p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec was so used to the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, he wasn't at all surprised at the way people shoved him as he made his way down a street. He didn't like what busy streets always reduced him; right now, he was jabbing some poor guy in the shoulder with his elbow. The guy didn't look fazed, though; he was just as used to the area as Alec./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec had a very specific destination in mind. He was going to the home of Magnus Bane, the High Warlock of Brooklyn. He'd been to Magnus' place once before, attending a party he hadn't been invited to. His mother, Maryse, had told him that Magnus Bane had called while he was out on a run. Magnus Bane had requested the assistance on just one Shadowhunter today, and he'd asked for the handsome one with the blue eyes, and then clarified— "His name is Alec Lightwood."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec might have felt embarrassed about Magnus calling him handsome, and his mother knowing that Magnus Bane though he was handsome, but he was too excited for that. He just wanted to arrive at Magnus' place and prove that he could be intelligent and smooth and strong. That he wasn't the idiot he'd appeared to be at that stupid party./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec cringed visibly as he pushed through the crowd, thinking of how he'd stuttered and gotten all flustered at the party as soon as he got even a little bit of attention. Alec hated to think of how immature Magnus must have though he was. Magnus, who was every bit as cultured and gorgeous as the rumours said, must think Alec was some timid little boy./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"And he was timid. Especially where Magnus Bane was concerned. Right now, he is standing outside the apartment of Magnus Bane, and he is looking at the little buzzer system by the door. There are six buttons, all in a column, with a label next to each with the name of the apartment's occupant. Most were scrawled in black or blue biro, but the last name was done in purple calligraphy; Magnus Bane. There was even a little star drawn next to his name./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"With a deep breath, Alec pressed it. And he waited for a moment, feeling his heart beating so hard, it might actually crash through his chest and fall onto the pavement next to his scuffed shoes. He could feel butterflied fluttering in his stomach, too. He was giddy with excitement, but also really nervous and worried. What if this second chance at a good impression went badly? What if it went great; so great, that when he got home to the New York Institute, his family would just know straight away, that he was gay. What is they didn't accept him; shunned him. Alec was all insecurity and nerves, and Magnus was just plain flawless./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"There was a beeping noise that told him he could enter, and then, before he knew it, he was standing at Magnus' door. He felt slightly feverish. The door was already open when he got there. He walked inside, awkward and not sure what to do with his hands, and saw Magnus right away, in the kitchen. The apartment was open plan; he could see the living room and the kitchen from the front door. Magnus was standing at a counter, and he had just conjured up two coffees./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus' yellow-green eyes were focused on Alec, and he was smiling kindly, "Hey, Alec, come on in."He held out one coffee for him. It was still in it's Starbucks paper cup./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec walked inside, dropping his small duffel bag on the stairs and going straight to Magnus. "Hi." He said, feeling uncertain about whether he was doing the right thing; he'd just make a bigger fool of himself. Magnus currently thought he was handsome; he should just quit while he's ahead. "You requested my assistance?"/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus was dressed remarkably "normal", in black jeans and a white t-shirt. Alec was surprised at the lack of zebra print and neon feathers and the usual ton of glitter- but no, Magnus looked no different any regular young adult, except for his extraordinary eyes./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec took the coffee from Magnus and, as he took quick sips from his drink, he looked around at the apartment. It was one of the most coveted places in New York- or, at least, it was in the Downworld community. And Alec was there on invitation- kind of./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';""Yeah, you see, the thing is, there's a Ravener Demon in the bathroom." Magnus started, ignoring the surprised, and slightly alarmed, expression on Alec's face. "My last business partner didn't like it very much when I backed out of our deal, so she found someone to send a demon after me." Magnus shrugged, "As much as I appreciate her determination, I want to have a bath tonight, and I don't feel like sharing the tub with a Ravener."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec nodded and bit his bottom lip, then asked the first question to come to mind. "Why did you back out of the deal?" On reflection, it was a dumb question./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus smiled, though. "She was in the field of world domination. I usually like to work with small firms and peaceful companies." Magnus sighed, "And I have enough money. I don't need to do black magic and risk having your people showing up to kill me."