"But I don't want to go."

Isabelle turned and looked at her brother the same way their mother looks at them, hands on hips and lips pursed in disapproval. "Alec, please, I'm doing you a favor. Your social life is almost as barren as your sex life." She tossed clothes haphazardly behind her, sequined dresses short enough to be belly-shirts landed all around Alec's feet.

Alec sighed. "Thanks for that comparison." He grumbled something else under his breath and resumed his pouting slouch. If he looked as uncomfortable as he felt, he must have looked constipated. Honestly, he didn't understand why Isabelle had, out of the blue, decided to drag him along. All he would do would sit in the corner and angrily pretend like he couldn't see boys grope at Isabelle inappropriately. He couldn't imagine anything less appealing.

"This is different. It's not at a club or some frat boy's house. This is as high-class as trashy parties get." Isabelle turned to look at her brother with a devilish grin. "Only the best quality everything. Even you can't turn your nose up at something like that."

Alec opened his mouth to object, but Isabelle cut him off. "Besides, if there is one thing that you could do for your baby sister, it is to suck it up and come along."

He really, really didn't want to. But, the way Isabelle was looking at him, and the thoughts racing through his mind of what could happen to her if he didn't go persuaded him. "Fine," he said, "I'll go. But, on one condition."

Isabelle clapped her hands excitedly. "Yes, of course, anything!"

"I get to dress myself."

Her face dropped. "Anything besides that."

"Isabelle!"

"Alec! I can't arrive at the party of the century, maybe even ever, with someone who dresses like… Shit!"

Alec rolled his eyes. Oh, Isabelle, ever the master of snarky comparisons. "Then I won't go."

Isabelle stamped her feet on the ground. She crossed her arms over her chest, but nothing would further persuade Alec. Finally, she sighed and agreed. Now it was Alec's turn to clap excitedly. She returned to riffling through her clothes, a bit more annoyed than she had been before. Alec stood from her bed and almost skipped back to his own room. Picking an outfit out for himself would be easy. All he had to do was swap out one ugly, black sweater for another. Same for his ripped jeans. Why Isabelle bothered about varying her wardrobe was beyond him. It was so easy to just have a shitty sense of style.

Isabelle walked out of her room in a mini-skirt and tight shirt. Alec, who was sitting on the couch and scrolling through his phone, casted a sideways look to his sister, but made no comment. He simply stood up and followed her out the door. Jace stood outside, leaning against the building as he flirted with Clary. When Alec and Isabelle walked out, both of them looked at them. Clary complimented Isabelle on her outfit, and Jace just looked happy that she finally walked out the damn door. He didn't seem to care that her clothes barely covered her. "Her body, whatever," he once said. Alec didn't like to think that he was trying to police what his sister wore, that Izzy could take care of herself and wouldn't listen to him, anyway. At this point, it was more routine than Alec actually caring what she wore.

That was what he told himself, at least.

"Are we going to this party?" Jace asked, his tone casual.

Isabelle rolled her eyes. "Yes, thank you ever so much for your patience. I know how utterly valuable your time is."

Jace smirked. "Well, there are some better things I could be doing with my time." He pinched Clary's butt, followed by a high-pitched squeak and a rough punch to the arm from Clary. Alec grimaced and rolled his eyes. Straight people.

Clary grabbed Isabelle's hand and tugged her over to the car. "C'mon! Time is money, people, and that party has limited space!"

"Relax, Clary, we've got time." Jace shrugged nonchalantly.

"We really don't. And, weren't you just complaining about me wasting time?"Jace laughed, but made no comment. "I rest my case, you dirty hypocrite."

It was loud. And crowded. And sweaty.

Alec was the exact opposite of having a good time.

Just as he had predicted, he was sitting alone in the corner, and trying not to see Isabelle shamelessly make out with guy after guy. She and some other girl even kissed, followed by hoots and hollers by a group of shirtless men. Alec sighed heavily. Straight people.

