Magnus had enjoyed watching Alexander cook almost as much as he enjoyed Alec's cooking.

"That was delicious," Magnus enthused.

"It was just lunch," Alec shrugged, but Magnus shook his head in disagreement and continued to compliment Alec's cooking.

"Mom taught me," Alec replied when Magnus asked if Alec had taken lessons.

"Ah yes the excellent sandwich maker," Magnus laughed. "I should have known."

"So," Magnus added after Alec had finished putting all the dishes in the sink. "Where are all these holey sweaters your sister promised me?"

"Izzy exaggerates," Alec sighed.

"Do your clothes not have holes then?" Magnus teased.

"No," Alec said firmly but he quickly deflated and added. "Okay maybe one or two old sweaters but they aren't big holes."

"Can't even lie about the state of your clothes, huh?" Magnus teased, taking a step closer to Alec and kissing him lightly on the lips. "I am sure you're stunning even in a holey sweater," Magnus purred. He reached out and took Alec's hand. Alec allowed himself to be guided to the sofa.

"Do you want to watch tv?" Alec asked when they sat down.

"No," Magnus replied softly as he pulled Alec into his arms. "I just want to hold you." Magnus's arms were around Alec, and he squeezed gently while he spoke to illustrate his point. Alec laid his head contentedly on Magnus's shoulder. Their breathing synced and Magnus could not remember ever being so comfortable. There was something extremely cozy about lying on a couch with Alec, his stomach full of Alec's wonderful cooking. Magnus stroked Alec's soft black hair gently and Alec closed his eyes.

"So," Magnus started once he thought Alexander was completely relaxed. "When do I get to read your poetry?"

"Never," Alec said very quickly, his eyes snapping open. Clearly Alexander had not been relaxed enough.

"Why not?" Magnus pouted but Alec just shook his head.

"It's really bad," Alec replied quickly. "I don't even know why I told you. I haven't even told Jace I write poetry!"

"What about your sister?"

"She knows," Alec said. "Or at least she knows I used to write poetry."

"I would dearly love to read some of it it," Magnus spoke softly. Alec sunk deeped into the couch, or in this case deeper into Magnus's chest, but didn't reply.

"What if I sang you one of my songs?" Magnus tried. "A song for a poem?"

"You have songs?" Alec asked.

"Music is kinda my job," Magnus said smiling.

"But you said you don't write lyrics," Alec inquired.

"Yeah," Magnus sighed. "Someone else wrote the lyrics but I wrote the music."

"Is that your job, then?" Alec asked. "Writing music?"

"Yes, and performing it," Magnus replied.

"I could never perform for people," Alec said with a shiver. "I have never read my poems to anyone."

"Not even to your sister or parents?" Magnus asked. Since Alec was lying with his head resting on Magnus's shoulder, Magnus was denied the pleasure of seeing Alec's face from his angle.

"Izzy has read some of my old poems," Alec said quietly. "But I would never have the guts to read a poem to someone."

"Don't like performing in public, huh?"

"Nope," Alec said. "I had a meltdown during a school play once." There was laughter in Alec's voice but also a hint of anxiety, as if the humiliation of the event still rattled him.

"May I read one of your poems," Magnus tried again. "If I sing you one of my songs? You don't have to read it to me or anything." Alec was silent for a moment and Magnus was very tempted to turn Alec to face him. Not being able to see Alec's face made the silence all the more excruciating.

"You sing," Alec finally said. "And then I might show you a poem."

"That doesn't sound very fair," Magnus pouted but then he smiled and added. "Alright." He started singing the soft melody of one of his newer singles.

"All of my life, quite the strife," Magnus sang softly. "An emptiness in me. A hole where love was meant to be." Magnus started tapping his foot against the couch as the beat picked up. "Taken from me forever more. My heart. Taken from me forever more by you." Magnus paused for a quick breath, resisting the urge to kiss Alec as he did so. "The sun rises and sets with your smile. My stolen heart the best thing to ever happen to me." Magnus let the last note slowly fade. Then there was silence.

"Did that earn me a poem?" Magnus asked. With a sigh Alec got up and disappeared into his bedroom, returning a moment later with a spiral notebook in his hand. He turned to a particular page, then handed it to Magnus.

"You are not allowed to turn the page," Alec said firmly before he let go of the book. "Understand." Magnus nodded, Alec released his grip on the notebook and Magnus read the poems that were presented to him. The first one was labeled 'Acrostic' and the second 'Haiku.'

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

All for those I

Love shall I

Ever be for them

Xactly what they need

And what they

Need will always be

Dear to me for

Everyone of them

Requires me

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Little brother had

Always wanted to dream big

Shooting for the stars

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Oh you have a little brother!" Magnus chirped as he read the second poem.

