Chapter Text
“I know you abused her! She doesn’t act like that at home!” Mrs. Leary shouted, her face nearly purple, matching that ugly plum colored faux fur coat she wore that looked like a muppet needed to die to make.
Alec lifted up his arms to show the deep scratches her cat had made on him, “Ma’am your cat abused me.”
There was some incoherent screeching that he couldn’t quite make out as she stormed out, he was pretty sure she said something along the lines of “I will tell everyone I know about this, blah blah blah.” Nothing he really cared to listen to. This is why he missed Clary, his receptionist, so she could deal with all of the nut jobs and he could just be in the back grooming and avoiding any living creature that didn’t walk on four legs. Apparently people like to take honeymoons after they get married though, so that left him alone in the shop until she came back from Paris.
It’s one of the main reasons he became a cat groomer, so he could spend all day with the ones he loved most. Cats. He didn’t know going into it that you still need to have some sort of customer service skill set. He wouldn’t change his career for anything, he loved his job, he just loved it a little bit more when Clary was around. She was easy enough to work with, during slow periods she would just sketch in her notebook, and she never really bothered him too much, for which he was grateful. He had to admit that he was nervous about hiring her, but Jace had begged him and he couldn’t say no. Besides, he really did need the help, and he didn’t figure anyone could mess up answering phone calls and the occasional cleaning. After this week though he is considering giving her a raise, this is so much harder than he remembered.
Or maybe he had just been spoiled for far too long, being able to just completely skip the people and deal exclusively with their cats. Alec had always loved animals, he even graduated college in veterinary science, but cats had always held a special place in his life. Dogs had always been too rambunctious for him, and while they were incredibly adorable and sweet most of the time, he loved the sass of cats. He loved that you really had to earn their love, and he loved the challenge of gaining their trust. It’s what made him exceptionally good at his job. Jace usually makes some crude joke about cats being the only kind of pussy he enjoys. Which was true, Alec loved men nearly as much as he loved cats.
He had started Sourpuss Cat Grooming a year ago after working under another groomer for a while, learning everything he needed to know and continuing his education with seminars and shadowing other groomers. When he had quit to start his own place his mentor was adamant that it was far too early for him, and that his business would never take off. It had only driven him harder to succeed.
Alec glanced at the clock, he still had another ten minutes until his next appointment, so he walked back into the grooming room where he kept his first aid kit. He was lucky that he had only been scratched, and not bitten. Cat bites were vicious and often led to infection. He was dabbing the scratches with hydrogen peroxide when he heard the light tinkling of the bell on top of the door. He quickly put away his first aid kit and poked his head into the hallway, trying to get a look into the lobby.
His mouth dropped as he saw one of the most beautiful men he had ever seen. He wasn’t overly tall, but he was broad, and you could see the muscles underneath his vest. His hair was dark and spiked up into a mohawk with pink highlights, somehow looking severe and stylish while others would just look ridiculous. Alec wasn’t close enough to tell for sure but he thought he noticed some glitter on his eyes, something Alec never knew he was into until this moment.
If this is what Clary gets to see daily, he might have to reconsider his position on greeting the customers.
Alec tried to pull himself together and walked down the hall into the lobby, “Good afternoon, Is this Chairman?” He hoped that sounded professional, because his throat had gone tight from just looking at the man up close. He looked expensive, from his shiny Oxford’s up to his diamond pendant necklace. Even his pet carrier looked like it cost more than what Alec made in a month, with it’s red velvet fabric and gold zippers. Alec had never been so self conscious comparing himself to this man. He was covered in cat hair, wearing torn jeans and a faded T-shirt underneath his utility apron.
The man blinked at him a few times before replying, “Yes, this is Chairman Meow. I brought all of his vet paperwork.” The man reached into the side pocket of the pet carrier and pulled out a stack of papers folded up and handed them to Alec. As Alec read through his vet paperwork, the man rocked back and forth on his heels before saying, “And my name is Magnus, by the way.”
