I seriously had the hardest time updating this! I tried about four times throughout the day before it would work properly!

Anyway, I got about 9 reviews over the course of less than 24 hours and 6 of those were for chapter 8, which definitely surprised me when I opened my inbox so… here's the next chapter!


Title: Formalizing

Characters: Magnus, Alec and, Chairman Meow

POV: Magnus

Song: Take Tomorrow by Butch Walker (Quote: "Give me all your fear. Throw it all away and think about the good things, no matter what they say. We'll take tomorrow baby, one day at a time" That pretty much explains it. I think it's a good song for them and I suggest listening to it while reading this.)


Alec Lightwood reminds me of my mother.

Not to say that he's overly feminine or that my mother was overly masculine.

Neither is the case at all.

I think what really reminds me of her in him is his vulnerability.

Yes, he's an amazingly strong Shadowhunter than can handle himself in the face of any danger. I saw him take that kid down despite the fact that he hardly touched him. He's basically been trained since birth to be good at killing things. Or so I've heard. I'm not too familiar with Shadowhunter affairs.

Yes, my mother stood up for me on so many occasions and was always far stronger than I could ever hope to be. She'd routinely protect me, fight for me without shedding a tear.

But, there's something in them, both of them, that makes me want to protect them, keep them close.

I mean, I know that this thing with Alec is most likely going nowhere but, after this, either way, I'd like to be his friend, I think. I'm not sure.

I think Alec is at least my friend by now. After, all, I'd never not charge someone for my warlock services unless they were a friend.

He fell asleep pretty quickly. He must be really tired. Then again, so am I but, I keep getting distracted from sleep by his hair.

It's choppier and slightly shorter than mine but, it's really nice and silky. Healthy.

Alec lets out a contented sigh which is just super adorable so, I turn my head to get a better look at the boy lying on my chest and there's a small smile on his lips.

Yeah, we can at least be friends, if not boyfriends just yet. That's the last thing I think before I slip into sleep.

I awake to find Alexander still lying against my chest, TV remote in hand. I shift to see what he's watching.

"Lilo & Stitch?" I ask, smirking up at him.

"So what? I think the little blue alien is cute." Alec says defensively.

I lean up and press my lips softly to his in a chaste kiss. I pull back quickly, wanting to see his reaction but, before I can pull away much, Alec latches his lips onto mine with more force, making me gasp in his mouth as he gently pushes me back against the couch, hovering over me with his hand pressed firmly against my waist.

I hum against his lips. Hm. Friends don't do this.

Alec pulls away abruptly, leaving my mouth agape and me probably looking really stupid.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-" Alec starts. Why the hell is he apologizing? That was hot.

"Darling, you have nothing to apologize for. You're sexy when you're demanding." I reply honestly, making him blush and probably ruining my chances of experiencing that again.

"So, you like Lilo & Stitch, you said?" I ask, trying to make him more comfortable.

"Yeah. I used to watch it all the time as a kid. I hardly ever have time for TV now." He informs me.

"I can imagine. How'd you sleep?" I ask, running my fingers through his hair again. I have no idea what it is with me and this boy's hair.

Okay, maybe someone's told me before that I may or may not have a hair fetish. Okay, maybe I do have a hair fetish but, it's pretty tame considering some of Ragnor's…

"I slept really well, thanks." I almost groan because he's back to being all polite and whatnot. But, he continues, thankfully. "This couch feels amazing compared to my horrible bed at the Institute." He says.

"Really? That place looks pretty posh. I figured that it would be one of the single most comfortable places in Manhattan." I respond.

"Nah. It's more, I don't know. Classic. Sure, everything costs an unsightly amount of money but, it's better in appearance than anything else." He explains.

"You know. I'd still like to see the Institute if the invitation still stands." I say lightly.

"Of course. We can go now, since we obviously aren't going back to class today." Alec says. "Hey, can I use your bathroom?" He asks.

"Yeah, it's right down that hallway." I say, pointing him in the right direction.

He pulls himself off of me and blinks a few times before getting up and shuffling over.

I walk over to my bedroom to change my clothes. These have been slept and worked in and they're now horribly wrinkled.

