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Chapter Text

“Have you lost your fucking mind!?“ Magnus stared wide-eyed at the senior partner and friend. “In what universe would I ever agree to this?“

Ragnor snorted. “You're talking as if you have a choice. This case is extremely important to this firm, and we need to win it.“

“I could work with anyone in this city except him. He's an uptight, smug, privileged-“

“And the only one who could give you a run for your money,“ Ragnor cut him off. “You want to make senior; this is the way. You and Alec Lightwood will work this case – together.“ Ragnor pointed a finger at him, punctuating every word. 

Magnus crossed his arms across his chest and huffed. He stared a long while at his friend and boss before he defiantly tilted his chin up. “Fine. But only because I do love a challenge.“

Walking back to his office, Magnus went through what he already knew about his, what now seemed to be, new partner. To be honest, he didn't really know him and yet Magnus considered him to be his archnemesis. Magnus himself had met Alec Lightwood several times in the past; in court passing by, argued with him at parties, and had stolen clients from and had them stolen by him. Not to mention that people, even Magnus’ co-workers, loved to talk about the man, praising him for every little thing he did at that blood-sucking company. Why Alec wanted to leave the Institute and join their firm was a mystery Magnus wasn’t interested in solving. Alec Lightwood hadn't even said one nice word to Magnus other than the usual greetings. Those were, however, often delivered with such indifference, as if the man would rather eat his own jacket than talk to Magnus. Magnus snorted at the thought. Alec Lightwood thought he was better than everyone. All this combined made Magnus come down to one conclusion - Alec Lightwood was an ass.

Much to Magnus’ surprise, his office wasn’t empty as he opened the door. Magnus glared at the intruder. Well maybe not really an intruder, but unwanted. Magnus stopped on the threshold, narrowing his eyes as he took in the scene before him. As if it wasn't enough that this man had entered Magnus' office uninvited, he had sat himself behind his desk. Magnus felt the anger rise in his chest but he wasn’t at all surprised by the audacity of this man. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Magnus snarled. 

The man didn't even flinch, and that just fueled the rage coursing through Magnus’ veins. He watched as the intruder leaned back in Magnus’ chair, clutching his hands behind the head. “A simple hello would have sufficed,” he smirked. He smirked . At this point, Magnus was seething, and in his mind, this man was already incinerated.  

“That was not an answer to my question,” Magnus spat, still vibrating with anger. “Why are you in my office, in my chair?”

The man stared at him for a while before he cocked an eyebrow. “Possessive much? Hope that’s not gonna be a problem since we’re supposed to work together.” Magnus watched him as he stood up,  walked around the desk, and stepped in too close, right into Magnus’ personal space. “Should we perhaps start over? I’m Alec Lightwood, your new partner,” he said as he stretched out his hand. 

Magnus huffed loudly, but he still let his guard down the tiniest bit. “This is ridiculous! We know who we are.” Alec didn’t respond. He just tilted his head a little to the side, raised that ridiculously perfect eyebrow once more, and looked challenging down on his hand. 

Magnus let his eyes follow Alec’s, now also staring at his hand. Magnus had never really studied the man up close before, but of course his hand was as perfect as everything else so far. Those long fingers set Magnus’ imagination on fire, how they would feel, how they would easily wrap around- No, no, NO! There would be no thinking of Alec’s hand and its possibilities. Nor the ridiculously toned forearm it was attached to. Before he could stop himself, he let his eyes trail higher over what seemed to be an unfairly well-defined bicep underneath layers of fabric, over an absurdly broad shoulder up to Alec’s neck. Something caught his attention; black ink was visible above the collar on the left side of his neck. It almost looked like a giant Z, and it stood out stark against his skin, enticingly calling out to Magnus. 

How had he not seen that before? Maybe it was new.  It had been a few weeks since their paths crossed. Magnus swallowed hard at the sight, and he realized that he was staring when he heard the other man chuckle. Magnus snorted loudly and took the stretched out hand. “I’m Magnus Bane.” Their eyes locked and to Magnus’ surprise, there was a tingling feeling that spread from his hand up through his arm at the touch of the other man’s hand. The unfamiliar feeling made his breath hitch, and Magnus jerked his hand back, letting go of Alec’s. The smug grin on Alec’s face told Magnus that his reactions weren’t unnoticed.

“I just dropped by to get a copy of our case file,” Alec stated. 

“Talk to my PA, Simon, and he'll help you,” Magnus snapped. 

“You know we’ll have to cooperate for this to actually work out?” Magnus didn’t miss the amused, almost condescending tone.

Despite the way that tone set Magnus' blood on fire once more, Magnus didn’t dignify that question with an answer. He had no intention whatsoever to spend more time with Alec Lightwood than necessary. Alec gave him another chance to answer before he continued with a grin. “I, for one, am looking forward to working with The Warlock.” 

Magnus rolled his eyes at the mention of his nickname. Media was a pain. Magnus was an expert at winning the cases everyone else deemed lost, and the media said he was quite magical to achieve such wins. The rest was history. “Let me know when you’re done reading it. The date is set two weeks from now. Should be enough for you to get up to speed on my case,” Magnus sneered. 

“This isn’t my first rodeo, Bane.” Alec narrowed his eyes, locking them with Magnus’. There was a silent challenge in them, and Magnus wasn’t one to stand down.

“I’m simply trying to make sure that you’ll enjoy the ride,” Magnus smirked.

A smile tugged at the corner of Alec’s lips, and he cocked one of his eyebrows and let his eyes slowly trail down Magnus’ body and then up again as he darted his tongue out, wetting his bottom lip before he sucked it in between his teeth. Magnus couldn’t help but stare, his mouth falling slightly open. His treacherous body reacted to the attention; his heart raced and there was some twitching in his pants. “I most certainly will enjoy this ride.” Alec drawled. 

They stood there, locking eyes. Neither of them wanted to be the first one to break the contact, to give up. Magnus successfully shut out all the thoughts that were trying to determine the reason why his body was on fire. Alec Lightwood was not a road he was ever going down, no matter what his body was trying to tell him.

They were interrupted by a tentative knock on the open door. “Mr. Lightwood, I’m glad I caught you. I have a copy for you-” Simon said as he entered the office but trailed off as he noticed the two men glaring at each other. “Wow, the tension in here is,” he blurted out. Magnus, with his back against his PA, could only guess he had made a wide gesture with his hands, and probably nervously pushed up his glasses as always when words failed him. 

Alec chuckled. “Alec is fine; Mr. Lightwood is my father. And thank you.” Alec seemed to relax a bit, now looking at Simon with a friendly gaze and took the folder offered by the PA. Then he turned his attention back to Magnus, leaning in and whispering in his ear, “I’m looking forward to seeing you again. And trust me, I will come.” Alec’s breath was so warm on his ear and the words that were coming out of his mouth sent a shiver down Magnus’ spine and his heart rate sped up. Then suddenly Alec was gone, and Magnus let out a small, inaudible gasp.

It took a few seconds before Simon cleared his throat. “So, Alec Lightwood, huh? What’s our status?”

Magnus shrugged, tried his best to steady his racing, deceitful heart and swallowed hard before answering. “Same as it has always been; we hate him.”

Chapter Text

Magnus had been tense all morning. It had been too many sleepless nights, his brain wasn't able to unwind. Fuck Alec Lightwood for swooping in, taking over, and putting unwanted thoughts in his head. Everything about Alec just solidified Magnus’ opinion. Magnus had been leaning against the doorway to his office and watching as Alec moved into his new office the other day. The man himself didn’t break any sweat, no. He simply walked around in their shared office space idly chatting with the stream of co-workers passing by to welcome him to the firm. Not Magnus though, he was not interested at all to make him feel welcome. The cocky newcomer didn't need more praise to fuel his ego.

Sadly, Magnus couldn’t complain about the man’s work as much as he wanted to. The emails they’ve shared over the past week hinted that Alec was anything but a fool. Even worse, he had been polite and a complete professional the entire time – which pissed Magnus off even more. No way Lightwood was going to steal his thunder, his work. 

Magnus glanced at the clock and huffed. Five minutes late already, tardiness was not something Magnus took lightly. With an unnecessarily dramatic sigh, Magnus started going through their case again.The prosecutor was someone he had met before and also an inconsiderate, incompetent fool who cared more about his appearance than actually doing his work. Magnus had beaten his sorry ass so many times the man almost combusted every time they met in a courtroom. 

In fact, Magnus' reputation preceded him to the extent that most prosecutors wanted to settle almost immediately when he took on a case. Which was naive of them; Magnus was never a man to settle, he owned the courtroom, and there were very few jurors that didn't like him. His flair for dramatics always enthralled those listening whilst the poor prosecutors wet their pants. Magnus had worked hard, and from his point of view, winning this case should be a walk in the park. 

The only thorn in his side was the man that just walked through the door to his office. “Nice of you to finally show up,“ Magnus snapped. 

Alec glared at him, then turned his face into a smug grin. “You've missed me?“

Magnus snorted. “No,” Magnus stole another look of the man who had shamelessly penetrated Magnus’ mind too many times over the past week. His entire appearance was abrasive: his height, his shoulders, his arms, his ass, and not to mention his jawline. Lastly, that stupid neck tattoo he had. The way it accentuated the already sharp jawline and drew the attention to his Adam's apple. Ridiculous. Magnus caught himself wondering how far down below the collar it would reach. Alec's chuckle brought him out of his train of thoughts and, to his dismay, Magnus felt his cheeks redden. What the fuck was wrong with him?

Fortunately, as Alec walked towards him and put his briefcase on Magnus' desk, he didn’t look at him at all, so he failed to notice Magnus flushed cheeks. As he was opening it and taking out a few files he said calmly, still without looking at Magnus, “I've been thinking. I should do the opening, you’re a much better closer than I am.” 

Magnus gawked at him and blinked twice. Did Alec just give him an honest compliment or was this some sort of game to make Magnus lower his guard? He narrowed his eyes and glared at Alec suspiciously before answering, “Why does one have to exclude the other? Don't you think it's better if the same person approaches the jurors? Build trust, solidify the narrative?“

“I think we should do what we are great at. And I am, in fact, better than you with the opening arguments in this kind of case. You of all people should know that,“ Alec stated matter-of-factly.

"Oh, low blow," Magnus hissed. It had been years, and Magnus still felt the defeat as if it was yesterday. The first time they met had been in a courtroom. The first, and only time, Magnus had ever lost a case. He had many fond memories of his time working prosecution, but that wasn't one of them. Being so callously reminded of his own failures struck a nerve he didn't even know he had. “I'm still in charge of this case, and we will not divide. I'll do both.“

“Why?“

“Because I can.” 

Alec flailed his arm and ran his hand through the hair. “That's just absolutely ridiculous! How the hell have you been able to win all these cases with this kind of arguing?“ he cried out. 

So it had been a game then. When sweet talking didn’t do the trick, insult seemed to be the next step. Magnus narrowed his eyes and spat, “Let’s make something clear. I’ve been working my ass off with this case for over six months. There’s NO way I’ll let you come in here and take over. This is MY case. If my work isn’t to your liking, you know where the door is.”