"Well at least you aren't laughing," Alec sighed.

"I'm sorry," Magnus said, beaming at Alec. He motioned for Alec to return to his arms and Alec did. Magnus wrapped his arms around Alec and kissed his cheek before he said, "I love them."

"I wrote those ages ago. I know they are kinda lame" Alec said shyly.

"They are not lame at all," Magnus replied. "May I put them to music?"

"Sure," Alec replied with a shrug. Magnus studied the words. He hummed a few melodies before selecting one he felt worked well and started to sing Alec's poems in that key. He snapped his fingers to keep the beat. When he was finished, Magnus wasn't particularly pleased with his creation but he had only had a few lyrics to work with.

"Sorry that kinda sucked," Magnus apologised. "Do you have any longer poems?"

"If I say no can we change the subject?" Alec asked brightly.

"I will take that as a yes," Magnus replied smiling. "And for now we can change the topic, but I shall not give up Alexander."

"I know," Alec whined.

"What is your little brother's name?" Magnus asked, changing the topic as requested.

"Max," Alec replied. "He's ten."

"My godson is about that age," Magnus replied casually, trying to make conversation, though he would have been content to just hold Alec with or without conversation. Magnus thought he could lie on this sofa with Alec forever.

"You have a godson?" Alec asked, surprised.

"My friends, Tessa and Will, I told you about," Magnus explained. "They have two kids, James and Lucie. James is the oldest."

"Is that why you spend more time in London than anywhere else?" Alec asked.

"I suppose," Magnus replied casually. "But I wasn't born there."

"Where were you born?" Alec asked.

"The Netherlands," Magnus replied. "But mom moved us to London soon after I was born. She was Dutch but my father was from Indonesia… or so mom told me."

"You never met him?" Alec asked.

"Nope," Magnus shrugged.

"You don't have much of a British accent for being raised in London," Alec observed.

"Before I was eighteen," Magnus replied. "I also lived in Paris, the Netherlands again and I graduated high school in New York so my accent kinda got lost along the way." He chuckled.

"Wow that's crazy," Alec laughed. "What did your mom do for a living?"

"She was a flight attendant," Magnus explained. "But she was also a dancer and she traveled a lot for that as well."

"I can't imagine growing up like that," Alec said in awe. "My childhood was so grounded."

"Does the story of my childhood win me another poem?" Magnus asked gleefully.

"No," Alec replied quickly.

"How about a look at your holey sweater collection?" Magnus smirked. Alec shook his head. As an idea suddenly started to form in mind, Magnus decided to try a new tactic. "What if I tell you the real reason I got a job at your shop? Will that earn me another poem?"

"Maybe," Alec conceded.

"I got the job as an excuse to spend time with you," Magnus whispered. "Since overly flirting with you wasn't getting me anywhere."

"You got a job," Alec repeated as if making sure he'd heard correctly. Magnus was now wishing even more that he could see Alec's face, despite the fact this would mean that Alec would no longer be in his arms. "To get me to agree to your dinner date?"

"Yes," Magnus replied, not sure what Alec was thinking.

"You are relentless!" Alec exclaimed.

"Funny," Magnus laughed. "That's what Izzy said." Alec turned in Magnus's arms, and gazed into his eyes. Magnus took the opportunity to gaze back, trying to uncover the thoughts behind those gentle pools of blue.

"You walked into my shop," Alec started. "Saw me and then did everything in your power to get me thereafter?"

"Pretty much," Magnus smiled, one of his hands was resting gently on Alec's waist while the other caressed Alec's cheek.

"That's crazy," Alec replied. "I am not worth that." Magnus hated to hear Alec say that. He knew Alec to be worth more than any other person he had previous held in his arms.

"I would have done far more," Magnus whispered. "Because you are worth it."

Alec didn't seem to have the words to respond; a million emotions flickered across his face. Magnus didn't have time to decipher them since Alec was suddenly leaning in, and kissing him. Magnus held Alec's waist with both hands as he kissed Alec back passionately. Now that they were kissing, Alec sitting in his lap had suddenly become Alec pressed against him, straddling him.

"Alec," Magnus whispered, but Alec's only response was to deepen their kiss. Magnus's tongue greedily explored Alec's mouth while a voice in the back of his mind told him this was a bad idea. He pushed that voice aside as he found the hem of Alec's shirt and slid his hands under it and over the smooth skin of Alec's back. It had been a long time since Magnus had been with a man and never before had it been romantic. His heart was pounding and his pants were growing tight as Alec's actions continued to clearly show what he wanted. The little voice in Magnus's head grew louder, reminding him that just hours ago they had stopped themselves at this point.

"Are you sure?" Magnus whispered, stroking Alec's face sweetly.