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec nodded again. "Well, it won't be a problem, getting rid of the Ravener demon, I mean. But, do you mind if I ask you something else?" Magnus gestured for Alec to fire away. "Couldn't you handle the demon on your own?" Alec was sure that Magnus was very much capable of disposing of the demon himself./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus grinned, "Alright, you've caught me out. I could get rid of it easily, but then I'd have to invent some other excuse to get you over here." And Magnus winked at him. Alec just stood there and blushed, going three shades of red. /p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec excused himself to go and grab some of his weapons from his bag, and Magnus leant against a wall to watch the young Shadowhunter; Magnus smiled appreciatively at what he saw. Alec was just as cute as Magnus remembered him to be. Shadowhunters had great bodied, too; Alec was tall and lean and toned. He was both strong and delicate at the same time. His dark hair was just a bit too long, and looked mussed as though he had been running his hands through it on his way her. Alec had gorgeous blue eyes, too; they were bright and kind and nervous, and as he handled his weapons, his eyes took on a glow of care and close precision. His skin had returned to its fair complexion now, his blush settled./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus had to tear his eyes away from the boy./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';""Which way is the bathroom?" Alec asked quietly, setting his coffee down on the kitchen counter. Magnus pointed him in the right direction and then went to sit down on the sofa while he waited for Alec to be done./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Less than three minutes later, Alec was back, absentmindedly scrawling an Iratze on his forearm. Magnus called him over to the sofa, and conjured up another paper cup of coffee, and Alec joined him. "Well, your bathroom is now free." Alec said with a smile./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec settled back into the teal sofa, very aware of how close he was to Magnus, and drank some of his new coffee. Magnus took a long sip of his own coffee, not breaking eye contact with Alec, and then spoke casually, "So," He said, and Alec prepared himself for small talk. He'd never been very good with small talk. "How long are you planning on hiding in the closet?" Magnus' eyes were almost seductive as he smiled at Alec, "I know you're gay. It's kind of obvious."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec had to fight to swallow his coffee, and not spit it out all over the coffee table. "I- uh- I don't know what you're talking- you must be mistaken- I-" But then Alec realised that denying it was futile, and he didn't even want to hide it from Magnus. "How did you know?" He asked instead, drinking more coffee./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';""Like I said, it's obvious." Magnus said, stretching on arm over the top of the sofa. Alec was very aware that Magnus' arm was behind him. The warlock shrugged./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec groaned and ran one hand through his hair, confirming Magnus' suspicion that it was a nervous habit- which was totally adorable. "Do you think the others know?" He asked worriedly./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus considered the question, "Your sister- Isabelle, right?" Alec nodded, "Yeah, she knows, but I'm guessing you told her. I reckon Clary knew, too." At the irritated look that crossed Alec's face, Magnus understood. "And you knew she knows, because she told you." Magnus smiled, "The blond shadowhunter knows, too, by the way. He saw you looking at me at the party- thanks for that, by the way." He sent another wink at Alec. "So yeah, they all know."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec was blushing again, and trying to avoid Magnus' eyes./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';""I don't think your parents know, but I really couldn't say for sure. I haven't seen them in a long time." Magnus looked sad now. "The thing is, Alec, Shadowhunters- in my experience- only see what they want to see, and last time I checked, they didn't exactly throw a party when they found out that their son plays for the other team."Magnus' voice held a strange, melancholy humour. "Now answer my question, how long?"/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec sighed, his cheeks still pink, "Forever, most likely." He answered, sounding very unhappy. Magnus' eyes flashed with something Alec didn't quite catch, but he tried to defend himself anyway, "I mean, it's like you said, Shadowhunters don't encourage gay pride. Sure, they won't kick me out, but it would change everything." Alec thought of his mother, crying because she wouldn't get little grandchildren from him. "I'm fine anyway. I'll be alright."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus was frowning, but didn't look overly surprised, "So what, you're just going to ignore your sexuality and hope it goes away?" Magnus grimaced, "'Cause I've heard that that doesn't work in ten out of ten cases."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec's jaw hardened, "No, I'm not an idiot. I know it won't go away. I just won't act on it. I'm going to get on with my life. I don't need a relationship to be happy. I'll work hard, and one day, I'll inherit the Institute."