Hey guys! I know what you're thinking: 'Did TheOtherAvenger suddenly get hit by a campus police car and die?' But no, I didn't. I just belong in the Bad Writer's box. Probably should be put in the corner for time out. I have been so stressed out these past couple days that I literally couldn't write. But, I'll do my best to do daily updates again.
Shoutout: Everyone that has been reading, favoriting, and reviewing, you guys are amazing. I get notifications on my phone almost every day. A story is only as good as its readers.
Disclaimer/Soapbox: Do you really think Lydia Branwell would exist if I had any legal rights to anything TMI or Shadowhunters? Let me gibe you a hint: I was yelling and swearing at Alec Tuesday night. (TheOtherAvenger yells at TV shows and books. She's weird, I know.)
Warnings: Innuendo and alcohol
"So, do you want to tell us where you actually were all this time?" Jace asks once Robert and Maryse left.
"They sent me up to room with three other guys without female shadowhunter soulmates," Alec says, "But stupidly, they put Magnus and two of the other guy's soulmates in the room next to use. Magnus and were talking using Morse Code."
"Why didn't he just go into the room you were in?" Clary asks.
"He did after he realized it was the better choice. They locked us in the room, but locked doors don't really stop Magnus," Alec says, "So then we and the other two couples were reunited and we talked for a while."
"Just talking? Or some other stuff too?" Izzy ask.
"Izzy, you know I don't talk about that stuff," Alec says, "Then they went back into their room before Council Members finally showed up and told us we can go but they'll eventually want to see us again for our own protection."
"What are you going to tell mom and dad?" Izzy asks.
"Nothing," Alec says, "They're too busy to notice anything different, especially now."
"You're not going to tell them about Magnus?" Jace asks, "Alec, he's an important part of your life."
"If the Clave lets us be together. The Council Members I dealt with looked disgusted with me."
"So why is Magnus's name back on your arm?" Clary asks, "I thought we were getting rid of it."
"Didn't have my stele. Wandered to where he was staying. The runes were still on. He was just trying to get rid of them, but his magic healed my mark."
"Are you mad at him?" Clary asks.
"No, I'm not. What's done is done. Plus, he looked so happy when he saw my mark whole again," Alec says, "Which makes it okay."
"Can we see?" Izzy asks her brother.
"Yeah, I guess," Alec rolls up his sleeve and shows them his mark. All three of the other teens move closer to him to look at the now complete mark on his arm.
"He's got fancy handwriting," Clary says, "It's very interesting."
"I'll say. It looks like a girl's handwriting," Izzy says.
"Izzy, you can't tell someone's sex by their handwriting," Alec says, "Plus, I'm pretty sure Magnus isn't -you know what, I'm not even going to finish that sentence."
"Well, have you actually checked?" Izzy smirks at her brother.
"Isabelle!" Alec exclaims, turning dark red.
"What? I'm just curious. You never tell us anything."
"It's my personal life, not my public life! I don't have to tell you anything that Magnus and I do or do not do."
"I'll tell you all about what Clary and I do," Jace says, "Because we're parabatai. We're supposed to tell each other everything."
"Seriously? Magnus and I have been out once and you're wondering what's happened? I hardly know him. Nothing has happened, okay? I'm not sure our relationship will even go anywhere."
"Why not?"
"Well, for one, I don't even know if Magnus even likes me that much. I'm not really anything special and two, I don't know how I'm supposed to tell Mom and Dad all this. They're already going through so much and now we're one step closer to there being no more Lightwoods."
"One, I'm sure that Magnus would like you even if you were the most boring person on the planet in history," Izzy says, "He's been waiting for you for 300 years."
"And two: you just have to tell them. What are they going to do? They can't kick you out of the Institute. It doesn't belong to them. And as for the Lightwood name, have you forgotten about Max?" Jace asks before Alec can reply to Izzy's comment.
"I know Magnus has been waiting a while, but that doesn't mean he has to like me," Alec says, "And I wouldn't even know what to say to our parents. Am I just supposed to sit them down and tell them the truth?"
"You could always just kiss Magnus someplace very public," Jace says, "That way everyone will know. Problem solved."
"Are you crazy?" Alec looks at Jace like he has grown a second head, "This can't just be a random thing. It needs to be well planned out. Not that you know much about that."
"Hey! I plan things!" Jace exclaims.
"And you leave out details that you just make up as you go. Your plans aren't intricate enough. This has to be planned out, word for word, which I will do."
"Okay, fine, do it your way, but there is nothing wrong with being spontaneous sometimes," Jace says.
"He's not wrong," Clary says, "I love it when he's spontaneous."
"I don't need to know anything about your sex life," Alec says, "I didn't even need to know you had one, but no amount of soundproof runes will cover those sounds. Plus, I can feel anything extreme that Jace feels."
"You're just jealous," Jace says, "But I'm sure you'll get your revenge someday."
"I will, won't I?" Alec smirks, "I think I'll go see Magnus tomorrow. Maybe we can have another date."
"Just be careful," Izzy says, "If anyone sees the two of you-"
"I know, Izzy. It doesn't have to be in public. I don't think it will be," Alec says, "I can't risk anyone finding out before I tell Mom and Dad."
