Disclaimer: All characters belong to the one and only Cassie Clare. But the plot is all mine…
A/N: So, here's the new one guys. Welcome to my latest fic, both awesome returning loyal readers of mine, and all you new folk out there who are just joining the ride :)
Now, heads up, warning, or whatever, this fic has a huge AGE GAP between our boys. 11 years to be precise. Don't like? Don't read. Also, UNDERAGE ALEC, he's 15 at the beginning of this story. And for those of you who cba to do the maths, that makes Magnus 26. Again, don't like? Don't read. Also, there's no smut yet. But there will be so this is another M RATED FIC. Don't like? Don't read.
So I think that's all you need to know. Oh, it's an AU FIC too, no shadow world, just average humans. Right, now that's all. So without further ado, let's do this guy's :)
Enjoy…
…
"Alec! Come back! Please!"
He ignored his sister's cries in preference of running from the house, leaving behind the physical manifestation of his worst nightmare. He gasped his breaths as his chest heaved and he threw himself out the front gate, spilling into the darkened streets of the spring night. He found it ironic, spring was a time for new life, rebirth, and second chances. Yet here he was, feeling like he was dying.
He doubled over as he slumped against the wall of an alleyway, breathing hard, gasping and sobbing wildly, crazy, animalistic groans of pain. It happened. He finally snapped and finally told them his secret. And what did they do? His mother did nothing. And his father screamed that he was not their son and told him to get out. And why? Because he was gay. Which is not a big deal. And he wasn't ashamed of himself, he only feared his parent's reaction, and from the evening's events, he was right to do so.
He dropped to his knees before leaning against the cold brick of the damp wall, tipping his head down, resting it in his hands as he shook with each breath, lost and alone as the spring moon shone down on the world, masking him in shadows and white light.
The air was quiet for some time. A light bustle of the occasional whispered conversation or the passing of a car, with its artificial yellow lights piercing his darkness. But then came a sound, a voice. A rough voice, like it had been worked to the bone, chipped away and only left with its imperfect, jagged edges.
"Why? What the fuck did I ever do to you? You know what, it doesn't even matter. I'm so done. I'm done with you. If you can't forgive this when you've done so much worse, then you're not worth it, Woolsey. Get out of my life!"
The voice of pained abandon ended its grand soliloquy with a strangled cry before he heard a deep rattling breath followed by the distinct sound of crushing metal against the rough bricks of the buildings.
Alec turned his head to the side just enough to see a dense patch of darkness striding angrily towards him up the alley, a hand dragging across the bricks, ripping what he assumed to be the persons phone across the jagged stone, shredding the metal to pieces. As the figure drew nearer, Alec could hear its gasped breaths, a very mirror of his own. He bit his lip and tucked his legs in more, trying to hide himself in the shadows and let the angry man pass without knowledge of his existence.
No such luck. The person stumbled on a rock and swore out loud, cursing with a sobbed growl and he kicked the stone out of the middle of the path. As he did so, the barest movement of Alecs arm must have caught his eye, because he stopped walking and looked intensely at the pool of shadows before walking towards him slowly. Alec gulped and bit his lip, his tears drying as the man bent down in front of him, sighing a little, sniffling, before whispering in that rough voice of his.
"Hey. Kid? I would ask if you're ok but you're sat in an alley at 10 at night and I'd hazard a guess that you've been crying. So asking if you're ok seems a bit stupid. So instead, I'll ask: What's up?"
Alec sighed and looked curiously at the outline of the man; his features were masked by the shadows, much like Alecs. Alec sighed and gulped, not knowing what to do or say. The guy sighed, a tired kind of sigh, like a lament of his woes.
Alec licked his lips nervously before pulling out his phone, turning on the little light and giving them a small burst of illumination, like their own personal spring time moon.
He placed it on his knee and had to stifle his gasp of surprise when the light bought the man's features into focus. He was beautiful. Tanned skin, like rich caramel, flawless complexion. His lips were full, a deep plum colour, inviting and curved into a small smile. His eyes shone the most brilliant shade of golden green, rimmed with black and gold liner. His hair fell messily, as though he had run his hands through it several times in annoyance. But it fell perfectly into his eyes. Alec was enthralled, entranced. This man was a god amongst men.
