Chapter Text
The sound of an alarm stirs Alec from his sleep, and he shoots out to silence it. He falls back onto his pillow and shuts his eyes. The apartment is quiet but won’t be for long, and he relaxes in the temporary quiet tranquility. He inhales and crinkles his nose. He needs to shower before classes or he’s going to stink up the school. He checks over his schedule on his phone, noting he only has one class. His class on python foundations is at noon, and he has three hours to shower, get dressed, get Max fed and dressed, drop him off at Lydia’s, and finally make his way to class.
Alec crawls out of bed quietly, making sure he doesn’t wake Max too early. His son is still sleeping in his dinosaur pajamas, and he can’t fight the smile he makes at seeing his son comfortable and sleeping soundly. He’s been advised to sleep in separate rooms, create some sort of independence and teach him to sleep alone. But sleeping in separate rooms from his child leaves him utterly guilty and lonely. What if he needs him? What if something happens to him? It’s a one bed apartment, and Max would be a few feet away in the living room, but even that is too far. He can’t smell him as clearly there, and he can’t see him through the wall.
No, they will share a room and if it leads to dependent behavior, then so be it. He has only his son, and he’s worked hard to get where he is at. He fought hard for Max, and he’s not going to let other parents in better conditions tell him how to parent. He will love openly and make sure his son knows he’s there for him. Having him too far is too painful for his heart. If his child is happy to fall asleep in his arms, close to his chest with his mother’s face in his hair, then he will continue to do so. Alec couldn’t sleep any other way.
Alec goes to shower, washing quickly with scentless soap. Max has a too sensitive nose for any of his old stuff. He will sneeze and cry if Alec doesn’t smell like normal. Alec made that mistake once, and Max wailed and wouldn’t stop. Alec cried so hard from bone deep guilt he wheezed. He hated himself for taking away something his son finds comfort in. He cried to Lydia on the phone, who was quick to assure him of his competency as a mother. She is a mother too, or he would normally go to Izzy with his troubles. She is the one he goes to for everything else, but when it comes to his son, he favors Lydia.
Lydia was quick to tell him he did nothing wrong. Some babies are okay with perfumes and scented soap, while some are sensitive and prefer the natural scent of his parents. It could also be that Max’s father died, leaving Alec to be all he has. He may prefer the pure scent of one parent to make up for the ghost of the other.
Either way, Alec threw away all his scented body soap.
Alec had just gotten done with his shower when he hears the unmistakable sound of his baby waking up. He coos at him, and he picks him up. He smells his child’s hair as he holds him tightly to his chest. He sits down on the bed and arranges the pillows to lay down comfortably. He reads his textbook on his phone while he feeds his son. He burps him when he’s done, and he gets a set of clothes out of the drawer. Smiling at what he finds, he picks a navy shirt with a lion on it with white pants. Jace sent this outfit in the mail from where he lives in New York with his girlfriend, Clary. Max looks adorable in them, and he sends Clary a picture when he gets done dressing him.
Alec blows raspberries in his belly, who giggles and shrieks at his antics. He tickles his feet and chubby hands, then kisses his rosy cheeks. He hums a tune his mother sang for him when he was a kid. He may not have the best memories of his mother, but Max seems to love his singing. He will sing to him until he falls asleep.
His phone rings, and he picks it up. Lydia’s worried voice greets him. “Alec! I’m sorry to call you so early, but I woke up to Charlotte coughing and throwing up. I am so sorry, but I can’t take care of Max today. I don’t want him getting sick. I can try to ask someone else to watch him for you while you go to class.”
“No,” Alec says more harshly than he intended. The idea of someone he doesn’t know taking care of his son feels like claws digging into his ribcage. Not when his son is so young. He’s not even a year old. He cools his tone to a kinder one. “I will take him to class. I’ve done it before, and Max is quiet. He hardly ever makes a fuss if we sit in the back and stays in my lap.”
“Oh, Alec,” Lydia sighs. The guilt clear in her voice. “Are you safe getting there? I can call you a taxi.”
