I just wanted to say that if I see any complaints about Alec not being gay or "forcing sexuality on someone" I will gag. And then throw up. It's a fanfiction and I could even make Alec a goddamn dog if I wanted to. That being said, I hope you're going to enjoy my rambling.
Paint it Black - Hidden Citizens
For over ten years, Alec Lightwood has never let his emotions take over. Emotions were nothing but a distraction, and he needed to get rid of any kind of distractions. He was supposed to be the best Shadowhunter, stand next to Jace whenever the latter needed him. He was supposed to be a good big brother for Izzy and an amazing boyfriend for Magnus. And it was all going smoothly, until the hell broke loose.
Alec could still see those mortifying images of Magnus walking out on him, the cold look displayed all over the Warlock's face; he could still feel the shock and disappointment filling his insides before they curled and turned upside down. How could he get so low? How could he ever think that someone who put so much trust in him would actually let Alec's lie slide? And, no matter how much Alec didn't want to admit it, his heart was shattered and stomped upon.
He could not forget. Not to mention forgive himself.
No matter how many calls he made, Magnus declined every single one of them and it hurt as if there was a sharp blade cutting his insides.
For about three weeks, he kept throwing himself into the worst of fights, battling the worst of demons. Was he trying to get himself killed? Alec himself didn't know, but he needed the rush of adrenaline and there it was, waiting on a gold plate. He didn't even care about Jace's disapproving looks every single time he had to patch Alec up. Alec didn't care anymore about anything. And, most of all, he was ashamed. Ashamed of his actions. He always thought highly of himself, knowing he was intelligent enough to deal with things – despite the switch that was always on, as Isabelle once said. And now? Now he felt like he was nothing more than a brainless fool.
Breathing out slowly, he leaned against the tree behind him. He was grateful for orders, even though they were simple – he had to pick up someone from Idris, someone who was going to take the lead of the Institute with him. After Valentine disappearing, he was sure that Clave needed someone to monitor them all, especially Jace and Clary. He had no idea who might this be but he couldn't care less – Clave would never make a mistake by sending someone unsuitable. He was loyal to them and believed in every choice they've made. At least that's what he was going to do now.
His blue eyes peeked from under the few strands of raven hair that refused to stay intact, fixing themselves on his forehead. It didn't matter anymore, though. The portal was here and it was just about time. He didn't want to waste any more of it, he wanted to fill the person in as soon as possible and get on with their current mission of finding Valentine wherever he might be.
The Portal grew bigger, the lights starling him for a second before he could see someone jumping out of it. A woman, in fact. Her face was hidden behind the black RayBans, but the bunch of red locks falling all over her shoulders seemed oddly familiar. He stopped in his tracks, cocking his head slightly to the side.
"Fuck it, I hate Portals." Was all the girl said as she brushed the invisible dust from her leather, motorcycle jacket and looked up at the man before her.
But the voice was enough to make him part his lips in shock.
"What the..." Alec breathed out, startled to no end as his arms dropped. Of course. The raspy tone to her voice, the leather covering every single part of her body, the color of her hair, even those damn words that nearly defined her.
The girl threw a small smile at him and took of her sunglasses, her bottle-green eyes still the same as he remembered. And, hell, he remembered a lot of their encounters.
"Surprised, Ally? Thought you were gonna get some sexy guy to bang?" She asked with a chuckle, crossing her arms. "Well, too bad. All you get is me."
There was silence and he could see the girl getting a little uneasy before her smirk was back on.
Alec looked at her in shock one more time before breaking into a laugh. Reaching out, he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her up in the air, swirling the poor girl around.
The sudden wave of surprise and happiness startled him so bad that he almost forgot about his vow not to let emotions take over his life. Almost.
"Damn it, Serenity! I thought you died!" He groaned loudly when she wiggled away, punching him in the arm. "I haven't heard from you since, like, four years ago?" His tone still hid the hint of surprise as he looked her over from head to toe. And, God, was she stunning. Her red locks that were once really hard to contain were now falling down her back in shiny waves. Her eyes, framed by long lashes, were popping due to the way she wore her eyeliner and, damn it, she was a woman now. Her hourglass figure stood out perfectly, wrapped in leather, skinny pants and a dark shirt tucked inside them. The belt wrapped around her waist held weapons he only saw in books, but what did he expect? She was the best of the best. The training she got from the best tutors wasn't something to be taken lightly and Alec was sure that she had taken down more demons than Jace has ever seen. He nearly forgot how appealing she was, even to him.
"Done checking me out?" Serenity's voice broke him out of his thoughts and Alec cleared his throat, looking at her devious smirk. "I mean, I know I'm pretty well shaped and all but it's still rude to stare."
