Disclaimer: not mine.

A/N: Wow, that last chapter got loads of reviews…. Thank you so much :) there were some mixed feelings and I'm sorry for doing that to you… But maybe this'll make up for it… Enjoy it guys, this one's for everyone who has ever reviewed this story so far :)

...

Alec stood before the mirror once more, staring at himself, begging the tears not to fall. He had been in that position only moments before, staring at that mark on his chest, smiling, the happiest he'd ever been. Now he was standing there in his wedding suit, his father beaming at him as he took in his reflection.

Robert had let him dress himself, helping only with the pristine black tailcoat, the complicated tie around his neck, the cufflinks and his pure white gloves. His hair was slicked back, his cheeks a light pink, his trousers perfect and his shoes shiny. He looked as though he has just stepped directly off the pages of a Jane Austen novel.

Robert placed a hand on his shoulder and used the other one to slip the Lightwood ring into Alecs inside pocket.

"You will place that on Lydia's finger once you have said your 'i do's'. It acts like an eternity ring would."

Alec gulped. Eternity. Right. He took a deep breath and sighed, part in relief that Robert hadn't seen his mark and part in sheer terror. This was it, this was happening.

And as Robert led him from his room, arm firmly around Alecs shoulders, Alec felt numb all over, like he was no longer in control. They descended the stairs just in time to see the girls leave the house, heading for the hotel where they would get ready. For a brief moment, Alec's eyes locked with Izzys and she smiled painfully. Alec nodded, telling her that he was ok, though that was probably the biggest lie he'd ever told. They left and Alec walked down into the parlour to be greeted by all the men.

His uncle, Benedict and his two cousins Gideon and Gabriel. Simon, Jem, Jordan and Lydia's brother Charles all smiled happily, not knowing the turmoil Alec was under. But two of the boys knew, and they tried to mask it for Alec's sake. But the best man, Jace, of course, and the page boy, Will, obviously, both saw the pain in Alec's eyes. Alec knew Jace had filled Will in on what had happened upstairs and the looks they all shared said it all.

Jace came forwards and hugged Alec gently, whispering in his ear.

"It's ok. This'll work out. We'll find a way."

Alec nodded and let him go as Will, master of the poker face, stepped up, smirking cockily and shaking his hand.

"Ladies, lock up your daughters! Mr Darcy is in town!" He cried dramatically.

Everyone laughed, even Alec, at the quip. His suit really was quite ridiculous. But amidst the laughter, Will pulled him close and kissed his forehead softly.

"Don't worry, Jace filled me in. We'll figure something out. I swear."

Alec nodded and took a deep breath, steadying himself and praying to a god he didn't believe in.

Then, as the clock struck 9am, and Robert started fretting because they were falling schedule, they left the house and slid into the limo, and Alec was whisked away from his life to be married under the watchful eye of the Lord.

...

"Seriously? You're choosing the red and yellow over the red and black? Have you gone insane?"

Ragnor asked bluntly as he saw Magnus' clothes strewn over the bed. He was trying to find something to wear to the party but apparently Magnus had gone colour blind. And also fallen into depression by the looks of it.

Ragnor sighed. "Magnus, why don't you just go to the church? Go to him. It's brutally obvious that you want to."

Magnus groaned and rolled over, stuffing another giant slice of raspberry and chocolate cake in his mouth.

"I can't. If i turn up, it'll cause him more trouble than its worth."

Ragnor slapped his leg. "Wake up, Bane. You guys have love marks. You are in love. He knows it, so do you. So get off your fucking ass or so help me god, I'll kill you."

Magnus cried again, the endless flow of tears. He curled up and moaned into the pillows.

"But Ragnor, we've had the new marks for over an hour. So if he wanted me, he'd be here already, he would've come for me. But he hasn't. Which means, he doesn't want me. He doesn't care."

Ragnor groaned and yanked Magnus up by the hair harshly.

"Listen to me, you've told me enough about him for me to know that he loves you. He trusts you more than anyone. You've shared more with him than with anyone. He cares about you so much."

Magnus fumed. "Then where is he?!"

Ragnor sighed. "Look, it's his wedding day, which means he probably hasn't had a minute to himself. The bride and groom are surrounded all day, you know that. He wants to be here, he just hasn't had a chance to get away. Which is why you have to go to him."

Magnus growled. "No. I can't turn up. I hate him right now. But i love him. And if i show up, he'll get in so much trouble."

Ragnor sighed in defeat. "You know what? Fine. You want to throw your love away? Go ahead."

Magnus glared at him and grabbed his yellow shirt, throwing his red leather jacket over the top defiantly. He stood up and squared his jaw angrily.

"Now come on. Before we go to the school, I'm going to the store and buying a fuck load of alcohol so i get well and truly shit faced later."

And with that, he stormed out the room, leaving Ragnor alone. He ran a hand through his messy green hair and straightened his jacket before sighing. He'd known Magnus forever, he knew he was so stubborn. But he also knew that the boy would eventually come to his senses. So he followed Magnus out the door with a small smile.

It wasn't over yet.

...

The sunlight streamed in through the stained glass windows. The scent of the white and pink flowers filled the air with their sweet fragrance, too much so in Alec's opinion. The pianist played softly as the guests settled in their seats. The vicar stood behind the alter and Alec stood before it, shaking from head to toe. Beside him were Jace and Will, on the bridesmaid's side stood Izzy and Clary, who was Lydia's cousin.

He took a deep breath, not daring to look out at the people, he saw Jace look at him and he shrugged helplessly. It was like Jace was expecting him to suddenly know what to do, but in truth he had no clue.

Then the pianist flared up his song, filling the church with the wedding march as the doors opened and Henry Branwell stood there beaming. The press outside were all muttering and snapping photos as a hush fell over the room and people gasped as Lydia stepped forth.

