Alec Lightwood has had a crush on his fellow lawyer and close friend, Magnus Bane, from the moment he first met him, but after several months of friendship, Alec hasn't yet been brave enough to admit his not-so-platonic feelings for Magnus out loud.
One afternoon, when he and Magnus end up babysitting Magnus's goddaughter, Madzie, together, and the two of them are mistaken for being in a relationship by an elderly couple, Alec starts to wonder if he should maybe be a little more honest with Magnus about how he feels...
Magnus Bane has worked as a lawyer for several years, taking his job very seriously. The Lightwoods have always been one of his major professional rivals in the city, but this hasn't stopped Magnus from falling in lust, and a little in love, with one particular member of the Lightwood family, Alec Lightwood.
When shy, nervous Alec asks Magnus for his help with representing one of the Lightwoods' clients, Magnus makes a joking, flirty comment about what he would expect from Alec in return for a victory in the courtroom. A major misunderstanding happens as a result.