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***
There is no time like the present! What are you waiting for?
He has repeated this process more times than he can remember and yet, he stills. It’s a simple process. Count to three and lunge. Though Magnus finds difficulty in this version of the present. There is no time like it, indeed.
Perhaps he stills because he has not acquainted himself with the waters of Emerald Bay, Florida or maybe he stills because his entire life has collapsed into a pile of horse shit that he can’t seem to dig himself out of. As much as Magnus wants to pretend, he knows the truth. It is the latter, which provides the trouble to his burdens tonight. As much as he tells himself that he is ready to move on, he knows deep down that he isn’t.
If he shuts his eyes hard enough he can replay everything in living color. The life of glamour he was given when proven worthy when he won the gold medal for the Olympics twice. Two years in a row, which is basically unheard of. He is allowed to be cocky about his accomplishments, who wouldn’t be? Winning the Olympics for diving changed everything for him.
Strange faces everywhere wanting to take his picture, money to spend on a whim, having whoever he wanted as a partner. It was a good life. At least at the beginning it was. There is always a price to pay when given the opportunity of stardom.
Endless parties which he can’t remember due to the copious amounts of alcohol and drugs, public fights with beloved figures of the entertainment industry, and numerous false dating rumors. Just to list a few. He had done just about everything in the imaginary ‘don't do’ handbook for celebrities.
The only good in all the chaos was his relationship with famous actress, Camille Belcourt. He loved her entirely and with everything he had, only to have his heart stomped on when things went sideways. She was found one night in their shared apartment tangled up in bedsheets with her co-star. From that night on Magnus decided that it is easier to just shut people out and that he can only trust himself.
Losing Camille was his breaking point, and it was up to his best friend and manager, Ragnor, to put a stop to how Magnus was living his life. The idea that Ragnor came up with was a spot of brilliance, at least for his career. It was a simple plan really. Join the lifeguards of Baywatch, save a few lives, and come back to the diving championship as a hero. A plan to ensure he would still have fans when he returned. They both agreed the idea was foolproof.
It is bound to be an easy job for someone who swims for a living. He has always loved swimming, both as a sport and as a recreational activity. Swimming means the world to him, as it is his entire world. Frankly, it is all that Magnus really knows.
The Florida waters are growing even more angry as the night continues on. Magnus needs to lunge and he needs to lunge now. Pushing his thoughts away, he glances out at the ocean that he will become accustomed to for the next six months. He gathers himself quickly.
1! 2! 3! Jump!
The water hits him and suddenly he feels born again. The laps that he completes begin to tire him after a while and he sees the need to get out. When he reaches out of the ocean to read the time on his phone, it is nearing three in the morning.
With the knowledge that he only will get a few hours of sleep before Baywatch tryouts, he walks over to the shiny new Harley motorcycle he had bought earlier in the day and swings a foot over the seat. Making his way back to the shabbiest motel that money can buy.
Magnus suggested they stay in something a bit more lavish but Ragnor insisted on the motel. It is the closest lodging to the beach of Emerald Bay. Staying there is temporary anyway.
If Magnus is accepted into Baywatch he’ll be required to share one of the various beach homes with fellow employees. While Magnus has few doubts that he won’t get in, the living situation sounds like a dealbreaker. Sharing a motel room for a day or two with Ragnor is hard enough, spending months on end with strangers is bound to be torture.
The room is quiet and humid when he arrives, with Ragnor fast asleep. Magnus does his best to not wake his friend when he hops into his own bed. He takes a few breaths to unwind his busy brain. Giving little to no thought about the Baywatch tryouts as he dozes off.
***
“Rise and shine!” Ragnor quips as he unveils the curtains on the window, bringing natural light into the motel room. It is too bright and all Magnus can do is groan.
“Are you that eager to get rid of me?” Magnus asks, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
Ragnor doesn’t answer, instead he motions for Magnus to get ready in the bathroom. Magnus makes quite the ordeal of how slowly he gets off the bed, an attempt to annoy his manager. Ragnor, a man used to Magnus and his shenanigans, just scoffs once Magnus shuts the door.
When Magnus meets Ragnor outside he is wearing his signature waterproof eye makeup and swim trunks, not bothering to add clothes over it since they would be coming off soon anyway. Magnus rubs his fingers together, a sure sign that he is anxious.
“There is nothing to worry about, my friend.”
“Let’s just get this over with.” Magnus mutters.
Ragnor gives him a reassuring pat on the back, and they begin to walk to the beach that is a mile down the road. When they arrive to the beach of Emerald Bay there are signs posted by the Baywatch crew that direct them on where to go. Unfortunately, tryouts are on the complete opposite side of the beach. They tread through the sand and eventually get to where they are instructed. Magnus puts on a fake smile and makes his way over to the group of possible recruits. He waves goodbye to Ragnor in the distance.
A beautiful raven-haired woman approaches him, “Are you here for try-outs? The sign up sheet is over there.” she points to the only table around.
“Thank you, dear.” Magnus quickly signs his name on the sheet, turning to see that the woman is still at his side.
“I’m here for try-outs too. I’m Isabelle, by the way.”
“Oh, I’m-”
“Magnus Bane, Olympic gold medalist. I know who you are. See you out there, Magnus.” Isabelle trots off before Magnus can say goodbye.
He sees others standing around the lifeguard tower and goes to join them. Some people are stretching in preparation, while others are choosing to socialize. Magnus chooses to socialize, knowing that he is as prepared as he can be. A young man with brown hair and round glasses sways next to him nervously.
“You know, you can’t wear glasses in the water.”
“Right!” The man realizes as he pulls them off his face and throws them into the tote bag on his shoulder. “Good call! Thanks, man.”
The voices of everyone around have come to a stand still, Magnus watches as four very attractive individuals exit the lifeguard tower. They are all wearing the signature Baywatch red attire. The Baywatch crew stands before the crowd, taking a good look at them, the tall pretty boy with dark hair takes his time staring Magnus up and down. Magnus finds himself instantly smitten, maybe coming to Florida wasn’t such a bad idea after all. The older man with well groomed facial hair speaks to the recruits first, his voice is deep and authoritative.
“Hello, welcome to the try-outs of the Baywatch program. Before I introduce myself and my colleagues, I want to explain the importance of this program.” He pauses, “This isn’t just a simple lifeguard job, we save lives here. Putting ourselves at risk everyday. If accepted, this will be both the most rewarding and difficult job you will ever have. Those not ready to give at least 110% everyday, please leave now.”
Surely enough, some of the group shuffles away, leaving about twenty recruits to choose from. The man continues, “My name is Luke Garroway. I’m currently the lead of Baywatch and have been doing this for the past 15 years.”
The other three introduce themselves shortly after Luke. First is the red-head, her name is Clary and she has been in the program with her friend Jace for about a year after her adopted dad Luke pestered her to join. Second is Jace, the blond, who chooses not to speak to the group, feeling that Clary did an effective job of explaining for him. The third and final member is Alec, the pretty boy, who is second in command to Luke and has been a part of Baywatch for three years.
Luke gives the recruits an idea of what he is expecting. “The course you are about to complete will show us two key elements. Speed and stamina. We will also pay attention to technique, so just go out there and be the best you can be. Let’s line up!”
The recruits run down to the shoreline and form a line as they begin to eye the water. Everyone removes the necessary clothing, creating a rainbow of colorful swimwear down the line while Magnus inhales a long breath, ready to dive in.
It is Clary’s responsibility to send the recruits into the water. “On the count of three. One. Two. Three!”
Magnus dives in head first, using a much looser form than he does normally in his competitions. This is an easier way to keep his energy up, there are multiple hurdles and various objects in the way of his line. Presumably set up so the Baywatch employees can see how well the swimmers can adapt and move past the obstacles. Though Magnus doesn’t stop to check, he can tell that he is in the lead. Picking the dummy out of the water that has ‘save me’ written across its body, he begins to swim back to shore, using one hand to hold it and one to swim back.
Not far behind him is Isabelle, who has now saved a dummy of her own. He has to admit, she is good. Water splashes from her feet onto Magnus as she passes him just barely. He advances, throwing the dummy halfway onto his back. They keep passing each other and before Magnus knows it he is touching the sand. He jolts out of the water and runs up to Luke, setting the fake person down at his feet. Just as Isabelle does.
Luke gives them a nod and they relax their shoulders. They take a moment to catch their breath, that is, until they hear shouting from the water. Recruits run frantically back up to the shore without finishing the course, waiting for Baywatch to take action. Only two remain in the ocean, one person is conscious and is trying to keep the unconscious one from drowning. Surely unable to swim back on his own without leaving the other.
“You wanna join Baywatch?” Luke asks sharply to Magnus. “Then go save them.”
Magnus gives him a stern nod, “I’m on it.”
Isabelle attempts to follow Magnus, but Luke stops her. “Not you Isabelle, I’ll need your help with CPR. You’re still certified right?”
“Of course.” She says, voice shaky with nerves as she watches Magnus dive back into the ocean.
As Magnus swims closer, he begins to address the situation. The guy with glasses that he met only a short while ago is attempting to keep a much younger boy afloat, who must have swam over to the course by accident. The boy’s family is watching with horror as they remain on the beach.
“Give me the boy!” Magnus demands.
The other man looks at him for a moment before handing the kid over. “Now what?”
“Swim back to shore.” Magnus suggests. “I got him.”
Magnus is careful to keep the child's head above the water, yet tries to swim as quickly as he can possibly manage. If the little boy doesn’t get CPR soon, this will surely become a matter of life or death. It feels like a lifetime before he gets back to the land. Isabelle and Luke are the first to come to his aid as he maneuvers the boy onto a dry blanket. Having a kit on standby, they begin compressions on the boy’s chest.
Magnus takes a step forward to offer more of his help, but a rough hand pushes him away before he gets the chance. “Stand back.”
At his side stands Alec, his hand still gripping Magnus’s chest. Alec looks bewildered and frightened, glancing only at the unconscious boy. Before Magnus can offer him any words of comfort, Jace sees Alec in distress and takes matters into his own hands.
Jace pulls at Alec’s arm lightly, using a soft tone as he speaks. “C’mon, Alec.”
Alec says nothing, but follows Jace to wherever he is going. The whispers of Jace talking to him delicately can be vaguely heard until they reach the steps that lead to the pier. A loud gasp echoes from under Magnus and a splash of something warm hits his foot, the little boy is now conscious and breathing. Magnus can’t even be mad that his ankles are soaked in vomit, thankful that the kid is alright. The boy’s family rushes over to him, embracing him into a bear-hug as the mother sobs deeply. The father mutters out a collection of thank yous to Luke who offers an understanding fatherly smile.
Luke walks over to where the boy’s savior is standing. “All of those wanting to join Baywatch come huddle here.”
Clary comes to stand by the recruit too and throws an arm over him. “Tell them your name.”
He clears his throat, “Simon Lewis.”
“Welcome to Baywatch, Simon.” Luke says, stiffening as he turns to the huddled recruits. “Mr. Lewis has set the perfect example of what it means to be in this program. As for the rest of you, aside from Ms. Lightwood and Mr. Bane, cowardliness will not be tolerated. You are free to leave.”
Magnus and Isabelle remain in place as the others leave. Simon rummages in his bag and slides his glasses back onto his face. Luke excuses himself, going to grab the official paperwork he needs. While Luke hasn’t said it out loud yet, Magnus and Isabelle are surely going to be a part of Baywatch, just like Simon. After all, they all played a part in saving that little boy’s life.
“Does this mean we’re in?” Isabelle impatiently asks at Luke’s return.
“Yes. I was very impressed with you two today.” Luke states, “Where are your brothers, Izzy? Alec and Jace should be here to congratulate you.”
Isabelle gives him a knowing look, “They decided to take a walk, on the pier.”
“The pier. Got it.”
Clary comes to hug Izzy, giddy for her girlfriend’s success. “Congrats, baby!”