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus looked devastated for Alec. Magnus could see now, that Alec didn't even realise what he was sacrificing. He just did it, because he couldn't see another option. Magnus' heart swelled with both pity and admiration for Alec, but he didn't say anything. He knew already that flattery and compliments would not get him very far with Alec./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus' fingers closed around Alec's clenched fist, and he moved the fist toward him. Magnus carefully opened up Alec's fist and gently brought the hand to his lips, kissing the pulse point on Alec's wrist. Alec's hands were slightly calloused, just like all Shadowhunters' hands. /p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';""But don't you want to act on your feelings?" Magnus asked him sadly. And Alec did- Alec really did. He wanted to turn to Magnus and kiss him and never stop kissing him. But he didn't. He had to be strong./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec swallowed nervously, "I'll be alright." He said without emotion, but he felt his lips form a grimace, as though he wasn't sure if he would be alright. Magnus watched Alec's face, especially his blue eyes, which were darting around the room. Alec had spent years resisting these urges; that was obvious./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';""There is nothing wrong with feeling the way you feel, Alexander." Magnus told him, and he turned swiftly. The coffees disappeared immediately and Magnus pulled Alec so he was lying beneath him on the teal sofa. Alec's expression was one of immense shock and alarm. He was flustered, and that was really damn cute. Magnus tentatively pressed a kiss to Alec's throat, smirking against Alec's fair skin as he felt the Shadowhunter swallow hard. Magnus kissed Alec's jaw next, which was sharp and defined./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus was enjoying this even more than he had anticipated he would./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';""There is no good reason for denying the way you feel, Alexander." Magnus whispered softly; he felt Alec shudder. Magnus kissed next to Alec's mouth, feeling the edge of his lips brush the edge of Alec's lips. "I won't tell anyone if you're not ready, Alec, but you should know,"Magnus swallowed, gazing into Alec's beautiful eyes, "I am yours."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec went tense all over, wondering what on earth Magnus meant. Whatever he meant, Alec was almost entirely sure that he liked it./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus' lips were hovering over Alec's lips, and Magnus' eyes were asking Alec a very clear question: can I kiss you?/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec thought, for just a second, of his parents and how disappointed they would be, but then his thoughts went to Izzy, and Alec thought of how she had accepted the real Alec immediately; his sexuality had changed nothing between them. In fact, he was sure that Izzy had known before he had. Maybe everyone else would be the same?/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Trying not to even think about anything anymore, Alec used his elbows to push himself up slightly and he pressed his lips against Magnus'. Alec's eyes were closed immediately, and he felt himself smile against Magnus' soft lips. The kiss was urgent and desperate and both men had their hands in the others' hair. Magnus pulled away eventually, dazed and breathless and wondering how a quiet little Shadowhunter like Alec Lightwood had learned to kiss like that./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec's lips pulled up in a grin, and Magnus felt his chest get tight at the sight. Alec was just as breathless as Magnus, but he took a fistful of Magnus' t-shirt anyway and pulled the warlock down so their chests were touching again. "Maybe you're right, Bane."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"And then Alec Lightwood kissed Magnus Bane again./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec had a very specific destination in mind. He was going to the home of Magnus Bane, the High Warlock of Brooklyn. He'd been to Magnus' place once before, attending a party he hadn't been invited to. His mother, Maryse, had told him that Magnus Bane had called while he was out on a run. Magnus Bane had requested the assistance on just one Shadowhunter today, and he'd asked for the handsome one with the blue eyes, and then clarified— "His name is Alec Lightwood."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec might have felt embarrassed about Magnus calling him handsome, and his mother knowing that Magnus Bane though he was handsome, but he was too excited for that. He just wanted to arrive at Magnus' place and prove that he could be intelligent and smooth and strong. That he wasn't the idiot he'd appeared to be at that stupid party./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec cringed visibly as he pushed through the crowd, thinking of how he'd stuttered and gotten all flustered at the party as soon as he got even a little bit of attention. Alec hated to think of how immature Magnus must have though he was. Magnus, who was every bit as cultured and gorgeous as the rumours said, must think Alec was some timid little boy./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"And he was timid. Especially where Magnus Bane was concerned. Right now, he is standing outside the apartment of Magnus Bane, and he is looking at the little buzzer system by the door. There are six buttons, all in a column, with a label next to each with the name of the apartment's occupant. Most were scrawled in black or blue biro, but the last name was done in purple calligraphy; Magnus Bane. There was even a little star drawn next to his name./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"With a deep breath, Alec pressed it. And he waited for a moment, feeling his heart beating so hard, it might actually crash through his chest and fall onto the pavement next to his scuffed shoes. He could feel butterflied fluttering in his stomach, too. He was giddy with excitement, but also really nervous and worried. What if this second chance at a good impression went badly? What if it went great; so great, that when he got home to the New York Institute, his family would just know straight away, that he was gay. What is they didn't accept him; shunned him. Alec was all insecurity and nerves, and Magnus was just plain flawless./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"There was a beeping noise that told him he could enter, and then, before he knew it, he was standing at Magnus' door. He felt slightly feverish. The door was already open when he got there. He walked inside, awkward and not sure what to do with his hands, and saw Magnus right away, in the kitchen. The apartment was open plan; he could see the living room and the kitchen from the front door. Magnus was standing at a counter, and he had just conjured up two coffees./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus' yellow-green eyes were focused on Alec, and he was smiling kindly, "Hey, Alec, come on in."He held out one coffee for him. It was still in it's Starbucks paper cup./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec walked inside, dropping his small duffel bag on the stairs and going straight to Magnus. "Hi." He said, feeling uncertain about whether he was doing the right thing; he'd just make a bigger fool of himself. Magnus currently thought he was handsome; he should just quit while he's ahead. "You requested my assistance?"