Murder Me Not

Water Under the Bridge

Alec took a deep breath as he walked into the precinct, his holster at his waist and badge clipped to his belt. His heart was heavy with what he knew he had to do. Alec wasn't sure he really wanted to resign. He didn't know what he would do with his life after. First, he was the son of two powerful politicians, trying to follow in their footsteps. Second, he was a cadet at West Point, then a soldier. Third, he was a city detective, solving murders. And now? He was going to be nothing, have no purpose.

He didn't know what he was supposed to do anymore.

Jace came into the reception area, two coffees in hand. He gave one to Alec, a pleased smile on his face. "It's good to have you back, Alec."

Alec grimaced. "I'm not here to stay."

Jace grinned like he knew something Alec didn't. "Maia is waiting for you."

Alec nodded and went into her office, Jace returning to his own. "Congratulations," he greeted, taking the armchair in front of her desk.

She smiled. "Thank you. I just wish I had earned it, rather than filling in after Luke screwed up."

Alec huffed. "That's putting it mildly."

Maia sighed, rubbing at her temple. "There's a rumor going around that you're resigning. I'd like you to reconsider."

"I don't know what I'm doing, Maia," he admitted. "I don't belong here. It wasn't even my idea to become a detective in the first place."

Maia fixed him with a stern look. "You are here because you want to help people, Alec. You've been doing it your entire adult life. Why stop now?"

"It doesn't feel right anymore," he said softly.

"I think you should talk to Jordan before you make a decision," Maia suggested. Her dark eyes were sincere and Alec felt his shoulders slump in defeat.

***

"What? Are you his boyfriend now or something?" Raphael asked as he wiped down the bar.
Magnus snorted. "We haven't even gone on a date yet. I don't think we're anything at this point." And he hated it.

Raphael poured Magnus another drink, sliding it towards him. "We both know that isn't going to last long. I've seen the two of you together, brief as it may have been. You two are going to be in bed by the end of the week."

Magnus shook his head. "Don't you understand? I don't care about that. I just want Alexander to trust me. I want him to open up to me. I know about his family, his career, but I know almost nothing about his time in the military. I know it was important for him, I know it was terrible, but I don't know the whole story."

"If you want Alec to trust you, you need to tell him the truth. He doesn't know about Cat, does he?" Raphael pointed out not unkindly.

"I don't know how he'll react. It's... not something I like to talk about," he responded slowly.

"And that, my friend, is exactly way you need to tell him. On this first date of yours, don't take him to a fancy restaurant or some random bar. Taking him somewhere that means something to you," Raphael advised. Magnus sighed, dropping his head. His stomach twisted and bile rose in his throat, but he knew what he needed to do.

***

Alec stepped out of the elevator and sulked across the floor, entering Izzy's office. She was on the phone and gestured for him to take a seat. Several moments later, the call ended and her red lips stretched into a gorgeous smile.