Chapter 10

Disclaimer: I only own the plot and Anzo Bane (well partially. I own half and the devil owns the rest)

A Piece of the Past

"You're the light that makes my darkness disappear" - Jonas Brothers (not a fan, but these lyrics were just right)

"I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE," Magnus shouted, throwing the object in his hands and getting up to pace his bedroom, "I just can't, it's finished, I'm done"

Alec raised his eyebrows but didn't move from his comfy position on the bed, "don't you think you're being a little bit over-dramatic," he mused, "it's just maths."

Magnus shot him an exasperated look, "Easy for you to say Einstein, I however do not possess a ridiculously high IQ, nor have I attended more than two maths classes a week for the past year." The glittery man sighed and leaned against the vibrant yellow of his bedpost. "Oh well," he sighed dramatically, "At least McDonald's is always hiring." Alec snorted at the flamboyant display of emotion, but really he was pleased to see this side of Magnus. It was a Thursday evening and they were having the third tutoring session they'd had in the last two weeks. Magnus often suggested that Alec come over to study and then appeared disappointed and annoyed when they actually did maths.

Not that Magnus was stupid, on the contrary Alec was constantly impressed by his ability to rapidly pick up difficult and challenging techniques, but the problem was that he just wasn't bothered. He didn't seem to want to do well at all and, although Alec hated to admit it, Alec was probably the only thing that kept Magnus interested at all. Ever since three weeks ago when the two had spent the afternoon swimming and bathing besides the lake (which Alec later found out was called Lake lyn) they had spent a lot of time together.

In between Alec's lessons (Magnus rarely went to class), social time (Tessa and Clary insisted he spent at least an hour a day with them and Magnus didn't want to talk to anyone apart from Alec), family time (he had managed to visit Isabelle and his mother the weekend after, although Mayrse could only be there for half of Saturday) and homework, he was always with Magnus. He felt as if they were making progress, even if it was slow, as they were beginning to trust and open up to each other.

And, although there were many things Magnus had yet to tell him, Alec now knew a great deal more about the man. He knew that Magnus, despite sleeping around a lot, had only been in two serious relationships. He had met Agatha, Magnus' housekeeper and the only person (except maybe Alec himself) that he seemed to trust. He also learnt that apart from his father, Magnus knew none of his other relatives as his mother's family were in Indonesia and his Father's were dead or estranged. He'd also discovered lots of little thing such as: Magnus' favourite food (olives), childhood memories (like the time he and Camille accidentally trashed the schools gymnasium, then blamed it on a stray dog) and that Magnus knew he was gay when he was twelve. He also found out that Magnus had frequent headaches and took too much medication.

But despite the fact that Alec knew Magnus so well, they still hadn't had a proper conversation about their relationship (or DTR as Izzy called it). They kissed frequently, but hadn't done anything more. As Alec had never actually been in any kind of relationship, he was reluctant to start the conversation he knew they had to have, but it was getting to the point where he might have to.

"Alec are you even listening?" Magnus' indignant voice broke through his thoughts and he blinked rapidly, "Whaa-"

Magnus sighed and sat down beside him. "I was wondering if you wanted food," he murmured, tucking a piece of Alec's hair behind his ear. Alec smiled up at the glittery man, admiring the high curve of his cheekbones, "sure".

They left the room into a decorative hallway that stretched far into the house. When Alec first came, he had been awed and slightly jealous by the obvious amount of wealth and status the Bane family possessed. Everywhere he looked there was a priceless artifact or a custom made piece of furniture. However, as he got used to house, he began to pick up on the unfriendly, cold atmosphere within the hand painted walls. Despite the obvious furnishing attempts, the house was more like a museum than a family home and the only room that had a personality was Magnus', which consisted of clashing/contrasting colours and a riot of different styles.

As they neared the kitchen, they heard the sound of Agatha singing in her wobbly voice. Agatha was a short, middle aged woman with gradually graying hair and kind eyes. She was patient, gentle and seemed to understand Magnus better than anyone else. "There you are boys," she smiled as they entered the kitchen, "I was wondering when you'd show up begging for food. There's some lasagna in the oven and pudding in the fridge. I have go now Mags, I'm visiting my sister for a few days,remember?" Magnus nodded, "Don't you worry though, I'll make sure I get back for Monday, I don't want you to be alone," she gave Magnus a long look then pulled him into a tight hug. "Are you sure you're ok about me going away, I can always cancel. This week isn't a good week to be alone in a big, empty house."

