W/M: So, The Bane Chronicles 10: The Course Of True Love (And, First Dates) - I cried, I stroked my kindle (yes, i love books and my kindle - I don't see the why most people hate kindles) I made some sounds that no human should hear or make and I cried a bit more. You must read it, it's adorable.

This chapter's thing:

'A room without a book is like a body without a soul' - unknown
Actually, that's a lie - it was written on a cafe wall but I can't remember the cafe name.

Chapter 21

Alec crouched on the tree ranch trying to stop the flow of tears ha fell down his cheeks. His heart beat painfully in his chest as reality sunk in, he had broken up with Magnus - Magnus Bane, High Warlock and the love of Alexander Lightwood's life. Alec suddenly realised how stupid it was to feel this way about the warlock, especially as Magnus obviously never felt the same way.

He bitterly thought about his father and how he had cheated on his mother - he knew her pain and he suddenly felt like he could understand his mother little more, she was cold to protect herself, she didn't cry, she hardened her heart and carried on and that's what Alec would do. That's when he heard Magnus calling him, he sat stiller and held his breath, the uncontrollable tears still falling.

'Alexander? We need to talk.' Magnus called out into the dark rooftop garden, his voice sounded concerned and Alec almost believed he was. 'Alec? Please, I can't do this alone. I need you.'

Alec put his hand to his mouth to prevent himself from replying. He could hear Magnus move closer but still hadn't seen him perched on the tree branch. Said tree branch was beginning to creak from the Shadowhunter's weight. Alec prayed Magnus would leave soon and keep his eyes on the floor.

'Alexander?' Magnus was pretty much beneath Alec. The creaking sounds increased, but was luckily hidden by the sound of the wind, Magnus spoke again: 'Alexander please come out, if not I'll leave you alone. I'll provide a job for you with a friend but you won't ever have to see me again. I really do love you Alec, I hope you know that.'

It broke the shards of Alec's already broken heart. Fresh tears fell from his eyes so he closed them, still with his hand over his mouth, he heard Magnus sigh just as a tear rolled off Alec's cheek and fell directly down, landing on Magnus' shoulder. The warlock looked up the same time the branch gave way and Alec fell into his ex's arms.

'Hello.' Magnus said calmly though his eyes were full of concern, surprise, regret and hope. Alec blushed with embarrassment and anger, this position in Magnus' arms made him feel weak and pathetic. He closed his eyes and focused on sealing himself in a castle of ice, like his mother.

'Put me down.' Alec commanded coldly, opening his eyes that were now vacant of emotion. Magnus placed him gently on the ground.

'Alexander, I am so sorry. It really isn't what you assumed.' Magnus said.

'I may not be immortal, but I wasn't born yesterday, Magnus.' Alec replied, his tone harsh and unforgiving.

'It isn't believe me. And, if you don't then believe Jace - he's your parabatai after all.' Magnus' emerald eyes were glossy with tears, he bit his lip making Alec want to kiss them. He internally scolded his weakness and tried to freeze the thawed part of his castle. 'Just listen to me.' He pleaded.

'Fine, talk. I don't have all night.' Alec crossed is arms.

'O-on the first night of training, I realised how I was, and still am, he weakest link in out team. So, I decided to do something about it. I went to the pool jumped into the deep end, literally, and almost drowned. However, Jace had heard me sneak out of the house and followed me, he saw me drowning and saved me. From then on, Jace has been helping me train, hence why we were together.' Magnus finished.

'Why didn't you just say that?' Alec asked. Internally he wanted to comfort Magnus, externally he stood stoically arms crossed.

'My pride wouldn't allow it, and it also wouldn't let me tell you. Though training would have been more enjoyable with you, there are too many distractions.' Magnus explained. Alec stared at him. Magnus felt his heart lighten a little and he began to hope.

'I don't but it.' Alec announced after an excruciatingly long moment.

'What? Alec, why?' Magnus' face dropped and his eyes watered again.

'I'm sorry, Magnus. I need to think.'

'So, this is goodbye?' The tears in Magnus' eyes leaked down his handsome face.

'Maybe.' Alec replied, before walking past Magnus and back into the house. He didn't look back so he didn't see as Magnus crumpled to the floor in a crying heap. Once the Warlock had thought that even though his heart would heal, he'd never be as he was before Alexander Gideon Lightwood had walked into his life. Now he knew it was true.

W/M: I'm sorry. On the other hand, any ideas for the rounds - so far the ideas are brilliant (you all know who you are, so a big thank you again) it doesn't matter what, anything helps.

What do you think?