I am so sorry about how long it took to update! I found it really hard to write this chapter. It may be a little all over the place, but it was the best I could do, considering there's so many character plotlines that I'm trying to develop at the same time. Thank you so much to everyone who's been so sweet about this story so far!
Disclaimer: Cassandra Clare came up with the original story, not moi.
Chapter 9
Dates, Kisses and Heartbreak
Their lips slowly disconnected and the two men took in deep breaths, resting their foreheads against each others. Magnus grabbed Alec's hands and interlinked their fingers. Both men had silly grins on their faces and were out of breath. Alec huffed with his chest rising and falling quickly, with sweat and glitter coating his skin, while Magnus was giggling breathily. Magnus' eyes were shining brightly and Alec could feel the happiness that the tanned man was emitting. Magnus went to fix his dark purple lipstick, also rubbing any stray marks of his lipstick off Alec's soft lips. Alec tried to duck the movement, making Magnus cackle and aww at his adorableness; especially when Alec scrunched his nose up.
Magnus gave up, grinning widely. "Your makeup looked so good tonight. I liked it. Even Cammie was complimenting it – Helen did a great job."
"That's the first thing you say after we kiss? Are you serious right now?" Alec hooted, shaking his head incredulously. Dark strands of hair fell in front of his blue eyes, so Magnus pushed it out of the way.
"You know me, Alexander." Magnus grabbed his hips and pulled him even closer. He lowered his voice to a soft growl. "I don't follow the rules."
"I realised that," Alec's breath was hot against Magnus' lips, sending shivers down the tanned man's spin.
"I think it's time we DTR," Magnus stated, smiling appreciatively at Alec's blush.
"What does that even mean?" Alec chuckled while he attempted to run his fingers through Magnus' spiked hair.
"Define the relationship, sweetheart. Honestly, get on my level with slang." Magnus replied, rolling his eyes. "What do you want to be?"
Alec hummed, a pleasant feeling running throughout his body. "I wouldn't mind being your boyfriend."
"I wouldn't mind you being my boyfriend either," a huge smile came to Magnus' face and Alec couldn't help but grin back in response.
"Boyfriends then?" Alec suggested, causing a happy laugh to escape Magnus' mouth.
"Boyfriends," Magnus agreed, "there's one thing before I want us to be official boyfriends."
"Oh?" Alec raised an eyebrow, "what is that?"
"I want a date," Magnus declared proudly, causing Alec to smile.
"I think I can handle that," Alec said slowly before leaning back in to kiss Magnus again, as the two fell back into their own world.
Jace took in a deep breath, staring down at the name and phone number on the screen. Clary Fray. His finger hovered over the call button, before he shook his head and locked his phone screen, throwing the mobile behind him on the bed. He groaned, slouching over and resting his elbows on his knees. He placed his head in his hands, trying to hide his face from the light of day. Why was this so hard for him? Clary's words reverberated in his head.
Either we're exclusive or we're nothing, Jace. I won't be one of your little playthings.
"Dammit," Jace moaned painfully, punching his mattress and jumping to his feet.
"We just got home from an incredibly successful concert, well…all things considered…and you are already a grump. So, tell me, what's got your panties in a knot?" Izzy questioned from the doorway, leaning against the doorframe.
Jace jolted, not expecting to see his sister in the doorway. His heart pounding as he spat out, "don't scare a guy like that, Iz."
"It's the whole Clary thing again, isn't it?" Izzy rolled her eyes, "just ask her out already. She likes you, you like her."
"It's not that simple, Iz." Jace complained, shaking his head.
"Yes it is," Izzy insisted, strolling into his bedroom. "Alec just came out to the world, I'm sure you can be exclusive with one girl."
"Don't compare me and Alec," Jace wailed, running a hand through his hair.
"Don't act so whiney, it gets on my nerves." Izzy said, offering little sympathy. "Do you like her?"
"Yes, I do." Jace gave in, biting his lower lip.
"Then call her," Izzy made her way over to his bed and picked up his phone, chucking it at him.
"Is Jace pining over a girl?" Max queried from behind Iz, peering over her shoulder. Izzy jumped slightly, unaware that he was right behind her.
"He sure is," Izzy informed him once she regained control of herself. The two biological siblings started smirking at their blonde brother. "Even Max can see that you're being pathetic, Jace."
"I'm not being pathetic, just cautious." Jace defended himself quickly.
"Yes, you are," Max and Izzy replied in unison, making Jace pale and the two Lightwoods high-five.
"So pathetic," Max added kindly, grinning up at his older brother.
"Since when did you become so…Lightwood?" Jace gaped at the teenager, who puffed his chest out proudly.
"When you lost your balls. Honestly Jace, suck it up and gain them back. I'm sure she'll say yes." Max shrugged and Izzy cackled at his remark.
"You are a little bugger." Jace growled, throwing a pair of used underwear at Max, who ducked them with a shriek. "Why don't you go annoy Alec about Magnus?"
"Who the hell is Magnus? What sort of name is that? And ew Jace, don't be so gross." Max complained, running out of the room when Jace threatened him with a shoe.
"He is so grown up," Izzy commented fondly, pretending to wipe away a fake tear as she listened to Max's cheers echo down the hallway.
"He sure is. Sassy as well." Jace murmured. "I might go for a walk around the garden…or something."
Izzy watched as he left the room in a hurry, walking in the opposite direction to Max before she could order him to stop. She growled under breath, "stupid prat."
"She did what?" Aline shrieked from over the phone, her fist hitting the dressing table with a loud thud. The costume stylist next to her sent her a scared look and stepped back. One of Aline's assistants immediately knew that the singer needed a few moments to herself, so he motioned for the two of the helpers to leave her in peace. Both of them hurried out of the room, claiming they needed to get something out of their car, although the entertainer didn't even notice that they disappeared.
Helen sighed, wincing when she jostled her leg from the surprise of Aline suddenly yelling. "She accidentally knocked me over on the stairs."
"Accidentally?" Aline laughed mockingly, her tone icy and sharp. "Maryse Lightwood doesn't do anything accidentally - it's not in her cold-hearted nature. That bitch. I can't believe she'd try and betray Alec like that, as well as manhandle you. Are you going to press charges against her?"
