last night, let me tell you what I think, ok?”

“Ok…”

“Ok. So, that's the way it is. I think that our relationship has already reached its limit for both of us. In fact I think it may have even exceeded it, given your situation."

"My situation? What about my situation, Magnus? Yes, I told you it's complicated, that I don't have much time. However, I would like to explain to you better, so then you can decide what you want to do."

Magnus snorts mirthlessly.

"Yes, sure. As if it depended on me."

"Of course it depends on you. I told you what I want."

Alec seems, surprisingly, a little annoyed.

"And would you be willing to give up everything for me?"

"What? Of course not, I can't give up on anything, I told you. I won't have much time to dedicate to you. But I am tired of pretending you aren’t part of my life. I want you in my life, Magnus. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I promise I’ll try to make this work, it’s on me trying to find the time and the energy for everything, for everyone."

That can't be true. What the Hell is Alec trying to tell him? Does he want him to become his lover? And how would it be any different from what they have now?

Magnus feels a sudden anger build up inside him and the expression on his face hardens.

"I can't believe you are proposing such a thing. What would change for you, in the end? You know what? I have one question... Does he know about me? Is he happy to share you with other people? Or does he accept it, in the name of the fucking money you need, still not very clear what for. Or does he know nothing, not what used to happen at the club or what you are doing here?"

Magnus stops speaking as soon as he notices that Alec is clearly shocked by his inquiry, to say the least. His expression has turned blank. There must be some kind of misunderstanding. But Magnus can’t see how it is possible. He quivers with rage as Alec closes his eyes, and breathes slowly and deeply, trying to keep himself in control.

"Magnus," Alec speaks in a forcedly calm voice, his posture also looking controlled, but he seems on the verge of losing his stillness. His hands are shaking on the table.

"What the fuck are you talking about? Whom are you talking about? I've never violated the terms of our contract, how can you even think such a thing? There is only you for me, I thought it was obvious, I thought you trusted me with something so basic. Fuck! Last night, you put yourself at my mercy, how is it possible that you doubt me like this?"

"Alec, we are no longer talking about work. It is clear that our relationship is a part of your job and of course I trust you that way. But here, we are talking about your personal life, your family. How can you do such a thing to them? What kind of person are you?"

Alec blinks a couple of times, looking even more stunned than before.

"Again, Magnus, what are you talking about? I'm feeling stupid, I swear to you. You don't know a thing about my family, so why don't you stop bringing it up and tell me you're not interested in taking our relationship to another level? I would understand, of course."

Magnus feels the urge to cry. Another level... yes, right. At least with a contract that lays out the rules of their relationship, the boundaries would remain clear. Why is Alec acting like his family doesn’t even matter? Why does he keep lying to him?

"I know more than you think about your family. I... I went to your place the day you didn't come here, because I altered your schedule at the club. And I saw you, with them."

“What?”  Alec runs both his hands over his face, as if he didn't know how to react. Then he looks at Magnus with a weird expression.

"Well, first of all you could have told me. I don't like talking about my family, I've always been a private person, but I have nothing to hide. I can't believe you came looking for me and never told me about that. Why didn't you ring the doorbell? I would have introduced you to my siblings and my little niece..."

Siblings? What?? And his niece? He said “niece”… fuck…

Magnus feels all the anger abandon his body and... disbelief? shame? relief? take its place. Could he have been such an idiot?

"Siblings? The blonde man..."

"Yeah, he's Jace, my brother."

"But he is blonde."

Magnus blurts this statement out, immediately realizing the stupidity of it and shutting his mouth awkwardly, blinking a couple of times.

Alec squints suspiciously at him.

"Yes, he's blond. He was adopted when he was 10 and I was 11. If it comforts you, my sister’s hair is the same black as mine. While my younger brother has brown hair."

"Ok..." Magnus nods, feeling utterly dense.

"What did you exactly see that day, Magnus?"

Alec’s eyes have turned sterner and sharper, so has the tone of his voice.

"Well, you two were sitting together on the ground, you seemed so close, you were touching his leg, then the little girl came out and she has ... she... Oh God. I misinterpreted, didn’t I?"

"Jesus, Magnus, my brother can't walk and has chronic pain in his legs and back, he can't sit for long without a support for his back. So when we go outside to get some sun he leans against me. And he suffers from cramps, so I learned how to help him overcome them."

Magnus still feels awkwardly obtuse, but puts the feeling aside for a moment.

"Oh… I’m so sorry Alec. May I ask what happened to him?"

A halo of pain blurs Alec's eyes, as he lowers his stare.

"Sorry... I didn't mean to be inappropriate."

"No, it's ok. He had a car accident. He was with my parents and his wife. A big truck lost control on the freeway and hit their car. Only Jace survived and Cèline, who was not even born yet; his wife was pregnant with her. She is our little miracle."

Shit. What a tragedy…

Magnus can’t even imagine the extent of such a painful event.

"Oh my god, Alec, I'm so sorry... I don't know what to say."

"There's nothing to say, except that, again, Magnus, for the umpteenth time, you haven't talked to me and this is the result. Let me get this straight. All this time, have you been thinking I had a boyfriend?"

"And a daughter."

"And a daughter... Sure.” Alec laughs bitterly.

“And despite this absurd belief, you thought I could have a relationship with you, so intense and all-encompassing as it was? My God, Magnus, what kind of person did you think I was? No… The real question is, why do you think you are worth so little? Did you think you were, what, a pastime? Ah, no, you made yourself clear, you are just a duty for me, right? Something I put myself through for money."

Alec doesn't even look angry. He looks... disappointed, resigned. He sighs, shaking his head.

Magnus keeps his mouth shut as he can only make his situation worse.

"You never learn, you just keep bottling everything up inside yourself. If you weren't happy with the idea you had of us, even if it was ridiculously wrong, you should have told me that. Or was it okay for you?"

"No, of course not, Alexander. How could it be? What you told me last night, well, it's the same for me. I think I’ve fallen in love with you. But I thought I could never have you and I was trying to find a way to overcome the mess I threw myself into."

"Sure you were. All by yourself! That's the problem. There are two of us here. Whether we are a dom and his sub, or we are two people looking for something different or deeper. You can't always act on your own, keep your thoughts to yourself. I know it took me a while, and I’m sorry for that, but in the end I realized I had to come clean with you. I decided I wouldn’t take away the decision from you, whether you wanted me or not."

"Alexander, of course I want you, but something is still missing. Putting aside your brother's health problem, why is your life so complicated? What's going on?"

"You’re right. I haven’t even started to tell you about the mess that my life is. Look, firstly Jace will get a surgery in 10 days, which could make him walk again. Despite hopes not being very high, we have to try."

"Did you need the money for that?"

"I did, and also to open a martial arts school with him, later on. It has always been our dream. I’m almost there, you know? Yesterday the bank didn't give me the best news, but I'll find a solution."

"The bank?"

"Yes, Magnus, the bank. I need a bigger amount of money than I already have for starting the school, for Jace's physiotherapy and as a backup for the first period of time when I won’t be able to work for you anymore. So far I have been taking care of Jace's training at home, but for real rehabilitation he will need professional help. And it costs considerably."

"So that's why you're so good at handling people. And so strong."

Magnus can’t help but blush at that thought.

"Well yeah, I got some practice. Jace is quite robust."

Magnus pushes away the thought of Alec lifting him up and holding him tight to him, as if he were precious.

"Anyway Alexander, you could have told me these things. I was wrong to hide my discomfort from you, but you have been so shut off, inaccessible, you never let me learn anything about you. I have come to wrong conclusions, I admit it. But it's not just my fault, you know?"

“No, you’re right. I’m not used to opening myself up to others, I’m sorry. But, Magnus, I can learn it. Everything I told you yesterday, still stands. I still want you. I think I’ve fallen in love with you too.”

“And aren’t you mad at me?”

“No, of course not. Ok, you acted like an idiot, but I did my part too, apparently. So, let’s call it even. What do you say?”

“I say it sounds fair.”

The look they trade is different now. A timid smile appears on both their faces, enlightening their expressions.

“So, it seems we love each other.”

“It does.”

“Wow.”

“Yeah… Just… Wow.”

“Yeah.”

