Taking A Chance

Chapter 2

A/N: I know this is not two weeks yet, and my exams are not over. But I'm tired of studying, my brain is about to fry because of all the maths, and I'm seriously contemplating if I should headdesk. Anyways, I need a little pick-me-up, and thought maybe I could post this chapter early, and get feedbacks from you guys :D Oh yeah, I just realized that I roomed Izzy, Jace, and Alec with each other's significant other haha So anyways, yeah, enjoy~

Disclaimer: I do not own The Mortal Instruments.


Thank you to linlaverynz, Beey95, VampiressBeauty20, pi9, hellosweetpea, Midlife-Fan, arnangela, and Daime Guiral for leaving a review :D


The rest of the week was uneventful, much to Alec's relief. Some of the students were still trying to get in his good graces, but most of them left him alone now. They probably realized that he was not as interesting as his two younger siblings. He continued sitting with Tessa, who he slowly became friends with during the few classes they had together, and joined Simon and Clary for lunch, if Jace and Isabelle were not available. Sometimes, Isabelle would also join them, and Alec could feel the strained atmosphere between his sister and Clary.

He sighed. It wasn't like there's anything he could do about it. Isabelle was no longer a child, and does not appreciate anyone intervening in her business. He just hoped his sister and Clary could deal with whatever problems they have with one another sooner, rather than later. It would make lunch less awkward.

Alec continued spending time afterschool in the library with Tessa, and true to her words, she has helped him with anything related to Literature. Despite the fact that he did enjoy reading, Shakespeare was definitely not on his favorite reading list. Other than that, he still had not join any extracurricular activities at the academy. When the track and field club members heard that he held the best record for sprinting at Edom Academy, they tried hard to recruit him. Alec had to avoid bumping into any members of the track and field club, except for Jace, because of it. Since Jace's roommate was still absent, sometimes Alec would hide out in Jace's room.

The weekends passed by quietly, and it was finally Monday again. After class ended, he went directly to the library with Tessa, instead of returning to his own room first. Since his first day at the academy, he noted that his friend had been skipping lunch and dinner at the cafeteria, and he was becoming worried. Therefore, when it was time for them to leave the library, he invited Tessa to join him for dinner.

Tessa's eyes widened. "Oh, but I don't want to intrude," she said, knowing Alec would be having dinner with Jace and Isabelle.

He waved off Tessa's concern. "They wouldn't mind."

Tessa bit her bottom lip, trying to think of an excuse, but Alec continued persuading her until she ultimately agreed. She sighed, saying, "Fine, if you're sure."

While walking out the library building, Alec and Tessa agreed to meet up at the cafeteria at seven. They separated outside the library, since it was located near the girls' dorm building. After Tessa made her way inside the dormitory, she had just passed the common room, and was on her way to the staircase, when someone stopped her.

The person was Camille Belcourt, a girl with long, blonde hair and emerald green eyes. She was a senior like them, and the "queen bee" at the academy. "Rosie told me what happened in the library."

"Camille, what do you want?" Tessa said in a clipped tone.

"Only one week, and you've managed to weasel your way into Alec Lightwood's life." She clapped her hands mockingly. "Bravo."

Tessa rolled her eyes. She was used to being treated this way by Camille. While everyone else mostly left her alone, Camille made it her mission to make Tessa's life at the academy hell. And it was all because she was poorer than most students, and also because she was childhood friends with a certain Magnus Bane.

The blonde gave her a haughty smile. "You really are unbelievable. You have Magnus wrapped around your fingers, and now you're after Alec Lightwood too. You really have no shame."

Tessa's expression hardened. She was angry, tired of being verbally abused by Camille, but she kept herself together. "If you're done insulting me, then I really need to get going. I have dinner plans," she knew it was childish, but she couldn't help but rub it in Camille's face for once. "Excuse me." Tessa walked fast, trying to get past Camille to the staircase, but the blonde caught her arm.

"We're not done yet," she hissed.

"What's going on here?" a voice said, and they saw Isabelle Lightwood making their way towards them.

