Hi everyone! I can't express to you how happy I am as to how many people are reading, favoriting, following, and reviewing this story. You guys rock. I smile a lot every time I check my phone and have a FanFiction notification. This being said, I'm sorry I didn't update yesterday. I meant to, but I was busy with stuff for my lab class (I'm an excellent procrastinator.) I wrote half of this last night, but I had to go to bed because I had to get up for my 9:10 class.
Disclaimer: I'm a college student. I don't have the legal right to almost anything.
Warnings: Hints at sexual stuff
Alec has a good night's sleep for the first time in a long time. His sleep is peaceful, uninterrupted by nightmares. Instead, he dreams of Magnus. So, when he finally wakes, he is in a very good mood. He walks to the kitchen
"Hey big bro. Jace says you had a late night," Izzy says, then lowers her voice, "How was he?"
Alec flushes, "It's not like that, Izzy."
"Really? You were alone with your soulmate and you didn't-"
"No, we didn't. We were mostly talking," Alec says, putting a bagel into the toaster.
"Mostly?" Izzy raises an eyebrow, "What about the rest of the time? And are you going to see him again?"
"Yeah. Friday night," Alec says, "And my business is my business. Also, he did this." Alec works up his sleeve until the name is showing on his arm.
"Magnus fixed it?" Izzy asks, sounding sort of excited.
"It's just marker," Alec says, "He wanted me to keep it on for a little while. To see how it feels. To see if I want it back."
"And do you want it back?" Izzy asks, finishing whatever it is that she was cooking.
"I don't really know yet. I don't really think so, though. It's safer for both of us like this," Alec pulls his bagel from the toaster and spreads cream cheese on it before pouring himself some orange juice and sitting at the table. Izzy sat down next to him and they had a couple moments of peace and silence until Clary and Jace walk in. Jace is half - dressed, lacking a shirt. Two weeks ago, the sight would have excited Alec, but now that Magnus is in his life, Alec sees his best friend as only that. Jace has an arm around Clary, who has one of Jace's shirts on.
"See, they've got the right idea," Izzy says, eating whatever it is that she cooked. It looked like a blob of demon slime.
"Morning everyone," Jace says, grabbing a pair of bowls from the cupboard ans setting them on the counter.
"Morning," Alec and Izzy both say.
"I guess you had a better night than Alec did," Izzy looks at the pair and smirks.
"Izzy! What did I say about my business?" Alec glares at her, "Why did I even tell you? I haven't known him that long, okay?"
"Known who?" Robert Lightwood walks in, then turns to Jace, "Couldn't you have given your girlfriend pants, while you were at it?"
"Sorry, sir. I didn't know you would be up," Jace says.
"Yeah, well, you all have to go to Idris and explain what happened with Valentine. They need the whole story, which they should have had from the beginning. You all should know better, especially Alec. Which brings me back to my original question: who were you talking about?"
"Magnus Bane. I went over to thank him last night for saving my life," Alec says.
"Why?" Robert asks, "You don't need to thank warlocks for their services. They're supposed to help us."
"But he didn't have to," Alec says, "He could have let me die. It wasn't his job. He didn't even make us pay him."
"That's odd behavior for a warlock. He'll probably want a favor. Be careful. Warlocks are tricky."
"When are we going to Idris?" Jace asks, changing the subject.
"Saturday morning, bright and early. They've got some stuff to sort before then. I expect you will all be on your best behavior."
"Yes, father," Alec says and then his father leaves the kitchen, "See, that's the problem right there. What's he gonna say when he finds out about Magnus and I?"
"I think he'll understand," Jace says, "It's not like you have say in the matter. It just sort of happens."
"Fantastic," Alec says, "I think he'd rather pretend that it's blank and pair me up with a girl with a blank arm."
"Who cares what he thinks?" Clary asks, "It's your life. You can do whatever you want."
"Until I get disowned," Alec says, "Get kicked out."
"They can't kick you out," Izzy says, "It's not their Institute. Most of the time it's yours. The Clave doesn't like them very much, remember?"
"And what's the Clave gonna think of me? I doubt they'd appoint me head of this place," Alec says.
"You could always live with Magnus some day if things work out," Jace says, "The only way anything bad will happen is if things work out."
"Then maybe they shouldn't so I can have a normal life," ALec says, "I don't want everything to change."
"And be alone your whole life? Wouldn't you rather be happy? Screw the Clave. They can't kick you out because of your soulmate. It doesn't work like that. It's not a crime to be with a Downworlder, remember?"
