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Disclaimer: It ain't my work, it's Cassie's. And the song in this chapter is Fever by the amazing Adam Lambert. P.S. The original lyrics said "he" but since Alec is still hiding his sexuality, he sings "she".
Chapter 4
Fever
"Izzy, Jace, have you heard the news?" Alec paced around his hotel room, stamping on the rose petals that were still left over from the night before. "This is terrible!"
Izzy was sitting on the bed, looking completely and utterly bored while Jace leant against the wall. "You really wanting to sit on the bed, Iz? Who knows what they got up to last night?"
"Quiet Jace," Alec snapped, before his blue eyes narrowed and glistened precariously. He added sarcastically, "and thank you so much for the rather unwanted surprise. It was just what I needed. A perfect way to end my day."
"You're welcome, Alec." Izzy beamed up at him, making him growl under his voice.
"It's called sarcasm, Isabelle. Anyway, Mum called me last night," he declared, running a hand through his messy hair.
"Did you get cockblocked by our mother? Damn dude, I'm sorry to hear that." Jace cackled, Izzy joining in quickly.
"I'll have you know that no, I wasn't. Nothing happened between me and Magnus," Alec said testily. "He left pretty quickly after dinner. As in, he ran away. Literally."
"Damn Alec, what did you do to make him run away?" Jace asked, horrified.
"Yeah, even Jace hasn't managed that on a first date," Izzy added, sharing a terrified look with Jace.
"I don't know, he suddenly just…left. Saying stuff about how we weren't going to work out and all that." Alec shrugged helplessly.
"And you didn't run after him?" Izzy shrieked angrily, "Alec, haven't you seen movies before? Girl runs away, guy chases and kisses her passionately."
"Bam! They live happily ever after," Jace declared with a smile that was not returned by Alec.
"My life isn't some fairy tale, guys. Back to what matters right now," Alec rubbed at his aching temples, "Mum called me last night. Apparently the stylist and costume designer for my tour pulled out. She got pregnant or something. I don't remember. She can't do it now. Whatever reason it is, the contract is broken, meaning I have no stylist throughout the tour. And while Helen does my hair and makeup, her contract was meant to end soon. She's agreed to renew it for the tour, but it's not fair to make her do costuming, hair and makeup for myself, my musicians and my dances. She might've done fashion at university, but her main job with me is purely hair and makeup. She can't handle more than that for a long tour."
"Don't you start your tour in only a month or two? It took us six months to find the right costume designer," Izzy gaped at Alec, realising why he was so stressed.
"And you know what else? She refuses to give us the costumes she's been making for four of the months we had her hired. So I have no costumes for anyone and I'm still writing songs some more songs because my manager thinks it's a good idea. This isn't good. Everything is behind schedule but the public can't find out." Alec muttered, dangerously quiet.
"We'll figure something out, Alec." Izzy promised, standing up and walking over to her eldest brother. For once, she wasn't wearing any shoes, meaning that the top of her head just reached Alec's chin.
"Everything will be okay," Jace swore, joining his siblings and pulling them into a group hug. "How I've missed these amazing group hugs."
"I definitely haven't," Izzy groaned from where she was trapped in-between the two men. "It's like a cage down here between you two."
"Squeeze her tighter, Alec." Jace commanded, doing so himself and making her squeak.
"You're a prat, Jace." Izzy shouted, making Alec chuckle.
"What would I do without you two?" Alec sighed exhaustedly, holding onto them.
"We ask ourselves the same questions," Izzy giggled.
"What do you mean, Magnus? You got a date with the Alexander Lightwood, he got all touchy and feely with you and then you left? Just like that? What were you thinking?" Camille snapped, her hair flowing behind her back as she stomped around Magnus' apartment.
"Camille, please, I don't have time for this right now." Magnus groaned miserably as he tried to sketch out some fashion ideas that had kept him up the night before, at least, that was his excuse.
In reality, he had spent the night replaying everything that happened with Alec in his mind. The way Alec looked in a towel, how warm his hands were, how Alec was so cautious to begin with yet he softened up. Magnus could only guess that it was the alcohol speaking, not Alec. He tried to pretend that a part of him wasn't hurting purely because Alec only said that because he was tipsy.
"You had a date, Magnus. You let it slip through your fingers," Camille argued fiercely.
"I didn't ask for the date, it was set up. He sure didn't want it either." Magnus reminded her, sighing when he shaded part of the dress incorrectly. "Dammit, where's my eraser."
"You were a fool to leave him last night. Anyone can see how much you two like each other," Camille snarled, eyes flashing.
"Why do you care so much? It's not like it's your love life," Magnus growled, throwing his sketchbook onto the sofa beside him.
"I care about you, Mags. I adore you and I may not be in love with you anymore, but there is no other person I love more. I just want to see you happy," Camille yelled, frustration shining throughout her tone.