Alec looked up from the paperwork and smiled politely and nodded his head in greeting, “Alec.” unsure of what else to say to Magnus. He made a new file for Chairman and began to write down his information.
Magnus cleared his throat, “I’m surprised to see that you’re the groomer. When I called to make the appointment last week I talked to a lovely young lady.”
Alec deflated a little at that, he was constantly criticized for his choice in career, especially since it is so women dominated. “That’s Clary. She’s my receptionist, and just recently turned sister in law. She just got married to my brother, and they’re on their honeymoon right now.”
“That’s wonderful! I didn’t talk to her for very long but she seemed like a gem. She even laughed at my cat’s name, usually people act like I’m horrible for naming my cat after a dictator.”
Alec smiled, “I’d hardly judge you on that, my cat's name is worse.”
Magnus’s eyebrows rose at that, “Do tell.”
Alec blushed, “Well, I have two cats actually. I have a gray persian named Church, and then I have this psychotic calico I found on the streets and her name is Lucy Fur.”
“You named your cat after Lucifer? Like the devil?” Magnus’s mouth dropped and he looked to be in shock.
Belatedly Alec realized that maybe Magnus was religious and that his name for his cat might be offensive, usually he just told people her name was Lucy, but he didn’t think that this man would mind.
“It’s not spelled like Lucifer, it’s kind of a pun. You know, Lucy and then Fur? I thought it was funny. I didn’t mean to offend you or anything.” He stuttered out.
“Oh, I’m not offended. I’m pissed actually.”
Uh oh. Alec felt like he was shrinking under Magnus’s glare, he tried to think of something to smooth it over when Magnus started to laugh. “I’m pissed I didn’t think of that for a name!”
Alec smiled in relief and then looked back down at the papers in front of him, as beautiful as the man was before, he was radiant when he laughed like that. It was too much for his heart to look at him.
He cleared his throat and tried to get back to business, “So we have down that you are wanting Chairman to get a bath today, is that correct?”
“Yes, please. This little rascal ran away for a little while, and while I was searching the streets ugly sobbing thinking he got ran over, he was actually just enjoying the dumpster buffet behind the Thai place near my apartment. He absolutely reeks, and I tried to give him a bath at home, but he is lethal when wet. I have tremendous respect for what you do, I can’t imagine it.”
Alec glanced down at his neck and could see the scratch marks made by Chairman, he tried to hide his smile. “Well, I’ll see what I can do today.” Alec printed out the waiver forms all clients needed to sign and handed a pen to Magnus, as he was signing he noticed that his nails were pink and sparkly, matching the highlights in his hair.
Alec walked around the counter and reached for the carrier, and he could hear Chairman growl.
“Behave, Chairman! This dashing man is going to take such good care of you.” Magnus scolded. Alec could feel his neck get hot from the compliment. As Magnus was leaving Alec absolutely did not check out his ass in those tight slacks he was wearing.
Not at all.
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Alec set down the Chairman in his carrier on his grooming table and waited a few minutes for him to stop growling. As the cat settled down, Alec got to work on preparing everything he needed, mixing the shampoos, setting out towels, grabbing the bite gloves just in case.
“Okay, buddy. Let’s get you cleaned up, hm?” Chairman hissed back.
“Grumpy today? I would be too if I was forced to be away from that gorgeous man that takes care of you.” Alec slowly unzipped the carrier, Chairman yowled his disapproval, and swatted at Alec’s hand. “Come on, buddy. I really want to impress your dad, help me out, will you?” He finished unzipping the carrier, and backed up a couple of steps, letting the cat come out on his own when he was ready. This was an important step in the grooming process, you could never force an animal to do anything, you had to let them build their trust with you, and let you trust it in return.