“What? No kiss?” Isabelle jokes, Clary complies and grabs her waist as she kisses her lovingly.
“Happy now?” Clary asks, still holding Isabelle in her arms.
“With you around, always.”
Magnus smiles at them as the blush grows on Clary’s cheeks. They seem like a very happy couple, what Magnus would give to have that type of love again aches him in more ways than he wants. Simon sees the sadness in Magnus’s eyes and gives him a friendly hip bump.
“You alright, buddy?” Simon questions, though Simon looks like the one who is still shaken up over the day’s events.
“I’m fine. Thanks for the concern, Sammy.”
“It’s Simon.”
“Magnus, I need you to sign here and here.” Luke points on the weaver, holding a ballpoint pen which Magnus takes and begins to sign. “I will say, I’m surprised. It’s not everyday that a famous swimmer wants to join our program.”
“Well, I needed a change.” Magnus says as he lies through his teeth and repeats the rehearsed response to why he is here.
“Happy to have you.” Luke comments, truthfully. “You three start tomorrow, and remember to come bright and early. After your shifts, I’ll help move you into the beach houses.”
Clary gives Isabelle a kiss goodbye as she and Luke return to their duty of guarding the beach for the rest of the day. Magnus swears they move in slow motion as they run away, it feels like something out of a movie or vintage television show. Will he run in slow motion too? Maybe it is a perk of joining Baywatch?
Izzy waves a hand in Magnus’s face to break his trance, “Did either of you hear me? I asked if you wanna come with the gang and I to a club tonight.”
“A club?” Simon throws his shirt back over his head and shuffles it back on his damp body. “Which place?”
“Only the newest club in Florida. It’s called Pandemonium.” she says, “You guys in or not?”
Simon gives an enthusiastic yes and gives his phone over to Isabelle to text her number into. Magnus reluctantly hands his phone over after Simon and a confusing wave of guilt begins to wash over him. Isabelle truly wants to be his friend, while he is only here for his own career and financial gain. Magnus knows damn well that he will never see these people again after his program is over. He feels despicable, maybe he won’t accompany them tonight. It is too personal, too real.
“See you both tonight!” Izzy calls back to them as she runs in perfect Baywatch slow-mo towards the pier.
Magnus waves her off with a fake smile, “Yeah, see you there.”
Though, he isn’t so sure that he will.
***
“You aren’t here to make friends.” Ragnor points out, “I’m not trying to be harsh, but it’s the truth.”
Magnus swallows the lump of food in his mouth. “I know that, I do. But shouldn’t I at least try to make it seem like I care? Like I actually want to be a part of their team, or whatever.”
“I suppose.” Ragnor considers as he takes a bite of his burger, resting an arm on the small diner table. “Just don’t get attached, they don’t deserve that and neither do you.”
“It is a job, nothing else.” Magnus fears that statement will change, but that worry is a problem for a separate time. “So what time is your flight tomorrow?”
“Did I not tell you? My flight was moved up, it leaves at seven tonight.”
“What? I thought you were going to see me off in action for Baywatch tomorrow.” Magnus asks as he steals a fry off the other man’s plate.
“It’s not like I’m sending you to your first day of school, Magnus. You’re a grown man.”
“Am I?” Magnus gasps loudly and swipes another fry secretly. “I had no idea! Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Just eat your food. Oh, and Magnus?”
“Hm?”
“Stop stealing my damn french fries!” Ragnor smacks Magnus’s hand on the other side of the table, which then creates a loud sound that echoes throughout the diner. Magnus and Ragnor can’t help but laugh.
Once they finish their meals they hop into the taxi waiting for them. The ride feels like an eternity due to traffic but when they arrive back at the motel they rush to pack. With Ragnor leaving tonight Magnus decides that he wants to give himself one last night of luxury by staying in a five star hotel. After today's events, he feels like it is a well deserved treat.
“What are you going to do about your infernal contraption?” Ragnor asks about Magnus’s new motorcycle.
“I’ll have a taxi bring me back later for it.”
Magnus grips his friend in a bear hug, though their moment is interrupted by the sound of two cars honking their horns in the parking lot. They make their way out and place their luggage into the separate taxis. Magnus already misses Ragnor, despite him only being inches away.
“Don’t make me come back just to smack some sense into you.” Ragnor threatens before he slides into his vehicle and shuts the door. Magnus follows suit and gets into his own car as well.
“Where to, son?” The driver asks Magnus.
Magnus gives the driver the address to the hotel he found, it is known for its refined elegance and modern architecture. Also, it is near the Pandemonium club, which is a win for Magnus. When he arrives at the new hotel, he feels instantly better. Check in is a breeze and they even offer to carry his luggage up for him, which he accepts. His hotel suite seems fit for a God, the walls made of glass to display the nightlife outside and to accentuate the sleek furniture inside. Magnus pulls the bottle of champagne from the bucket that is waiting for him. He pours himself a generous glass and gets to work on preparing his wardrobe for Pandemonium.
He dresses himself in tight dark blue pants, fresh shiny black dress shoes, and a black dress shirt that have a see-through floral mesh pattern. Magnus looks himself up and down in the long mirror. His chest is ravishing and quite exposed, displaying the muscles that come with having a swimmer's body. For makeup he does his signature charcoal eyeshadow but adds blue eyeliner instead of his usual black, he also applies a bit of tinted lip gloss to finish the look.
Once he relaxes and sobers up in the suite for a couple hours, he makes the journey to pick his Harley back up and drops it off at the hotel. He chooses to walk to Pandemonium, taking in the smell of the Floridian air. The bouncer at the front asks for his name and Magnus is immediately let in. The club is roaring with people and loud techno music pumps through the speakers. Magnus needs a drink so he makes his way over to the bar in the corner.
The bartender behind the counter is doing trick shots with the bottles in her hands, throwing them over her head and catching them again as she glides drink after drink at her customers. Magnus decides to start with an easy drink and work his way up to shots as the night continues.
“Gin and Tonic, please.”
The bartender looks unamused, “Gin and Tonic? Wearing an outfit like that? Why don’t I make you one of my specials?”
Magnus agrees as he watches her prepare the mysterious cocktail. She tosses various liquids and fruits into a blender and quickly pours the red concoction into a tall glass with a pineapple wedge. He pays and she pushes the drink towards him.
“Thank you-” He squints to read her nametag, “Maia.”
“Magnus!” Isabelle calls behind him, “There you are!”
“Here I am!” Gesturing to himself and gripping the fruity drink from the bar. The drink titters in his hand as she pulls him in for a hug. “You look flawless, my dear.”
Izzy is wearing a short sparkly dress and six inch heels that match. “I was just going to say the same to you.” she glances past a group of girls in her way, “We’re sitting over there. Join us.”
The rest of the Baywatch crew, aside from Luke who decided not to come, are sitting in the V.I.P. section of the club. They appear to be surprisingly relaxed and have little intention of moving from their seats. It is a curved booth for their own accommodations, so everyone can talk to each other with comfort and ease.
“Magnus! Buddy!” Simon hollers over the music and distracting lights. “Sit by me!”
Magnus squeezes in the booth to be by his newfound buddy, Isabelle shimmies in on his other side. He takes a drink from his straw and asks, “How’d you get V.I.P.?”
“We’re Florida royalty.” Jace says, like it is obvious.
“What Jace means...” Clary interjects, “Is that Baywatch is a highly respected profession here, so we get certain advantages. Such as a V.I.P. clubbing experience.”
“Which is why the bouncer let me in so easily?” Magnus asks, Clary confirms with a nod. “That’s a gorgeous necklace, by the way.”
“Thanks.” Clary clasps her hands around the amethyst stone. “It’s a family heirloom, my mother left it to me in her will when she passed.”
Magnus flashes her an understanding smile, he too had lost his mother at a young age.
The group conversation picks up after that as they talk about nothing and everything but all Magnus can focus on is the fact that Alec is glaring at him. Odd. Magnus tries to ignore it but that becomes increasingly difficult. Every time Magnus looks at Alec, Alec looks away and acts engaged in the conversation happening. What kind of game is he playing?
Jace sees this happening and can’t leave his curiosity unnoticed. “Magnus, wanna come with me to get shots?”
Magnus looks at his empty glass, “Definitely, I am far too sober.”
They walk to the bar and Maia takes Jace’s money as she pours them two shots of tequila. They clink their glasses and down the shots. Magnus enjoys the burning rush in his throat and smiles at Jace wickedly.
Maia directs her attention to Jace once she knows that he has swallowed. “I spit in yours.”
“I’m assuming you know her?” Magnus questions, but Jace just smirks at his empty shot glass. “Another shot please, Maia. Hold the spit.”
She doesn’t tamper with this set, at the request of Magnus.
“To Baywatch.” Jace announces as they down more tequila. “I gotta ask, do you know Alec from somewhere?”
Before Magnus can reply with a no, Alec speaks for him, now standing nearby. “No, he doesn't. Do you always have to be so nosey, Jace?”
“You know you love me!” Jace smacks his brother on the back, “Since you’re here, you can help Magnus bring the shots over to us.”
“Dick.” Alec mutters under his breath, still loud enough for Magnus to hear as Jace vanishes amongst the crowd. “Six shots please, Maia. I don’t care what they are.”
“Six shots of Fireball coming right up.” Maia lines up the glasses.
“Jace hates Fireball.”
“Exactly.” She makes a clicking sound with her tongue and points a finger gun at him.
Alec does his best to contain his smile as he faces Magnus. “I know what you’re doing.”
“Come again?”
Alec's voice is scarily quiet as he repeats himself, “I said, I know what you're doing.”
“What am I doing?”
“Seriously?” Alec growls, “You’re just using us. Baywatch. For your precious publicity.”
“I’m not-”
“You aren’t the first famous swimmer to do this, you know? Surely you came to Baywatch in order to help your recent transgressions in the tabloids, no?”
“It's more complicated than that, I-”
“This conversation is going to stay between us. These people are my family, they think you’re here because you want to be so let’s keep it that way.” Alec takes the tray of shots from Maia. “Now, come with me back to the table.”
“That’s it? You’re not going to tell me that I’m a horrible person?”
“Why would I tell you what you already know?” The aggression is clear in his voice.
“Alec-” Magnus tries.
“Just come on, Bane.” Alec says, dropping the subject for now as they head back to the V.I.P section.
“I’ll buy the next round.” Magnus says to the lifeguards when they reach their table, internally trying to contain his own guilt. Giving his new co-workers free shots will hopefully help to combat that feeling.
A few shots of vodka later and Magnus is ready to dance. He drags Isabelle and Simon with him onto the dance floor. Isabelle dances rather gracefully while Simon tries his best and sways to the beat. Three songs into dancing and Clary and Jace decide to join them. Clary smiles as she twirls Isabelle to the upbeat pop song that echoes through the speakers. They lean into a kiss as Isabelle dips Clary. Next to them is Jace and Simon who appear to be chatting away as they shuffle along the floor. Magnus stops grinding against a stranger when he spots Alec, who is still seated in their V.I.P section and is thoughtfully watching the crowd.
“What’s up with Alec?” Magnus asks Isabelle.
“Clubbing isn’t his scene.” She replies, yelling over the music.
“Then why did he come?”
“Your guess is as good as mine.” Izzy shrugs.
A sexy stranger approaches Magnus, he has dirty blond hair that reaches his shoulders and talks like a surfer. “Hey, your dancing is totally radical. I’m hoping you can teach me some of your sick moves.”
Magnus pulls him close and winks, clearly knowing where the night is heading. “I can teach you moves that aren’t suitable for the dance floor too. If you're interested?”
“Tubular.” The man drunkenly slurs, “I’m Alec.”
“Alec?” Magnus asks. Of fucking course the hot stranger he is about to hook up with has to have the same name as someone who probably hates him.
“Do you surf, man?” Surfer Alec questions.
“No, but I swim.”
“Sick.” New Alec gets straight to the point, “You know bro, I don’t think anyone is in the bathroom. No one would mind if we borrowed it for a few minutes. I wanna blow you.”