Magnus broke away and smiled up at her, "I'll be fine Agatha, Dad will be home tomorrow and I've got Alec. Go and have fun with your sister and I'll see you on Monday." Agatha gave him another hug and a kiss, then hugged Alec as well before grabbing her bags and leaving.

"What's happening on Monday," Alec asked once they were sat down at the table, lasagna half gone.

Magnus swallowed and his grip on his glass tightened, "on Monday, it will be a year since…..since my mother died." Without thinking Alec took the other boy's hand and began to rub soothing patterns across his skin. After a few minutes he whispered, "Magnus…..I know I shouldn't ask and you don't have to tell me but…...how did your mother die."

Magnus clenched his jaw and there was a short silence before he sighed "I don't know." Alec shot him a confused look. "Well, I guess I kind of know but..it's complicated. Basically I woke up the Tuesday morning in a hospital bed, with no memory of the previous night. My Dad told the police that there was an armed robbery and my mother was stabbed…..I want to believe him but-" Magnus looked as if he was choking on his words, his body torn over whether or not he should say how he felt, "Look. I know my Dad couldn't have killed my mum, he loved her. Even when he was being an arrogant prick, I know he loved her...but. I just can't shake the feeling he knows something, something he hasn't told the police...or me or anyone. And it kills me Alec," his deep green eyes swimming with intensity bored into Alec's, "it kills me to not know what happened to her, to mistrust my own father and to feel like there's no'one I can rely on, no'one I can confide in….except…...you. I feel like you understand me Alec, and I can never thank you enough."

Alec felt his eyes watering slightly at the pure emotion in his friend's voice, "you don't need to thank me," he whispered, "I'll be here no matter what." Then he leaned in and softly kissed away the tears on the other boy's cheek.

"Hey," Magnus murmured moments later, his fingers in Alec's hair, "I want to show you something." Then got up from the table (leaving behind the half eaten food) and began the long climb to Magnus' room. Once they entered the zoo of colours, Magnus immediately bent down and pulled something out from under the bed.

"I've never shown anyone this," he muttered, embarrassed. The object was large dusty book and when Magnus opened it, Alec saw that it was full of pictures. "That's my mum," Magnus pointed to a large picture of a smiling girl, "just a month before she married my Father." Alec peered closer, examining the woman. She was undeniably beautiful. She had thick, black silky hair that swam around her head, almost as if she were under water. Her eyes were a warm brown and surrounded by tiny lines from smiling. She had Magnus' perfect lips, elegant figure and flawless caramel skin (although her's was a few shades darker). "She's beautiful," Alec breathed, looking up at Magnus.

Magnus' swirling eyes were wet and his lip trembled when he smiled. Then he turned the page, revealing a picture of three people, a man a woman and a small boy, their eyes all shining bright. "I think that was taken at a park in london when I was six. It's one of my favorite memories. I remember we sat on the grass in the sun for hours, feeding the birds and playing. Dad promised that if I could run five laps of the park in five minutes then he would buy me as many Ice-creams as I wanted. I did it as well- or at least that's what he told me, I suspect he may have lied a bit- and I ate ten whole ice creams before falling asleep for an hour." Magnus smiled, his eyes filled with memories of far-gone days, happiness, laughter and love.

They looked through the whole book, Magnus telling a story for every picture. Some were sad, some hilarious and some so precious and special that Alec wanted to write them down and read them when he felt low. When they finally finished, Alec shot a surprised look at his watch, "gosh, it's 11:30. I've got school tomorrow. Do you think the bus will run at this time." Magnus rolled his eyes, "I doubt it, I can drive you back if you want."

"Oh, no it's too late. I'll call a cab."

"Nonsense Alec, it's 11:30"

"Well what else should I do?"

There was a short pause then Magnus stepped closer and said, "you could sleep here." Alec's face immediately flushed crimson at the suggestive tone in Magnus' voice.

"Don't be such a prude," Magnus chuckled, "I won't bite. Plus we don't have to do anything, just sleep."

Alec nodded, embarrassed. Although his teenage body had absolutely no problem with "doing more" with Magnus, he knew he wasn't yet ready. "I even have a little camp bed," Magnus grinned, seeming pleased with his excellent hosting skills. He then ran out, returning a few minutes later with an elaborate version of a fold out camp bed.