Camille quickly let go of Tessa's hand, and recomposed herself. "That is none of your concern, Lightwood," she said. Giving Tessa one last hateful look, she all but flipped her hair at the brunette and turned towards the younger teen. "If I were you, I would advise Alec to stop being friends with Tessa. She is much beneath people with our status in society."

Isabelle snorted in disgust. She always hated people who discriminate based on a person's wealth. "Lay off, Belcourt. You don't have to concern yourself with whom my brother wished to be friends with."

Although Camille's icy snobbish smile didn't show it, but inside she was boiling. "Well, I hope your brother won't regret that decision then." Without waiting for a reply, she made her way back into the common room.

Isabelle rolled her eyes, a frown on her face. But when she turned to look at Tessa, the frown was already replaced by a bright smile. "Hey," she greeted.

Tessa arched an eyebrow at Isabelle, but replied cautiously, "Hi."

The tall, black-haired girl shifted the sling of her duffel bag slightly, and asked, "Just returned from the library?"

Tessa nodded, "Yes." She noticed Isabelle's wet hair, and that the other girl was not wearing her full uniform. "Just finished your gymnastic training?"

"Yeah. So," she drawled out. "Did my brother asked you about having dinner with us yet?"

"He did, yes."

"That's great then. He was always worried when he thought you were skipping lunch or dinner purposely." The younger teen narrowed her eyes at her senior. "You're not doing that, are you?"

"Of course not," Tessa replied. "I'm just not really fond of eating at the cafeteria without Magnus there."

Isabelle nodded her head. "That's understandable." She paused, thinking for a moment. "I'm probably not the person to issue this invitation, since you're Alec's friend and all, but next time, you can join us for lunch too if you want."

Tessa was momentarily surprised but quickly hid it with a smile. "Thank you," she replied sincerely. Isabelle was a Lightwood, and one of the most popular girls in the school, despite not belonging in any cliques. Not that she didn't have any friends, but Tessa noticed that Isabelle mostly hang out with her brother—brothers, now that Alec's here, or kept to herself by focusing on her gymnastic training.

"Well," Isabelle cleared her throat. "I guess, I'll see you at dinner." After giving Tessa one last smile, she made her way pass Tessa and up the staircase to her dorm room.


"Look who finally decided to show up," Jace said, when Isabelle placed her tray of food onto the space beside him and sat down.

"Piss off, Jace," she snapped.

"Oh, feisty," Jace continued to tease. Isabelle glared daggers at him, and Alec could only sigh.

"Can't both of you stop arguing for at least one dinner?"

"Jace started it," Isabelle muttered, stabbing her roasted potatoes with her fork.

"Is something bothering you, Isabelle?" Tessa asked, looking at the girl sitting across her.

"Tessa, just call me Izzy, everyone does," she told the brunette. "And no, not really. I just had a fight with my roommate."

"You fought with Clary?"

"Should I find our lovely Miss Fray, and escort her to the infirmary?" Jace said, a touch of mock concern in his voice.

"Damn it, Jace! I fought with her verbally, I didn't whack her in the face."

"When it comes to you, one will never know. You're an unpredictable girl, Izzy."

Isabelle was practically growling, and Alec groaned. "Can't both of you just stop?"

Before Jace or Isabelle could retort, Tessa laughed. Three pair of eyes looked at the brunette, confused. "I'm sorry," she said, once she sobered up. "It's just, your bickering reminded me of a friend of mine."

"God, I hope it's not Bane," Jace muttered.

"It's not… Although, I have to ask, what is your problem with Magnus, anyways?" Tessa narrowed her eyes. "You've been roommates for the past two years, and both of you still gets on each other's nerves every day."

Jace opened his mouth to answer, but a voice behind Tessa beat him to it.

"That's because he's a pain in the ass, Tessa."

Alec had never saw someone turned around in his or her seat as fast as Tessa before. He turned too look as well, and saw a tall teenage boy around their age, with caramel skin and spiky hair, and, in Alec's opinion, a unique, yellow-green cat-like eyes. He used an excessive amount of makeup, eyeliner and glitter around his eyes, and also some glitter in his hair. His clothes were also quite unique. He wore a purple, fishnet shirt over a black tank top, and black skinny jeans.

