CHAPTER 10

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN SHADOWHUNTERS. ALL RIGHTS ARE CASSANDRA CLARES.

It had been a week since Alec had last seen Magnus, he had been swamped with coursework and prepping for his finals. They had sent a couple of texts back and forth but for the most part, Alec had been AWOL. He was stressed to the max, he still had a lot of work to do and his classes were full on. He even had to cancel his weekly lunch with Izzy. Alec was sitting at his desk drinking his third cup of coffee, when he heard his phone buzz. He picked it up to see a text from Magnus.

Hey stranger, I know you're busy with your coursework but would you be up for a coffee break?

He read the text and paused before replying, he knew he should say no and finish writing his essay but he was desperate to see Magnus. He made his decision and hit send.

Coffee sounds great.

They decided to meet at their local coffee shop. Magnus was already there when Alec walked in, his face automatically lit up at the sight of Magnus, damn he had missed this man. "Hey Magnus" he said as he approached the insanely gorgeous man. "Hey beautiful" Magnus responded, he took in the sight of Alec, he could tell by the bags under his eyes that he was tired and stressed, but he still looked beautiful to him. "I ordered your usual for you." Magnus gestured for Alec to sit down with him. "I'm sorry I haven't been around much the past week, I've been swamped with college work" he said with exhaustion weighing heavily on him, "but I've missed you" he said sincerely. Magnus smiled, "I've missed you too."

They sat drinking their coffee and catching up over the next hour. Magnus asked how Alec's coursework was going and if he was feeling ready for his finals. He said he was feeling confident but anything could happen. Magnus told him how he had himself been busy with his shop and was thinking of hiring another person to help with the workload. Conversation flowed effortlessly as it always did with them. "Would you like to come to mine for dinner tonight?" Magnus asked. Alec didn't reply, instead he was staring at the door with a look of shock and confusion on his face. "Alexander, are you okay?" Magnus asked softly, following Alec's line of sight to see an attractive couple standing at the counter. "I have to go." Alec replied dryly, picking up his things and rushing for the door. Magnus stood and followed after Alec, he went outside and saw his date walking away with speed. "Alec!" he shouted as he tried to catch up to him. Eventually Alec had stopped when he was far away enough from the coffee shop. He let out a breath just as Magnus finally caught up to him.

"What happened? Who are those people?" Magnus asked. He had never seen Alec like this before. Alec turned to face Magnus, he could see the pain in Alec's eyes. "My parents," he said softly. Alec took a deep breath in before continuing, "I haven't seen or spoken to them in over a year, after they kicked me out for being gay." he was trying not to break down, "I don't even know why they're in Brooklyn. They never come here, that's why they bought me an apartment here, so they'd never have to see me" Magnus pulled Alec towards him gently, he hugged him tight, whispering in his ear "It's their loss, Alexander." Alec squeezed him tighter. "Come on let me walk you home." Magnus said as he grabbed hold of Alec's hand.

They walked in silence whilst holding hands. Alec could see that Magnus was doing something on his phone, he wondered what. He put his phone away and smiled at Alec, "what?" he asked. Magnus laughed and told him he would see. Magnus had made them stop at the shop to grab some bits before making it to Alec's apartment. 20 minutes later they arrived at Alec's apartment to find Izzy and Jace waiting. Alec instantly appeared happier seeing his siblings, "what are you guys doing here?" he asked as he pulled them into a hug. "Magnus got my number from Rapheal and told me what happened, so I immediately called a taxi for me and Jace." his younger sister smiled at him, knowing how hard it must have been for Alec to see their parents. "Come on, we're gonna have a movie night with snacks," Jace said as he pulled out his key and opened the door. His siblings walked in and Alec turned to Magnus, "thank you, you didn't have to do this for me." Magnus grabbed his hand, "I know I didn't but I'm glad I did. Have fun with your siblings." he kissed him on the cheek about to walk away, Alec grabbed his hand, "Stay? I'd like you to get to know Izzy better and help us make fun of Jace." Alec smiled.

"I'd love to." Magnus said as they walked into the apartment and closed the door.