Silence fell between them, and Magnus tried his best to steady his breathing. They were both staring at each other; Magnus could read the distaste all over Alec’s face. “Your case? YOUR case?” he sneered, “We both know the drill. You know that’s not how it works. You’re not some paralegal, for God's sake.”

Magnus was well aware, but too stubborn to admit his own faults. No one had ever cared what he wanted, no one had ever put him first, so why should he then care for others? Camille was the last straw, and Magnus would never let his guard down like that again. “I mean, why do you even want to work here? The Institute has far more resources and takes on much bigger cases, hence you would make a lot more money staying there.”

“Money isn’t everything,” Alec snapped, his chest heaving but he avoided looking at Magnus. 

“Easy for you to say. You’ve had money to throw around you since you were a toddler,” Magnus taunted.

Alec then turned his gaze and studied Magnus. For the briefest of moments, Magnus thought he saw sadness cross the other man’s face, but it was so brief it could have been imagination before Alec schooled his features into a hard mask. “I would rather have my parents accepting me for who I am than money.” There was this undefiable tone in Alec’s voice, one the Magnus hadn’t heard before. “Do you wanna know the real reason I decided to leave? My father could never truly accept the fact that I love dick instead of pussy, and I got sick of it.” With just one sentence, the defiant tone was back. Alec stared at Magnus, his eyes pinning him down. “I thought at least here, I would be able to be me without anyone judging me or lining up possible female dates every day.” By now, Alec’s voice was hard, his posture rigid, and he held his chin up. 

Normally the man’s entire appearance would trigger Magnus in every possible way, but instead a very strange feeling of guilt flooded him. He, of all people, should know better than to assume things about others. In fact, he should have known. Every interview he's read, every meeting he's had with Maryse and Robert Lightwood should have made him aware that being gay at the Institute wasn't unchallenging. Alec's life might not have been as golden as Magnus had painted it to be.

“Are you trying to win some sympathy points? If so, it’s working. I’m really sorry that I jumped to conclusions. I let my own prejudice get the better of me.” Magnus noticed how Alec relaxed, and his face lit up for the first time since he arrived. He opened his mouth to say something, but Magnus cut him off immediately. “The fact that I sympathize with your personal life doesn’t mean I’ve changed my mind about how to proceed in our case.” 

Alec closed his mouth and clenched his jaw. That, together with the narrowed eyes, told Magnus that Alec was far from happy with the decision Magnus had made, and Magnus expected him to argue. They stared at each other for a moment until Alec averted his gaze and took a deep breath. “Let’s get to work then. This opening argument won’t write itself,” Alec stated before he found himself a chair and sat down. Magnus got an unfamiliar feeling in his chest, possibly akin to disappointment. There was nothing to be disappointed about; he should be happy Alec didn’t argue. He did, after all, not even want to be close to the man in the first place.

Chapter Text

The first day of trial was here. Despite everything, the last few days had been spent preparing the opening statement together, though not in the same room. The online conversations, solely focusing on the case, created some kind of truce between the two lawyers. As long as Magnus didn't have to be around him, and Alec got into his lawyer mode, they could actually get along. It was the mere sight of the man that made his blood boil, making his skin tingle with fire. Magnus would deny it to his dying breath if someone dared to ask, but Alec had actually proven himself useful and challenged Magnus to do better. Magnus had thought the discussion about the opening argument would arise at some point, but the topic never came up.

Magnus took a deep breath as he entered the courtroom. Magnus was usually the one to be early, and now he let the familiar smells triggered a buzz of excitement underneath his skin as he looked around the almost empty courtroom. He loved this, he lived this. The courtroom was his. He noticed that Alec was already seated, shuffling through some papers. On the other side sat the prosecutor, nervously tugging at the collar of his shirt, and even from a distance, Magnus could see that he was sweating. 

Magnus cleared his throat “Good morning, Angels,” he greeted loudly. The prosecutor startled and almost toppled over his chair as he stood up. He turned to face Magnus with a weak smile on his face. Magnus immediately felt the adrenaline of a victory course through his veins. “My dear Raj, you look well,” he drawled and stretched out his hand towards the prosecutor who hesitantly shook it. He then turned to his so-called partner, who hadn't even looked up. Magnus studied the profile, the way the long eyelashes brushed the cheek as he blinked, the way he twitched his jaw as he was deep in thought, and the long legs outstretched under the desk. Such a shame that they could only work online.

“Are you ready to watch and learn from the master?” he grinned to no avail since Alec just grunted, still not looking up. A bit deflated Magnus took the seat next to him. Their client would be brought to them any minute, and Magnus needed a moment alone to prepare, to get into the right mindset. The rush of being in a courtroom was what made him him . Magnus pictured the courtroom as his stage, the jurors his audience. He prided himself on being able to read them easily, to see who he was charming and ever so often he managed to get a smile from every single one of them. Magnus closed his eyes and took a deep breath, imitating a meditative pose, and stayed like that until someone cleared their throat next to him. Their client was here, the trial was about to begin. 

<<<

Magnus tried to concentrate on what the prosecutor was saying, but as always everything that came out of his mouth was not worthy of his attention. He couldn’t fathom how he got to prosecute a case of this magnitude, that itself got Magnus suspicious. He watched how Raj finished up and got back to his seat. He looked pleased with himself, gave them a smirk as he sat down. Magnus wasn’t worried at all, he knew that what they had worked on would shred a lot of the so-called evidence the prosecution had to pieces. 

“Is the defense ready?” Magnus heard the judge ask. He took a deep breath, letting the adrenaline fill him to the brim. He fixed his tie and got ready to stand up. 

“We are, Your Honor,” Magnus heard a voice next to him say. He snapped his head and stared in disbelief at Alec who had stood up and walked out on the floor. Magnus’ jaw dropped, he didn’t even try to bother and hide his surprise. What the fuck was he doing? With the last bit of restraint he had, Magnus didn’t call him out. Instead, he curled his hands tighter around the armrest to keep him from standing up, from making a scene in the middle of the courtroom. With a fire burning in his stomach, he had to watch how Alec mesmerized the jurors. How he walked around oozing confidence and used his whole body as he spoke. With the fire spreading through his veins, Magnus’ attention grudgingly shifted over to Alec’s hands – his eyes were almost glued on his hands that were never still. It seemed as if Alec was telling the story only with his hands. When Alec reached the end, the jurors were all practically kneeling at his feet, staring at him in awe and Magnus was all kinds of hot and his breathing came in short puffs. 

The moment Alec turned and gave Magnus a look full of self-confidence, mirth, and raw desire was the moment Magnus truly ignited. It was as if every fiber of being was set on fire. It all went straight to Magnus’ crotch, made his dick twist, and Magnus couldn’t focus any longer. He cursed his body for reacting this way, for the sheer want that seeped through every pore of his body. Alec Lightwood may be a walking sex god, but the deception, the stealing of his case was not something Magnus took lightly. 

Once the court adjourned for the day, Magnus was still fuming with anger and stayed unprofessionally seated while Alec talked to their client. Before Magnus got a chance to get Alec alone, he was gone, as if he disappeared into thin air. Magnus could only stare at the spot where Alec had stood. Determined to read Alec the riot act, Magnus aimed to find him – there’s no way he would let him just leave and get away with that stunt he had pulled. 

Quickly he gathered his things in order to hunt Alec down. As he walked through the corridor and down the stairs of the courthouse, he cursed those long legs of Alec’s that gave him the opportunity to run away without even running. He knew Alec was probably walking back to the office, it wasn’t that far, and Magnus could easily spot him walking down the street. It wasn’t that difficult when he’s almost a head taller than everyone else around him. 

“Lightwood!” Magnus called out, but there were no signs that he had even heard him. Alec kept walking, and Magnus refused to run after him in the street. He had some sort of dignity, after all. Instead, he just followed suit, trying to keep up, knowing they were both heading for the office. Magnus caught up with him as Alec had just entered the elevator. The doors were about to close and Magnus pressed himself inside and shoved Alec in the chest and cornered him against the back wall. 

“What the fuck do you think you are doing!?” Magnus growled. Alec just stared back at him for a moment before he shrugged and straightened his clothes. Alec fixed his tie in slow motion and held his chin high with a bored expression on his face. The way he cocked his eyebrow almost made Magnus combust. It was the fact that he didn’t even bother to respond that made Magnus lose his control. He grabbed the man by the lapels, firmly enough for the fabric to stretch underneath his fists. Magnus was tall and well-built, even if he wasn’t broad. The man in front of him was just everything Magnus wasn’t. Magnus hated him, hated the fact that the other man was taller than him, hated that he could tower over him when they argued, making Magnus feel small, even worse in the closed space of an elevator. 

“ANSWER ME!” At this point, Magnus didn’t even care that he yelled. 

“What do you want me to say?” Alec finally answered as he swatted Magnus’s hands away, his voice tight. 

“That’s not what we agreed on!”

“Did I not win over the jurors? Did I not do a great job out there?“ Alec sneered, and Magnus’ lizard brain reacted instinctively. He shoved Alec’s shoulders, pressing him against the back wall. 

“That's beside the point!“ Magnus spat and glared at the man. 

“How can it be? You know I would do excellent work, you're just too fucking stubborn to realize it!“ 

“How am I supposed to work with someone I can't trust? Someone who doesn't listen?“

“I NEVER agreed, and I didn't argue because I knew you wouldn’t listen. Pride makes you do stupid things. I decided it wasn't worth risking the case,“ Alec lamented. Magnus could feel how Alec’s outburst made him tense under his hand. He wasn’t as unfazed as he appeared to be. Even Alec had to struggle to keep his composure. 

“Pride? That has nothing to do with it.“

“It has everything to do with it. You know what, I can't believe that I left the Institute for you, that I wanted to work with you. I really wanted to be able to pick that magnificent brain of yours. I just never thought that you would be a complete ass,” Alec hissed. 

That hurt more than Magnus wanted to admit. He let go of Alec’s shoulders, fisting his hands as he let his arms fall down by his sides. He had promised himself to never make someone else feel bad because of him. But there was something about this man that brought out the worst in him. 

The elevator pinged. Magnus was well aware of the sound of the doors sliding open. Both of them stared at each other, breathing harshly but neither of them wanted to be the one walking away. Magnus clenched his jaw, cursing vehemently in his mind. He was going to tell Ragnor this partnership was doomed, they would never be able to cooperate. Whispering from the outside made Magnus spring into action. “Fuck you, Lightwood,” he hissed as he turned to leave. The small group of people standing outside the elevator, his PA included, stared at them. Magnus tried his best not to let the scrutinizing gaze of his PA affect him or show any response to the smug retort that came from inside the elevator. 

“Never, you would enjoy that too much.”