Alec could see his little pink nose twitch as he poked his head out. His ears were up and alert, which was a good sign, but he could hear his tail thump and flick. “Here, kitty. Pst, pst pst. ” Chairman walked a couple of steps outside the carrier, his eyes roaming around the room, not scared but definitely not confident yet in his surroundings. Alec pulled a treat from his apron pocket and set it on the edge of the table, trying to bribe him. Once he was fully outside his crate, Alec lifted his hand up to his face, letting him sniff his hand. Chairman backed up a little at the movement but reached over to investigate his hand. Finally, Chairman nudged his face into him and purred.
“There you go, you’re a sweet little man. You’re just a little scared, that’s okay.” Alec lifted Chairman up and cuddled him to his chest, purring reverberating between them. He walked Chairman to his tub and set him down, he pulled out a slip lead and fastened it into a harness around him. That way if he tried to lunge, he would still be safe inside the tub. He grabbed the hose and let the water trickle down, not squeezing the handle hard enough to get a full blast of water. Instead of immediately bathing Chairman, he let him get used to the sound of the water first before wetting him down.
Surprisingly, Chairman didn’t flail or panic like he thought he would, but he sure did yell. Alec chuckled at the dramatic show he was putting on as he lathered him with shampoo. Rinsing him off again, Alec grabbed a towel and dried him off, with a quick sniff test Alec could tell he managed to get the trash smell off of him, so if anything at least Magnus would be pleased with him for that.
Alec went back to his grooming table and grabbed the dryer hose. Instead of hooking Chairman up to the table, he sat down on his stool and held Chairman close as he fluff dried him. This cat was obviously pampered, he would react better in Alec’s arms. Once he was dry he let Chairman lay down on the table.
With Chairman now fluffy and sweet smelling, Alec got to work on brushing him, trying to get rid of all the shedding hair. This was Chairman’s favorite part, he basked in it as if he were in the sun. Rolling from side to side, playfully swatting at the comb when Alec brushed his belly.
Next was the nails, and Alec bit his lip in deliberation, realizing he wanted to do something a little extra for Magnus.
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Magnus was quick to come pick up Chairman after Alec called him, he tried to act casual but Alec wasn’t fooled. He obviously doted on his cat, of course he would have been nervous about this.
“How horrible was he? I swear, he isn’t a jerk all the time. He’s actually very sweet at home, but he doesn't like strangers much.” Magnus glanced down at Alec’s arms and gaped. “Oh, did he do that to you?” gesturing to the scratches on his arm, “I am so sorry!”
Alec laughed, “Nah, this was a different cat from today. Chairman was great today actually. I didn’t really have any problems.”
Magnus’s face brightened, “Well, of course he was. He is an absolute angel.”
“Who eats trash.”
“Trash from my favorite Thai place, that tells me he has excellent taste.”
Alec snorted and got up to get Chairman from the back, he had put him back in his fancy carrier and was sleeping when he last checked on him. Magnus eagerly took the carrier from Alec and set him on the counter, unzipping the door and cooing for Chairman. Unlike earlier, Chairman eagerly pounced out to greet his owner.
“You smell so good, Meow. And so soft too-” He cut off as he stared at his furry friend’s paws. Which Alec had accessorized with sparkly pink nail caps. To match Magnus’s nails. “What are these?” He gently stroked his cats paws, seemingly confused by their appearance.
“Um, they’re nail caps. They don’t hurt them or anything, they just cover the nails so it doesn’t hurt when they scratch. I saw the scratches on your neck and thought you might benefit from them, and they come in all of these different colors and I noticed your nails earlier and I thought you’d like it if you guys matched.” Maybe this wasn’t the right move. Alec knew better than to do anything to a pet without consulting the owner first, but he wasn’t thinking straight. He just really wanted to make an impression on the very handsome man.
Magnus slowly smiled and for several moments Alec couldn’t breathe. “I love them, Alexander. How long will they stay on?”
“Um...about a month.”
“Well then, looks like I should schedule my next appointment for his spa day. What do you have available next month? I’m flexible so any day or time will work.”