“No, it’s okay. I made some money selling some things,” he tells her. In the evenings, he’ll go to the park where he’s gained customers and sell bags, beanies, scarves, and whatever else he’s learned to crochet. Crochet is easy, and yarn is cheap. It can be time-consuming, though, but he has plenty of time when he spends all of it at home with a barely year old baby.
He’s lucky he doesn’t have to worry about rent. Max’s father’s family paid off his apartment, and sometimes they’re kind enough to send him food for groceries and other bills. He saves the money for emergencies, as he is on foodstamps and can use it for that. His parents made it quite clear he didn’t approve of his relationship with a man, and they practically banished him from their house when they found out he was pregnant. He was a senior in high school, and he had nowhere to go. It didn’t help that his alpha then died when he was four months pregnant. He died tragically in a car accident, and Alec almost lost the baby from malnourishment and falling into a whirlwind of depression and isolation.
Alec kisses his son’s forehead and says goodbye to Lydia, wishing Charlotte the best and to update him on her. It’s only a speedbump, and he was not lying. Max is very quiet in class, and it is a massive stroke of luck. His professor is kind enough not to mind either of his son’s presence.
Professor Bane. He gets shivers just by thinking of him. He is not only extremely intelligent, but amiable and gorgeous. He is positive everyone in class has a crush on him, and they have every right to. He is an alpha who smells divine, and he dresses like a model. Not a hair out of place, and the heavy weight of his pointed boots as he walks through the aisles of desks. The way he wears such tight fitted suits and neat sweaters, and his slacks snug around his ass.
He’s stunning, and he is fond of his son. He’s only had to bring Max to class twice, and Professor Bane let him in with surprising amount of understanding. He kept sneaking glances at Max, and Alec blushed when he did. His omega pleased to have such a handsome and influential alpha adore his offspring.
Today, though, they’re scheduled to have an exam, and he is not sure what he’s going to do. It’ll be difficult to hold him and take the test, but he’ll have to manage somehow.
Alec sets Max back in his crib, so he can brush his teeth and hair. His hair is getting longer, and it is getting wavy on the ends. He throws on a soft white sweater and jeans. He checks his bag for everything he may need for Max. Diapers, lotion, baby powder, wipes, extra clothes, some toys, and a blanket. At the last second, he grabs a teddy bear that used to belong to Izzy. Max loves the thing, and Izzy goes crazy for the videos he sends her. He will have to visit her in New York when his classes end. He misses his siblings terribly.
He lives close enough to the community college for an uber not to be overwhelmingly expensive. The distance is even shorter if he walks to the cafe down the street for his bagel and coffee. Max cries in the car, and he’s beginning to doubt his son is going to stay quiet for the lecture. He tries to rock him and hum to him, but it does little to soothe him. He checks him over, checks his temperature and diaper but he’s fine in all accounts.
The uber drops him off at the front, but unfortunately his building is on the other side. Max seems to like the walking, falling asleep at some point, but he wakes up the second they enter the door. The hallway is quite loud, and he sighs when Max starts to stir irritably. Class is about to start, and Max doesn’t show any sign of winding down. In fact, he’s starting to cry for all to hear.
“My Max, what’s wrong, darling?” he whispers gently. He goes to the bathroom to try to feed him, but he’s not hungry and doesn’t latch, and his diaper is clean. He’s really starting to worry now. Maybe Professor Bane will let him come back another time to take the exam? Though, he can’t imagine Lydia can take care of Max for a while, and Professor Bane will want him to take the test soon or he could be accused of cheating unless he changes the test considerably.
He really doesn’t want that.
Bane can be strict at times, and that includes locking his door on the day of a test. He hurries to the classroom just in time, and by then Max is crying. Everyone looks up at him, some glaring and most annoyed. He can’t blame them for being annoyed, especially when they’re stressed and about to take a test, but he can’t help it. He’s done everything, and he’s tried all he could to be a good parent. He’s failing at every aspect. He can’t even comfort his son.