"When are you going to tell them?" Clary asks him.
"I'll wait until things get serious," Alec says, "No point in telling them and then having things not work out."
"Fine, but once they are, you better tell them," Jace says, "If you don't, I will."
"You wouldn't!" Alec glares at him.
"I would," Jace says, "Because otherwise you'll be constantly worried about them finding out or how to tell them."
"I can handle it," Alec says, "I mean it. Just let me do me."
"I think that's going to be Magnus's job," Jace jokes and Alec throws a pillow at him, hard.
"Jeez, is your pillow made of rocks? That hurt," Jace whines and then throws it back at Alec.
"I don't like sleeping on marshmallows," Alec says, "Pillows are meant to be firm, not overly soft."
"I agree with Alec on that," Clary says, "Jace makes a good pillow and he's definitely firm."
"Guys make great pillows," Izzy says, "especially faeries. There's something about them."
"Don't need to hear about your sex life either, Iz," Alec says, "keep it to yourself."
"I've been with a Warlock before," Izzy says, "It was quite magical. and he was only about 120 years old. Magnus is over twice as old as that and probably really experienced."
"Why are you all obsessed with getting me to have sex with Magnus!?" Alec is a little red, "It'll happen when we're ready. So you have to be patient."
"Will you tell us when it happens?" Izzy ask, hopeful.
"No!" Alec exclaims, "What is wrong with the three of you?"
"Trust me, we'll just know when he has," Clary says, "It's usually pretty obvious with guys."
"I'll let you guys know when it happens," Jace says, "Don't feelings, remember?"
"Why did I ever agree to be your parabatai? You're annoying and you have no boundaries," Alec stands up.
"I love you too, buddy," Jace smirks at Alec.
"Shut up or I'll carve a soundless rune your tongue," Alec says, "Again."
"Wait, you've actually done that before?" Clary asks, "Why?"
"He wouldn't shut up," ALec says, "he was being really annoying, so I eventually tackled him to the ground and drew a soundless rune on his tongue."
"How long couldn't he talk for?" Clary asks.
"4 days, 16 hours, 37 minutes, and 59 seconds," Jace shivers.
"You're such a drama queen," Alec rolls his eyes.
"I remember that," Izzy says, "the Institute was quiet for once. It was nice. Got a lot of peace and quiet."
"Hey!" Jace exclaims.
"It's easy for me to get him to shut up," Clary says.
"I highly-" Jace starts, but Clary cuts him, off, kissing him. He pulls her closer to him, his arms going around her. Alec looks down at feet.
"See? Easy," Clary smiles, "I don't think he'll be saying anything for a couple minutes." Jace has a dumb look on his face and is wondering how that kiss didn't affect Clary and how she could use it to show them something. Jace tries to contradict her her, but he can't say any words. The others start laughing at Jace.
"I'm gonna have to keep you around for a long time," Alec tells Clary, "Very useful trick."
"I think so," Clary says, "Don't worry, I'll use it whenever he's being an ass."
"It's late. We should grab dinner," Jace says, finally getting his voice back. He stands up and pulls Clary up to her feet, then bends his head down to kiss her passionately.
"By the was, Clarissa, it works both ways," Jace says and Clary looks mad, "Don't like your name? What are you going to do? You can't talk." Clary slaps him and the Lightwood siblings laugh.
"I guess it doesn't work both ways," Izzy jokes as they head out to get some dinner. Everyone is glad when Izzy doesn't suggest that she cooks and they just go and get a pizza.
The next afternoon, Alec goes to the house that Magnus is staying at. He actually gets lost on the way there, unlike when he was drunk last time. The other warlock answers the door.
"Hi," Alec says, "Can I talk to-"
"Are you actually sober today?" the Warlock asks, "If not, go home."
"It's two in the afternoon….."
"So?"
"A little early to be drinking," Alec says, "I'm completely sober, I swear."
"Very well," he says, "MAGNUS! YOUR BOY TOY IS HERE. AND SOBER!"
"Be right down!" Magnus's voice calls back. A few moments later, footsteps on the stairs are heard and then Magnus appears behind the other warlock. There is a contrast between them. Magnus is tall, a couple inches taller than Alec, which is really uncommon. His friend is more Clary's height, many a few inches taller than the redhead. Magnus's skin is tanned and his hair is black, whereas his friend is a greenish color, with white hair and horn. Something seems off about the warlock's fingers, too. Alec glances over at Magnus and at his mark - his cat's eyes. Alec realizes how lucky his soulmate is - his warlock's mark is so slight. He can pass as a normal person, especially if he just uses a simple glamour on his eyes.
"Don't just stand there, Ragnor. Aren't you going to let our friend in?" Magnus says, breaking Alec's from his thoughts.
"Yeah, sure, whatever. Just don't be loud, please," Ragnor says and moves aside. Alec steps inside, looking anywhere but at Magnus. Why is he acting this way all the sudden. His friend just said to be quiet. It didn't have to be in that context. Why is Alec thinking like that?
"What can I do for you, Alexander?" Magnus asks, closing the door behind Alec as his friend vanishes down a hallway.