Who is Magnus to say no to such a request? He needs to let loose and letting a stranger give him a blowjob in the club doesn’t sound like a bad way to spend the night. Magnus grabs him by the wrist and kisses him roughly. He tastes like cigarettes and cheap alcohol, two things that Magnus despises. He powers through and eventually makes it into a restroom stall with the new Alec. Magnus closes his eyes as the man gets down on his knees and blows him.
The two leave the stall an embarrassingly short amount of time later and Alec doesn’t even say goodbye before going to find the surfer bros that he came with. Magnus tries to locate Baywatch but only manages to find Simon.
“Where is everyone?”
“They left. It’s almost two in the morning and we have work tomorrow.”
Magnus checks his watch, which confirms that the time is 1:56am. “Why are you still here?”
“I wanted to make sure you were alright.” Simon states, “I saw you go to the restroom with that rando.”
“Well, thank you for staying.”
Simon fiddles with his shirt awkwardly, “I’m gonna head out now.”
Magnus follows Simon out of Pandemonium and makes the drunken walk back to his suite. He removes as much of his clothing as he can before he sets his alarm and passes out. Only four and a half hours until he becomes a true Baywatch lifeguard.
***
“Morning gang!” Luke is rather excited to train the newbies, while the so-called ‘gang’ look as if they were all hit by a bus last night. Alec glares at Isabelle and Jace for even suggesting clubbing last night, he rubs at his temples to relieve some strain of the hangover.
Magnus sprints across the beach to meet them, already late on his first official day. He struggles to run thanks to his throbbing headache. When he reaches Baywatch they seem occupied in a discussion. He probably would have gotten away with being late if it wasn’t for Simon making his presence known.
“Magnus! Thank god!” Simon exclaims.
“About time.” Alec comments, his voice full of sass as he rolls his eyes.
“Sorry, Mr. Perfect.” Magnus responds, defensively. “Get your head out of your ass. I’m here now.”
“Where did you go last night?” Jace questions.
“He was busy.” Simon grins.
“Busy doing what?” Clary inquires.
“More like who.” Simon says, bumping Magnus’s shoulder with his own.
“Do tell.” Clary pushes, “What was their name?”
“Alec.” Magnus mumbles.
“What?” Alec asks, clearly spooked by the name.
“Not you Alec, a different Alec.” Magnus informs.
“What did this other Alec look like?” Alec fears for what Magnus is about to tell him.
“I don’t know. A surfer, dirty blond hair, slightly taller than me. Why?”
“That’s Alec Walker.” Alec is ready to snap, but Izzy holds him back. “My ex boyfriend.”
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” Magnus groans, smacking himself in the face.
“You dated a guy with the same name?” Simon finally catches up on the situation.
Luke coughs, standing by uncomfortably. “Are we ready to start the morning?”
“Are you going to reprimand Magnus for being late?” Alec asks Luke, weakened by the shock of hearing his ex’s name.
“Magnus, don’t be late again.” Is all Luke says as Magnus sighs in relief.
“That’s it?” Alec can’t catch a break, Magnus joins Baywatch and suddenly all hell breaks loose.
“This gives me an idea.” Luke’s eyes dance between Magnus and Alec. “ I will not allow this friction to happen within Baywatch while lives are at stake. Since you two clearly have issues that need to be worked out, you are going to room and train together.”
“Is that really necessary?” Magnus dreads the thought of it.
“I agree with Magnus, it’s unnecessary.” Alec protests. “See? We’re already getting along.”
“My mind is made up. If you both protest this any longer, you will be fired. Get ready to spend a lot of time together, boys.”
Alec caves and nods his head in understanding, straightening himself. “Sorry, Sir.”
“Apology accepted. Now Alec, go teach Magnus the parts of the emergency kit and start on training CPR procedures.” Luke pats his second in command on the back, “I’ll train Isabelle and Simon, one of us will check on you within the hour.”
“Let’s go.” Alec walks to the lifeguard tower and climbs the stairs with Magnus behind him. “CPR and emergency supplies will be the most important skills for you to learn. As you saw yesterday, they are crucial for saving any life.”
A large orange box is waiting for them on the ground, Alec and Magnus sit down to unlock it. Most of it’s contents consist of the typical first-aid that every person has learned at one point or another. Some of it Alec has to explain in depth, more advanced bandages and disinfectants that are more useful in the beachy weather conditions.
The little bit of conversation that Alec and Magnus have during the first aid training is so awkward that Magnus feels the need to say something. Anything that doesn’t have to do with work. “Your name is Alec, is that short for Alexander?”
Hazel eyes glance at him, “Legally, yes. Why do you ask?”
“I’ve always liked that name.”
“I’m sure, looks like you have a thing for people named Alexander.”
“I’m sorry that I hooked up with your ex.” Magnus sighs, “Though I am curious, how did you meet someone like him?”
“Here, at the beach.”
“He doesn’t seem like your type.”
“And you know what my type is?” Alec raises an eyebrow.
“I’m just saying, you can do better.” Magnus means what he says.
Alec appears more and more shocked by every word that spills from Magnus, “Thanks?”
“Can we just forget about the Alec Walker situation? At least for now? For the sake of Baywatch?”
“I guess.” Alec concludes as he allows himself to stare at Magnus for a moment. He then remembers why they are in the lifeguard tower. “Ready for a little CPR?”
They decide to practice on a dummy and alternate between each other to push chest compressions. Magnus gets the hang of it after a few minutes. Footsteps on the floorboard break their concentration.
Clary stands above them, observing and tightening a hair band around her wet ponytail. She has a trail of watery footprints behind her. “Better than I did my first time giving CPR to a dummy.”
“You pushed too hard Fray, you tore a hole into that poor innocent dummy. We had to get rid of it, no thanks to you.” Alec teases, Clary sticks her tongue out at him.
“Bully.” Clary jokes before returning back to reality. “Everyone is needed outside.”
Clary leaves and Alec attempts to stand before Magnus grabs his hand and pulls him back down.
“I need to say one more thing and then I’ll leave you alone. Coming to Baywatch may have not been my idea but I am going to do everything in my power to be a good lifeguard. You don’t have to believe me but that’s the truth.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it.” Alec snips, the semi-calm atmosphere between them is now gone.
“Yes, you will.” Magnus says under breath as they proceed outside.
A cop, dressed in an official uniform is waiting for them. His face appears to have a case of resting bitch face that will never go away in his lifetime. When he notices that Alec and Magnus have arrived, he motions for Luke to introduce him.
“This is officer Raphael Santiago.” Luke begins, “His job is to make sure that everything runs smoothly on the pier and beachfront. Any altercations involving beach-goers at Emerald Bay should be directly reported to him.”
Raphael leaves his introduction when he spots two men arguing near the town-shops out of the corner of his eye, knowing that he will have to intervene. “Adios, Baywatch.”
“He was…” Simon tries to come up with a describing word for Raphael.
“Slightly terrifying?” Jace finishes for him.
“Quite.”
“Back to work everyone.” Luke announces, dispersing them. “Not you, Alec and Magnus.”
“I went over the Emerald Bay standard procedures in both first aid and CPR, Sir.” Alec tells him.
“Alec, what did I tell you about calling me Sir?” Luke asks.
“Not to do it?”
“Precisely. All I was going to say was I’d like to see Magnus complete the procedures, then I can officially verify him.” He informs the younger men. Luke understands the guidelines that every Florida beach must follow like the back of his hand.
The three spend a little over an hour in the boathouse, Luke has him go over the steps numerous time just to make sure he has got them down. Ensuring that Magnus can handle an emergency when necessary. Magnus passes with flying colors and Luke sends him off for his first lunch break after verifying him.
Simon is waiting for Magnus outside the tower and pulls him toward the pier. He claims that he has found the most amazing plate of spaghetti that has ever been tasted in all of humanity. Jace hears the word ‘spaghetti’ and immediately follows them. On the way, Magnus learns that Jace loves that Italian dish more than life and considers himself an expert.
So that’s what Magnus orders when they arrive at the bistro and it blows his expectations. An odd choice based on location, but tasty nevertheless.
Magnus sits back, eating a forkful of spaghetti as he watches the interaction between Jace and Simon. It is either flirting or expressing their hatred of each other.
Jace points his fork at Simon as he asks, “And how do you hit on someone, Simon?”
“The name’s Lewis,” He turns a shoulder dramatically, “Simon Lewis.”
“You just ripped that off of James Bond. It would never work.” Jace claims but the blush creeping up on his face says otherwise.
“Sure thing, Captain America.”
When Magnus finishes his meal he leaves them there to talk, or whatever that attempt at flirting is. As soon as Magnus exits, the two gravitate closer together. Jace takes a seat in Magnus’s spot and leans on Simon’s half of the table. It is disgustingly cute from an outsider perspective.
With a few minutes left of his break and newfound energy from his now full stomach, Magnus decides to take a jog across the beach. As he does so, everything moves slower and the little bit of wind in the air blows his hair back. A true sign that he is now a part of Baywatch, he has never felt sexier.
***
All Magnus wants to do after the long day is go to sleep, but of course he isn’t that lucky and it isn’t that simple. Directly after work, everyone has to report to Luke’s beach house to get instructions for their sleeping arrangements.
Magnus already knows that his sleeping arrangements for the next few months will be with Alec.
Frankly, he would rather share with anyone else in the state of Florida. Though they did manage to be civil to each other after their chat in the lifeguard tower, Magnus can still sense that Alec doesn’t like him. Maybe just maybe, Magnus doesn’t like Alec either.
The arrangements for the beach houses are: Luke in his own place, Clary, Jace, and Izzy in the next, and finally Simon, Alec, and Magnus in the last.
“Everyone take your keys. I haven’t made spares yet so don’t lose them.” Luke tells Baywatch, smiling as Magnus and Alec grumble to take theirs.
Having Simon in the same house as them may or may not have been a ploy from Luke to prevent them from strangling each other. Or if they did, at least Simon can act as a witness in court. Simon doesn’t think badly about sharing a house with them, he is just giddy to get to know them better. While he already likes Magnus, Alec is still far too intimidating to be his friend.
After the keys are given, everyone is able to retire for the night. Alec, Magnus, and Simon make their way over to their light blue painted house, on the far left of the beach. Luke was kind enough to have everyone's belongings distributed to the correct houses while they were still at work, giving some relief to both his new and old employees.
“So what’s our plan for the night boys? I’m thinking a Star Wars marathon!” Simon says as they walk along the sand and onto the short walkway up to their new home.
There is a note taped to the front door from Luke that reads: ‘ Enjoy yourselves! I gave you boys the best place!’
“Best place?” Magnus questions, unlocking the door.
Luke isn’t wrong. Their beach house is phenomenal, all white furniture and lifted ceilings. It almost felt too luxurious to be near the beach, more fitting as a layout of an expensive Manhattan flat. There are no dated lighting fixtures and everything appears to be controlled by voice recognition. Simon is more than happy to volunteer in setting up all of the necessary electronics. Magnus and Alec go to investigate their rooming situation.
Their bags are placed in front of each room that Luke intends for them to stay in. The first two rooms appear to be of similar size. One was for Magnus, the other for Alec. The room at the end of the hallway is Simon’s. Magnus peers inside Simon’s room, cursing Luke silently for giving him the biggest room. Alec sees the situation as fair, due to how they have practically been at each other's throats since Magnus arrived at Baywatch.
“The TV is huge!” Simon exclaims when they go back to the living room, a shiny black remote in his hand. “The dream team definitely scored with this place.”
Alec and Magnus share the same look of confusion as they hesitantly ask, “Dream team?”
“That’s us.” Simon says, matter of factly.
“But we’re not a team? Our job isn’t a sport.” Alec claims, trying to make sense of things.
Simon looks down to ponder another name for the three of them. But before he can Magnus intervenes, “I like it.”