They could have gone on like that indefinitely if Magnus doesn’t decide it is enough as well as rather ridiculous. Finally, grabbing Alec by the shirt, he pulls him hard, bringing their lips together, in a very different and welcomed kiss.

Chapter Text

After the initial surprise for the sudden and a little rough kiss, Alec would continue kissing Magnus forever, even if the position isn't exactly comfortable, as they are still sitting on the kitchen stools, with the counter between them.

He still can't believe Magnus had thought he could have his own family, another man, even a child.

He's sorry, especially because, even though their relationship was supposed to be based on trust, it was as if Magnus never really trusted his words. Alec remembers all the times that he overpowered him, that he put him under his control, deprived him of his will, made him gently surrender, or when he fucked him roughly, marking him, growling in his ear that he was his. That claim, visceral and desperate, which he affirmed so many times, had never been believed. Did Magnus think it was an act? That it was just a part that Alec played, as if he could just do it soullessly?

Of course, he has always had clear boundaries of his job, the importance of not letting himself be emotionally involved with his clients, or rather, due to the nature of his job, the involvement always ended when his sub left the playroom. It is undeniable that some experiences he had had been more intense or more engaging than others, but Alec had soon learned to compartmentalize his life and above all, to put his emotions and his heart under lock and key. Until this man, who urgently keeps devouring his lips, came along. With Magnus it had been different, just from the beginning. Alec thinks it's so sad that Magnus has been totally unaware of being constantly in his thoughts. And he's angrier with himself than with Magnus for that. Could he perhaps have opened up more to him, conceded something of himself in exchange and not just have taken everything he could, greedily?

Magnus keeps clasping him by his T-shirt, sucking and biting at his swollen lips as Alec is practically on the verge of falling off the stool, due to the force which Magnus is putting into pulling him toward himself. Eventually, Alec levers his hands on the counter, pushing back, and breaks the kiss, panting heavily for air.

"Magnus, fuck..."

But Magnus just doesn't seem inclined to let him go, he seems driven by an uncontrollable desire. His eyes are shining, there is a bold smirk on his lips and on his face an expression of raw want.

It is the first time that Magnus has shown him this side of himself, so strong-willed, so energetic, so resolute.

Alec would never have thought to be as affected by Magnus’ display of power as he is, but the way he keeps looking at him, trying to slow down his own breathing, reveals an absolute lust, almost primal, savage, which has a disruptive effect on Alec’s ability to resist him.

And then Magnus speaks, making all the walls that were still barely up, crumble down.

"Alexander, tell me you're mine." Magnus’ voice is low and demanding and Alec looks at him in surprise.

All of this is new for Alec to see, to hear, to sense, even though he knew Magnus had this aspect in him, he has never figured him like this.

At this moment, Alec wants him so badly. He wants the strong, effective, overconfident Magnus in front of him, but he also wants the vulnerable, soft, unguarded one; and the loving, caring, selfless man who, just last night, was so helpful. Alec wants all of them. He wants to belong to Magnus in every way he can think of.

"I'm yours." He answers firmly.

"Good, and you love me, right?" Magnus sounds almost smug now, and Alec likes it. He likes that haughty smile on Magnus’ face.

"I do."

He hasn't felt these sensations for years, maybe he has never experienced them. When he started going to BDSM clubs, he obviously began as a submissive. He had a lot to learn and he truly enjoyed it at first, but it didn't last long.

Alec has always needed to be in control, to take care of whoever gave that power to him, to know them being completely reliant on him, because he can take care of them, he is good at that. The power that comes with this awareness has always made him feel extremely accomplished. Imposing his own rules, imparting his own discipline, being responsible for everything. Nothing can compare to that feeling. Yet, as he gets lost in Magnus's gaze, he feels only a profound weariness, rooted so deeply in his soul. He has lost so much already, but most importantly, he has stopped thinking of his own happiness. He has given all of himself to his family and, although he does not regret it, not even a little, the exhaustion of being the perfect brother has crushed on him all together. He thinks back to the bath he and Magnus took together after his drop; how good it was to be on the receiving end of someone else’s care, for once. He thinks about the way Magnus held him tight while they sank into sleep, overcome by fatigue and emotions. Maybe for once he could allow himself to let go of his responsibilities. Could Magnus be his safe shelter? He could see that wish in Magnus' eyes, the same desire he feels every time Magnus hands control over to him. What would it be like, if for once he were the one to surrender to Magnus? Could it be something Magnus would want to try?

Probably, it is just a contingent thought, a one-time need due to the completely unexpected situation they are now finding themselves in; that is not how it usually works though. Alec can't deny who he is, he can't deny his dominant instinct. However, he feels he is breaking up, and maybe Magnus is the only one who can prevent a total breakdown, right now.

"Alexander, would you let me take care of you?" He releases Alec’s shirt and rests his hands on both sides of his head.

Has Magnus just read his mind, or is his desire, his need so evident in his gaze?

Either way, Alec can't help but nod.

"Yes please. I'm so tired, I don't want to think about anything, at least not for a while. But I don’t know…”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make you feel good. Come with me, my love.”

He sounds so reassuring.

“Ok…”

They move to the bedroom, Alec walks behind Magnus as if he were in trance.

He doesn’t know what Magnus has in mind, but he doesn’t care, as far as he can get his full attention.

Once they are again near the bed, Magnus quickly undresses them both.

He is evidently in a hurry. He makes him lie down on the bed and immediately climbs on top of him.

"I want you so much, Alexander. I was so desperate… I thought I couldn’t have you."

"Magnus..."

Magnus puts his finger on Alec’s lips, to make him stop speaking and then he leans down and kisses him, sweetly and lightly at first. Soon, Magnus’ mouth presses on his own, more firmly, more and more heatedly, while he keeps caressing his body, freely and thoroughly, as he has never done before.

Alec can finally savor Magnus’ hands exploring the tautness and definition of his muscles; as he runs his hands over his chest, his fingers brush on Alec’s nipples and Alec doesn’t expect so much pleasure coming from that light touch. He reacts so beautifully, arching his back and moaning louder. Magnus smirks at that unexpected response.

“I didn’t know you were so sensitive here. Just as I am. That’s interesting.”

“You have no idea.” Alec answers with a hoarse voice.

I didn’t have either, apparently.

“Uhm, I need to investigate it then.”

Magnus slides down a bit, tracing a wet path along Alec's neck with his tongue, finally reaching one of his nipples. He covers it with his open mouth and repeatedly licks it; little cat-like slaps, fast and firm, which makes Alec let some obscene noises out. Magnus had never heard him express himself so freely. Alec is completely abandoned to the pleasure; the result of Magnus’ assault to his chest does not fail to be evident further down. Alec can feel his hard cock pressing against Magnus’ abs, smearing them with some patches of precome.

“You know, love, I wonder if I could get you off just like this.”

Alec widens his eyes. Magnus switches to his other nipple and Alec thinks he could die from the intensity of that. Surely, what Magnus said is something he wants to try, someday; the simple thought of that drives him insane. Suddenly, Magnus bites into the sensitive skin, taking the little hardened nub between his teeth, nibbling it.

"Fuck!! Magnus!!"

The jolt of pain runs through Alec’s body, getting directly to his cock. It’s amazing. Magnus hurries to soothe it with his tongue, eliciting some additional moans from Alec. He simply can’t hold back anymore.

"Alexander, I would never have thought to see you like this; you are beautiful, so beautiful that I do not understand how you can even be real."

As he speaks, he keeps rolling Alec's nipples in his fingers, making him writhe and twitch underneath his body.

"Magnus..."

"Alexander, can I ride you?"

Apparently, Magnus seems to finally take pity on him.

Thank God.

Alec lifts up his head and looks at him; but he cannot find the strength to answer aloud, so he just nods.

Magnus gets up, hurries to get some lube and then kneels on the bed beside Alec.

"Do you want to prepare me? Or shall I do it myself?"

At least, Alec knows how he wants him.

"Come here."

Alec slides onto the bed, grabbing Magnus’ thigh so that Magnus can sit on his chest, with his ass just in front of his eyes.

"Give me the lube."

Magnus settles himself better over him and hands him the tube.

Then he places his hands on the sides of Alec's waist, leaning forward to give him better access. Perfect, this is exactly what Alec was thinking of.