I pull on a hot pink Armani dress shirt, leaving the top open and exposing my sparkly chest. I wade through my rather dense collection of clothes until I find a pair of dark washed True Religion skinny jeans that I don't think I've ever worn. I loosely tuck my shirt into them.

I think it looks okay, considering that I'm too tired to even attempt to find anything more elaborate.

I consider spiking my hair quickly but, then I remember what Alec said earlier. I don't know. I guess it does look nice down sometimes…

I slide onto the floor, searching for a pair of shoes when I hear Alec step into the room.

"Oh, sorry. I was just wondering where you were…" He says, somewhat shyly. "I didn't know you were changing, I'll just go in there." He turns to leave.

"No. It's alright. Maybe you can help me find a pair of shoes?" I ask.

I laugh at his expression because he suddenly seems overwhelmed by my closet.

"Okay, I'll narrow it down for you." I pull about seven pairs out for him to inspect.

"Um, Magnus." Alec's still staring at something in my closet. "Are those stilettos?" Alec asks, flabbergasted.

"Yes, Blue Eyes, they are." I answer, following his gaze and laughing harder.

"Why? I mean, do you wear them?" He asks, confused. Oh, he must think I'm a cross dresser. That would be funny.

"Not usually. It was for a crazy Halloween party one year." I assure him. "Unless you're into that kinda thing? I can wear them for you, if you want." I raise an eyebrow suggestively at him.

"N-No. That's okay." Alec stutters.

"Answer me this. Why do you even know what stilettos are?" Suddenly, I'm really curious about this. Maybe Alec cross dresses…? I'm not usually into that kind of thing but, who knows? It could be hot and I'm really open-minded.

I wonder if he wears the same shoe size as me? I'd let him wear them, if he wants...

"Isabelle owns about a million." He says, looking slightly less uncomfortable. I'm just a little disappointed. I've never been with a cross-dresser and the mental image of Alec as one is kinda ingrained in my mind now. Maybe later, I decide.

"Oh, well that explains it, then. Now, which ones?" I wave my hand over the shoes.

"Uh, these are nice, I guess." Alec picks up a short black combat boot that actually goes perfectly with my outfit.

"Thanks, I'll have to ask your opinion on clothes more often." I say, looking for his reaction. I never would've thought he'd know anything about fashion, given the majority of his wardrobe consists of the colors faded black and brand new black.

"Sure." He shrugs, sitting on the bed. I pull my shoes and I'm suddenly struck with inspiration.

"What do you think about my shirt?" I turn in Alec's direction, striking a pose and staring into his eyes, trying not to think about the fact that the gorgeous blue eyed boy is currently lounging on my rainbow colored bed, looking purely scrumptious.

"I, uh. I think- Um." He stutters, blushing deeply and flicking his hair out of his eyes.

"Use your words, Alexander." I say, as if speaking with a small child.

"You look… Great. Really. That shirt fits you very, um nicely. Was it tailored?" He asks, his blush retreating some. We can't have that, now can we?

"It actually was tailored but, I don't know. I think I'm more toned now than I was when I first bought it. What do you think?" I cross the room and pull Alec's hands to my torso and he sits up straighter.

"About what?" He asks, looking up at me. He's only about two inches shorter than me standing but, he's currently sitting so, his head is a little lower and my hands are covering his against my sides.

"Do you think I should work out more?" I ask innocently. "I figured you'd know, being Nephilim and all." I add, smiling slightly at him as his blush deepens again. I love that.

"Well, I can't really tell through your shirt or anything…" He says mischievously, eyes glinting up at me. Ah, so he wants to play it that way, huh?

I take a step back before slowly pulling my shirt out of my jeans and lift it enough for Alec to see my stomach, which he's intently staring at.

"Well, you look to be rather toned." Alec says, playing along now and grinning at me through his long lashes.

"I wonder if they feel as good as they look?" I muse aloud, mentally doing a happy dance because he's doing exactly what I want.

Alec steps closer to me, tracing the faint hints of abs along my stomach with his finger tips, making me shudder slightly at the contact.