"Then let me move on from Alexander Lightwood. He's my past, it's time to get a present. Better yet, even a future! Plus, there was nothing between us. Everything was just a mistake, Camille. It was momentary lapse of judgement that will not happen again." Magnus shouted, waving his arms in the air, shedding glitter everywhere.
"Magnus, what makes Alexander stand no chance with you? You seem so caught up on the concept of you two not working out to not even try." Camille bellowed, her eyeshadow making her glare even more powerful than usual, yet it had no effect on Magnus, who was very used to the look.
"Because he's a huge showstopper while I'm just a normal, ordinary guy who stands no chance in the big world. That's why. I'm probably going to get old and work in a supermarket for the rest of my life. While he's winning Grammys, I'll be trying to afford food on my table while I cling to my hope to become a fashion designer. That hope is pointless and I should've realised it from the start. I'm out of his league, Cammie. You should've seen the hotel room, it was amazing and he had staff on hand and…that's just not me. I realise that Alexander and I come from completely different worlds and that we would just clash. Then there's also the fact our personalities are so different and he acts like such a bad boy on stage, and secretly, he is adorable and sweet, but I'm just that overly loud, confident, stereotypical gay guy who studies fashion." Magnus ranted crossly, getting to his feet.
"You are in no way out of his league, my powerpuff girl. You need to realise that, Alexander would be beyond lucky to have you," Camille stated.
"Lucky? To have me? What could I even offer him that he doesn't have already?" Magnus snorted, glaring at the floor.
"You could offer him comfort and compassion," Camille spoke quietly, almost sounding awkward with the words coming out of her mouth when there was banging on the door.
"Go away," Magnus ordered irately. "God, can't the world just leave me alone for one day?"
"Magnus, it's Clary, open up." Clary kept beating against the door, causing Magnus to march over.
"What is it, biscuit? It better be good," he roared, swinging the door open to see Clary and Simon standing there with grins on their faces. "You're lucky I put up with you two."
"Guess what?" Clary jumped forward, knocking past Magnus as she strode into the room. She noticed the buxom blonde now sitting on the sofa, "oh hey Camille."
"Clary," Camille said coolly, remarkably calm for someone who'd just looked ready to murder Magnus. "Simon."
"Hi guys," Simon waved awkwardly, sending an apologetics look towards Magnus at Clary's intrusion. "Sorry to interrupt."
"That's okay, Simon. Magnus and I were just about to watch a movie." Camille lied smoothly, draped across his sofa elegantly. Her blonde curls covered the side of the sofa and her dress rose up her leg. Simon averted his eyes from the sight while Clary self-consciously tugged at her old, paint-stained t-shirt.
"Back to the reason why we came here," Clary skipped to stand next to the tanned man and showed Magnus some yellow, white and blue strips of paper. "Guess what these are."
"Pieces of paper?" Magnus asked sarcastically, rolling his eyes. Clary didn't seem to want to let herself be put down by his attitude. "What's this about Clary?"
"Isabelle Lightwood visited Simon at work today, during his morning shift." Clary started, a grin on her face which made her freckles more visible. "Before she was crowded by a ton of fans and escorted out of the café by security, she managed to tell Simon that she adored our group and loved how welcoming they were towards her and her brothers. She also noted that you needed a thank you for rescuing Alexander from Maureen."
"Get to the point, Clarissa." Magnus muttered, trying to hide his curiousity by observing his nail polish.
"The three Lightwoods have an interview tomorrow. One that we have front row tickets to." Clary announced quickly.
"What?" Camille shrieked, sitting up and losing her calm mask. Her curls became tangled and the hem of her dress fell back to just above her knees. "Holy shit on a brick."
"Language darling," Magnus reminded her, looking unsure about how to react.
"We're going to a Lightwood interview, Mags." Camille cheered, her best friend's love life suddenly looking brighter. "How many invitations are there?"
"Enough for the whole group, except Cat can't come. The hospital has her working extra shifts, she sent her apologies though." Simon informed them, sitting on the edge of the sofa that Camille wasn't occupying. "It's tonight at 7. Reckon you can come?"
"We most definitely can," Camille smirked at Magnus, who suddenly paled. He'd be sitting in the front row, where Alec could see him. From the look on Camille's face, she will make sure the two men notice each other. "Come on powerpuff girl, we need to get ready."
"Okay guys, I'll try and make it quick," Alec joked as the sound team set up the microphones and volumes of all the different instruments. He gently kicked away a random cable that he didn't want to risk tripping over. "I think you all know that we're actually going to start playing at the very start of the interview before Jace and Izzy are called out. I think it's meant to be a surprise for the audience."
"Surprised me too," Raphael Santiago, the keyboardist and background singer, kidded.