Alec grabs Magnus' cheeks, and he feels Magnus wince a little.

"Are you still sore?"

"No, it feels good."

Alec slides his hands up on his hips, yanking him backward against his face, and dives in the middle of Magnus’ crack, immediately pressing his flat tongue everywhere, from his perineum to his entrance, up and down, in long, wet and vigorous stripes. Magnus’ reaction is immediate and amazing. A stream of curses and moans. Alec focuses on his rim, then, licking, sucking, kissing around it, trying to stick his tongue in as deeply as possible.

Magnus is soon reduced to a begging and groaning mess. Alec loves doing this to him, he is always so responsive. Magnus seems incapable to stand on his hands and knees stably. He is completely at the mercy of Alec's mouth and of his strong hands that hold him still, exactly where Alec wants him.

Magnus’ arms eventually give out and he lowers himself on his elbows, taking advantage of the new position to take Alec's cock engulfed in his mouth.

The moan of pleasure that Alec lets out reverberates through his hole, giving him new shivers of pleasure. Alec can feel him shaking and tries to refrain from thrusting his cock up into Magnus’ mouth.

Magnus remains almost still with his head, his mouth wide open and full of Alec, visibly enjoying the amazing sensation of being opened by Alec’s strong tongue, until Alec pushes one slicked finger easily inside him.

Only then Magnus starts bobbing his head up and down just a little, as he keeps moaning around Alec's cock, and Alec is lost in the sensations that spread throughout his body. Somehow, he manages to keep doing what is needed to stretch Magnus. One finger becomes two and then three. Alec's tongue continues to push hard against the area between his hole and his balls, effectively stimulating his prostate from the outside. Alec keeps moaning against his sensitive skin until Magnus looks and sounds like he can’t bear it anymore. In fact, he releases Alec's cock from his mouth, not caring about the fact that he's drooled all over him.

Alec thinks, surprisingly, that this is one of the filthiest sex he has ever had.

"Alec, please, I'm ready."

Alec agrees with him; as soon as he withdraws his fingers, Magnus lifts one leg to climb off him and turns around. He's impressively fast, as if he couldn’t wait another second, as if he needed Alec inside him right away.

Magnus straddles him again, aligns his cock to his wet hole and lowers himself down, hard, steadily, willingly impaling himself on Alec.

The sensation is so intense for both of them that they moan together, throwing their heads back.

"Magnus, fuck, it's... Fuck… You’re still so tight."

Magnus wastes no time and starts riding him, bouncing on him at a frenzied pace.

"My God, I won't last long, Alec..."

His voice breaks as Alec grabs his hips with his hands and begins to meet his thrusts, snapping his hips upwards. The sounds of their bodies colliding one against the other is so effective; it can only speed things up. They keep triggering each other, riding upward in a fast, blissful spiral; they climb together the peak of a new, surprising pleasure.

"Alexander, I'm so close, I can't..."

His cock is bouncing against his abs, when Alec firmly grabs it.

A couple of strokes are enough and Magnus is coming all over Alec's chest and stomach, stilling his body and with his mouth open in a silent scream.

What a sight... Alec thinks he's never seen anything more beautiful and sensual. He hurries to reach Magnus, giving a couple of more forceful and deep thrusts inside him, so he can finally tip over the edge. The orgasm that hits him seems to never end, he keeps filling Magnus, again and again.

When he opens his eyes, he notices that Magnus is staring down at him, and the look in his eyes is simply full of love. Nobody has ever looked at him that way. How did he not notice that Magnus had been in pain? Now he looks so free, so happy, the smile on his lips wonderfully blissful. A sudden guilt washes over him.

"Magnus... I'm sorry."

The ecstatic smile on Magnus’ face immediately turns into a frown.

"What? Why? Is something wrong?"

"No, of course not. But you’ve been suffering, I can see it now, and I'm sorry. You look so different… you know? You deserve to be happy, as happy as you seem to be right now."

"So do you, Alexander. When will you even think about yourself a little? It's true, I was quite desperate, but you never lied to me, and maybe I just didn't want to see the truth."

Alec scoffs.

"Same here… the same truth, that now it's so clear, was just in front of my eyes. But I kept thinking I couldn't have you. I didn't want to be a burden to you."

"Alexander. I love you. Okay? Keep that in mind. Because of all the truths we're talking about, only this one counts. You love me and I love you and trust me, I've never loved anyone so intensely. For the first time in my life, I want YOU, I'm not infatuated with the abstract idea of the two of us together. I want the real you, only you and everything you carry around. I love everything about you. I love your strength, your dedication, the fact that you love your family so much, to the point of putting your happiness aside. I love your tenderness, the fact that you know what is right and good for me, that you make me feel safe, that I can trust you, that you don't judge me but accept me for who I am. I've never met anyone like you and it didn't take long for me to understand it, you know? I'm sorry for the misunderstanding that occurred and how I handled it. But I hope you believe me when I tell you that I love you. "

Magnus' words have a devastating effect on him.

Maybe it’s just the orgasm that still lingers in his body, or the intense scene they had the day before, or his drop, perhaps it is all of that, all together. But Alec feels like his heart and his soul are completely exposed now. And at the same time, he has never felt so safe with anyone.

"God, Magnus. I love you so much. I've never met anyone like you. Each time I had told you, you were mine, I meant that. I'm sorry you couldn't believe me. But I hope you do now. You are mine, Magnus."

Alec's fingers are squeezing his arms, almost hurting him. He is still inside Magnus, even though his cock is softening and it's about to slip out.

Magnus stares at him in silence, with that vulnerable look he has come to know so well in the last few months.

Alec sighs and goes on.

“I would like to stay with you now, go back to sleep and then make love again, maybe.”

The truth is that both of them would like to stay together for the whole day, but they can’t; Alec's gaze changes and saddens, but Magnus hastens to reassure him.

"Alexander, I know. Don't worry, I know you have to go. Shall we take a quick shower, before you leave?"

Magnus is smiling, so Alec nods, gratefully. At least, they can take a little more time to enjoy their mutual company and closeness. He truly would stay; the simple idea of going away is killing him.

Unfortunately, he has to get back home, Isabelle will soon be out to take Cèline to school and then go to work. Jace can stay home alone for a while; they had arranged the layout of the rooms so that there were no architectural barriers for his movement in his wheelchair and, anyway, Jace had learned to be self-sufficient for everything. Besides, Max is home today. The thing was, though, Jace has to do his exercises with Alec, their daily two-hour routine, like they do every morning.

After their shower, which was really quick and rather chaste, Alec gets ready to leave.

"Magnus... I'm sorry, but it's getting late."

"Sure. No problem."

“I’ll see you later at the club, ok?”

Magnus just nods without saying anything else, but he looks thoughtful.

"Is everything ok?"

“Yes, of course. See you later Alexander.”

Magnus sounds sure, but Alec has an elusive sensation that something is bothering him. Maybe he just doesn’t want him to go away. Alec can relate with that feeling. The last thing he wants now is to be apart from Magnus. But he has to leave, and so he does, after kissing Magnus goodbye.

As he walks home, though, something unsettling comes to his mind. Obviously, he is happy with how things turned out with Magnus. The day before it was a turmoil of negative thoughts and emotions; he thought he wouldn't be able to face his feelings. Instead, miraculously, he not only succeeded, but Magnus reciprocates them, and Alec can only be delighted about it. However, he doesn't know how to deal with his job, now. He works part time at the club and the salary that comes from it alone is certainly not enough. On the other hand, he can no longer accept being paid by Magnus as he is doing now. It doesn't feel right. A feeling of panic takes hold of him. What now? Does he have to look for another job? Maybe he can ask Magnus to increase his working hours at the club, and he can go talk to other banks like Izzie suggested. But will this be enough? And what if it is not?

Sometimes Alec hates his life, he hates everything bad and tragic that has affected his family, he hates always having to fight and make sacrifices and he also hates that something as trivial as money has to be so essential. He hates having to reckon with his feelings about Magnus, always having to find a solution for everything, even for the fact that he has fallen in love. Fuck, that's not fair. He will have to talk to Magnus as soon as possible, time is running out. If he wants to keep his promise to Jace, he has to find a way out. The sooner, the better.

