Chapter 8

As Alec spoke, an uncontrollable grin spread across Magnus' face. "Well that makes me very happy Alec", he said, nudging Alec's knee with his own. Alec looked away from Magnus' face wondering something. "Can I ask you a question Magnus?". "Sure", he replied a little apprehensively. "Why me? I mean, of all the people at your concert. And of all the people you could have...I didn't even know you liked men!", Alec laughed, completely dumbfounded. "Well that's a lot of questions", Magnus replied, trying to think of how to answer them properly. As he thought he finished his drink, pouring himself another. "Well", he started, sipping the new drink. "I initially picked you out of the crowd because of how handsome you are. And then we made this eye contact when I was singing like...I don't know like you understood me; that you saw me as a man singing a song from my heart, not Magnus Bane the rock star. So I followed my gut and wanted to meet you in person. And... I'm so glad I did", Magnus stated, looking back over at Alec, locking eyes. There was a moment of silence before Magnus spoke up again. "And as for liking men...", he said, slightly laughing and looking away. "I've always been bisexual, but...my publicist doesn't think it's the best idea for the public to know that", Magnus continued, finishing the drink he had just poured, his rings glinting in the low light. Alec was very confused. He didn't like the idea that he would have to hide their relationship, if it even got that far. "That's stupid", Alec blurted out, hoping it wouldn't make Magnus upset. "I agree!", he yelled, throwing his free hand in the air. "As soon as I get out of my contract with Sony, I'll do whatever the fuck I want. But I have another year of their management. They told me if I come out, it would ruin the image I have created and hurt sales. So essentially they've made me choose between my passion and my personal life".

"The only reason I agreed at the time was because I was in a very committed relationship with a woman and I honestly never thought it would be an issue. But when that ended, I started dating around and the head of my label didn't like that very much", Magnus continued, hanging his head. "So...", Alec began, very confused and sad. "If we dated, I could never show affection to you in public?". Magnus looked over at Alec with sorrow swimming in his eyes. "That's right", Magnus replied. "And I'm telling you this now, upfront, because it isn't fair to start something without you knowing the whole story. Just know that I think you are gorgeous and sweet and amazing and quirky and different and honestly genuine. I would love to date you, but I completely understand if you are not willing to sacrifice some things", Magnus said, looking off into the distance. For a moment, Alec could have sworn that he saw a glint of a tear in Magnus' eyes, but before he could know for sure, Magnus had closed his eyes and downed his most recent drink. All that could be heard was the distant music from the dance floor as Alec thought about Magnus' proposal. "Is anyone allowed to know about us? Like for instance my friends and family?", Alec asked, knowing that they were the only ones he would want to know anyway. Magnus gulped and replied. "Yes. But only if they sign non-disclosure agreements legally binding them to secrecy". "Damn...", Alec replied, shaking his head. "I'm so sorry Magnus. That is so fucked up". "Pretty much", he agreed with a small nod. "Which is why I will understand if you don't want this", Magnus replied in almost a whisper, his brow furrowed. As Alec sat there and stared at the wonderful man next to him, he decided to let go of all pretences and be completely honest about how he was feeling. "Magnus", Alec stated, angling his body toward the man on the couch. "I don't know if you noticed this about me, but I'm a bit...uptight to put it lightly. Magnus laughed through his sorrow, meeting Alec's eyes.

"Much more than a little, Alec, But that's one of the reasons I like you so much. I wish I was a bit more like you in that way", Magnus confessed, liking the honesty roll they were on, brought on by their feelings, as well as the alcohol. "Well that's one of the reasons I like you too, Magnus. You're free and uninhibited. You do what you feel, when you want, because you want to. I never do that. I calculate every possibility behind every action, and usually end up stunted because I hate uncertainty. But you thrive on it. You have life, and passion, and adventure and talent. You have and do all of the things that I want, that I wish I could have. When I'm around you, it feels like I am that way. You make me forget about my insecurities and anxieties. You make me... happier", Alec finished with a smirk. Magnus stared back at Alec at a complete loss for words. No one had ever said something so nice to him in his entire life. "So yes", Alec continued. "This dating situation is less than ideal, but if all I have to give up is not being affectionate with you in public, then I'll gladly take that deal to keep feeling this way, with you", he finished, grinning ear to ear. Magnus paused, suddenly feeling very emotional. He decided to make a joke to keep himself from crying. "So it's not just 'cause I'm a super sexy rich and famous rock star?". "No!", Alec laughed. "If anything I wish you weren't famous so we could date normally. But like I said, I want to try this out. You're worth it Magnus", Alec said with sincerity. At that Magnus' eyes shifted down to Alec's hand, which rested on the smooth leather of the couch. With his free hand, Magnus slowly reached out and cupped his fingers around Alec's, squeezing his palm to show him how much his words meant. They sat for a moment, hand-in-hand, before Magnus spoke. "Alec, if what you say about me rubbing off on you is true, you know when needs to happen next, right?", Magnus asked with a devious smile. "Oh no, no, no", Alec screamed and Magnus clasped tightly onto Alec's hand, dragging him out and onto the dance floor. TBC...