“Really?” Alec felt heat creep up on his neck, but he was too happy to care. He would get to see Magnus again. He quickly sat down and figured out an opening for him, he wrote down his appointment on a card and handed it to Magnus, brushing his fingers in the process.
“Until then, Alexander.” Magnus purred, winking.
Alec's head was still spinning long after Magnus had left, and he was mortified with himself. Developing a crush on a paying customer on the first visit. God, he could gag at himself, and he was happy Clary hadn’t been around to witness himself making an ass of himself. Next month he wouldn’t get ahead of himself like that, next month he will keep it professional and cool. He could do that.
He absolutely could not keep cool the next time he saw Magnus. If he thought the well dressed Magnus rendered him speechless, Magnus dressed for the gym practically put him in a coma. He was wearing gray sweatpants , with a black zip up vest, leaving his incredible arms on display. Oh sweet Heaven, give me mercy.
Alec stayed in the back, peeking his head through every now and then to keep ogling on him. Clary had been back from her honeymoon for a few weeks, and he knew she’d get suspicious if he came out to greet him. It would be a signed confession in his own blood that he had heart eyes for Magnus. Then she’d tell Jace and then Jace would tell Izzy who then would relay that information to their mother… it was really best for everyone involved if they knew as little as possible. Especially him. It’d be best for him if no one knew.
Besides, it’s not like this little crush would lead anywhere. Just because this man was unreasonably good looking, loves cats, kind, and laughed at Alec’s stupid puns doesn’t mean he’s his soulmate.
Oh, God. This man might just be my soulmate. Alec thought to himself. Magnus did check off all of Alec’s list to the perfect man. If Alec could see how amazing this man was, surely others saw it too. There was no way he was single, and even if he was, there wasn’t a guarantee he liked Alec. Or men in general. He had analyzed every second of his time with Magnus this past month, and thought that there were a couple moments where Magnus stared too long, or said his name too softly, but maybe he was just grateful for Alec’s service. Maybe he’s just overly nice. He called Clary a gem and complimented her, so maybe he actually likes Clary more.
He heard the bell on the door jingle, notifying him that Magnus had left. He scrambled to act natural, knowing Clary would be back with Chairman shortly. He settled for rearranging his tools, pretending as if he didn’t even know Magnus had been here at all.
Clary walked through with Chairman’s velvet carrier and set him on Alec’s grooming table. “Chairman Meow is here for a bath and nail caps.”
“Okay, great. Thanks.” Alec said easily, avoiding eye contact. Clary leaned her hip against the table.
“You know, it’s weird, but I think Chairman’s owner was disappointed to see me today, and I couldn’t help but notice the way he kept looking at the door as if waiting for you to walk in.”
“Huh. That is weird.” Alec said nonchalantly.
“Yeah, and he told me how great you were last time.” Clary said, digging for more information.
“That’s good. I’m glad he had a good experience.” Alec replied.
Clary nodded, and started to walk out the door, and Alec sagged in relief.
“Oh! Magnus’s nails are red today, by the way.” Clary said, giggling as she walked to her desk. Alec sighed, and accepted his fate. He looked at the clock, and made a bet with himself that everyone in his family would know by lunch.
Finishing up with Chairman’s nail caps, a bright sparkly red, he let Clary know to call Magnus that he would be ready to pick up soon. He wondered if Magnus would book another appointment, even if he didn’t talk to Magnus the view was lovely to have.
He was just putting Chairman in his carrier when Clary popped her head in, “I’m headed out for coffee. Want anything?”
Alec looked up and smiled, caffeine was his weakness. “My usual. Take money from the tip jar to pay for it.”
“Was already gonna do that!” She said as she walked out, leaving Alec alone in the shop. He glanced at his scheduling book and saw his next appointment wasn’t due for another half hour. To pass the time he set up the baby gate in the doorway, that way he could still hear anyone come, and then took Chairman out of his carrier. The cat sniffed around on the floor, and Alec took out a few toys he kept on hand for slow moments like this. He laid down on his stomach next to Chairman and showed him the fishing line toy. A play fishing pole with a feathered fish attached to a string. No cat could ever resist it, and Chairman was no exception.