He holds Max closer, stuffing his face in his neck and hopes his scent helps. His heart breaks when Max cries harder, and he winces at his wails.
His voice is shaky when he speaks, “I’m sorry, everyone, I’ll leave-”
“Mr. Lightwood.”
Alec freezes, and he turns to find Professor Bane walking over to them. His gaze soft and riddled with worry. “Is little Max okay?”
Alec’s cheeks redden. He feels all eyes on him, and he’s shocked to hear he knows his son’s name. Through the embarrassment and guilt, he is warmed. “He’s been upset all day. He’s not sick, and he’s fed and got enough sleep-”
Professor Bane shakes his head. “Of course, Alexander. I have no doubt he’s well taken care of. Babies just get upset sometimes.” He reaches out but draws back and hesitates. “I can hold him while you work, if you would like. He can help me grade papers.”
Alec instantly gets rushed with adrenaline at the prospect of someone else holding his child. Someone foreign and not pack. An unknown alpha who is not his or his son’s. But the look on Bane’s face is genuine and kind, and he looks enthralled by the baby. He is gorgeous in his dark gray suit jacket with black floral patterns. He has gold cufflinks with matching gold nail polish. He looks at Alec through his eyelashes, and it should be criminal to be so pretty. His bewitching looks flood into Alec like magic, and then he’s giving Max to him as if under a spell.
Professor Bane smiles wild and open, awing at the baby and lighting up like the sun. Max cries exceptionally loud right then, and Bane makes an exaggerated frown. “Poor baby. What’s wrong, honey? You giving your daddy a tough time? Why’s that, huh?”
Bane walks off with Max, softly rocking him and wiping away his tears. He gestures to a pile of papers. “Raj, hand out the tests. My arms are full of precious cargo.”
Raj follows the order and starts to hand out the tests. Alec slowly sits in his chair. Muscles in his legs and arms twitch as if sensing the missing piece of his son and needing to immediately fight for him back. He takes deep breaths, watching his professor with Max. Max stopped crying, and he’s toying with the rings on Bane’s fingers. Bane says something, and Max giggles and sucks on his thumb.
Alec gets the test. He gives Max one more look and turns to the exam.
He tries to finish the exam as fast as he can, but every time he makes eye contact with Bane, he smiles where he sits on the edge of his desk. Max fingers his buttons and collar, and his face is dry of tears. He’s smiling and laughing, and his happiness makes Alec’s heart soar.
Bane winks at him, and Alec looks away blushing.
Alec slows down and takes his time, realizing then he has nothing to worry about. His son is safe and happy. He finishes it in under an hour, and he walks to the front to turn it in. Bane doesn’t seem to notice, happily holding Max. He took a toy from Alec’s baby bag when Alec kicked it closer to him. Max is now gnawing at the plastic in Bane’s lap, and he reaches for Alec when he walks up.
Bane offers Max to him, but Alec waves him off. Max is content where he’s at with his chubby hand around Alec’s pinky. There’s only two more students taking the test, and Alec brings a seat closer. He kisses Max’s hand. He looks up to find his professor staring at him with a soft smile on his face. Alec shivers under his gaze, and his heart is beating like crazy. It might beat right out of his chest if he’s not careful, though there’s enough blood in his cheeks to look like a tomato.
The last two people turn in their tests, leaving them alone. Alec really doesn’t want to ruin the moment, but he doesn’t want to take advantage of his kindness.
Alec tentatively reaches for Max. “Thank you for watching him, Professor.”
Babe chuckles. “I think at this point you can call me Magnus.”
Alec nods. He puts his hands on Max’s sides, right above Magnus’s hands where he’s steadying him. His skin tingles, and his stomach flips. He tries to keep his nerves in check. This close he can smell Magnus’s cinnamon scent, and he fights to decide whether to move slower or get away faster.
“It was an honor,” Magnus says. He waves at Max who reaches for him again. His eyes sparkle, showing more with his eyeliner. “He’s beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Alec says. He can’t help but feel pride.
“He looks just like you,” Magnus compliments. “He has your eyes and your hair.” He purses his lips, hesitant. “Does he take anything from his other parent?”