"No, why would I?" Helen muttered, pausing when she heard Aline growl fiercely.
"Because she freaking assaulted you, Helen. That's why!" Aline hissed, getting to her feet and pacing edgily around the dressing room. "Assault is not okay in any circumstances."
"Aline, you are overreacting." Helen said calmly, rolling her eyes and moving to look at Tumblr on her laptop. She smiled when she saw some skilfully done eyeliner and made a note to test it out.
"That bitch hurt you!" Aline argued angrily, her eyes narrowing in fury. There was a knock on the door and she dismissed the person immediately. There were voices outside her dressing room and she knew it was her personal assistant informing the other individual that she would need some space at the moment. "She needs to pay for how she acted, Helen."
"No, you need to calm down and think rationally." Helen murmured soothingly while she reblogged another makeup design she liked. "Sweetheart, you're running off anger and all those negative feelings that you keep built up inside you, especially right now. Just based off that, it really isn't a good idea for you to go and accuse anyone or threaten them. Give it some time so you can think clearly."
"Trust me, I am thinking clearly. That bitch needs to rethink about whose girlfriend she injures." Aline shouted before suddenly deflating. She slouched slightly and stopped pacing as she whispered, "I wish I was there to protect you."
"There was nothing I needed protection from." Helen replied quickly, although she couldn't deny that her cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and gratefulness. "Look, I need to get back to work and I know that you have an interview soon that you need to get ready for. Take care, okay?"
"You too, I don't want to hear anymore stories of my girlfriend being shoved down the stairs." Aline responded quietly while she traced a pattern over the back of a chair in the dressing room. "Bye babe."
"Bye Sweetie," Helen said, hearing the call end as she dropped her phone and went back to searching for new makeup ideas.
"Alexander, where are we going?" Magnus asked with a laugh in his voice as the two men weaved their way through empty alleyways and dark corners of London.
Alec was grinning while he stayed covered with a pair of black sunnies, a black beanie and blue jeans with a black jumper. "We are going on our date."
"Where to though?" Magnus queried, appearing slightly confused.
"You'll find out," Alec stated as they snuck across a main road and down into another alleyway.
"If this is where you take my innocence and leave me in a bloody heap, I might have to say no." Magnus commented dryly, eyeing the darkness ahead of them and the wet cement floor that glistened in the poor moonlight.
"Oh Mags, if I was going to do anything to you in an alleyway…" Alec trailed off before he grabbed Magnus and yanked him close.
Magnus gasped into the kiss, his eyes automatically shutting as he found himself pushed up against a wall. Alec's body was hot against his and his hands started travelling and exploring Magnus' figure. Magnus moaned into the kiss when Alec nipped at his lower lip, his own hands snatching Alec's and placing them on his leather-clad ass. It was Alec's turn to whimper as he squeezed tightly and began to grind his lower half against Magnus'. Magnus' head dropped back and hit the wall, although the pleasure masked any pain from the smack. His hands snuck under Alec's shirt and he whined when he felt the toned abs that welcomed his hands. Magnus pulled his lips away from Alec and pretended not to hear the strangled noise of annoyance from the singer as he began trailing kissing down Alec's neck before littering them all over his collarbone.
"Mags, we should stop." Alec whinged needily when Magnus' hands continued to travel further up his chest.
"We should," Magnus agreed absentmindedly, his lips still attached to Alec's collarbone.
"Baby, please." Alec begged, although he couldn't decide what for.
"What do you want?" Magnus questioned, stroking his thumb over Alec's nipple.
"Ugh…I don't know." Alec whispered before he found the strength to stop. He put his hands on Magnus' hips and pushed him away gently, stopping the grinding. "We should go eat."
"Eat what, Alexander?" Magnus purred, licking a line straight from Alec's collarbone and then up to his ear.
"D…dinner…Magnus." Alec stuttered, shutting his eyes and swearing.
"What if I want you for dinner?" Magnus teased, running a finger down Alec's chest and straight over the enlarging bulge in the singer's pants.
"M...Mag…Magnus," Alec struggled to form his words.
"That's my name," Magnus smirked, his breath hot against Alec's ear.
"Dinner. Now." Alec commanded, although his voice was high-pitched and cheeks were bright red.
"Whatever you desire," Magnus was surprisingly compliant as he released Alec.
The singer sighed and went to re-adjust his pants with a blush, "I don't want our seats being taken."
"Of course, darling." Magnus winked and slapped Alec on the ass as he strutted past. Alec gaped at his boyfriend, unable to speak. Noting this factor, Magnus turned around and held his hand out. "Are you coming, Alexander?"
All Alec could do was stumble after the glittery man.
Camille sat on her bed, reading through the fashion magazine that spoke about Magnus' design. She grinned proudly when she came to the page, appreciatively looking at the dress. There was a knock on the door and she kept her eyes on the pages while calling out, "yes?"
The door opened and shut behind the guest, "hey Belcourt, how's it going?"
Camille paused what she was doing, slowly looking up at Ragnor. "Hi Fell, can I help you with anything? Plus, you really don't have to knock, it's your room too."
"Answering my question with a question? Very smooth," Ragnor replied cheekily. "We both know the room is yours, the sofa is mine. I'm cool with that. I was just wondering whether you are hungry? Magnus sent me a text to say he's having dinner with Alec."
Camille bit her lip thoughtfully, did she really want to spend more of her time with Ragnor? She already put up with his terrible singing while he was in the shower. And do not get her started on how he farts in his sleep. Despite all the built up frustration, the hopeful look on his face made her resolve dissolve. "Okay, just let me get my coat."
Ragnor beamed at her and she felt her heart flutter at the sight. Shaking her head, she rushed a chair in the corner of the room, where her double breasted red jacket was draped. She grabbed it and put it on, doing up the buttons as the material fell just above her knees. Her blonde curls contrasted with the colour perfectly and made her green eyes stand out even more. She also snatched her beret, which was the same colour and material as the jacket. She placed it onto her head, making sure her hair wasn't caught up or anything. She moved onto gloves, pulling on black leather ones that Magnus had bought her for her eighteenth birthday. Camille spun around, seeing Ragnor behind her.
"Do I look okay?" She inquired while picking up her purse and putting on a pair of black heels.