Chapter Text

Things weren’t great between them, mostly because Magnus had no interest in either apologizing or accepting the fact that Alec had made the right decision with the opening statement. A conclusion he’d reached late last night, when he couldn’t sleep, his mind constantly conjuring images of their little argument in the elevator. Alec stirred up emotions Magnus wasn’t used to having lately,  feelings he had sworn off. He most certainly didn’t want to lay sleepless because of them. Focusing on work seemed the right –the only– thing to do. 

He and Alec were prepared for today. Despite the argument they had had in the elevator, they went back to their email correspondence and had managed to decide on a strategy. There was a clear path for Alec to follow, and this statement would be a slam dunk for the defense. It was time for the defense to put the last nail in the coffin. The prosecution had been lining up their witnesses, one by one, and all of them tried their best to paint a very awful picture of their client. They made quite the team in the courtroom too, turning every witness into a stuttering mess to the point where they started contradicting themselves and Magnus felt quite good about himself. Not that he was surprised, this was, after all, his arena. Now the prosecution was down to their final witness, and it was important that they got this right. 

Magnus didn’t pay much attention to what was said in the beginning. Like last time they were in court, he got slightly distracted by his partner's physique. How the blazer stretched over the broad shoulders, and Magnus caught himself ogling the man’s ass. If he didn’t know better, he could have sworn that Alec’s pants had gotten tighter since they started working together. 

“And that’s when you saw Mr. Herondale coming out of the building?” Alec’s voice penetrated Magnus’ thoughts abruptly. What the actual fuck!? They had agreed not to bring him up at all. Magnus felt the rage pooling in his gut like last time, and his mind went completely blank. This time he couldn’t stop himself, and he stood. 

“Your Honor, I'd like to request a short recess to confer with my colleague,” Magnus announced, firmer than he usually would when he spoke to the judge. The whole room went silent and everyone was staring at him, everyone but Alec. He didn’t look at Magnus, his attention was solely on the judge. An act that made Magnus even more furious.

The judge stared at Magnus, and they looked almost stunned. “On what grounds? You're in the middle of questioning a witness.” 

At that moment Alec chose to turn and look at Magnus. To his surprise, the usual defiant look wasn’t what Magnus saw in his partner’s eyes; instead, it felt more like pleading. Magnus swallowed hard, he was a professional, and he had already made enough of a fool of himself. He looked at the judge and straightened out his jacket. Magnus’ blood was boiling, but all he could think of was the expression on Alec’s face, the silent request to trust him. If Alec was wrong about this, it could destroy their client completely. 

Magnus looked at Alec for a moment and then back at the judge. He made a decision. “I’m sorry, Your Honor, I withdraw the request.” 

<<<

“Are you, or are you not, two grown men with outstanding careers behind you? Are you or are you not the two most competent lawyers in this city?” Ragnor wasn’t happy, and Magnus was still furious. He and Alec hadn’t had a chance to talk alone either because news travels fast. As soon as they both were back at the office, Simon had informed them that Ragnor was waiting for them in his office. 

“Yes,” they both mumbled, and Magnus had to fight the urge to shuffle with his foot like a child being scolded by his teacher. Somehow, being scolded made him even angrier. Alec was the reason he had embarrassed his best friend and their firm. 

“Then get your shit together and act like it. No one said you have to wine and dine each other, but at this firm I expect some sort of professional behavior. Yours are far from it. Now leave this office before I throw you out.” 

Without even looking at Alec, Magnus strode out of the office, his cheeks burning with shame. He ignored his PA trying to say something and shoved his office door open. Alec wasn’t far behind him, and as he slammed the door shut behind him, all hell broke loose. 

“Magnus, what the hell is wrong with you!?”

“With ME!? It’s not ME who can’t follow instructions and do as I’m told. Or this time you weren’t even told, you fucking AGREED!”

“Were we in the same courtroom today? How could you not have noticed that I had to deviate? Did you not hear what she said?” Alec spat.

Magnus couldn’t really yell back at that. He hadn’t paid attention, he had lost focus on the case. He couldn’t tell Alec that he lost focus in the courtroom because he was too busy ogling his ass. At this point, Magnus didn’t know what was more humiliating: that he had lost focus or to admit he was wrong. He had no interest in either, so he lashed out. 

“We agreed that we would keep our client out of this, at all costs. I don’t think you get it, Lightwood. This firm’s heart and soul are our clients, and they don't have money. Their reputation is all they have left, and we’ll protect it at all cost.”

“Magnus, I do get that. I do know what I signed up for.”

“Do you? You went to your fancy ivy league school and then straight to working for the Institute. You’ve been defending the worst of the worst, and you’ve made quite the money from it.”

Alec had the decency to look slightly guilty and was about to say something as Magnus continued. “Most of the work we do here is pro bono, this case is no exception, something you’ve NEVER shown any interest in before.”

The air in the room was suddenly heavy from the underlying accusation, and Magnus’ emotions were rapidly growing completely out of control. He glared at Alec, waiting for the response. “You’re right Magnus. I might not have fully understood it until I started working here. I've started to see it differently, to see the benefits from this kind of work. All I ever wanted was to use my talents to help people.” Alec paused for a moment, worrying his lower lip and locked eyes with Magnus. “That’s actually another reason why I wanted to join this firm to begin with. This case is just the beginning, I’m gonna start taking on my own cases too.”

Something changed at that very moment, something Magnus couldn’t quite put his finger on. Maybe it was just the fact that Alec seemed to relax a bit, a small but still noticeable change in his posture. The temperature in the room rose as Alec tilted his head to the side, letting his eyes wander up and down Magnus. He lowered his voice, now sweet as honey, “In fact, I think I'll start...," the pregnant pause, along with the usual cocked eyebrow and raised chin, created goosebumps all over Magnus’ arms, and his breath caught. When Alec locked eyes with Magnus, they were filled with mirth, and together with the devilish grin that spread over his lips, it sent a shiver of want down Magnus’ spine. “... with you, Magnus. I’ll do you pro bono.”

Magnus’ jaw dropped and he was rendered speechless. The innuendo was left hanging between them as they glared at each other like two fighters in different ring corners just waiting for the bell. Magnus would write it off as a moment of weakness, and actually, he didn’t know who closed the distance between them first but suddenly Magnus had Alec pressed up against the door to the office crashing their lips together. It was far from sweet. It was sloppy, too much tongue, teeth clashing together, hands wandering and tugging at clothes but Magnus had never been more turned on in his entire life. 

“Magnus, I just came by to see if you were still-” The door handle rattled and there was a slight push on the door. “Magnus, why is the door blocked?” Ragnor’s voice boomed through the door. 

Both men froze, then Alec pushed first Magnus and then himself away from the door. They both did their best to straighten up their clothes before the door flew open.

“What is wrong with-” Ragnor cut himself off as he caught sight of his employees. He studied them both with narrowed eyes, letting his eyes wander from their disheveled clothes, swollen lips, the messy hair, to the slight blush on their cheeks. Ragnor was no fool, which is why he didn’t comment on it. He simply tutted, shook his head, and closed the door again. 

As the door clicked shut, an awkward silence fell over the room. The only sound was the ticking from the clock on Magnus’ wall. 

“Uhm, I should go,” Alec murmured as he rubbed the nape of his neck. 

Magnus needed to take a deep breath before he could even find his voice. “Yeah, I have some work to finish up before I can head home. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Alec glanced at Magnus, his eyes flickering between his mouth and eyes. He hesitated, as if he was about to say something, but decided not to and then left the office without another word. If Magnus stood frozen, slightly dazed, staring after him, and wondering what the hell just happened, no one would ever know. 

Chapter Text

Magnus hadn't been able to stop thinking of the kiss; he had gone over yesterday's event more times than he liked to admit to himself. He hadn't made much progress, though. He was still not sure why he had kissed Alec Lightwood. The worst part of it was how amazing it had felt. It was a kiss that easily outshone every other kiss Magnus had ever had. It wasn't supposed to feel good, the man was infuriating and Magnus hated him, his blood boiled as soon as he laid eyes on him. 

As Magnus entered the courtroom, he forced himself to focus. It was time for the defense to do their work, and their client was depending on them, on him. Magnus knew that the defense so far had a strong case; he had noticed the sympathetic gazes the jurors had given their client during the last cross-examination. Their own witnesses were prepared and more than ready to meet Raj. The only thing that didn’t sit quite right with Magnus was how the prosecutor had changed in his appearance since the first day. As he saw him now, he sat with confidence in his chair. He really shouldn't, and it made Magnus uncharacteristically nervous. 

“Lightwood,” Magnus said as he sat down beside his partner, who as always was infuriatingly early, “have you noticed how smug Raj seems?” 

“I have, Bane, I have. I don’t know why, but I’m pretty sure we’ll find out eventually.” Magnus noticed Alec's tone was different. Usually, that sort of remark would be dripping with sarcasm. When Alec looked up and their eyes met, Magnus had to swallow hard from the intensity he saw. It seemed as if Alec hadn’t forgotten about last night either. The moment broke as their client was brought to the table and they had to rise. As they seated themselves again, Magnus could feel Alec’s fingers brush against his hand, a brush that immediately set his skin on fire. He turned to sneak a glance of the man, but Alec just kept his gaze straight forward and nothing in his face gave anything away.  Normally, Magnus wouldn’t be reading anything into a touch like that. He needed to get some sort of release when a simple coincidental touch could set him on fire like that. This has to end. 

<<<

Magnus was pleased, so far, everything went according to plan. One last witness before lunch break, and he predicted the afternoon to run equally smooth. As he watched their witness take their place on the stand, Magnus stretched his legs, being a bit restless after sitting down for hours. It didn’t take long until he felt something nudging at his foot, only to realize it was Alec hooking his foot around Magnus’s ankle. The surprise action made Magnus tense, and at the same time, he felt a light touch of a hand on his shoulder. Alec leaned in, whispering in his ear, “Will you have lunch with me?” At that moment, Magnus' focus was lost and the trial all but forgotten. All he could focus on was how Alec’s breath made him shiver. Before he could answer, they were abruptly brought back to the present as the prosecution started their cross-examination. 

They both tensed, and Alec straightened up in his chair, no longer playing footsie with Magnus, as they heard the line of questioning from the prosecutor. They listened in and the final question made Alec rise to his feet.

“Objection, Your Honor. He’s badgering the witness!” Oh fuck. Magnus' breath hitched, and  the hair rose on his forearms. Alec’s assertive tone sent all of Magnus’ blood down to his groin. He swallowed and changed his position in the chair, desperately wanting to hide the potentially growing bulge in his pants. Sweat started to bead on his forehead, and Magnus had to fight the urge to loosen his tie. 

“Sustained. Counselor, rephrase the question,” the judge said. Magnus couldn’t look at Alec as he sat down next to him fearing that he might lose control, grab the man by the lapels, and kiss him senseless. 

“I’m sorry, Your Honor. I withdraw the question. No further questions.” The prosecutor said, too smug, but this time, at least he should be. There’s no way the jurors would be able to unhear the question.  