His breath hitched as he felt a light touch on his leg and vaguely wondered if the beautiful man was going to rape him. Part of him thought he might have let him, just because he was the most beautiful and carelessly hot man he had ever seen. But the soft glint in those wide eyes told him that he was safe. So he took a deep breath and spoke shakily, nerves pooling in his stomach, just like he used to get the first few times he played live gigs with his band.
"I... Ah, I... I can't. I- sorry. I just, I knew this would happen!"
He gasped and yelled, lashing out in fitful rage, kicking a crushed soda can across the walkway. The man watched him with sadness in his eyes and a light hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, listen. I don't know what's going on, but it's going to be ok. It'll work itself out, I promise."
Alec looked up at him slowly, his jaw set angrily.
"What? Like you and whoever the fuck Woolsey is?"
The man looked mildly taken aback, a glint of hardness iced over his emerald eyes before dissipating and he shook his head, laughing sombrely.
"No. Not like that. Me and Woolsey, we're done. That'll never be fixed. But you, you're young, you've still got a fighting chance."
It was Alecs turn to laugh now. Raising his head so they were staring into each other's eyes, he grinned savagely.
"Really? So it'll all be fine even though my father just threw me, a fifteen year old boy, out of the house because I came out to them tonight. I'm not ashamed of who I am. But he obviously is. Tell me, random stranger guy, how the fuck is that gonna work itself out?"
The guy was speechless for a second, just looking right at Alec with wide eyes and his lips slightly parted, the perfect invitation for a kiss. Though Alec ignored that urge in preference of grinning sarcastically.
"Yeah, your devil may care stuff might work for you. But not for me."
Alec sighed a laugh and leant his head backwards, the roughness of the wall catching on his dark hair as he closed his eyes. He heard the guy sigh and shuffle, like he was sitting down.
"Look, kid, coming out isn't easy. There are always going to be people who don't understand. Trust me. But it's good that you're not ashamed. As you shouldn't be. You're awesome for standing up for yourself, kid. And that's how I know you're going to be fine."
Alec sighed a laugh.
"Always the optimist then, I take it? Well, I'll let you know how it all pans out. In fact, if it's all ok, I'll give you a million dollars."
The man laughed in exasperation.
"It never fails to bemuse me, the ignorance of teenagers. That, and your stubborn belief that the world is against you. It's not."
Alec snorted.
"Right ok. So what? I bought this on myself? Because I'm a good kid. My brother is the troublemaker, I put out the fires he causes. So why does the universe or whatever make bad shit happen to good people?"
The man sighed deeply.
"That's a damn good question, kid. And one I'd very much like the answer to."
He sighed and leaned against the wall, sat beside Alec with his head also tipped back. In the silence, their breaths fell in sync and the moon shone down on their tired faces softly, just a glimmer of light.
Time passed. Neither of them knowing or caring how long. Then Alec sighed, clicking his tongue in awkwardness.
"My names Alec, by the way. Just thought you should know considering the heavy depths to our conversation. A name seemed needed."
The man chuckled deep in his chest. Alec noted with interest that the more the guy talked, his voice smoothed out. He guessed the rough tone had come from shouting and screaming at this Woolsey guy. Because his proper voice was like honey, soft and smooth, cascading over Alec like a pristine waterfall, gentle and fluid. An accent tainted his words, American mixed with something far more exotic. It was actually very sexy.
"Yes, I guess it wasn't your average conversation of a first meeting. But hey, why not right? Anyway, it's a pleasure to meet you, Alec. I'm Magnus."
He smiled and held out an elegant hand, long fingers, clad in rings of gold and silver, black and rainbows. Nails painted gold and a tattoo of what appeared to be a twisted rose curling up the side of his hand.
Alec smiled and shook his hand. In the light, his pale white skin was a stark contrast to the soft brown of Magnus', yet somehow, it was the perfect match. Their hands clasped together for a little longer than necessary, just holding gently in their handshake, revelling in the warmth of the contact.
Night had truly fallen, and with it, so had the temperature. Alec sighed and rolled his neck, stretching out his back as he flexed his legs and groaned, shivering a little as he moved.