"Magnus," Tessa exclaimed, as she flung herself at him. Magnus laughed, returning the hug for a few minutes, before letting go. "What are you thinking, wearing something like this in December?" she admonished, hands on her hips. "You'll catch a cold, or worse!"

"Fashion beats comfort, my dear," he said, grinning. When he saw Alec looking at him, he winked, causing Alec to turn away with a blush on his face. His grin grew wider. He swore he never saw him at the academy before, so he must be new. He'll have to ask Tessa about him later.

"I approve," Isabelle told Magnus with a grin, referring to his choice of clothing. "And good to have you back, Magnus. It's quiet without you around."

"I am honored to receive a compliment from the queen of fashion," he smirked at Isabelle. "And, of course it is. I am the life of the party after all." Jace had snorted at that statement.

They heard a loud yell of 'Mags!' four table from theirs, which caused all but Jace to turn and look. A boy with white-ish, blonde hair that fell to his shoulder was waving at Magnus, gesturing for him to come over. Alec noticed that he was sitting with Clary's group.

Magnus gave an irritated sigh. "Ragnor calls," he said dramatically.

"Do you want me to—"

Tessa never finished her question when Magnus cut in, an amused smile on his face. "Just finish your dinner, Tessa. We can talk before curfew," he told the brunette. Then, he looked at Isabelle. "Good to see you again, Isabelle Lightwood," he grinned at the girl, and at Jace, he said, "Not really fond of seeing you though." Then, his eyes fell on Alec. "I'll see you around, blue-eyes," he winked, before walking toward Ragnor, leaving a blushing Alec behind.

Still scowling, Jace jabbed his fork at his chicken. "I still don't like him."

Alec didn't hear him though. He was still staring at Magnus when he gave Clary a quick hug, before taking a seat next to the person he had called Ragnor. Before he started eating, he stretched his limbs, causing his shirt to ride up, revealing smooth sun-kissed skin.

Alec's eyes widened when Magnus turned and caught him staring for the second time within the hour. He felt blood rushing up to his face, and quickly returned his attention to his food. However, from the corner his eyes, he saw Isabelle grinning at him from ear-to-ear, a mischievous glint in her eyes.


At a quarter past nine, Jace had excused himself and went to the library to finish a report for one of his classes. Isabelle, on the other hand, decided to hang out with Alec. He knew his sister well enough that having a bad feeling about the idea was not considered paranoia. Besides, Isabelle was smirking at him all the way back to his room. Alec was glad that tonight, Simon decided to use his free time to study at the library with Clary and Aline. That way, the risk of Isabelle making him embarrassed in front of his friend was zero.

Isabelle was sitting crossed-legged on Alec's bed, munching on the chocolate brownies their mom packed for Alec, while waiting for her brother to change out of his uniform. Maryse Lightwood was always busy, but during the rare times that she was not at work or traveling, she enjoyed baking treats for her children. Alec exited the bathroom wearing an old blue shirt, and a pajama bottom. He frowned when he saw what Isabelle was doing, marched towards his sister, and grabbed the treats out of her hands. Ignoring Isabelle's loud 'Hey!' he closed the container half-filled with brownies, and kept it in the fridge.

"I thought a gymnast always watch what she eats," Alec said, arching an eyebrow at his sister.

"I have a high metabolism, and you know it!"

Alec couldn't help but chuckle, and dropped on the bed next to his sister. "So, what's your hidden agenda tonight?"

"I do not have a hidden agenda," Isabelle said, which resulted in Alec snorting. She rolled her eyes. "Oh, fine," she said. Without beating around the bush, she stated, "You like Magnus."

Alec gaped at Isabelle for a second, blood rushing to his face. "I do not."

Isabelle smirked. "You're blushing."

"I. Do. Not. Like. Magnus." He said slowly, emphasizing on every word.

"You don't have to lie to me, Alec. I know that you're gay," Isabelle said softly.

"W-What did you say?" Alec froze, his eyes widened.

"I said I know that you're gay."

For a moment, Alec couldn't find his voice to speak. "How did you find out?"