Jace and Clary swayed on the dancefloor, barely looking away from one another. They fit so nicely together. It was undeniable that they really adored one another, and it fucking sucked. It just made Alec feel worse about himself. How he would never find someone to love. How no one would love him. Who could love an insecure loser like him, anyway?

Fuck, he needed a drink. Something stronger than the shitty soda he was drinking.

Alec stood up and walked over to the bar. A girl with bright blue hair tied in a knot leaned over the counter, a small smirk curling her lips. She seemed to be focusing on some distant figure, but Alec couldn't see who exactly. No one looked particularly amusing. "Can I help you?" She asked, her voice rough, but her tone was sweet. Her smile was more genuine than Alec had seen any other server's.

"Uh," he glanced behind her, expecting a neon sign that displayed drink names, "c-can I have, uh…"

The girl looked at him not unkindly. She laughed softly. "Never drank before?"

"Not exactly, no. I-I have had some wine before, but it was only a sip from my mom's glass. My dad drinks whiskey and scotch, but… I've never had any."

"How old are you?"

"Eighteen, but I'll be nineteen in a month."

The girl seemed to think that was a decent enough answer because she began to pour some golden liquid into a glass. "Here." She handed him the drink.

Alec looked at it with slight concern. "What is it?"

"Just trust me."

"How do I know you didn't drug it or something?"

"You watched me pour it, you would have noticed it. Besides, I don't think I'm your type." She winked.

Alec looked at her for a moment, silently commending her on her gaydar, before tipping the drink into the back of his throat. It burned for a moment, but less so than he had been expecting. His eyes scrunched up as he swallowed. Afterwards, it tasted almost sweet.

The girl grinned. "Drink this stuff all you want, it won't give you a hangover."

"Really?" Alec said in disbelief.

"Well, I'm sure if you drink enough, a hangover is inevitable, but most people black out before then."

Comforting. But, Alec wouldn't turn his nose up at a drink that could do both things Alec needed it to. He passed his glass back, and the girl filled it up to the brim this time. Alec smiled down at it. Maybe Isabelle would complain about Alec being a party pooper less after this. One could only hope.

Alec's vision started to blur. Is this what they call a buzz? God knows. The only thing he knew was that it felt good. His glass kept getting filled, and he kept drinking every drop. With each glass, Alec felt better and better. Why didn't he do this before? This was so much better than being a stick in the mud!

Alec slammed down another drink onto the counter. The bartender was finding Alec to be hilarious. She couldn't stop laughing. He was funny drunk, what could she say?

Alec giggled (yes, giggled). "I think I'm gonna go make out with some hot guys. Ke-keep this seat warm for me, baby, coz I'm coming back for some more." The bartender nodded, laughing. Alec stumbled away, a sudden surge of confidence overcoming him. After all, he was drunk out of his mind and nobody would remember this in the morning, right?

Alec's eyes focused on a guy sitting on the same couch he was earlier. He was sitting on it so casually, his arms thrown over the back of the couch on either side of him. He was exuding sex, and it turned Alec on. Licking his lips, Alec tossed back his head and walked over to him as sexily as he could.

He plopped down right next to him. The guy looked at him, confused. "Yenno," Alec began, his words slurred, "I love a guy who is confident. And, you, my good sir, are the definition of confident. And, like, super hot." He laughed, bending over himself as if that was the most hilarious thing ever. The guy gave a small chuckle of his own. He was looking at Alec with more interest. Alec bit his lip. "Wanna makeout, or something?"

The actual making out was somewhat of a blur, but Alec definitely remembered it was hot and intense and wet. Drunk Alec was a lot better kisser than sober Alec was… And, a lot more confident because he definitely remembered climbing on that guy's lap and putting Isabelle's grinding skills to shame. Alec just prayed to god that he didn't end up sleeping with that guy.