What's the verdict?" I ask, wanting to take him right now. How can someone be so damn sexy without even trying.

"Well, I'd say that you, Mr. Bane, are rather toned." He responds in an almost medical sounding voice before applying more pressure with his finger tips, making me shiver more as his other hand rests against my waist, thumb kneading the skin that's really close to my waistband.

As if I'm not already completely turned on right now.

We're interrupted by the appearance of a certain little fluff ball named Chairman, who launches himself out from under my bed.

He goes to the far corner of the room and leaps into the air, landing on Alec and automatically purring contentedly.

Damn cat. Can't he see that I was in the middle of seducing a very hot Shadowhunter?

However, I'm surprised that they get along so well. Chairman has only ever been friendly and even civil with me. He seems to thoroughly hate the rest of the world.

"Aw, how're you, Chairman?" Alec asks him conversationally. "You look hungry. Magnus doesn't feed you?" The little cat shakes his head in what I guess resembles a pathetic no, making Alec's face contract in sympathy.

I'm surprised that Alec talks to Chairman so casually like that, as if he's a person. Usually, I'm the only one and I feel slightly insane for it but, that doesn't perturb me.

"Lies! I feed you twice a day just like I'm supposed to! I've never forgotten to feed you! Except that one time but that doesn't even count!" I scream at him, marveling at how cute they look together.

Alec laughs but gets up anyway, moving in the direction of the kitchen with Chairman snuggling against his chest. Is it strange to be a jealous of a cat?

He did steal my about-to-be-intimate moment with Alec. I guess we have all day for that, though.

"Magnus, where do you keep his food?" I can tell that nothing I say will keep Alec from feeding Chairman. He looks determined.

"Third cabinet on the right." I say, watching him carry Chairman to other side of the apartment, as if he's too famished to even walk.

That cat has no shame. Although, I have to admit, they're really cute together.

I go to my vanity to quickly fix my makeup before waltzing out of my room, looking fabulous as per usual.

Alec isn't in the living room so, I walk into the kitchen to see him on the floor, talking to Chairman and rubbing his back as he eats.

"Alec! Now my own cat's gonna hate me because you take better care of him!" I pout at the Shadowhunter who just laughs and continues to snuggle my cat.

I make my camera appear in my hand and quickly snap about five pictures of the two of them.

"What was that for?" Alec gasps.

"I dunno. You guys looked cute so I thought I'd take a picture. I love taking pictures!" I gush at him, hoping my adorability factor makes him forget it. I blink innocently at him for a few seconds.

"You're something else, Magnus." He shakes his head at me and stands, dusting his pants off.

"Something good, I hope?" Milking it for all it's worth.

"Whatever you say." He grins at me before turning to the cat. "Bye Chairman Meow! I'll see you later!" He calls and the cat meows loudly back to him, pawing at the hem of his pants.

I take that as a good sign. Even if he kinda seems to just be here for the cat, he'll be back. I take what I can.

As we're walking to the Institute, I can't help but want to reach out and take his hand in mine. Would anyone really see in this huge throng of people?

After how much time we've spent together today, who knows? He may not even be bothered by it.

Then again, I don't wanna risk ruining things by having him jump away from him again. That probably wouldn't be a good idea.

I settle for just talking about nothing in particular and walking closely beside him.

Once we get in the elevator of the Institute, I remember something.

"Alec! I forgot out notes for our assignment." I tell him.

He just laughs and pulls a few sheets of paper from his backpack. "While you were in your room, I got them out of your notebook." He says, smiling.

I can't decide if I should be worried that he went through my stuff or not. It is a little weird but, I guess it's okay. He was just remembering the project.

"Well, we have a lot of time. What do want to do?" Alec asks but, I'm too busy staring at the room we're in.

I'm guessing that it's the living room, or maybe, one of them. This place is big enough to have multiple.

The walls in the room are painted stark white. There's a shiny sheen to them that make them look classy, rather than clinical. The furniture is either white or gold all over.

There're two huge white leather sofas, adorned with golden throw pillows thrown atop it haphazardly.