"You look…great." Ragnor managed to get out, his face going red.
Camille smiled, heading out of the hotel room. "Let's head off, I'm craving some good old fish and chips."
Ragnor chuckled, following her out of the room and waiting for her to lock the door behind them. "I think I know the perfect place."
"You know your way around London, do you?" Camille teased lightly, eyes full of mirth.
Ragnor laughed as they came to the elevators. He pressed the button, stepping back. "I came here for a holiday once. It was a while ago now."
"I've never been to London," Camille informed him, "I've seen Paris, but not London. A bit odd, don't you think?"
Ragnor grinned at her as the elevator doors opened, "after you."
"Why thank you," Camille entered the elevator, leaning against one side as Ragnor followed her in.
"Isn't your family in Paris?" Ragnor questioned, waiting for the doors to shut behind him.
Camille nodded, "my Dad's side is, although most of my Mum's family live in America."
"Have you ever noticed that you look nothing like your parents?" Ragnor mocked playfully, nudging Camille with his elbow.
She good-naturedly rolled her eyes, "of course I have. Mama and Papa have dark hair and neither have green eyes. It's hard to miss."
"Maybe you're secretly adopted," Ragnor gasped theatrically and it was Camille's turn to nudge him…although it was more of a shove. "Ouch, watch it woman."
"Be quiet then, man." Camille retorted and the elevator doors opened.
"Here we are," Alec said as they reached a small, aged building with red plastered walls and a bright yellow door. It wasn't Magnus' usual choice when going out, but for Alec, he was prepared to try it. "Will you be okay with this?"
"Sure," Magnus shrugged half-heartedly, eyeing the exterior of the restaurant with a critical expression.
"Sorry it doesn't look great," Alec winced during his apology, realising how bad it might look to Magnus. "It's owned by an old family friend who promises to make sure that no paparazzi sneak in."
"That's okay, handsome." Magnus promised, reaching and out comfortingly linking his fingers through his boyfriend's. "Who's the friend?"
Alec blushed, silent for a few moments before he attempted to answer. "It's…not necessarily a friend…more like a relative."
"There's more Lightwoods?" Magnus gaped, eyes widening. Alec had to remind himself not to stare at the way Magnus' jaw dropped attractively.
"Sort of." Alec ran a hand through his front of hair that was peeking out from underneath his beanie. "My cousins, Gabriel and Gideon, run this place. They make an effort to not be known as Lightwoods though; their sister is a completely different story though. She does everything to become famous. Just remember that here, they are known as Pangborns – that was my Aunt's maiden name. They've made it clear that they want to become popular for their food, not some name that links them to us."
"That makes sense," Magnus replied, smiling widely and tugging gently on Alec's hand. "Let's go in, hey?"
"Just a quick thing," Alec interrupted in a hurry, "in case…just…erm…don't mention Jace to them. At all. Might not be pretty."
"Why not?" Magnus quirked an eyebrow and Alec had to quickly catch his breath.
"Because Jace doesn't exactly get along with them…" he supplied awkwardly, before shaking his head. "There's just a huge contrast in personality between them that makes me dislike each other. C'mon Mags."
Alec opened the front door and stepped aside, letting Magnus enter first. Magnus sent him a happy smile as he strutted inside. The restaurant was warm and cosy with a lit fireplace in one corner. Waiters were attending to customers and an incredibly familiar woman caught sight of Magnus and Alec. Magnus titled his head, attempting to figure out who she reminded him of. With long dark hair that reached her waist, an angular jawline and vibrant blue eyes that were outlined with eyeliner, she reminded him a lot of Isabelle – although perhaps she was another Lightwood who hid from the fame. She headed towards them, her hips swaying with each step.
"Hi guys, just a table for two tonight?" She asked politely as she came to the front desk.
"Yes please," Alec responded while he removed his sunglasses and beanie.
Recognition immediately hit her, yet it was only the slight reddening of the cheeks that gave it away. "Please follow me then, Sirs."
Magnus and Alec stayed behind her as she made her way to a more isolated table in the corner of the room. The restaurant wasn't very busy and everyone else seemed to be too focused in their conversations to even notice Alec's presence. The waitress handed them menus with the promise of returning soon to collect their orders.
"What do you think so far?" Alec inquired as he opened his menu.
"I like it," Magnus said firmly, eyeing what was on the list of options. "It's cute."
"I'm glad you like it," Alec chuckled, searching the menu and gasping. "They still make cottage pie, I'm definitely getting that."
"You're going to a restaurant and you're ordering that?" Magnus raised an eyebrow before laughing. "You are one of a kind, Alexander."
Alec went red and averted his eyes, "I…erm…yes."
Magnus went back to reading the menu, hiding his giggles by covering his mouth with his hand.
Helen put the key into the lock, jiggling it around skilfully until the door opened with a click. She made her way inside, careful not to jostle the containers of Indian takeaway she had just ordered. Flicking the light switch next to the door on and kicking the door shut behind her, she made her way into her small apartment. Checking her watch, she grinned. Aline's interview would be broadcasted soon. With that thought, Helen quickly grabbed a fork from the kitchen and rushed over to her sofa. Her days off were rare, but thoroughly enjoyed. Throwing herself down, she grabbed the remote and turned on the T.V. before opening the container and beginning to eat. She had already prepared the T.V. prior to getting takeaway, so it was already on the right channel. She watched the end of some drama series' episode, rolling her eyes at a terrible pun. Soon, the face of the next show's host popped up and Helen immediately sat up straighter.
"Hello to all my amazing viewers, and welcome to tonight's episode of Celebs. I'm Amatis Greymark, your usual host. On the show tonight is the one and only…Aline Penhallow." The interviewer said before the camera showed Aline walking onto the stage, dress in a short white dress. "Welcome to the show, Aline."
Aline sat down after giving her a hug, "hi Amatis, thanks for having me tonight."
"Thanks for being here," Amatis replied charmingly, crossing her legs over and staying poised as she also sat back down. "The past few weeks have been huge for you, haven't they?"
"They sure have." Aline chuckled, leaning her arm on the side of her chair. "I've been recording plenty of new songs that I can't wait to release, while also doing some surprise performances with a few other amazing artists. It's been great."