Alec stared down the aisle, his eyes wide; most people would interpret it as adoration or wonder. Jace, Izzy and Will interpreted it as heart stopping fear.

Lydia took her father's arm and began her walk down the aisle. A young girl, her other cousin, Charlie, walked before her, sprinkling rose petals.

The music intensified and Alec's heart began to race, his mind going blank, only being able to form single words.

I

He took in Lydia's beautiful dress, she really was exquisite, just not Alecs type. But the dress flowed and her hair fell in gentle cascading ringlets of golden orange.

Can't

Her eyes met Alecs and she smiled softly, her cheeks flooding red, and he remembered her attack of sexual prowess the other night. Then he envisioned a future full of the same experiences.

Do

Henry let his daughter go as he kissed her cheek. She smiled dazzlingly and ascended the steps, walking close to him, beaming, and her veiled face glowing.

This

The music died down, the vicar cleared his throat. Lydia stood before him. The guests smiling, the sun shining. Lydia reached out and took his gloved hands, and as they joined, it clicked.

Lydia, forever. There was no way in hell he could do that. It was suddenly clear. His future was not the soft, calm tide of a life with Lydia. His future was the wild, bright storm of a life with Magnus. It was Magnus.

He loved him. He loved Magnus. That was his future.

What was he doing?

He laughed a little to himself as his mind finally formed a full sentence, the only sentence that had ever made sense.

I can't do this.

...

Magnus sat beside Ragnor, watching the people laugh and dance in the hall, the sun streaming in through the open doors of the school hall. He put his bottle to his lips again, ignoring Ragnors exasperated sigh.

It was 11 am, which meant Alecs wedding was starting. By Magnus' calculations, despite his trying lack of interest, everyone was getting seated. By 11:15, the vicar would welcome everyone and make his speech. By 11:20, Alec would take to the alter. By 11:30, the blushing bride would up the aisle. By 11:40, the vicar would let them make their vows. By 11:50, he would make his 'till death do us part' speech. By 12, Alec would have a ring in his finger and a wife on his arm.

Not that Magnus was fixating on every little detail of the day, of course.

Taking another sharp gulp of whiskey, he sighed and looked out at the people. Couples dancing, laughing, sharing moments in their own little worlds. That should be him and Alec.

That should be him and Alec!

Magnus gasped, throwing his bottle aside and slapping himself in the face. It was like he was waking up from a slumber deeper than sleeping beauty's. Him and Alec. They had to be together. And he knew, in his heart of hearts, right then, he felt it in his veins, that Alec knew it too.

He shot to his feet with a cry and ran for the doors. Ragnor watched him go, a smile painting his face. He knew Magnus would see sense. He just wished the boy hadn't had to drink half a bottle of whiskey to get there. With a grin, he followed Magnus once more, calling out for him loudly.

"Bane! What you doing?!" He cried with a smile.

Magnus stopped running and stared at him with wide eyes, breathing hard.

"I don't care! I don't care if i get him in trouble! I can't sit back and let him marry that whore! He is mine! He's mine and i love him so much! We are meant to be together. We should he like those people out there, dancing and laughing in our own little world. I have to go to him!"

Ragnor laughed gleefully as Magnus spun in a circle, his arms spread wide, a huge smile on his face and tears in his eyes.

"Come on, my emerald prince, get you fucking keys! You need to drive me to that god damned church before he marries her! We don't have much time!"

He took off running for Ragnors car as Ragnor laughed at him, running after him.

"You're making this sound like a bad movie, Bane."

Magnus laughed as he threw the car door open.

"It is a movie! And we're about to get our huge rom-com moment! Now step on it, Fell!"

Ragnor grinned and hit the ignition. "This'll be the first and last time i ever take orders from you, Bane!"

They laughed together as Ragnor sped towards the church. Magnus felt his heart beating wildly as the town blew past them.

I'm coming, Alexander. You're not getting away from me that easily.

...

Alec laughed to himself under his breath, the same sentence whirling through his mind as the vicar gave a small speech.

I can't do this.

"We are gathered here today, under the eyes of the Lord, to witness the blessed union of Mr Alexander Gideon Lightwood and Miss Lydia Charlotte Branwell."

I can't do this.

Lydia smiled at him and he smiled back, though not because of her. Because he was getting his freedom.

I won't do this.

He looked out over the audience and realised that he wasn't afraid. He looked his father right in the eye and felt no fear. This was right. This was real.

"And now, by obligation i must ask if anyone knows of any unlawful impediment as to why these two shall not be married. I must ask you to speak now or forever hold your peace."

There was a moment of silence, which was expected by all.

Then Alec spoke up, which was not expected by any.

"I do."

Everyone looked at him confusedly. The vicar laughed a little.

"Mr Lightwood, i understand your nerves and excitement but the 'i do's' come after this part, sir."

The guests laughed and Lydia blushed with a smile. But Alec shook his head.

"No. I have a reason as to why we shouldn't be married. In fact, i have several."

Everyone fell into a stunned silence. Robert stared hard at Alec. The vicar just looked equal parts lost and bewildered. Lydia looked shocked and hurt. Jace and Izzy were beaming. Will laughed a little. And Alec grinned, a weight lifting off his shoulders.

He sighed and released his grip on Lydia's hands, taking a step back and shaking his head.

"I can't do this. Mr and Mrs Branwell, Lydia, i am so sorry. But i can't do this. I won't do this."

Everyone stared at him. Whispers spread through the room, uneasy movement and shallow breaths filled the air.

And Alec looked out at the people, his eyes locking on the stormy dark eyes of father. He held the gaze and shook his head, drawing his strength from his love, channelling the bravery of Magnus' mother.

"I can't do this."

...

A/N: I'll let this one speak for itself…