There are several arm chairs, maybe recliners that are a patterned gold. There's a white marble fireplace against one wall and a huge flat screen television against another wall.

And, I do mean huge. It's even bigger than the one in my little theater.

As I'm admiring the room, I hear a squeal and suddenly Isabelle Lightwood is standing right in front of me, grinning broadly.

She takes my hand. "Magnus! I haven't seen you in forever!" She gives me a quick hug and pulls me over to one of the couches.

"Well, I'll let you two catch up… I'm gonna go put this in my room." Alec hold up his bag, heading to a huge winding staircase and I have to will myself to stay seated. I really want to see Alexander's room.

"So, Magnus. Are you throwing any parties in the near future?" Isabelle's brown eyes light up with excitement at the idea.

"Sorry sweetheart but, not this week. Maybe next?" Her face falls a bit and I don't even hesitate to invite her. "However, my brother did inform of a word of mouth thing that sounds downright devilish." She lets out another loud squeal, which makes me chuckle slightly.

"Ooh. Mysterious! Where?" She asks.

"Are you familiar with that old warehouse on fifth?" I ask, well aware that she probably doesn't. It's in the shadier part of New York, that's for sure.

"Yeah, of course. I went down there once. When is it?" I tell her and she gets really excited all over again.

"I'll have to see if someone will go with me…" She ponders aloud.

"Just call me if you can't find someone. Lysander and I could take you. No problem." I offer.

"Really? Thanks!" Her face calms a bit. "Now that I have plans for the weekend, tell me, how did you get with my brother?" Her eyes widen by the end of her question.

"We have a few classes together and I've seen him around campus and he's hawt. So I asked him out." I answer her simply.

She nods at me. "I'm so glad he's actually going out. I keep worrying that all his life, all he'll ever do is worry about us. I was honestly just about to intervene until Max told me." She says.

"Well, I'm glad to help." I say quietly, looking at my hands.

"Magnus." Her voice has suddenly grown stern, making my head snap up at her tone. "Magnus, I really like you. I think you're a good person but, please know that if you ever hurt my brother, I will come after you, friend or not. You understand?" She asks and in that moment, I have no doubt in my mind that she's probably a far scarier Shadowhunter than either of her brothers.

"And there will be no hesitation. Alec doesn't deserve to get hurt again. He deserves happiness more than anyone else I know. He seems happy so, you're in the clear. But, one sign of heartbreak and you will have to answer to me." She says, her chocolate eyes never leaving mine.

Damn, this girl is scary. Now I know why she never gets taken advantage of by anyone, even in those skimpy little outfits that she adores so much. This girl isn't going to take anyone's shit, especially, it appears, when it comes to her big brother.

I respect that, though. I'd tell the same to anyone with Lysander. Although, I'm more curious as to what exactly happened with Alec's previous relationships.

Nothing as bad as what happened in mine, I hope. I think back on our first kiss and how surprised I was that he was so incredibly good at it. But, did he love them? I shake the thoughts away because they're making me feel an odd surge of something… Jealousy, maybe?

"I understand." I assure her. Isabelle Lightwood is one woman that I'd never want on my bad side. I'm very convinced that she could very well kill me if she wanted to, warlock powers or not.

"Good. I'm glad that that's behind us because now, I want to ask you where the hell you found this nail polish." She picks up my hand, examining them.

I chuckle lightly to myself. Just then, Alec bounds down the stairs.

"I heard Izzy squealing again so, I thought I'd come rescue you from her craziness." We laugh but, Isabelle frowns at Alec menacingly.

"Isabelle," I say but, she cuts me off.

"Please Magnus, call me Izzy." She says.

"Well, Izzy. I have no clue where I bought this wonderful color but, I could lend it to you if you want?" I ask her, smiling at reaction.

"Yay! When do you think I could get it?" She asks, rather impatiently.

"Hm. I don't know… How about now?" I end the question with a snap of my fingers, resulting in the nail polish appearing, and Izzy thanks me with a hug, smiles broadly and then sashays up the stairs, leaving me and Alec alone in the living room.

"That was nice of you." Alec says, sitting beside me.