"You also were involved with a certain Lightwood, who has caused quite the controversy with a recent announcement!" Amatis laughed, raising an eyebrow. "Would you mind discussing that?"
Aline paused and Helen recognised the look of consideration on her face. "Alexander and I are just friends. I'm pretty sure he spoke about the kiss at one of his latest concerts. Whatever he said, I'm sure it was all true. He's much better at explaining the situation than me."
"Surely people would appreciate your side to the story?" Amatis pushed, making Helen tense.
Aline took the pressure in her stride, "I'm sure the gossip channels would, yes. I'll just say this – Alexander and I are best friends. We're both happy, but in no ways romantically linked."
"Is there someone you're romantically linked to currently?" Amatis asked, her blue eyes shining with excitement.
Aline merely chuckled politely, "I'm not confirming or denying anything about my love life, currently. You'll find out when I want you too, but trust me, once you do, you'll love it."
Helen rolled her eyes at her girlfriend's dramatic ways, "drama queen."
As if she heard Helen's comment, Aline sent a cheeky smile in the direction of the camera.
Magnus and Alec were cackling in the corner of the restaurant as the waitress returned with their dishes. They smiled at her thankfully before she headed off after declaring, "if you need anything, let me know."
"She's a sweetheart…seems so familiar." Magnus commented pensively, running a finger around the rim of his wine glass.
Alec sipped at a glass of red wine he had ordered, "she's Gabriel's girlfriend. They've been dating for around two years. I'm not certain – I don't see them often or hear much about them."
"What's her name?" Magnus queried as he dug into his creamy Alfredo.
"Cecily Herondale…I think." Alec supplied, not seeing the look of shock on his boyfriend's face.
"Cecily Herondale?" Magnus shrieked, almost spitting out a mouthful of food and alerting everyone else of their presence.
"Magnus, be quiet." Alec hissed, looking away and hoping no one notices him. "I can't be sighted or the paparazzi will have a field trip."
"Is there anything you need?" Cecily questioned professionally, immediately by their side with her notepad in hand.
Her dark hair fell in front of her face slightly, in a way that immediately made her even more familiar. She reminded him of the twelve year old Cecily that Magnus had originally met all those years ago. The images of her with a huge school bag on her first day of high school came to mind. She had sprinted to catch up with Will when he had purposefully ran ahead to escape her needy ways. Whilst he adored his little sister, she managed to make Will so annoyed. There are only a few people Will truly loves, and Cecily is definitely at the top of that list, next to Jem and Tessa. Magnus remembered the way that for the remainder of his high school years, Will's eyes never left his sister's figure as soon as they were in the same room. Will struggled with not being protective over her – especially when she started physically growing faster than all the other girls. Boys were often staring at her, which drove Will mad with anger.
Magnus gaped up at her with his finger directed at her worried face, "you're Cecy!"
"Pardon?" Cecily blanched and stepped back, shaking her head. "Do I know you?"
"We met years ago, when you were still in high school. I was friends with Will, Jem and Tessa. Remember the guy who helped you with your makeup after the Queen bitch of the school threw your books into the sink and poured water over them? I found you crying in an empty hallway after being late to class and you said that you had never met anyone who had more sparkles than me. You also begged me not to tell William and he still doesn't know what that bitch did to you." Magnus ranted, waving his arms around for effect.
Cecily gasped with recognition before she bounded into a happy Magnus' arms. Holding on tight and she shouted, "Magnus! It's been way too long since we last saw each other."
"It sure has," Magnus agreed charmingly, returning the hug just as enthusiastically. Alec shifted awkwardly in his seat.
"How have you been?" Cecily stepped back, grinning down at him and placing a hand on one hip.
"I've been great, nearly finished university. Just trying to find a job currently." Magnus replied sweetly and Alec couldn't decide whether he had to hide his confusion or gentle smile caused by the joy on Magnus' face.
"Didn't you get fired from your last one?" Cecily asked innocently, although the spark in her eye suggested that it was all an act.
Magnus groaned loudly, covering his face with his hands. He peeked at her through gaps between his fingers. "William told you about that?"
"Wait…what?" Alec interrupted with a goofy grin on his face. He found himself rather entertained when Magnus paled slightly, "you were fired? When?"
"I quit my job, I definitely wasn't fired. I just want to make that clear." Magnus stated fiercely. "Don't listen to that little traitorous pineapple."
"He was fired," Cecily corrected nicely, smirking in a way that definitely reminded the fashion star of her older brother.
"You're evil, Cecily Herondale." Magnus muttered darkly, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Why were you fired?" Alec inquired, taking a bite of his cottage pie. He groaned in appreciation, pausing to tell Cecily, "let Gabriel and Gideon know this is the best cottage pie I've ever had."
"Sure will, Gideon made that for you." Cecily informed him cheerfully before both of them turned their attention back to Magnus.
"So, why were you fired?" Alec pushed again, enjoying the way Magnus squirmed.
"Because it turns out, I'm far too great for working in a cheesecake factory." Magnus murmured, avoiding Alec's eyes.
"What he means," Cecily cleared her throat noisily, "is that he accidentally poisoned fifteen people by making a crappy cheesecake. Fifteen people that happened to be his boss' greatest and highest paying customers."
"Damn, are you serious?" Alec burst into laughter.
Magnus huffed, "it's all lies."
"It really isn't." Cecily remarked sassily, causing Magnus to growl.
"Do you have any plates to clean, Cecy?" He asked pointedly and she took the hint.
"Have fun," she winked at them before striding back into another table, where customers immediately struck up conversation with her.
"I apologise about that," Magnus muttered, taking a gulp of his drink and slamming the glass back down on the table.
"Don't apologise, it entertained me." Alec teased nicely, continuing to eat his meal.
Magnus seemed to be in deep thought, before he eventually queried, "have you ever noticed that Jace has the same last name as Will and Cecily? Well…his biological last name."
Alec clucked his tongue, "the thought came to mind, but we checked his family tree and there were no links. And they look nothing alike, so we dropped it. I'm guessing it's a random occurrence. It's still a bit strange, though."
"Yes," Magnus murmured, eyeing the darkhaired woman who was now standing next to a green eyed man that reminded him vaguely of Alec. "Very strange. Who's the brunette guy she's next to now?"