Magnus flashes Alec a look that seems to say, don’t break Simon’s heart . Alec complies and lets the name go. “Didn’t you say something about watching Star Wars?”
Simon’s face lights up like a kid’s on Christmas. “I’ll get it ready to play! You two get the snacks!”
“Hopefully there’s ice cream in the freezer.” Magnus says as he walks into the kitchen.
“Ice cream? As a snack for a movie? No way!” Alec rebuttals.
“What were you going to suggest, popcorn?”
“Actually, I was.”
“Ok, Mr. Boring.”
“Shut up, Bane.” Alec says with no heat in his voice as he shoves Magnus playfully.
“Are you two coming?” Simon calls from the other room, “The Phantom Menace is waiting for us!”
“Is he seriously suggesting we watch the prequels over the original trilogy?” Magnus whispers to Alec. They are both secretly huge Star Wars fans.
“We are watching A New Hope.” Alec says to Simon, “If you don’t change it, there will be no snacks for you.”
“You know what sounds even better than popcorn?” Magnus leans in toward Alec.
Alec leans in closer too, “Wine?” He swipes the bottle of pinot grigio off the counter.
“You read my mind, Alexander.” Magnus pulls the vanilla ice cream from the freezer. “My favorite combo, wine and ice cream.”
“Are you two done flirting?” Simon questions, as he enters the kitchen. He grabs spoons and bowls for their boozy dessert. “Luke Skywalker waits for no one.”
“We’re coming.” Alec and Magnus say in unison as Simon trails behind them to the sofa, they sit together and leave Simon to sit on the floor.
Magnus and Alec make it through the end of two movies before they doze off. When Simon turns around, Alec’s head is resting on Magnus’s shoulder and Magnus has one arm thrown behind Alec’s back. They look too peaceful to wake up so Simon pauses the movie and places a cover over them before heading to his room.
Maybe the three of them living together will be okay after all.
***
The next morning when Magnus awakes he finds himself on the sofa, a warm blanket lying on top of him. He distinctly remembers Alec sitting next to him last night, but now Alec is nowhere to be found. Hopefully he got a restful sleep, unlike Magnus who now aches. Magnus quickly cracks his back and hurries to get ready for work.
At Baywatch, Alec says little to nothing to him all day. Just a simple greeting once in a while whenever they see each other in the passing.
That trend continues throughout the remainder of April and into May. While Magnus grows closer to the rest of the group, Alec becomes more distant. It isn’t until the first week of June that things finally become interesting.
It is Magnus’s day off when he reads the group text from Luke about an occurring situation on the pier. Evidently there is a bomb threat and the assumed bomber is refusing to stand down. Baywatch is trying to get everyone off the pier but can not intercept the actual situation, that is for the police. According to Luke, Raphael and his team are on the way. Magnus decides to drive back to Emerald Bay, wanting to check in and lend a hand if needed.
On the pier stands Alec and the unstable man, he is attempting to talk him down and diffuse the bomb. Alec knows that the police will be here soon and that he needs to distract the man in the meantime. Luckily everyone else in Baywatch is watching the scene unfold safely from below, on the sand. Once the bomber begins to shout, Alec begins to second guess the situation he has now put himself in. Seeing as there is little time left before the bomb explodes, it is now ticking even louder than before.
Magnus sees Alec in distress and floors his motorcycle, the front wheel not touching the ground as it reaches maximum capacity. He zooms past the onlookers near the pier and drives straight toward Alec, he snatches the bomb and does the only logical thing he can think of. Magnus dives off the end of the pier and throws the bomb as far as he can.
He hears the loud boom as he becomes separated from his bike and hits the water, hard. In this moment, Magnus is certain that he’s dying. The overwhelming sound and impact knock him unconscious seconds later.
The next thing that Magnus hears is Alec calling his name as he shakes his shoulder. The familiar feeling of warm sand sticks to Magnus’s wet back, at least he’s alive.
“Magnus, are you with me?” Alec’s voice sounds as if he’s miles away.
Magnus somehow grunts out, “I’m fine.”
“Why would you do that? You could have died!”
“Had to save you…” Magnus trails off before losing consciousness again.
It takes a few days for Magnus to feel human again. In the water he managed to acquire a concussion and broke his left arm in several places. Doctors told him he was lucky, a jump that high could have easily killed him. Although his motorcycle was not so lucky, it was destroyed by severe water damage and has now been sold by Jace for its spare parts.
Alec and Simon have been taking Magnus’s shifts for the week, since he was put on bedrest. One of them will always visit while on their lunch break and bring him something to eat. They are both far too good to him and are nothing but helpful. Though Magnus almost feels ready to return back to work, Luke insists that he rests for as long as possible.
Alec stumbles into the beach house, carrying bags of takeout. Magnus turns off the TV, having spent the last few hours mindlessly flicking through channels, he is glad to give his eyes a rest. Alec ushers him to the dining table and unboxes the various items of Chinese food.
Like the true gentleman Alec is, he pulls the seat out for Magnus and places a fork in front of him. “I didn’t know what you like so I got everything on the menu.”
“Thank you, Alexander.” Ever since the bomb scare, Alec has been unbelievably thoughtful and kind. The ill feelings he once had toward Magnus for joining Baywatch seem to be gone.
Magnus is a couple of bites into his broccoli beef when Alec asks, “Can we talk?”
“About what?”
“That day, on the pier.” Alec starts. “You saved me.”
“Yes, I suppose I did.”
“Why? It was clearly a dangerous ordeal, why did you save me?” Alec’s eyes look at him softly, causing Magnus to feel a flutter in his heart.
“It was the right thing to do.” Magnus glances down at the table, that isn’t why he saved Alec and he knows it.
Alec flashes him a small and nervous smile, “Well, thank you.”
They eat in a comfortable silence until they finish their lunch. Alec cleans up and heads back to work. He gives Magnus a light squeeze on the arm as he passes the table and out the door. Magnus finds himself grinning at Alec’s sweetness. Such a simple gesture has turned him into goo on the inside, he is smitten.
He realizes through a contagious smile what this feeling is, a crush.
***
In early July, Magnus gets the cast off his arm. While he returned to Baywatch duty a couple of weeks ago, he is now officially considered a healed man.
Simon decides that they should go to Pandemonium tonight to celebrate his recovery. Clary, Jace, and Izzy like the idea. Alec says nothing, wanting to see if Magnus is up for it before agreeing himself. Magnus and Alec have grown so close over the last month that an outsider might consider them to be friends.
Baywatch disperses from the Dream Team’s beach house once the decision is made. Clary and Izzy stay, discussing if they want matching outfits for their date night. Alec and Magnus half listen in before Alec steps closer to him.
“Do you want to share a taxi?” Alec whispers to Magnus, his cheeks blush red as his lips touch Magnus’s ear. He instantly feels his question is awkward and tries to recover what he just said, “It would be cheaper is all.”
“I’d love to.” Magnus smiles, his crush for Alec has grown stronger than ever.
“I would say that I’d pick you up, but we live in the same house so…”
“You can pick me up at my room?” Magnus offers, Alec nods vigorously.
“Go change. I’ll pick you up in fifteen minutes, don’t be late.” Alec winks and heads off to his room to get dressed too.
As promised, Alec waits a full fifteen minutes before he knocks on Magnus’s door. Both of their jaws drop at the appearance of the other. Magnus is the first to close his mouth and try to compose himself.
“Alexander?”
“Hm?” Alec says, checking him out shamelessly.
“The taxi is waiting.” Magnus loops his arm through Alec’s as they go outside. Their arms touch the entire car ride and it is agony for the both of them.
Alec ignores the V.I.P. section and pulls Magnus to the bar. “I don't know about you but I need a shot.”
“Smart man.” Magnus says as Maia places a flat of different shots in front of them. “To us.”
“To us.” Alec clinks his glass and downs his lemon drop shot, trying not to wince.
Only after they finish three shots each do they even consider joining the others, who seem to be in a world of their own too. Clary and Isabelle acting like the lovesick puppies they are, while Jace and Simon are having a flirty moment of their own.
“Magnus, I need to confess something.” Alec says, already very tipsy.
“Is it that you're a lightweight, Lightwood?” Magnus teases.
“Ha ha. Very funny.” Alec hiccups, “I’m sorry for how I’ve treated you. It’s not your fault that he died.”
“Who died, Alec?”
“Another shot please.” Alec waves his glass at the bartender. Alec swallows that shot and gets extremely somber. “My brother.”
“Your brother? Jace is sitting over there.”
“Not Jace. My youngest brother, Max.”
“What happened to Max?” Magnus tries to tread carefully, ordering another shot as he hears Alec’s answer.
“Fucking Luca Regio is what happened.”
“The Olympic swimmer from Italy?” Magnus drinks his tequila and waits for Alec to collect his thoughts.
“He was in Baywatch the year before I joined, while I was still studying at NYU. I guess Max decided to go swimming while mom and dad were God knows where. All I remember of that day is getting a call that he drowned. Luca was supposed to be on duty, and was supposed to save him. Instead he was nowhere in sight.” Alec fights down his tears, “He didn’t care. He never even apologized.”
“Alec, I am so sorry for your loss.”
“I should be the one saying sorry.” Alec states, “I made an assumption about you and I was wrong. I now see what kind of person you really are.”
“And what kind of person am I?” Magnus inquires. Alec stares down at his lips and starts to lean in. Their lips almost brush and Magnus closes his eyes, wanting to savor this moment. The shouting from Clary interrupts their special moment.
“Are you two ever coming to the table?” She asks.
“Uh, yes.” Alec and Magnus both stutter.
They spend the rest of the night apart, pining for each other across the table. It has been a long time since Magnus has felt something this intense. He doesn’t know what to do with himself.
Everyone leaves Pandemonium around midnight this time. Isabelle and Alec share a taxi back to Emerald Bay. Magnus takes his own taxi back and decides to take a late night walk along the shore. He takes his shoes off and lets the warm water splash on his feet to ground him.
He decides to call Ragnor, to catch him up on recent events. Magnus is immediately sent to voicemail and leaves a message, knowing Ragnor would not answer due to the time difference in England.
“I think I like it here, Ragnor. Is that crazy to say? I know you told me to not get attached but these people, they’re special. I don’t know, I hate to say it but you were right. Being here is good for me.” He breathes deeply into the phone, shaking his head at the newfound realization. “Call me back when you can?”
He eventually goes home and flops onto his bed. Before drifting off, Magnus’s mind considers his future and the part that he may want Baywatch and Alec to play in it.
***
Magnus groans as the ever-knocking sound from the front door continues. He pulls himself out of bed to discover Luke standing outside. He sports a serious face, “Raphael needs to speak with you.”
Magnus hastily ties his silk robe and steps out with Luke, “Hello, Raphael. What can I do for you?”
“Last night a body was found washed up on shore. A man named Samuel Blackwell.” Raphael crosses his arms at Magnus’s confused stare, “You were the only one at the beach after hours.”
“So what are you accusing me of? Murder?”
“No, I’m saying that you are a suspect.” Raphael huffs, “I need to take you down to the station for questioning.”
“On what grounds?” Luke interrupts, “This is ridiculous, taking a walk on a beach isn’t a crime.”
“What do you expect me to do?” Raphael asks, “Continue to let the murderer run free?”
“No.” Luke says, evenly. “But unless you have actual evidence that Magnus did something, you have no right questioning him. He is innocent, I know that as a fact.”
“Do you not trust the police to do our jobs?”
“I never said that.” Luke barks, losing his sense of calm. “But I won’t stand by and let you frame Magnus for something he didn’t do.”
“Fine. But any more suspicious activity from Baywatch and I am taking him in.” Raphael stomps off, leaving a frazzled Luke and Magnus.
“Are you alright?” Magnus asks, noticing that Luke’s hands are slightly shaking.
“Yeah, I just hate cops.”
“Thank you for defending me.”
“Anything for family.” Luke slaps him on the shoulder, “Go round up the others, we need to have a Baywatch meeting.”
