The Act (Malec AU)

Chapter 2

Magnus guided the rest of the cast towards his favorite club - Pandemonium. The fact that he co-owned the bar had nothing to do with it. Not a lot anyways.

Passing by the crowd at the entrance, he walked straight up to the doorman. He glanced behind him to see if everybody was there and of course Mr. tall, dark and handsome walked alone in the back. A couple of steps behind the others. The way he was twisting his hands made Magnus sure he was about to bolt.

"Underhill, my good man. Would you make sure my friends get a great table at the back and tell Raphael to send down a bottle of scotch. Free of charge of course."

The blond doorman nodded towards the other one behind him, signaling for him to take over.

Underhill started leading the cast into the club while Magnus made his way towards Alexander. Beautiful, insecure Alexander. When he caught Alexanders eyes, he saw the desire to run.

"Alexander, I have arranged for a table that won't be to crowded. I sensed you are not a people person, so I thought you might appreciate that."

Alec let out a huff of breath.

"Thank you Magnus. I.... I just don't do well with a lot of people. And I know, you don't have to say it: Why did I become an actor when I don't like being around people... and to be honest I don't really know."

Alec's voice was so vulnerable. Magnus wanted to hold him tight and keep him safe. But he could tell Alec were no where near ready for that.

"Alexander..."

Magnus' voice was so gentle. So caring.

"What ever you choose to do with your life is your decision. If you like acting, then of course you should be an actor. No matter if you are not a people person. It's a skill you can learn. Or at least learn to pretend to be. Your fans will love you no matter what. As long as you put in the dedication to your roles, as I believe you will."

The cold wind from the november night caressed their skin, but neither seemed to notice. The air between them were warm and cozy. Alec suddenly realized that he had just been staring at Magnus without saying anything for a while. Not that it had seemed to bother Magnus. He suddenly became very nervous.

"Umm.... Tha--thanks... Maybe w-- we should..."

"Join the party?"

Magnus finished Alecs sentence.

"Yes exactly..."

With a nervous smile planted on his lips, he rushed past Magnus and into the club.

Magnus followed with a small grin on his face.

The club was pulsing with life. People everywhere dancing, drinking and having fun. Alec had only made it through the door before stopping. He didn't know how to go through the crowd. He felt like the walls were closing in on him. Then someone took his hand.

"Come, I'll guide us through."

Magnus had grabbed his hand and guided them expertly through the crowd. The feel of Magnus' hand in his own made his heart beat faster. He had never held hands with a guy before.

When they reached the table with the rest of the cast, it took a couple of minutes before Alec remembered he was still holding Magnus' hand. He yanked his hand free.

Damn it! Don't hold hands with guys! What the fuck is wrong with me!

Magnus felt a sting in his heart from the way Alec tore his hand out of his grip. His heart bled for Alec.

Poor guy. He is so out of touch with who he is. So uncomfortable in his own skin.

No one in the cast seemed to have noticed the handholding, so Alec slid down to the spot next to Clary. Trying to take up as much space as possible so that Magnus wouldn't sit next to him. He needed distance from Magnus. He couldn't think straight around him.

Because you're not.

A small voice he hadn't heard in a long time surfaced in the back of his head.

No! I AM straight! I'm engaged to a woman. I am happy!

He pushed down the small voice once more. Grabbed the bottle of scotch and poured himself a drink. He wasn't much of a drinker, but he kind of needed it right now.

A couple of drinks later he felt light and carefree. He had even begun to talk to Clary and Jace. And he was actually enjoying himself.

From across the table Magnus smiled at the rim of the glass while taking a sip. He liked seeing Alec become more comfortable. Drunk suited him. Magnus' breath caught in his chest when Alec looked at him with a smile, and didn't look down right away. Alecs smile even reached his beautiful hazel eyes, creating small lines at the corners. He looked stunning.

They locked eyes for a minute, each sipping their drink. Magnus nodded towards the dancefloor.

He could tell that Alec had stopped breathing. So he stood up and offered Alec his hand. Hoping he would let him take him to the dancefloor.

As soon as Magnus saw the insecurity reach his eyes once more, he offered his hand to the rest of the cast. Letting Alec of the hook.

"Anyone care to join me on the dancefloor?

"Sure, why not."

Jace kissed his wife before jumping over the table to head to the dancefloor with Magnus. Alec felt his jaw drop. How could he dance with a guy without worrying about what others thought?

Because he is not gay.

The thought knocked the wind out of Alec. Was he so afraid of Magnus because he himself really was gay? He didn't want to be. He couldn't be!

He swallowed down yet another drink. Maybe he could silence the voices in his head.

Alec kept glancing towards the dancefloor. Jealous of Jace. Of the way he didn't care. Of the fact that he was dancing with Magnus.

Alec slung back one more drink before rising to his feet. Unsteady he walked towards Jace and Magnus.

"Can I Join you?"

Alec leaned in to ask, but almost fell over. Magnus grabbed his arm. Steadying him.

"Sure buddy. If you don't fall down." Have answered while smiling at Alec. A genuine smile. Maybe Alec had made a friend tonight. The thought made him glad.

Alec tried to dance along with the two guys, but it was like his limps were to long and uncontrollably. He kept bumping into people.

"Maybe we should get you home instead."

Magnus grabbed Alecs arm when Jace nodded in agreement. Alec wasn't completely aware of what happened around him anymore.

Magnus and Jace got Alec into a cab, Magnus grabbing the frontseat.

"I'll get him home. Tell the others, would you?"

Jace nodded and closed the door.

Getting back to set, Magnus dragged Alec to his trailer. Inside he lay Alec down on the bed and started removing his black military boots.

Alec sat up, instable. Almost knocking their heads together.

He grabbed Magnus' neck and pulled him closer. With lips that almost were touching each other, Alec whispered: "Stay with me..."

Magnus nodded slightly. His forehead touching Alecs. He didn't want to speak. He was afraid to ruin this moment.

Alec cupped Magnus jaw and whispered thank you against his lips before kissing him lightly. Then he dropped down on the bed and started snoring.

Magnus let out a deep breath. His heart was raising and his entire body reacting to those few seconds of intimacy.

He removed Alecs boots, leatherjacket and pants, but left his shirt and briefs on. Then removed everything besides his own briefs and climbed into the bed.

The soft snores from the beautiful man beside him made him weak in the knees. He gently brushed a strayed hair away from Alecs face. Praying for this moment to last.