Alec looked over his shoulder and smiled immediately, "that's Gabriel. Would you like to meet him? He's a nice guy. Gideon should be around here somewhere."
"Am I going to be introduced as a friend or date? I need to know now," Magnus kidded, although there was an edge of seriousness to his voice.
Alec rolled his blue eyes, "as a date, of course. My family already knows that I've met a guy called Magnus."
"How do they already know?" Magnus gaped at his boyfriend who reached over the table to interlock their fingers.
Alec leaned forward and whispered, "one word. Isabelle."
Magnus made a noise of understanding, hiding his laugh by coughing politely. Alec pretended to ignore it when the door to the restaurant opened with a bang. Someone laughed with a strong Italian accent, "sorry about that, I'm a klutz."
Cecily was by the man's side in moments, "that's okay, Sir. Can I help you with anything?"
Alec looked up and saw a man that greatly reminded him of Magnus, with tight bright red jeans and a sheer black shirt that left little to the imagination. His blonde hair was tied into a man bun that suited him. Magnus also peered up and almost dropped his fork, his jaw dropping.
"Oh shit," he swore, tensing in his seats.
"Mags, you okay?" Alec's grip on his boyfriend's hand tightened.
Magnus cleared his throat, "is there a bathroom here? That I can go and…powder my nose in?"
Alec gave him a confused look, but still nodded. "Yeah sure, there should be. I can ask Cec-"
"No," Magnus almost shouted, before hurriedly lowering his voice. "Do not bring attention to us."
"Why not?" Alec raised an eyebrow, trying to figure out the situation. "What's going on Magnus? Is it the food? If you don't like it, we can go somewhere else."
"The food is lovely, darling." Magnus said distractedly, turning his whole body away from Cecily and the fashionable stranger. "It's just that there has been a…change of plans…unexpectedly. Alexander, how would you feel about ice cream? There's a charming store nearby."
"What are you hiding, Mags?" Alec asked, deadpanned.
"Well, you see…erm…how does this always happen?" Magnus groaned, running a hand through his hair before a voice interrupted.
"Magnus?" Alec and Magnus slowly turned to see the guest with the bright clothing. "It's been way too long! I thought it was you!"
"Alejandro." Magnus muttered and Alec stared between the two men.
"Mags, who is this?" He questioned fiercely, seeing the way Magnus slouched forward in his chair.
"Oh, pardon me for being so rude." Alejandro drawled, reaching out towards Alec, who shook his hand. "I'm Alejandro Rossi."
"Nice to meet you." Alec replied awkwardly, still bewildered.
"And you are?" Alejandro queried, making Magnus and Alec blink up at him. Alejandro stepped back, "did I say something wrong?"
"No…you didn't." Alec mumbled, sending another look at Magnus. "I'm…call me…Bob."
"Bob? Very English." Alejandro chuckled before Cecily called out to him. "Ah, my table is ready, I best go sit. We should hang out again, Magnus."
"Yeah…maybe." Magnus responded, a tight-lipped smile on his face. "Anyway, you better get to your seat. Sooner you can get your food!"
"Always the bright one," Alejandro winked at Magnus before he strutted to his table.
"Who the Hell was that?" Alec hissed as soon as the Italian was out of earshot.
"My ex." Magnus moaned grumpily, glowering at his glass. "And Bob? Really?"
"It was the first thing I could think of," Alec said defensively, before cracking a smile. "Alejandro? Really? Do you have a thing for Alexanders?"
"Clearly," Magnus smirked, before he leaned forward to give Alec a sweet kiss. "I'm kidding, I only have a thing for you…Bob."
"Oh hush it," Alec scrunched up his face and ignored the roars of laughter from his date.
"Talk to me, Fray." Simon sat down next to Clary, where she was moping at the empty table in Taki's Diner. For the past hour, she had been glaring at the mug in front of her, her red hair matching the anger in her eyes. Simon reached out slowly to open her clenched fists and she sat up straighter at the touch. "You're upset about something. Do I have to go and get my Star Wars lightsaber out? I can totally take someone down with it."
Clary chuckled weakly, avoiding looking into his eyes. "I'm just tired, Si. Thanks though."
Simon held his hand up immediately, stopping her from continuing to speak. He deepened his tone after clearing his throat. "Clarissa Adele Fray, I have known you since pre-primary. This means that I also know when you're lying to me and you are doing a terrible job of lying right now. If you don't tell me, I'll go to Luke."
"No," Clary argued loudly, sitting up straighter, completely alert and slightly panicky. She pouted as she cried out, "Luke will go straight to my Mum. Then the world will be screwed over."
"Bingo," Simon chortled and smiled smugly, ruffling Clary's red hair. "After he has castrated Jace Lightwood. Plus, no one wants the wraith of Jocelyn Garroway."
Clary scowled and slouched back in her chair, crossing her arms over her petite chest. "How did you know it was about him?"
"You want me to give you a list of reasons?" Simon mocked gently, sitting down on an empty seat. He leaned forward, resting his elbow on the table and lifting a finger. "Reason one; you are non-stop texting him all the time. Seriously, it never ends. Number two is that I saw you two flirting at Magnus' and let me tell you, the sexual tension was practically enough to choke everyone else around you. Then there's the third reason, which is, you will not shut up about him – even Jocelyn has asked me about him. Although, she doesn't realise it's the Jace Lightwood, she just thinks it's some guy called Jace. Do I need to continue? Because I have plenty of reasons."
"No, you don't have to keep going on." Clary gave him a soft smile before sighing quietly. "Am I a fool for falling for Jace? I probably should've realised that it was."
Simon frowned deeply, "Clare Bear, listen to me – Jace Lightwood is lucky to have you, he's just too stupid to realise it."
"Are you sure of that?" Simon's heart broke when he realised that tears were building up in her green eyes. "I'm sure he could do better."
He reached out and grabbed her hand, stroking her palm reassuringly. "I am certain. And there is no one better than you."
She bit her lip thoughtfully, "thank you for talking to me, Si."
"I'm always going to be here for you," Simon reminded her, sighing when he saw more customers enter the shop. He got to his feet, patting her on the back. "I have to get back to work, give me a shout if you need anything."
Clary nodded and watched him walk to the counter. She smiled sadly and went back to staring at her phone, seeing that she had no new messages.