Alec bites his lip. “He has his dad’s nose,” he explains. As an afterthought, he adds, “He died before he was born. We were in high school.”
“Oh my god, Alexander, I’m so sorry,” Magnus tells him sympathetically. “That’s tragic.”
Alec nods, uncertain what to say. He never learned how to respond to condolences. Can’t exactly say ‘It’s okay.’ “I’m…I’m managing. I knew I wanted to go to college to get a good job. I moved out here because there’s a data analysis program that’s cheap. My, uh, late boyfriend’s family set me up with an apartment. My friend watches Max when I need to do errands. It works out most of the time, so I really do appreciate your leniency. I’m sorry if he was ever a distraction.”
Magnus instantly shakes his head as if the thought offends him or simply hadn’t occurred to him. “He couldn’t if he tried. If you need someone to watch him during the final next week, I can do it. You don’t need to worry about him.”
“I’m afraid I always worry about him,” Alec says honestly. “But thank you. That would help a lot. I feel like I bother Lydia too much.”
Magnus’s face falls. “I’m sure you don’t. You’ve been through a lot, and you’re acing your classes. Doing that with a baby takes a lot of strength, and I admire you for that. Max is very lucky to have you.”
Alec hides his smile behind his son’s head he pretends to kiss. If Magnus keeps talking to him this way, he’s going to melt into the floor. He’s had a crush on Magnus since the first day of class. Everyone talks about how stunningly handsome he is, and he’s a great teacher. He explains concepts well, and no one can resist listening to every word he says. He’s passionate about his work, and he’s happy to stay outside his office hours to help anyone who’s struggling. Alec is terrible at lying or he would’ve tried pretending to not understand something just so he can get a few more minutes with the man.
He doesn’t particularly care about getting anyone’s approval, but he can’t help but grow giddy when this alpha tells him how he admires his strength and capability. It chucks away at the doubt rooting in his brain, telling him Max is doomed from the start because he could be doing more for him.
“Thank you, Magnus,” Alec says meaningfully. Max starts to get fussy again, and he really should get home to study for his other finals.
“Of course, Mr. Lightwood,” Magnus says with a wink like they share a secret. Alec bites back a smile.
“Alec,” he braves. He feels silly being called by his last name now.
Something sparks in Magnus’s eyes. “Well, Alexander,” he purrs. Alec feels weak in the knees. “If you need anyone to watch Max in the foreseeable future, you know where to find me. You can also find my number in the syllabus too.”
Alec quirks a brow at him. “You don’t get tired of students spamming your phone all hours of the day and night?”
Magnus laughs. “You’re right. You, though? I wouldn’t mind if you messaged me after class ends next friday.”
Alec sucks in a breath, not believing what he’s hearing. Surely, he didn’t mean? He has to be hearing wrong. No one in their right mind would choose to spend time with him. His life is a mess already, and there’s no way he can give Magnus any sort of whatever he wants. Most nights he doesn’t get enough sleep from worrying about his son. “I’m very busy with Max,” he tries.
Magnus shrugs. “I don’t mind a bit. In fact, I encourage you to bring him along because I have grown quite fond of him. He’s a very sweet boy. Beautiful like his mother.” His face grows serious, nervous perhaps. “Though, if my intentions are not wanted, then please tell me to fuck off now.”
Now Alec’s omega is a mess and preening. He shakes his head. “They’re wanted.”
I just don’t know what all I can do for you right now. My life is messy and all over the place.
Magnus grins. “Good. Best luck on your finals, Alexander.”
Alec nods and picks up his baby bag. “Thank you,” he squeaks out. He hurries out the door before he can humiliate himself further.
Max babbles and paws at his shirt and neck. He must be getting hungry. He’ll stop soon. His feet move on their own, and he can’t stop smiling.
“What have I gotten myself into?” Alec sighs warmly. Max babbles some more, happy as a clam as if he knows who he’s talking about. Alec chuckles and kisses his son’s forehead.
“I like him too, Max.”