“Okay. Thank you. There’ll be a short lunch break before the defense’s last witnesses,” the judge announced, slamming the gavel loud enough to make Magnus flinch as he was so high strung it felt as if his skin was too small. Their client was led away from them, and Alec stood up next to Magnus, his ass perfectly in line of Magnus’ sight. It was impossible not to let his eyes follow the curves, regretting the missed opportunity when he didn’t get the chance to put his hands on them yesterday. 

Alec turned and gave Magnus a look, his question from earlier still unanswered. Magnus’ eyes were now flickering between his partner’s lips and the movement of the Adam’s apple as Alec swallowed. “I’m going to the bathroom,” he said almost as a question and barely loud enough for Magnus to hear. He was gone before Magnus had the chance to respond. Was that an invitation, the same as the one asking for lunch? Magnus' body was too hot, and before he could think too much of it, he went to find him. 

Magnus shoved the door to the bathroom open. Alec turned his head towards him while simultaneously fixing his tie. “Bane?” 

Magnus stared at him and let the door click shut before locking it behind him. Watching Alec, standing by the row of sinks a few meters away, made his heart rate speed up. No matter his feelings, the man was utterly gorgeous, and the memory of their kiss and him defending their witness in court was still very fresh on Magnus’ mind. There was no doubt that his body wanted him; it had been telling him that very thing since the first day. Magnus stopped at the door for a moment, and then he strode past the stalls confirming that they were alone. 

Magnus turned and let his eyes roam over Alec from head to toe, a heat rapidly spreading through his veins like fire. Fuck it all, he wanted this man, wanted to taste him. Magnus closed the distance between them, pinned Alec to the sink, one arm on each side. He could smell that earthy scent he’d grown so accustomed to, at the moment, it was driving him insane with want. 

“Tell me you don’t want this,” Magnus breathed against Alec’s neck. 

“If I did, it would be a lie,” Alec gasped.

Magnus leaned back and stared into his eyes for a moment before he crashed their lips together. There was no holding back now; it was too late. Magnus let his tongue trace the seam of his lips, and Alec didn’t hesitate to open up and let him. Competitive as they were, there was this struggle before they settled on a pace that they both could drown in. It was messy, too much tongue and teeth, but Magnus couldn't care less when Alec broke the kiss and placed open mouth kisses along his jaw. 

“This is only sex, no more,” Magnus breathed. Alec only hummed in reply against his neck, and Magnus’ brain short-circuited completely when Alec spun them around and let his hands slip underneath Magnus’ thighs, lifting him up and placing him on the countertop. Magnus immediately reacted by circling his legs around Alec’s waist, bringing him in closer. Alec trailed kisses down his neck, and his fingers were fumbling with the top buttons of Magnus’ shirt, and Magnus let his own hands wander up along Alec’s back before they slid down over his chest, aiming for the buttons of his shirt. 

“Only you wear a fucking three-piece suit to court,” Alec growled as he now fumbled with the buttons on Magnus’ vest. Magnus couldn’t help but find the furrowed brows and the tip of his tongue that stuck out when Alec was concentrating adorable. Not to let it distract him, Magnus made quick work of Alec's buttons, letting his hands caress the planes of the chest that got exposed as he got Alec’s shirt open all the way down to the waistband. The open shirt gave him full access to Alec's neck, and Magnus let out a small gasp as he saw how far down the tattoo reached. He leaned forward and pressed his lips at the end of it on the collarbone. The tattoo had been on his mind since he first laid eyes on it. He started tracing it with his tongue, following the zigzag pattern halfway up the neck and over the pulse point. He bit down. He heard Alec moan, a moan that made Magnus’ pants insanely tight. Magnus gently soothed the spot he’d bitten down with his tongue before continuing up, ending his mission by biting down on the lobe of Alec’s ear. 

“Fuck,” Alec panted, and he seemed even more frustrated as he started tugging at the vest. “Can't you just get it off-”

Magnus smirked, his mouth busy leaving marks along Alec’s collarbone. “I can get you off,” Magnus mumbled as he let his tongue trace down Alec’s chest, slowly circling a nipple. 

“I can’t–,” Alec panted, “I just can’t–'' he trailed off as Magnus slid one of his hands up Alec’s thigh, palming his now hard cock. 

“I want you to feel good,” Magnus whispered hoarsely. 

Alec groaned loudly, letting his hands travel down to Magnus' belt instead of the buttons they failed to unbutton. Magnus leaned back as much as he could to give Alec better access. Alec was more successful with Magnus’ pants. With the fly open he stroked along Magnus’ cock. The boxers gave a nice friction, and Magnus had to bite his lip not to moan loudly. Something he failed at as Alec slipped two fingers underneath the waistband of Magnus’ boxers, teasingly brushing at the base of his cock. 

“Fuuuuuck,” Magnus moaned when Alec leaned down and pressed a kiss on his cock, leaving a wet mark on his boxers.  

Alec’s hands grabbed underneath Magnus’ knees and scooted him down from the sink before he gracefully dropped to his knees. Magnus could hardly breathe at the sight, but there was no time to think as Alec tugged down his pants and underwear mid-thigh in a go. Alec surged forward and placed open mouth kisses on the inside of Magnus’ thighs, and then he sat back on his heels, fixating Magnus’s cock with his eyes. Magnus felt he got even harder by the pure desire in Alec’s eyes. “Can I?” 

In the haze of the desire Magnus was experiencing himself, it took him a moment to register the question. “Yes,” he breathed out, “My last test result was negative-” He didn’t even get the chance to complete the sentence until Alec surged forward and kissed the head of Magnus’ cock. Alec wrapped his hand around the base of his cock, firm but not too firm. Perfect. All Magnus could do was to thread his fingers into Alec’s hair and tug gently, earning himself a gasp before Alec let his flattened tongue slowly trace the vein from the root of his cock to the head, dipping it into the slit. Magnus' knees wobbled, and he had to let go of Alec’s hair to let the sink support him. Alec was merciless, swallowing him down almost completely, the hand wrapped around Magnus’ cock working the parts his mouth didn’t reach. Magnus made the mistake of glancing down; the sight of Alec and his rosy cheeks, on his knees, and saliva dripping down his chin was breathtaking. Magnus wanted to bury himself in Alec.

Without being able to control himself his hips jolted forward, but to Magnus' surprise Alec just moaned, hollowed his cheeks, and took him in even deeper. Magnus cupped his hand at the back of Alec’s head, tangling his finger in his hair, keeping his head steady as he continued to thrust into Alec’s warm heat. The pleasure was too intense and Magnus knew he wouldn’t last long. He let go of Alec’s head and steadied himself against the counter. 

“I’m gonna–” Magnus moaned and stilled, trying to pull out, but Alec grabbed at his hips and held him still, only humming in reply. He bobbed his head up and down, letting his tongue circle the head of Magnus’ cock. Magnus could feel the heat build around the base of his spine, and when Alec sucked him even harder, he tipped over the edge and shot ropes of come down Alec’s throat. Alec continued to suck him gently through his orgasm, he sucked Magnus completely dry. 

Magnus tugged at Alec, making him rise to his feet and crashed their lips together, licking into Alec’s mouth. The fact that he could taste himself on Alec made him moan loudly, and one hand wandered down to Alec’s belt, feeling the bulge underneath his hand, “I want to–” Magnus started, but a loud bang on the door made them both jump apart. 

“Maintenance!” someone shouted from the other side of the door, “Is everyone alright in there? Can you unlock the door, please? I’m coming in, either way.” Magnus and Alec stared at each other, dumbfounded. Neither of them moved until the door handle rattled. 

“Everything is fine!” Magnus shouted, “Just a minute!” As he tucked himself back into his pants, Magnus could hear Alec mutter something inaudible. “What did you say?” he asked. 

“That all I need right now is to get arrested for public indecency.” 

Magnus chuckled, “Luckily for you, you know a pretty good lawyer.” Alec stared at him, but when the toothy grin broke out on his face, Magnus couldn’t hold back his laughter either. 

“I don’t think I can afford you,” Alec laughed as he straightened out his clothes, trying to fix what Magnus had ruined. 

Magnus buttoned up the few Alec had managed to open on his shirt, then turned to take a look in the mirror to try and save his hair and make-up. He met Alec’s eyes in the mirror, and a devilish grin spread over his lips. Slowly he turned around, tilted his head a little to the side, and cocked an eyebrow. “Maybe not, but as a wise man once told me – I’ll do you pro bono.”

The chuckle and the following blinding smile that line gave him spread a warmth in his body that he had never felt before. He still had a smile on his face as he unlocked the door and stepped outside the bathroom, ignoring the curious stares of the people waiting outside. 

Chapter Text

In no universe would this have been possible, it simply wasn’t supposed to happen. Fuck that fucking smug Raj – or even better if someone could punch that stupid grin off his face. Magnus had been in post-orgasm bliss as the trial had proceeded after the lunch break. Alec, on the other hand, not so much, and Magnus had assumed that more or less was due to the still visible bulge in his pants. Magnus hid his grin behind his hand when Alec glared at him. 

Magnus' bliss was shattered when the prosecution brought forth new compelling evidence and made Magnus and Alec realize why Raj had looked so smug and relaxed. Magnus had acted quickly and asked for an adjournment since they needed time to go over this new piece of evidence. They had gotten until Monday; Magnus had never been more grateful to use a weekend to work. 

That’s what still had him at his office at an ungodly hour – well, Alec too –  going over everything they had and the new evidence that had come up. 

Magnus sneaked a glance at Alec. He looked so deep in thought that Magnus dared to actually look at him. The hook-up in the bathroom the other day was still fresh on his mind, and seeing Alec didn’t quite fill him with the anger it used to. No, seeing him on the couch with his brows furrowed and lips pouting, caused something warm to sweep through Magnus’ body. He had to remind himself that this man more than once had proven to be unreliable. They were not friends. They were barely coworkers. As for the hook-up, they were enemies with benefits. A benefit Magnus definitely would not say no to if the occasion would arise again.  

Magnus forced himself to look away, he didn’t want to get caught staring. He looked at the clock ticking on his wall. The second hand seemed to move in slow motion. Time, Magnus thought. His brain had been foggy the last hour, but Magnus could feel something start to work at the back of his head. Time. Time, time, time . Why did that even trigger him? Eagerly he started shuffling through his papers, searching for something. When was this evidence logged into the system? Skimming through the evidence log for the piece of information he needed. His eyes grew wide, and his heart started to beat faster. This was it. 

“Alec!” Magnus exclaimed. Alec’s head snapped in his direction, surprise written all over his face. Well, it was the first time Magnus had ever used his first name, but at this moment he couldn’t care less. “Look at the evidence log and tell me what you see,” Magnus urged. 

Alec stood up and stretched his arms upwards, high enough for the shirt to ride up, revealing those amazing abs Magnus had grazed his fingers over the other day. Disappointingly, Magnus had to refocus as Alec was done stretching and his shirt back in place. The smirk on Alec’s face also told Magnus he hadn’t missed the way Magnus ogled him. Alec strode across the office, walked around the desk, placing his forearm on the backrest of Magnus’ chair. His fingertips grazed Magnus’ shoulder; a simple touch that sent a shiver down Magnus’ spine and made the hair at the back of his neck rise. When the smell of Alec reached his nose, the memories of what happened in the bathroom almost consumed him. He needed to get his hands and mouth on him once again – soon.   

