Second chapter in record time! ( takes bow ) Not much to say now . . . OK then, have at!
Alec had always retreated to the library when things got too bad for him to handle on his own. Since he was a little boy he had found solace in the weight of the knowledge and history contained within the immeasurable number of books. Jace had laughed at him when he tried to explain it, a typical 'guy' like Jace sorted out his problems by finding something to punch.
But Magnus understood.
Magnus always understood.
But Alec had never expected them to last this long. He kept wondering when Magus would come to his senses and leave him - the charismatic warlock could have anyone he wanted, why did he stay with a pale, too-skinny, damaged shadowhunter? Alec had yet to get through a whole week without sneaking off to the library and breaking down into tears. It was pathetic he knew, Shadowhunters should be strong, but every time he tried to convince himself of this, all he could see was the fear in Max's eyes, the last time he had seen him.
And as if all that wasn't enough, Alec was mortal. Even if Magnus did want to stay with him, which Alec still found highly unlikely, he would eventually move on and forget him.
The thought of Magnus with anyone else killed Alec. Really tore his heart out and ripped it to shreds. But he'd never told Magus that, he had never shown him this side of himself.
Why was that, Alec wondered.
He was still scared of looking vulnerable, scared that Magnus would hurt him. That was the reason they were fighting so much, Alec still didn't trust Magnus, well he did, but after being emotionally isolated for so long, he found it very hard to trust anyone.
Suddenly a shadow flickered in the silence of the library. Alec tensed, the last thing he needed was for someone to find him like this. After many tense seconds, heartbeats thundering in his ears, a very familiar hamster-cat trotted around the nearest bookcase.
"Hey Chairman" breathed Alec in relief "what are you doing here?" Unsurprisingly, Chairman Meow didn't respond, instead he simply leaned his head into Alec's hand and purred contentedly. Alec chuckled despondently through his tears, at least someone was happy.
The cat stared up into Alec's watery eyes with eyes so expressive that Alec could almost see pity hiding in their depths. After several seconds of locked gazes, the white cat turned tail and walked smartly behind the closest shelves.
Strange.
Alec got up off the floor rubbing his eyes, unexpectedly tired, to follow Chairman, having nothing much better to do. Rounding the corner, he was stunned to see . . .
just a blank wall. It was a dead end . . . and there was no cat.
Completely bewildered, Alec scanned the murky floor at his feet . . . no . . . no cat. He didn't think he'd see the cat slip past him, so where was Chairman Meow?
Behind him, someone coughed daintily.
Whirling around, Alec stared at the unfamiliar man standing in the entrance to the short corridor.
Ooooh I'm mean . . .
But what did you think? Please tell me!
And those incredible people who had already reviewed - this is for you . . .
DisturbingEmily - I am glad :) Do you like this bit ? I'm a little worried that I've made Alec a bit too pathetic, but he is grieving for his brother still so . . . ( shrugs )
mbrattoo - I'm so happy you think so! was this fast enough for you? Is it still interesting ? =]
Bookworm24601 - Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou ! ! ! ! It did have a dividing line in the original file, must have been lost somewhere in the ethernet ( shrugs ) Any mistake I should know about in this chapter ? ( and I've replaced the file now so WELL DONE! you have saved others from bewilderment and confusion with your honesty! ) =] Let me know what you think now, k?
And if you feel jealous of these awesome, incredible, fantasmagorrical people then you know what you need to do! REVIEW!
This is Haunted Harlequin signing out.
x :) x
