Again, the brilliant alicelightwoodbane was there the entire way through this chapter, checking it first and giving wonderful pointers.
This chapter is a set of flashbacks, just so you aren't confused :)
Enjoy a little bit more of Magnus and Alec.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Mortal Instruments series.
For this chapter I was listening to 'Always Be' by Jimmy Eat World a lot, but it probably doesn't suit this chapter.

Chapter 1. – One, Two, Three.

19th of August 2011 (Friday)

Alec was revising his calculus work, having already completed his homework but hoping to get ahead. He was in the public library in the far back where a collection of tables were set up to sit groups of four up to eight. Alec sat by himself on a table for four, his books, pens and papers spread out before him in organised disarray, covering at least a third of the table space.

Normally, he would not be in a library; he always found them to be filled with noisy whispers, talking or laughter that was never managed well by the librarians, who either couldn't hear the sounds - that were really obvious in the large room that echoed sounds off the walls - or they gave up in trying to be stern with the patrons. Alec couldn't decide which one it was, because the librarians were always really rude to him and only enforced their rules when Alec accidentally broke them. Maybe it was just him.

In the tables surrounding him there was a couple more intent on looking at each other than the textbook laid out in front of them. Alec was positive that if he looked back five minutes later he would see them kissing. Each table around him was occupied by at least two people, some working together or on the extreme end of the table to be as alone as possible – except for Alec.

He glanced around the library again; people were milling around in front of shelves with their heads cocked partially to the side, reading the titles of the books, but most people he saw were positioned in front of a computer giggling at something or playing games. Alec wondered if he was the only person actually doing work in the library.

Then he realised he was in fact people watching, trailing off from his homework all too easily. Clearing his throat quietly and tucking his legs underneath the chair he was in by crossing his ankles, Alec brushed away any lingering, unhelpful thoughts and focused on part 'e' of question seven.

As the sun began to set, signifying that Alec had spent a decent amount of time dedicated to his Math questions, light beamed between two tall buildings through the window adjacent to him - much like the effect of a plastic slit in a light box. The fading light was orange and poured over his working space and the pleasant heat was just enough to draw Alec out of his own world of derivatives and chain rules again.

Happily, Alec tracked the little dust motes that leisurely danced in the light beam from the window to his desk.

He was startled out of his admiration by a boy sitting diagonally opposite from him, a boy who Alec didn't recall sitting down. He seemed about his age and was looking right at Alec. Alec pretended he was looking passed the boy, over his shoulder, as if he was looking for a distraction during his studying, but really he was faking nonchalance to not give away that the boy had scared him half to death.

There was no rule about sitting on the same table as someone and it was not like the boy was being disruptive – Alec could not object. It was just a little... unnerving.

The boy sat casually at the table, unperturbed, as one would if they were at home, an air of comfort emitted from him. His arms snaked over his chest and he lead forward on them on the table. When Alec sneaked another look, after finishing another question, the boy seemed to still be staring at him.

Covertly, Alec checked over his shoulders to see if there was anyone behind him, and then remembered that he chose the spot right in the corner and was then faced with two walls that had windows.

The boy now appeared to be gazing out the window, occasionally sparing a glance at Alec. He had no books, no homework, no laptop in front of him, just his folded arms that he perched on to rest against the table – and Alec found that weird.

Alec, surprising even himself, faced the boy and said "Yes?"

The staring boy looked a little shocked, his eyes – which Alec noticed were a vivid green – widened and he turned around in a similar way that Alec had done before, looking to see if Alec was addressing someone else behind him.

Something flickered in his eyes before he opened his mouth in an attempt to answer but appeared to have had the words stolen from him just before he could vocalise them. Alec thought he was going to say something but thought better of it.

After a few too many silent moments under Alec's unsure gaze, the boy finally said "Me?"

"Yeah, well, you were looking at me without saying anything for quite a while. Have I got something on my face?" he whispered lowly, to ensure one of librarians could not scold him, raising a hand to rub at his face self-consciously.

The emotion on his face was unreadable and Alec quickly thought that he may have jumped the gun and imagined the boy staring –surely not. All questionable emotions were erased and a grin graced his features, crinkling his eyes, telling Alec that the smile was well and truly genuine.

