When they hit Portland, it started to rain, heavily.

"You should try this on." Magnus handed Alec a dark blue shirt, "It would look good with your eyes."

The pair of them made it to Portland, and they had stopped downtown to get Alec some clothes. Alec had never been to Portland before, and he liked it a lot so far. Before the walked into the mall, there was a silver human statue doing crystal ball tricks whenever you paid him.

"It's only a few days, Magnus," Alec told him, "These are too many clothes."

"I'm sorry," Magnus frowned, "I just get excited when it comes to dressing up."

Alec felt bad then. Magnus was taking the time to take him Seattle, he needed to act more grateful, "I guess I just don't want you to go crazy, because these are all name brands."

"They're the best." Magnus shoved another shirt at him, "Go try these on and then we should get back on the road. Let's get some coffee before we take off though, I'm going to need it."

Pulling out his phone, Magnus snapped a picture of him, and then shoved him into the dressing room. Alec stood in front of the mirror, his dress shirt was slightly rumpled and his hair flew in several different directions.

Great, Magnus took a picture of that?

After trying on several shirts and pants, Alec picked out what he liked and pulled on his old clothes. He liked the denim jeans with some holes precut into them, and two shirts, one blue tank top with small red anchors on them, and a black long sleeved shirt that hugged his torso tightly. Alec looked at the price tags, and all of a sudden he didn't want them anymore.

"Magnus, look-" he was about to say as he left the dressing room, but Magnus already had two more handfuls of clothes with a big grin on his face, "Are those… for me?"

"Of course. Which ones did like of those other ones?" Alec handed on the ones that didn't fit him well and took the other wads of clothes.

Back in the dressing room Alec noticed that Magnus had really good sense in clothes. Everything matched and had a theme; it was easy for Alec to pick out what went with what. Something was tossed over his dressing room, it was thick coat, "You're going to need that too." Magnus yelled over to him.

Alec really hated shopping.

Walking out of the mall, Alec had four bags full of clothes that Magnus insisted on. Alec and Magnus both carried the bags. The rain was still pretty heavy, and the new coat he had gotten had a nice hood, "Thank you Magnus, you really didn't have to do this much."

"Nonsense," Magnus pulled up his hood as well, "I have so much money, I don't even know what to do with it. Buying you clothes is fun for me anyway." They walked past a courthouse and a light rail train passed by, "There's a Starbucks at this square here. We can get some coffee and then go."

Magnus reached down, and grabbed Alec's hand. Alec, surprised by the sudden contact, pulled his hand back. He instantly regretted it, because Magnus looked down obviously embarrassed, "I-I'm sorry." Alec stammered, "I just wasn't expecting that."

People were walking past them, giving them odd looks. What did Alec care if he grabbed his hand, no one in this city knew who they were, "It's fine." Magnus looked back at Alec, "I should have asked."

"Here," Alec took Magnus' hand; his dark skin was warm. Silently, the two walked the rest of the block hand in hand. Alec's heart was jumping around in his chest, why was he so nervous all of a sudden?

The smell off coffee hit Alec in the face, it was soothing, "Are you okay?" Magnus reached up and brushed his long fingers under his bangs, "I forgot to ask earlier, how's your back?"

Alec leaned into the touch and closed his eyes, "It's much better, it doesn't really hurt that much." Magnus' lips formed into a small smile, his fingers trailing down to his cheek, stroking his face with his thumb. Alec's heart was now doing flips in his chest.

"Ahem." Someone said behind them, making them both jump, "Are you gonna order coffee or-"

"RAGNOR!" Magnus yelled, "What are you doing here?!"

The man called Ragnor turned around and walked straight out of the coffee shop. Alec hadn't caught a good glimpse of him, but he saw his light hair sticking out from under a wool hat. By the time he made it to the street, he was running.

"Well," Magnus sighed, "I wasn't expecting his reaction to be like that."

"Who was that?"

"That was Ragnor Fell, strange he was at my party the other night. Why did he run like that?" he explained as they walked through the line, "He's my best friend. Or at least I thought he was." Alec wanted a Frappuccino and Magnus ordered drip coffee with cream.

"What happened?" They walked over and waited for their names to be called, Magnus' fingers laced with Alec's.

Magnus looked out the window to the dreary scene that was Pioneer Square, almost like he was having a flashback, "Alpacas and Llamas…" he took a deep breath, then smiled catching Alec's confused expression, "It's quite a story, I'd like to tell you another time."

Alec really wanted to know what Alpacas and Llamas had to do with anything, but he didn't press it. Obviously this was something private for Magnus and he didn't want to seem invasive, "Okay, I'd love to hear it when you feel like telling me."

"Boys!" the barista called, he had teal blue eyes and his name tag read 'Julian,' "Here you go."

