Chapter Text
Alec Lightwood was ready. His bags were packed. Soon it was just going to be him and the open road again. He'd packed the car the night before and was ready to go in the wee hours of the morning. He had his trusty travel mug in hand, filled with this morning's coffee, and the car keys on the other.
With his backpack slung over his shoulder, he looked around the small hotel room which was his home for the past three days, he did a last check to see if he'd left anything. Once he was satisfied, he turned off the lights and walked to the parking lot.
He was taking his time travelling from New York and making his way across to Los Angeles where his sister, Izzy, was able to sign up some of his photographs for the upcoming National Geographic exhibit at the Getty Centre. The opening wasn't until the end of the month.
While Izzy, had offered to book him first class plane tickets to the exhibit, he saw it as an opportunity for a road trip. So around three weeks before the opening, he left his apartment in Manhattan. And he has been driving since.
He decided to detour to Rapid City in South Dakota, visiting tourist attractions like the Crazy Horse National Park, Deadwood - the historic town from the 'Old West' - and Mount Rushmore. While he took some time at the main tourist attractions, he also made it a point to visit the corners of the National Parks that were less travelled.
The thing about being a nature photographer is that his office is the whole of nature. And it was in those corners where he got the best photographs. Nature in all its glory.
And now it was time to move again. Among the sea of Japanese, European and American-made sedans, mini cars and big bulky SUVs in the parking lot, sat a black classic Chevy Impala awaiting its driver.
It had recently undergone an oil change, the engine tuned up. It's had a good wash and waxed to shine. The pressure of the tyres were to the optimum, wheels balanced and aligned, water replenished. The gas tank was full. It was ready to go for another trip.
----******-------
Alec dumped his duffel bag on the floor of the passenger seat and sat down. He checked his side mirrors and readjusted the rear view one. He had that giddiness, that excitement that he only got when he knew he was going to be driving. That feeling of freedom, of bliss, the peaceful solitude that the open road brought him.
He relished the feeling of stepping on the clutch, and turning on the ignition. Oh, the glorious sound of that engine reverberating through the parking lot. It was like a chorus of angels. He put the car into gear and drove off.
The drive out of the city was quiet at five in the morning, which was when he liked to start his trips. It was a couple more hours until rush hour traffic set in.
It didn't take long for him to get out of the city. He made a couple of stops to take pictures of the sunrise then kept driving.
At around eight o'clock he took a break at one of the truck stops, to have breakfast and then to check in with his sister.
Alec sat atop the hood of his car, coffee in one hand and his phone on the other. He dialed his sister's number and brought it to his ear.
"Hello." Izzy greeted him groggily.
"Good Morning, sunshine." Alec greeted back, teasing.
"Alec, you son of a bitch. Do you know what time it is?" she asked, clearly pissed. Los Angeles was home to her for the past 3 months to promote his work. Mostly they were both based in New York.
"It's time to seize the day." Alec said chirpily knowing this would annoy his sister even more. "And you just called mom a bitch."
"Whatever. She is one, anyway." She snarked then groaned. "Where are you?"
"Just drove out of Rapid City. I'm gonna drive up to Montana then through to Idaho." Since he liked to go on these trips by himself, his sister had insisted that he checked in with her regularly. And she insisted he give her an update of his route. The alternative was her putting a GPS tracker on him. He opted for the phone check-ins.
"What?!" She exclaimed, her voice shrill through the phone. "Alec, knowing you and all your stops, that'll add at least like a day or two to your trip." She said starting to raise her voice. "If you miss your own exhibit, I swear -"
"I'm not going to miss it." He reassured her, interrupting before she went on a tirade.
"Alec." His sister's voice warned. It was clear she was not going to give in.
He sighed. "Fine. I won't make too many stops. I promise. And I will be at the exhibit a day early."
"You better!"
He heard her alarm clock go off and then a loud crash, which he only assumed was said alarm clock meeting the wall. "You okay?"
"Yes. Can't say the same for my alarm clock." she answered. "The damn thing was annoying so I killed it."
Alec could see the annoyed look on his sister's face in his mind and it made him smile. She looked scary cute when she was annoyed. "Iz, you were already awake."
"Yeah? Well, it was supposed to be a smart alarm clock. But clearly it wasn't coz it still went off even if I was already awake."
"I don't think it works like that, Iz."
"You woke me up. It's your fault." He heard the familiar series of beeps that could only be her coffee maker. "Anyway, you owe me an alarm clock."
"I'll try and find one for you on the road, then." He chuckled. "You know I always buy you souvenirs."
"Not one of those obscure cursed object things. I’m not putting a cursed object in my apartment. You're buying me a smarter alarm clock. With Apple on it." She demanded.
"I will buy you an apple, got it." He responded, nodding in the process. "Okay, I have to get back on the road bye!" He said quickly then hung up, a big goofy grin on his face.
His phone beeped less than half a minute later.
<From: Izzy>
That's not what I meant! I want the one from the electronics company.
And another. She was going to rain messages on him next.
<From: Izzy>
Drive safely. Check in at the next stop. And stay on the interstate. I love you. Xxx
She always reminded him about sticking to the highway, even if she knew he won't.
<From: Izzy>
Jace says Hi. Also, take actual rest stops and not just to take photos. Actual rest. Xxx
Their adopted brother Jace was vacationing in L.A. at the moment.
<From: Izzy>
Simon just woke up and is asking if you can email him the photos that need cleaning. For the slideshow. Clary is apparently nagging him.
<From: Izzy>
Okay. Take care. Drive safely. Interstate!
Alec smiled as he read the texts and typed out a quick reply. He threw the rubbish in the bin and got back in the car. Open road, again.
------*****-----
"Are you serious?" Catarina's voice echoed around Magnus' room, looking at him with her brows creased. She was standing by the door, one hand on her waist. "Is he serious?" She asked again, this time to their other friends.
Ragnor was draped lazily over the chaise, playing with the golden tassels of an embroidered cushion, while Raphael sat cross legged on Magnus' bed. The two just shrugged.
All three were watching Magnus as he made his way back and forth to his closet and then back to a suitcase which was placed atop the foot of the bed.
"Yes. I'm serious." Magnus confirmed as he looked at two shirts, a royal blue one and a pastel rainbow coloured one. He made a face then stuffed the blue one into his bag, throwing the other to Raphael. The shirt landing on his face. "Shoes off my bed, Santiago."
Raphael too the shirt then made a face at Magnus but still moved to take his shoes off and resumed his previous position. Magnus stuck his tongue out in retaliation.
"Are you sure you're not just leaving the city because you found out Camille's back with her new dance partner and boytoy?" Raphael asked, as he lay back on Magnus' bed, resting his hands behind his head.
"Pfft!" Magnus let out a huff. "Fuck Camille. She can dance and screw whomever she wants. I'm done with her." He said, annoyed at being reminded of his old dance partner and ex-girlfriend.
"Anyway, Magnus, you've never been on a road trip on your own. You always just flew from here to Sioux Falls." Catarina interrupted with the more pressing news at hand. "Even then you only stayed there for like 2 days at a time. You haven't really been out of New York since you moved here when you were sixteen. You're pretty much like a born and bred New Yorker who has no idea of life outside the walls of this city. And since when do you know how to drive and when did you get a driver's license?" She fired the questions one after the other without pausing to take a breath.
"Okay. First of all," Magnus said stopping at the door to his walk in wardrobe. "This city has no walls. Stop exaggerating. Second of all, there's such a thing as driver's ed in high school. Just because I don't drive here doesn't mean I don't have a driver's license." He disappeared into the closet and re-appeared with a handful of clothes. "And third, I've been to Peru."
"Of which you got kicked out off. The one time you went out of the country." Catarina retorted.