"No," Alec replied, but again his words and actions continued to contradict each other as Alec's hands pulled at Magnus's swimming trunks. Magnus was flat on his back on the couch at this point, Alec straddling him and undressing him but Alec had said no. What was Magnus supposed to do?

"Alec," Magnus tried again, gently resting his hands on Alec's where they were pulling at the laces of his shorts. "If you aren't sure…"

"Do you not want me?" Alec asked suddenly, his body freezing, anxiety in his voice.

"I wanted you the moment I first saw you," Magnus replied honestly. "But you don't have to do anything you don't want to."

"I want to," Alec whispered. "But you might be leaving soon and then what?"

"I will not lose you over such a silly thing as physical distance," Magnus purred. "I travel a lot, remember?"

"We just met," Alec's voice fluttered as if he was more anxious than he let on.

"I have connected more with you over the last two days than I ever have with anyone," Magnus confessed. He had wanted to reassure Alec, to remove the stress from his voice but what he said felt more like he was persuading Alec so he added, "And that will remain true even if we stop."

"But I've-" Alec started, blushing so deeply Magnus couldn't stop himself from gently caressing Alec's rosy cheek. "I've never… not really… before..."

When Magnus realized what Alec was trying to say, he felt something he couldn't identify rise in his chest. Alec was so completely good, so wholesome.

"It's okay, Alec," Magnus whispered, holding Alec's face in both his hands.

"I haven't been out of the closet long," Alec explained in a whisper as if he was ashamed of his virgin status.

"Alexander," Magnus whispered softly, desperate to remove the anxiety from Alec's voice. "Technically I am still in the closet."

"What?" Alec asked, shocked. He had pulled back to stare at Magnus, stunned. This idea had obviously not occurred to him.

"I'm bisexual," Magnus explained. "But no one really knows that, except a friend or two and now you."

"Really?" Alec asked, surprised but reassured enough to settle back into Magnus's arms. Magnus relaxed as Alec lay back down. Somehow through their heart bearing conversation the heat of the moment had faded and though Magnus was a little deflated he was glad Alexander was comfortable.

"I told my mother before she died," Magnus explained. "My friend Woolsey knows. I told Will and Tessa only recently. It was easy enough to pretend since I had never met a man worth coming out for… until now."

Alec smiled with so much relief and affection at Magnus, it took his breath away. Then without warning, Alec leaned over the side of the sofa and retrieved the spiral notebook from where it had ended up on the floor. He turned to a page, then held it out for Magnus. The poem was labeled 'Sonnet.'

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

When you know who you are
But the world doesn't understand your way
Best to hide in your shell and not scar
The ones you love by telling them you are gay
No, I don't want to be set up with a girl
But please don't call me sexless
Just because I won't give her a whirl
Not even for a grand duchess
Would I get down on a her
Please stop asking me when I will date
It is your fault I am an amateur
Hiding as a straight
How much longer can I conceal
Myself before I have to deal

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

"Oh wow Alec," Magnus whispered as he finished reading it. "When did you write this?"

"A few months before I came out to my parents," Alec explained. "You like it?"

"Like it!" Magnus exclaimed as he read it over again. "I love it." Magnus looked up earnestly to gaze in awe at Alexander who seemed to be glowing with happiness.

"Thanks," Alec mumbled. Magnus put the notebook aside and pulled Alec close. They did end up watching a movie after that, but Magnus didn't focus on it. Instead his attention was all on Alec warm in his arms.

When Alec announced he had to get ready for the closing shift he'd taken from Jace so they could go surfing that morning, Magnus instantly decided he was coming along to help.

"Do you even have a schedule?" Alec asked.

"Define schedule?" Magnus chuckled. Alec rolled his eyes but didn't inquire further. They left together in Alec's car, and soon arrived at Lightwood Boards. When they entered, Jace was sitting in his chair behind the front counter, with his head resting on his arms. He looked half asleep.

"Jace," Alec called gently, but Jace didn't react. Laughing softly, Alec turned to Magnus. "Should we let him sleep?"

"Nah," Magnus grinned. Magnus walked over to Jace, got right up close to the side of his head and said 'boo' very loudly in his ear. Jace sat bolt upright and swore loudly.

"What the hell!" Jace yelled. Magnus managed to contain his laughter somewhat, but Alec could claim no such thing.

"The look on your face!" Alec managed to say while gasping for air in between great bouts of laughter.

"You guys suck," Jace sulked. "I'm going home." With that he got up and left through the back room. Alec wiped a tear from his eye before he looked guiltily at Magnus.

"I shouldn't have laughed," Alec said, regretfully.

"Yes, well I shouldn't have shouted boo in his ear," Magnus agreed. "But it just looked like so much fun."