Alec opened his eyes. He saw cups and cans and bits of discarded food scattered across the floor. The remnants of a party, so he was definitely still in the same house as he was when he arrived at the party last night.

He picked up his head, an indent of the couch left on his cheek. Slowly, he lifted himself up into a sitting position, and groaned. He was so embarrassed. How could he have done that? How Isabelle, Jace, and Clary let him do it? He felt so betrayed. Isabelle was going to get her ear chewed off as soon as he found her. Wherever….she was.

Alec looked around, but didn't see her anywhere. Maybe she was in another room…?

"Ah, our very own Sleeping Beauty is awake at last," purred some disembodied voice.

Alec whipped around. There, sat on a high stool in a red robe, was the host of the party. But, he didn't look like he had spent a whole night partying. In fact, it looked like he didn't even know what a party was. Funny how Alec was the exact opposite.

"Please, come and have breakfast. I made Belgian Waffles."

Alec timidly stood up and walked into, what he now knew, was a kitchen. He sat across from the man. His plate of waffles looked like it came straight from a recipe book. This couldn't be real.

"Dig in, why don't you? You must be fairly hungry from the night you just had," he said, taking a bite out of his own waffles.

Alec blushed, thoroughly embarrassed.

The stranger smiled, his eyes softening. "It's okay, it just means you had fun. My job is complete."

"Why didn't you wake me up and kick me out?"

The stranger shrugged. "That would be the equivalent of kicking a puppy: cruel and unnecessary. Plus, you were on the couch. It does no harm."

Alec narrowed his eyes. "Why are you being so nice?"

The man chewed slowly, looking at Alec curiously. "Some people, such as myself, are just naturally kind and caring people, Alexander."

"I didn't say what my name was."

"No, but your sister did."

"Izzy, is she here?" He said, looking around.

The stranger shook his head. "No, she left sometime after one. Darling didn't want to disturb your slumber. You are very lucky to have her."

Alec would be luckier if she had woken him up. He didn't exactly want to stay much longer in the place where the most embarrassing moment of his life occurred. No, he'd rather hide in the comfort of his own bed rather than some stranger's house.

"My name is Magnus, since you didn't ask. Magnus Bane."

Alec recognized that name. "Have I heard of you before?"

Magnus shrugged again. "Quite possible. My parties are quite the phenomenon. No one, not even you, could resist the temptation." Magnus smirked, taking another bite of his waffles.

His waffles were rather good. They were perfect, in fact. Alec felt guilty.

"Come now," Magnus said, "don't act so shy. You certainly weren't this shy with your boyfriend."

Alec's cheeks flared. "He's not my boyfriend," he snapped, staring down at his lap.

Magnus was quiet for a moment. "I see." Alec didn't hear Magnus get up from his seat when he felt a gentle touch to his back. "Would you like to talk about it?"

Alec didn't know what Magnus was hinting at. Did he think Alec was embarrassed about being gay? He smiled at the ridiculousness of the thought. "There isn't anything to say. I...I'm not embarrassed about who I am. I'm embarrassed about kissing that guy!"

Magnus hummed in understanding. "Don't kiss strange men very often?" Alec shook his head. "Well, damn." Magnus pouted. "And, here I was, so hoping that I could get a kiss of my own."

Alec looked up at Magnus. He was so relaxed, his jaw cupped in his palm and a playful smirk. "I heard that you have a thing for hot, confident men. I think I fit that description and then some, wouldn't you agree?" He was confident in such a different way than Alec was used to. He was used to men showing off their muscles and never showing emotion. But, Magnus was just so comfortable in his own skin… Alec was in awe.

"I…" Alec didn't know what to say. "Are...are you trying to hit on me?"

Magnus chuckled. "Well, if you have to ask, then am I doing a good job?"

"N-no! I-I mean… I-I've never been hit on b-before, so… I just…"

Magnus laughed. "Relax. No need to be so tense." Magnus grabbed the front of Alec's chair and pulled him closer. "I've done this many, many times." The look in his eyes was predatory, eating up Alec as it travelled down his body.

