The field was a blur of colors and noise. Cheerleaders were prancing on the sidelines, the football teams were huddled on either sides of the green expanse, and the band was performing for halftime.
Alec, once the huddle broke, eagerly reached for a stray bottle of water, sweat plastering his hair to his head and his uniform to his body. He had just been playing, and was lucky for a break. The team they were playing was rough, and first string-which were heading out for third quarter-was giddy with school spirit and pride, much like Alec was twenty minutes ago. But that glow would soon fade as tension between the teams would grow. They were facing their sole enemies, mind you. There were always skirmishes on the field.
Leaning against the metal fence that separates the team from the bleachers, Alec let his mind wander, and looked to the field.
Alec Lightwood was never a jerk about being a football player. He never boasted about being second quarterback, first being only his somewhat obnoxious, though very sincere friend Jace Lightwood. He never put down the cheerleaders-his own sister was one, for Angel's sake-or the band-he would never hear the end of it from Clary or Simon. In fact, both of the latter were out there now, near red-faced and marching. Alec had to admit, they sounded pretty good.
But the one thing Alec never understood was the color guard. Well, specifically one member. Girls would be all over twirling flags and dressing in leotards and glitter, and dancing to the sound of the band. But Magnus Bane?
A hard hand came down on Alec's shoulder, breaking his train of thought. A grinning, energetic, not-yet-played Jace was there, looking absolutely thrilled. "I know you couldn't score that one TD, butterfingers, but no need to fear-" Jace turned towards the field, where the band was leaving and the next string was entering, creating a mass of intertwining streams of sweaty high-schoolers. "Jace Herondale will save the game!"
Before Alec could so much as open his mouth, Jace dissolved into the swarm. Letting out an exasperated sigh, Alec turned suddenly as his name was called out. He was able to see Coach Hodge, arms waving high over his head. Over the crowd, all Alec could hear was: "Herondale-tuba-replace-NOW!"
At the sudden raise of his voice, Alec's mind simply accepted that the field was where he was needed. As the last of the band was clearing, a dented tuba and a semi-consious, head-bleeding Jace on the ground could be seen. Oh, brother, Alec groaned inwardly.
As Alec began to trot on field, his feet suddenly collided with something and sent him flying. In a flash, he found himself not on the ground, but in someone's arms.
What happened next would be one of the worst moments of his life.
Looking up, Alec saw none other than glitter-covered, leotard-wearing, grinning, Magnus Bane.
What followed would scar him for life.
"Hey there, hot stuff."