"Well, I could tell she really wanted it." I shrug. "Your sister's really nice." I comment but, after that, we just sit there in somewhat easy silence.

"I- I'm confused." Alec admits after a few minutes.

I am too but, I doubt it has anything to do with what's on his mind. "Oh, yeah? Do you mind if I ask what for?" I say, looking over at him.

"I'm just, like, confused about, about this, I guess. Us. Like, what are we doing?" Alec asks, his nose scrunching and reflecting his confusion. I guess he is confused about the same thing.

"Well, we're sitting on the couch." I say, trying for dry humor, which doesn't seem to work but, damnit, I've been thinking about this too and I just decided that I don't want to deal with it.

That what happens, just frickin happens. The end.

"That's not what I meant…" Alec says after a while.

"Yeah, I know. And, Alec? I honestly don't know what we are, okay?" I'm hoping he doesn't press the issue because I don't think I want to talk about this. About us. What are we supposed to be anyway?

Friends? Friends with benefits?

There aren't any benefits except cuddling and kissing a few times. And that weird lick from me and him pulling away. I mean, we literally slept together innocently and nothing happened. What is that?

"Psh. Well, I just thought that since you seem to have a bit more experience with, uh, with these things, you'd know." Alec's face gets redder.

"Alec, honestly I have flings, mostly. I talk to people, we go out, we do stuff, it's over. This isn't even following the pattern." I let my frustration seep into my words near the end.

"So, what's happening here?" Alec presses, looking down.

"Well, we talked. That's on the list. I asked you out and that's obviously a necessity here. We didn't do much, we kissed a few times. I walked with you to pick up your little brother, we talked some more. And then we went to school." I take a breath, thinking over the events of the day.

And then I helped you rescue your other brother and we fell asleep on my couch and it was so comfortable and I just wanted to lay there forever but, this never happens with me. Not since- Not since a damn long time." I tell him honestly, looking into his gorgeous, oceanic eyes.

"You wanted to stay like that forever?" Alec asks, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

I reach forward and caress his cheek, feeling how warm it is due to his blush.

"Yeah. I did." I answer honestly, despite the warning in the back of my head that I shouldn't be doing this. "I think I really like you." I add quietly, not sure if I actually want him to hear that. I don't and I do, if that makes any sense at all.

"So, are we dating?" He finally asks, seemingly searching my eyes for the answer. My breath catches.

His eyes seem to be a darker blue than usual but, they're still clear as crystal, searching mine for answers, hints. I think we're both a little scared, since I'm giving him what feels like the same look.

"I, um, I guess we are, huh?" I ask, smiling faintly. "If you want to, that is." I add, suddenly fearing rejection.

Like Ragnor said the other day, rejection's never fazed me before but, now I want to avoid it at all costs with Alec.

"Yeah, I want to." He says and I allow myself to be simply elated at this news. At the prospect of dating, rather than one-night-standing. Rather than flinging. It formalizes things.

I think both of us may be more broken than we're willing to admit but, I think this could be good.

I'm so sick of keeping myself from having anything substantial. He (who shall remain unnamed) will not rule my life anymore and this has nothing to do with him. This is about me and what I want right now, as well as what Alec wants, of course.

Somewhere, in the back, farthest corner of my mind, I know that Alec's still in the closet. That we still can't do public stuff but, for now, I forget that.

I just enjoy now, with Alec.


Did you guys listen to the song? I love it. If you didn't, go do that right now if you can. It fits perfectly and it's one of my favorites. If I ever made a film, I'd be sure to have that song playing at some point. It's just so picturesque and sweet, yet funny. I love Butch Walker.

For anyone reading Just To Make Sure or Under His Silver Countenance, I'm in the middle of writing new chapters for both of those and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this weekend? Hopefully? My life is dreadfully hectic right now…

Please review! I respond to every last one of them and I love knowing what's on your minds.

Question: I was reading back through my chapters and I was wondering if I ever talked about Alec's previous relationship(s)? In detail, I mean. I couldn't find it… So, did I? If so, could you tell me which chapter? Have a great day, guys!

-Alexis