Magnus studied Alec as he read through the paper. He could tell the exact moment he realized Magnus’ discovery just by that small gasp he let out, how his eyes widened, and how he tensed up. Not that Magnus knew many of Alec’s micro-expressions by now, why would he? He didn’t spend an insane amount of time ogling him. 

“That’s a stretch...Magnus,” Alec says, and the way he adds Magnus hesitantly stirs up some commotion in Magnus’ stomach. “It's just a technicality,” he continued. 

“Yeah, but still. I think we could get this evidence dismissed.”

Alec furrowed his brows and scrunched his nose. A devilish smile appeared on his face. “Even if it doesn’t get dismissed, it might at least give us reasonable doubt. Magnus, I think you cracked it.“

Magnus couldn't stop the feeling of pride that filled his chest at the praise. Nor the smile that seemed to grow so wide it stretched his lips enough to remind him he needed to use his chapstick. Magnus held back the disappointed sigh as Alec removed his arm and therefore the light touch. The disappointment didn’t last too long since then there was a hand cupping his cheek, firm and gentle at the same time, turning Magnus’ head. They locked eyes, and the raw desire that was in Alec’s sent the very little brain function Magnus had left straight to the gutter. Alec grabbed his shirt and hoisted him out of the chair only to crash their lips together. It wasn’t like last time, this was with more finesse. Magnus registered how well their lips fit together and let his hand slip into Alec’s hair. 

Magnus got lost in the feeling of Alec’s lips against his when he broke off the kiss. “I think you’ve earned yourself a reward,” Alec murmured hoarsely , his hand slowly wandering down to cup Magnus’ cock, only to let the heel of his palm stroke down the already semi-hard length.   

Magnus’ body never hesitated, even if his mind still focused on the fact that this was a man he supposedly hated. Though now, with a hand stroking down his now fully hard cock even his mind seemed to forget why. A scary thought, to let go and let himself once more be consumed by the pleasure Alec could give him. “No, I don’t want a reward. I believe in payment for services rendered,” he grinned . 

Alec chuckled, his eyes full of mirth. “Is that so?” His voice was husky and he placed a series of open-mouthed kisses down Magnus’ neck, “Are you trying to negotiate my terms?”

“I think I want to settle,” Magnus breathed out. His breath caught as Alec sucked on his pulse point, the pleasure making him forget that it would probably leave a pretty visible mark. 

“Settle, huh?” Alec had more luck with the buttons on Magnus’ shirt today, sliding it off his shoulders as he continued kissing down his collarbone. “I’m gonna be the Warlock’s first? I’m honored,” he continued as he bit down over the collarbone. 

Magnus made a strangled noise, his head swimming with desire. “Don’t get too full of yourself, Lightwood.”

“I'd rather get filled by you,” Alec mumbled against his skin, tugging Magnus' shirt out of his pants, hands sliding down his body. 

Magnus snorted. “Aren’t you supposed to be an excellent opener? That was lame.” Alec stopped kissing him, and straightened, locking eyes with Magnus. The air between them was charged and Magnus stopped breathing. A devilish grin spread over Alec’s lips and he leaned forward, their lips almost touching. 

“You’ll see reason when I open you up.” Alec gracefully sank down on his knees, pressing his lips against Magnus’ abs. Everything ceased to exist, everything but Alec’s tongue tracing the ridges, the lips, and the teeth against his skin. 

Magnus shivered, and he wanted that so badly. But not tonight, tonight he wanted to get his hand on Alec, and when he felt Alec’s hands on his zipper, he grabbed at his wrists. “That was not a part of tonight’s negotiation. I want my hands on you.”

Alec looked up at him, pupil blown wide, cheeks flushed, hair rumpled. So beautiful it made Magnus’ heart flutter . “Those are your terms?”

Magnus let go of his wrists, slid his hand along the arms, over the shoulders, cupping the back of his neck. “They are.”

Alec let himself get pulled back up on his feet. “Well, you got yourself a deal, Warlock.” 

Words were no longer necessary, Magnus grabbed at Alec and spun them around, positioning Alec with his back against him. Magnus let his hands map out Alec’s torso and abs. He made quick work of his belt, button, and zipper, tugging his pants and boxers down in one go. He rucked Alec’s shirt and took a moment to appreciate the perfection that was Alec’s ass before he placed a hand between his shoulders to give a gentle push and got him bent over his desk. Alec’s ass was perfectly aligned with Magnus’ hard, clothed cock. Magnus grinded against Alec, giving himself enough friction to make himself impossibly harder, before moving down, placing open-mouthed kisses down the round swell of Alec’s ass, biting down on one of the magnificent buttcheeks. The strangled sounds Alec was making by then, shut down the very few brain cells Magnus had left. He slowly trailed his tongue up along Alec’s spine, rucking Alec's shirt up even higher as he continued his quest, cursing the tight shirt for not letting him reach all the way up to Alec’s neck. Slowly he kissed every inch of exposed skin on Alec’s back, pressing his own body closer. 

“Fuuuuuck, Magnus,” Alec groaned and pushed back against him, Magnus’ cock fitting perfectly in the crease. 

“So impatient,” Magnus tutted, spat in his hand, and wrapped it around Alec’s already leaking cock. He ran his thumb over the head, gathering the precome already pooling there. Magnus started stroking, slow but firm. 

“Faster, fuck, harder, Magnus,” Alec panted. Magnus was only happy to oblige, one hand holding Alec’s hip, grinding against Alec’s ass to meet the strokes of the cock. “I’m not gonna last,” Alec gasped.

Magnus plastered himself over Alec’s back, kissing along his jaw. “Come for me, Alexander,” he said hoarsely. 

Alec came with a cry, all over Magnus’ desk. Still plastered over Alec’s back, Magnus kept stroking him through his orgasm, milking him of every drop. He could feel Alec going limb underneath him, so he straightened up, hooking one arm around Alec’s chest and pulled him up with him. They stood for a moment, Alec catching his breath and Magnus tried to focus on anything but his still achingly hard cock in his pants. Alec turned in his arms, pressed his lips against Magnus’, and a hand on Magnus’ waist pressed them even closer together. 

“Come back with me, to my place, and I’ll take care of that,” Alec breathed out against his mouth, hand cupping Magnus’ hard cock. Magnus froze, his whole body screamed yes, but his brain couldn’t supply his mouth with the word. Following Alec sounded too close to commitment, and this was just stress release, nothing else. Just sex. 

Alec seemed to notice the lack of response from Magnus and leaned back, searching his eyes for some sort of answer. Magnus still couldn’t formulate the words, and Alec stepped away, tucking himself away. “I see.” The words weren’t harsh per se, but the voice was grating . It made Magnus feel guilty, which he never did. He needed to say something, anything. 

“I don’t think that’s a great idea.” As soon as the words had left his mouth, Magnus regretted them. Especially when he saw the small wince on Alec’s face. That’s not what he meant to say. But maybe it was what needed to be said. 

“You don’t have to explain, I understand.” Alec waved his hand dismissively, but there was something akin to hurt in his eyes. Magnus suddenly felt the urge to set things right. “Alec, I-”

“Magnus, don’t, just don’t. You’re right. I need to sleep anyway. I’ll see you tomorrow, or something. Great work tonight.” The flood of words that came out of his partner’s mouth were more than he’d ever spoken without taking a breath before. Magnus opened his mouth to say something, but Alec had already turned away and made his way to the door. He opened it without turning around and said, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” 

“I’ll be sure to be ready when you come,” Magnus quipped, trying to lighten the tight feeling around his heart that Alec’s somewhat defeated posture caused. He could see Alec tense up for a second at his reply, and inwardly, Magnus facepalmed himself. W hatever he had thought would happen, his reply for sure didn't lighten the mood, and Alec slammed the door shut behind him. 

Deflated, Magnus glanced over his desk. In hindsight, this hadn’t, in many ways, been his greatest idea. The files on his desk were all mixed together now and also tainted with Alec's come. He grabbed a napkin and tried to wipe them clean, but the stains and the smell still lingered. His eyes roamed the desk and fell on his still half-full coffee mug from earlier. Without hesitation, he took it and poured the remnants over the tainted files. At least he would be able to explain those stains to his PA. 

Chapter Text

Magnus’ head hurt, badly. Sleeping on the couch in his office had never been, and would never be, a good idea. Also, the memory of Alec slamming the door behind him as he had left the other night had been on repeat as soon as Magnus’ closed his eyes. Something had gone terribly wrong, and Magnus didn’t really want to dwell on why he felt so bad about it. He hadn’t, in any way, hinted to Alec that this was something else than just stress release and for fun. 

Taking it out of the office would indeed make it more serious, more serious than anything Magnus had been involved in since Camille. His rules were simple: never in someone’s home, never the awkward mornings of waking up realizing that you fell asleep and didn’t sneak out on time, never having to deal with feelings. But Alec was different. Magnus didn’t want to, but he liked his company. The days they spent together this weekend had given Magnus a glimpse of Alec. How he for some reason had learned Magnus' ridiculous coffee order –that had taken his PA three weeks to learn–, how he always made sure that Magnus ate, how he sensed Magnus' need for breaks. Not to mention discovering how easy he was to talk to. Burying the hatchet, or at least blowing off steam in a bathroom, had made them less prone to argue. The easy conversation they had started online found its way into their real-life conversations. Alec was witty, sharp, and ruthless when necessary. His voice had a tendency to go soft when he mentioned his siblings and frosty when mentioning his parents. And then his laugh. Airy, free, and easy – a sound that wrapped Magnus in a cocoon of warmth. 

Magnus knew he was on thin ice with Alec. That’s why Magnus fought this; he had made the right choice. He needed to reinforce those walls he’d built around his heart before they shattered completely.  

The movement of someone sitting down next to him on the bench was sudden enough to startle Magnus, making him jump in his seat. For once, he was the first to arrive at the courthouse, and now he tried to discreetly look at Alec to get a sense of what kind of mood to expect. Alec looked determined, but not grim. “Good morning,” Magnus said tentatively.

Alec didn’t turn his head to look at him as he spoke. “Morning. You have the document?” Straight to the point, curt, and avoided touching Magnus. Magnus winced and bit his lower lip. Right, well, he probably did deserve it even if he hoped that their progress wouldn’t be completely demolished. 

“Alexander, I-” Magnus started, but he was cut off by the door to the judge’s chambers being opened, and Alec didn’t even care to wait for Magnus to finish before he walked through the open door. Magnus didn’t have any other choice than to follow suit. 

“What’s this nonsense of dismissing evidence?” Raj hissed as all of them were gathered in the chambers. 

Magnus ignored him and directed the judge directly, “Your Honor, we put together a valid argument for having this evidence dismissed.” He handed the judge the document he prepared, the very same he had sent the prosecutor this morning. 