When Magnus finally manages to get everyone to the Dream Team house, they all sit on the floor and gather around Luke. Magnus gestures for Alec to sit by him but Alec acts like he didn’t notice and sits between Isabelle and Jace.
“Something very serious happened last night.” Luke begins, “A dead body was found in the ocean last night by the police. They think Magnus did it.”
“What?” Simon asks, gripping the life out of Magnus’s arm.
“Someone is trying to tarnish the image of Baywatch. Whether or not that was intentional we may never know. What I do know is that we need to be more vigilant than ever, the police are convinced that we have some involvement in that murder and I won’t stand for it.”
“What can we do?” Clary chimes in.
“For today, I need everyone on shift and to only travel in pairs.” Luke says, “Also, no walking on the beach after dark until this all passes over. Do I make myself clear?”
“Crystal.” Magnus confirms and the others nod their heads in agreement.
“Now, everyone. Back to work.”
“Wanna be my buddy for the day?” Simon asks Magnus with a smile as they walk toward their assigned position on the pier.
“Sure.” Magnus tries to honestly smile back, but the smile never reaches his eyes. Between the murder and Alec being offish he doesn’t know how to turn the day around.
Luckily Simon and his outlandish personality work as a great distraction throughout the shift. In between following Luke’s instruction to stay vigilant, they make a game out of guessing the lives of the strangers that pass by them.
While there isn’t much he can control in his personal life, at least Magnus can laugh at the fact that the lady in the yellow hat is probably going day drinking while her cat named Fluffy waits for her return. In the meantime, Simon’s stranger, whom he has named Phil, is taking a day off from his hectic life of being a space cowboy.
The game lasts a few hours and before they know it, the sun is setting. They walk in a peaceful solitude back to the Dream Team house. Magnus sees that Alec’s door is shut, meaning that talking to him must wait another day. While Simon heads to his room, Magnus checks all the locks before heading to bed.
Something very wrong is about to happen, he can feel it.
***
“Magnus! Wake up!” Alec is all but yelling in his face.
“Hm?” Magnus sits up, taking mental note that the sun isn’t even up yet. “What is it?”
“It’s Clary.” Alec rush's out, he scrambles around Magnus’s room trying to find him something to wear. Luke has told Alec that he and Magnus are the only ones that can know about this situation for the time being.
“Clary?” Magnus takes the pile of clothes from Alec and puts his pants on. He carefully asks, “What’s wrong with Clary?”
“She’s missing, Luke can’t find her.” Alec wears a frightened face and paces the room again. “He needs you and I to go with him to the station. Right now.”
Magnus nods and throws a shirt over his head as they jog to Luke sitting in his car. Alec takes the passenger seat and Magnus hops into the back. They drive in a nervous silence, Luke taps the steering wheel rapidly with his thumb. It is clear how worried Luke is for his adopted daughter’s wellbeing.
Luke decides to recount his story from this morning to Alec and Magnus, since there is no helping the uneasy feeling in his chest. He finds it important to confront the source.
Every morning before sunrise, Luke and Clary go for a jog, a tradition that they have done together for years. Today, Luke waited for Clary for nearly an hour but she never showed. He decided to check around the perimeter of her beach house since she is never late. The window to her room was wide open and the frame had claw marks in it, it was as if someone pulled her from her room against her will.
“We’ll find her.” Alec assures Luke as they pull into the police station.
Inside the station they request to see Raphael, who has just gotten out of a meeting. He sees how nervous their demeanor is and pulls them into a private room to talk. Raphael plops down behind his desk as Luke gives him the rundown of Clary and her most recent whereabouts. All security footage from both Baywatch and the police department come up empty on finding Clary.
“The only way security footage wouldn’t catch her is if she went onto the docks.” Raphael states.
The docking area is owned by some very elite Florida residents that have purposely paid off the police to not put security cameras there. They claim it is for their own protection, not caring what happens to their expensive yachts or houseboats. They can always afford a new one.
An idea sparks from within Luke, “Do you have the houseboats on record? For Emerald Bay?”
“Of course.” Raphael finds the file on the computer, “20 boats are registered for that area seasonally. But only 5 remain there year round.”
“How can we know if we’re looking for a seasonal or yearly boat?” Alec asks.
“We don’t.” Raphael says, “I’m gonna make some calls, you can head home if you want.”
“I’m not going anywhere until I find my daughter.” Luke snaps, Alec and Magnus try their best to keep him calm as Raphael makes the necessary calls.
When Raphael is finished, he sets the phone down and looks up at the three eager men. “I’ve done all that I can do.”
“What the hell are we supposed to do? Just not find Clary?” Luke growls.
“The most recent boats that have been docked, I am not allowed to have information for.”
“And why is that?”
“They are owned by some very important people. Whatever mess Clary has gotten herself into, it is a problem for her to figure out.” Raphael says, steadily.
“How can you be so cold?” Magnus questions, “Isn’t it the police’s job to help?”
“Usually, but in this case my hands are tied.” Raphael states, “The only one that may be able to help is the mayor. The people who own the recent boats are in his circle. That’s all I can tell you.”
“Who’s the mayor?”
“Valentine Morgenstern.” Luke answers for Raphael, “Clary’s biological father.”
“Maybe he’ll be more open to help us?” Alec says.
“I shouldn’t be doing this, but here.” Raphael shoves a pamphlet towards them. It reads that there is a summertime gala that Valentine is going to be hosting, and it’s tonight. “It’s invite only.”
“So how do we gain entry?” Magnus inquires.
“Leave that up to me.” Luke says, glancing mischievously between Alec and Magnus. “Valentine and I go way back, even before Clary was born. Plus, as we all know, working for Baywatch has its certain perks.”
“Well..” Magnus begins after taking his own look at the gala invitation. “It looks like the three of us are in dire need of some new suits. Wouldn’t you say?”
***
“Ready?” Luke asks them outside of the mansion. People in fine clothing are flooding in after giving their name to the man checking invitations. The doorman curtly asks Luke what his name is and he replies with, “Baywatch, no first or last name.”
“Wonderful.” The man says, eyes on his tablet. “Enjoy your evening, gentlemen.”
“I’m going to go find Valentine.” Luke whispers loudly enough for them to hear. “You two act casual, inquire about Clary if someone looks suspicious.”
“C’mon, Magnus.” Alec grasps at the sleeve of Magnus’s velvet jacket and pulls him in the opposite direction of Luke. “Want a drink?”
“It is scary how alike we are becoming.” Magnus quips, swiping two flutes of champagne off of a waiter's tray in the passing. “To us.”
“To us.” They clink their drinks and start making the rounds of talking to possible suspects.
Across the mansion Luke has finally found Valentine, he looks exactly how he remembers despite the many years they have not spoken. Luke nudges himself into the circle of talking men. Valentine laughs at a joke before noticing the addition to the group.
“Luke? Luke Garroway? Is it really you?” He questions, “What has it been? At least 10 years?”
“Something like that. I’ve come to talk to you about Clary.”
“Finally decide that being a dad wasn’t worth it after all?” Valentine pauses, waiting for his circle to chuckle at his joke. On command, they do.
“Can we speak privately?”
“I suppose.” Valentine sends his men away and puts his half-drunk glass into Luke’s hands. “What is it you wanted to speak with me about? Clary? What is she, 20 now?”
“23, but that’s not why I’m here. I need your help, she went missing last night.”
“Kids do that, but they always come back.” Valentine scoffs, “What do you expect me to do about it?”
“I was told that you were the only one that could help.” Luke informs, “It appears the police have been paid off to stay silent.”
“Isn’t that a pickle…”
Magnus and Alec have now found themselves discussing antique pots with an elderly woman near the kitchen. Alec hears the name ‘Clary’ said by two strangers in the passing and abruptly excuses both himself and Magnus. They see a coat room that connects to the room the suspects have entered and b-line inside.
They stand inside the coat room for what seems like an endless amount of time, just waiting for one of the men to slip up and mention Clary again. Which they do, eventually.
“Clary is with him.” One says.
“Are you sure?” The other asks.
“Yes, our job is done.” The man states with glee, “No one will ever think to look for her there.”
“But what about-”
Alec and Magnus never get to hear what is said next, as an employee enters their room in search of a guest's fur coat. They dive deeper into the mix of hanging coats, to not be seen. But in the process almost fall out the other side, into the room with the mysterious men.
The employee leaves with the coat and the crisis is averted, that is until Magnus’s phone begins to ring with a call from Ragnor. The men slowly walk toward the sound, where Magnus and Alec have so desperately tried to stay hidden all night. Magnus can’t silence the phone fast enough.
“Follow my lead.” Alec says before yanking Magnus towards him and kissing his lips roughly.
Magnus wraps his arms around Alec and intensifies the kiss. He lets out a small sigh that Alec copies. To anyone that isn’t them, the situation looks as if two lovers couldn’t keep their hands to themselves during the gala. When the two men pull back the coats and various hangers, that is what they assume.
One of them stutters out a ‘sorry’ and they leave to give the kissing men some privacy. Alec and Magnus savor their kiss for another moment before breaking apart, looking disheveled yet so very alive. The impromptu kiss has unlocked something in them both.
“That was-” Magnus is at a loss of words.
“Great acting.” Alec gets out.
“We should see how Luke is doing.” Magnus practically runs out of the coat room, heart shattered that the kiss was just a ploy to Alec.
Luke spots them from a corner, “There you boys are!”
“What did Valentine say?”
“Not anything useful. It looks like we are on our own to find Clary, Raphael was right.”
Alec chimes in, “So what now? Whatever you want us to do, we will.”
“That’s what I need to figure out.” Luke sighs deeply, “Hopefully you boys aren’t tired, we have a long night ahead of us.”
Back at Luke’s beach house they try to come up with a plan. Near sunrise Luke remembers the set of rescue boats that he was gifted when he first joined Baywatch. They were always too high tech and unnecessary for daily Baywatch occurrences, so he has never once used them. One boat would be powerful enough to make it out to sea and back with plenty of gas left over. It is the only option that Luke can think of that makes sense.
“I’m going out there.” Luke says, more determined than ever. “You are in charge Alec.”
“I can do that.” Alec nods, the bags heavy under his eyes.
“This wasn’t how I planned to announce you becoming the lead in charge, you know.”
“What?” Alec asks. “This isn’t temporary?”
“No.” Luke confirms. “When I succeed and we bring Clary home, I am retiring. Congratulations, Alec. You deserve this.”
Alec’s throat is choked up, heavy with grateful feelings. “Thank you, Luke. For everything.”
Magnus and Alec help Luke get the rescue boat out of storage and watch as he sets off in the ocean. They stand there in silence until Luke and the boat are no longer seen to the visible eye. Their hands brush together as they sway in the sand.
“About the kiss-” Magnus tries to speak about last night.
“We can forget it. Sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”
“No such thing.” Magnus whispers to himself as he walks to the Dream Team house. Wanting a shower and a change of clothes. Maybe forgetting about the kiss is the best course of action at the moment, with both Clary and now Luke gone it feels wrongly selfish to care about a possible relationship.
Magnus takes his sweet time in the shower and makes no rush to change, avoiding Alec is easy. When he checks the time it is 10:47am, Luke has been gone for over 4 hours and Magnus is beginning to grow worrisome. With an empty house, his mind wanders. So he decides to waste more time by preparing a small breakfast for himself of eggs on toast.
Alec enters the house at exactly noon, for his break. Magnus tries to lessen the awkwardness in the room by offering to cook him something for lunch. Alec declines and plops down on the sofa, letting out a huff.
“He should be back by now. What do we do?”
“We stay put.” Magnus says, “At least for now.”
“I hope Clary’s okay.”
“Me too.” Magnus agrees, sitting beside Alec who looks deep in thought. “So-”
“I don’t want to forget about the kiss!” Alec blurts out, “In fact, I want more than just a kiss from you. I really like you, Magnus.”
“Yeah? I really like you too, Alexander.”