Raphael was snickering where he sat. Magnus narrowed his eyes at him, annoyed, then threw a shoe at him. Raphael ducked as the shoe hit the headboard then landed on the bed.
Magnus walked over to his bag and continued packing. "Again, first of all. I did not get kicked out of Peru. I was politely asked to leave and strongly advised never to return again." He put his shoes in a shoe bag and placed it on one side of the suitcase. "Second of all, and I maintain, what happened in Peru was not my fault. It was Ragnor's."
"What? How as that my fault?" Ragnor said becoming more attentive to the conversation. "If you'd taken my advice and not -"
"Okay!" Catarina held up one hand, palm open, silencing Ragnor. "Magnus, where is this coming from?" she asked.
Magnus paused mid-way through folding a pair of pants. He sighed, dropped the pants on top of his bag then walked over to his dresser. He took a notebook out of the drawer then handed it to her. It looked old, and a lot of the pages were slightly tattered, with various bits of other papers stuck to it. Then he walked back to resume his packing.
Catarina went to sit on the bed, beside Magnus' suitcase. Raphael and Ragnor joining in and looking over her shoulder as she opened it slowly. "Magnus is this -"
"It's her journal." Magnus replied without looking at them. "I cleaned out the box of her stuff from the rest home two days ago."
Magnus' mother passed away not long ago. For most of his life, it has been just him and her. She was the only family he had left. They have had their ups and downs. He left his hometown of Sioux Falls in South Dakota when he was sixteen. He never really fit in there anyway. It was too small. His personality was too loud, too big, and too colourful.
He knew she didn't completely approve of his career choice of being a dancer. Mainly because she knew a career in the arts was uncertain. But she was still supportive of it. She worked day and night to pay off his fees at the dance academy in New York where he also finished High School.
Afterwards, she would make the trip and was always on the front row seats whenever he had a competition or a performance no matter how tired she was from her job or how far Sioux Falls was from New York. It's only a flight or two away, she always told him. She even helped him buy his own studio, and supported him until it was established.
He's only been back a couple of times to visit her. The last time was two months ago when she got sick. So he went to pick her up to move her closer to Brooklyn where he now lived. One month later she passed away.
"It's full of maps and pictures." Catarina said as she turned a page. "Has she been to all these places?"
"The opposite." Magnus answered. He has now moved to his dresser and started packing his make-up bag. "All those places are the ones she wanted to visit. Ones I promised I would take her to." He said that last sentence just to himself with guilt and sorrow in his voice, out of earshot from his friends who were busy looking at his mother's journal.
Raphael unfolded and held up a map of the United States. "I'm guessing she wants to go to all these places with stars marked on them?" He asked tracing his finger across the map and trying to read the marked cities.
"That is a lot of places." Ragnor said, his chin resting on Raphael's shoulder as both of them looked at the map.
"Yup." Magnus confirmed. "A lot of places."
Catarina got up and stood next to Magnus who was now choosing which make up brushes to bring.
"Do you have to go now?" Catarina asked.
"Look, it's been a month. And the real estate agent said someone finally put an offer on her house. So I'll fly there, finalise everything, pack her things and ship them here. Then I'll take her car and do the road trip. Just me and her. Like she wanted." Magnus said closely inspecting one of his brushes then he looked at Catarina. The feeling in his chest was starting to become heavy. "I can't grieve anymore. She's gone and -"
He stifled his voice before it broke, tears started to prickle behind his eyes but he stopped them. Catarina stepped closer and rubbed his back to comfort him. "I have to do this now." He said with determination.
Catarina nodded. "How long do you plan to do the trip?" she asked.
Magnus shook his head a little as he took in a deep breath. "Maybe three weeks. I don't know. I'm gonna head down to California to spread her ashes anyway."
Raphael scrunched up his face, confused. "Why California?"
"Because, my dear, Raphael. My mother wanted to see the Hollywood sign and then have her ashes scattered into the Pacific Ocean." Magnus said as he dropped the brushes into his bag and perused through his make-up, deciding which ones were road trip appropriate.
When he looked up all three of his friends still had confused looks on their faces. "Indonesia is just across the ditch, according to her. It's where she was born." He explained. "So she requested I spread her ashes in California and she will 'swim' to Indonesia via the Pacific Ocean." He said doing air quotes on the word swim.
His eyes turned glassy and he chuckled. "I always thought she meant it as a joke. Now I don't know." But it was one of the things she would say over and over again." He swallowed, lost in his thoughts as he remembered that conversation. When she would tell him about her hometown, where they came from. She always said she wanted to go back there, one way or another.
He blinked back his tears as he looked at his friends, all looking at him, with sympathy. He smiled at them. "You know her and her weird ideas." He said, laughing it off. It was an attempt to brush off the sadness.
"Anyway," Magnus changed the subject. "There's an audition in LA for back up dancers for a music video in three weeks. So I thought I could do the trip and make my way there, see the Hollywood sign, spread the ashes, do the audition. Two birds with one stone. And if, when, I succeed, it'll be good exposure for the studio."
"You're going on an audition? By yourself?" Ragnor got up and sat on the side of the bed. "Magnus, you haven't done a solo dance in a long time. Let alone one for a music video."
"Well now it's time. Do a new venture. Spread my wings and all." Magnus sighed continued to pack his bags. “I already have the basics of the routine. I’ll just find time to practice on the road.”
Catarina, Raphael and Ragnor nodded. They could see there was no changing his mind.
"Maybe one of us can go with you?" Catarina suggested.
Magnus let out a sarcastic laugh then stopped abruptly. "No." He said, face turning serious. "Never going on a trip with him again." He pointed to Ragnor whose mouth dropped in mock offense. He pointed to Raphael who frowned. "He's too grumpy all the time, imagine when he's out of his comfort zone. So no, thank you." Raphael nodded in agreement with no attempts to deny anything Magnus said.
"And finally," Magnus looked at Catarina and smiled. "You're the only I trust to keep the studio going smoothly without those two possibly burning it down to the ground." He cocked his head towards the two men sitting on his bed.
"Hey!" The two protested but he and Catarina ignored them.
"Besides, you know Will's and Tessa's routine best after me." Magnus added. "You can train them in my absence. They trust you."
Catarina nodded and smiled back. "You're really going aren't you?"
Magnus nodded. "No stopping me now." He flashed them a smile.
He finished packing his bags, and left on an early flight the next day. His three friends came to see him off, all three promising to take care of his cats while he was away.
-----******--------
That conversation was four days ago. Magnus had safely landed in Sioux Falls. He immediately went about his business. He met up with the real estate agent and signed the papers. Then he proceeded to pack up all the things he wanted to keep from his mother's stuff.
The movers were there to pick up the boxes on day two. He can be really efficient when he put his mind to things. On day three, he started to drive towards Rapid City to Deadwood - the historic town. He visited some of the nearby national parks - mainly staying at the lookout points. He followed the tourists. And then finally, Mount Rushmore. He stayed there for a while. He knew she would have wanted that. To just sit there and look at the artwork made on the side of the mountain.
The next on his list was driving towards Denver in Colorado. Well supposed to be. Now he wasn't sure where he was. His car broke down in the middle of nowhere, miles after he turned off the main highway. The engine had started to go up in smoke, and he swore there was a flame there at some point. He managed to put it out with his shirt. That was a genius idea.
Not that he was complaining, being shirtless helped him get over the heat. He gave himself a pat on the back for only putting on light make up this morning. Otherwise it would have melted and he would have looked like a drenched clown.
His phone lost reception somewhere and for some reason he couldn’t use the map on his phone offline. He cursed himself for relying too heavily on technology. A car hasn't passed by in the past two hours. He was going to be stuck here.
Magnus checked his phone again, hoping this time that by some miracle, there would be a signal. His phone screen might as well have screamed 'NO SERVICE' at him. He let out a cry and a sigh.