"I know that, but there are plenty of people who frown upon the idea," Alec says, "And those are straight couples. There are almost no openly gay Shadowhunters. It's all about reproduction."
"They've got Max and I for that," Izzy says, "Simon can change his name to math mine."
"True," Alec says, "And Magnus is just… There's something about him, you know?"
"Of course there is," Clary says, "He's your soulmate. You've got an invisible bond. You're supposed to be in love with him. Whenever Jace and I are together, I have this feeling of happiness that seems like it'll last forever. And when we're apart-"
"It feels like a million tiny papercuts on your heart," Alec says, "I know. I feel it. It's hard to ignore."
"So don't," Izzy says, "Be with him. Be happy. I'm sure after your date you'll be more confident about this whole thing."
"I guess you're right, Alec says, "I'm gonna go work out a little bit." He dumps his plate in the sink and heads off to the training room to get some exercise in.
Friday night doesn't come nearly as fast as Magnus wants it to. He has waited 300 years and now waiting 3 days seems like 7 millenia. Magnus change his outfit five times while getting ready for his date. Why is he so nervous? He used to date all the time. Of course, it's been awhile since he's been in love - Etta has been dead for a while now. Magnus still visits her grave occasionally - on her birthday as well as on their anniversary.
Magnus buzzes Alec up as soon as he arrives and opens the door as the Shadowhunter arrives. Magnus looks at the Shadowhunter. For once, he isn't wearing one of his oversized gray sweaters that is covered in holes. Instead, he's dressed in jeans and a nice blue button up shirt. His hair has been combed through and most of his runes are hidden, minus the deflection mark on his neck.
"Hi," Magnus says, "Do you want to come in and have coffee or something before we head out?"
"Yeah, sure," Alec walks in and Magnus closes the door behind him. He snaps his fingers and a couple cups of coffee appear. He hands one to Alec and they sit down in the living room of Magnus's loft. Alec looks down and sees a small tabby cat rubbing against his legs.
"The Chairman likes you. That's good. He's usually very good at judging people and he approves of you," Magnus says, picking the cat up.
"So, you're a cat person," Alec says, "Never really have had a pet. There isn't much use for them."
"They are good company," Magnus says, "Usually I'm alone. I like the company. Of course, certain people are better company that a cat."
"Certain people?" Alec asks, then sips his coffee.
"There are some rather unpleasant people that I have to deal with. Many of them Shadowhunters. Some Mundane clients, too," Magnus sets the cat on the floor.
"You offer your services to Mundanes?" Alec raises an eyebrow at the Warlock.
"Sometimes," Magnus says, "I know it's against your precious laws, but it's never anything too dangerous. Plus, if you said something, they'd want to know where you got the information."
"I wouldn't tell anyone," Alec says, "I think you've been around long enough for you to know what you're doing."
"You're something, you know that?" Magnus asks, chuckling, "I've known lots of Shadowhunters and they never would have said anything like that."
"I guess I'm even more of a misfit than I thought," Alec sighs, throwing out his empty coffee cup.
"No, Alexander, it's a good thing. You could be the one that changed things," Magnus says, "And it's about time. Things have been messed up for a very long time."
"I'm just one person," Alec says, "What can I do?"
"You're wrong about that. You're not alone. You'll never be alone. You've got your sister, Jace, Clary, and me. And I'm sure there are more Shadowhunters out there in situations like this. They don't even have to be same sex couples, just Shadowhunter - Downworlder pairs. My friend Tessa, I'm sure you've heard of her, is the only half Shadowhunter Warlock to exist. She has the ability to transform herself into other people," Magnus says, "Anyways, she had two soulmates. They were both Shadowhunters. Actually, they were Parabatai. Will Herondale and Jem Carstairs."
"You spent a lot of time with them, didn't you?" Alec asks, "Why did you leave London?"
"Well, after I broke things off with Camille, I wanted a fresh start," he says, "So I got on a boat and came here."
"Why did you break up with her?" Alec asks without thinking, "Sorry, you don't have to answer that."
"No, it's alright," Magnus says, "Like I said, most of the time if you ask a question, I'll answer it. Camille and I disagreed on a lot of things. I just didn't have that strong of feeling for her. I didn't feel like I belonged in London anymore, either."
"We should probably get going," Alec looks at the clock, "I'm assuming you have something planned, right?"