"I should go. My friend Simon told me I always have their spare room if I ever needed it. His mum loves me, probably because I'm the only one polite enough to attempt to eat her home made meatloaf."
He said light-heartedly with a fond smile. The man chuckled again and stretched out his bright red skinny jean clad legs before pushing himself to his feet, Alec following suit. He realised then that Magnus was very tall, lean and thin. He also caught Magnus' look of shock when Alec stood and came to almost eye level.
Alec grinned.
"I got an early growth spurt. Most people think I'm older than 15 because of my height. It's helpful."
Magnus laughed.
"I bet it is." He said slyly with a glittery wink.
Alec was begging his libido to calm down as they walked out the alley together, laughing quietly as to not disturb the spring night.
It transpired that they were headed to the same bus stop, catching the same bus, and getting off within two stops of each other. Alec rode this line all the time to get to Simons and to band practice, but never once had he seen Magnus around. Though he internally vowed to keep a look out for him in the future.
Rain began to fall lightly as they waited together, watching the stars dance in the sky before Alec looked up curiously.
"Where are you from?" He blurted out bluntly.
Magnus looked a little taken aback but he smiled much to Alec's relief.
"All over the world. I was conceived in America, born in Indonesia, raised in England, studied at college in Italy, took a gap year in Peru before moving back to America."
Alec stared at him with wide eyes and raised eyebrows, watching the guy's smug smirk play on his lips. Alec laughed a little.
"Woah. That's impressive. I was conceived in America, born in America and raised in America. The furthest I've ever travelled is to Florida. But my ancestors go back to 1800's England."
Magnus grinned.
"Never left the states, huh? Well, you've got time for that. The world is amazing. But I guess home is where the heart is after all. And most of my friends and family are here."
Alec nodded.
"My whole life is here. But you're right. I'll get away one day. I want to hire a car, get a giant map of the world, close my eyes and point at anywhere on that map. And that's where I'll go."
Magnus smiled, laughing a little as the rain dripped off one of his black and red spikes and ran down his cheek. Alec fought the desire to lick it off, cursing his teenage hormones.
"Funny you should say that, pointing blindly at a map is how I chose Italy for college and Peru for my gap year."
Alec smiled widely, his blue eyes alight with a gleam of happiness amongst his burning out anguish.
"Really?"
Magnus nodded, and stuck out his hand to hail the bus as it rolled down the road towards them.
"Yeah. I'm not great at making decisions. So I let fate decide. And I wouldn't change it for the world. Some of my best memories were made in those places."
Alec sighed, envisioning a life like that. Taking risks and chances. Seizing opportunities. Spontaneity and wonder. Riding the road, touring the world with his band. That was his perfect ideal.
The bus pulled up and opened its doors as Alec went for his wallet. He then realised he didn't have it; he had left home in a bit of a rush. Magnus saw his embarrassed expression and grinned, taking out several coins.
"I got you covered, kid."
Alec smiled gratefully as Magnus bought their tickets and they walked to their seats, Alec buckling into Magnus as the bus lurched forwards. He cursed himself as Magnus grinned, letting Alec take the window seat. Magnus giggled at Alec expression and Alec threw a light punch at his arm. Magnus didn't stop laughing. Though soon enough, Alec joined in.
The rain continued to fall outside as they drove through the night, the bus lights flickering as they jumped over the speed bumps in the road. The city flew past, taking them closer to Brooklyn with each second. And though he wouldn't voice it, Alec felt the happiest he had in weeks. In the city, at night, with Magnus. A man he had just met. A man who was probably almost double his age. A man who managed to make him smile, laugh even, despite this night being the fated day of his parents rejection.
They fell into a comfortable silence side by side as the bus stopped to let more people on. Alec could feel the heat of Magnus' body pressed against his own, their arms resting between them. Magnus' hand was casually on his thigh, tapping a rhythm vaguely familiar to Alec. He licked his lips at the thought of those nimble fingers, of what they could do. He bit his lip and moaned a little under his breath, casually adjusting his jeans. What the hell was happening to him? Get it together, Lightwood. He internally scolded himself.