Isabelle sighed. "Alec, I'm your sister. I know things." Then, she added, "Mostly, it's because of the way you used to look at Jace before you transferred to Edom Academy."

There was a short pause, before Alec asked, "Y-You knew for that long?" Alec's voice was barely audible to Isabelle.

Isabelle nodded. Then, she placed her hand on top of Alec's before he started to hyperventilate. "Hey, it's okay, really. I don't care if you're gay. You're still my brother, and I still love you."

Alec let out a deep breath. 'So, basically Izzy knew about it since he started admitting that fact to himself.' He gave Isabelle a weak smile. "Thanks." After a moment, he said, "Izzy, I…I'm kind of tired."

Isabelle nodded, understanding the meaning behind her brother's words. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, and stood up. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

Alec walked his sister to the door. Isabelle bit her bottom lip, hesitating for a moment, before saying, "Alec, it's really fine if you like guys. None of us will hate you for it. And if anyone gives you grief about it, Jace and I will make them regret they were born."

"Jace knows?"

"No, he doesn't," she shook her head. "But he wouldn't care. He'll move mountains just to protect you."

When Alec didn't reply, she decided to give her brother a quick hug before exiting the room. As she made her way back to her own dorm room, she wondered if she did the right thing by confronting her brother.


Alec cursed under his breath, as he ran as fast as he could towards the school building. He had forgotten to charge his damn phone, and now, he was late. Simon had learned early on to never try and wake him up, so the younger teen never tried it again. By the time Alec reached the art room, face flushed and panting for breath, he could hear the teacher's voice, Ms. Evelyn, explaining about their task for the class. He entered the classroom, mumbling his apologies before rushing to the only empty seat available.

"You're not a morning person, huh?"

"No, I'm—" his eyes widened when he realized who it was, "not." In his haste getting to his seat, he didn't see who was sitting by the easel next to him.

"So, we meet again, blue eyes," Magnus grinned.

"Um yeah," he managed to choke out. "I'm Alexander—Alec Lightwood."

"I know," Magnus said. "Magnus Bane."

"I… I know that too," Alec replied.

"Of course you do," Magnus grinned again.

Alec blushed, but didn't say anything more. Instead, he concentrated on whatever Ms. Evelyn was saying, while taking out his tubes of oil paint and brushes from his bag. He didn't realize he had started to tune Magnus out until the other teen sighed. His head turned towards Magnus. "What?" he asked awkwardly.

"Nothing," Magnus replied, staring ahead at some of the landscape paintings they were supposed to use as reference. "You're a quiet person, aren't you?" he added frustratingly.

For some reasons that he can't ascertain yet, his blood always rushed to his face whenever Magnus had spoken.

Magnus eyed him with an amused smile, before saying, "Hey, it's okay if you are."

"Um, thanks," he really didn't quite know what to say.

"No problem."

It was silent once more between them as they started to concentrate on the painting. Sometimes, Magnus's eyes would stray to the side and he grinned when he saw how Alec would bite his lower lip, or scrunched his nose when he concentrated too hard, or when some part of his painting didn't turn out the way he wanted. Magnus was brought out of his musing when he heard someone cleared her throat softly on his other side. He turned, and was faced with Ms. Evelyn, the teacher for the Intermediate Arts class.

"Mr. Bane, I believe the landscape paintings you're supposed to use as a basis for your own painting is in front of you, and not to your left." There was an amused glint in her eyes as she said those words.

Magnus could only grin, "Of course, Ms. Evelyn." He always liked having her as a teacher. She was one of the more easy going teachers at the academy.

"Carry on with your work then," the teacher said with a nod, and then, continued to survey the class, stopping at every student's easel to give comments or advices, if needed.

It happened fifteen minutes before class was over. Alec had finished his painting, and was heading to the sink to wash his art tools. However, after a few steps, he dropped one of his brushed. While bending down to pick it up, he heard a low whistle. When he turned around, he saw Magnus giving him a once over.

"Your ass is sexy," Magnus muttered.

"Excuse me?" he squeaked. His face was burning.