Gaining his composure, he scoffed loudly and reached out, pushing her playfully.
"I was just trying to find this slight hint of Serenity Hollow I was friends with those years ago. And it seems like she's just the same little brat as ever." His tone was mischievous and he arched a brow at her once she huffed at him in annoyance.
"Shut up, Lightwood." She sighed, rolling her eyes. "And better pay me some respect. I assume you know I'm the new leader here."
Alec scoffed once more, grabbing her gently by her arm and began to walk towards the tall building that was supposed to be her new home now.
"We'll see about that, Hollow."
As they walked in, she was expecting people to be surprised. She was still young, still trying to learn as much as she could but damn, those whispers were driving her crazy. Serenity, however, was used to being the topic of rumors. Being a very skilled killer at such young age was still something that surprised most of the people and she didn't give a damn, really. She knew what she could do and, most importantly, she knew she was doing a good job.
With her hands tucked behind her back, she was walking alongside Alec Lightwood and she couldn't help but stare from the corner of her eye. He was so good looking, it nearly knocked her out and she's encountered a lot of men in her past. The only thing that puberty had never changed about him were his vivid blue eyes and those silky, raven hair that she used to stroke gently when they were younger. Serenity couldn't be more impressed. He would find a place on her "to do" list now, if he wasn't straight up gay.
"Nervous?" Came a playful mumble when he noticed Serenity was too silent and she just rolled her eyes at the man next to her, pursing her lips.
"What should I be nervous about?" She responded with a scoff, looking at him with an arched brow. She would never, ever admit it even if she indeed was a little nervous. "That my first love ever got himself a mere copy of me? Or that I'm expected to jump into a role you were born for?" When he looked at her with a hint of doubt, she scoffed loudly once more causing a few people to give her a weird look. "C'mon, Alec, we both know that I do fighting and you do thinking. But no, I'm not nervous. Although I would rather have this formalities behind me and have a drink with you."
Alec rolled his eyes, a small grin creeping up his lips as they approached a room that were occupied by Jace and Izzy, as it seemed. The sound of laughter emitted from those four walls and Serenity grinned widely, finally feeling hyped up at the mere thought of finally getting to see those idiots.
As they walked in, she stopped in her tracks and leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. Smile never left her red-painted lips as she watched the pair of her friends attempting to spar one another. But they were both very good, both of them having advantages the other was lacking so the fight seemed to go on and on. Until Isabelle finally threw a deciding punch, her skillful hands knocking the blonde man out.
"K.O., Jace." The raven-haired woman grinned, her foot firmly pressed against his chest. "You're dead."
Before he could reply, Serenity couldn't help but clap a few times, arching a brow. Alec chuckled quietly, back pressed against the wall as he watched his sister and Parabatai turn their heads to the sound. Izzy's lips parted briefly, surprise vivid as she slowly retreated her leg to stand up straight, as if not to fall over herself.
"Well, well, well." The woman grinned, cocking her head to the side. "So, now I'm not the only one who's able to kick your ass, Jace?" The question was met with more silence as she could spot waves of shock pouring all over those two. "It feels good. Maybe your confidence is finally going to jump off its high horse."
She was met with more silence, they just stared at her. Izzy was bewildered, Jace shocked and those little girl in the corner – Valentine's daughter – she was so confused that it nearly made Serenity scoff. Red waves of curly hair were walling over the girl's shoulders, her eyes eyeing Serenity with wonder as she kept playing with her steele. She was pretty, Hollow had to admit it whether she liked it or not but she truly seemed like the type to get in trouble without thinking of consequences. That would explain Jace's attraction to her. Sort of.
Before she could give in completely to her musings, Serenity could feel someone nearly jumping at her with a loud squeal.
"Oh my God, Serenity?"
Knocking out any remaining air from her lungs, Isabelle flung her arms over Hollow's neck. Serenity gasped and nearly laughed at the same time, hugging the raven-haired girl back. It's been such a long time since they last saw each other and it was nearly an overwhelming experience, looking at Izzy now from up close. She was so beautiful that Hollow had to double check herself for a hard-on, really. Not to mention the sweet, loving and caring personality the taller girl had. That was worth looking up to.
"Yup, it's me." Hollow replied with a chuckle, rolling her eyes slightly. "And I'm pretty sure you're going to crush my ribs now. Damn it, girl!" Her voice was full off amusement as she backed away slightly. "You're stronger than Alec, I swear!"
Izzy only laughed and shook her head, stealing a glance at The Lil' Copy, who was now standing behind Jace – as if trying to tuck herself away into supposed safety. Hollow smirked lightly, the Beast within her stirring lightly as she cocked her head to he side. Her eyes slowly flung themselves to Jace and Serenity couldn't help but... admire.
