Dancing on My Own

Hello Again

Alec groaned softly into his pillow as his alarm went off the following morning. It wasn't raining anymore but there was still that faint smell rain gives off after a storm lingering in the air and he smiled. Alec could feel a weight against his back and he frowned turning over slowly wondering what it could be before he saw Max curled up against his back holding onto his sheet as if their lives depended on it. He brushed the hair from Max's eyes gently before pressing a kiss to his head getting out of bed trying not to disturb him. He carefully tucked the blanket up under his chin leaving the bedroom door cracked as he made his way downstairs. Maryse was standing against the counter staring outside watching the sun rise and startled slightly as Alec spoke "good morning." She tilted her head murmuring a soft good morning back and then went back to watching the sun while Alec started to pack what he needed for the work day ahead. "When did Max climb into bed with me? He hasn't done that since the month after I adopted him...." Maryse shrugged "sometime this morning I guess." She set her mug down turning to head back upstairs so that Alec could get ready for work but he grabbed her arm gently. "What is it what happened?" His eyebrows knitted together in concern and she rolled her eyes. "Nothing I am fine. Your father called last night wanting to discuss our family affairs because of Luke and it upset Max. I'm just tired thats all, you did after all keep me waiting on you till almost 11 last night." She shot him the best motherly death glare she could muster this early in the morning before cracking a smile patting his arm. "Go to work Alec I am going to sleep a little while longer before bringing Max by for lunch. You owe him a chocolate cake after all." Alec laughed softly before nodding "I'll see you later today then." He made his way back upstairs quietly changing into his black jeans and a dark blue t shirt with his leather jacket taking one last glance at his sleeping son before shutting the door heading to the store ready to tackle another day.

It was almost half past 11 when Alec finally finished decorating the custom orders and he leaned against the front counter listening to the faint chatter of his customers talk among themselves when he heard the most adorable squeal along with the ringing of the front door "daddy!" Alec smiled wider turning just slightly to lift the counter top as Max ran towards him jumping into his arms nuzzling his face into Alec's chest "I missed you daddy." The pout in his voice is evident and Alec chuckled softly pressing his lips to the top of Max's head. "You missed me? How could you miss me when I have only been away for a few hours and you were sleeping hmm" Alec rocked slightly rubbing his sons back gently and Max simply snuggled closer to him murmuring "don't like it when daddy isn't home before story time" He almost sounded sad and Alec glanced at his mother before setting his son on the counter leaning down to be eye level with him. "How about this monkey since I missed story time and your cake you can have a piece right now and I will bring an extra special one home for you and I to share. How does that sound?" He watched as the offer ran through his sons mind before he nodded whispering shyly "with rainbow sprinkles?" Alec chuckled "of course with rainbow sprinkles what kind of monster do you think I am?" He winked at Max moving to get the stool for him and a piece of cake. "Ok monkey up we go" he moved max to sit on a stool by the counter "now be good and eat all your food for daddy while he works" he ruffled his hair before turning to begin working on to go orders. As he worked he listened to his son try to hum along to the music playing faintly in the store. It was moments like these that made Alec fall in love with Max all over again. He turned to make sure he was eating his lunch and not just his cupcake before nodding to his mother as if saying he would be right back before turning to go into the back to check on his chocolate molds. He continued to work in the back for a bit knowing his son would take his attention soon. He stood up walking back to the front counter when he heard his son let out his famous whine signaling he was done. He quickly cleared the counter helping Max off of the stool letting him run to the fridge near the front of the store to grab a juice. As he turned to help a customer he heard a cry and a rather loud groan of frustration. He nodded to his mother swapping places with her and he went to Max quickly and instantly saw the mess made by the spilled orange juice. "Shh baby doll its ok just go get napkins for daddy you know where they are." Alec knelt down and began to soak up the mess with the rag he had in his pocket when two nice black leather shoes stopped in front of him followed by the clearing of a throat. Alec closed his eyes briefly knowing it had to be the customer Max ran into and he prepared himself for the anger that was bound to follow. He looked up slowly and opened his mouth to apologize when he saw the same man from last night standing over him orange juice on his white trousers and a look of frustration yet amusement written across his features. "We really need to stop meeting like this. Me wet and you being there to clean up the mess. At least this time you had the decency to greet me on your knees." Alec's eyes went wide standing up quickly and he went to retort back but the man held up his finger "you're running a business here I suggest you learn about locks and controlling children so things like this don't happen. I need a dozen of the same cake you gave me last night but this time I will pay."He brushed past Alec without another word pulling out his wallet and Alec ushered Max back to the stool at the counter as he silently boxed up the last of his chocolate cakes for the day seeing as they were his most popular flavor and max let out a small cry "daddy no you promised me." Alec closed his eyes before turning just enough to give Max the look "not now son" Alec slide the box across the counter before discounting the total due to the spill. "Cash or card today sir?" He looked up waiting for an answer but instead was greeted with a black credit card being held out quickly. Not wanting to make this man any angrier he quickly completed the transaction passing the card back "look I do apologize for what happened I should have been watching him closer is there anything I could do to make this up to you Mr. uh.." He went to glance down at the card for a name but the man took it back quickly. "No just start managing things properly and this won't be a recurring issue." The man grabbed the box leaving quickly and Alec stood there watching as the door swung closed the receipt still in his grasp. He shook his head looking at it in his hand making note of the name for the transaction. "Magnus Bane.. who could you possibly be?"