"I said your painting is pretty," Magnus gave Alec an amused look, with an arched eyebrow. He wanted to see if Alec would call him on his bullshit or deny what he originally might hear, and accept the new answer.

"Oh, thanks." He decided not to ponder upon it, and made a beeline for the sink.

Magnus chuckled, and when he turned back to his unfinished painting, he was once again graced by Ms. Evelyn's presence.

"Mr. Bane, if you would cease flirting with Mr. Lightwood, you might be able to finish your work before the end of this class."

"Yes, ma'am," Magnus saluted. Ms. Evelyn just sighed and shook her head, as she walked away.

When the bell rang, Magnus quickly kept his tools in his bag, but still, it was too late. Alec had already disappeared among the sea of students. 'Damn, I lost him,' he thought, sulking.


"I didn't think you'd want to eat lunch with me today," Isabelle said casually, as she ate her fruit salad.

"I'm not that bad," Alec frowned. Today, Izzy and him were eating lunch at the balcony of the cafeteria, and Jace would be joining them soon.

"Remember that incident a few years ago, when I accidentally destroyed one of your books and you wouldn't talk to me for almost a week?" Isabelle teased, waving her fork at her brother.

"I was twelve!"

Isabelle laughed. "And now you're eighteen, but still so easy to tease."

"Sure, laugh all you want," he grumbled, before taking a bite of his Panini sandwich.

Isabelle smiled. "But seriously though, you're not still mad at me, are you?"

Alec sighed, and placed his sandwich on the table. "I was never mad at you, Iz."

"You could've fooled me," she said.

"I'm sorry for last night."

"No," Isabelle shook her head, and dropped her fork in the plastic container. "I shouldn't have pushed." Alec's laughter took Isabelle by surprised. "What's so funny?" she glared.

"I couldn't imagine you not being pushy, Izzy," he said after he sobered up.

"I'm not that bad," she pouted.

"No, you're just Izzy," Alec said fondly. Isabelle stuck out her tongue at him. "You know, your tongue might just stay that way. It's winter after all."

"Very funny, brothermine."

There was a short silence before Alec decided to ask; "You're not repulsed that I used to look at Jace in a non-brotherly way?"

Isabelle snorted. "Of course not. I mean, that arrogant brother of ours really is sex on legs, if you catch my drift."

Alec couldn't help the laughter that bubbled out of him, and that made Isabelle smile. Before he could retort, Jace slipped in the seat next to Isabelle. "What did I miss?"

Alec ignored Jace's question, and stared at his adopted brother's face. "What happened to your cheek?"

Isabelle looked at the aforementioned cheek and whistled, "It's really red." She poked it, which earned her a glare from Jace. "Whom did you piss off?"

"I ran into Clary's palm in the cafeteria."

"Ouch," Isabelle smirked, "can't say I didn't see that coming." Poking Jace's red cheek again, she said, "Hmm… She may not be so bad after all."

"You were being an ass to her, didn't you?" Alec concluded.

"No, I was being an ass to her friend," Jace was scowling when he said the last word. "Stop it," he growled at Isabelle, who was still poking his cheek.

Alec winced. "She's extremely protective when it comes to Simon."

"Tell me about it," Jace mumbled. "One would think they're dating."

"Who knows, maybe they are," Isabelle said flippantly, however Alec could see disappointment in his sister's eyes.

Alec raised his eyebrows inwardly. 'What's this?' he thought. He wondered if maybe his sister had a crush on his roommate? But then, Simon wasn't usually the type his sister crushed on.

"They're not dating," Alec told his siblings, which caught both Jace and Isabelle's attention.

"How would you know?"

"Clary told me," he answered simply. "She spends some time in mine and Simon's room afterschool sometimes."

Isabelle arched an eyebrow, frowning. "So, what are they? Friends with benefits?"

Alec choked on the water he was drinking. "No, they really are just best friends. They did the dating thing in middle school, and it felt weird. They're like, practically siblings." He noticed the look on Jace's face, and quickly said, "No, Jace."

"No what?"

"I know what you're thinking."

"I like her."

Isabelle snorted. "Of course you do. She didn't throw herself at your feet."