Chapter Text

The following evening at the club turned out to be almost surreal. Magnus just wanted to see Alec but something happened at the club that prevented them from talking; besides, Magnus is not used to managing such emergencies, but fortunately Raphael was also present at the club and together with Alec, they masterfully coped with the sudden chaos that befell them. A girl, probably too inexperienced or perhaps not perfectly aware of the risks she could face, has had a rather severe panic attack in one of the playrooms. Her boyfriend, who was also her Dom, was triggered into a subsequent anxiety crisis. An ambulance had to be called, even if, eventually, they weren’t taken to the E.R. Alec spent a lot of time with the couple, trying to reassure them. Fortunately, nothing serious happened. But, by the end they were all exhausted, Magnus, Raphael, Cat, Clary and obviously Alec too. It was very late, so he decided to go home and get some rest.

Magnus agreed with him, he needed to get some relax too. Too bad he didn't succeed in having a good night’s sleep. On the contrary, he slept terribly. The accident had left him estranged and embittered. He was feeling as if his happy place had been violated. It wasn't his fault and certainly those things can happen. Still, a deep sense of discomfort has accompanied him through the hours until early morning. Eventually Magnus, finding himself still awake when the sun has already risen, alone in his bed, and annoyingly tired, regrets not having asked Alec to come and sleep with him. Luckily, tonight he would come over anyway. Although, in what capacity? Like his boyfriend, like his Dom? Like one of his employees, though a special one?

Just 24 hours ago, when Alec had left his loft to go home, the thought of how their relationship would have changed had cast a shadow on the happiness that followed the mutual declaration of their feelings.

Magnus can't ignore how the economic factor had always been fundamental to Alec, and now that he knows the reason behind that, he can’t help but be even more troubled. A noble, disinterested, altruistic purpose is the cause of his need for money, but for this very reason, what Alec’s doing is also morally compelling and crucial. And Magnus gets it, but he is also afraid. He is terrified of coming in second place. He fears that as soon as Alec realizes the change in their relationship, he would no longer accept his money, but in doing so, he would have found himself in difficulty. Surely, it could be weird paying Alec, maybe even wrong. For what would he pay him? Spending his time with him? For sex? For scening together, domming him?  On the other hand, he wanted to help him. He has already pictured him as an extremely proud man and he knows that it would not be easy to make him accept his helping hand. But what alternatives are there? Would Alec look for another job? Would he want to re-negotiate their D/S contract, maybe taking a step back? Magnus couldn't accept it. The night before he had claimed his possession over Alec. He hopes it was clear enough, how serious he is about their relationship. He absolutely couldn't share Alec with anyone. He couldn’t do that before, let alone now.

Magnus can't find the strength to get up from the bed. A sense of anxiety keeps gripping him. He thinks about the whole story Alec told him; he cannot even imagine all the sacrifices he has to make and how complicated it must be to take care of his family. Alec is so young, yet so strong, so determined, so compassionate. Fuck. He is really in love with him. Magnus would do anything to help him, he just hopes Alec would find the courage to accept it.

He looks at his cell phone and notices that there is an unread text. It's from Alec.

"Good morning love, how did you sleep? I couldn’t rest very well, I missed you. I can't wait to see you tonight, is it okay if I come a little earlier? I need to talk to you about something important. Love you."

Ok, there is no need to panic, right? Alec loves him, he said he has missed him. So, it’s rather unlikely he has changed his mind about them. But Magnus fears he won’t like what he has to tell him anyway.

He is still thinking about how to answer him, when another text appears on the screen of his phone. It’s from Clary.

“G’morning Mags. Are u busy today? Can I invite you out to lunch? I’m still a little shaken from last night and I’d wanna talk to you a little.”

Lunch out would be nice, actually. Magnus needs to hang out with someone he can trust, get distracted, let off steam a little, and if Clary needs him, he would be there for her.

He hurries to text back both of them and throws himself in the shower, not wasting any more time in pointless self-pity.

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Magnus confirms their order on the tablet they have attached via a flexible holder to their table and looks at his friend, a little alarmed. Actually, Clary looks tired and he has a feeling that what happened the night before it’s only a part of her concern.

“So, how are you feeling?”

They are sitting, one across from the other at this new restaurant Clary wanted to try. It is furnished in an industrial style, but maybe it is too ultra-tech for Magnus’ liking. He likes to talk to the waiters, some human contact.

It’s very quiet inside, perfect for having an undisturbed chat. The waiter brings them some water and the bottle of wine Magnus ordered.

Clary sighs.

“A little better. I guess…”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I don’t know. I felt very sorry for the girl yesterday. But it also makes me angry that people improvise themselves into doing things they are not ready for. We are always so careful with our customers. Sometimes I think we should organize some sort of courses, for couples maybe.”

“Well, Clary, why not? It could be interesting. If we consider the large attendance at our seminars, it might be a good idea to organize something more structured. I can talk to Alec about it. "

“By the way, Alec was great with them yesterday, right?"

"Yes, it’s true, he is always so reassuring, so calm."

Clary glances at him, with a knowing look.

"Magnus, what's going on between you guys? Yesterday I noticed the way you looked at each other."

Magnus smiles gleefully.

"We are… dating."

"What? But that's wonderful! Oh my, I'm so happy for you. How long is this going on?"

"Since… yesterday?" Magnus laughs at the surprised expression on Clary’s face.

"Yesterday? Really? But I thought..."

"Clary, we've been in a relationship for a couple of months. I... I've been submitting for him. But then, things had changed and yesterday, well… He told me that he loves me, and I'm in love with him too, so..."

Magnus is blushing. It's so strange to say something so important aloud, something so precious. It is as if he were letting his love unguarded, for everyone to acknowledge it. Instead, Magnus wants to keep that feeling for himself, to cherish it, to preserve it so deep in his heart. But Clary is a dear friend and she deserves to know.

"Magnus, I'm really happy for you. Alec is fantastic, I'm sure he will make you happy. He has no eyes but for you. I already noticed that, I haven't said anything so far, because… Well, I thought you needed your space, after the mess you made with his schedule and all. When you asked me to clear all his sessions and he changed his job at the club, I guessed you two talked to each other. Anyway, I'm glad everything's okay, now."

“Well, about that mess… I came clean, about everything, and I told him I couldn’t accept anymore him domming random people at the club. He agreed and since then things between us have been amazing… I am so happy Clary… But…”

“What Magnus? Is something wrong?”

"You know how he used to insist on getting as many clients as possible?”

“How could I not?” She rolls her eyes.

“Well, he has a project, he wants to open a martial arts school with his brother. That's why he was saving the money and, I didn't tell you, but I have been paying him handsomely to be my Dom. But now? Tonight I think we're going to have an awkward conversation."

"Yes, I guess if you are together things have to change, but I'm sure you will find a solution. Magnus, about things that change... I wanted to talk to you about something too."

“Sure. Tell me as well.”

"Well… In the last few weeks, I got some help from Simon at the club. You may not know it, but he's an IT genius, he works for a big company during the day. You know this tablet you used to place our food order? The software is Simon’s. He has also implemented a new software to install on our tablets at the club, to manage all the booking and the staff’s schedule. We have tried it together and it works great."

Magnus is impressed. It seems really smart and effective. Why hasn’t he ever thought about something like that?

"It’s great Clary, why didn't you tell me earlier? I need to talk to Simon, do I need to pay him? Of course I do, you should have told me."

"Magnus, it’s not that. It’s… Well, the thing is… I'll be quitting my job at the club shortly."

"What? Why? Are you not happy anymore there? Are you having any trouble at the club?"

"Don’t be ridiculous, Magnus, of course it's not that. I’ve been thinking about going back to school. I want to enroll at the Brooklyn Art School and, you know, between classes, exams and stuff, I won't have time to keep my job. But Simon offered to take my place, at first; he can manage reservations remotely, and with the new software and tablets, every one of the staff can check their own sessions."

Magnus puts one hand under his chin, in a pensive way, while Clary looks expectantly at him.

"Ok… I guess. It seems like an improvement. I am all into tech innovation, as long as our clients’ privacy is still granted and it simplifies the staff’s work. Well Clary, I can only be happy for you, if that's what you want, you have all my support. Overall, I'm a little sad though. Raphael has halved his time at the club, Cat has already told me that in a couple of years she'll quit too. It seems that you all have your own plans. Of course, I'm happy about that, but it's been so nice to work with all of you. Anyway, how are you going to get on without a job? Clary, if you need anything you can tell me."