"Oh mother, why didn't you tell me your car was crap?" He said as he looked at her urn sitting beside him on the ground. "Well in hindsight, maybe I should have had it checked before driving it off. Seeing as no one has used it in two months. Your son is a genius! You should be proud." He said sarcastically.
He stopped. "Oh God, I'm talking to myself. I’m talking to my dead mother’s ashes in the middle of nowhere. I might be going delirious." He got up and picked up the urn and put it back in his backpack which was sitting in the back seat. He grabbed the bottle of water from the passenger seat and took a sip. This was his last one and it was only three quarters full.
An hour ago he contemplated walking back to the last town he passed. But he wasn't sure how far away it was. Also, an hour ago he was sure someone would drive by and he could hitch a ride to the next town. Too late now. He was stuck.
From the distance, Magnus saw a black blob moving towards him. He blinked a couple of times. It was still there and coming closer. He's heard of this. When the heat played tricks with your eyes and made you see things. A mirage of some sort.
As the blob came closer, he realised it was real, and recognised that it was a car. He quickly dropped the water bottle back in the seat, remembered he was still shirtless so he grabbed his jacket from the front seat and quickly put it on before running to the side of the road and sticking his thumb up. The international sign of hitchhiking. Finally, another human being. He's been saved.
The car whizzed by him and in a few short minutes was again away in the distance.
-------- ****** ------------
While Alec loved driving on the interstate, it could get quite boring. To mix it up - to his sibling’s and close friends' disapproval - he liked to take the back roads into the heart of the counties, discover little towns where everyone pretty much knew everyone, and towns abandoned long ago.
There was something about the back country that called to him. There were always hidden spots of nature, untouched by civilisation or known only to locals. Those were the ones he'd like taking pictures of the most. Nature or wildlife rarely seen. The beauty hidden in the nooks and crannies of the old country. He wanted to share those to the world.
One of the things about the back roads is that there isn't much traffic. The tarmac could stretch for miles on end with him seeing only one or two cars. He liked it that way. He liked the peace. No honking horns, no rude drivers. Living in New York, with all the hustle and bustle of the city, the silence of the country was welcomed contrast.
Alec could have followed the I-90 towards Montana. He could also have taken the 212 Highway. But he was feeling extra adventurous, and decided to take the I-85 instead. It was one of those roads less travelled. A stretch of highway with close to no traffic. Most of the cars would take the freeway. Probably only locals took this road. He hasn't seen a car in the past hour since he turned off the main highway.
So it was a big surprise to see a car, on the side of the road, in the middle of nowhere with a man - was he shirtless? - sticking his thumb up in the air, asking to hitch a ride. Alec thought he’d glimpsed red streaks in the guy’s hair.
Now Alec wasn't one to pick up hitchhikers. It was one of the rules he and his siblings and friends have established since he started going on these road trips by himself. They have heard of horror stories of people getting robbed, or worse - killed by hitchhikers.
Of course, they knew that those horrific crimes do not happen all the time, not to everybody. There were still plenty more good hitchhikers stories than bad ones. But, for his family's - specifically his sister's peace of mind - he promised he wouldn't ever pick up any strangers from the side of the road.
So Alec kept driving. A trucker will probably pass by soon and pick up the guy anyway. He looked on his rear view mirror and saw the guy miserably drop to a squat and hid his face in his palms. To Alec, the guy looked lost, crushed.
Thoughts started to swirl around in his head. The last town he passed was a long way away. The next one was an even longer way, at least based on what he could remember from the map he looked at.
It was already mid-afternoon. Night was going to come soon and there was no guarantee that any other driver was going to pass by here. What if the guy didn't have any water or food? What if he was going to die there and Alec was going to read about it in the paper the next day? His conscience would never let him live it down.
Alec licked his lips, sighed and slowed down toward the side of the road before making a U-turn. "Only till the next town, Alec. And Izzy doesn't find out" He told himself as he drove back to where he'd left the guy.
-------- ****** ------------
The first thing Magnus heard was a rumble of an engine. When he looked up, it was the same black Impala that drove past him not long ago. He wasn't one to know his cars. But he knew the Impala because of that show about those two hot brothers who hunted ghosts or something.
One part of his brain thought if this was that said Impala, he really wouldn't mind spending some cosy time with those siblings – especially the tall one. His brain told him they were both tall. His brain also told him ‘Exactly.’ The more logical part of his mind told him to snap out of his fantasies and just be glad that the driver decided to come back for him.
He got up and watched as the car did a U-turn and parked just behind Magnus' vehicle. Magnus walked towards the car. The driver leaned his head out of the car window.
So it wasn't two guys, it was just one. And he was a bit scruffy looking with his beard, and messy hair, in a good-looking kind of way. Magnus was not oggling. That was not the point. The important thing is the man came back for Magnus. That was the only point he needed to focus on right now.
"Hey. Need help?" Scruffy-looking guy asked as Magnus approached the Impala.
"Yes. My car broke down and there was smoke there at some point. I think the engine's busted." Magnus made non-specific flurry gestures towards his car. He felt embarrassed not knowing much about cars.
“Mind if I take a look?” the guy asked. Magnus shook his head.
He got out of the Impala and walked towards Magnus’ car. Magnus followed suit. Magnus pointed out to himself that he absolutely did not check out the guy’s ass. His mind was focused on the emergency.
There was still smoke coming out of the engine. Magnus’ now ruined shirt was on the ground. He hoped the guy didn’t notice. He quickly picked it up.
Magnus saw the guy bend over to check something in the engine. His eyes may or may not have followed the trail from the guy’s leg up to his very nice bottom and to the exposed skin where his shirt lifted up.
After a while the guys straightened up. His fingers were blackened from something on the engine. Magnus automatically handed his ruined shirt to the guy who looked at him quizzically.
“It’s ruined anyway.” Magnus said nervously. He had never known himself to be nervous around guys. Except now apparently.
The man took the shirt and wiped his dirtied fingers on it. “The engine’s pretty blown. You need to get a mechanic to fix it.”
Magnus nodded. "Can you give me a ride to the next town or something so I can call a tow truck? I can give you money for gas." He had both his brows raised, hopeful.
"Yeah. Get in," said scruffy man pointing to the Impala. He walked back to the car, taking his stuff out of the passenger seat and moving them to the back seat.
Magnus did two thumbs up then went to get his stuff. He dumped his suitcase and his backpack in the backseat and got into the passenger seat.
He smiled at scruffy guy as soon as he closed the door. "Thanks again for coming back." He said with his best smile. "I thought I was gonna die here."
The guy did a little smile then started driving. "There's a gas station around 20 miles from here. You should be able to call for a tow truck there." He stated without looking at Magnus.
"Wonderful." Magnus nodded keeping his voice cheery despite the slight aloofness he received from his now driver. Magnus told himself off for even thinking it. His mother would say he should be thankful that this man, this blessing of an angel, came back to help. He was kind enough to help Magnus. Maybe this guy was just shy.
It was a quiet ride for the next five miles. Usually, Magnus was good at small talk. He was an entertainer by trade. He knew how to talk to people. He had great people skills. Of course, he was used to people in the city. And most of the time, he had other people to bounce off of for a conversation starter. This was a whole different matter.
"I'm Magnus, by the way." He said, giving the guy an awkward smile. Introducing one’s self was always a good start. Besides, he figured he should at least find out this Good Samaritan's name so he can thank him properly later.
"Alec." said his driver, shooting a quick glance at Magnus then back to the road again.
"Nice to meet you, Alec." Magnus said. Alec mumbled back. Magnus didn’t quite hear what he said. And then silence.
Magnus shifted awkwardly in his seat and was about to say something when Alec said, "The drive shouldn't take too long." He glanced at Magnus briefly then looked back at the road again. "You should still have time for the tow truck to get to your car before nightfall."