The cat immediately crouched down and wiggled its rear end, eyes wide and locked in on the fish. Alec quickly learned that Chairman played rough and fast. He was quick on his little paws, and had no qualms on climbing on top of Alec to catch his prey. Alec laughed when Chairman did a back flip to catch it.
“Oh my, I wish my hairdresser was as fun for me as you are for Chairman.”
Alec jerked his head to the doorway and saw Magnus. He had obviously just gotten back from the gym. His hair was floppier, and his skin glowed with a light sheen. He was too stunning. And Alec was laying on the ground like an idiot. Blushing, he quickly stood up, and Chairman howled his disapproval.
“Sorry to startle you, I waited in the lobby for some time but no one was up there.” Magnus explained.
“Oh! No, that’s my fault. I didn’t hear you come in. Clary stepped out quickly, and I should’ve been up front waiting for you. Sorry.” Alec said, he caught Chairman and put him back in his carrier and then handed him to Magnus.
“Don’t apologize. I now have the cutest picture of Chairman and our new favorite human.” Magnus said.
Alec was horrified, “You didn’t actually take my picture, did you?”
Magnus winked at him, and Alec couldn’t find it in himself to be mad. He followed Magnus up to the desk to get Magnus’s payment and schedule the next appointment.
“Did you do red nail caps?” Magnus asked as he signed the receipt.
“Yes. Clary said that’s what you were wanting.”
“My furniture thanks you, by the way. My whole apartment is filled with cat towers and scratchers, yet he always went for my couch. I thought I was destined for shredded couches.”
Alec laughed, “My Lucy is like that too, if it’s inconvenient to me it’s her favorite thing in the world to do. My cupboards are actually baby proofed now because she kept opening them up and knocking down my cups, and tearing up the food packages.”
“Miss Lucy Fur living up to her name I see. So, I’m curious about you. Tell me about yourself.” Magnus said, leaning against the counter, his arms bulging as he crossed. Alec’s mouth went dry, and he stared at him uncomprehendingly.
“What?” Alec asked, still too distracted.
“How’d you end up here? Family? Things you like to do for fun? Anything.” Magnus said.
“I actually went to college to be a vet, and I was doing an internship when I realized I definitely did not want anything to do with that. I can handle aggressive animals, but the owners are freaking insane. There’s a point where the love you have for your pet borders on creepy. So I kind of fell into this, and I love it. My siblings were with me all the way, but my parents didn’t understand why I’d ever want to do this. I’m basically a write off for my dad now.”
Magnus propped his head on his hand, and Alec prayed that he would stop looking so adorable soon.
“Well… what does your girlfriend think of your line of work?” Magnus asked.
Alec made a face, a cross between smelling something horrible and eating something sour he’s sure.
“Single?” Magnus prodded.
“Gay.” Alec replied.
Magnus smiled brightly, “Bisexual myself, you know.”
Just then the front door opened and Clary walked in carrying two cups of coffee, and she smiled when she saw Magnus.
“Hey! I wasn’t expecting you so soon. Sorry, Alec. I wouldn’t have left you alone had I known.”
“I can manage to run the place without burning it down, you know.” Alec said sarcastically.
She walked around the desk and set his cup in front of him, which Alec eagerly took. “Barely. I know how much you hate dealing with customers.”
“I can make an exception with Magnus.” Alec said, then blushed when he saw the calculating look in Clary’s eyes.
“I’m overjoyed with that being the case, Alexander. Well, I better get Chairman home, but I will see you in a few weeks.” Magnus said, and blew a kiss to Clary as he walked out. Clary immediately turned to Alec as soon as he was out of sight.
“Alexander.” She teased.
“Don’t start.” Alec warned, he grabbed his coffee and skulked to the back, while Clary cackled. Alec changed his bet, everyone in his family would know about Magnus within the hour.