Nothing has changed, really. He still kept his golden hair neat, unlike Alec who's locks kept falling all over his eyes. Jace's body, however, looked a little more firm and toned, wrapped in one of those black T-shirts that Hollow used to sleep in after their... Pleasurable encounters, as she liked to call them. His eyes, focused fully on her, seemed a little cautious but happy. Very happy.
"Well, aren't you gonna hug me?" Hollow grinned at the man before her, stretching out her arms. "Don't break my heart this way, Jace."
Within a heartbeat, he scooped her into his warm embrace. The scent of earth and lavender filling her nostrils as she hugged him back tightly, pressing her cheek against the crook of his neck. Nothing changed. Even her thumping heart knew that, hammering against her ribcage once he planted a kiss to her cheek. What was so amazing in Jace, that she wanted so bad to be close to him? The past was the past and even if it was eventful, she had no right to be so hooked over a guy after those years. That wasn't Serenity Hollow she knew and wanted to be.
And when she stepped back, she only put on a smile. A small, wicked one that the Beast inside her wanted to keep up.
"Serenity, you might want to get familiar with our newest sister, Clary." Alec chuckled, although his eyes... Yes, those eyes seemed a little less inviting. As if he was scared of what Serenity was going to say.
"Oh, I already know who she is." Hollow replied in a bored tone, reaching out a hand to the smaller and definitely less trained girl. Looking Clary up and down, her brows arched lightly. "I'm Serenity Hollow. And I really hope we're going to kick it off smoothly."
Clarissa took up her hand, her grip a little tighter than it should be but, oh by the Angel, how Serenity enjoyed the annoyed look in girl's eyes. The Beast stirred gently and growled but Hollow shushed it quickly, curling her lips in a resemblance of a smile once more.
"Yeah, I really hope so, too."
Not so long after, Alec was filling the redhead in. Sitting on his desk, she kept watching him pace from one wall to another while he was trying his best to explain everything to her. Her legs kept swinging as she listened, Beast for once quiet enough to let her focus.
"Well, that shit is fucked up as hell." The girl scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Not to mention, Clave doesn't know half of it. And I'm pretty sure that if they found out, you would be in cell by now. What are you Lightwood, ten? No offence, but I can see why they sent me here."
Alec scowled at her words, shooting her a wary glance before dropping onto the couch.
"Look, there is nothing I can do about it now. All I ask of you is that you help us find Valentine and his son before they find The Mortal Mirror."
"And what do you want to do once you find him? I mean, for starters it won't be easy and even then, his son is made of-" Her voice cut the air sharply, before she mumbled quietly. "Oh."
Serenity sighed, the realization hit her like a hammer. Of course. Valentine's demonic son was too fast, too strong and too intelligent to be handled by anyone else other than someone like her. And it wasn't just about her abilities. It was all about the Beast. About the Hollow. About them both joined together to cut it all off. Who was better at handling demons than a demon itself?
"Damn it, Alec. Clave is one hell of a nightmare." Her voice was muffled, the Beast stirring briefly at the sudden scent of Serenity's fear. "I will help you all, I know what to do. But you need to know that it won't be easy and I will not let any of you be near me when it happens."
Alec arched a brow, lips tight. He knew what she was talking about. Her unique abilities known only to some small circle of Shadowhunters and it was by accident that he overheard his mother speaking about it a few years back. The Beast. The way it planted itself in Serenity's head and soul. The way it could not be removed or tamed. The demon only contained by the girl's strength and Angel's mercy.
"I know, Serenity. But I will not let you fight this battle alone."
Legs dropped to the floor, shoes hitting the carpet as she walked to pour herself some more of the golden liquid she loved so much. His words slid over her, Beast growling dangerously as it heard those before. And it didn't end well. Because once the Beast takes over, there is no holding back. There is no stopping it. There is no containing it.
Once the Beast takes over, it's all about the blood and flesh.
Serenity smiled to herself briefly, putting the fine glass against her lips as her green eyes scanned the male. He looked away, as if seeing something he didn't want to see and she shrugged lightly, swiping her tongue over her bottom lip.
"Trust me when I say it, Alec. And I will only say it once." Her voice grew huskier and she took a step towards him, his frame trapped in her shadow. Eyes locked on his own, Hollow curled her lips briefly and reached out with her free hand to brush away some lost strands of hair from his forehead. "We are not apart, Alec; there is no Serenity and the demon. I'm the Beast. The Hollow Beast. And if you try to contain it, it will eat you alive. So, once I let it out, you run. Fast, so fast that you'll be far away when I lose control. Because even if the Beast wants demon blood, it will not stop the kill if you get in its way. And I will not be able to stop it either."