"That's great." Magnus said. "Hopefully they can fix it quick. I don't suppose I can make it to Denver tonight?"
"Denver?" Alec asked, surprised.
"Yes. I planned to drive there tonight but I guess it's not happening." Magnus said, looking at Alec who now had a frown on his face. "Why?"
"You're going the opposite direction." Alec said pointing behind him with his thumb. "It's back that way. We're headed towards Montana."
"What?" Magnus bellowed. He looked back then looked to the front. "Shit!"
"Judging by the direction your car was pointing to, you wouldn't have made it to Denver whether it broke down or not." Alec said, chortling.
Magnus was annoyed. Was this guy making fun of him? He sounded like he was mocking Magnus and his sense of direction. More importantly though, he was annoyed with himself. He can see his friends with their 'I told you so' faces in his mind.
"I took a wrong turn." Magnus said, disheartened.
"Yup." Alec confirmed without a hint of sympathy.
Magnus let out a groan. "I'm an idiot."
Alec chuckled. "Well, we'll be at the gas station soon. So you can call the towing service. You'll have to make it to Denver some other way. As long as you go in the right direction."
This Alec guy was starting to get annoying. This guy was merciless. Magnus thought a little empathy would have been nice. Magnus crossed his arms and stayed quiet the whole way to the gas station. He had to rethink his whole trip. It wasn't turning out the way he'd planned at all.
----------- ****** ------------
The gas station was quiet when they arrived. Alec drove close to one of the pumps and pulled the lever to open the gas tank.
"It looks closed." Alec said as he opened the door referring to the store attached to the station. He put one foot out then turned to look at Magnus. "But there might be a payphone somewhere around the back." He said then stepped out of the car.
Magnus just nodded. He got out of the car and grabbed his backpack from the backseat. Alec had started to fill the car up. It was one of those pre-pay pump machines.
Magnus walked over to the small building behind the pumps and peered in through the glass doors to double check there really was no one inside. He didn't fully trust the big red 'CLOSED' sign that was hanging on the door. He looked to each side then decided to go towards the right.
As he rounded the corner, he saw a payphone hanging on the wall. "Oh Thank God." He muttered and walked over to it.
He lifted the receiver to check there was a dial tone. Once satisfied he hung it back up. It was one of those coin-operated ones so he fished a couple of quarters from his pocket. At least he still remembered how to operate these phones.
There was no phonebook but there was a list of numbers handwritten on the panel. To his luck, there was one. He lifted the receiver and put the quarters into the slot and dialed the only number for a towing service that was written on the list.
It took a couple of rings before someone picked up.
"Yello!" said the gruff voice of a man. He sounded chirpy.
"Hi. Is this the towing service?" Magnus asked looking back at the list to see if there was a name on it. There wasn't.
"Yip! The one and only." said the voice again. "How may I help you?"
"Well, uh, my car broke down about 15 miles from -" Magnus leaned back to look at the name of the gas station. He frowned when he saw the sign then put the receiver back to his ear. "The G-A-S station, and-"
"Oh yep. You can just say gas station." the voice said matter-of-factly.
Magnus felt eve more stupid. First the direction he was going and Alec pointing it out. And then now the towie thinking he can’t read ‘gas.’ He knew how to read the word. But he thought he'd make it more specific since he didn't know exactly where he was. And the sign really did say ‘G.A.S.’ He read the sign how he saw it thinking it was an acronym for something. And there could be other gas stations around.
He took a deep breath to calm himself down. "Will you be able to send one?"
"Yip." came the quick answer, again that chirpy voice. "Now which direction were you going when your car broke down?"
"Um, towards Montana." Magnus said, secretly thanking Alec for telling him that. Even if he felt annoyed with the man around the time.
"Oh yip. Okay. Gotcha." said the man. "I'll get one of my boys to go pick it up. Did you walk to the gas station or did you hitch a ride?"
Magnus still didn't know what his name was. Or how he knew what Magnus was talking about with the vaguest of descriptions. He was used to describing places with specific markers or street names. Like the Starbucks on fifth and the Macy’s on Sixth.
"I hitched a ride." Magnus answered quickly.
He heard the voice chuckle. "Yihee! Lucky you managing to hitch a ride on this part of the country. Can you tell 'em to drop you off at Camp Crook? That's where our garage is. 'Tis not far from the gas station."
"Oh yes. Okay." Magnus said nodding and taking note of the place. "My cell phone doesn't have reception but do you need my details?"
"Nope. No need. We'll know who you are." said Mr Towing service and then hung up.
"Hello?" Magnus asked then just heard the steady tone. He hung up. He took his cellphone out and took a picture of the towing service number just in case.
When Magnus got back to the car, Alec was nowhere in sight. The gas had finished filling so he put the nozzle back in its carriage and closed the lid on the tank. He looked around. There was no one. He went over to the trunk and got a shirt out of his suitcase. It was getting much too hot to be wearing a leather jacket. He looked around again after he’d closed the trunk. There was still no sign of Alec.
"Alec?" He called out but there was no answer. He looked inside the car. The keys were still in the ignition. He shook his head then reached in to grab them. He considered driving away but he couldn't drive a stick so that plan would fail.
Magnus pocketed the keys and looked around again. At least no one would be able to steal the car while it was unattended. If anyone wanted to steal it, they’d have to hot wire it. Magnus wasn’t about to make it easy for anyone to steal possibly his only salvation at the moment.
But where was Alec? Magnus' heart started to pound. This was like a scene from one of those slasher movies he and Raphael liked to watch. Hitchhiking - check. Hot but scruffy guy who picked up a hitchhiker - check. Dodgy gas station - check. Separating from your companion on a road trip - check.
His brain was coming up with the craziest stories from every horror film he has ever seen. Maybe hitchhiking wasn't such a good idea.
This was the moment in the movie where one of them has wandered off and has likely been killed while one of them – usually the protagonist – was otherwise occupied. And now the killer was probably stalking Magnus biding his time to attack or torment him. What if Alec was the killer preying on innocent hitchhikers?
His brain promptly made him remember all those horror stories of hitchhikers being murdered. Mostly by cannibals or psycho killers. Or science experiments gone wrong.
Those movies always say they're based on true stories. Wasn't it just his luck that a movie was going to be based on his life and it will be about him getting murdered?
The one time he goes on a road trip. Catarina was going to have his head if she finds out he hitchhiked. And now he was going to get murdered.
Magnus shook his head. Not everyone is a psycho. Alec was still alive. Nor was he the serial killer who had a special taste for hitchhikers. Still he approached this with caution.
Magnus forced his brain to stay positive. They had quite a good drive so far and he didn't get any creepy vibes from Alec even if most of the ride was awkward. Besides, no one with that great an ass would be a murderer. Could they?
Magnus was good at reading people. At least he liked to think so. He's watched enough episodes of Criminal Minds to be a profiler. Or so he thinks. He can spot a sociopath or a psychopath a mile away. Alec did not fit the profile.
Besides, Magnus thought he’d make it a point to leave his DNA everywhere in the car so that it can be traced back to Alec. If he turned out to be the killer. Yeah. Magnus learned a lot from the University of CSI. Alec won’t get away with his murder.
Again, Magnus tried to reel his imagination in. He stayed as calm as possible. Although he was failing at this at the moment. He resolved to trust his instincts. This Alec guy was a good guy. He was probably off to the bathroom or something. That was more logical.
But just in case, Magnus walked back to the side of the building and grabbed the crowbar that was lying on the ground just below the telephone. He also thought of an escape plan just in case Alec turned out to be a psycho or you know, if there was a psycho around who has probably killed Alec already.
Magnus thought it would have been tragic if Alec really had been killed. He quite liked Alec's scruffy look (among other things – nice muscly body parts, specifically) and would have liked to have gotten to know him better outside of this hitchhiking business.