"I was wondering if you were free," he says.
"For you, I always have time," Magnus says, "What do you need?"
"I just thought we could hang out. Talk. Maybe go for a walk or something," Alec shifts on his feet.
"Are you asking me out, Alexander?" Magnus asks.
"Yes," Alec says, his confidence returning, "yes, I am."
"I'd love to hang out with you, Alec. What do you have in mind? We could have a picnic. I know a good spot," Magnus says.
"That sounds nice," Alec says, "We just need to make a-" Magnus snaps his fingers and a picnic basket appears in his other hand.
"Did you just steal someone's picnic?" Alec asks.
"I don't know," Magnus says, "Come on, let's go. RAGNOR, WE'RE GOING OUT. BE BACK LATER!" Magnus walks through the house and opens a back door. Alec follows Magnus out the door and they walk down the street. They walk out of Alicante and towards the lake. Magnus snaps his fingers again and a red plaid blanket appears on the ground and Magnus sets the basket down on it and sits down. Alec doesn't ask about where the blanket came from, he just sits down on it beside Magnus.
"What's wrong? You seem distracted?" Magnus looks concerned.
"My parents. They're splitting them up," Alec says, "Everything is changing. And I know that I have to tell them about you soon, but I have no idea what I'm supposed to say to them."
"You don't have to tell them straight away. Just let things calm down first. And as for your parents, the Clave is just scared. But, maybe it's for the best. They'll be with whom they're supposed to be."
"But maybe they're supposed to be together, Magnus."
"If that was the case, their arms would have said that. Their marriage produced some wonderful things, but imagine how happy they'll be with their soulmates. The people that were made specifically for them. Plus, their soulmates have probably been alone this whole time. This may be for the best, Alexander."
"But they're my parents."
"And they always will be. Just wait and meet their soulmates. Then see how happy they are," Magnus says, "Ragnor says I've gotten really annoying because I tell him every little detail of what happens when the two of us are together."
"You tel him everything?"
"Yeah, why wouldn't I? He's my friend and you're one of the best things in my life," Magnus says.
"Jace, Clary, and my sister always harass me for details," Alec says, "I don't tell them everything. Just the basics. They're very nosey, though. And a little one-track-minded."
Magnus laughs, "Your parabatai seems like it. You know, your father had one, too."
"A parabatai? I didn't know that. Who?"
"Michael Wayland," Magnus says, "They had a falling out."
"What? Why?"
"Michael Wayland was gay," Magnus says, "He came to me once. Other Shadowhunters have, as well. I've never been with one before, though. I'm assuming he told your father or developed feelings for your father."
"Great. How's he going to react when he finds out his son is gay?" Alec sighs, then suddenly realizes something, "Jace thought Michael Wayland was his father."
"It was Valentine taking care of him, posing as Michael Wayland, wasn't it?" Magnus asks.
"Michael Wayland died, though. It was him that burned in that fire," Alec says, "My father would have felt their connection snap like mine and Jace's almost did."
"So when Jace was placed in your Institute because his father had just died-" Magnus says.
"My father should have known something wasn't right. Because Michael Wayland had been dead for years," Alec says, "So why didn't he say anything?"
"That's a good question," Magnus says, "But can we just enjoy our date?"
Yeah, of course," Alec says and rolls up his sleeves and opens up the picnic basket. Magnus focuses on his name on Alec's arm as Alec pulls out a couple plates, napkins, and plastic silverware out of the basket. Then he pulls out a couple of ham and cheese sandwiches, a bowl with salad, and a plate of cookies. Then he looks back into the basket, a puzzled look on his face.
"What's wrong?" Magnus asks him.
"Who puts wine in a picnic basket?" Alec pulls out the bottle and a couple cups.
"I don't know," Magnus says, "But hey, it's our gain. That's one of the really good kinds. Magnus snaps his fingers and the cork disappears. Alec pours them each a glass of wine and then they start eating their sandwiches quietly.
They end up polishing off the bottle of wine by the end of their picnic and are both a little giggly.
"You know, Jace keeps bothering me about you," Alec says, "Wondering what's going on between us."
"What did you tell him?" Magnus says, "Although, it's none of his business."
"That's exactly what I told him!" Alec exclaims, "But you know, I can tell whenever he and Clary are together, especially when they're being really rough. And it's soooo annoying. He can't keep it in his pants."
"Sounds really annoying," Magnus stands up and snaps his fingers, making everything but the blanket disappear. He holds his hand out to Alec, who takes it, but then falls against Magnus, knocking them both to the ground. Alec starts laughing.
"What's so funny?" Magnu asks.
"We fell over and now I'm on top of you and it doesn't matter because there's no one around," he says, "I can do anything I want!"
"Well, not anything. I wouldn't advice jumping into the lake. That would cause some powerful hallucinations."
"That wouldn't be very fun," Alec says, "But you know what is fun?"
"What?" Magnus asks the Shadowhunter, looking into his blue eyes.
"This," Alec says and presses his lips against Magnus's. Magnus wraps his arms around Alec and the two lay there on the ground, kissing, with no worries of being found.
