Pour Me Another | bowstrung

@inkfated [[continued from here]]

“That’s terrible. I’m so sorry that you were treated like that. No one deserves it.” And he hoped that whoever had hurt Magnus like that was paying for it now. He nodded in understanding. “It’s best to save yourself for someone who will truly care about you. They’ll come around.” And he would do well to take his own advice. “I like archery. Maybe I’ll get more into that.” It was something he did every now and then, though he was very good at it. If he went to the fields more, Alec knew that he’d get even better. When the pizza and water was brought out, Alec thanked him and paid him before he started to eat. The food warmed his belly and the water was soothing going down.

“Yes, that’s fine. Please take your time. There’s no need to rush.” And he certainly didn’t want the man to be rushing for him either. He looked down at his food, feeling embarrassed and he muttered, “I shouldn’t have said that. Go on and continue what you were doing. I’m fine here.” Alec ate quietly and this time when he drank he kept to the water. The slices that he’d gotten were easily gone in an hour and he had turned around to people watch while he waited on Magnus’s shift to be over. It wasn’t easy seeing all of the couples there together, but he had to at least think that maybe they were happy. Hopefully these people here would get the happy endings they deserved. At this point in his life, Alec didn’t know if he would get one. He also didn’t know how he would ever return home. Maybe it would be time to get his own place, because he knew that seeing Jace again was only going to upset him.

Magnus smiled in a charming way. “It took a while, but I’m better for it. I know the signs I need to walk away from.” He smiled at Alec’s words and nodded. “They may come around when you least expect it. Everything happens for a reason, though, right?” He really did want to know Alec better, maybe they could be friends once the other was sober. “Archery? That’s a dying art. It’s nice to see someone appreciate such a classic.” He tried to deny the money, but he knew better than to argue with anyone inebriated after years in his line of work. It felt nice to help someone rather than having to just keep making drinks or calling a cab.

“There’s never a need to rush in this bar.” He assured, smiling again. As Alec looked down, he reached over to lay a hand on Alec’s. “I’ve been told worse, I promise. Let me know if you need more good or water, okay?” He gave a reassuring smile and went about what he needed to do, straightening up and finishing washing glasses, never far from where Alec was. When his replacement showed up, he grabbed his jacket and keys and walked over to Alec. “Think you can make it to my car? It’s just around the corner.” He offered.

Camera Flash | bowstrung

bowstrung

“My…mother kind of took a lot of pictures of me growing up. So being in front of a camera is easy for me,” Alec replied with a small bashful smile. His mother had taken a lot of photos of her children, but he knew that as her first, she probably had a bit too many of him in scrapbooks around the manor. “Thank you, though. I’m glad that you like my work.” And maybe, if he was lucky, this shoot would lead to something more. Alec wanted to act, but he hadn’t found the right film or show yet. Alec nodded and smiled, pleased that his sister had done so well. “She’s always been like that. People flock to her without her even having to try, though trust me when I say she tries. She’ll have you charmed in no time at all.” Alec had always been a bit protective of his sister too, but he trusted her to do what she knew she needed to do.

Venice. He was looking forward to going from place to place on a boat. Maybe he’d stay a day or so longer after the shoot just to enjoy the area. Alec chuckled and replied, “Perhaps you should give them some incentive to use a better background. Though I suppose they think the plain ones look nice in their catalog’s.” He stood and followed after the man, eager to see what he would wear. Alec didn’t entirely have the best fashion himself, but he could dress nicely when he put his mind to it and when he’d started this career, he’d gotten a lot better at it. “Woah,” Alec said as he walked toward the rack of clothes. “This is more than any of my other shoots had.” His fingers trailed over a dark, black leather jacket that was just his style. Jace would be so jealous if he brought this home. “Did my sister tell you I like leather?” He asked as he turned to look at him. He wouldn’t be surprised if she had. “Okay, let’s get started then. Where’s your changing room?” He didn’t pull anything off the rack, though he was tempted to take the jacket now. He saw a nice shirt that would go well with it too, it had a little more frills than he would’ve liked, but it would blend well. Despite all that was in front of him, he could already imagine taking an outfit home, maybe two if Magnus let him buy the second one off of him.

Magnus listened to the other, nodding as his lips curved upwards. “Well, having an early start has definitely come as an advantage.” he assured. The work Alec had done was marvelous, and pictures did no justice to the full beauty of the younger man. He looked up as Alec talked about his sister and he nodded. “She really looks up to you. You’ll be the first siblings I’ve ever used for my personal line.” he explained with a smile. “Well, as charming as she is, I’m sure you’re just as wonderfully charming.” It was a subtle attempt at flirting, because Magnus had a serious weakness for the dark hair and blue eyes combination but he really wanted Alec for this shoot in particular.