Alec leans in close and brushes Magnus’s lip with his, ever-so carefully, it is maddening and extremely hot at the same time. He shoves Alec down on the sofa and kisses him properly. Magnus could die right here, right now, and be a happy man. Alec pulls away to begin an attack on Magnus’s neck, definitely bound to give him hickeys later. Magnus takes a stride in the direction this is heading and sneaks a hand under Alec’s shirt. They both moan at the contact.
“Bedroom?” Alec lifts his head to glance at Magnus, allowing their noses to bump. “Unless you don’t want to?”
“I want to.” Magnus consents, diving in to kiss Alec’s neck softly. “Your bedroom or mine?”
“Yours is closer.” Alec pants, greedily making out with him again. Somehow they manage to make it to the bedroom and Magnus throws Alec on the bed before climbing on top of him. The kissing never coming to a halt as they feel up each other's bodies.
Alec sits up to peel off his shirt before removing Magnus’s as well. Soon after, Magnus takes the lead in taking off their pants. He takes a moment to cup Alec’s growing erection through his underwear and smiles wickedly.
“Lightwood? More like Hardwood.”
“I can’t believe you just said that.” Alec buries his face into Magnus’s shoulder, embarrassed at the joke. “How do you want to-?”
“Want to be inside you.” Magnus practically groans at Alec who nods like a horny teenager. He reaches over Alec and opens his nightstand, finding the condoms and lube that he brought with him to Florida. Better safe than sorry.
Alec teases him by taking off his underwear as slow as molasses. Magnus joins his hands with Alec’s to move the process along. He is rewarded with Alec’s heavy cock resting on his chest and a bead of pre-cum that smears along his abs. The scene before him is positively sinful. Magnus is far less graceful in getting naked, but his cock proves that he is just as eager.
“You’re beautiful.” Alec sighs. “I’m so lucky.”
“I’m the lucky one.” Magnus says, stealing another kiss. He pulls a decorative pillow off the floor and under Alec’s ass. Another beautiful sight that he doesn’t have enough time to admire.
Magnus pours some lube on his pointer finger and circles around Alec’s rim, not wanting to hurt him. Alec’s ass takes Magnus’s finger in deliciously, so he adds another one, and one more after that. Alec grows impatient underneath him as he tries to fuck himself on the three fingers inside of him.
“Magnus, please.” Alec begs, already too far gone for his own good.
“How bad do you want it?” Magnus smirks, putting the condom and lube on his cock. He pumps himself a few times before hovering over Alec’s waiting hole.
“So bad.” Alec moans, thrashing in the sheets. Magnus guides his erection into Alec inch by inch and when he is fully seated, he gives Alec a searing kiss. “Move.”
Magnus obeys and begins to fuck Alec, it feels like heaven on earth. Little did he know all these months at Baywatch that sex with Alec would turn out to be his favorite activity. Hopefully this isn’t a one time deal.
“Fuck, Alexander…”
“Harder!” Alec grinds into Magnus relentlessly and loops his legs around his waist. Now sitting in Magnus’s lap he pounds down on the waiting cock. Magnus holds him closely and just watches as Alec uses him for his own pleasure. “C’mon, Magnus. Fuck me harder.”
“Your wish is my command.” While still inside Alec he flips them back over and moves his hips as quickly as he can humanly manage. Alec gives him a loud and grateful moan, encouraging him to continue the action.
“I’m close.” Alec says, his own cock bouncing and untouched. Magnus grabs between them and starts to jerk his lover off.
Magnus’s orgasm hits him like a ton of bricks, he can barely even warn Alec before it washes over him. He pulls out and continues to stroke Alec’s erection until he comes a few pumps later. His cum coating both of their stomachs. Magnus runs a finger through it and takes an experimental lick.
“So-” Magnus pants, trying to find his breath. “That was fun.”
“Very.” Alec confirms, “Wanna... I don’t know, get a drink sometime?”
“I’d love to.”
Their happy little bubble is interrupted by the door whipping open. Jace and Simon stand on the other side, petrified.
“Luke is back.” Jace manages before rushing out, Simon right behind him. “Come quick!”
Magnus and Alec scramble to put their clothes on and when they arrive down the beach Izzy, Jace, and Simon are surrounding the rescue boat that is now on land. When Magnus peers inside he sees Luke unconscious, a small trail of blood that has once dripped from his nose to his chin is now dry. There also appears to be a large gash in the side of his head.
“Did you call an ambulance?” Magnus asks in a panic. Simon confirms that he called for help right before he and Jace went to get them.
“There is something else you need to see.” Simon finds the note in his pocket and hands it to Alec. “It was inside the boat with him.”
Alec reads out the note, “You thought you could get Clary back? Try again and you’ll end up like him. Is she really worth it? After all, blood calls to blood.”
“What the fuck.” Magnus huffs under breath. Izzy hovers over to him and rests her chin on his shoulder before hugging him. She takes a deep breath trying not to over worry about her girlfriend.
“Listen up.” Alec straightens himself, pointing at the ocean. “We are going out there tonight, no matter what happens we have to try. For our family. For Baywatch.”
***
“Do we really need this much weaponry Isabelle? It seems just a tad excessive.” Simon comments as she hands him a second gun.
“It’s not excessive, it’s necessary.” She scrambles to search another drawer in the lighthouse tower, trying to keep herself busy. “Clary is relying on us, I won’t let her down.”
“Is this even legal? Shouldn’t we have permits or something?” She shrugs, adding more bullets to another handgun. “How did you manage to get all this stuff?”
“I know people.” Isabelle realizes how blunt that sounds and continues explaining, “I was training to work for the FBI before I joined Baywatch, as a tech expert.”
“So you were training to be a spy?” Simon asks, a billion more questions in his head. “What stopped you?”
“I met Clary and fell in love.” Her eyes grow wet, “Being an agent would mean that I’d never be around, I couldn’t do that to her. I couldn’t do that to us.”
“So joining Baywatch was her idea or yours?”
“It was a joint decision.” She laughs through her tears, “Can I tell you a secret, Simon?”
“I don’t know…” He mutters under his breath, “I’m not great with secrets, one time at Isaac Goldstein’s bar mitzvah I told everyone that-”
Isabelle cuts him off as she blabs, “I’m going to ask Clary to marry me.” She pulls a small box out of her pocket and flashes him the tiny silver ring inside.
“Isabelle! This is so exciting! This is-”
Jace bolts inside, hanging up his phone. “Magnus and Alec got some intel from Raphael, there should be at least two party boats out there tonight. Important people will be on board, we need to dress up and fit in if we’re gonna infiltrate.”
“Where are Alec and Magnus now?” Izzy asks, shoveling the ring box back into her pocket before anyone else sees.
“We’re here.” Alec enters, Magnus a few steps behind. “Raphael says the police will only help if we have solid evidence. Tonight is a make or break situation.”
“Is Luke alright?” Simon questions, as Alec was the one who rode in the ambulance to the hospital.
“Yes, no permanent damage. He will recover.” From behind Jace carefully puts a hand on Simon’s back for comfort, it eases him.
“It’s almost sundown and we still need to change.” Isabelle observes. “I’m thinking about wearing something that says ‘touch my girlfriend and die’, what about you guys?”
No one gives an actual answer but they all share the same devious smirk.
They dress and manage to set the largest rescue boat up with spy equipment and more weapons than they could ever need by the time that the sun sets. The group all share one aspect of their ensembles, the signature Baywatch red color. A symbol to show that they mean business.
Alec gives them duties as they sail away from land. Isabelle will stay aboard, since she is most familiar with the tracking and spy equipment. Jace and Simon will infiltrate one boat, and Magnus and Alec on the other.
The party boats look almost identical upon arrival, Isabelle puts listening devices and trackers on them before they depart the rescue boat. Alec and Magnus head to the top deck, it is where the most action is happening. They smile at those they pass as they trek up there, no one suspects a thing. They circle the room, ritzy people sip on their drinks and enjoy the fancy hors d'oeuvres provided by a mystery host.
They enter a secluded room and someone claps Magnus and Alec on the shoulder from behind, they try not to panic as they turn. It is a well dressed man perhaps in his mid twenties with slicked back auburn hair and a chiselled face that could cut glass, or worse, them. He looks scary rich as he extends a hand first to Alec then Magnus.
“I don’t believe we have met, I’m Jonathan.” His eyes intense as he never breaks contact. “Would you gentlemen like a drink?”
“That would be wonderful.” Alec admits, afraid that nervous sweat is dripping from his forehead.
Magnus is much calmer and collected as he replies with a lie. “No thanks, I’m trying to quit.”
“Too much partying in the past?” Jonathan asks, already knowing who he is speaking to. “You are Magnus Bane, correct?”
“Something like that.” Magnus grits through his teeth, he must remain composed.
Jonathan snaps his fingers and a waiter appears at his side with a glass of red wine that he hands to Alec. The waiter whispers something in Jonathan’s ear and his smile shapes into a look of mischievousness. Alec takes a big swig of wine as Jonathan addresses them again.
“I do apologize but I need to go check on a prior engagement. I will see you gentlemen later, enjoy yourselves.” They nod as Jonathan exits and Alec finishes the last sip of his wine.
“I thought we agreed to stay sober on this mission.” Magnus says, lightly. “If I knew we were gonna drink I would have-”
“Magnus, I don’t feel very well.” Alec whispers sleepily before dropping to the floor, passed out.
“Alec! Alec! Alec?!” Magnus shakes him rather aggressively but it doesn’t wake him. He clicks on the earpiece to speak to Isabelle. “Izzy! Alec drank something, I think it was laced. I need you on board, NOW!”
“On my way.” Isabelle’s voice muffles. “Just stay with him until I get there.”
Before Magnus can agree he hears a scream, a high pitched woman’s scream from the lower deck. He can’t help but follow the noise, his intuition tells him that it is Clary. As much as he hates to leave an unconscious Alec, he knows that getting to Clary is the right move. Alec would tell him to go anyway, it is what the mission entails.
He whips open a few doors on the lower deck and finds nothing as well as nobody. That is until he reaches a door with a lock. He looks in the peephole and sees Clary, tied to a chair with a gag in her mouth. He calls out, “Clary?”
Clary mutters out his name through the gag, and Magnus pulls out the lock-picking device from his pocket. He scurries inside and rips the cloth off her mouth and Clary lets out a gasp. He gets to work on untying her as she explains the situation.
“Who kidnapped you, Clary?” Magnus asks.
“My brother, Jonathan Morgenstern. Do you remember the necklace I wore at Pandemonium?”
“The family heirloom from your mother, yes.”
“Well.” Clary rubs at her sore wrists as she stands, “It turns out that it costs a lot more than my mom ever let on. It’s worth millions.”
“But why would he kidnap you? Why not just steal the jewelry and run?”
“Something about wanting to keep me because I’m family.” She shivers, “He’s psychotic.”
“While I can’t promise the safety of your necklace, are you ready to escape this god awful torture chamber?”
“Absolutely.” Clary gives a tiny smile, “Are you the only one here?”
“Alec!” Magnus remembers out loud, “Jonathan drugged him on the upper deck, we need to hurry!”
They run like there is no tomorrow yet the world slows as they try to make haste, damn Baywatch and its sexy slow motion. As Magnus flings the door open they scan cautiously only now there is no Alec laying on the floor. He has been taken, Magnus lets out a grunt of frustration and throws his fist into a nearby wall.
“Magnus, this isn’t going to help anything!” Clary tries to reason with him.
“You’re okay!” Someone gleefully calls from behind them, it is Isabelle. She embraces Clary in her arms and twirls her around before landing a smiley kiss to her girlfriend’s lips. “Thank the angels!”
“The angels?” Clary giggles.
“The one’s who brought you into my life.”
“Very sweet.” Magnus says, voice heavy with sarcasm and anger at the situation. “Alec is missing if you two haven’t noticed.”