"Oh, don't worry. I'm okay. Maybe you can give me some advice though. I've saved up a good amount of money in the last few years, and I have a little inheritance too. So, I could just live as a student for a while. I've enough to go on for a few years. However, I was thinking of making an investment. I could buy a house, maybe? Or a shop? I thought I could rent it out. I really don't know. It seems such a waste to have all that money stashed away, don’t you think?”

A sudden idea pops up in Magnus' mind. Clary can almost see the light bulb over his head pop up.

An excited smirk appears on his face as he grabs Clary's hands in his.

"My dear, I think we should talk about this opportunity more in depth. I had an idea."

He sounds so thrilled that Clary can’t help but smile. She knew she should have talked to him earlier. On the other hand, he is rather successful with his own business.

“I can’t say I didn’t notice it, Magnus. You are being so conspicuous. So tell me, what is it?”

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The chat with Clary turned out to be nothing short of enlightening. She was thrilled with Magnus' proposal. Now comes the hardest part, though. Magnus needs to talk to Alec and get him to accept their help. It's actually an opportunity for both of them, Clary would be thrilled to invest her money with Alec, she knows exactly how clever he is. After lunch they had stopped at Ragnor’s, to get some financial advice. Not so unexpectedly, Cat was there too. It was a good idea, since Ragnor had given them some good recommendations, actually. Finally, Magnus had called his banking consultant. And since he was a really good client, Magnus asked for all the information needed to facilitate Alec in getting some amount of loan. Just in case. Eventually he returned home, tired but happy. Maybe he found a solution, he could help Alec and Clary too.  He couldn't wait to see him and talk. He feels really impatient, and it’s still so early.

"Alexander, I just got home. I’m waiting for you, come as soon as you can, please. I miss you."

The first text is in his usual tone. Demanding, but polite. The fact is that Magnus is so excited. He can’t really wait to see Alec. And the text he gets back from him doesn’t help him to calm down.

"I’ll try to get there as soon as possible."

"You better hurry."

"Magnus, behave."

"*pouting* I told you I miss you, what are you going to do about it? I think you should do something."

"I'm going to do nothing. Right now, at least. But you'd better get ready, because when I get there, I'm going to fuck you as soon as I step through the door. Consider yourself warned."

Magnus feels his throat go dry and his heart beating in his chest at an insane rate.

Okay, if this is a challenge, Magnus can't help but accept it.

"I'm always ready for you, but you're not coming yet. I don't know if I'll be able to resist. If I prep myself, I may get carried away. I could just start the fun part without you."

"Magnus, don’t you dare. Why are you challenging me? Keep it up and I don't know if you're going to like the consequences. You better apologize and behave yourself. I mean it."

Shit! A little cheekiness is fine, but Magnus shouldn't overdo it.

"Okay, okay, I’m sorry. Need you so much. I'll just wait for you, though. I promise."

“I’ll be there in a couple of hours.”

Magnus is crawling out of his skin. How is he going to resist? He needs a cold, icy shower, right now, and then he'll think about getting ready for his Dom.

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Eventually Magnus opted for black lace panties, which make him feel so tempting and a black silk dressing gown. Wearing black is never wrong, after all. He put on his makeup carefully, and then prepped himself with plenty of lube, stretching himself meticulously. He doesn't quite know what to expect, but if Alec is keeping his word, he wants to be prepared. He wore his favorite plug, aesthetically speaking, made of glass, rather broad but short enough that it doesn't go too deep; he doesn't want to go crazy with constant stimulation. Almost two hours have passed when Alec finally rings the doorbell. Magnus runs to open the door, undoing his dressing gown on his way, for good measure. He hadn't felt this excited in a very long time. His efforts are rewarded by the lustful look that Alec gives him as soon as he walks through the door.

Without saying a word, Alec is on him, growling. He lowers the robe over his shoulders, deftly and roughly, making it fall to the floor and immediately reaches down to bite at his shoulder. Hard, certainly hard enough to leave a mark. A second later, Magnus is airborne and finds himself against the wall, Alec's hands supporting him under his thighs.

Magnus groans at being manhandled like that. That’s exactly what he needed.

"Put your legs around my waist and hold yourself up"

Magnus hastens to comply, squeezing Alec’s waist with his strong thighs. Alec grabs his wrists, bringing them above his head against the wall and finally kisses him. Alec’s body, pressed against him from shoulders to their groins, holds up Magnus. Alec keeps kissing him deeply and his lace-clothed cock presses against Alec's abs and it's all damn perfect. Alec pulls back, looking rather affected in turn.

"Keep your hands here."

He releases Magnus’ wrists and goes back to grabbing the back of his thighs, while he continues to leave marks on his neck, his collarbone, his shoulders and then slides his hands up to squeeze his lace covered cheeks.

"Did you wear these for me?" He speaks hoarsely into his ear, making Magnus tremble with arousal.

"Yes, of course, for you."

"You’re gorgeous. Did you behave well?"

" I did, but wanted you so badly. I’m ready for you."

Alec moves his panties to the side to check what Magnus means and moans when he finds the slicked plug.

"I see you are. Are you sure you managed to hold back?"

"Yes, yes, I swear.”

"Okay Magnus, I believe you. Hold on to me now." Magnus wraps his arms around Alec’s neck and Alec takes a couple of steps back, easily supporting his entire weight. He reaches back with one hand slowly tugging at the plug.

Magnus gasps against Alec’s neck.

"Relax Magnus, let it go."

"Yes, ok"

Magnus lets Alec take the plug out of him but groans in protest at the sudden emptiness; he is breathing heavily as he leans his forehead against Alec's.

“It’s ok, love, I’ve got you.” His voice has turned softer.

Alec drops the plug and opens his pants, takes his cock out and penetrates him without further ado. The feeling is fantastic, Magnus put a generous amount of lube, but it burns a little and, in this position, Alec manages to sink inside him so deeply. Magnus chuckles hardly noticeably between their moans; Alec doesn’t even know it, but he is fulfilling one of his oldest sexual fantasies. Being fucked standing up like this; Alec in full display of his strength and power, still fully clothed and God… he hasn't even taken his panties off.

Alec starts fucking him in earnest, as Magnus hugs him tightly and begins to snap his hips every time Alec lowers him against his cock.

They've found a quick, synchronized pace and Magnus feels completely debauched as Alec continues pounding forcefully inside him. He feels his orgasm build, quick and inescapable.

"Alexander, I'm close…"

"We can't allow it, can we? I'm not done with you, yet."

Alec stops his movements and starts walking towards the sofa, carrying Magnus. When he gets behind the sofa he makes him sit on the backrest and pushes his shoulders down, so that he ends up upside down, with his head on the seat of the sofa. Magnus’ legs are still wrapped around Alec’s waist, so he grabs his calves, making them untangle from his body. He immediately enters him again, fucking him relentlessly. In this position Alec can reach even deeper than before and as his blood starts flowing toward his head, Magnus begins to beg.

"Alec, please, I need to come. Please…"

"Yeah, ok. You can come on my cock alone."

As Alec accelerates his thrusts, he puts Magnus’ legs on his shoulders and grabs his hips. The assault on his prostate has become brutal and Magnus feels his orgasm explode inside him and finally he spills his semen all over his chest and neck. Some drops end on his face and even on the sofa. It’s quite a filthy sight from Alec’s point of view.

"My God, Magnus..."

Alec groans, as he comes inside him and his last thrusts against Magnus are so powerful that the sofa moves slightly forward.

Magnus lowers his legs as Alec helps him pull himself up, and lifts him up in his arms again, remaining inside him, though.

"You're covered in your own come." Alec says matter-of-factly, feeling the stickiness between them and leans forward to kiss him.

Magnus kisses him back, but then he can’t help but laugh. He feels a little dizzy.

"Yes, I made a mess of myself and if you put me down now, your come will start dripping out of me."

Alec still has the strength to moan at that, as his softening cock twitches inside Magnus.

"Then it’s better if we go take a shower, okay?"

And as if Magnus weighed nothing, Alec hurries to the bathroom.