“Your Honor, this is-” Raj tried to argue but the judge silenced him by putting up their hand as they read through the document. Magnus noticed that Raj was seething by now. He would have felt better about it, if not for Alec standing beside him, tense and his face schooled into a hard mask. 

“As far as I can see, this is a legitimate objection. What does the prosecution have to say about this?” The judge said when they were done reading. 

“Your Honor,” Raj proceeded, “This is outrageous, and the defense is clearly grasping for straws…” Magnus continued to listen, but he focused entirely on Alec, who still hadn’t said a word. Magnus glanced up at him, and he seemed to be very focused on the judge and paid little to no attention to Magnus. So this is how it’s going to be, then. Two steps forward and all that. Magnus sighed. Mixing business with pleasure was a great idea.

Not. 

“Your Honor, the prosecution can try and object to this; it really doesn’t matter. This evidence needs to be dismissed,” Alec said, the authoritative tone sending shivers down Magnus' spine. No one had ever stirred so many emotions at once inside Magnus. Alec was different. A very solid reason to keep the boundaries. 

The judge looked at them, one at the time, before clearing their throat. “The defense has a strong case, and I’ll rule in favor of them,” the judge said after a few moments of deliberation. Raj gasped in despair, and Magnus could see a small smile playing at the corner of Alec’s mouth. Magnus himself wanted to dance around the office, but he didn’t. Instead, he caught the prosecutor’s gaze, raised an eyebrow, and smirked. “The evidence in question will be dismissed. The trial will resume in 15 minutes with closing arguments.”

From that moment, everything went on fast. Magnus was prepared for either scenario, but the relief he felt as the judge told the jury that that evidence was struck from the record and for them to disregard the last piece of testimony by the witness, was indescribable. Now he was going to do what he was the best in the city at doing; he was going to charm the pants off those jurors. All they needed was reasonable doubt. 

The courtroom was his, and this closing argument was no different. By the time he was done, the jurors were eating out of his palm, or at least most of them. Juror number 1, as Magnus called him, kept glaring at Magnus when he delivered his final speech. Magnus wasn’t sure whether it was him or the case that made the man glare, but as Magnus turned and caught Alec’s eyes, juror number 1 was very much forgotten. Something had changed during Magnus’ closing argument, something that made Alec look at him intensively, with the raw desire he’d seen the other day. It was enough for a heat to build down low. For a moment, Magnus was speechless and needed to remind himself that mixing business with pleasure was a stupid idea. 

“Thank you, counselor. The jury is now going to begin their deliberations, and the defendant will remain in custody until they’ve reached a verdict. This court is now adjourned.”

<<<

The door to Magnus’ office opened, and Alec appeared in the doorway. A shiver went down Magnus’ spine as his eyes caught Alec’s. He did his best to stay unfazed, simply raising a questioning eyebrow. After the cold shoulder earlier that morning, Magnus couldn’t fathom why Alec looked at him like that. Predaciously . Neither of them spoke, but the air between them felt electric. In one smooth motion, Alec stepped inside and shut the door silently behind him. Magnus noted how he reached for something behind him and as Magnus heard the clicking sound of the lock, he knew. His mouth dried up in an instant. 

“You know, you did good today,” Alec drawled, walking over to the window and closing the blinds. Magnus swallowed hard and licked his lips in a desperate attempt to get control of his body. Alec sauntered towards him and gracefully placed himself on the desk, partly straddling Magnus in his chair. He put his hands on the armrests and leaned forward. Magnus felt a bit dizzy. The twists and turns between them, the hot and cold, the indefinite lines between business and pleasure had him on the edge and he stopped breathing too long ago. “Good boys deserve a reward,” Alec whispered against his lips. 

Magnus mind short-circuited. Screw business. He surged forward and crashed their lips together, grabbing Alec by his shirt and pulling him into his lap. An unwise decision, there was no way Alec would be able to fit comfortably in his lap. Without breaking their kiss, Magnus snaked his hands under Alec's ass, lifted him, and placed him on the desk as he stood up. Alec’s moan was silenced when Magnus relentlessly licked into his mouth. Magnus' hand wandered down to Alec’s belt buckle, and with ease, he managed to open it, unbutton it, and drag down the zipper before he felt Alec’s hand swatting his away. 

“No way,” Alec panted, “you’re getting the reward tonight. No argument. And I’m gonna give it to you.” Magnus never stood a chance as Alec slid off the desk and slipped behind Magnus. Alec pressed his body up against Magnus’ back, and he could clearly feel Alec’s cock pressed against his ass. Then Alec’s lips were on his neck, and hands unbuttoning his shirt. “Thank God there’s no vest tonight,” Alec muttered against Magnus’ neck. Then his hands were on Magnus, calloused but yet smooth, and the way they caressed over Magnus’ skin set him on fire. Magnus barely noticed how they worked their way down, fingertips trailing the ridges of his abs. 

“Fuck, your hands,” Magnus panted when Alec’s fingers started working on his pants. 

“I have every intention to.” Magnus could hear the smug tone, but his retort died down as Alec pulled down his pants and boxers in one swift motion. Magnus could then feel Alec’s lips on his ass, and he couldn’t hold back the gasp when Alec bit down hard enough for it to sting. There was a push between his shoulder. “Bend over for me,” Alec said breathlessly. Magnus obliged in an instant, and then the warmth of Alec’s body against his disappeared. The snap of a lid opening made Magnus’ cock twist, as if he wasn’t hard enough already. 

“My, my, Alexander. Sure of yourself, I hear.”

“Always be prepared, my dear father taught me that.”

Magnus snorted. “I guess this was not what he had in mind when he did.”

Alec laughed, the laugh that turned Magnus’ insides into a puddle of goo. “Probably not, but I am grateful right now.” Magnus could feel Alec’s lube-coated finger circling his rim, teasing before he slipped it inside. Magnus completely forgot that he was bent over his desk in his office, lost track of time and space, and moaned loudly. Alec plastered himself over Magnus’s back, his lips latching onto Magnus’ neck as Alec let his finger slide in and out at an excruciatingly slow pace. 

“More, I need more,” Magnus pleaded. 

“You know, when you leaned forward over that railing in court, the way your pants stretched over your ass, this was all I could think of. To be able to get inside you,” Alec breathed in his ear before he caught the lobe of Magnus’ ear between his teeth and tugged lightly, simultaneously adding a second finger. 

Magnus had fantasized too. From the very first day, he had imagined what those long fingers would be able to do to him, how they would feel. Now, as two of them were slowly working him open, he knew fantasy could never compare to reality. As Alec's fingers found his prostate, massaging it firmly, Magnus gasped; the pleasure was almost too much. This was addicting, he could easily get lost in this, in everything that was Alec. The man who somehow had managed to breach every ward he ever put up. The man who reached something deep within him, something he wasn’t ready to let out. Magnus shivered, not only from Alec’s touch but also from the realization. This was never supposed to mean anything. It was supposed to be just sex. He was not supposed to like Alexander Gideon Lightwood, to let him in. He needed to keep the boundaries. Before his heart got the chance to overrule his mind’s decision, Magnus spoke. 

“You know, this means nothing,” Magnus croaked out, “I still hate you.” 

Magnus could feel how Alec tensed up against his back. How the fingers inside him stilled, and a second later, they were gone. Before Magnus could even gather his thoughts, he heard the rustle of clothes, a zipper being zipped, and Alec groaning. “Magnus, fuck. I can't do this. I came here today… I thought I could, but I can't.”

Frustrated, Magnus turned around and saw Alec fully dressed again, albeit a bit disheveled, frustratingly running his fingers through his hair, and staring at the ceiling. Suddenly feeling very exposed with his pants and boxers around his knees, Magnus pulled them up and did his best to tuck his still hard cock into his pants. What the fuck just happened? “What do you mean?”

“I can't do this anymore. Not when you keep clinging onto this hate-thing.”

“It’s just sex,” Magnus said, with very little conviction, but Alec flinched nevertheless. 

Alec met his eyes, and for a moment, there was so much hurt in them it made Magnus wince in return. He saw Alec taking a deep breath before he rolled back his shoulders and straightened up. “No. Not to me, it isn't.”

Magnus didn't even get the chance to respond before Alec had silently shut the door behind him as he left.

Chapter Text

Magnus had fucked up. He knew it the moment Alec didn’t slam but silently shut the door behind him. The fuck up became more obvious when Magnus didn't have a cup of coffee waiting for him on his desk the morning after. A cup of coffee that Alec had brought him every day since the trial started. It's strange how quickly you can get used to things. And how greatly missed things you've gotten used to were once they're gone. Once you made them disappear. Like Alec. 

It's been two days, two days of feeling miserable, two days and not even a glance of Alec, not a word. Every email had gone unanswered, every call and text too. If that had been what Magnus truly desired, he should feel relieved, but he didn’t. 

No. Not to me, it isn't. 

Alec’s words were on a constant loop in the back of his head, reminding Magnus what his heart already knew. Every time the words lingered, Magnus felt an ache that sent shockwaves through his body with every heartbeat. This was the reason he’d tried to shield his heart; he should have ended things before they really started. Everything about their ‘enemies with benefits' relationship had screamed non-casual. He should have seen the signs; not only the way Alec looked at him, but also the way he made Magnus feel again. 

The sound of a knock on the door made Magnus snap his head in its direction. Immediately there were butterflies going haywire in his stomach, and his heart was beating faster. As the door slowly opened, Magnus held his breath. His face fell at the sight of the man in the opening. 

“Oh, well, I’m glad to see you too,” Ragnor huffed. 

Magnus tried to perk up, but his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes and he knew it wouldn’t fool his friend. “I’m sorry, but I was kind of expecting someone else.” Or not really expecting, but hoping. 

Ragnor narrowed his eyes and scrutinized Magnus before he sighed. “What did you do, Magnus?”

“Nothing I haven’t done before.”

“Coming from you, that’s not particularly reassuring.”

Magnus huffed, “I thought we agreed on never talking about that one time ever again?”

“I never agreed to not talk about that, you just assumed because I didn’t argue,” Ragnor smirked. It was supposed to be a tease, a subject well-known, but this time, Magnus flinched. He had been in another, very similar discussion not long ago. This was all on him and his habit of not really listening. “Anyways, I got a new case for you,” Ragnor continued.

“For me? Only me?” Magnus’ hopes were very clearly written all over his face, and his friend was too good at reading him.

“Lightwood got a new case too, and he specifically asked not to work this one with you.” Ragnor’s piercing gaze locked on Magnus. 

Magnus ducked his head and stared at some papers on his desk. So Alec explicitly told Ragnor he didn’t want to work with him. That hurt. A lot. 

“Which leads me back to my previous question, what did you do?”

When Magnus didn’t answer, Ragnor sighed loudly before he continued. “Did you know that he came to this firm only because of you? That he wanted to work with you?” Magnus nodded, almost imperceivable and swallowed. He did know that. Alec had said so himself in one of their heated arguments.

“Magnus,” Ragnor’s voice went soft, and he put his hand on Magnus’ shoulder and squeezed it as comfort. “He isn’t Camille – in any way. Whatever happened between the two of you, you need to fix it.”