"I didn't like her just because of that," Jace retorted. After a short pause, he looked directly at Alec. "You can help me. You're friends with her, right?"

"Yes, but—"

"Come on, Alec. I'll do it for you too, if it's the other way around."

Alec's cheeks reddened slightly when Isabelle wiggled her eyebrows at him, a smirk on her face. Luckily Jace didn't see what Isabelle was doing. He resisted the urge to glare at his sister, before sighing. "Jace, when someone slaps you, that usually means the person doesn't like you," Alec pointed out.

"But I can try. No one can resist the Herondale charms for long."

"And that, my brother," Isabelle said, "Was why she didn't really like you in the first place."

Jace glared at his tall, dark-haired sister. "Well, maybe you can put in a good word for me since she is your roommate."

Isabelle laughed. "We're not even on speaking terms, how do you expect me to help you? Besides, it'll take more than a good word to make her change her mind."

It didn't take long for Isabelle and Jace to bicker like they usually do. Alec shook his head fondly at his siblings. While finishing his lunch, he thought, 'At least the conversation has shifted away from me.'


When Alec walked into the library, and headed for his usual seat, Tessa was not there, but someone else was. Someone he tried to avoid, someone named Magnus Bane. He wanted to turn and walk away, but Magnus had already seen him. The latter gave him a wave, and a smile that made his heart flutter. He hated how Magnus had that effect on him, and at the same time, he wondered why he always felt that way around Magnus. He tried to not let his nervousness show as he slid in the seat across Magnus.

"Hi," he said, taking out all his homework for the day. "Where's Tessa?"

"Second floor's verandah," Magnus answered simply. He didn't elaborate, so Alec didn't ask.

It was hard for Alec to concentrate on his AP Calculus assignment, because he could feel Magnus's eyes on him. Sometimes, Magnus would even "accidentally" brush his bare feet against Alec's socked feet, which made him stiffen, his eyes widened, and a blush crept on his face. He was glad that soon after, Clary appeared in the library, and took a seat next to Alec. She all but dropped her head onto the wooden table. Magnus was grinning at her, although the redhead couldn't see it.

"I heard about the cafeteria incident." The grin had turned into a smirk.

Clary groaned. "It's all over the school, and I can't go anywhere without getting harassed by the 'We love Jace' fan club members." She sat up straight, and glared at Alec. "Your brother is such an asshole."

"Seconded," Magnus voiced out.

Alec let out an awkward laugh. "He's not that bad." He mentally winced, that didn't sound convincing at all.

Clary only gave him a look for a moment, before dropping her head back onto the table with a groan. "Just let me hide out here for awhile."

He asked, after Magnus chuckled, "Where's Simon?"

"Archery club."

"There's an archery club at the academy?" Alec was surprised.

Clary shifted her head, so that she could look at Alec. "Yes. Didn't you go through the list of extra curricular activities available at the academy?"

"He didn't," Tessa said from behind them before Alec could answer. She went and took her seat beside Magnus. "He's only interested in the Track and Field club but is too stubborn to join, for some reasons."

"Damn, I'd pay good money to see you in running shorts," Magnus grinned.

Alec blushed, and Tessa elbowed her best friend. Clary placed a sympathetic hand on Alec's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Magnus is a really insensitive flirt sometimes."

"Clarissa," Magnus glared. "I still have embarrassing stories about your childhood days, you know? And I'm not afraid to use it."

This fact made Alec even more curious about the relationship between Magnus and Clary. However, before he could go far into his thoughts, Clary called out his name.

"So, do you play?" At the confused look Alec gave her, she clarified, "Archery."

"I did, before I invested all my time on track and field that is."

"Simon said that the club is still recruiting new members, if you're interested.

"I'll think about it," Alec smiled.

Clary nodded before turning her attention to Magnus. They were talking about someone or something named Chairman Meow, before he decided to tune out on their conversation and continued working on his homework. However, he did notice Magnus's eyes on him, and it made him blush again. He really needed to stop blushing so much around the other teen.


A/N: So, how was it? Help brighten my day, and motivate me to study for my exams by leaving a review. Of course, give me feedbacks about the chapter too, or tell me if there's any typos that I missed.