Before his mind drifted off elsewhere, he made himself focus on the crisis that was about to befall him.
Magnus tried to remember those self-defence techniques he learned from all those martial arts movies and TV shows he watched. And he and Catarina took that boxing class at the gym for a couple of months last year. That should count for something. Miss Congeniality said to S.I.N.G. (Solar Plexus, Instep, Nose, Groin) should one find themselves being restrained from behind.
On a more positive and more pleasurable thought, Magnus would definitely not mind Alec’s firm, muscled arms around him. He may have checked out those biceps at some point. He wouldn’t mind that at all. That is, if Alec wasn’t trying to kill him or anything.
Magnus walked over to the other side of the building. He discreetly checked his phone. There was still no coverage. A plethora of curse words streamed through his mind. He turned on the GPS locator on his phone anyway. One can never be too careful. It's precaution.
One consolation he thought of is that if he died now, at least he would forever be free of Camille. And he'll be able to see his mom again.
As much as those thoughts comforted him, in a strange way, he really didn’t want to die just yet. He still had so much he wanted to do.
Magnus gripped the crowbar tighter on his hand as he walked, cautiously. He peeked to the side. Still no Alec. He turned around and thought about just waiting in the car.
"Hey-"
Magnus let out a high-pitched screamed and started swinging the crowbar, missing Alec by barely an inch. "You stay away. I'm not dying in the middle of nowhere!"
“What?” Alec, confused, had both hands up.
Magnus continued flailing the crowbar from side to side, with both hands and with his eyes mostly closed. Alec jumped back several times to avoid getting hit by the flailing object in Magnus’ hands. Almost falling a couple of times.
"Magnus!" Alec shouted, trying to catch Magnus’ attention and shake him out of his frightened state.
"You're gonna kill me!" Magnus said accusingly, panic in his voice, his hands holding the crowbar up to keep Alec at bay. His heart was pounding and he was sweating.
"That should be my line." Alec retorted pointing to the crowbar but still kept both hands raised in surrender. His face a mixture of confusion, and also fear. "You're the one with the deadly weapon."
Magnus stopped, finally seeing how Alec looked and realising he may have over reacted. Magnus probably looked ridiculous right now. For a few minutes they both stared at each other. Sizing each other up. Well, more like Magnus trying to get his composure back.
"You're really not going to kill me?" Magnus asked, his voice calmer this time.
"Not unless you're planning to kill me." Alec assured him, voice calm, with a hint of slight amusement. The side of his lip twitching up a little in a suppressed smirk. Probably because Magnus looked ridiculous right now.
They both chuckled as Magnus lowered the tool, letting out the breath he's been holding during the whole ordeal. Alec put his hands down.
"Oh thank God." Magnus relaxed, shoulders slumping down as his panic disappeared. "I thought you were going to kill me."
"Seriously?" Alec exclaimed, brows furrowed. He made sure to keep his distance even when Magnus had visibly relaxed.
"I thought you were a psycho." Magnus explained. "To be fair it was creepy. You suddenly disappeared. And my imagination just got the best of me." He let out a little laugh and shook his head, realising how ridiculous and paranoid he must have appeared.
Alec sniggered. "Man, I'd hate to be in your head."
"Trust me. How I wish I could get out of my own head, sometimes." Magnus said leaning against the wall of the building as his adrenaline receded. He let out another chuckle. Laughing at himself for letting his imagination get the best of him. Alec laughed with him.
"Where'd you go anyway?" Magnus looked at Alec, who now had a smile on his face.
Alec stretched out his hand, palm facing up. "Over here. I'll show you." He used his other hand, pointing behind him with his thumb, cocking his head to the same direction.
Magnus looked at where Alec pointed, around to the back of the building. Magnus raised a brow as he looked at Alec's outstretched hand then his smiling face. He was starting to like that smile. There was a certain quality to it that just screamed exhilaration, and also innocence and fun. A smile that reached up to his eyes making them twinkle.
He took Alec's hand and let himself be led to the back of the building and slightly further up over a small hill. From the top, Magnus saw there was a prairie. Not far from them, around a hundred metres, there was a herd of bisons grazing lazily in the afternoon sun.
Magnus has only ever heard of them, or seen them in pictures. This is why people tended not to believe him when he said he grew up in South Dakota. He's never actually gone outside of Sioux Falls apart from when he left it. He’s never seen any wildlife even when he was still living with his mom. He never really even thought of going out to the small counties. It was always about dance and getting out of Sioux Falls.
Successive clicks from a camera caught his attention. In his panic earlier, he didn't even realise Alec was carrying one of those digital cameras with the semi-large lenses. Alec glanced at Magnus, smiled then went back to taking the photos. Magnus smiled back but Alec didn’t see. He was too busy taking photos.
Alec looked like he wouldn't hurt a fly. At least not at this moment. To Magnus, he looked like he was in a world of his own. It was just him and the wild life.
He was probably back here a while ago, taking pictures of these magnificent creatures. No wonder he didn’t hear Magnus call out. How could Magnus think he was a psycho killer?
They stayed there for another half hour. Even Magnus took a couple of shots. Of the buffalos and of Alec as well as some selfies. But mostly he stood there and watched the animals graze on the grass. He thought back to his mom. She always liked the outdoors and the small towns. That’s why she didn’t want to move to New York with Magnus until she really had to. And even then, she was reluctant to go.
The car was untouched when they got back. If that had been New York, the Impala and all their things would have been gone by then.
Magnus handed the keys back to Alec who looked at him confused.
"I took it just in case a psycho killer had killed you. It was for safekeeping." Magnus confessed, embarrassed. "I thought at least I could drive away immediately." He said blushing, realising how ridiculous his story sounded.
Alec laughed. "Good to know you were concerned about my safety."
"I was," Magnus said in mock defense, taking his seat and closing the door. "But then I thought, hey, if you were a goner. I wasn't going to grieve. I barely know you. I'll just drive off." He did a clap and a forward motion of his right hand.
Alec chuckled at Magnus’ frankness. "Do you even know how to drive a stick?" Alec said, as he put the car into gear, looking at Magnus with a side smile and an eyebrow raised.
"No." Magnus admitted, blushing slightly. "But I thought adrenaline and instinct would definitely have kicked in."
Alec laughed as he started driving, going back into the highway.
They ended up talking about suspense thrillers they both watched and how ridiculous some of the character's decisions were in those films. Magnus' exaggerated reaction mainly due to his wild imagination was, as it turned out, a good way to break the ice. He and Alec shared similar taste in movies.
Having been in that similar stressful situation just recently, Magnus tried to defend that some decisions may have been made because of panic. Alec teased him about his wonderful plan with leaving his DNA in the car. How Magnus was going to do it was another matter. Magnus found out Alec was quite fond of his car.
Further discussions about the movies may have also revealed Magnus’ strategy in the event of a zombie apocalypse. This made Alec laugh.
“One can never be too careful.” Magnus defended. “Always have a battle strategy. When in doubt, know your way out.”
“For a zombie apocalypse?” Alec asked, smirking.
“Yes!” Magnus said smiling back. “Laugh at me now, but you’ll be sorry when it happens and you have no plan.” He said pointing at Alec.
“I’ll be sure to stick with you then.” Alec said, smirking. He did a quick glance at Magnus then looked back at the road.
Magnus’ heart fluttered at the comment. Alec probably meant nothing by it but it still made Magnus feel warm inside. He looked at Alec who was concentrating on the road. He barely knew the guy but somehow that tiny, innocent line, hit something deep inside him.
Magnus bit his lip in an attempt to curb his growing smile. “You should.” He said shyly, the tips of his ears warming up. They fell into silence the rest of the way.