"We'll also be performing three songs. Two will be originals, one will be a cover." Alec continued, ignoring Raphael who was testing his keyboard volumes.
The doors at the back of the auditorium burst open, making everyone jump and turn around. A young woman with her guitar case ran down the steps, agilely taking two at a time. Her boots thumped against the ground with each footfall. Alec immediately recognised her, smiling at the sight of a familiar face. "Hey Kaelie, nice to see you could make it."
"I'm so sorry I'm late, bad traffic." Kaelie apologised, jumping onto the stage and plonking her guitar case down.
"You're not that late, I was just joking." Alec told her quietly, making her chuckle.
"You're evil Alexander Lightwood." She replied, sniggering as she opened her case and pulled out her bright red electric guitar.
"New colour, hey?" Raphael asked, walking over to greet her.
"Yeah, the bright blue was boring me," Kaelie shrugged, making Alec and Raphael roll their eyes.
"Never get a tattoo, you'll get bored of it within a week." Raphael strode back to behind his keyboard.
"How was your week off?" Alec questioned Kaelie while she lifted her guitar strap over her head.
"It was good, went home and visited my family and some old high school friends," she explained, speaking reminiscently.
"I'm glad to hear that, it always feels amazing to go home. There's no place like home," Alec responded sweetly, making Kaelie laugh.
Raphael was grinning from where he stood behind his keyboard, watching as one of Alec's assistance placed the order of the songs on his stands. "We're definitely playing some of the new songs for tonight, boss?"
"Sure thing," Alec said, trying to hide his nerves.
"Oh, the sexy song, I like." Mark Blackthorn, Alec's drummer and Helen's brother, said.
"I'm glad to hear that," Alec checked the time on his phone.
"You didn't warn me we'd be playing the sexy song," Raphael whined, stamping his foot. "Otherwise I would've brought my sexy jeggings."
"God no, Raphael." Mark moaned painfully, covering his eyes. "You'd make everyone go blind."
"Yeah, from my unadulterated hotness," Raphael retorted proudly.
"You wish," Mark snorted.
"You should totally dirty dance while singing it," Kaelie giggled while she bent over and grabbed her guitar pic, "the fan girls would die."
"My siblings will be watching this, Kaelie. It's not happening." Alec shook his head.
"Just interact with some people flirtatiously then," Raphael interrupted, grinning. "Even if it's Kaelie or someone."
"Even if it's Kaelie or someone," Kaelie repeated, raising an eyebrow. "What am I? Yesterday's news?"
"Pretty much, except you have a good ass." Mark said, ducking a water bottle thrown at him by said girl with the good ass.
"Oh yeah, cause Kaelie would want me grinding up against her," Alec said sarcastically, trying to break up at playful fight between his band members. He didn't see the bright red flush on the guitarist's cheeks or the way she quickly averted her eyes. "Just waiting for Jordan now."
"He sent me a text to tell you that he'll be here soon," Kaelie told Alec, glad to change the topic. She plugged her guitar into an amp and fixing the settings for strumming.
"Sounds good," Alec complimented, stretching his arms above his head, his t-shirt rising slightly.
"Wow boy, we haven't started the sexy song yet. Keep that covered or you'll make Kaelie faint from lack of oxygen." Mark shot Raphael a cheeky look, "you might have the same effect on Raphael too."
The two men started squabbling in raised voices while Alec grabbed his drink bottle. The doors opened again and Jordan strolled inside, carrying his guitar case over one shoulder as he ambled down the stairs. "Hey, sorry I'm late."
"You and Kaelie need to learn how to read the time," Mark uttered, before grabbing his drum sticks and starting a beat on the drum. "Um, sound tech guy? Can someone turn up my fold back?"
Alec bounced in time, seeing the other three do the same automatically. Jordan started setting up his base as the keyboard came in with Raphael playing long notes. Alec finished drinking from his bottle as Jordan joined in, copying with Raphael was playing on his base, bobbing his head in time with the beat. Alec could see that the sound technicians were enjoying the upbeat tempo. Soon, Kaelie's electric guitar roared to live, making the song even livelier. Alec laughed when Raphael shouted that Kaelie's adequate playing was ruining the mood of the song. This resulted in the two trying out fancy each other's playing.
"Here you go, Mr Lightwood," a sound technician handed him a microphone while the other three were also handed their own on stands.
"Okay guys, so we need to start rehearsing the songs we're actually doing tonight." Alec interrupted, hearing their groans as they started getting into the song. "The dancers will be arriving in an hour to practice with us. Also, there's some guests who will also be coming at the same time, they're still flying in right now. They'll be joining us for a song."
"Cammie, is this really a smart idea?" Magnus hesitated, staring at himself in the mirror.
Magnus wore thick black eyeliner with sharp pointed wings. His red, sparkly eyeshadow complimented his red silk shirt. He wore a black coat over the top and a pair of tight dress pants. His hair had red streaks throughout it and was spiked up.