They grabbed their drinks, and Magnus glanced at his watch, "Let's get back to the car, we're making pretty good time. It's about 6 more hours and we'll be in Seattle."

The rain outside had reduced to mist, "I like it here." Alec said aloud, "I wish I could stay longer."

"We could come back," Magnus said.

"Really?" Alec thought about that, it sounded really nice. Not being in his home town was like stepping into another world, not that it was a bad thing.

It was about four pm, when they had gotten into Washington; the traffic was bad which left Magnus and Alec a lot of time to talk. They covered everything from bands to deodorant. Soon they had settled into a comfortable silence, Alec's head resting on the cool windowsill dozing off.

By the time Alec had woken up it was dark outside, snow was falling lightly outside the car window. Alec tried his best to stretch, "What time is it?" He asked after a large yawn.

"It's about 8 pm," Magnus turned the steering wheel, "We'll be at the store soon, how're you feeling?" Magnus reached over and touched the back of Alec's neck again, why was he always doting over him?

"I feel fine," Alec reassured, "especially after that nap."

"You're adorable." Magnus giggled, "You even furrow your brow in your sleep."

"I do not furrow my brow." Alec crossed his arms.

"Look, you're doing it right now."

Alec covered his forehead with his hand, mumbling to himself look at the scene outside. Seattle's streets were lightly dusted with snow; people walked soundlessly down the sidewalks. Magnus turned the car, and parked in front of a red building. Several candles were burning in the windows, and Alec could see bookshelves behind an altar of sorts.

"Wow," Alec said, "This place looks interesting."

"My uncle runs it." Magnus unbuckled his seatbelt, "He's a pleasant guy, I think you'll like him." Magnus opened the car door and stepped out, the cold air shocking Alec. Pulling up the zipper of his new coat, Alec stepped out of the car and took a deep breath of the fresh air.

Silently the two walked in, the smell of incense was strong, almost overpowering. Behind a dusty desk sat a silver haired man reading a book. His eyes were slanted and he was very young, but Magnus looked nothing like him. He glanced up from his book lazily, "Oh, there you are Magnus."

"Jem, how are you?" Magnus pulled off his coat and hung it on the rack on the wall, "Staying out of trouble?"

"Only as much trouble as Will brings me," He laughed, standing, "I found that book for you, it wasn't easy but I found it for less than what that Powell's books would have charged you."

"You only give me a discount because we're family."

"You're lucky you're the only agreeable one." Jem leaned over noticing Alec, "Who is this?"

"This is Alec Lightwood," He said wrapping his arm around him pulling him into view, "He's a… friend from school."

"Nice to meet you, call me Jem." When Alec said nothing Jem looked puzzled, "Don't talk much do you?"

"I just don't want to impose on any time you two may have." Alec replied.

"Don't be silly," Magnus smiled at him, "I see this goof ball all the time, don't feel out of place."

Alec looked around the bookshop, it looked smaller from the outside but when you walked in, it was massive. Several lanterns lit the aisles of the small dusty shelves lined with an assortment of books, "This place is beautiful."

"Feel free to look around if you like," Jem said walking up to Magnus, "I'm closing this place up, so here." He handed Magnus a bound paper package, "I'll bill your father for this."

"You don't-"

"Shh. He does nothing for you, it's the least he can." Jem turned around, and walked behind the counter, "Make sure you lock the door behind you when you leave," He wrapped a heavy scarf around his neck, as he walked by he whispered something into Magnus' ear, "It's nice to meet you Alec please visit again." He said to him with a wink.

Then he walked out.

"Well that was awkward," Magnus said tucking his package under his arm, "You don't have to be afraid of Jem, he's very kind." He leaned over Alec, his height towering over him, "Would you like to look around, it's quite amazing."

Alec nodded and Magnus started walking down the aisles, his fingers skimming each book as he passed. The air smelled like old wood and dust, and the floor boards creaked under their shoes, "So do you come here a lot?" Alec asked breaking the silence.

Magnus stopped and turned to Alec, "Yeah, I like it here a lot. It's better than Sheridan, that small down is awful. The only thing I don't like about Seattle is the transit and all the hills. They built too many roads, it's easier to get around Portland I think."

"Do you plan on leaving?"

"Definitely," Magnus said with resolve, "I hate it there, too many closed minded people." Magnus put his book down on a nearby shelf and leaned forward, "Would you like to run away with me someday, Alexander Lightwood?"

Alec felt a lump in his throat, he was afraid to say anything. Magnus' gold eyes glowed in dim lights; the glow from behind him shadowed his face dramatically. Alec stepped forward fitting himself in the shape of Magnus' body taking in his scent. His arms slid around his upper torso and he linked his fingers together, closing his eyes he said, "Yes."

Magnus pulled his shoulders back, looking into his eyes his gaze smoldering. His lips found their way quickly to Alec's, but it wasn't gently like before. Magnus' mouth crushed Alec's, forcing mouth open allowing him to fully taste Magnus.