Magnus finally looked at his friend. “I don’t know how to.”

“You’ll figure it out. Follow your heart and not your head, and you’ll get there.”

<<<

The moment Magnus stepped outside of his door a few hours later, he saw him. He came out of the elevator, wearing the suit he wore the day that Magnus first caved. The one that clung to his body in a way that made Magnus’ breath hitch. It felt like forever since he had laid eyes on Alec, and Magnus chided himself for being ridiculous. This was his own doing, something he thought he wanted until the moment Alec closed the door behind him. Ragnor was right. It was on Magnus to fix this, even if he didn’t know where to start. One thing was for sure, without talking, nothing would happen. 

Magnus took a deep breath, shrugged, and was about to walk over when he froze. His eyes fell on the man greeting Alec, more specifically, the hand that man put on Alec’s arm. He was touching Alec. Magnus kept staring, unable to look away. There Alec was smiling back at this unknown man. As he watched them, something started scratching inside his chest, trying to crawl out. All Magnus could focus on was how that man just stepped right into Alec's personal space, and Alec just allowed it. 

His eyes were locked on the couple, focusing only on Alec's face. Gone was that adorable scowl, and he smiled and laughed in the way he’d only done a few times around Magnus. Laughing in a way that had him throwing his head back and stretching his neck, showing off his tattoo that was so prominent, so alluring. Magnus was responsible for what was happening right in front of him, for Alec closing the door on them. Responsible for throwing away what they had. 

Alec wasn't his. Magnus had made sure to push him away, so why wouldn't he move on? The scratching now felt more like clawing, threatening to rip his chest open. There's anger boiling inside him, but why? Because you like him, you dumb fuck. And you pushed him away. Magnus shook his head in disbelief. You really don’t know what you’ll miss until it’s gone.  

“MAGNUS!” Magnus jumped at the sudden shout, and he blinked once before he could see his PA right there, standing a few feet away. 

“What?” Magnus snapped. Simon followed his line of sight and stared a moment at the couple before turning his gaze back at his boss. 

“Why are you staring at Mr. Lightwood and Andrew like you’re going to murder them?”

 Magnus snorted but tore his eyes away from the couple and focused on his PA. “Andrew?” Magnus asked in what he thought was a casual tone. 

The smirk on Simon’s face told him otherwise. “Andrew Underhill. He’s Mr. Lightwood's new PA. He started yesterday, and I have to say, they seem to get along nicely, if you know what I mean,” Simon said in a theatrical whisper and wiggled his eyebrows. 

Magnus wheezed, took one last look at the couple before he spun on his heels and walked straight back to his office, slamming the door shut hard enough for the paintings to rattle on the wall. There was no fixing this. 

<<<

“Mr. Fell expects these on his desk first thing in the morning. All they need are signatures.” Magnus’ PA slipped a folder on his desk. “As promised earlier, I’m off now. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Magnus grumbled in response and waved his hand without really paying attention as to how Simon practically leapt out of the room. He opened the folder, and his eyes fell immediately on the two lines where the signatures were supposed to be. “Simon!” he called out. No answer. “SIMON!” he yelled then. When there still was no answer, he stood and peaked through the open door. His PA was nowhere to be seen. In fact, the entire office seemed empty. That conniving, sneaky, little bastard. Magnus wasn’t a violent man, but he was going to tear the limbs off him one by one. Simon undoubtedly knew that this needed to be done tonight since Ragnor always arrived first in the mornings, and therefore he’d forced Magnus’ hand. Magnus sighed. Very well then, it was time to take the bull by the horns and talk to Alec. 

He was in no rush to head over to Alec’s office, and given the late hour and empty office, he was unsure if Alec would still be there. Knowing Simon though, he probably checked before he put his devious plan into motion. Coming closer, he noticed that the door was open, and he stopped on the threshold knocking lightly on the doorframe. Alec’s head snapped up.

“Magnus,” Alec breathed out, and for a moment, Magnus was greeted with softness before Alec’s face morphed into being completely blank. “What can I do for you?” Magnus swallowed hard at the formal tone. Alec had never spoken to him like that, like he was a colleague or maybe even a client. It caught Magnus off guard, making it hard for him to even speak. 

“I need you to sign these papers. Ragnor wants them by the morning,” Magnus croaked out before approaching Alec’s desk to hand him the folder, minding both his steps and his posture. He didn’t want to come off as if he wasn’t bothered, but also not as broken as he felt either. Alec followed his movement with his eyes, his face grim. Magnus felt oddly nervous, not knowing how to begin. He was a man of words, priding himself for being able to hold any topic of conversation. At this very moment, he couldn’t put together a coherent sentence, not even the two words necessary. I’m sorry.  Magnus wasn’t expecting to be forgiven, but he at least owed Alec an explanation. Magnus cleared his throat. “Alexander, I-”

“So they didn’t have chicken, but I got you beef instead, with that sauce I know you like.” Magnus was cut off by an unfamiliar voice coming from behind him. He spun around and stared at the more familiar face of Andrew Underhill. “Oh,” the man said as he realized he and Alec weren't alone in the office. 

Magnus ignored him and turned back towards Alec, staring incredulously at him. “So he’s bringing you dinner?” Magnus’ accusational tone was unmistakable.

Alec stared back, flabbergasted. “Ehm, yeah?” He studied Magnus’ face, and his entire expression changed, narrowing his eyes, piercing Magnus with his gaze. “Or rather he’s bringing us, he and I, dinner,” he drawled. 

Magnus flinched. Alec was having dinner with someone else. Someone who was Magnus’ complete opposite. Magnus’ mind was racing with all kinds of scenarios of how to get out of there without totally losing his face. Alec had never really been his; Magnus had made sure of that from the very beginning. But did Alec really have to rub it in so unashamedly, so soon? Screw them. Or well, they probably already were, so no need for Magnus to cheer them on. Stop. Magnus knew it was wrong. He had nothing to do with whom or what Alec was doing. It's just that the flames that burnt inside of him were consuming every rational thought. 

“Alrighty then, don’t let me interrupt your little dinner. Don’t forget to drop those on Ragnor’s desk once the two of you finished up here.” Magnus spun on his heels and fled the office as fast as he could. Magnus stopped for a moment once outside the office, trying to control his breathing he hadn’t even noticed changing. His chest was tightening, and Magnus gasped when he realized tears were pricking in his eyes. He could swear he heard someone calling his name, but all he wanted now was to go home and crawl into bed and have the Chairman comfort him. So instead of staying to see if someone came after him, he fled to the comfort an empty elevator could offer him.  

<<<

By the time Friday rolled in, Magnus was exhausted. He didn’t know how he was going to survive seeing Alec without seeing Alec. No, instead, he saw them everywhere. No matter the time of day, he didn’t see Alec alone. Magnus watched as Underhill slipped into Alec’s office, a coffee in his hand, and stopped dead in his steps. He had been on his way over there, but now he felt lost. 

“You know, why don’t you just talk to him?” Magnus flinched at the sound of Simon's voice next to him.

Magnus huffed and didn’t dignify that question with an answer. Instead, he decided to go back and hide inside his office.

Not that it stopped Simon, who followed suit. Magnus sighed, “Simon, this really isn’t your business.”

Simon snorted. “Magnus, I’m no fool.” Simon pushed back his glasses. “You made this my business. You know, with those documents with the coffee stains you had me redo. Add to that the hickey the size of Texas on your neck. The same day.” He pointedly raised an eyebrow and looked intently at Magnus, who ducked his head to hide the fact that he felt his cheek heat up. “You’re just ridiculous,” Simon continued, “You like him. Tell him.” 

“I don’t know what you are talking about. Now, don’t you have something else to do?”

“Oh yes, I’m veeeery busy,” Simon sing-songed as he headed to the door. “That’s why you have to go over to Alec and tell him that the verdict is in,” he called out over his shoulder as he disappeared through the door. 

“Simon, what the hell!” Magnus yelled after him as he quickly followed suit. Simon was nowhere to be seen once Magnus was out the door. Magnus cursed loudly. The man was unbelievably fast at times.  

Magnus took a deep breath and headed towards Alec’s office. The door was open, so he stepped right in, knocking as he passed by the door. The sight before him made him freeze in his steps once more. Magnus’ eyes fell on Underhill, who was standing next to Alec, his hand lazily resting on Alec's shoulder as he leaned in over the desk, pointing at something. They both looked up at the sound of the knock. The clawing thingy in Magnus’ chest awoke at the sight of them so close together. It was ripping the wounds in his chest open once more, threatening his heart. 

“Magnus!” Alec exclaimed and stood up, a movement that made him step away from Underhill’s touch. 

Magnus scowled, "Well, aren't you two lucky this firm doesn't have the same restrictions as the Institute when it comes to interoffice relationships.”

Alec opened his mouth as if to say something. Magnus imagined it would be something along the line of calling Magnus out for being the hypocrite that he was. But words never came over Alec’s lips. He closed his mouth and scowled. If Magnus hadn’t been so overwhelmed by the thing clawing inside him, that scowl should have made his heart flutter. Underhill, on the other, hand studied Magnus for a moment. Then he took one look at his boss’ grim face before he rounded the desk, picking up a few folders before he headed for the door where Magnus still stood. “Evening, Mr. Bane,” he greeted with a cheerful smile, but it faltered a bit, and he hesitated as Magnus didn’t move an inch when the man came close. 

Magnus gave him the side-eye and a very curt, “Underhill,” without moving. Underhill studied him for a moment before he carefully squeezed himself past Magnus in the doorway without touching him. Magnus crossed his arms over his chest and turned his attention to Alec, who, if he had been a cartoon character, would have had his chin on the floor. He looked stupendously perplexed.

“Magnus, why are you like this?” Alec asked. 

“Like what?” Magnus put his chin up, knowing he was being childish, but he just couldn’t control the raging emotions inside him. 

“Like this!” Alec gestured between them and the door behind Magnus. “If you hadn’t been so adamant that you hate me, I would say you are jealous.”

Magnus tensed up at that and snorted. Jealous? He never got jealous. Or did he? Was jealousy that thing that threatened to rip his chest apart every time he saw Alec with Underhill? Not that he would ever admit anything to Alec. He had lost him; there was no point going down that road. It was too late for them. Focusing on what he actually came there to talk about was all he managed to do.  

“The verdict is in,” he mumbled. “I’ll see you in court.” As per usual, he left Alec before the man even got a chance to answer. It was easier that way.

Chapter Text

The champagne corks flew, and people were cheering and chatting idly in the conference room. Magnus was usually all into parties, but this one he couldn’t quite enjoy. The fact that they won their case wasn’t what mattered the most at the moment. Sure, Magnus had hoped, but he didn’t really think it would happen. So naturally, he was thrilled, happy, overwhelmed, but still. What mattered was that Magnus stood in a corner at their celebration party, watching Alec — watching him chatting with one co-worker, toasting with another. A wide smile on his face, and even over the loud chatter in the room, Magnus could hear his laugh. Magnus wasn’t there by his side, where he would have been if not for his stupidity. The only small comfort was that neither was Underhill. 