--------******-----------
It didn't take long for them to get to Camp Crook although it had started to get dark by the time they got there. It was a very small town. In fact they could see the edge of it as they drove in. The Impala stood out like a sore thumb. Everybody probably knew everybody around here. And everybody probably already knew there were out-of-towners coming in for the night.
It wasn't difficult to find the repair shop which was adjacent to the General Store. It was the largest building in the town. There didn't seem to be anyone at the repair shop so they went into the store instead. Alec went straight for the payphone to call his sister while Magnus went to the counter.
"Hello." A short, fat old jolly looking old lady greeted them. "You must be the guy whose car broke down."
Small town. Magnus smiled remembering what the guy said over the phone. "Yes. I'm Magnus."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Linette." The old lady said. "Now, Tom's just gone to pick up your car. He's been a bit busy today. He might be back a little late though. Lots of calls before you arrived and we're down to just one truck. Can you believe one of our tow trucks also needs to be towed?" She laughed out loud. It had that hearty and carefree sound to it. Like she was telling herself the joke more than she was telling Magnus.
Magnus laughed, too. He wasn’t sure if it was because of the joke or because of how infectious her laugh was. "I don't think he'll be able to fix the car quick even if he does get here early." Magnus explained thinking back to how his engine pretty much blew up. "I was wondering if you could direct us to a hotel nearby or an inn."
"No hotels around here, dear. But I do have rooms available upstairs."
Once the paperwork was sorted - it involved them signing on a guest book - Linette led them up a flight of stairs that ran on the side of the building to the second floor.
"These are your keys." The old lady said but proceeded to open one door on the left, before giving the key to Alec. "Bathroom and toilets are down the hall to your right," It was adjacent to Magnus' room. "And you can have breakfast with us in the morning of you can go to the cafe down the road. They open at six." She opened the door on the right and handed the key to Magnus.
The boys said their thanks then went into their own rooms.
The first step Magnus took his foot landed on a puddle in the carpet. "Uh -" He stepped back and called Linette. "The floor seems to be wet."
Linette hurried back to look then she rushed down the hall to the next door and disappeared into the toilet. A few seconds later she came out. "Okay, so that toilet is not usable at the moment. Don't worry the water’s clean. It's just, the tank overflows sometimes." She quickly added when she saw both Alec's and Magnus' faces scrunch up in disgust. "There's still one more toilet by the shower so you can use that."
She walked back to where Magnus and Alec were standing. "Well, we can't let you have that room, now can we? Don’t want our guests getting sick from pneumonia." She looked at him, beaming again, with rosy cheeks. She was just one of those jolly old ladies.
Magnus wasn't sure how to react so he just looked at Alec who stared at him with equal confusion but a slight twinkle in his eyes. Magnus turned his gaze back at the old lady and forced a smile. Or what he hoped was a smile.
"So, where can I sleep?" He asked politely.
"I don't have any more rooms, unfortunately." She looked to Magnus then to Alec, still smiling. "If you two don't mind sharing a room, the couch in this room -" She pointed to Alec's, " - is quite comfortable. Or I can ask one of our neighbours if they can spare a room."
Alec and Magnus looked at each other again. Magnus had expected to sleep in motels in big towns and cities when he set out for this road trip. Once he has heard about.
This place was not familiar. Paranoia aside, Magnus didn’t really want to be separated from the only person he knew (kind of). And he felt uncomfortable at the thought of being in a different building from Alec in this small town. He was well out of his comfort zone. And after the events of today, he was scrambling to get to something familiar. Or comfortable. Despite accusing Alec of being a serial killer earlier, Magnus actually now felt at ease with him.
But he also wasn’t sure how Alec felt about it. Magnus shrugged, refusing to make a decision. He hoped Alec would agree. He looked to Alec for a sign.
Alec nodded and stretched his hand out towards his room to indicate it was fine. Magnus relaxed.
Linette clapped and then headed downstairs to get cleaning materials for the other room. They were both clearly tired.
"You can take a shower first if you'd like." Magnus said as soon as they entered the room. It was the least he could do since he was sort of crashing in Alec’s room.
The room was a reasonable size with minimal furniture. There was a desk in one corner near the window, and a double-sized bed in the middle with a nightstand on each side. There was a lamp on one side and a telephone on the other. The couch was a 3-seater and it was positioned close to the door. Magnus was sure he was not going to fully fit in it. But this was not the time to complain.
The time it took for Alec to shower was enough time for Linette to bring them food and update Magnus about his car. It was on its way but Tom was probably going to come back late and likely be unable to work on it.
She also brought him his beddings. There was fresh linen and a pillow resting on the couch. Magnus had just finished talking to Catarina to update her on the events of the day. Their conversation mostly consisted of him reassuring her that he was fine.
"She brought us sandwiches." Magnus said pointing to the food on the table as soon as he placed the receiver back into its cradle. "It's on the house she said. And we're only paying for one room."
"Fair enough. We're only using one room." Alec said walking toward the table as he dried his hair with his towel. Magnus is quickly finding out that Alec was quite blunt. Not in a mean way. He was just one of those who said things as they saw it. "Have you had your share?"
"Yeah. Pretty much scoffed it down the moment she left the room." Magnus chuckled as he gathered up his things. Alec sat on the chair by the desk and started eating.
By the time Magnus returned to their room after washing up, Alec was already on the bed reading a book. Magnus started to fix up his bed for the night.
"You can sleep on the bed if you want." Alec closed his book and put it on the nightstand.
"Um, that's okay. I can sleep here." Magnus pointed to the couch.
"Suit yourself." Alec said as he repositioned himself on the bed. "The bed's big enough. If you change your mind. Besides, that couch is only comfortable for people who'll actually fit in it.” Alec commented then looked at Magnus, putting both hands up in surrender. “I won’t do anything to you. I promise." He smiled at Magnus as he said that, one hand now on his heart. His voice teasing now that he knew how wild Magnus’ imagination could get.
Magnus smiled back shaking his head.
“Unless of course you plan to do something to me.” Alec added, playfully covering his chest and groin and turning slightly away from Magnus. His eyes narrowed as he looked at Magnus teasingly. Magnus’ mouth dropped and Alec let out a chuckle.
“Seriously, the bed’s more comfortable.” With that Alec turned the lamp off then turned his back to Magnus to sleep.
Magnus looked at the couch and then to the bed, carefully considering his options. He was really tired and didn’t really want any aching muscles the next day. He dropped the bedsheet he was holding, grabbed the pillow and went to the bed. Alec’s offer was a better option. He carefully lifted the covers and lay down on his back.
It was nice and comfortable. And warm. He could feel heat emanating from Alec’s body and it felt nice knowing someone was there with him. Even if that someone was practically a stranger. But a nice stranger. Alec wasn’t originally supposed to stop here but decided to do so when he found out Magnus was going to have to stay the night. Alec said the next town he planned to stop in was too far to drive to anyway, and he was already tired from driving.
Magnus stared at the ceiling and thought about the events of the day. It has been a very long, stressful day for him. He's really not had time to think about things. The road trip was starting out to be a disaster and likely going to be short-lived. He couldn’t remember why he thought this was a good idea in the first place. And now here he was, in a small town he had never even heard of or knew existed.
It was a strange feeling for him. There was no noise of traffic or drunk shouting outside their room. It was just quiet. But what was most peculiar was where he was right this instant. To be in bed with a good-looking man. And from what he's seen so far, Alec was quite fit and toned in the right places. Not that Magnus slept around and went after every good-looking guy or girl that he met.
But if it hadn't been a crazy day, and if they had been back in New York, Magnus would probably have hit on Alec. Probably asked him out for a drink until he said yes. He’d probably have asked him out on a date. And possibly even more dates. That brought a little smile to his face. Maybe in another life.
In this life, Alec is just the guy who was nice enough to have picked up this hitchhiker. And tomorrow, quite possibly, they’re going to go their separate ways.