The floor boards of the shop creaked loudly as Magnus pushed Alec against a bookshelf. Magnus broke the kiss quickly only to hook his fingers on the loops of Alec's jeans pulling him closer to him. His mouth was back on Alec's, his tongue pushing past Alec's lips and colliding with his.

Alec felt like he was about to faint, he felt too warm in his heavy jacket he forgot to hang. He tangled his fingers in Magnus' dark hair, pulling hard. Magnus made a noise in the back of his throat and pushed his hands underneath Alec's shirt. Alec deepened the kiss by matching his mouth with Magnus'. He wrapped his legs around Magnus' hips, grinding into him as Magnus' fingers explored his body.

Oh my god, Alec thought to himself, what am I doing?!

The bookshelf behind them moved, falling with a loud crash, books flying everywhere. Alec almost fell to the ground but Magnus caught him, staring at the pile of books, he swore loudly and put Alec down. Alec felt discomfited all of a sudden; he crossed his arms over his chest and looked down, afraid that Magnus would look at him.

Magnus was silent for a few moments then said, "Wow…"

Alec shot his head up, "Wow? Is that all you have to say?" His heart was hammering against his chest and he felt dizzy, almost panicked.

"What can I say, really?" Magnus bent down and tried to pull up the book shelf, but it was too heavy, "A little help?" Alec took a deep breath and approached the other side of the book case. On the count of three the two of them hoisted the bookshelf upright.

"Well then," Alec's voice was shaky, "Let's get these books back." It took the two of them 30 minutes to put all the books back. Magnus was silent the whole time, though he kept locking eyes with Alec, his gaze curious.

Finally they had the shelf back in order, or at least the best that they could do, 'He's going to notice." Magus furrowed his brow, "That man has an order to everything."

"I'm sorry." Alec whispered.

"For what?"

He wasn't sure what he was sorry for, he just knew he felt bad, "I don't know." He shook his head, "I'm insanely attracted to you, Magnus."

"As you should be," he grinned, "I do happen to be quite a catch."

"I mean, I can't control myself when you touch me, or if you are near me." Alec's head was pounding, "And because I couldn't keep my hands off you, you're going to get in trouble with your uncle."

Magnus laughed loudly, "You think I care? Look, tomorrow morning when he comes in, he's going to call me and gripe about the order of the books. He'll think I was playing a prank on him or something. Don't worry about it."

"Are you sure?"

Alec could feel him close again; Alec looked up to meet his eyes. They were a soft yellow, "I'm positive." Magnus cupped the side of his face, stroking softly with the pad of his thumb, "Alexander," he whispered, "You're amazing," he pressed his forehead to Alec's, closing his eyes, "I'm so happy you hit me with that ball." This made Alec chuckle a little. Magnus pressed a light kiss to his lips, "We should go, before we make another mess."

…

The hotel they were staying at smelled like chocolate chip cookies.

"And here are your cookies," the blond hostess handed Alec a large platter of cookies, "Your room keys, and a map of the city hot spots. Feel free to come and ask if you need anything!" She smiled brightly.

"Thank you," Magnus said taking the keys and map.

"This place is insane." Alec said eyeing the piano that played by itself. From the window he could see the pool and hot tub, "Do you normally stay in places like this?"

"Pretty much, this is my favorite one though." Magnus pressed the elevator button, "This was last minute booking, so we have a smaller room, but there's a pull out bed." The doors opened and they stepped in.

Alec felt color rushing to his face, he didn't really think about this part. Their sleeping arrangements.

Oh god.

"You okay?" Magnus touched Alec's lower back, and he jumped slightly, "Hey…"

"It's nothing," he told him, "I'm just sleepy."

The doors opened again to the 11th floor, they found their room and went inside. Magnus took the tray of cookies from Alec and set them on the small table by the door, "So if you're too tired to go get some food, we can get room service. Or if you're too tired, you can just go to sleep." He pulled off Alec's jacket, placing it on the coat rack.

"What about you?" Alec said taking in his surroundings. It was like he had stepped into the 19th century. The wallpaper was a dark floral pattern, and there stood a roaring fireplace, "I'm going to take a look at this book for a bit," He said shaking the book in his hands, "I'll take the bed out here."

"N-no." Alec stuttered, "I couldn't take the main room."

"It's fine." Magnus put down his book and held up the clothes he bought for Alec, "I bought you some P.J's. Go take a shower, then get some rest." He put the bags in his hands, and gave a small kiss to Alec's forehead.

Without another word, Alec obeyed. What choice did he have really? Alec never really won arguments with regular people in his life, why would it start with Magnus?