"I like it when you carry me."

"I like carrying you."

"I love that you are so strong."

"Yes, I think I get that."

"I love you."

"Uhmm, yes I get that too. Tell me something new?"

"Hey!" Magnus slaps his shoulder, making him laugh.

"Love you too."

"You’d better."

Magnus rests his head on Alec’s shoulder and sighs in absolute contentment.

After their shower, they order a pizza and sit on the sofa. Magnus lays down with his head on Alec’s lap.

"Today we had a bit of a different session."

Magnus spoke without thinking. He quickly realizes that Alec has stiffened. Ok, he might as well address the issue.

"You know... I think… We don't need a contract anymore. For this…"

Alec relaxes again against the sofa, as Magnus gets up and sits next to him.

"No, I guess not."

"What did you want to talk about, anyway?"

"About us. About our agreement. As I explained to you, I need to earn a certain amount of money every week. However, I can't accept money from you anymore."

"You still work for me though."

"Yes, of course, at the club. That’s ok. But I can't…”

Alec sounds embarrassed and maybe a little sorry, as if this situation could be his fault.

"Alexander, I also have to tell you something, and I think it would be better if I speak first."

"Ok…"

"Would you consider having an investor in your school? You told me you are trying to get a loan, right? Instead of paying interest to a bank, you might get money from someone who wants to invest in you, because they know what you're worth and they believe in you."

"And that someone would be you?"

"I believe in you, for sure, but no, it’s not me. Are you willing to listen to me, without prejudice?”

“Of course I am.”

“Good.”

And so, Magnus tells Alec about his busy day, about Clary, about the chat they had with Ragnor and Cat, about the opportunity to get a loan at Magnus’ bank, as a last resort solution.

Alec lets him speak, without interrupting him and eventually he looks puzzled, wordless.

Magnus gives him some time to process the amount of information he's poured out on him. When Alec speaks, he does in a feeble and astonished voice.

"Magnus, did you spend the morning doing all these things for me? Really? I… I don’t know what to say…"

Magnus blinks taken aback, he expected a reaction more like a "stay out of my business" kind, but once again Alec amazes him.

"Of course I did. We have to find a solution together, Alexander. I have no intention of giving up on you, and I know you cannot give up on helping your family and your dream. I will do everything I can to help you. I just hope I have not overstepped. "

Alec remains silent, looking straight in front of him.

Magnus tries to stay calm, avoiding looking straight at him, afraid that Alec could still react badly, that he might tell him to think about his own business, that he shouldn't have involved other people. He begins to feel the anxiety rising and turns his head to look cautiously at him.

Just to see that Alec's cheeks are streaked with tears.

"Alexander... Oh God, I'm sorry."

"Sorry? Why? You… Thank you Magnus. What can I say? Really, I don’t know…"

"Say that you'll talk to Clary, that you'll consider this crazy idea I had, that you will accept my help and that you won’t leave me because you think you have to solve your problems alone."

"Honestly, Magnus, I don’t think I could leave you. I talked to my siblings today, and we thought we'd lower our expectations for now, maybe we could just rent a place, just to start the school. Obviously, if Clary wants to invest her money and buy the place I’ve already spotted, I'll be more than glad to pay the rent to her than to a perfect stranger."

"Okay, it seems reasonable. So I'll arrange a meeting between the two of you, okay?"

“Ok. Wonderful. Thank you. Can my brother be there too?"

“Well, of course, he is involved as much as you do, I think.”

When Alec finally turns his head to look at him, some tears are still unshed at the corner of his big, extraordinary eyes, but he is also smiling his perfect smile, and Magnus is just speechless. In fact, he thinks that Alec has never been more beautiful than he is at this exact moment and he can’t do anything else but look at him with a sudden surge of love in his chest.

Chapter Text

10 days later

As Alec pushes his brother's wheelchair toward the main door, he can't help but feel his stomach clench in anguish; he feels as if he could just throw up all over his own feet. He is worried sick. The crucial moment has finally come, they are heading to the hospital and tomorrow Jace will finally undergo his long awaited, albeit unbearably scary, surgery. Only yesterday, they went for a last meeting with the surgeon, who explained the procedure in detail to them. He spoke about a sort of balloon they would insert somewhere in his back and some probes to see inside his spine; he said the word “neurological” a bunch of times together with other things that Alec couldn’t really catch. It was just terrifying. Conversely, Jace looked calm, almost impatient to get it over with. As he is right now. Alec is so proud of him. Céline is not at home; Jace had the opportunity to talk to her in the morning, before Isabelle took her to school. He explained to his daughter, in a reassuring and honest way, that he would be away for a few days, he would get his back and his legs fixed at the hospital, that in the meantime, her Auntie and Uncle Alec would take care of her. They have already told her the truth about Jace’s condition and about what happened to her mother, even if in a soft, delicate way, suitable for a child. Jace also told her that when he returns home he will have to do a lot of gymnastics, as he already has been doing with Alec, but with a sort of special teacher, who had to teach him how to walk again. Céline had shown herself curious, calm and confident at his father’s words, not at all scared or concerned. Why should she be; after all, they have never lied to her.

"Okay dad. As soon as you learn how to walk, then, can we go to the beach?" Jace nodded, blinking back the tears; he was so proud of her. Alec and Isabelle were waiting outside Céline’s room, still able to hear them, looking at each other without saying a word. The air was charged with emotions that didn't need to be said aloud.

They finally got to their car; Isabelle had already put Jace’s bag in it before leaving, so Alec only has to help Jace get in the car, settle him on his seat, and slip the wheelchair into the trunk. They are ready to leave. At first, they stay in silence, Alec drives looking lost in his thoughts, and Jace looks in front of him quietly. Maybe they have already talked about the surgery, about the possible aftermath, about their hopes and their fears long enough.

But suddenly Jace turns his head to look at him.

"Alec ..."

No, maybe they are not done talking, after all.

"Yes? Is something wrong?"

"No, no, I just wanted to tell you one thing."

"Ok."

"Well, I just want to tell you that from now on it's on me okay? You took me, all of us actually, all the way here, steadfastly and unwaveringly. You’ve been our rock, the best brother and the best uncle that could exist. If Cèline is so brave, confident and happy, well, it's all about you, and Izzie and Max too."

"Jace… It’s not… you are a great father, if only you could see yourself. You never gave up and you have been doing a really good job with her. I mean it.”

"Okay, that's enough please. Otherwise, we'll cry again and I don't think that would be wise ’, for one because you are driving and also I need to get to the hospital safe and sound. But I wanted to tell you. Just this. That we've come this far together and now it's up to me. I'll do my best, Alec, I'll walk again, soon, and you and Izzie will be able to think about your own life too. By the way, maybe I didn't tell you, but I'm happy for you and Magnus. Something has changed in your mood in the last few days, finally something good happened in your life and you deserve it.”

“Thank you Jace… Magnus is… I don’t know… I can’t even find the words to explain how great he is.”

Jace smiles warmly. Seeing his brother in love, for the first time in his life, makes him so happy.

He's not sure why, but Magnus' red-haired friend comes to his mind. Simple association of ideas, perhaps?

“I’m also grateful that Clary has stepped in on our project. You know? I like her, she is… different."

“Yeah, Clary… She is the best. She is already helping me so much. Magnus had a wonderful idea and I’m happy you like her. And for that matter, for what you said before, I know you will do your best, you are so annoyingly stubborn, I’m sure you’ll nail it.”

"I will... I won't disappoint you, I promise."

"Jace, you never could."

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Three months later

As Max pushes his brother's wheelchair toward the main door, everyone is waiting for them outside in the garden. Today it’s Céline’s birthday and they have planned a little party at their place. They invited some of her friends from school and, of course, their own friends.

It’s still early, so the kids haven’t arrived yet, only Magnus, Clary and also Simon with Raphael, and Cat with Ragnor are already there, gathered together around the table, finishing to set the food and the beverages on it.

As they step outside, Max stops the wheelchair and everybody looks at them. A weird silence replaces the cheerful chatter of a second before.  Alec feels Isabelle’s hand grab his and squeeze it. He returns the squeeze, failing to take his eyes off his brother. Next to him, on the other side of Isabelle, Magnus puts a hand on his shoulder, a way of saying I'm here with you.