Magnus shrugged. “They see what I’m capable of, but they want to line to stand out more on the promotion posters. Which is foolish, but let the cooperate idiots remain blind to true vision.” He let Alec look around, giving a little shrug of one shoulder. “This particular line I wanted to have something more people could afford, my line has become immensely popular in the last two years.” He replied, as Alec looked through the rack, smiling as – just as he’d been told to expect – Alec fell in love with the leather jacket. “She did. She has a slight taste for it herself. She took the women’s leather mini jacket with hardly a glance and built the outfit to go with it.” he chuckled. He motioned to the area curtained off by tall black curtains. “There’s a three way mirror, let me know when your done and we’ll see if anything needs to be changed.”

Pour Me Another | bowstrung

bowstrung

A small blush could be seen on Alec’s cheeks and he ducked his head a little. He knew what he was saying in that, that he’d been looking at him and not the others. “Thank you,” he murmured to him. “I think I’ve had enough heartbreak to last a lifetime.” Not to say the guy would break his heart, but he didn’t trust anyone right now where his heart was concerned. “You’re sweet. And don’t worry, I won’t drive. Not like this. I walked here anyway. Need to clear my head.” The walk hadn’t helped much either, not that it mattered. He knew he’d probably feel like this for awhile. “You say that like you’ve been through it before. I’m sorry if you have. It really sucks.” He almost wished Jace was hurting too, but then that wasn’t really nice and Alec knew he wouldn’t want Jace to hurt no matter how much he’d hurt him. He’d let himself get too caught up in Jace though. It hadn’t helped that he’d dreamed about them getting married and adopting a bunch of little ones. Alec took another gulp of the alcohol as he tried yet again to get rid of such thoughts.

He shrugged before he said, “Pizza sounds good. I’ll take a couple slices of that. Give me your favorite order, please.” He lifted a brow, surprised that he’d seen worse than him. Then again, Alec had seen worse as well and that was just people watching when he’d been here. A small chuckle escaped his mouth and he nodded. “Uh, yeah. It’s a weird situation. And a long story.” Chances are Magnus would call him a freak if he knew about Jace, anyone would. “What? No no…I…couldn’t intrude like that. I’m a stranger.” Technically, though it seemed like Magnus had truly been keeping an eye on him longer than he thought. “Cats, huh? I like cats. I suppose that wouldn’t be so bad. If they think I’m bad, then I’ll go.” Not that he was bad, but he trusted an animal’s judgement more than his own right now. “Thank you. I”ll owe you big time. Really. You’ve been….,” his words slurred even more at this last bit, “Really really nice to me. You shoulda been my boyfriend. Not Jace. Jace is an ass.” He reached for his glass only to find that it was empty. “Can I get some water with that pizza, please?” He was already planning on leaving a big tip too, Magnus deserved it.

Magnus knew that his comment had been decoded when Alec blushed, and he smiled at him. He hummed and nodded. “Believe me, I understand that sentiment very well.” he assured, drying a glass and putting it back on the rack. He nodded a little, listening to the other. “I have. Although to be fair, the relationship I got free of was abusive.” he mused, shrugging. “I’ve been single for six years.” And doing a lot of PTSD therapy, but that wasn’t something he needed to talk about. “Sometimes you need to find some kind of hobby to get your mind off of it.” he replied.

Magnus nodded and ordered a fresh pizza to be made, glad that he wasn’t the only one behind the bar. He smiled and brought a couple of slices back, setting the plate down and getting a tall glass of water. “Trust me, if it helps you get over your ex, I don’t mind at all. You shouldn’t be upset like this.” he explained. “I have another hour before my replacement gets here, if you want to eat and relax?” he offered. He seemed a little taken back by the comment, blinking for a moment. “As flattering as that is, Alexander, you should really get some rest tonight.”

Camera Flash | bowstrung

Alexander

“So I’m told. And thank you,” Alec said with a charming grin. He shook his hand and nodded saying, “Magnus Bane.” The name rolled off of his tongue like he’d said it before, which he might have, to his sister. He sat back down the moment that Magnus had and kept his eyes on him, which wasn’t difficult to do. The photographer was stunning and it was a wonder he didn’t model himself. “I hope that I’m able to give you exactly what you were looking for. I’m sure you’ve seen some of my past modeling work and while I’ll admit that it’s not much, I’m very good at what I do.” And he wasn’t saying that to brag. Modeling was a lot like acting and he could put on a face just as well as he could pretend to be someone else.