"Why wouldn't it be?" Camille muttered distractedly as she finished off her own makeup. "You look hot. The moment he sees you, he'll practically melt into a puddle."
"What if he hates me and never wants to see me again?" Magnus spun around, hugging myself. "I mean, I did run out on him halfway through a date that he didn't even originally want to go ahead with."
"Do you really think Isabelle would've given us the tickets if he felt that way towards you? From what I've seen and heard of her, she values her brother's feelings a lot. Therefore, she wouldn't have invited you if it meant hurting him." Camille's heels clicked against the floor as she marched towards Magnus.
"I just don't know whether this is the right way to go about this," Magnus whispered, lowering his eyes.
"Magnus, where is the fire?" Camille suddenly asked, her voice stronger. "Where is the Magnus who is passionate, fabulous and stubborn as hell? The Magnus who would be freaking out right now because he's about to see the Alexander Lightwood. The same man who he's spent years fawning all over. You had posters of him all over your bedroom walls when we were fourteen."
"I…" Magnus' sentences drifted off and his brow furrowed.
"Where's my best friend?" Camille turned him to look in the mirror. "See the glitter? Do you remember when we were little and that boy in the playground picked on you? You were crying and I took you into the girls' bathroom and told you to ignore him. What did you ask me?"
"How could I ignore him?" Magnus murmured, a gentle smile rising to his face at the memory.
"And what did I do?" Camille pressed, hugging Magnus from behind.
"You gave me glitter and told me that glitter can be my magnificent armour to his words. And ever since then, I've been the Magnificent Magnus Bane." Magnus replied, his smile widening.
"You've got your armour, Mags. Be yourself, it's better than being someone else. And never change for anybody," Camille told him, stroking his shoulder comfortingly.
"Be myself," Magnus copied, eyeing himself in the mirror. "I'm going to win Alec's heart. He'll wish he had me the moment he sees me tonight."
"There's my powerpuff girl," Camille grinned, stepping back. She appreciatively looked him up and down. "You ready to show them what you've got, Magnus?"
"I was born ready, my bitchy ice queen." Magnus smirked, winking at Camille.
"That's the spirit," she affirmed, grabbing her bag. "Now let's go, we have an interview to watch and a Lightwood to seduce."
"Sit still, Alexander," Helen demanded, half-joking, half-serious. Her wrists were covered in different colours of liquid foundation, eye shadow and lipstick. She also stank of hairspray and perfume.
He stopped bouncing in his chair nervously, a sheepish look on his face. Helen's eyes were narrowed and he knew that she was stressing out. "Sorry Helen."
Helen rolled her eyes, chuckling as she started contouring Alec's cheeks. "I know you probably hear this a lot, but you have really good cheekbones."
Alec could tell his skin was red under all the layers of foundation, concealer and powder Helen had covered him in. "Um…thanks."
The door burst open and Izzy and Jace strode in, both dressed in black and white. Izzy wore a white and black stripped crop top and a matching high-waisted skirt that ended above her knees. Her black heels made her legs look longer than usual. Jace was dressed in a white t-shirt with a black jacket and tight black jeans. Alec noted that he was the only one currently dressed in leather pants that felt as if they were painted onto his legs.
"Why is Alec the one who looks sexy? I'm meant to be the sexy one." Jace complained, propping himself up on a table in the corner of the room.
"Because, he's the one singing a sexy song. He has to look the part as well as act it. " Helen replied absentmindedly, grabbing an eyeliner pencil. "Shut your eyes, Alec."
"Which sexy song are you singing?" Izzy questioned, joining Jace.
"Fever," Alec uttered, making his siblings giggle.
"Did you write that one about Magnus?" Izzy queried innocently, making her eldest brother splutter. "I don't remember it existing until we met him, strangely enough."
"No. God no, why would I have written a song about sex with him as the inspiration?" Alec shifted awkwardly in his seat. "No way."
"Because you like him?" Jace suggested bluntly, making Helen and Izzy titter.
"Don't worry, Alexander. Magnus is desirable, I can understand why you'd write about him," Helen stated, making Alec look horrified.
His eyes shot open, catching hers as he stared up at her, rushing to say, "I am not gay."
"There's nothing wrong with it," Helen said quietly, a different look in her eyes.
"There isn't and I have nothing against homosexuality…but I'm not…into men. I don't like penis, I like vagina." Alec nodded seriously, going bright red. "Vagina likes me too…I think."
"Stop with the act, Alec." Izzy moaned grumpily, crossing her arms over her chest. "It was fun at the start. Now it's dull."
"It's isn't an act, Isabelle. Stop trying to make it look that way. Leave it alone." Alec fumed, before glowering at Helen. "Are we done with the makeup?"