"Thanks for the amazing night, Alexander. I loved it," the breeze of Magnus' breath caressed Alec's face.
Magnus and Alec were spread across over the singer's bed, cuddling and whispering in soft tones to each other. They had just returned from their date after Magnus had practically made them sprint out of the restaurant in an attempt to escape Alejandro. The two of them were aware that Izzy was in a nearby room, her music echoing down the hallway that led to Alec's room. When the delightful tone of Rihanna was heard by Magnus, he immediately went into a speech about an assignment he completed that was based off the star. Then he moved onto other fashion related topics that usually bored the hell out of Alec, but for Magnus, he could listen.
Alec's eyes hadn't strayed from Magnus' animated face as the fashion student gushed about the latest dress Izzy had worn out after the concert. A dress that Magnus had designed and received a lot of attention and praise for. Apparently it was in one of the classroom as Idris University and Izzy spotted it before asking Ms Ke about the designer. The teacher had been excited to say Magnus had made it, so Izzy was quick to request Magnus for a copy of the dress. In his joy, Magnus even gave her the original and merely stated that he could easily re-make the dress for anyone else.
"I cannot believe it, Alexander." Magnus rolled over onto his side, gazing into his lover's eyes. "I now have over one thousand followers on Instagram…purely because your sister has worn one of my original designs. My Facebook is going crazy with notifications, especially when my friends keep tagging me in posts about the dress. I have no clue how you keep up with all of the social media aspects of your job."
Alec chuckled warmly, moving a stray piece of hair behind Magnus' ear. "I have many assistants who are in control of my accounts. I can access them, but usually, I'm not the one who posts onto my Twitter account. Sometimes I will, but all the updates about my tour are usually through my assistants."
"That's so weird," Magnus giggled, leaning forward and pecking Alec on the lips. "Even my Mum called me up all the way from Brooklyn – just to tell me that her friends had seen me mentioned in a magazine with Isabelle's face all over it. Apparently the magazine called me the magnificent Magnus Bane. I like the name."
"Your Mum?" Alec raised an eyebrow inquisitively, unused to hearing about Magnus' parents. "What's she like? I don't know much about her."
Magnus smiled, a new look of love replacing his giddiness. "She is amazing and she is definitely the strongest woman I know. She can't wait to meet you, although I apologise in advance in case she forces you to eat all her food. She can have her maternal moments, although she can also be very sassy. She's sort of like a mix between you and Isabelle – a nurturer like you, sassy like Iz."
"She sounds great," Alec commented sweetly, kissing Magnus' cheek. "What's her name?"
"She's called Batari, it means goddess in Indonesian. Apparently she was born with great beauty, so her father decided on the name. My grandmother was Dutch and my grandfather was Indonesian." Magnus stated, drawing patterns onto Alec's arm with his fingers.
"What about your dad?" Alec murmured, enjoying the relaxing feeling of Magnus' fingers on his arm.
Magnus paused, sounding mournful. "He was the best dad you could ever ask for. His name was Felix Bane Junior and he was also Dutch, but with some French and American in him too. He was a mechanic…that was actually kind of how he met my Mum. He was in Indonesia for a holiday when he came across a woman who was stranded after her bike broke. I don't know how she managed to break a bike, but she did. Just like any fairy tale story, he offered to fix it and it was love at first sight. At least, that's what he said. He and my mother were like polar opposites – he was calm and steady, while she was a burst of bright colour and energy. Yet they worked well together and there was never a day where they questioned their love. Unfortunately, he died when I was eight years old…ironically, in a car crash. He was gone before the ambulance arrived, there was nothing that could've been done to save him."
Alec sat up, tightly enfolding Magnus in his arms, "I am so sorry to hear that, Mags."
Magnus shrugged weakly but leaned into the embrace, "it's okay. I'm over it. I'll always love him and the pain has lessened over the years. I had a step-dad for a while too, but he and I never got along very well."
"Why was that?" Alec mumbled, his lips pressed against Magnus' angular jawline.
Magnus winced before cautiously saying, "let's just say, he didn't appreciate how flamboyant I was. He was very into the concept of men must be manly, women must be feminine. We got on each other's nerves a lot. Eventually my mum kicked him out after he became too verbal with his opinions."
"I hate it when people are like that, my parents sort of are." Alec muttered, frowning seriously.
Magnus caught the look and placed a finger on his lover's lips. "No looking so down, handsome. It's not the expression I like on your face."
"And just what expression do you like?" Alec teased, tightening his grip protectively around the man in his lap.
"The one where you're happy," Magnus replied before kissing Alec softly, sighing contentedly against his mouth. "Your lips are so soft. I think I'm obsessed with them."
"Why thank you, boyfriend of mine." Alec joked, noting the huge beam on Magnus' face. "What's the big smile for? You'll blind me at this rate."
"I'm just…on cloud nine. Despite the fact that you met another ex of mine and heard how I was fired tonight, I still loved our date. I've never felt this way before with anyone" Magnus responded tenderly, stroking Alec's cheek when his phone started ringing. "Dammit."
"Ignore it," Alec begged, trying to pull Magnus closer to steal another kiss.
"I can't," Magnus whined, sitting up and grabbing his mobile off Alec's bedside table. "Hello? Magnus speaking…Will, what's up?"
Alec groaned, covering his eyes with his forearms. "Of course it's Will. He could feel the pleasurable mood and decided to cockblock."
Magnus shushed him before gasping and shrieking, "you're going to propose to Jem?"
"What?" Alec was instantly sitting up straight, eyes wide. "Will is going to ask Jem to marry him?"
"He is," Magnus stage whispered, moving away from the phone before he put it back against his ear. "Holy mother of all things sexy…you, William Herondale, are going to propose? How long have you been planning this? Three months? And you only told me now?"
"Blimey," Alec muttered, running a hand through his hair.
"What's the plan for the proposal? It has to be sweet and sensitive, you're marrying the most sentimental guy out there!" Magnus paused and winked at Alec, "other than you, babe."
Alec rolled his eyes, "I need to take a shower."