“Yes, she told me how amazing of a photographer you are. So when I got your request, I couldn’t deny it. Don’t be surprised if she buys more from your line. Though I’ll admit that Isabelle has a bit too much of clothes.” Though he had a feeling that his sister would disagree. “Venice? Really?” Alec asked, leaning forward some in interest. “I’ve always wanted to go to Venice.” Money wouldn’t be a problem for him, but it was an extra perk to have everything covered. “Very well. I will show up, no worries about that. And we’re doing something today too, correct? Or is it just fitting me to some outfits.” And the one he would take home, Alec was actually looking forward to that. “I’m prepared to do whatever you ask of me.” And if Magnus hired him, he would certainly not say no to that. He finished the remainder of his coffee and sat the glass down. “So, what’s first?”

Magnus barely concealed the little shiver that ran down his spine as Alec said his name, giving a little nod. He leaned back as he sipped his tea and smiled. “I assure you, Alexander, when I ask for someone specifically? It’s because I know they can give me the results I want.” he promised. “I have never worked with someone I couldn’t get to give me what I want for a shoot, but I take particular pride when it comes to my personal fashion line. I only want to the best, and while you’re work isn’t as long winded as some other models, you’re certainly one of the best. More relaxed than other models are in front of the camera.” he explained, setting his cup down.

“Isabelle was amazing. She’s exceptionally beautiful and she knows it. I like having confident women in my shoots, but I prefer to have ones who enjoy the chance to help other women find confidence, too. Your sister is one such woman.” he said with a nod. “She is welcome to buy more of the line, as are you. My models get special treatment with my personal line.” Magnus smiled and nodded. “Yes. Isabelle’s shoot was in Rome, yours is in Venice. It’s a lovely place, you’ll enjoy it.” he promised. “We have a few shots for here, but most of those are for the department stores that sell the line. They like plain background things because they lack vision, but they sell my product, so I give them their mediocrity.” he laughed softly, moving to stand. “First, I’ll show you the line.” he replied, leaving his cup and motioning for Alec to follow him from the room and into the actual studio, the lamps and shades and backdrops all pristine, and a long rack along the wall was filled with clothes, but a section of about 30 outfits sectioned off. “Here is the current line, we’ll have them tailored to you today and you can pick whatever you like to take home after the shoot.”

Pour Me Another | bowstrung

Alexander

Alec lifted a brow, surprised that the man had noticed so much about him. It might have creeped him out if it had been anyone else, but in a way it felt nice to be looked after, even in these small ways. “That’s usually because I’m the one getting them home.” No more, he thought. He was tired of always being the ‘good one,’ only to be ditched and left behind. He’d thought that he and Jace had something special, but apparently he’d been wrong. He wasn’t getting into another relationship ever again. “He doesn’t seem to think so,” Alec replied. “I should have known when he kept eying her,” he muttered. He’d never been good enough for Jace, he thought sadly.

“Yes well…at least any of it will keep me from thinking about him.” And yet it hadn’t. He couldn’t get Jace out of his head as much as he tried to. This guy was really concerned about him, wasn’t he? He squinted at the name tag, sure that he knew it, but his alcohol addled mind couldn’t think of it. Magnus, that was right. The name was fitting for him. “I guess I could do with some food. What do you recommend?” He wasn’t hungry, but Magnus was right. He was going to regret not eating anything later. And hopefully it all stayed down later too. “You’re probably used to seeing people like me, huh? I’m sorry I’m kind of taking up your time here. I can go once I’m finished.” He’d just have to find a taxi and go home and see Jace all over again. Sometimes he wished that he didn’t live in the same place as the blonde did, take now for instance. Maybe he could stay in a hotel for the night. “Say, do you know of any decent hotels around here? I’d rather not go home looking like this tonight.” His parents wouldn’t be pleased if they saw him and Izzy was bound to pity him, which he didn’t want either.

Magnus gave a quiet smile. “Yes, I’ve been caught looking a time or two. Hard not to.” he admitted. “But that doesn’t mean I’m going to try and seduce you.” He assured. “Heartbreak takes time to heal. And right now, I’m taking responsibility to make sure you get home. You don’t need to be driving in your condition.” He reached across the counter to lay his hand on Alec’s arm, looking at him. “Don’t let him being an asshole keep you down. I know it hurts, but it will get better, I promise.” HE explained knowingly, turning to mix a couple of drinks and putting them on the tray of the waitress who had stopped to give him the order. Looking back at Alec, he tilted his head.