"Nearly," she whispered, touching up a few things. "There, looking sexy. Remember to behave like it onstage or this whole look will seem strange."
"Trust me, I will." Alec stormed out of the room, muttering about looking for water.
"Tickets please," the worker said, sounding bored as he took the tickets from Magnus and his group. The man started scanning each of them individually before handing them back with a fake smile that came across as more of a grimace, plastered onto his face. "Row one, have a good night."
"Thank you," Maia spoke first and everyone imitated her before they entered the auditorium. "Wow, this looks so much bigger than it does on T.V."
"I think I could get used to a room this size," Ragnor commented, buttoning up his black suit jacket. His dyed hair was slicked back instead of its usual bird nest-like qualities, yet the look worked for him.
"You look good, Fell." Camille whispered as she passed him, a smirk on her red lips. His jaw dropped at the compliment and Maia helpfully shoved it back up for him. Camille was pleased with his reaction. "Come on Mags, let's find our seats."
The group descended down the steps, weaving around everyone else. Cameras were set up and pointed towards the set, where some areas were lit up and others were pitch black. Magnus sat down, in-between Camille and Ragnor. Clary and Simon were whispering between each other, the redhead's hair tamed surprisingly well considering how it usually was. Jem was silent, holding his boyfriend's hand as Will chatted away to Tessa. Maia sat beside Tessa, turning her phone off. There was an air of anticipation among the audience as they all found their seats.
A voiceover suddenly began speaking, "good evening ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the show. We request that all phones are on silent and switched off. Emergency exits are on the left and right side of the room, as well as at the back. Remember to not talk and have a good night."
The mood changed, suspense becoming stronger as the sound of footsteps and movement could be heard in the dark part of the stage. Then there was the sound of electric guitar coming in and repeating a riff as the lights burst on, bright red and gold. Alec stood on a platform, swaying sassily to the beat as the drums, keys and bass joined in. In his right hand was a microphone, which he soon brought up to his mouth. Magnus felt his mouth go dry at the gorgeous sight of Alec.
There she goes
My baby walks so slow.
Sexual tic-tac-toe,
Yeah, I know we both know
It isn't time
But would you be m-mine?
Alec pointed somewhere in the audience, evoking excited screams as he strutted down the stairs of the platform, each step was smooth and practiced. Magnus couldn't help but notice the change in his persona on and off the stage. Alec was so reserved in person. He was quiet among strangers and would blush easily. Alexander was self-assured and sensual, and despite how sexy it was, Magnus knew he preferred the real Alec.
We'll never get too far,
Just you, me and the bar.
So in a menage a trois sometimes,
Would she be m-mine? Would she be m-mine?
Would you be m-mine?
Two female dancers sashayed onto the stage from the sides, both wearing leather shorts and tank tops as they danced behind Alec. Everything about the dance screamed confidence and sexiness. They began dancing the same move in unison, everything perfectly in time and completely erotic.
Oh baby, lights on
But your mom's not home.
I'm sick of laying down alone
With this fever, fever, yeah.
I want it all
Now I'm gonna get you alone,
Give you a fever, fever yeah/
All Magnus could do was gap as Alec's dancing became dirtier with every minute. He started to grind against the air and run his hands over his body. Everyone else seemed to also be affected by the display.
"Damn, he sure can move." Camille whispered, eyes wide.
"I was just thinking the same thing," Ragnor admitted.
"Something isn't right," Magnus muttered thoughtfully, a frown on his face.
"What do you mean?" Ragnor hissed, ignoring dirty looks from other audience members. "The man is dancing like a God."
"The way he's dancing and his attitude…he isn't happy. Something has made him angry," Magnus realised, his eyes shining sadly. "It's his eyes, they aren't a nice clear sky blue, they're stormy."
Camille stared at her best friend, an unreadable expression on her face.
There it goes,
You stole my soul and so
'cause, sweetheart,
A-no-no-nobody a-no-no-knows
They're occupied.
Tell me you'll be mine.
Let's get inside your car,
Just you, me and the stars.
Kind of menage a trois sometimes
Would he she m-mine? Would she be m-mine?
Could you be mine?
Yeah!
Magnus was watching Alec and noting the way his free hand was often clenched into a fist, unless it was running down his own body or one of his dancing. He saw the aggression in his eyes that was fuelling him to get dirtier. Everyone else clearly thought that he was just performing, but Magnus knew that Alec was hurting. Something had triggered the man to act like this, and Magnus had a feeling that he had something to do with it.
Oh baby, lights on
But your mom's not home.
I'm sick of laying down alone,
With this fever, fever, yeah.
I want it all
Now I'm gonna get you alone.