Jace smiles and he is beautiful, lively, he looks like the Jace of many years ago, confidant, a little cocky, happy.

He grabs the armrests of the chair and pulls himself up, standing in front of everyone. Then he starts walking towards them, slowly until he gets in front of Alec.

“Hey, what are these faces? You have already seen me standing and walking.”

That’s right. They have seen him fight and fall and swear and cry. But never give up. Jace has always been stubborn and determined, a trait he has in common with all of his siblings.

And in the end, he made it. The therapist advised him not to overdo it, but inside their house, he usually moves on his own legs from the couch to a chair or to his bed. But today, it is different, being able to celebrate his daughter's birthday, outside in the garden with his family and friends like that, seemed like an unattainable dream, just a few months ago.

The surgery itself had gone well and they had just to wait to see if his legs would work again.

The waiting, the uncertainty, the fear were exhausting, but Jace immediately showed his will to fight without sparing himself. Alec had never seen him so obstinate, but also so absolutely assured he could do it. During the post-surgery weeks, both Magnus and Clary became a regular presence at their home, with the excuse of talking about the building to buy for their gym and the renovation works to get done afterwards. Besides, they needed to talk about some new ideas Clary and Magnus had about the club, and they asked for Alec’s help. As a result, they spent a lot of time together. Both Magnus and Clary found that they got along very well with Isabelle, and now they literally adore each other, while the relationship between Jace and Magnus is still all about teasing and sassing each other. It is quite fun to witness. Deep down, they like each other, very; it is all a farce for everyone's amusement. As for Clary and Jace... well, they just go on between stolen glances, blushing cheeks, stammering words. Adorable.

They are truly lovely, but Alec and Magnus know they need their time. They would get there, eventually. For now, it is enough to see Jace like that, standing and smiling in front of them, carefree and excited, surrounded by the most important people in their lives.

Eventually, Isabelle grabs him by his shoulder and hugs her brother. Immediately Alec wraps his arms around both of them and Max hurries to join them too, hugging Jace from behind. Magnus steps back and looks at them, feeling his eyes sting with tears.

Céline runs to him, happily.

“Uncle Mags, what’s happening?”

“Hey sweetie. Nothing, they are just happy, so they are hugging each other.”

“Why?”

“Because today is a special day and we are going to celebrate your birthday all together.”

“I’m happy too, then. Can I hug you?”

Magnus crouches down and lets Cèline wound her arms around his neck. Oh, wow, he is melting in a puddle of tenderness; how could he hold back his tears, now? He looks up at the four Lightwood siblings, who have untangled themselves and are staring at them visibly touched.

Magnus hastily gets up, a little embarrassed.

“Ok, ok, now, it’s time to celebrate, right?”

Slowly people begin to arrive and the party gets started. Céline is ecstatic, it is her day and her father has finally learned to walk as he had promised her. Even if after a while he needs to sit down to get some rest.

The day goes by quickly, between laughter and games, but soon Alec and Magnus have to prepare to leave. Tonight they have a shibari event planned at the club. It’s a seminar about safety with some practical demonstrations.

“Magnus, are you ready?”

“Yes sure, we can go. Too bad we miss the most interesting part of the party, though.”

Magnus gestures to Alec to look behind himself.

As he does, he sees his brother talking to Clary. He is sitting on a bench, while she is leaning against the wall next to him, and she is looking at him with her head cocked to the side and an alluring, cheeky smile.

Jace is obviously trying to make her laugh. Alec looks at him fondly. It had been years since he had seen him so relaxed, so flirtatious. Jace had his own way of dealing with women and had always been very successful. Then he got married and settled his mind. He was truly in love with his wife. But if he's finally showing his interest openly, if he's finally obviously flirting with Clary, it's because he has serious intentions and Alec can't help but be happy about that. Jace deserves to love and be loved again.

Alec and Jace have spoken about Clary of course. Jace is quite smitten about her, he finds her outspoken, strong, smart, talented and so damn pretty. She is also great with Cèline, they get along amazingly. At first, it seemed strange to him to think of being with another woman. In the last years the pain for the loss of his wife had accompanied him incessantly and the fact that he saw her resemblance in Cèline, did not help him to overcome his grief. That was all there, in his heart, a precious and sorrowful baggage. But in the end his wife would have wanted his happiness, he was sure of that. Clary had shown some interest in him since the beginning, but remained respectfully waiting. Jace realized pretty soon that if he wanted something more, he would be the one to make the first move. He told Alec he would when he was ready.

“Oh well. I’m happy for them, something will happen soon, seemingly; I hope at least.”

“Sure, my love, Clary is blushing, she is so pretty like this. They are perfect for each other. ”

“Not as perfect as we are, though.”

Magnus laughs and grabs his hand, intertwining their fingers together.

“Let’s go, before we are going to be late. I need a little time to get ready.”

Magnus gets up on his tiptoe to kiss Alec’s cheek and add in a little lower voice speaking in his ear.

“Actually, a little time for you to get me ready.”

The look in Alec’s eyes darkens, as it usually does when Magnus speaks like that.

“Ok, lets’ go.” Alec now seems really eager to flee.

Tonight is a special night for them, as Magnus will be on stage with him for the first time.

When he proposed it to Alec, he was opposed to the idea. He knew that Magnus didn't want to submit in public, let alone at his own club.

But Magnus had convinced him and what he told him was something he would remember forever.

"Alec, look. Until now I thought that I could never show this side of me at the club. And I have always justified my choice quite easily, I had this image of myself there, unchangeable after all those years…. However, I recently realized that that idea is wrong. There is no weakness in submission. No shame.  And the most absurd thing is that I should know it well. I think I've repeated this sentence to my subs so many times. But I couldn't apply it to myself. I couldn’t see myself like that. I was scared, I thought I could do it only with someone who loved me enough to not judge me, as if it was wrong, as if it was something I indulged myself with, but I shouldn’t. But the truth is that I am honored to submit to you, and I would do it at the club for everyone to see that I belong to you. I want people to look at me wrapped in your ropes, cherished and taken care of. Yours is an art, Alexander. So if you want me, I’ll be a part of it, proudly.”

And so, Alec accepted, with a sense of accomplishment he has never felt before.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The event at the club has gone great. They started in Magnus’ personal room, to get ready, to attune to each other. They were both dressed with comfortable clothes and barefoot. Magnus was extraordinarily calm, all the flirty playfulness he showed at Cèline’s party was gone. Even if Alec had thought of making him come before going on stage, to ease his nerves, it hadn’t been necessary. Once they were in front of the audience, Alec started explaining some general bondage etiquette and then something more specific about shibari. He always kept a physical contact with Magnus, tying and untying his ropes around his wrist, his chest, his legs and his arms. Magnus followed his orders, obediently. He was perfect. Alec highlighted all the most important issues about safety, consent, even emergency procedures. At the end of the demonstration, many people approached Alec to ask questions and to compliment him. Magnus sat completely relaxed in an armchair near the stage, a peaceful expression on his face.

Alec kept checking on him, constantly, he just wanted to take him to his personal room and take care of him.

When the last clients have left, Alec kneeled in front of him.

“Magnus, are you ok?”

 “Sure. I’m fine.”

Alec smiles and reaches out one hand for Magnus to grab. He helps him to stand up.

As soon as they are in Magnus’ room again Alec turns to look at him. Magnus is still quiet, absent. He sits down at his vanity table to remove his makeup. He moves slowly, though, dabbing his face with unhurried movements. But he seems to be so far away.

“Are you sure you are ok? You seem too quiet. Do you regret doing the demonstration with me?”

Magnus looks at him through the mirror, frowning and tilting his head to the side.

“And why should I regret it, you were great Alexander, as usual. It was just the first step, it was easy and it worked for me. I know it was a sort of educational event, but I was relaxed and I felt you close to me all the time. I loved it.”

“No, you were perfect Magnus, amazing. I didn’t praise you enough out there, I’m sorry. You are always so beautiful, but tonight, I don’t know, there was something different in you. And it is still there. I don’t know what it is. I don’t even know if it’s a good thing or not. You don’t seem to be troubled, or upset, but I feel that there is something…”

“Maybe…  it’s only happiness?”