Magnus nodded, expectantly waiting for a kiss on his cheek. Alec chortled and gave in, sloppily kissing the tanned man's cheek. He walked towards the bathroom backwards, eyes on Magnus who was absorbed in the phone call. Alec's back hit the bathroom door, and he slowly found the door handle, twisting it and watching his boyfriend for a few more moments before entering the bathroom.
"Maryse, we're not happy anymore. This…arrangement isn't working out anymore." Robert declared sadly, eyes bloodshot and voice rough.
Maryse was staring out of the window of their office, arms crossed defensively over her chest. She was dressed in her usual suit, but instead of it being pristine, it was wrinkled with her shirt hazardously untucked. A small frown rose to her face at his comment. "What are you suggesting Robert?"
"A divorce." He stated and her jaw dropped, eyes widening. It took everything in her not to cry…scream…run away. Emotions hit her like a truck, so she shut her mouth tightly for a few moments. Maryse took in a deep breath that felt painful in her lungs. Robert made his voice firmer. "I want a divorce, Maryse."
She paused, attempting to stay in control of herself before she spun around, speechless for a few moments. "Why now? Why not years ago?"
"Because years ago, I was too weak to admit that you were turning into poison." Her husband responded gently. He wasn't trying or wanting to hurt her with his words, but he knew it was unavoidable. "We're not the people we were when we said our vows, Maryse. That was over twenty years ago now."
Maryse went back to facing the window, shutting her eyes tightly and lowering her head. She slowly began to speak once she was in-control of her emotions again. "Twenty three years of marriage is a long time to disregard so easily, Robert."
"Easily?" Robert repeated darkly, his face clouded with pent-up frustration, anger and indignation. "Maryse, none of our marriage has been easy. None of it. Can you state one moment where this nuptial was easy? I certainly can't. I have fought for you more than you'd ever believe-"
"Have you really, Robert?" Maryse whirled around, eyes full of fire. "Think about that carefully."
"I tried to keep this marriage afloat," Robert argued aggressively, his hands clenching into fists.
Maryse scoffed loudly and strode to the chair behind the desk, holding onto it tightly. "Afloat? That's what you call your attempts? Were you trying to keep us together when you slept with Annamarie freaking Highsmith less than four years into our marriage? I wasn't some fool, Robert."
"And now you're sleeping with a man who is half your age." Robert protested, scowling deeply.
"Because my husband no longer loved me." Maryse screamed, eyes filling up with tears. "Because the man who I adored and wanted forever with no longer viewed me as beautiful as her. As funny as her. As amazing as her. I could never win. I just wanted a family built on love and trust and you destroyed that."
"I wasn't the one who was corrupted by fame, Maryse." Robert reminded her seriously.
"I wasn't the one who shattered his wife's heart and left her trying to keep a broken family together." Maryse whispered, voice thick with emotion. "I turned to our public image because the only time you treated me like a wife was when we were outside in public. You only kissed me in front of cameras. Only held me sweetly on the red carpet. Only looked at me when you had to. Do not deny it. I remember when I came home from the doctor's after discovering I was expecting Alexander. You were in bed with someone else."
"Annamarie wasn't even around then, don't try and make up lies." Robert claimed fiercely. "I didn't even meet her until Isabelle was born."
"It wasn't Annamarie, Robert." Maryse tried to keep her cool, "you never told me about your affair with my stunt double's husband, did you?"
"What are you going on about, Maryse? Robert snapped, when fear took over him. He stumbled back, as if he received a blow from his wife.
"You and Stephen Herondale. He had a wife who he was happily married to. They had Jace. Poor Celine didn't deserve her husband cheating on her, Robert. Especially with someone as repulsive and cold-hearted as you." Maryse yelled, pointing her finger at Robert.
Robert's face became ashen, his jaw dropping. "How dare you say things like that, Ryse."
"Don't you dare call me that name Robert, and expect to get away with it." Maryse threatened, biting her lip to hold back her choked sobs. "Do you remember the first we met? How you stared into my eyes? What was the first thing you said to me, Robert?"
"Maryse-" Robert started, only to be interrupted.
"What was the first thing you said to me?" Maryse repeated loudly, her tone borderline hysterical.
Robert stared at his wife, "you have the most beautiful blue eyes."
"Did you say that to Annamarie too? Did you say that to all your other lovers?" Maryse questioned deathly quietly, "how many?"
"How many what, Maryse?" Robert spat out, becoming agitated.
"How many other people have you taken to bed while we've been together?" she yelled, pointing a finger at him.
Robert shut his eyes and looked ashamed. "Before or while we were married?"
Maryse jaw dropped and she stumbled away from him, "there was a before?"
"Maryse, listen to me." Robert began, reaching out towards her. "I was young and stupid and egotistical."
"Lies." She shook her head. "You are a pathetic man, Robert."
"Hear me out," he begged, nervously licking his lips.
"How many?" she said again, sounding defeated.
"Before we married? Four. During our marriage…seven." Robert confessed and Maryse felt everything become cold.
"So many…" she murmured brokenly. "Did I know any others?"
Robert nodded, "I…a few…you did know them."
"For example?" Maryse pushed, eyeing him with no emotion.
Robert sucked in a deep breath, "Amatis Greymark."
"Stephen's first wife?" Maryse shrieked, "is that why they divorced, Robert?"
Robert appeared to be abashed. "He caught us in bed."
"And yet he too fell into your trap of lies." Maryse remarked icily, "who else?"
"Your brother," Robert added and that was the final moment of agony for Maryse.
She let out a sob and covered her face with her hands, mumbling incoherently under her breath. Robert moved to comfort her, but she shoved him away, screaming, "leave me alone, you heartless monster."
"Don't do this to me, Maryse." Robert pleaded, still attempting to comfort her. "I'm so sorry, please don't hold this against me."
"You have done plenty for me to hold against you, enough that I struggle to not hold it against others." She snarled, eyes flashing.
Everything suddenly fell into place for Robert. "When you found Stephen and myself…he's…us…that's why you reacted so badly to Alexander's sexuality."
Maryse nodded stiffly, eyes glistening with more unshed tears. "When he told me…itt brought back all the pain of seeing my husband in bed with another man."
"I was just experimenting-" Robert went to defend himself, but the look Maryse sent him quickly shut him up.