Give you a fever, fever, yeah
The lights started flashing more and the dance moves kept becoming dirtier and Alec seemed to be thriving. His dark hair fell in front of his face as he shook his head. His eyes were dark and outlined with eyeliner. Everything about him screamed dangerous. Alec wore leather pants that fitted him perfectly and a white business shirt that was mostly unbuttoned. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbows, making his arms look amazing.
He strode up to the guitarist, a girl with long blonde hair with the tips dyed purple. Her dress was low cut with slits cut down the sides. She grinned as Alec neared her, walking behind and grabbing her by the hips, pulling her closer to him and he grinded against her ass. Her head dropped back, resting against his shoulder and showing the expanse of her long pale neck. She continued to play her guitar, clearly enjoying the show. It felt far too intimate for Magnus, who shunted in his seat uncomfortably. Camille's hand shot down and grabbed his, holding it reassuringly. Ragnor moved a little closer to his friend, subtly rubbing Magnus' arm reassuringly with his own.
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Alec released the guitarist, giving her a flirtatious kiss on the cheek before running back to the front of the stage, where his dancers were going through the routine. He quickly joined in, a sexy smirk on his face. He seemed pleased about something. He was suddenly even more energetic and each move became even grander.
Oh baby, your lights on
But your mom's not home
I'm sick of laying down alone
With this fever , fever, yeah
I want it all
Now I'm gonna get you alone
Give you a fever, fever, yeah
Fever, fever, yeah
The music ended and applause broke out among the audience, although Magnus was slow to clap. It felt as if everything had paused as the audience around him hooted. Their voices were muted in his mind as he found himself absorbed in the sight before him. He was staring directly into Alec's blue eyes and the grin on the singer's face immediately fell off. It was replaced by a serious look before the host's voice broke the connection between the two men.
"The amazing Alexander Lightwood!" A man strode out onto the stage and Alec was quick to shake hands with him while he caught his breath. "Thank you for starting my show with such a musical hit! I guess that's one of your songs from your yet-to-be-released album?"
"Sure is, John." Alec chuckled friendly, wiping sweat off his face. "It's called Fever."
"Well, it certainly gave the audience some fever," John joked weakly and Alec offered him a polite laugh. "How about you catch your breath for a few moments while I call some of our other special guests to the stage?"
John and Alec strode to part of the set were there was a large sofa, table and a chair. John sat down on the chair and Alec took a seat on the sofa. "The Lightwoods are certainly a household with talent. With an actress for a mother, a director for a father and a passion for all things family, you can tell they stay close to each other. Next to come happens to be the only daughter of the two stars. She's a gorgeous model in her early twenties, a beautiful fashionista and a self-proclaimed baker, please welcome to the stage, Isabelle Lightwood!"
Magnus watched as Isabelle strutted out onto the set, dressed in a cute matching crop top and skirt. Her hair was in curls and makeup was simple, yet she still looked stunning. Isabelle sat down next to Alec after giving John a hug. "Thank you for having us on the show."
"Thank you for being here! Now, Isabelle, can I ask you a quick question?" John also went back to his chair, sitting down.
"Of course," Isabelle smiled sweetly, her back straight and posed.
"How on Earth do you keep your body so fine?" John asked with a laugh, making everyone join in, although Magnus found it rather awkward. If he was Alec right now, he wouldn't appreciate someone saying something like that to his little sister.
"Let's just say, I stick to a strict diet regime and work out six days a week," Isabelle confessed, not seeming fazed.
"Well, that diet and exercise definitely suits you," John replied, somewhat sleazily. "You were voted in the top 50 sexiest women in the world last spring, where you placed as number four. I can definitely understand why you'd get such a ranking."
"You are a charmer, John." Isabelle replied shortly, yet kindly.
"A charmer who needs to watch out before I feel the need to get my protective big brother groove out," Alec kidded, wrapping an arm around Isabelle who giggled.
"Speaking of big brothers, the Lightwood trio would not be complete without a certain person I'm sure you all know of, adore and even praise in your sleep. He's a rising actor who has landed some huge roles in the biggest movies of the century. Charismatic, attractive and smart, please give a round of applause for the one and only…Jace Lightwood."
The sound of girls squealing filled the room as Jace made his way to the sofa, shaking John's hand before sitting next to Isabelle. "Hey guys, thanks for the invite John."
"I love you, Jace!" A fan screamed, making everyone laugh.
"I love you too," Jace shot back with a grin. "Such nice people here tonight."
"You're the one saying that because you're getting all the love," Alec pouted jokingly, before screams of love towards the singer echoed in Magnus' ears. "Blimey."
"What have you started, Alexander?" Isabelle moaned with a smile.
"That was quite the introduction, Jace." John started, sneaking a sip of water while the siblings teased each other. "Is this a common occurrence?"
"Generally, yes. Sometimes it's men screaming my name instead." Jace jested, receiving a laugh from the crowd.
"Today, I thought we could have a catch up and even play a game or two." John began, "how would you three feel about that?"