/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus was dressed remarkably "normal", in black jeans and a white t-shirt. Alec was surprised at the lack of zebra print and neon feathers and the usual ton of glitter- but no, Magnus looked no different any regular young adult, except for his extraordinary eyes./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec took the coffee from Magnus and, as he took quick sips from his drink, he looked around at the apartment. It was one of the most coveted places in New York- or, at least, it was in the Downworld community. And Alec was there on invitation- kind of./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';""Yeah, you see, the thing is, there's a Ravener Demon in the bathroom." Magnus started, ignoring the surprised, and slightly alarmed, expression on Alec's face. "My last business partner didn't like it very much when I backed out of our deal, so she found someone to send a demon after me." Magnus shrugged, "As much as I appreciate her determination, I want to have a bath tonight, and I don't feel like sharing the tub with a Ravener."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec nodded and bit his bottom lip, then asked the first question to come to mind. "Why did you back out of the deal?" On reflection, it was a dumb question./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus smiled, though. "She was in the field of world domination. I usually like to work with small firms and peaceful companies." Magnus sighed, "And I have enough money. I don't need to do black magic and risk having your people showing up to kill me."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec nodded again. "Well, it won't be a problem, getting rid of the Ravener demon, I mean. But, do you mind if I ask you something else?" Magnus gestured for Alec to fire away. "Couldn't you handle the demon on your own?" Alec was sure that Magnus was very much capable of disposing of the demon himself./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus grinned, "Alright, you've caught me out. I could get rid of it easily, but then I'd have to invent some other excuse to get you over here." And Magnus winked at him. Alec just stood there and blushed, going three shades of red. /p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec excused himself to go and grab some of his weapons from his bag, and Magnus leant against a wall to watch the young Shadowhunter; Magnus smiled appreciatively at what he saw. Alec was just as cute as Magnus remembered him to be. Shadowhunters had great bodied, too; Alec was tall and lean and toned. He was both strong and delicate at the same time. His dark hair was just a bit too long, and looked mussed as though he had been running his hands through it on his way her. Alec had gorgeous blue eyes, too; they were bright and kind and nervous, and as he handled his weapons, his eyes took on a glow of care and close precision. His skin had returned to its fair complexion now, his blush settled./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus had to tear his eyes away from the boy./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';""Which way is the bathroom?" Alec asked quietly, setting his coffee down on the kitchen counter. Magnus pointed him in the right direction and then went to sit down on the sofa while he waited for Alec to be done./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Less than three minutes later, Alec was back, absentmindedly scrawling an Iratze on his forearm. Magnus called him over to the sofa, and conjured up another paper cup of coffee, and Alec joined him. "Well, your bathroom is now free." Alec said with a smile./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec settled back into the teal sofa, very aware of how close he was to Magnus, and drank some of his new coffee. Magnus took a long sip of his own coffee, not breaking eye contact with Alec, and then spoke casually, "So," He said, and Alec prepared himself for small talk. He'd never been very good with small talk. "How long are you planning on hiding in the closet?" Magnus' eyes were almost seductive as he smiled at Alec, "I know you're gay. It's kind of obvious."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec had to fight to swallow his coffee, and not spit it out all over the coffee table. "I- uh- I don't know what you're talking- you must be mistaken- I-" But then Alec realised that denying it was futile, and he didn't even want to hide it from Magnus. "How did you know?" He asked instead, drinking more coffee./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';""Like I said, it's obvious." Magnus said, stretching on arm over the top of the sofa. Alec was very aware that Magnus' arm was behind him. The warlock shrugged./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec groaned and ran one hand through his hair, confirming Magnus' suspicion that it was a nervous habit- which was totally adorable. "Do you think the others know?" He asked worriedly./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus considered the question, "Your sister- Isabelle, right?" Alec nodded, "Yeah, she knows, but I'm guessing you told her. I reckon Clary knew, too." At the irritated look that crossed Alec's face, Magnus understood. "And you knew she knows, because she told you." Magnus smiled, "The blond shadowhunter knows, too, by the way. He saw you looking at me at the party- thanks for that, by the way." He sent another wink at Alec. "So yeah, they all know."