"Hey, Alec." Magnus said, his voice echoing in the room. Alec grunted to acknowledge he was still awake. "Thank you for coming back to pick me up and staying with me tonight."
Alec turned and lay on his back, his hands resting on his stomach. He looked at Magnus and smiled. "No problem. My conscience wouldn’t have let me live it down if I heard you died there or something."
Magnus chuckled. “Did you really?” He asked looking at Alec.
“And here you thought I was going to kill you.” Alec said smiling then closed his eyes and went to sleep.
Magnus watched as Alec drifted off to sleep. A few moments later, Magnus fell asleep, too.
------------********--------------
Alec woke up the next morning to find Magnus' arm draped over his chest and his knee resting on Alec's leg. When he looked over, Magnus was still deeply asleep, lying on his stomach, his face half buried on his pillow. Alec saw Magnus wasn't wearing a shirt. He must have discarded it sometime in the night. It did get quite hot with them sharing the bed. Not to mention it was the summer.
Alec didn't move. He just stared at the stranger sleeping beside him.
When he stopped to pick up Magnus, he couldn't deny that he thought the man was good-looking, or that he stole a glance or two at Magnus' washboard abs. How could he not? The guy was shirtless. And he looked striking, even if he as all sweaty with yesterday's heat.
Alec shook his head. He still couldn't believe he picked up a hitchhiker yesterday. Although he was glad. Magnus had turned out to be a pretty cool guy. Even if he almost took Alec out with a crowbar. And also accused him of being a psycho. Or that Magnus was convinced Alec had been killed by one. He chuckled at the thought. Magnus had a wild imagination.
He found himself quite intrigued with this man. Magnus was clearly not from the area judging by the way he dressed. The man was wearing make-up yesterday. Not that he should judge a book by its cover.
They didn't really get to talk about where each of them lived. Or what they were both doing on the road. It wasn't like they had planned to spend the night together on the same bed.
Alec watched as Magnus' eyes flickered under closed eyelids. This close, Alec could see Magnus' eyelashes were long, and his jaw line was just magnificent. And his lips were slightly pink, and they looked really soft. Alec stopped when he realised his face was now just an inch away from Magnus'.
He leaned back and mentally scolded himself for almost kissing a stranger who was asleep like some kind of pervert. Alec didn’t do these things. He barely hooked up with anyone back in New York. Not to mention this was a guy who accused Alec of being a psycho killer yesterday.
Alec shifted slowly away, and off the bed, careful not to wake Magnus up. Yesterday was clearly quite stressful for him. Besides, it was still early. Magnus could do with a couple more hours of sleep. Alec considered leaving and continuing on the road but he didn't want to just leave Magnus behind without at least finding out if his car was fixable.
They had both fallen asleep before the Tom guy from the towing service had gotten back. Alec decided that he can at least stay until Magnus woke up.
He changed into his travel clothes and slipped out of their room quietly. It was still slightly dark out, but he decided to go for a stroll and check out the town. Alec closed the door quietly and headed downstairs. He brought his camera with him just in case anything interesting came up.
-------*******----------
Magnus woke up to an empty bed. He looked around the room but there was no sign of Alec. His bag was still in the room though so that assured him that Alec hasn't left yet. It was comforting to know that. Alec really was a nice guy.
He glanced at the clock on the wall. It was six thirty. This was very early for him. He usually didn't leave his loft to go to the studio until around nine or ten in the morning. But he was not in New York right now. He was on a road trip. But currently stuck in a small town in the middle of nowhere. And he had to go find out the state of his car. At the way things looked yesterday, this road trip was likely going to be cut short.
He quickly got dressed. Again only putting on light make-up. Mainly because he was still tired and couldn't be bothered to do his full morning routine. Besides, with the heat, his make-up would melt anyway.
Magnus went downstairs and walked to the General Store where Linette was re-stocking the shelves.
"Good morning, dear." She greeted him. Magnus gave her a little wave in greeting. "Alec is out in the garage with Tom." Linette informed him as if reading his mind.
Magnus smiled. "Thank you." He said then walked out to the repair shop next door.
The hood of the Impala was open, with Alec standing by it, and a man in overalls hunched over checking the engine. Magnus assumed this was Tom. Alec waved Magnus over when he saw him. By the time Magnus walked over, the mechanic was already closing the hood of the car and telling Alec that the engine was in good shape.
"Hey. Morning." Alec greeted him. Magnus greeted back to two men. "This is Magnus. Magnus this is Tom."
Magnus and Tom shook hands and they exchanged pleasantries.
"Your car's over in the garage. Follow me." Tom said, turning around and started walking towards the other building.
"Had a good sleep?" Alec fell into step beside Magnus as they followed the mechanic.
"Yes. Thank you." Magnus answered. "You?"
"Same."
"Thank you for not leaving, by the way." Magnus said smiling at Alec who just shrugged.
"I'm not really in too much of a hurry. Besides I didn't really want to leave in case you got stranded here or something."
Magnus' eyes widened in surprise. "Thank you. That's very kind of you." He said smiling at Alec.
As they came nearer to the garage, Magnus saw the sign on the door and grabbed Alec's arm, both abruptly stopping.
"What?" Alec asked.
Magnus pointed to the sign. "Mater Towing services." He read, keeping his voice low. "His name is Tom Mater. And he has a tow truck." They both sniggered when they both realised the mechanic's name was similar to that of the character from that kid’s movie. Magnus was glad Alec got the reference quickly, and that like Magnus, he also watched Pixar movies.
Alec looked around and saw an old rusting tow truck on the side of the building. "Well, he's got the old rusting truck over there." He pointed to where the vehicle was. “Maybe Lightning McQueen is somewhere on the road.”
Magnus was surprised Alec took the reference further, even naming the character. He must have seen the look of amazement on Magnus’ face. “I have a younger brother. And he loves that movie.” Alec winked at him. Magnus was starting to like this guy a lot.
They both giggled again, quietly then continued inside once they calmed down.
The hood to Magnus' car was already up with Tom standing by it. Magnus could tell he'd already done some work on it.
"This car's pretty old." Tom said, one hand on his waist and the other leaning on the raised hood of the car. "How long have you had it?"
Magnus shook his head. "It was my mom's. I think she's had it for -" He paused as he tried to remember. "- probably close to ten years. I know she didn't get it new." He stated, feeling guilty that he really knew nothing about it. And he really didn't know much about cars except how to drive them.
"When was the last time it was serviced?" Tom asked again looking at him. The man was nice, and his face was kind. But Magnus couldn't help but feel like he was being judged.
"More than two months ago." Magnus confessed. He tried not to think too much of the circumstances surrounding it.
"And you planned to take it out on the road?" Tom asked rhetorically, and shaking his head.
Magnus crossed his arms in front of his chest, and took a deep breath, slowly releasing it to calm down. He looked at the engine, which was black and burnt on some parts, then he looked back at Tom. "Can you fix it?"
Tom started to list down all the things that he found during his diagnostics. It all went over Magnus' head but he found himself nodding as if he understood. He was trying not to get overwhelmed with the information but he was. "So basically, you need a new engine." Tom finished. "I can fix this but it will take a while. Need to get a few things ordered. We'll have to change the oil filter. The carburettor needs fixing. The battery needs changing - " Tom proceeded to drone on again about what needed fixing.
Magnus looked at Alec, with a silent helpless plea. At the moment, Alec was the closest one he had to a friend and in reality, he was still a stranger. Magnus wanted to cry. He wished his friends were there. He wished his mom was there.
Alec, who has been standing quite far back from the pair, stepped forward and stood beside Magnus.
Tom was now distracted with the engine. He had his back turned to them but he continued to explain things not realising that no one was listening.
