Famous: A Malec AU Fanfiction

Chapter 32

There were pros and cons to everything in this world. Alec had learned that there were pros and cons to becoming an actor. There were some fairly rewarding pros, the higher payment, being able to make people happy with what he did, and seeing Magnus so often when he was working. Then, there were the cons. Busy schedules that made his head spin, and having to be careful not to be recognized when he was trying to spend quiet time with his family. But, the biggest con in becoming an actor was just beginning to dawn on him: having to be social.

For most of Alec's life, everyone else seemed to always do the talking for him. He didn't mind, it just meant less work for him, and not having to deal with people judging him all the time. When no one noticed you, or tried to talk to you, you could easily escape sharp glares that were cast elsewhere. Being an actor didn't let him do that.

Being an actor meant spending time with other actors, other colleagues. It meant making sure that you interacted with fan bases and directors. It meant more interviews and more meetings. It also meant having to attend galas and over extravagant parties, like this one Alec was unfortunately stuck in.

The first thing that had already set him off was the decorations. Sparkling bits of gold and silver tinsel, green trees and glittering ornaments had been set out everywhere. There was even one corner of the mansion that was raining delicate, faux snowflakes on anyone who passed beneath it. A giant, glittering Christmas tree so full of ornaments and wrapped in lights that Alec thought would make the entire thing topple over was scraping the ceiling. He had to tilt his head back until his neck hurt in order to see the very top of it, where a sweeping angel hung from it.

It had a pale, porcelain face and lips the color of blood red roses. It had calculating blue eyes that held little warmth, and Alec found that he was very reminded of the host of this Christmas party herself. Camille, who seemed to be able to see right through to his insides whenever they met. Alec wondered if she knew exactly how chilling and enchanting her stares were to people, and she wondered what exactly she could do with that sort of power over people.

"Hey," Alec blinked, turning his gaze away from the too-fancy Christmas tree when Magnus's hand was at his elbow, "do you think that we should get a Christmas tree at our place?"

"Maybe," Alec felt himself relax, things would be alright since Magnus was there with him, "but definitely not one as over extravagant as that one."

"Of course," Magnus purred like a cat into his ear, and Alec couldn't help but grin a little.

"Magnus! Alec!" came another voice suddenly, "How wonderful it is for the two of you to be able to make it!"

Both of them turned to see a slender, blonde figure coming towards them with a steady saunter. Alec couldn't help but think of a snake, creeping in closer on its prey, getting ready to strike the moment it let its guard down. He would not be the prey that made that mistake.

"Camille," Alec could recognize Magnus's fake smile instantly. None of the warmth reached his eyes. It had taken him a while to be able to differentiate the two smiles, but he had studied Magnus enough now to figure it out.

"It was very kind of you to invite us," Camille spread her arms out too them. Alec stood to the side as Magnus was embraced by the woman. He did not hug her back. Instead, the man stood as rigid as a rock would've, leaning in only slightly to let Camille wrap her arms around him. She pulled away after a little too long, not bothering to give Alec the same, warm greeting.

Alec thought he could smell something strange in the air. The smell reminded him of pressed, dead flowers, their beauty something wonderful and horrifying at the same time. They were beautiful, but they were not alive.