He sighed and then felt the distinct feeling that someone was watching him. He tensed a little before turning his head slightly. He looked at Magnus, who quickly looked away, out the opposite window, and renewed the tapping on thigh with added vigour. Alec blushed hard and turned away, staring out his window with confused pleasure. Had Magnus been looking at him? And, if it was just an innocent, accidental look, why did he look away so abruptly? Unless it wasn't just an innocent, accidental look.
Alec shook his head and sighed, blushing again and biting his lip. Beside him, Magnus' tapping became louder and faster. In a tune Alec knew well, though was surprised that Magnus knew it too. He smiled to himself as the tapping of the instrumental introduction neared the first verse and he bit his lip before taking a breath and singing quietly, staring hard out the window with a blush on his cheeks.
She's cold and she's cruel,
But she knows what she's doing.
She pushed me in the pool
At our last school reunion.
She laughs about my dreams,
But I dream about her laughter.
Strange as it seems
She's the one I'm after.
He sang under his breath, as Magnus stumbled over the beat in shock before recovering and playing the drums on his knees with a smile on his face. Alec took a deep breath and went in for the chorus, gasping as a smooth honey voice joined his own.
'Cause she's bittersweet,
She knocks me off of my feet,
And I can't help myself
I don't want anyone else.
She's a mystery,
She's too much for me,
But I keep coming back for more.
She's just the girl I'm looking for.
They laughed together as the chorus ended and the few people on the bus applauded. Magnus bowed his head with the tip of an imaginary hat and Alec blushed, smiling widely.
Magnus turned to him and grinned.
"You've got a really good voice, Alec. You should sing for a living. You could do it."
Alec smiled and nodded.
"That's the plan. I have a band."
Magnus' eyebrows rose and he smiled, ruffling Alec's hair playfully.
"Well it appears you've found your calling. Don't waste it."
Their eyes met and held in a strange little gaze that left Alec breathless and shaking. Magnus smiled a little before a glint of what Alec saw as guilt flashed in his eyes. The gaze broke awkwardly and Alec cleared his throat and realised that the bus was nearing his stop.
Gingerly, he reached out behind Magnus' neck to press the stop button. He froze for a second as he rested his arm behind Magnus, revelling in the feeling of him and wondering what would happen if he left his arm there and slowly wrapped it around Magnus' shoulders, holding him gently.
He snapped out of it as the bus slowed for his stop and he blushed, pulling his hand in as Magnus stood up to let him out of the seat. Before he walked away, he turned to Magnus, clinging to the bar so he didn't buckle as the bus moved.
"Uh, um, thank you, Magnus. For finding me and talking to me. You made me feel better."
He said awkwardly as Magnus slid back into his seat and smiled.
"You're welcome. It was a pleasure to meet you."
Alec nodded.
"Yeah, it was. And, um, I hope things work out for you, with or without Woolsey."
Magnus nodded and smiled ruefully, moving his hand out for a handshake. Alec accepted it gratefully and smiled.
"Yeah, maybe. And good luck with your family and stuff. You'll do ok, kid."
Alec smiled.
"Yeah. I hope so. Anyway, this is me. So, I'll be going now."
Magnus smiled.
"Sure. Ok. Well, see you around, Alec."
Alec nodded and released Magnus' hand regretfully.
"Yeah. See you, Magnus."
The bus lurched to a stop and the doors opened, inviting Alec back into the rain. He walked down the aisle and got to the doors, casting one last look back at the beautiful man. Their eyes met and Magnus gave him a heart-breaking smile as Alec stepped out the doors.
The rain had eased and the spring moon was high in the sky. He smiled to himself, feeling the ghost of Magnus' hand in his and blushing deeply. The bus drove past and he caught sight of Magnus in the seat Alec had sat in. He had his eyes closed and his head in his hands. He looked up with a sigh and ran a hand through his wet hair, just catching one last glimpse of Alec and smiling before the bus zoomed away towards Greenpoint Avenue.
With a sigh, Alec walked the street towards Simon's house, his mind on those green eyes and that sexy smile.
...
A/N: So? What do you think? Promising? Or crap? I appreciate any and all feedback, as always :) Let me know your feelings and give me any predictions you may have… I love hearing from you all :)
Song used in the chapter: Just the Girl – By: The Click Five. (I do not own this song. *just in case of copyright stuff…)
Thank you for reading and I hope you stick around for the rest :)
Love,
Anna…XXXX