Isabelle’s eyes morph into something that is fueled with power. She hands Clary a gun before dialing the number to Raphael at the police station on her specialized FBI phone. While she mentions this has become a matter of life and death he claims that he will get out there as soon as possible. Chances are that they will be the people to take down Jonathan and protect themselves, something they already knew walking into this mission.
Next, Isabelle clicks on her walkie talkie to speak with Simon and Jace. They agree to swim over and will be there soon. She directs Magnus to keep tabs on everything happening on the top deck while she scans the lower parts. Izzy tries to persuade Clary to go sit in the rescue boat but she refuses, claiming that they are both safer when together. Isabelle and Clary part ways from Magnus, promising to see each other alive and well very soon.
***
They make it only a few steps down the stairs before something feels off. Clary attempts to speak before a gun is pushed roughly against the side of her head and her own gun falls carelessly to the ground. Isabelle takes the safety off her own weapon, ready to shoot at any moment.
“Aren’t you going to say hello, Clarissa.” The woman speaks. “Or has Lucian not taught you any manners? He always seemed quite beastly.”
“Who are you?” Clary refuses to look at her girlfriend in case this gets ugly fast. She keeps her eyes forward, not wanting to give this vile woman any satisfaction.
The woman chuckles viciously, her black hair drapped over a glitzy evening gown. “Jonathan hasn’t told you? I’m Lilith, your new step-mother.”
“What do you want with me?”
“Jonathan wants you.” Lilith says, “And what my son wants, he gets. Now, you can either come with me peacefully or I’ll make your friend here watch as I blow your brains out.”
“Izzy, just go.” Clary panics, “Please, just go.”
Isabelle raises her gun at Lilith, “Let her go!”
Lilith pushes her own gun deeper against Clary’s head, “I wouldn’t shoot me if I were you. If I die then she dies.”
In a sigh of defeat, Isabelle starts to lower her weapon. “Fine, you win.”
“I always win.” Lilith pulls Clary towards the hall and turns away from Isabelle.
“Stupid bitch.” Isabelle mutters as she shoots Lilith in the back of the knee, the shock of pain makes her drop the gun against Clary’s head and onto the floor.
Clary takes this advantage to punch her in the nose which causes Lilith to grow angier. While Lilith scrambles to find her weapon, Clary kicks it away as she swings at her step-mother’s stomach. Lilith does the unexpected and doesn’t punch Clary but instead lunges over her to knock Isabelle over. This causes Isabelle to lose her gun as she tumbles, fighting for her life with bare hands. Lilith grabs a hold of her hair and slams her head harshly against the wooden walls. A trail of blood soon flows out of Izzy’s mouth and nostrails as everything turns white and she loses consciousness.
Clary reaches on the floor and grabs her girlfriend’s gun, aiming with purpose. She shoots Lilith a total of three times. Once in the head and twice in the heart. No one hurts the love of her life and gets to live to tell the tale. She drops to her knees, seeing if Isabelle has a pulse, which thankfully she does. Clary lifts one of Isabelle’s arms over her shoulders and begins to lift them upright.
“Isabelle, if you can hear me I’m taking us to the rescue boat.” Clary whispers, “I’m so sorry.”
A static sound is heard from Izzy’s pocket, Clary reaches inside and clicks the walkie talkie to find Simon’s voice. “Where are you, Isabelle? We have just boarded the ship.”
“She’s hurt, go find Magnus and Alec.” Clary says bluntly.
“Do you need any help?”
“No, just please stay safe.”
“When are we ever not safe?” Simon asks, Jace shrugs next to him at the implication of Clary’s request. She clicks her walkie talkie off without saying another word.
***
“We look suspicious.” Jace says as his eyes dance down to his dripping wet tuxedo.
“Us? Suspicious?” Simon glances around the corner, “No way.”
“How are we ever going to find-” Jace attempts to ask about Alec and Magnus but is curtly interrupted.
“Hello boys.” It is the mayor, Valentine Morgenstern. He looks them up and down, confused by the water stains on their obviously rented outfits. “Are you two alright? You look positively drenched.”
“Yes, we…” Simon struggles to find an alibi.
Jace spots their alibi in the distance as he points, “We just got out of the jacuzzi!”
“At a party such as this?” Valentine asks, “What, did you jump in fully clothed?”
“We couldn’t resist!” Simon shouts a bit too eagerly.
“Hmm.” Valentine pauses, “How mundane of you.”
“That’s us!” Jace says, “Two stupid mundanes.”
“What can we help you with, Mr. Mayor?” Simon tries to change the subject.
“I’m trying to locate the lavatory, surely you boys must know where to find one.” Valentine says, “After all, you two seem quite nosey.”
“Uhhhh….”
“The bathroom?” Jace questions as he scrambles to create a lie. “I used it a few minutes ago, follow me.”
Simon whispers to him through his teeth, “What are you doing?”
“Not acting suspicious.”
A few hallways later they find the bathroom, Valentine claps his hands together in delight. “Wonderful.”
Valentine stares at them for a long moment before Jace breaks the silence. “If that’s all Mr. Mayor, then we really need to be going.”
His face grows dark as he asks the boys, “How badly hurt is Luke? Is he still breathing?”
“The doctors said…” Simon begins before stopping himself, “How did you know what happened to Luke?”
“Call it a hunch.” Valentine tightly pulls them over by their wrists and shoves them into the isolated restroom with him. He slams the door behind them, blocking the way out. “Where’s Clary?”
“Clary? Clary who?” Jace tries to play dumb but all that gets him is a punch in his right eye.
“Tell me now or else I’ll-” Simon swings in Jace’s honor but misses Valentine's face, landing a fist to his shoulder. Valentine chuckles as he changes his mind, “You aren’t even worth killing.”
Valentine backs out the door and locks it from the outside, leaving Jace and Simon trapped in the windowless bathroom. Simon lets out a frustrated huff as he pokes at Jace’s soon to be swollen eye. Jace gives him a small and bashful smile in return.
“What are you smiling about?” Simon grabs a washcloth and runs it under the sink faucet before pushing it onto Jace’s damaged face.
“You hit him, for me.”
“I missed.”
“Still, it's the thought that counts.” Jace’s smile grows brighter as he leans over and presses a feather light kiss to Simon’s cheek.
“We…” Simon has found himself at a loss of words for the first time ever in his life. “We should update Clary on our situation.”
The shit-eating grin doesn’t leave Jace’s face as he hands the walkie talkie over to Simon, “Whatever you say, James Bond.”
“Clary! Come in, Clary?” The static on their end is deafening, Simon gets no response.
“We could try calling her?” Jace suggests.
“Didn’t you hear Izzy at the briefing earlier? Our normal phones won’t work out here.”
“So, what do we do?”
“The only thing we can do.” Simon calmly states as he walks back to the door and begins to pound his fists roughly against the wood, letting out an ugly scream as he does so. “Are you gonna help me?”
Jace sighs and goes to stand by his crush, “Fine.”
The noises they make rumble within the tiny room and they almost lose hope until someone unlocks and sharply opens the door from the other side. It is Maia, dressed in a black and white suit that fits her perfectly. “What is going on in here?”
“We were locked in!” Simon exclaims.
“What are you doing here?” Jace inquires.
“I’m working at the cash bar, courtesy of Club Pandemonium.” Maia says, rolling her eyes unenthusiastically.
“A cash bar? On a boat like this?”
“Rich people like making other rich people pay for shit.” She shrugs, “What are you doing here? Did the mayor finally invite Baywatch to one of his infamous parties?”
“The mayor is the reason we’re in this mess.”
“Have you seen Magnus or Alec by chance?” Simon asks.
“No, I haven’t.” Maia says.
“It’s a long story but-”
“We’ll tell it to you some other time!” Jace yells back to Maia as he drags Simon out of the bathroom and jogs with purpose, Alec and Magnus are relying on them.
***
Magnus feels an anxious pit grow in his stomach when he reaches the bow of the ship. No party noise from the deck is carried to this section, it is just Magnus and his heavy breathing. That sound alone raises his anxiety to a new level. In all of his years of professional swimming he has never felt this way.
Realizing he is about to have a panic attack he gives himself a second to stop. He glances out at the stars, pleading with them to keep Alec safe and unharmed. His mind wanders to where the rest of Baywatch is and-
SPLASH!!!
He has been shoved into the warm Florida waters.
“Missing something?” Jonathan taunts from above with a gun held to an unconscious Alec. His limbs are bound by ropes as Jonathan holds him upright by the waist.
Magnus growls in response and trys to climb back aboard, his grip isn’t strong enough to hold on but this time he manages to pull Jonathan into the ocean with him. The gun and Alec both fall out of his grip, staying dry on the boat.
“Where is she?!” Jonathan lands the first punch.
“Like I’d tell you!” Magnus shuffles beneath the water to find his own weapon, it must have gotten lost in the water. Jonathan takes notice and a wicked smile forms.
“Afraid to fight me like a man?!” Jonathan grabs Magnus by the collar, giving him a second punch and a glob of saliva to the eye.
“You flatter me!” Magnus shouts. A series of hits land on Jonathan's body before Magnus shoves his face underwater. Bubbles come up to the surface as Jonathan gasps to breath. Drowning is a horrific way to die but Magnus doesn’t care right now if that means everyone else stays safe.
Jonathan is almost near death until Magnus senses something pointy and intrusive enter his ribcage. When Magnus lets go and reaches down to his side, blood stains his fingers. He has been stabbed. Fuck.
He can’t manage to recover his composure before Jonathan shoves him downward, face down in the ocean. Magnus then makes the mistake of taking a quick breath, his lungs feel as though they are on fire as he remains underwater. He is pushed down farther as he attempts to flap his arms to lift himself to the surface. Jonathan lifts his face toward him and gives Magnus a handful of punches that land so powerfully that he can barely see out of one eye.
A final punch to the gut, near his stab wound, has Magnus letting out a loud grunt. He tries to swing at Jonathan but misses as Jonathan hurries himself back up onto the boat. He snickers vilely as he stands aboard. Jonathan picks the drugged Alec up again and gives him a hit to the face and then proceeds to drop him into the water, beside Magnus. As Alec’s body is already drifting away from him, Magnus weakly swims over to grab him as Jonathan disappears once more.
“Alec... Alec, please... I need you.” Magnus whispers as he is growing weaker by the second and can barely keep his own arms around Alec’s body, paddling over to the ship. It is moving away too fast, they will never make it.
“Dream team!!!” Simon hollers from ahead, jumping ship as Jace does. When they reach Alec and Magnus he looks at the state of Magnus and says, “Buddy, you don’t look so good.”
“I’ve had better days.” Magnus slurs as Jace takes a hold of Alec and Simon latches onto him. “Simon, if I die… If I die, tell Alec…”
“Don’t talk like that!” Simon reprimands. “Just hang on.”
That is the last thing Magnus hears before his eyes can no longer open and his breathing turns into something almost non-existent. He is vaguely aware of his body being lifted out of the water and back to the slippery floor of the boat. Then he becomes slightly more aware as Simon gives him CPR compressions both chest and mouth. He gains full consciousness back when he hears the voice of Alec.
“Magnus? Is Magnus okay, Jace? Please tell me.”
“I’m okay.” Magnus speaks for Jace, he looks at Alec through swollen eyes. “Are you okay?”
“I’ve had better days.” Alec says, looping their pinky fingers together.
Simon snickers at them, “You truly are meant for each other, huh?”
“I have the first aid kit!” Clary runs over, pulling everything out that she will need from the box. She comes to sit by the side of Magnus where he was stabbed and begins to sterilize and stitch him up until they can get professional help.
“You said that Isabelle was hurt.” Jace inquires from Clary.
“She’ll have a concussion when she wakes up. I sedated her so she won’t be in any pain.”
“We need to get off this ship.” Simon points out. “When are we doing that exactly?”
“When the police finally get here.” Alec stands, testing his ability to walk on his own.
“Yeah! Because they have been so helpful!”
“Simon, please.” Jace begs. “Alec is right, they deserve to rot for everything they’ve done to Clary.”