“Not that I doubt your attempts at trying, but might I assume it’s not quite working the way you expected?” he asked. “Pizza here is the best for a bar. Takes about twenty minutes to make fresh,but it’s well worth it.” He let dark eyes look over the man and shook his head. “You’re not taking up my time. Trust me, tonight’s a slow night, and I’ve got plenty of time and trust me, I have seen much, much worse than you for far less.” he explained. He paused in placing an order for a pizza to look up. “Hotel? I take it you live with the asshole?” he asked. “I have a guest room you can stay at. As long as you’re fine with cats.”

Camera Flash | bowstrung

Alexander [ @bowstrung ]

Alec hadn’t thought he would be a model, far from it actually. His father wanted him to take over the family business, which happened to be tech and his mother wanted him to do something that would get him a high ranking in society. He felt like he achieved that somewhat on his own anyway since he was rather well known and even had quite a few offers for acting work. He was considering taking up a show now, but first he had to meet with the famous Magnus Bane. He wondered what the man was truly like. He’d read up on him and knew that he’d gotten around, but he wasn’t one to judge solely based on rumors.

He was guided into Magnus’s main office as went to the building for the first meeting and was given a coffee while he was told to wait for the man. This photoshoot was one he was looking forward to. Alec didn’t mind much if he had fantastic fashion, but he knew that this man had it and he could appreciate a good taste in clothing anyway. That and the man would be taking his photos too. Alec sipped as he waited for Magnus to arrive. When he did, he glanced over to see the door open and he stood with a smile. “You must be Mr. Bane. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He was quite honored to have been chosen for this mans next photoshoot. “I’m Alec Lightwood.”

Magnus was setting up for his newest shoot, gathering his lenses and making sure he had the filters and backdrops he needed. He paused when his assistant came to let him know his model had arrived and neutral painted lips curved up into a grin. He gave a nod, grabbing his camera. “Thank you, Cat, my dear.” he told her, letting her leave before heading to his main office. He moved to open the door, but he stopped short as he saw the full effect of the young man. HE hadn’t been prepared for how beautiful Alexander Lightwood was up close and personal, and he had to take a moment before shaking his head minutely. “Sorry, I’m back. I wasn’t expecting you to be more handsome in person.” he chuckled, reaching to offer his hand. “Magnus Bane.”

He moved to pour a cup of fresh tea, going to sit behind his desk and looking at the dark haired model. “I don’t usually request models, Alexander. But this particular shoot is for my personal fashion line and I wanted the best.” he explained, moving to slide a folder of images he’d taken of his completed works. “I also asked for your sister for the feminine line, but her shoot was two weeks ago and she loved the outfit I let her take home.” He smiled a little. “Perks to being a model in my personal line, you get to choose an outfit and take it home free of charge; my gift for your agreeing to be here.” he replied. “But also because my personal photos tend to be done in more open areas. The shoot for the line I want you modeling is set for Venice, just three days and it’s all paid for and everything. You don’t have to worry about a thing except showing up.”

Magnus’ Verses

Main [ quite magical cat eyes;; main Magnus ]

Magnus has lived for centuries, a warlock with power unimaginable to most and sought by some. The chosen son of one of the Princes of Hell, Magnus uses his magic to help people as much as to make life easier on himself. There has to be good in this magic that was sparked by his father’s darkness after all, right?

Human [ surrendered magic;; human Magnus ]

Typically this is played as Magnus was born a human and lives in an apartment with his two cats, and makes a decent living at his job (varies on thread) and he’s a gentleman to all those who catch his eye. However, following show canon, there is a version of this verse that has him giving up his magic.

Singer/Songwriter [ write me a song;; singer Magnus ]

Bane Records was started by Asmodeus Bane, and after the death of his wife, the owner locked away his son, Magnus from the world. Magnus has talent as a songwriter for many number one hits since his mother’s death, and he’s even sung the demos that get sent to artists, and everyone is curious why he hasn’t breached the circle of his life onto the stage. Being hidden and mistreated by his father has left the young man a little lost for the strength to be forceful, but those at the company have brought forward a campaign to make Magnus a performer.

Stripper [ beneath the lights;; stripper Magnus ]

Magnus left home to get away from the abuse of his mother and stepfather, making a living with dance. He was hired by a prominent night club and is one of the best dancers in the establishment, but he’s more than the stigma of his profession.