"Of course I do," Magnus walks to the front door, "Follow me, Alexander. I hope you don't mind taking the subway. I'm too old to walk everywhere these days."
"Can I glamour myself? I don't like crowds," Alec says.
"You mean you don't like people paying attention to you," Magnus says, "I'm sure you can manage it for a little while."
"I guess," Alec says, "Let's go, then." They take the subway several stops up? Down? Alec doesn't really know. Shadowhunters aren't good with Mundane notices Alec constantly scanning the surroundings, looking for danger. It's a very Shadowhunter thing to do.
"Relax, Alexander. We're on a subway. What could possibly go-" Magnus is cut off when the train lurches to a stop and the lights turn off. Alec is glad for the night vision rune on his arm. As for Magnus, his cat's eyes allow him to see in the dark, Most of the other patrons look annoyed, a few of them (probably tourists) are looking scared. A baby starts screaming.
"Why don't you avoid using that phrase in the future," Alec suggest, "Especially around me. I'm a magnet for bad luck."
"It'll be fine in a few minutes, Alexander," Magnus says, "just relax." A service dog starts barking its head off and Alec focuses on the area.
"Something isn't right," Alec says quietly, standing up, "I should have armed myself better." Alec moves from his car to the next one when the screaming starts. Alec takes off towards the source, yelling at people to move as far away from the screaming as possible. However, being Mundanes, many of them head towards the screaming rather than away from it. Alec pushes past them, Magnus not far behind him. When they get to the car right behind the source of the screaming, the noise stops. Alec hears footsteps heading towards the door connecting the car he's in and the one that the screaming had come from. Alec pulls out a Seraph Blade and names it. The blade lights up as the footsteps draw closer.
Alec is fully expecting there to be a demon or something. However, when the person comes into his car, he is just that - a person, a Mundane.
"Sorry about the screaming," the man says. When Alec looks at him, it becomes clear he's the conductor, "There was apparently a really large family of rats. The train should be starting again momentarily. Sorry for any inconvenience." The man continues to the next car. Alec puts his blade away feeling embarrassed for springing into action. He sits down in one of the seats and Magnus settles beside him.
"Well, that was interesting, Magnus says, "This has never happened on a date before."
"I freaked out for no reason," Alec says, "I feel like an idiot now."
"Don't. You're trained to respond to trouble. It's in your blood. And to be fair, that was a lot of screaming over some rats."
"Tourist. This city is full of them," Alec says, "I wish the Institute was in a less populated place. Although, it's one of the oldest buildings in New York City. The city formed around it. People needed the protection."
"So the story goes," Magnus says, "No way to prove it or any of the Shadowhunter stories. Unless you follow your 'all the stories are true' motto."
"Well, not all of them. I've yet to run into any zombies or mummies. Nor have I met anyone who has. Apparently those in the Egyptian Institute get tired of the Mummy question."
"I guess you should change it to 'almost all the stories are true.' Although, it doesn't have the same ring to it."
"Not really," Alec says as the train lights come on and it starts to move. Alec hops the rest of the night goes well, because it's not off to a great start. He's not even sure Magnus will want to be with him after tonight. The Warlock has been around for centuries. What if he doesn't meet the expectations that the Warlock has after all these years?
"Alexander," Magnus says, shaking his shoulder. Magnus is standing in front of him and the train is stopped again.
"Is it our stop?" Alec asks, standing up and looking at the Warlock.
"Yeah," Magnus says, walking towards the door, Alec in suit, "I said your name three times. What were you thinking about so deeply?"
"Nothing important," Ale replies to the Warlock. If Magnus doesn't believe him, he doesn't know because he doesn't push the issue.
"I hope you like Italian food," Magnus says, "That's where we're going. It's a couple blocks from here." The pair climb the stairs and emerge on the streets. They're still lined with people going about their night. Of course, it is a Friday night, so there are more people than usual on the streets.
"Have you been to Italy?" Alec asks as they walk down the street and then turn a corner.
"Yeah. Beautiful country. I'll have to take you some time," Magnus says, "If you want. Visiting places is easier when you have portal making abilities. Airplanes are just awful. I hate them."
"I don't understand why Mundanes like them so much," Alec says, "Something about hurtling through the air in a metal contraption doesn't seem right to me. Or very safe. And I kill demons for a living."
"This is the place," Magnus stops in front of a door and holds it open, "after you."
"Thanks," Alec walks into the restaurant, hoping their date goes smoother than the trip here.