"You are insane," Alec said but he was beaming at Magnus, a wide grin plastered on his face.

"That I am," Magnus agreed. Moving closer to kiss Alec lightly on the lips.

When customers started arriving, Magnus did his best to sell surfing equipment but his heart wasn't in it. In fact, his heart was across the room with Alexander. Magnus often caught himself gazing in Alec's direction while trying to help a customer. He loved that this town was so small; he loved not being recognized by every other person on the street. Though he supposed Karla had recognized him for who he was but so far no one else had. A population of two thousand meant there was little chance of people knowing him, after all.

When Alec locked the doors and started the end of day balancing of the till, Magnus sat in the same chair Jace had placed behind the counter that morning. He watched Alec with a smile on his face.

"Stop staring at me," Alec grumbled, without turning away from his work. "I'm trying to count."

"And doing a marvelous job I might add," Magnus chirped.

"Are you sure mom really hired you?" Alec complained. "Or did you just trick her into letting you stand behind the counter?"

"I am working on commission, thank you very much," Magnus replied, grinning.

"Oh so that's how you got mom to agree," Alec realized, still facing away from Magnus. "I was wondering since we couldn't afford to take on another hourly wage."

"I only get paid if your sales go up," Magnus replied. "But you know that wasn't the main reason why I wanted to work here."

"Yes," Alec laughed. "You wanted to work here because you have an unhealthy obsession with me."

"Unhealthy!" Magnus objected to Alec's choice of words.

"Oh come on!" Alec exclaimed finally giving up on the cash register and turning to look at Magnus while they spoke.

"Oh alright," Magnus purred as got out of the chair and walked the few steps to Alec, wrapping his arms around Alexander from behind. Alec leaned his head back and rested it on Magnus's shoulder. "I will admit I am a bit fixated."

"You think!" Alec exclaimed. It was strange, Magnus thought, how Alec's words never seemed to match up with his actions. It was like Alec was fighting with himself.

"Do you not want me to be so fixated?" Magnus asked seriously.

"I-" Alec started. Magnus turned Alec gently to look into his eyes.

"I have noticed sometimes your actions say yes while your words say no," Magnus said. "If something is bothering you, please tell me."

"I don't know," Alec finally spoke. "This doesn't feel real." He let out a breath slowly then continued. "I mean you were annoying when I met you. Then you suddenly broke past my walls and here I am in your arms. You make my skin tingle." Alec mumbled, then added with more conviction, "Things like this don't just happen."

"My life sometimes doesn't feel real to me either," Magnus said softly. "Sometimes I take a step back and wonder how the hell I got here but over the years I have learned not to think too much about it. The moment is what matters. Right now is all we ever have."

"You sounds like a motivational poster," Alec chuckled lightly, but Magnus thought there was a little less doubt in his eyes.

"How about this," Magnus said, holding Alec's face in his hands. "Worried I will vanish at midnight?" Alec nodded, hesitantly. "Would you like to fall asleep in my arms tonight?" Alec raised an eyebrow at him. "Don't give me that look," Magnus scoffed. "We just spent the afternoon snuggling on the couch."

Alec blushed beautifully but he moved closer and snuggled into Magnus's chest. "I'd like that," Alec whispered.


So yes I am updating this again. Hehe! I have been ignoring my other stories in favour of writing more of this one! ^_^ Sorry if you also reading Roommates & Soulmates or Human Delena. I will get back into writing those soon... I hope. But for now ALL the Elusive Love! Yays!

Sorry about my bad poetry! I had a moment and was like yes I going to write the poems Alec wrote but I AM NOT A POET! So sorry if they suck. I included them cause I thought they added greatly to the scene. After all I have written many song lyrics for Magnus at this point so I thought it was only fair Alec gets some of his poems too! Thank goodness I don't have to actually write music for Magnus though cause I suck EVEN more at that. I can't even sing on key. ^_^ Let alone read or write music.
So to sum up. Poems are part of plot but don't expect perfection cause me no poet. My beta writes poetry and was very helpful though! Thanks Hewt for that and fixing all my epicly awkward typos!

Please review! Never added poems to a story before and really want to know what you think! Do you want me to write more poems in future chapters? Or do you NEVER want to be forced to read my horrible poetry again! Lol


Sneak Peek Chapter 8

"Good morning sleepy head." It was Magnus's voice but Alec still wasn't awake. He mumbled and rolled over. "And here I thought you were a morning person."

"Didn't sleep well," Alec mumbled, his eyes still closed.

"Why not?" Magnus asked. He sounded genuinely concerned and Alec was touched. He opened his eyes. Magnus was laying next to Alec on the bed, propped up on one elbow, gazing at him.

"Had weird dreams," Alec muttered. "And I am not used to sleeping… well not in my bed."