"It's going to take a few days to fix." Alec spoke to Magnus in a low tone as they both watched Tom fiddle with the engine and talk at the same time. Alec must have seen the confusion on Magnus' face and decided to help. Magnus was grateful for it. "And the repairs will cost as much as a more recent model if you buy it second hand." Alec's voice was gentle, and he took pauses in between as if to check that Magnus understood what he was saying. "And even if and when it does get fixed, it's highly likely that it will break down and will need repairs again."
Magnus nodded. He appreciated how Alec went straight to the point and was honest about the car situation.
Tom had turned around finally finished with his explanation of which Magnus heard nothing.
"It's up to you if you want it fixed." Tom said wiping the grease off his fingers with a towel.
"How much will he get if he sells it for scrap?" Alec asked, giving Magnus a reassuring smile. Somehow, Magnus trusted him to negotiate. He seemed to know about cars. Well, at least a whole lot more than what Magnus knew. If he wasn’t here, Magnus wouldn’t have a clue on what to do.
"Well the interior is still pretty good, and the body work is not bad." Tom said as he stuffed the towel in the pocket of his overalls. "And my son is always looking at doing a project to use at the derby. I can buy it from you for maybe 500 or 600 dollars."
Alec looked at Magnus, waiting for an answer. "It's probably the best price you can get." Alec added when Magnus' confused look remained plastered on his face.
"Sure." Magnus said, uncrossing his arms and he looked at Tom. "I'll sell it to you." He said. He looked at the car. It wasn't that he had any special attachment to it. It was only because it was his mom's car that he felt sad he had to leave it behind. He had planned to sell it once he got to Los Angeles. He didn't expect that he had to part with it this soon. And he'd only been on the road for a few days. Now this whole plan was coming to an abrupt end. He's failed his mom again.
Once the deal with Tom was finalised, Magnus double checked the car and took whatever things he wanted to keep. Just like he did at his mother's house. He was quiet the whole time, as they went back to their room to pack up the stuff he got from the car. Then Alec left him alone for a while. He appreciated that Alec gave him his space. Magnus didn't really feel like talking at the moment while he figured out his next move.
First thing's first, he needed to find out how to get back to New York. From there, he'll try to plan out what to do.
He went down to the general store to ask about the bus service.
"Hey Linette." Magnus said as he approached the counter. "Where can I find the bus schedule?"
"Oh no. The bus doesn't come through here, dear." Linette said frowning slightly at giving Magnus the undesirable news. "You'd have to go to the just outside the big town for that. About twenty-minute drive from here. That's where the buses stop."
That wasn't the news he was hoping to hear. But he should have expected it. The town was too small for the Greyhound buses to actually stop here. He murmured a quick thanks to Linette and went outside to find Alec.
As soon as he got out of the store, he saw Alec making his way up to their room. Magnus called his name as he ran to catch up with him. He stopped short, just behind Alec at the top of the stairs.
"Can you give me a ride to the bus stop?" Magnus asked catching his breath. "Bus doesn't come through here but Linette said it's about a twenty-minute drive from here."
"Sure." Alec said and continued walking to their room. Magnus following behind.
They packed up the car, said their thanks to their patrons and were on their way.
--------******--------
Magnus was quiet for most of the drive to the bus stop. He just looked out the window, pensive. Alec wasn't quite sure what to say. He didn't know Magnus that well. Something in Magnus' mood changed when he heard about his mom’s car. He didn’t seem to be attached to it but it still held meaning, he supposed.
There was a reason why Alec liked to travel alone. He liked the peace and quiet. But not this quiet.
"So you said the car was your mom's?" Alec finally said after a while.
Magnus turned to face him with a half smile. "Yeah. It was." He answered then started picking on the rip of his jeans.
"Did she give it to you?" Alec asked trying to keep the conversation going.
"Kind of." Magnus answered with a sad smile. "She passed away not long ago." He stated, not looking at Alec. "So I went to pick it up after her house was sold."
Alec watched as Magnus stared out into the road. "I'm sorry to hear that." He said. Magnus smiled at him then just shrugged, like he was stopping himself from crying.
"Is Denver home?" he asked. Magnus looked at him confused. "I mean, you were driving to Denver, you said. Is that where you live?" Alec clarified.
Magnus shook his head. "No. No. Home is New York. Brooklyn." Magnus answered. "I was just -" He paused. "I was supposed to be doing this road trip for her all the way to L.A. She wanted to see a lot of places. But I guess, now I can't. Not now anyway."
"You were on your way to L.A.?" Alec asked as he pulled over to the side of the road just before the waiting shed. There were already people waiting there for the bus.
Magnus nodded. "She wanted to see the Hollywood sign." Magnus explained, looking at Alec. "Anyway, looks like the trip is not happening." Magnus sighed. Alec could see he was forcing a smile. "Thank you again for -"
"Do you want to come with me?" Alec blurted out. He wasn't sure what made him do it. Maybe it was Magnus' gloomy smile or maybe he just wanted the company. He felt comfortable around Magnus. And he had this feeling he wouldn't mind travelling with him.
Magnus stared at him, brows creased. "But you're heading to Montana." He said, looking at Alec confused.
"Well, yeah. I am." Alec confirmed. "But my destination is L.A. I have a thing to go to there in a couple of weeks." He said. Why was he telling Magnus this?
"Not that I know much about travelling around the U.S. but isn't Montana out of the way?" Magnus asked. "And here you were yesterday implying I had a bad sense of direction."
Alec chuckled. "I was taking a detour to Montana. And lucky, too, or I wouldn't have seen you." He looked at Magnus with a smile. "Well?" He asked, waiting for Magnus' reply.
Magnus stared at him, biting his lip in thought. He looked out the windshield and saw the bus pull up. He looked at Alec again. Suddenly he got up and reached over to the backseat.
"What the-" Alec exclaimed in surprise. Magnus moved so fast the next thing Alec knew, Magnus' ass was inches from his face. Alec stared at it for a while, momentarily forgetting what he was supposed to ask or say. Or even figure out what Magnus was trying to do. He just knew Magnus' jeans fit him really well. Alec couldn't help but admire the view.
The view moved away and back into the seat. Magnus had a small notebook with various bits of paper stuck in it. Alec waited for him to explain.
Magnus took out a map and unfolded it. Alec shifted to look at it closer. There were several places marked with circles and stars in red ink. Magnus scanned it, found Colorado and traced it up. "Aha!" He shouted then looked at Alec smiling. "Are you going past Idaho and Utah at some point?"
Alec nodded. "It's in the plan. Yes" He looked closer at the map. "I plan to take this route." He traced the map from Montana through to Idaho, Utah, Las Vegas then to L.A. Magnus' map had a lot of the stars and circles around the area he pointed to. "Roughly that route. I make a lot of stops though."
Magnus nodded his head vigorously. "Stops are okay. Can we stop at these places?" Magnus asked excitedly, obviously he'd already made his decision. "It doesn't have to be all of them. Just the ones that are along the way. Even if it's just a very short stop."
Alec smiled. "Yes. I'm always up for an adventure." He winked at Magnus.
"Oh my God! You are so awesome." Magnus beamed. He looked at Alec then again at the map, a wide smile on his face. He looked at Alec again and pulled him into a hug taking Alec by surprise. He hugged Magnus back before the other man let him go.
Alec watched as Magnus clapped in excitement before he put the things away and back into his bag. He found Magnus' excitement contagious. And he was getting excited for the trip himself. This was definitely not the same feeling he's felt when he left New York a couple of weeks ago. It was a different excitement from any other road trips he’s done.
Alec Lightwood liked to travel alone. He liked it when it was just going to be him and the open road. He liked the solitude, the serenity. But this time, it felt good having someone with him. He had a feeling this was going to be a different adventure from what he's used to. He doesn't know what made him do it. But he was looking forward to it.
Alec put the car into gear, waited until the bus pulled out of its bay. Then he started to drive. Open road again.