"No, there's nothing on your face, it's looking as good as ever."

"But you were staring." Alec pointed out, cursing his straightforward nature because he sounded a little accusing – maybe even angry, which Alec didn't think he was.

"Sorry," the boy's smile grew "I tend to space out then I might accidentally end up staring at someone and not realise."

"That, I can relate to." Alec lifted his lips in a barely-there smile, too busy recalling all the times he had probably done that when he was day-dreaming.

"I'm Magnus, by the way." He unfurled one of the hands tucked around his chest to give a small wave.

"Alec."

8th of September 2011 (Thursday)

"Shit, shit, shit." Alec thought as he rifled through the shoulder bag he used for school. He couldn't find his goddamn calculator – he must've left it at school, in his locker, while he was too busy talking to Jace and it just slipped his mind. Tonight he really needed it to finish off the Maths work his teacher set.

Okay, half of it he did in class. More than half. Fine, he did most of it already. It didn't change the fact that he liked to know where all his belongings were. After all, maybe he did bring it with him and lost it during his walk. He couldn't remember and that was doing his head in.

He looked up. The sky was a shade of blue that hinted there were grey clouds approaching in the near future. He took a deep breath and told himself 'relax' before diving back to look through his bag.

"Oof–"

"Ow."

In his hurry to keep walking while searching his bag, Alec collided straight into another person. He really should have just watched where he was going; now he'd probably get yelled at by some businessman.

In the little accident the strap of his bag slipped off his shoulder and the whole thing fell to the ground but luckily he didn't topple over to join it on the floor.

"I'm really sorry sir, I just was–"

"We should really keep meeting like this" pearly white teeth shone in front of Alec's vision and disappeared along with a crown of spikes.

Before he could really compute what had happened he noticed that it was the boy from the library – Magnus – and he was picking up all of the stuff that fell out of Alec's bag.

Immediately, he dropped down to help him.

Magnus had already cleared most of it, stuffing it back into the bag quickly, all that was left was a pen, his notebook and–

"My calculator."

Magnus levelled his eyes with Alec "Is something wrong?" he looked confused.

"No, I was searching through my bag for it this whole time, that's why I wasn't paying attention to where I was walking and crashed right into you." They both got up. "Sorry about that, by the way. Thanks for collecting my things and finding my calculator."

Magnus waved it off "That's alright, I was texting on my phone, so I'm partly to blame." He wiggled the phone so Alec could see.

Alec really didn't know what to say to that so he smiled sheepishly.

He took in all of Magnus' attire and by looking at him today he wished he remembered what Magnus was wearing at the library because it seemed that Magnus loved ostentatious clothing. Right now he had deep purple jeans on that seemed to stick to his legs and a very shiny red top primarily covered by a navy coat that reached his knees. Alec guessed the coat may not have been the ideal choice for the outfit as it dulled the combination of coloured clothes but was mainly in use to keep the cool air at bay.

Magnus certainly stood out from everyone else passing on the street.

"Give me your phone." Magnus suddenly announced, holding his free hand out.

"What? Why?" It sounded like something a mugger might say, but Magnus' tone was light.

"I want to give you my number." At Alec's still blank face, he elaborated "So we can talk, you know become friends, all that jazz? Friends usually share numbers."

Alec eventually clicked, a surge of warmth rising to his cheeks in embarrassment and also settling in his stomach at the prospect of having made his own friend.

"Yeah, sure." He fished it out of the back of his jeans and handed it over.

A few seconds of button pressing later Magnus guffawed briefly. Alec's stomach dropped. What was on his phone that was so funny? He barely used the device.

"You keep your own number in your contacts list?" He squared his eyes with Alec's. Alec could see more laughter being concealed by a wavering tight smile. "How often do you call yourself?"

Alec smiled shyly; he wasn't even sure himself why he put it there.

"Don't you remember your number?" Magnus asked lightly, still containing his laughter.

"I do! It's–"

"It's okay; now I can have your number."

Alec settled internally, at least his stupidity was useful for something.

A breeze picked up and bit Alec's ears, ruffling the inky black curls of his hair. He readjusted his strap by hitching it further up on his shoulder. Magnus appeared to have finished with both their phones and slide his own into his coat pocket, giving Alec his.