“Magnus…” Alec puts a hint of his Dom tone in his voice and Magnus feels the usual warm deep in his gut.

“Yes, ok, there is something. I wanted to talk to you about something. But I preferred to wait until tomorrow.”

“You know you can talk to me any time, right?”

Alec is standing behind him, with his hands on Magnus’ shoulder, looking at him through the mirror again.

“So, go on. Tell me.”

“Ok… I was thinking… you sleep at the loft almost every night.”

“I love sleeping with you.”

“I hope so. So why don’t make it official?”

“What?”

“You, spending the night? All the nights, I mean.”

Alec’s face relaxes and if he is surprised, he doesn’t show it.

“Ah, ok, sure why not? Actually it will be more practical to commute to work everyday, as the loft is closer to the school.”

Magnus widens his eyes and turns his head to actually look up at him. He answered as if it weren’t a big deal.

“Why not? This is what I get after I ask you to move in together?”

“I’m joking silly. I’d love to spend every night with you. Of course I would.”

“Perfect, then. We’ll live together… I can’t wait.”

“Me neither. Were you worried I would have said no?”

“Actually no, I wasn’t. I think we are ready.”

Magnus relaxes backward against Alec’s body behind him and closes his eyes. Everything is so fucking perfect.

Another three months later

As Isabelle pushes his brother's wheelchair toward the main door, she calls out almost shouting.

"Jace, are you ready?" She has gotten bored while waiting for him downstairs, so she is going to put the wheelchair in the trunk of her car, just to do something in advance. Tomorrow she will bring it to the hospital where she works, as Jace doesn’t need it anymore. She and Cèline have been ready for a while; incredibly it is Jace who is taking the longest to get ready and Isabelle suspects she knows why. It's time to go anyway, so when she gets back in, she calls him again.

"Jace, hurry up or we'll be late!"

“Daddyyy!!! It’s laaaate!!!”

Cèline joins Isabelle in her attempt to make Jace hurry up. She is jumping all around, she is so excited, since she is not used to going out with Jace.

Not like that, at least, walking together, side by side. Isabelle told her they are going to a party and that there will be many other kids there. So, she can’t wait to go.

"I'm coming!"

Jace finally appears at the top of the stairs and looks down at his sister and daughter, who are looking at him expectantly. He holds onto the handrail and with a proud look begins to descend the stairs, slowly and carefully, one step at a time. His legs are working fine, sometimes he is still a little unsure on the stairs and he gets tired easily, but he can walk again and it’s amazing. They have just moved his bedroom upstairs again, in the room where Alec used to sleep, before he moved to Magnus’ loft.

After only six month from the day Jace got his spine fixed, they are finally going to the inauguration party of their martial art school.

They succeeded in opening the gym ahead of schedule, also saving a decent amount of money.

Jace’s rehabilitation took less time than expected. Despite the damage in his spine, for all those years he had continued to train his muscles extensively and so effectively that the healing process was incredibly fast. Jace knows he has to thank Alec for all the time he'd spent helping him. If it weren't for his brother’s tenacity and dedication, he wouldn't have gotten to this point so quickly.

One step at a time, literally, Jace has gotten his life back, without hesitation, without fear.

As soon as he reaches her downstairs, Isabelle looks into his eyes, perhaps a little watery.

"So proud of you, Jace."

"Thanks Iz."

"Daddy, are we leaving?"

"Sure hon, let's go."

“You smell good, daddy.”

Isabelle scrunches her face, giggling.

“How much perfume did you wear Jace? You left a trail all the way down the stairs. "

"Shut up!" He throws a deadly stare at his sister.

Isabelle grins with satisfaction. Her suspicions are well founded, after all.

Jace takes his daughter by the hand and they walk together to the car, where a really annoyed and impatient Max has been waiting for them, who throws his hands in the air as soon as he sees them.

“It was time! Come on, we're late!”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Alec is already at the school, he has been there since earlier that morning. Today is the big day and so much is still to be done. He looks at the big sign outside, hanging above the entrance: Lightwoods Martial Arts School.

In just six months, Alec and Clary had everything done. They worked tirelessly, even becoming friends in the meantime. Clary bought the building that Alec had shown her, and she also helped him with the renovation and redecoration; to everyone’s surprise, she turned out to have a great talent in interior design. Alec wanted to include clear references to Japan, but without overdoing it, without being tacky. He wanted a clean, functional environment where everyone could feel at ease.

Jace was less interested in this decorating aspect, which he thought was perhaps secondary.

Not to Alec; he found his support in Magnus in this, he surely could understand him, as he personally oversaw the layout and design of his club. So, they took care of that together, every detail, almost maniacally.

With Simon's help, Clary also took care of their website, of staff uniforms’ design, of the advertising campaign and the software to run the lessons and the staff’s schedule. She also designed their logo. Alec loved it. It was exactly what he wanted.

In conclusion, Alec and Jace took care of buying all the equipment and tools needed.

Alec was really satisfied with the final result. It was perfect.

Eventually they sold their house in Los Angeles, but they didn’t need any loan at the bank; actually, they saved some money as a college fund for Céline.

It was amazing how everyone had helped them, starting with Magnus and all his friends too. And the most extraordinary thing was seeing how Alec managed to accept that help serenely, without guilt or a sense of inadequacy. Magnus had worked that miracle. Sure, Alec finally understood that the weight of the world wasn't all on his shoulders. For his part, Alec has been keeping helping Magnus with the club, they hired new staff, did the training, and they are still going on with their courses and seminars that are incredibly successful.

Alec sighs. Time is running fast, people will start coming soon and Jace, Max and Iz are not there yet. Where the hell could they be?

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Alec certainly did not expect all this participation. The school is crowded with parents with their children, seeking information to enroll them in courses, but also with a lot of people simply interested in learning some martial art. They have already hired the reception staff and some instructors. Temporarily, Jace would take care of the administrative work, but soon he is going to start taking some classes, perhaps with the little ones. He is almost ready.

The atmosphere is cheerful and carefree, hordes of potential clients keep coming in, and a remarkable number of people have already signed in. Alec is speechless.

He has just finished talking to a couple who wanted to enroll their two children in a Judo class. They seemed enthusiastic about the school. They have just left when Manus approaches him.

"Hey how are you? There is a real assault here!"

"Magnus, have you seen how many people? Incredible. I'm thinking maybe we should add some other classes, you know?"

Alec sounds truly excited, incredulous.

"This place is amazing, Alec. You really did a great job."

"Thank you."

"You know, I think I never told you, but I’d like to learn a little Judo, or maybe Jujutsu?  Something which allows me to try some tight catch on you; I think about body-to-body contact, sweaty muscles tangled together on the floor. I think I may like it."

"What? And why didn't you never tell me? Anyway, what you are picturing is not exactly appropriate for a room full of people."

Alec is evidently trying not to be swayed by Magnus' words, keeping a cold and professional facade.

Magnus chuckles.

"You are so cute when you are serious."

“Don’t flirt with me, I’m supposed to be working here, you know?”

“I know, sorry. Speaking of flirting…”

Alec turns his head and sees Jace and Clary in another room. Too bad the wall is made of glass and everyone can see them. Well, they don’t seem to mind it at all, since they are kissing.

“Oh, finally. It took months, but it seems that they got there.”

“I confess Clary told me she was a little worried, she's been waiting for a move from Jace for a while, but she didn't want to force his hand. I guess Clary was right to wait for him. But I'm sure Jace is finally ready."

"I think he is. I’m so proud of him."

"I love you Alexander. And I'm so proud of you."

“Well, I wouldn't be here, if it weren’t for you."

And Alec, looking into Magnus’ eyes, can't help but think that his life was so complicated before, so hard sometimes and so lonely. And now? Well, it’s still complicated, chaotic, frenetic, but only because it is so full of things to do, to learn, to discover and people to take care of. But now he has someone who looks after him, lovingly. It is so exciting. He can’t wait to live this life together with the amazing man in front of him, who admittedly, can always make his blood boil in his veins  so easily, especially when he looks at him in that really not-at-all innocent way.

"I love you too, Magnus. But please stop looking at me that way, or I’ll take you to the locker room and I’ll make you beg for some… body-to-body contact, as you said.”

Magnus raises one eyebrow.

“And is that supposed to be a threat?”

What a little brat.