Alec's POV:

I hate Christmas dinners. Always have, as far as I can remember. It's always Jace and Izzy taking over, sparkling in the spotlight.

Don't get me wrong, I love my siblings; but love cannot hide the fact that whenever I'm around them, I feel lost and sad. Jace and Izzy are like stars: bright and beautiful, but if blinding.

They outshine me at every possible opportunity. Like now, at this awkward family meal, that Mum insists on having every single year, just to show our distant relatives and our cousins once removed that yes, we are doing well, and yes Robert did get a promotion at work. Everyone is talking, and I hate noise, and big crowds.

I blame claustrophobia, and my inability to have a basic conversation with anyone without screwing up. I'm always in the middle at these 'fun' Christmas meals.

Jace and Izzy meet up with our cousins Aline and Sebastian, and go off somewhere to do whatever horny 16 year olds do. The oh-so-sophisticated adults gossip about their children, and work etc. They act like their so wise and mature, but in reality, they are no better than bitchy 12 year old girls.

"How's the girlfriend dear?" Urgh. Aunt Matilda smiles hopefully. Rolling my eyes, I mutter "Still hopelessly single Aunt Matilda."

I can't help but glare at my parents. I came out about a year ago, and they weren't completely on board with the idea of their 'perfect' eldest son being gay.

They didn't kick me out or anything that drastic, they just kept it hush-hush, and refused to tell anyone who wasn't immediate family. I hate it, because I really don't want to have to come out again and again to every family member, its awkward.

I feel a surge of anger, and decide to leave. Why should I have to stay in an area which doesn't accept me for who I am? Why should I have to spend time with people who neither like nor want to spend time with me? I grab my coat, and begin to leave. No one even notices.

Suddenly I hear a low throaty laugh behind me, and turn to see a man with an amused smirk playing around his features. "You dropped this." The man (Boy? Man? He had one of those faces that were ageless. He could have been 19 or 30, I couldn't tell) handed me a scrap of paper.

"Um... Thanks? But this isn't mine." The man seemed to find my answer hilarious, and his grin grew even wider. "Turn it over" I did as he asked and saw a phone number hastily scribbled on the back. "I'm Magnus" He breaths, stepping closer. Frowning I stare at the piece of paper. "This isn't mine" I mumble, giving it back.

He rolls his eyes. "Should I introduce myself again? My name is Magnus, the number on that paper is mine, and this is a half-baked attempt to flirt with you." My mouth drops open, and I can't think of anything else to say except...

"My name is Alec and I'm free tomorrow. Want to get coffee at Java Jones?" Magnus leans forward, and places a kiss on my hand. "I'll be there" he murmurs. Then with a dramatic twirl, and a pinch of glitter he is gone

Shaking my head, I smile and glance at the piece of paper lying in my hand. Maybe this Christmas dinner wasn't so bad...

Hey! Thank you all so much for reading. This is kind of like a two day old Christmas present to anyone who hates family meetings and Christmas dinners. Please review? It would make my Christmas...