In the small bathroom there were several large white fluffy towels. Alec put one on the toilet next to the shower. He shrugged his shirt off and looked into the mirror. His lips were swollen from Magnus sucking on them so roughly, there were dark circles under his eyes and they were slightly puffy.

He looked like a mess.

Stepping out of his pants and grabbing several bottles of hotel soap he got into the shower. The water was warm and soothing on his over sensitive skin. There was a small window in the shower; he opened it, releasing the steam that had gathered in the room. The air was icy, snow quietly drifted down from the sky. Alec stood with the hot water on his back and his elbows on the ledge of the window, careful not to press his body on the freezing tile.

Capitol Hill was shining, full of tiny lights. It was beautiful.

After washing down and rinsing off quickly and closing the window, Alec got out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist. He dug around in his bag and found a pair of black silk trousers and matching tank top with little white buttons on the front. They hung loosely off his body.

After hanging up his towel, he walked out of the bathroom. Magnus was engrossed in his book, but when noticed it, he put it down instantly. Alec managed to read the cover quickly, it was called, 'Memoirs of Peter Henry Bruce, Esq a Military Officer', "Hey," Magnus said, "Feel better? Did you want anything to eat?"

"Yes," Alec's voice sounded strange, "I'm gonna go sleep… now." He sounded so stupid. Why did he feel things were awkward now?

"Sure, if you need anything I'll be in here." Magnus put his hands together, looking hopefully at Alec, "At any time of the night."

"T-thanks." Alec quickly walked to the door of the main room, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Alexander."

The door closed behind him, and he pulled back the heavy blankets of the bed. He fit himself under the sheets, and shut his eyes.

But sleep wouldn't find him.

He laid there for an hour, eyes wide, his mind going rampant. Things came to him like, what was his family doing right now? Were they secretly mad at him? What his father going to do when he returned? Did he dad tell his mom about the fight?

Then he had thoughts like, did he even really like Magnus? Yes, oh yes he did. He was amazing, but did Magnus seriously feel that way about him, or was he just playing with him?

Finally tired of wandering thoughts, he left the room and found Magnus. The extra bed was pulled out and he was sprawled across it shirtless, the book in his hand, "Alec," he gasped letting the book fall on his chest, "Is everything okay?" He sat up on his elbows.

Without saying anything, Alec walked over to Magnus, took the book off him and pulled him up, "I can't sleep." Alec told him, leading him to the main room, "Will you sleep with me?"

Alec saw color stain his dark skin, "Alexander…" he stammered, but Alec grabbed his head and pulled his face to his, their lips locking instantaneously. Magnus' hands fumbled with the door knob, but he got it open.

They both fumbled into the room and onto the bed, their hands exploring each other's bodies shamelessly. Alec had found himself under Magnus as he tore off his silk top, "Magnus…" he started, but he cut him off with his lips. They kissed and kissed for what seemed like hours. Their clothes, more so lack of, were so thin they could feel ever curve of one another's bodies.

"My god Alec," Magnus hissed into his ear, "You're gorgeous." His fingers played with his nipples as he sucked on his neck, Alec was starting to lose his mind. Then Magnus' hands went lower, trailing down the middle of his belly, and under the band of his shorts.

Alec froze, his body rigid.

Swiftly Magnus pulled away, his face flushed and his breath heavy, "Are you okay?"

"I can't…I'm sorry." Alec whispered pulling his body into a ball, hiding his face in the pillows, "I just can't…" he could feel his tears forming, dear god he was wreck. Magnus was silent, just hovering over him on his hands and knees.

"Alec," he said softly, "You don't have to be scared." He slid down beside him, pulling Alec's head to face him, "If you're not ready, you're not ready. I'm not going to jump your bones the first night we're alone together. I respect you."

"Ugh," Alec groaned pulling his head from Magnus' hands and sitting up crossing his legs, "It's not like I don't want to. I just don't know…" he stopped, scared for what he was going to say.

"You don't know what?"

"I'm a virgin." Alec blurted out, "I don't even know how to have sex with another man." His heart beat was so rapid he was afraid it was going to burst, "What if I mess it up? Hurt you or something."

Magnus chuckled, pulling Alec down, "You're over thinking things. We don't have to have sex to be together. I could spend hours just touching you, or kissing you." He draped his body over Alec's resting his head on his shoulder, his fingers brushing gently from his sternum to his belly button, "Calm down, get some rest." Alec wrapped his free arm around Magnus' bare shoulders, "We have time, if anything I'm sorry for lettings things go that far."

"We have time," Alec repeated, squeezing Magnus and enjoying the sensation of having another body pressed to his. Magnus shift upwards and started kissing him again, only this time it was sweet and slow, his hands stayed in one place.

Alec tried to keep up, but his eyes were so heavy and Magnus tasted so sweet. He found himself getting lost in the overpowering sensation of him, and he drifted off. The last thing Alec could remember was Magnus sucking on his lower lip.