“Plus I need to turn myself in, I killed someone.” Clary huffs, her head in her hands.
“It was in self defense! You saved your girlfriend, don’t regret that for a second.”
They all crowd around Clary to give her a group hug but she nudges out of their grasp, “That’s really nice guys but I still feel-”
“What do you feel, little sister?” Jonathan lurks from the side, five henchmen in sunglasses with him.
Baywatch forms a wall of protection around Clary as they come closer. Jonathan clicks his tongue and the men do as they are instructed. Their guns resting on the foreheads of Alec, Simon, Jace, and Magnus.
“Tell us when to shoot, boss.” One of the henchmen speaks.
“Not here.” Jonathan quips. “Take them to my private lounge. We wouldn’t want to make a scene, now would we?”
“I think you’ve done enough of that for this century.” Magnus antagonizes. Jonathan snaps his fingers for a henchman to complete another order, an umpteenth punch to the face for Magnus.
“I should kill you. Right here, right now!” Jonathan pulls his face toward him, it is so close that Magnus fears he may kiss him.
“Do it then, coward!”
“Magnus!” Alec shouts. “Taunting is going to get us nowhere!”
“But he’s an asshole!” Magnus flails his arm in a childlike manner and Alec gives him a smirk that appears to say something along the lines of, ‘ I know baby’ .
“Enough chit-chat, take them!” Jonathan bellows to his men. He then pulls Clary out of the circle by himself. Not letting go he moves a strand of hair out of her face and says ever-so quietly, “I missed you.”
“Fuck you!” Clary sneers as they all make the trek to Jonathan’s private lounge. She is tossed into yet another seat and tied down by every limb. The henchmen remain with their guns held towards the men of Baywatch.
“What order should I kill you in? Stupidest to smartest? Most infuriating? Pray tell.” Jonathan paces back and forth. “Why don’t you pick, Clarissa?”
“Never!” She thrashes, trying to free her wrists. “If anyone else is going to die tonight, that person is going to be you!”
“No, little sister. That is not how we’re going to play, you are going to pick who dies first or I will kill you instead.” He presses a wet kiss to the back of her head.
“One dead instead of four?” Clary questions, delying the inevitable. “Will you let them go? If I choose to die?”
“Clary, what are you-” Simon chimes, his henchman’s gun digs a little deeper into his skull to shut him up.
“You don’t want that!” Jonathan tries to reason with her. “You’re too pretty to die.”
“But if I did, you’d let them go?” She begins to pout as an attempt to guilt trip her brother.
“You look much cuter when you smile.” He says in a creepy tone of voice. “Did you know that?”
The door to the room clicks with the sound of unlocking, it is so hopeful that Baywatch holds their breath. Maybe the police have finally come, maybe someone on deck heard, maybe they won’t have to die after all, maybe… In comes Valentine, Jace and Simon let out a whine seeing their nemesis again.
“What did I miss, son?”
“Nothing of importance.” Jonathan claims, taking a few steps forward to shake his father’s hand. “You arrived right on time!”
“She looks so much like Jocelyn.” He looks Clary up and down before grimacing. “It disgusts me.”
“She wants to die while I let her friends go! Can you believe that?”
“That won’t do.” Valentine’s face stiffens. “Let’s kill them all, we can dump them in the ocean like we did with Blackwell.”
“Son of a bitch…” Magnus realizes. “I was framed because of you?”
“Thought it might ruin your reputation?” Jonathan questions. “Oh wait, you can’t destroy what is already ruined! That’s why you joined Baywatch, isn’t it? To try and clean up your mess of a life? Or did you not want your friends to know?”
“I’ll admit my intentions were impure in the beginning.” Magnus begins, glancing towards Baywatch. “But now I know better, my reputation means nothing to me as long as you all are around.”
“Dude…” A single tear falls from Simon’s cheek, “That is so sweet.”
“I love you, Magnus.” Alec says, giving him a watery-eyed smile.
“I love you too, Alexander.” Magnus replies like it is the easiest thing he has ever said.
“I can’t believe this is how it all ends.” Clary slumps in her chair a tad, bringing them back to their very grim reality.
Jonathan and Valentine start laughing maniacally, wiping villainous tears away as they do so. They both load their guns with more bullets as they gain a sense of composure. They slink their way over to Magnus, Jonathan points his weapon directly between his eyes. The contact of it feels a bit cold on his skin but Magnus focuses on the feeling. For he knows this is the last sensation he will ever experience on earth. This is the end.
“Goodbye, Magnus Bane.” Jonathan’s finger wraps around the trigger. “Any final words?”
The sound of glass smashing takes Magnus out of the trance he has on his forehead, it is Isabelle breaking through the window. She shoots Jonathan’s gun away and asks, “The real question is, do YOU have any final words?”
“She’ll never truly be yours. You! Aren’t! Family! I am! Me! Me, I say!” Jonathan shouts, he seems unfazed with losing his weapon.
Raphael, various police officers, and a heavily bandaged Luke follow her through the shattered window. The officers tackle the henchmen to the floor and pull them out of the room. Raphael gives Isabelle a stern nod as he exits too. Valentine tries to reach for his gun sitting on the glass table in front of him.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Luke tilts his handgun. “Did you honestly think you could get rid of me?”
“I can and I will.” Valentine pounces forward, the weight of his body breaks the table and he lands face down on the carpet.
“Now, Isabelle!” Luke shouts.
The bullets fly into the bodies of Jonathan and Valentine and the room shakes from copious amounts of ammunition until their weapons run dry. Isabelle and Luke gather themselves then look down at the bodies. Valentine is dead when Luke checks for a pulse. Isabelle slides down to check Jonathan’s pulse, it is slow.
As she rises, he grabs at her leg in a zombie-like state. “Fuck… You…”
“Do you want to do the honors, babe?” Isabelle asks Clary.
Luke rips the final rope off Clary’s wrist as she walks over to Isabelle. She exclaims, “How romantic!”
Isabelle loads one final bullet into the barrel, handing the weapon to her girlfriend. Clary sits down on the floor, really close to Jonathan. She points the gun between his eyes, as he had done to Magnus a mere minute ago and sends the bullet through his skull. Jonathan dies instantly.
“All done, amigos?” Raphael re-enters the room as Clary stands to hug the life out of Isabelle and Luke.
“Really cool, man. Leaving us on a boat with murderers for over an hour.” Simon snaps. “No wonder everyone hates cops!”
“It doesn’t matter anymore, Simon.” Luke pats him on the back. “We’re safe.”
“We’re safe.” Alec says to himself, finally exhaling. He pulls Magnus towards his side for a half-hug, then rests his arm around his waist. Magnus gives him a gleeful smile.
They all exit the lounge with a happy level of haste and head to the main deck where the rescue boats are empty and waiting . Fireworks are being let off when they arrive at the top of the ship and it is a gorgeous sight. They stand there in awe, it is the most beautiful sight after their near death experience. The pop that follows each firework is quite jarring but they all adjust. It will take a while before loud sounds no longer bother any of them, but they will persevere.
Isabelle can’t think of a better moment than now and slides down to one knee in front of Clary. “Clary Fray, will you marry me?”
“Isabelle…” Clary begins to reason. “You have a concussion, you don’t know what you’re saying. You don’t mean that.”
“But I do.” Isabelle pulls the ring box out of her pocket and opens it toward her. “Clary, will you please marry me and do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes! A million times yes!” She squeals, kissing all over Isabelle’s face. Clary then yells over to Baywatch. “Guys! We’re engaged!”
“Congratulations!” Magnus and Alec say in unison before the others join in on the excitement of their engagement.
Above them, the sky flashes with the colors of the rainbow and there is an unspoken sense of peace. It is time to go back home.
***
Two weeks after that horrific night and almost everything is back to normal. Luke’s wounds have healed, Isabelle is free from her concussion, Magnus has complete eyesight back, and Clary has begun seeking therapy for her trauma.
Raphael handled all the legal matters alongside Luke. It wasn’t easy to cover up three deaths, especially one of those deaths being the Mayor, but things were now cleared. The deaths were written off as accidents to not tie Clary, Isabelle, or Luke to the scene. Valentine’s men were quick to pay the cops off again and sweep the actual circumstances under the rug, the only ones to know the truth of that night are Baywatch and the police. Any witnesses on the scene were paid handsomely to stay quiet, and have done so since.
Magnus and Alec have yet to find time for their first official date with all of chaos going on. With Alec as the new lead of Baywatch, there hasn’t been a chance to relax. Luke’s retirement has also meant needing a new lifeguard for Baywatch for a part time position. All applicants have not met any standards, that is until today.
“Hey, Alec?” Jace steps inside the dream team house. “I know it’s your lunch break but I think I’ve found the perfect lifeguard for Baywatch.”
Alec shovels another bite of sandwich into his mouth as he motions for his brother to let the person in. “This better be good.”
Jace exits as someone enters, it is Maia. “Did I come at a bad time?”
“No, this is great.” Alec says, searching through a stack of papers on his desk to begin the interview. Every question he asks Maia she passes with flying colors. He leans in to ask her one final question, “Can you swim?”
“I was going to be a marine biologist in Hawaii before I started bartending.” She raises a brow at him. “Yes, I can swim.”
“See you on Monday.”
“So, I got the job?” Maia asks.
“Monday is your swimming try-out.” Alec smirks, “Don’t be late.”
“You won’t regret this!” She bursts up from her seat to shake his hand. “Your man is outside waiting for you, in case you were wondering.”
“Well, I better not keep him waiting. He is just as impatient as I am.” He chuckles as they walk outside, Maia gives a small goodbye wave before heading towards the pier. Magnus sweeps himself close to Alec, pecking his lips.
“I know you just had lunch, but I was thinking we could eat some dessert.” Magnus is holding two strawberry ice cream cones in his hands and they are melting fast.
Alec takes one from him and frowns slightly, “But I have to get back to work.”
“You’re in charge, are you not?”
“I am, but-”
“Enough buts.” Magnus says, “Baywatch agrees with me, you need a break.”
“It’s true.” Simon states as he runs by in the passing. “Even Jace and I have had our date before you two, and I won’t stand for it!”
Alec takes an experimental lick of his cone, “Is this.. Is this our first date?”
“I’m thinking of it as our pre-date, before tonight.”
“And what is happening tonight?” Alec flushes, dirty thoughts come to mind.
“Wouldn’t you like to know.” Magnus winks at him but there is something off.
“Magnus?” Alec cups his face, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, it’s stupid. It’s-”
“You can tell me anything, you know that right?” He says, softly. It almost makes Magnus want to cry.
“My program for Emerald Bay is almost done. I’m leaving soon, but I don’t want to.”
“So don’t.” Alec whispers. “Stay with me, stay with Baywatch.”
“Alexander, I want to. God, I want to. But my career, my life…” He tries to rationalize against his wants.
“Start a new life, one that’s here. With the people that love you.” Alec sighs, “Besides, I need a second in command. I asked Jace but he turned me down.”
“What about Isabelle? Simon? Clary?” Magnus asks.
“They all declined, all of them except for one.”
Magnus grins and questions, “What if he says no?”
“Then I’m screwed and all of Florida will be in peril.” Alec jokes as he kisses his forehead, then both cheeks ever-so tenderly.
“Well, I don’t have any problem with being under you.” Magnus gives him a playful shove, “But you already know that.”
Alec groans, “How did I know you were going to turn this into a sex thing?” Magnus laughs before pulling out his phone to make a call but Alec lowers it out of his vision. “Who are you calling?”
“Ragnor, my manager. I need to let him know about my extended stay.”
“That won’t be necessary, Isabelle tracked his number down for me. We had a long discussion this morning.”
“You already knew that I wanted to stay?”
“Of course, Magnus. You’re family.”
Magnus peers past Alec to glance at Isabelle, Clary, Jace, and Simon. They stand nearby and watch with a great intent, waiting for what Magnus has to say. He gives them a happy smile in return.
“My family, how could I forget?”