After they had argued about night wear- Magnus claimed the only spare clothes he had were a pair of tight cotton shorts and a revealing vest, but Alec called his bluff and located a plain shirt- they headed to the bathroom to brush their teeth. Somehow they ended up having a water fight and had to find more dry clothes. "You coming," Alec asked when they'd both brushed and washed sufficiently. "Yerr, one sec," Magnus muttered and reaching into a cabinet pulled out a tub of pills.

"What are they?" Alec asked.

"Sleeping pills….they help me sleep." Alec scowled. He wasn't a fan of medicine and believed that you should try and face your problems yourself, without the use of drugs. "How long have you been taking them?"

"errm," Magnus seemed to consider his answer thoughtfully, "probably every night since she died."

"A WHOLE YEAR!" Alec exclaimed, "Magnus…...I know it's not really my place to say this but…...I think you should try and sleep without them. That much medication can't be good for you and you don't want to become too dependant."

"I don't know…" Magnus sighed, "I've used them for so long I…." He looked at Alec's concerned expression and sighed again, "ok," he whispered, "I'll try."
So he put the pills back into the cabinet and together they went back to the bedroom.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Later that night was Alec woken abruptly by a large crash that sounded beside him, the shrill noise reverberating around the room. He sat up in bed and looked wildly around for the source of the noise. A smashed glass lay in pieces on the glossy hardwood floor, it's broken body scattered amongst a large puddle of water. Alec was momentarily confused by how the glass had fallen, but looking up he soon realized. Magnus thrashed about in his luxurious four-poster, struggling and fighting the silken sheets that drowned him. His hands clawed the mattress, instinctual and desperate, while he emitted loud anguished moans.

"Magnus," Alec whispered, approaching the boy cautiously. Then, as Magnus let out a pathetic whimper and gasped for breath, all of Alec's inhibitions flew out of the window and he rushed to the boy's side. "Magnus!" he cried, shaking the boy, gently at first, then rougher. "Magnus, wake up. You're dreaming, it's just a dream."

Eyelids flew open to reveal a pair of shockingly green eyes, consumed by sheer terror. The boy gasped wildly and grabbed at Alec's ratty t-shirt, as if it was an anchor to reality. "Magnus, it's ok. You were only dreaming, it's not real, you're safe." Magnus let out a strangled sob, his shoulders trembling.

Alec wrapped his arms around the taller man's waist, whispering soothing words, as if trying to calm a spooked animal. Magnus however, didn't seem to be able to shake the obvious distress his nightmare had induced. Although his breathing slowed and his heart calmed, his body still shook with violent shudders and his eyes were fearful.

Alec tried his best to help him. He kept his arms around the man, he continued to speak soothing words in his ear and he refrained from satisfying the curiosity that burned through his mind. But no matter what he did, he couldn't seem to remove the fear from those beautiful eyes.

So he just held the pieces of Magnus' Bane in his arms…..and refused to let go.

A/N
Weeeeeeellllllllll…..what did you think?

The anniversary of Magnus' mother's death is only in a few days, will Alec be able to help Magnus get through it, can he discover the circumstances of her death…...wait and see (*evil laugh*).

Reviews:

Putty Tat Lion- Glad you liked the names, I agree, names with meanings are the best.

Riiver- I love you

Anairafuji- glad you liked it, Alec is so embarrassing.

Bloodyravenheart13- this chap had both fluff and angst, hope you liked it :)

kokosz- Can I just say that quite a lot of the readers of this fic don't speak english as their first language. I am constantly impressed by your ability to writ and read another language. It's amazing. I agree that Alec is always amazing. The school is definatly changing Alec a lot, for the better. I agree that the wet malec kiss was...hot...and yes...I love you to, and I'm so glad you like my story xxx

GlitteryAlchemist- as long as Alec is there to comfort magnus everything will be fine...right?

RangerofFiction- you are adorable ;)

Reader7264- they are acting coupl-y, but are they a couple?

pip- Magnus will stand up to his dad, soon.

RedCoral- thank you so much for your suggestion, thanks to you I added the memories about the park. They will DTR soon, promise xx

Intoxic- It's always nice to see Izzy, Magnus' secrets are coming out one by one. Alec does care for Magnus, which is good because Magnus needs a bit of luuurve.

Thanks for the reviews, you're all cute and adorable :)
Lots of virtual love
Amy
xxx