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec was blushing again, and trying to avoid Magnus' eyes./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';""I don't think your parents know, but I really couldn't say for sure. I haven't seen them in a long time." Magnus looked sad now. "The thing is, Alec, Shadowhunters- in my experience- only see what they want to see, and last time I checked, they didn't exactly throw a party when they found out that their son plays for the other team."Magnus' voice held a strange, melancholy humour. "Now answer my question, how long?"/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec sighed, his cheeks still pink, "Forever, most likely." He answered, sounding very unhappy. Magnus' eyes flashed with something Alec didn't quite catch, but he tried to defend himself anyway, "I mean, it's like you said, Shadowhunters don't encourage gay pride. Sure, they won't kick me out, but it would change everything." Alec thought of his mother, crying because she wouldn't get little grandchildren from him. "I'm fine anyway. I'll be alright."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus was frowning, but didn't look overly surprised, "So what, you're just going to ignore your sexuality and hope it goes away?" Magnus grimaced, "'Cause I've heard that that doesn't work in ten out of ten cases."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec's jaw hardened, "No, I'm not an idiot. I know it won't go away. I just won't act on it. I'm going to get on with my life. I don't need a relationship to be happy. I'll work hard, and one day, I'll inherit the Institute."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus looked devastated for Alec. Magnus could see now, that Alec didn't even realise what he was sacrificing. He just did it, because he couldn't see another option. Magnus' heart swelled with both pity and admiration for Alec, but he didn't say anything. He knew already that flattery and compliments would not get him very far with Alec./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus' fingers closed around Alec's clenched fist, and he moved the fist toward him. Magnus carefully opened up Alec's fist and gently brought the hand to his lips, kissing the pulse point on Alec's wrist. Alec's hands were slightly calloused, just like all Shadowhunters' hands. /p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';""But don't you want to act on your feelings?" Magnus asked him sadly. And Alec did- Alec really did. He wanted to turn to Magnus and kiss him and never stop kissing him. But he didn't. He had to be strong./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec swallowed nervously, "I'll be alright." He said without emotion, but he felt his lips form a grimace, as though he wasn't sure if he would be alright. Magnus watched Alec's face, especially his blue eyes, which were darting around the room. Alec had spent years resisting these urges; that was obvious./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';""There is nothing wrong with feeling the way you feel, Alexander." Magnus told him, and he turned swiftly. The coffees disappeared immediately and Magnus pulled Alec so he was lying beneath him on the teal sofa. Alec's expression was one of immense shock and alarm. He was flustered, and that was really damn cute. Magnus tentatively pressed a kiss to Alec's throat, smirking against Alec's fair skin as he felt the Shadowhunter swallow hard. Magnus kissed Alec's jaw next, which was sharp and defined./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus was enjoying this even more than he had anticipated he would./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';""There is no good reason for denying the way you feel, Alexander." Magnus whispered softly; he felt Alec shudder. Magnus kissed next to Alec's mouth, feeling the edge of his lips brush the edge of Alec's lips. "I won't tell anyone if you're not ready, Alec, but you should know,"Magnus swallowed, gazing into Alec's beautiful eyes, "I am yours."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec went tense all over, wondering what on earth Magnus meant. Whatever he meant, Alec was almost entirely sure that he liked it./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Magnus' lips were hovering over Alec's lips, and Magnus' eyes were asking Alec a very clear question: can I kiss you?/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec thought, for just a second, of his parents and how disappointed they would be, but then his thoughts went to Izzy, and Alec thought of how she had accepted the real Alec immediately; his sexuality had changed nothing between them. In fact, he was sure that Izzy had known before he had. Maybe everyone else would be the same?/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Trying not to even think about anything anymore, Alec used his elbows to push himself up slightly and he pressed his lips against Magnus'. Alec's eyes were closed immediately, and he felt himself smile against Magnus' soft lips. The kiss was urgent and desperate and both men had their hands in the others' hair. Magnus pulled away eventually, dazed and breathless and wondering how a quiet little Shadowhunter like Alec Lightwood had learned to kiss like that./p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"Alec's lips pulled up in a grin, and Magnus felt his chest get tight at the sight. Alec was just as breathless as Magnus, but he took a fistful of Magnus' t-shirt anyway and pulled the warlock down so their chests were touching again. "Maybe you're right, Bane."/p
p style="margin: 0px; text-indent: 18px; font-size: 15px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light';"And then Alec Lightwood kissed Magnus Bane again./p