"Experimenting less than a year into our marriage? That's pitiable." She grimaced, shaking her head. "You disgust me. I want the divorce because I want to get over the pain of knowing that the man I loved didn't love me back. I want the world to know about your betrayal and how you couldn't keep it in your pants. I want them to know that I became cold because of how you destroyed everything about me. The spark. The fire. It's gone. I want them to also know how much of a shit Dad you are to our children. I had to lie for Max's first birthday party – I said you were sick, when really, you had some whore in your bed. I had to tell Jace that you were working late on the night of his sixteenth birthday dinner…he was hurt, Robert. You were too busy shoving your dick into some hole. And as for Andrew? He is the one who has started fixing all the parts of me you ruined. He's making me whole. You made me seem like the bad one, but Robert, think. Why am I like this? Who caused it? It was you."
"We both know that isn't true," Robert debated, striding towards her.
"Keep denying it like a fool then. I don't care. You did just admit to multiple affairs, surely that's enough to make you see sense. Clearly, you're still an ignorant man. Always were." Maryse muttered, returning to stare out the window. "I want this marriage over. Now leave me alone."
"This isn't your office, Maryse." Robert responded tersely as tears fell from her eyes.
"This office has been more of a home to me than your arms have been for the past twenty years," she spat out, refusing to let him see anymore of her tears. "Go back to Annamarie, Robert. Hold her in your arms and whisper the words of love that you denied me. Go."
Robert stared at the back of her head before storming out of the room, not seeing a pair of golden eyes watching him leave. Jace gaped, eyes watery after hearing the fight between his adopted parents. He stayed still for a few moments, recovering from the shocking discovery. Slowly, Jace knocked on the door, licking his lips. He couldn't hear what Maryse said, so he opened the door, frowning when he saw the tell-tale signs of her shaking shoulders.
"Mum," he uttered sadly and she looked over her shoulder at him, heartbroken.
"My little Jacie," she mumbled, immediately going to hide her tears. "I'm sorry you overheard that."
"Don't," Jace ordered, marching over and pulling her into his arms. She trembled against him, returning the hug. He could feel how small she was. Her ribs stuck out and her body had little flesh. She was so meek compared to her usual self. "I'm so sorry. I never knew."
"There is nothing you could've done, Jace." Maryse spoke soothingly, despite being so emotional herself.
Jace swallowed thickly, "my father cheated on my mother with Robert...that's not okay. How did you manage to take me in when you'd have the constant reminder of Robert's betrayal?"
Maryse stepped back, gazing up lovingly at her adopted son. She reached up and cupped his cheek, stroking his soft skin with her thumb. "I reminded myself that you are a product of love and that while he lets lust direct him, I let family direct me. I love you."
"I love you too, Mum." Jace's voice was muffled from where he buried his head in the crook of her neck.
Camille strolled beside Ragnor down the sidewalk, weaving around other pedestrians. The trees had been decorated with fairy lights, their array of colours lighting up Ragnor's face. She peeked up at him from the corner of her eyes, quickly averting her eyes when he caught the look. She shivered slightly when the breeze became stronger.
"Are you cold?" Ragnor asked, seeing her quiver.
"Just a little," she admitted, avoiding his eyes.
"May I?" Ragnor lifted his arm suggestively and she nodded, before feeling him loosely sling it around her shoulders. His warmth encased her and she felt relieved as she sneakily tried to move closer to him.
"I must say, Fell, I should listen to you for food advice more often. That fish was to die for," Camille spoke softly, with a teasing edge to her tone.
Ragnor chuckled, letting his fading blue hair fall in front of his eyes. "I'm glad you think so, Belcourt. It's nice to get a little appreciation every now and then."
Camille rolled her eyes, "you and Magnus should be the next Kardashians with the amount of drama you two have."
"You love it," Ragnor winked at her and she quickly looked away. "Everything okay, Belcourt?"
She slowly glanced up at him with a soft expression in her eyes, surprising Ragnor. "Everything's great."
Thank you so much to everyone who favourited, followed and reviewed!
floosted – thank you for reviewing again! Haha I wanted to push Maryse down the stairs…until she revealed how crap a husband Robert was ;)
blacknblu30 – I hope you liked Aline's reaction when Helen told her what Maryse did! I'm sure there will be more from where that came from *hint hint*.
Moonchild001 – Hehe I'm glad you found it cute AND that you couldn't stop smile. Double happy combo – my fav ;) Heated make out (check). Even more heated make outs? I think you're going to get lucky when it comes to that! I might save some of the sightseeing for when they're official, I imagine they could have a few interesting run-ins with some keen fans and hardcore shippers.
EAZYADICT – Sorry about how long it took to post this chapter D: Thank you for reviewing!
wendy – Did you like the date? I know I didn't really show the end of it…but I'm planning to bring that up in a later chapter…possibly even with a certain Mother of a favourite fashion student of ours ;) Thanks for reviewing again ^_^
Wolfie – OH MY GOD, I LOVE THE IDEA OF THE GAY BESTIES HAVING AN INTERVIEW. YOU'RE A GENIUS. I'm going to have to do that sometime, thanks :D
MalecXlife – I would imagine that it was pretty spectacular! I didn't want to make them tooooo awkward, but more make things around them awkward. Haha did you like the addition of Alejandro?
Pri-Chan 1410 – Aww I'm glad you loved it! They did stop her, although you might find that you hate her less as the story goes on ;) I'm sorry about how long it took to update, university has been hectic D: Thanks for reviewing again!
TomTheSquirrel – Thank you so much! I'm happy that the chapter lived up to your expectations :D
Wohlerbear – You are such a sweetheart! Personally, Helen is one of my favourite characters in the whole series, she's just so chill but awesome. Hehe I'm trying to decide whether or not I should have a shipname for Ragnor/Camille…they're probably one already. I'll need to do my research. Thank you so much!
Tay – I considered having Mags get up on the stage, but I decided to save that for later. Maybe when they're official in the public eye. I think it could be a good anniversary surprise or something. Thanks for reviewing again!
Lukas Le Stelle – Bahaha I have felt the same way about murder in some other fics I've read ;) Haha I think everyone wants to kill the paparazzi so far! And I want a lot more Max in the fic and there definitely will be. I imagine that Max and Magnus could get on quite well since they're both sass masters. But there will be more Max :3 Thanks for reviewing!