"I think it's a brilliant idea," Isabelle said while she crossed her legs.
John reached down the side of his chair, picking up a bag. "In this bag, I have what could potentially be a disturbing sight. But do not worry, no Lightwoods were harmed in this process! We're going to play a game where I asked you a question, for example, who is the most talkative? Each of you will have a little stick with a picture of your face on it, and two with your siblings' faces. You gave to hold up the face that is the answer to my question."
Magnus watched as John pulled out the props and he couldn't help but laugh at the sight of them. Individual pictures of Alec, Isabelle and Jace were stuck to the separate sticks. John handed Alec one of each, then did the same to Jace and Isabelle. The three siblings were cracking up at the sight.
Jace sniggered, holding up the stick with Isabelle's face attached to it, "that is a rather terrifying sight."
"What is up with my face?" Alec joked, twirling the stick in his hand.
Alec's eyes were a brighter blue than ever and asymmetrical, and as soon as he pointed it out to Jace and Isabelle, the two laughed. John smiled cheekily, "sorry, cheap budget Alexander. Are you three ready to play?"
"Bring it on," Isabelle said as Jace started whacking Alec with his Alec stick.
"Jonathan," John put on a pretend chastising tone, "I did not give you the toy as a means of fighting your brother."
"Yeah Jace," Alec taunted, poking his tongue out at the blonde.
"Anything can be a weapon when it comes to fighting him," Jace retorted, swearing when Alec got him in the face with the stick. "Oi, watch my precious face."
"Are you two ready to behave?" John sighed dramatically.
"Definitely," Alec sat up straighter, a grin on his face that left Magnus' heart stuttering.
"First question," David pulled out a number of palm cards before clearing his throat. "Who takes the longest in the shower?"
Isabelle and Alec were quick to raise their Jace sticks, while Jace groaned, "going for the first strike already, mate?"
The crowd giggled as Jace slowly raised his own pole, holding it unhappily. Alec and Isabelle high fived before David moved onto the next question, "who is the most nurturing out of the three of you?"
Alec lifted his Isabelle stick, while the others lifted their Alec sticks. The blue-eyed man seem surprised at their choices, "since when have I ever nurtured you two?"
"When it comes to us, anyone can be better nurturers." Jace replied, and Alec gave in, seeing Jace's point.
"Third question, who is the biggest bookworm?" John asked, making the three siblings pause.
"I would say that it isn't any one of us," Isabelle was looking at her brother's for their opinions.
"Really, the biggest bookworm Lightwood would be our youngest brother," Alec added, Jace and Isabelle agreeing.
"Well then, one point to Max Lightwood," John joshed, making the audience laugh. "Next, who has the funniest fear?"
Both Alec and Jace paled, as Isabelle held up both of their sticks. She was giggling away, and Magnus had the feeling that there must be some big stories she could reveal. "Both of them have hilarious fears."
"Oh god," Jace groaned, the sound mimicked by Alec.
"Don't you dare, Isabelle." Alec warned, noting her mischievous look.
"Would you like to hear the story?" Isabelle asked John and the audience went wild. "Jace is petrified of ducks, always has been and I have a feeling he always will be. Alexander is terrified of umbrellas."
"Ducks and umbrellas?" John repeated, chortling.
"You make us sound so unmanly," Jace complained, huffing.
"We're like superheroes really, we have one unique weakness." Alec winked at his brother, who grinned.
"I like that description. Pfft yeah, we're just superheroes." Jace sat up straighter, sharing a look with Alec.
Helen stood backstage, watching as the Lightwoods continued the game. She laughed with the audience and soon shook her head at a ridiculous comment made by Jace. That man had no shame. After checking the time on her phone and seeing that they were halfway through the interview, she headed back to the dressing room. Alexander is scheduled to perform again soon, so she might return to the side of the set to watch that. Opening the door of the dressing room, she strolled inside, her feet aching from standing for hours.
She started to pack away her make up into their separate little containers. Humming Fever under her breath, she quickly sent a text to her brother, Mark, to congratulate him on one song being finished already. He replied quickly, thanking her and saying that this play had crap alcohol to offer. Rolling her eyes, she also made sure that she hadn't missed any messages from their Dad or younger half-siblings. After ensuring everything was okay with them, Helen began to wipe down the bench she used, getting rid of stray remains of eyeshadow and foundation. She heard even more laughter from the audience, when the door to the dressing room opened unexpectedly.
Helen turned around, gasping at the sight of a very familiar and gorgeous person. A security officer was standing next to her, holding the door open. "This is the dressing room, ma'am."
Her hair was dark and pulled back into a tight high ponytail that emphasised her angular jawline. Her outfit was similar to Isabelle's – a crop top and skirt. However, it was silver and made out of some type of psychedelic metallic material that swished with every step she took. The skirt was looser and shaped to stand out more, making her curves more obvious.