Suddenly, he felt extremely insecure. He laughed nervously. "D-done what?"

Magnus grinned. "This." He gestured between Alec and himself.

"A-and, w-w-what is this?"

Magnus looked at Alec for a long moment, his eyes darting all over his face. After a long pause, Magnus finally sighed. "Perhaps I came on too strong…"

Alec laughed, half in relief, half in disbelief. "You think?!"

"Now, now," Magnus said, straightening up, "it was an innocent mistake."

Alec raised an eyebrow. "Innocent mistake"? He scoffed. Magnus could not be serious. "Please, if that is an innocent mistake, then me passing out on your couch was intentional."

Magnus hummed. "I'd believe it. First time you've ever had fun, you'd hate to leave."

Alec's eyebrows shot up. "Excuse me?"

Magnus shrugged. "I just mean that you seem the time to stay cooped up inside, nose in a book all day. The one time you go to the best party to ever be thrown, you have the time of your life, everything else would be a big disappointment. You'd like to stretch it out as much as possible." Magnus picked up their plates and placed them in the sink, turning on the faucet and washing off the syrup residue.

Alec sat back, staring at Magnus. He could not be serious. Did he really say that? He really said that. Why did he say that? Who the fuck knew, but it sure was rude as all fuck. "I have fun. I have fun all the time."

"Oh yeah?" He said, unconvinced. "What do you like to do for fun?"

"Well, if you must know, i actually enjoy reading. Anyone with an IQ above 50 does."

Magnus turned around. "Are you insinuating that I have an IQ of 50?"

"Of course not!" Alec said, folding his hands on the countertop and smiling sweetly. "Your IQ is much lower than that."

Magnus grinned. Something about Alec's quick wit made him all the more interesting. The kid may dress for shit and can't handle alcohol, but he was smart and funny. It was a fresh breath of air for Magnus, who seemed to only hang out with people whose IQ really was lower than 50. But, he can't say that it didn't boost his ego, even just by a little bit. Being the smartest person in the room was really rewarding, but it was also irritating.

Magnus crossed his arms. "With an argument that weak, I'd say that you are the one lacking some IQ points."

Alec huffed in anger. "I-I don't have to take this!" He stood up, his chair creating skid marks on the otherwise untarnished floors. "Sorry about that," Alec shouted, then hurried off to the door. Magnus followed him, his robe billowing out behind him. Alec couldn't help but admit silently to himself that Magnus was really good-looking, and the way his robe barely covered him was...tantalizing. But, he wouldn't let some annoying, albeit sexy, twat seduce him. He did have some dignity left.

Alec spun around, facing Magnus. "Thank you for letting me sleep on your couch, and thank you for breakfast." Magnus nodded his head in acknowledgement, and leaned against the doorframe. "I… I have to go now." He opened the door behind him and stumbled backwards. They stared at one another for a tense second before Alec turned and hurried away in the opposite direction.

Magnus leaned out the door. "So, pick you up Friday at 8?"

It was quiet for a moment, then the sound of hurried steps returning in the direction they came. Alec rounded the corner, gripped the front of Magnus's robe and pulled him into a kiss.

Their lips were crushed against one another, preventing much movement, but it was hot and passionate and intense. Magnus curled his fingers into Alec's hair, pulling him closer. Their torsos were pressed tightly against one another. Alec's hand cradled the back of Magnus's neck, holding him in place.

The disconnect came after a few minutes of kissing. Magnus looked down at Alec, his cheeks tinged with pink. "Make it 9. I've got a cocky sonofabitch to impress." Alec smiled smugly, and even winked. He dropped his hands from Magnus's chest and sauntered away.

Magnus watched him leave, somewhat shocked. His expression melted into a devilish grin. "I hope he fucks on the first date." Then, he closed the door.