"Maybe we can meet again, but next time without injuring ourselves and get to know each other better."

"Sure, that would be really great."

Magnus smirked and headed off in the direction Alec had come, "See you later Alec."

"Bye."

6th of November 2011 (Saturday)

Alec was running late. Unfortunately, he got stuck with talking to Izzy on his way out. She wanted to talk to him about Simon or Jace, or was it both? Maybe it was about homework, perhaps their parents? He didn't really care enough to bring it back to his memory.

Either way, whatever she had to say made him miss the particular subway train he had planned on taking. His waited for the next one impatiently, tapping his foot and glancing at the time on his phone every minute.

Two-oh-eight PM.

Two-eleven PM.

He launched himself into a carriage and a seat when the subway train arrived. Sitting uneasily, Alec counted down the stops, continuously cursing his lateness – it was so unlike him to be late.

Today was an average Saturday, clear blue sky, perfect for going for a walk in a park, but it was all lost on Alec who stumbled into the coffee shop he was looking for, eyes scanning the seats.

The coffee shop was not big by any means. The counter was opposite the door, so customers could go straight up and order, the menu was set slightly to the left of the register for those who didn't know what they wanted, they could examine it without getting in the way of the line. Sets of tables and chairs curled around the sides deep into the establishment blocked out by walls that hid the kitchen, it fit more people than it actually looked possible. Giant glass windows at the front on either side of the door permitted light to stream in, illuminating the far depths of the shop, at the same time providing a perfect view of life busily continuing on in the streets without you while you enjoyed a cup of coffee.

Alec approached the register and ordered, eyes still checking all spots, they caught a flash of sparkly spikes. He thought he should go and at least say 'hi' to Magnus but the girl called out his order already.

"Sorry I'm late." Alec said as he sat down, "Izzy wouldn't shut up, then Max heard I was going out and began to list all the comic books he wanted me to buy for him, then I was late for the–"

"Alec, it's fine, I was a bit late myself."

"Really?" Alec's pitch rose, hopeful.

"No. But I wanted to make you stop beating yourself up because your siblings held you up."

Alec couldn't help but laugh at Magnus' words, then he stopped short.

"Oh, I forgot to ask you if you wanted one" he barely lifted the take-away cup to indicate it "Sorry." he said dejectedly. How was it that he was just forgetting everything as of late?

"I already had one while I was waiting for you."Magnus offered a smile.

"I really am that late, aren't I? How useless." He didn't even want to look at the time now, too afraid he'd feel worse.

"Seriously, calm down." Magnus laughed and Alec relaxed his shoulders.

Their friendship had only strengthened over the past few weeks. Since Magnus didn't go to school they usually tried to meet up at coffee shops or just text. After they met that time on the street neither of them bothered to text until Alec saw Magnus at the library again a few days later. He was just on his way out and Alec was at the tables doing his English homework, so they just waved at each other. He texted Magnus when he got home and it had kicked off from there.

Alec found that he just really enjoyed Magnus' company because he was separate from his family or friends and school. It was something different to occupy his mind entirely, like a breath of fresh air. They usually spent the time they shared talking about all the things that Magnus was in fact separate from and Magnus told him about how much he wanted to travel and have a bit more freedom. Most of the time it was Alec rambling and Magnus would just laugh or make light comments.

Today at the coffee shop was no different. Alec really felt that Magnus was easy to off-load his thoughts to and Magnus seemed happy to talk about it. It seemed like a strange combination, them two, being friends. Then Alec remembered Izzy and Clary, they were so opposite in many ways, but were really good friends. It seemed to be the same for Magnus and him.

Magnus was almost his complete opposite, the clothes, the hair, the out-going personality, yet they both were comfortable enough to talk about pretty much anything. It was even. Magnus needed Alec's friendship just as much as Alec needed Magnus'.

Magnus certainly began to contribute to Alec's sense of 'content'.

This friendship he found with Magnus was rapidly becoming like the ones he shared with Jace or Izzy.

But all friends have secrets.

There it is! Chapter 1 done. Shoot a review to tell me your thoughts. I honestly do love reading them. Who doesn't? :)
Thanks heaps to all of those who followed and reviewed the prologue, it made me super happy that people enjoyed it!
Mistakes are my own.
~ChaseThisLightWithMe :)