Helen paused what she was doing when Aline Penhallow's eyes landed on her. "Thank you for showing me here, Mike. I'll be right."
The security guard left the two women alone. Helen felt herself going red as Aline observed her, taking in the loosely braided hair and surprisingly pointed ears. "Miss Penhallow, it's an honour to meet you."
"You look familiar," Aline murmured, stepping forward in her silver stilettos. Her warm brown eyes were expertly outlined with black and silver eyeliner.
"I'm Helen Blackthorn, the Lightwood's makeup artist and hair stylist." Helen introduced herself quietly.
"No wonder you're recognisable. I knew that I'd seen your beautiful face around somewhere before. You were there at the Christmas concert Alec and I sang at a year ago." Aline realised, her eyes widening before a happy smile rose to her face. "You always do such an amazing job of their makeup, Helen."
"Thank you, Miss Penhallow," Helen lowered her face self-consciously.
Aline laughed, moving closer. "Call me Aline."
"Aline it is then," Helen murmured thoughtfully while Aline tilted her head, eyeing the blonde woman. "I have to say, you have a beautiful voice. I've heard all your songs on the radio."
Aline's expression became less composed, instead it was replaced by a gentle smile. "Thanks, I suppose we can both admire each other's artistry."
"I suppose we can," Helen tried to ignore the feeling of butterflies building inside her.
The two women stared at each other in silence, although nothing felt uncomfortable. Eventually, a knock on the door broke their concentration, as Aline twirled around. "Yes?"
"Miss Penhallow, Mr Scott has arrived and I have been asked to escort you to the set." One of the assistants with a headpiece said.
Aline nodded, trotting out of the room before stopping to peek at Helen, "you'll be watching the performance right? I want someone to wink at."
"If you want me to, I will." Helen went bright red, leaning against the side of the bench.
"I'd love you to watch it. I'll see you after the show?" Aline took another step out of the room, her hand coming up to hold the doorframe.
"Sure," Helen replied, blinking quickly as Aline left her alone in the dressing room. "I did not expect that."
Was anyone else excited when Aline met Helen? Because I sure was. Bahaha I get excited way too easily though. And who on Earth studies fashion or a course that could help Alec with his costume designer dilemma? ;) Thank you to everyone who reviewed. By the way, I'm thinking that Magnus' Dad has died but his Mum is still alive. Any suggestions for Mama Bane's name?
wendy – I'm so happy that you love it so far! I'm planning to keep his Mum alive, thank you for the suggestion. Haha I am sooo ready to do the embarrassing parent scene in the future, especially since Maryse and Robert are unlikely to try and embarrass Alec…more like just anger him. Thanks for reviewing!
blacknblu30 – I can only say that you'll have to wait and see how Alec deals with the situation…I have a feeling you might like it though ;)
PurpleZeebra – Aww you are a sweetheart. Thanks for being so nice and I completely understand. I am crap with technology, so I know your pain. It's the thought that counts!
Peachesandcream – I'm sorry but I love your name thingy. Peaches and cream are the best. Anyways, thanks for laughing at the start of the chapter, I had fun writing it! Bahaha I always love it when Izzy feels the need to step in, after all, how else is Alec going to get the guts to ask his glittery man out? ;) In case I really wasn't clear this chapter, which I hope is not the case, Magnus left because he felt out of Alec's league and believed it was only going to lead to heartache. I really hope that clarified it for you! Thanks for reviewing.
kaito394 – I am sooooo smiley now because hearing that you love my story makes me sooo very happy. Thank you!
MalecHEART01 – Hehe I'm sure he'll get his butt back into a room with Alec…one day! Thank you! xox
Sara the best – I hate cliffhangers too, except I love writing them so I suppose it's a love/hate relationship. I really wanted to show the insecure side of Magnus because in this story, he's aware of the realities of life. Sucks for Alec, though. I was considering that he adored his biological dad and mum, but his dad died in a car accident when he was 7ish and then his mum remarried when he was 12 at he hated the step-father, who treated him badly. Before this story was set, his mum and step-dad had divorced, so that's my plan for that. Thank you for being sooooo supportive! :')
EAZYADICT – Haha is it mean for me to stay I enjoyed the fact you didn't see the end coming? I like surprising readers. Thanks for reviewing!
floosted – I loved the class scene as well. I added it because I wanted to contrast Magnus' more insecure moments with moments like that. I have started writing the chapter where he comes out, and let me tell you, he does not half-ass it! I think you will like it, but I'm still working on it.
TomTheSquirrel – Aww thank you! :') I'm love your username.
Pri-Chan 1410 – Haha were you surprised that it was his Mum calling? I wasn't! Seemed a very Maryse thing to do. Thank you for reviewing!