Magnus stared down in his now empty glass he was holding in his hand. He shouldn’t really be brooding, but he didn’t really feel like celebrating a win when he’d lost something else – a chance of something more permanent in his life. Magnus disposed of his empty glass on the nearest table, letting his eyes scan the room once more, not even denying to himself who he was searching for. Disappointingly enough, he couldn't find him anywhere. 

Someone cleared their throat behind him, and a glass came into his vision. Magnus' breath hitched at the sight of the familiar fingers that were wrapped around the stem. Slowly he turned around and came face to face with Alec. He looked so relaxed, so carefree, so happy, and the smile on his face was so contagious. Magnus felt his mouth turn into a wide smile for the first time in what felt like forever. 

“Thank you,” Magnus said as he carefully took the glass out of Alec’s hand. 

“No need to thank me. Ragnor asked me to give this to you.” Alec said, although not looking away. Magnus wasn’t sure if he should thank or chide Ragnor for his matchmaking later. As long as Alec looked at him like this, Magnus thought the former was more likely to happen. 

On cue, Magnus heard Ragnor’s voice boom over the chatter. “To Magnus and Alec!” Ragnor toasted from somewhere, and everyone raised their glasses, cheering them on. 

“To us then.” Magnus laughed tentatively, raising his glass, not letting Alec go with his eyes. 

“To us.” 

“We won.”

“We sure did,” Alec answered simply, his smile now faltering. 

Magnus was at a loss; this monosyllabic conversation was not what he was used to. Not with Alec. He cleared his throat. “You know, I couldn’t have done it without you,” he relented.

Alec huffed, turning his head away. “This was your show all along. I was brought in as purely entertainment.”

Magnus stretched out his hand, wrapped it around Alec’s biceps, hoping it would stop him from leaving. “Alexander, that’s not true. Your work has been truly indispensable. Believe me, I just don’t go around telling that to just about anyone. Your work has meant a lot.” You have meant a lot. Words Magnus only dared to think. 

Alec turned his head back and looked at Magnus with a crooked smile on his lips. They looked at each other for a long moment, long enough for Magnus to feel a warmth spreading through his body, long enough for Magnus to believe that maybe there’s still a chance to make this right. 

Magnus could suddenly feel an arm slung across his shoulder, “You two,” Ragnor said, pointing a finger between them, “I knew together, you would make magic. This is the biggest success this firm has ever had.”

Alec still looked at Magnus the way Magnus had missed this week. No one had ever quite looked at him the way Alec did. Like Magnus was worthy of everything, like Magnus was the only one Alec wanted to look at. He had been so blind or too scared to have wanted to see that before. 

“Well, we all know that he is quite magical,” Alec said, sipping his drink as he nodded towards Magnus. Magnus felt his cheeks heat up at the ridiculous phrase, but his heart threatened to leap out of his chest at the sincerity in Alec’s voice. 

Ragnor looked between them both for a moment before he cleared his throat. “I’m sorry to interrupt whatever is going on here, but there’s a press conference in 20 minutes where I need you, Magnus.”

The moment Ragnor mentioned the press conference, Alec’s face fell. Magnus could see how he slowly shut him out again. Magnus couldn’t stand it. He wanted Alec to keep looking at him, wanted him to stay with him. “Alexander should do it,” he announced. 

Alec stared at him then, dumbfounded. “You want me to do the press conference for your case?”

“Our case,” Magnus corrected. He took a deep breath and continued, “You know this case, probably better than me. No need for us both to be there either.” Magnus paused and looked Alec straight in the eyes. “You are, after all, very likable.” 

Alec’s jaw dropped, and for a moment, he seemed out of words. “Magnus, this is… I don’t know what to say. Thank you. I mean, this is a huge case, the media coverage is world wide. I will be the one connected to this case,” Alec said, sounding almost in awe. 

“I know,” Magnus acknowledged softly. 

Ragnor stared at Magnus too, like Magnus had said something completely inappropriate before he managed to collect himself, “Okay then. Lightwood, head down to the conference room.” Alec nodded but seemed almost reluctant as he walked past them.

The two men watched him leave, then Ragnor turned to Magnus. “Magnus, I’m proud of you.”

Magnus didn’t even pretend not to know what Ragnor was talking about. “The road is long.”

“Every step forward will make it shorter,” Ragnor reassured him, squeezing his arm before he found his way to his partner. 

<<<

Magnus couldn’t stop himself from streaming the press conference live. In order to keep his very nosy PA out of the loop, it was muted. Basically, Magnus sat there ogling Alec, focusing solely on his lips and the way they moved as he talked. The way he let his hand flow as he spoke – and there it was – the smile that obliterated Magnus’ every ward. Right then and there, Magnus couldn’t quite fathom how he let his fears dictate his actions to the extent that he had let them. Simon was right – he was ridiculous.

The press conference was over, and Magnus closed the lid, staring out his window. The view had always soothed him, whether he could see the sunrise, sunset, or everything in between. Magnus didn’t know for how long he had been lost in thought when he heard a tentative knock on the door. He stood to go and open the door, and there he was, the man of his dreams, in all his glory. Without a word Magnus opened the door and stepped aside to let him in. In a few strides Alec stood in the middle of the office, running a hand through his hair. 

“Why did you do it?” Alec said quietly. 

It stung that Alec still felt the need to question Magnus when he did something good. As if Magnus wasn’t capable of good deeds, that he didn’t have good intentions. “It’s a small token of my appreciation. You deserve it, the attention it will get you. You've been extraordinary this whole case, and I-”

“No, Magnus, that’s not what I meant. Why did you push ME away?”

Oh.

Magnus sat himself on the desk, carefully keeping the distance between them. He didn’t want to intrude in Alec’s personal space. He had no right to. Contemplating the question, Magnus could hear Ragnor’s words in his head: Every step forward. 

Perhaps this was Magnus' one and only chance. This could be that one moment that he got to talk to Alec and give him that explanation he owed him. “I'm an ass.” 

Okay, maybe not what he had thought would come out, but Alec snorted, and Magnus saw a ghost of a smile on his face. He could work with that. 

“I’m a complicated, stupid ass.”

Alec cocked that eyebrow of his, and Magnus felt a small burst of joy at the sight of the familiar expression. Alec was still standing there, and it gave him enough courage to continue. “And I'm sorry.”

“What are you sorry for?”

Okay, all or nothing. “To be honest? I’m sorry for pushing you away. I never meant to hurt you.” Magnus tried to get a read of Alec, but he just stood there, waiting, silently urging Magnus on. “I’m complicated. I’ve been hurt, deeply. I have severe trust issues. I’ve been closing myself off for so long, been keeping everyone on an arm’s length to protect myself. That’s what I do; that’s the only thing I know how to do.”

Alec stood there at arm’s length, all stoic, rigid, and devastatingly beautiful. He didn’t move a muscle, and his face gave nothing away. Magnus swallowed before he continued. “I did the same to you. I should have known better. I guess I knew you were different from the first morning you brought me my favorite coffee, and without me ever telling you it. You made me lower my guard; you made me vulnerable. I pushed you away because I l-” Magnus stopped himself before it was too late. How willing was he to bare his heart and soul without knowing where Alec stood? 

“Because I like you,” he settled on and couldn't stop the blush creeping up his neck. “A lot. And I truly am sorry for everything. I wish I could take back all those stupid things I said.” Magnus worried his lower lip but couldn’t look away. He searched Alec’s face for any leads, but Alec kept his face blank. 

“Magnus,” Alec finally said. And the way he said it, the way the syllables rolled over his tongue made Magnus' heart flutter, but also afraid of what he would say. Was this the moment he said it was too late? The moment he said that he was already moving on? 

Alec didn’t stand frozen anymore, he sauntered towards Magnus, right into his personal space, and Magnus stopped breathing. “You stupid, complicated ass,” Alec whispered, a smile on his lips. 

All this time, they had never looked away once. Now with Alec so close, Magnus could see those magnificent eyes telling him what his heart was longing for. Was it even possible? Before he could stop the words, they were pouring out of his mouth. “I guess Underhill is less complicated.” 

To Magnus' surprise, Alec chuckled. “You ARE actually jealous.”

Magnus huffed, crossed his arms over his chest, and for the first time, he looked away. 

“Magnus,” The softness in his voice made Magnus look at him again. He then watched how Alec, as if in slow-motion, grabbed him by the lapels and hoisted him up, not letting go of his grip. “The only one I have eyes for in this office is you. I like you too. A lot.”

They were so close, and Magnus could feel Alec’s breath on his face. His heart was pounding so hard in his chest, that Alec was bound to feel it under his hand that was now holding on to him. 

“Tell me this was never only about sex,” Alec whispered as he tightened his grip of Magnus’ lapels and leaned in close enough for their lips to almost touch. 

“This was never only about sex,” Magnus echoed with all his heart. Alec then closed the distance between them, pressing their lips together. Their lips fitted so perfectly together, sliding effortlessly in a soft dance. Magnus’ entire body sang of delight. 

“You're so gonna need to grovel for this,” Alec murmured against Magnus’ lips. 

“Am I?”

Alec broke the kiss off, and leaned back to glare at Magnus, who swallowed. “Yes, yes I am,” he assured before he dove right back into the kiss. 

Magnus didn’t know for how long they kissed, but the need for air forced them to break it off. Alec rested his forehead against Magnus’, his eyes closed and a wide smile on his lips as he struggled to catch his breath. 

“I need you to be patient with me,” Magnus mumbled, letting his hands slip up, tangling his fingers in Alec’s hair. 

“Haven’t I already?” Alec teased. Then his face became serious as he said firmly, “I won’t take any more bullshit from you, though.” The firm tone was smoothed out by the gentle kiss on the tip of Magnus’ nose. “You need to voice your concerns, and I will do the same. That’s how a relationship works.”

“A relationship, huh? You should at least take me to dinner first,” Magnus chaffed. 

“Oh, shut up.”

Magnus grinned. The feeling of them being okay was all he needed to find his way back to their usual banter. “Make me.”

And Alec did, in the best way possible. When hands started tugging Magnus’ shirt out of his pants and kisses were placed down his neck, he felt the desperate need to do this the right way. The way it should be done. “How would you feel about taking this to an actual bed, preferably my place? Breakfast included,” he panted.

The kisses stopped, and Alec looked at him in a very bad attempt at looking serious. “Magnus, is this your wicked way of asking me out on a date?” 

“Guilty as charged,” Magnus grinned. 

A hand grabbed Magnus and dragged him out of the office. He didn’t care that his shirt was partially unbuttoned and still hanging out of his pants as he was dragged through the corridors, past his smirking PA, and into the elevator. He certainly didn’t mind at all that he was being pushed against the back wall or that his lips were captured in a searing kiss. No, all that mattered was that it was Alexander Gideon Lightwood who was doing it. Regardless of Magnus’ past, Magnus was starting to believe that Alec was his future.