Hi guys! I HAVE OFFICIALLY HIT 100 REVIEWS! Thank you sooooo much! I'm considering posting something else eventually as a thank you…once I write it. Might be a little late because it's test time at university currently. This chapter isn't as long as some of the others, but I thought I should update when I had the opportunity! Thank you for so much love! Everything you've said has meant the world to me :') This chapter does have some heavy making out, but nothing beyond that really. I know the story is rated M, but I get really nervous about writing dirty scenes, so it might be another chapter before they really get frisky. Soon though! I just need to build up the confidence!

Disclaimer: This is all Cassandra Clare's genius.

Chapter 10

Secrets

Alec had the T.V. on in his room on as he sat in his bed and eat some sort of healthy salad that obeyed his usual strict diet (he hadn't informed his dietician that he had been having far too many cheat meals recently, but he knew not to push it too far or they'd find out). Magnus was in the bathroom, singing Lady Gaga at the top of his lungs while he was having the longest shower Alec had ever known someone to have. It had almost been half an hour and there was still no sign of the shower ending soon. The news started playing after the episode of the corny show he was watching finished. His eyes landed on the remote that was at the end of the bed, but he couldn't find the will in him to change the channel. He decided to let the news continue, only paying a little attention while the lady prattled on about global warming. He stayed in this state until he found that he was eyeing a picture of himself on the news, with his hair messy and skin glistening with sweat and glitter. He recognised it as an image from his concert.

"Social media has blown up after Britain's eldest Lightwood child, Alexander, made a huge shock announcement at his London concert recently. In the middle of his concert, Alexander decided to declare that he has been hiding his sexuality for years – something which, according to reports from an insider, he wasn't proud of. Onstage, he stated that he is a homosexual and is interested in a man who remains unnamed. This announcement has caused mixed reactions from the public, although there is an overwhelming majority of support and love heading out to the young singer. The LGBT community has happily accepted Alexander as one of their own." Alec swallowed thickly, listening to the news reporter. "Clearly any rumours about Lightwood and his close friend, Aline Penhallow, have been fraudulent, despite the release of incriminating photos of the pair in a loving embrace."

"Obviously," Alec snorted, putting his plate down on his bedside table when his phone started ringing. He groaned, muttering about needing time to be by himself before saw Helen's name on the screen, so he quickly accepted the call. "Hey Helen, what can I do for you?"

"It's about the costume designer position," Helen stated immediately, sounding distracted.

"Go on," Alec pushed, chewing thoughtfully on a piece of lettuce that tasted like sadness.

"Why don't you ask Magnus?" The makeup artist queried, her voice completely serious. Alec's hand snapped to cover his phone and mouth to lessen the chance of his boyfriend hearing. His eyes searched his room, ensuring that no Magnus was about to enter from the bathroom. "He is one of the best fashion students and he clearly knows what he's doing. Plus, he and I can work together well and he'll understand what you want better than anyone else. It'll also look great on his resume and help him build up his portfolio. You could really amp up his fame and help him develop a career in fashion."

"I…I didn't think of that…but I understand what you're saying. He would be a valuable assest." Alec contemplated the concept, pros and cons coming to mind. "Do you think he'd want to, though?"

"Anyone would jump at the opportunity, Alexander. They'd be stupid not to." Helen replied dryly, before clearing her throat. Alec could practically hear her rolling her eyes at him. "Just consider it and if you think it's a good idea, bring it up to him. I'm sure he'll say yes though. I have to go and organise some paperwork for ordering you three some new makeup supplies. Let me know what you decide and I might be able to help."

With that, Helen hung up, leaving Alec alone with his thoughts. He dropped his mobile onto the bed and put his plate down on his bedside cupboard, the salad left mostly untouched. Sighing, he went back to listening to the gossip channel, which was discussing Woosley Scott, of all people.

"Stupid singer with a good butt," Alec grumbled under his breath before the door to his bathroom open.

Magnus stood in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe as he posed dramatically. Alec felt his mouth dry when he realised that the fashion student was only wearing incredibly tight leather pants (which left very little to the imagination). His upper body was lean, yet not overly toned. Just perfect…and shirtless. Alec licked his lips, which made Magnus' eyes narrow. Magnus bit his lower lip before shoving himself off the doorframe and strutting towards the singer.

"Hello darling," he purred before crawling onto the bed, heading up towards Alec, who was now fifty shades of red.

"M…Mags, what…what are you doing?" Alec whispered reverently with a panicky edge. He sat up straighter before Magnus was sitting in his lap. "Oh my God."

Magnus smirked before gently shoving Alec in the chest, making the blue eyed man fall back with his arms next to his head. Alec swallowed thickly, gazing up at his boyfriend who appeared to be very smug. From the large tent forming in Alec's pants, it seemed like the fashion student had a reason to be very smug. Magnus leaned forward, "look at you, looking all pretty under me."

"I…I…not pretty," Alec struggled to talk coherently. "Really not...pretty."

Magnus tilted his head, mirth mixed with lust shining in his emerald eyes as he hummed happily, "no, you're handsome as fuck."

With that comment, Alec found his boyfriend's soft lips covering his own with a forceful passion that left his toes curling. Magnus' lips travelled down Alec's jaw and to his neck, where he sucked fiercely, leaving the man underneath him withering from pleasure. Alec's hands grasped and yanked at Magnus' hips, tugging him as close as possible. Magnus grinded down, contentedly listening to Alec's low moans that was music to his ears.

"You sound so good, baby." Magnus complimented seductively, his lips bright red and slightly swollen. "I can't wait until you're screaming my name. Crying out for your release as I swallow your cum."

"Get up here," Alec begged, almost whining as he tugged on Magnus' hair.

"So demanding, I love it." Magnus growled, grinding his hips against Alec's for emphasis.

"M…Mags…Magnus, please. Please." Alec pleaded needily, cheeks flushed and jaw ajar.

"Please what? Tell me what you want, Alexander." Magnus commanded, slowly gripping Alec's black-tshirt and dragging it up to show more pale skin.

Alec gaped, struggling to find the right words, "I want you…you to..."

"To what, Alexander?" Magnus breathed hot air into Alec's eat, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Touch me. Please." Alec pleaded, gasping when Magnus suddenly jerked his shirt over his head.

"So sexy," Magnus moaned at the sight of shirtless Alec underneath him, cheeks red and chest rising and falling with each breath. The tattoo on Alec's ribs seemed even hotter from this angle. "And mine."

"Yours," Alec agreed submissively, arching his back and hips.

Magnus let out a needy whimper at the contact, moving his hand down to Alec's thigh, where he slowly travelled it up slowly. Alec's eyes widened comically when Magnus' hand was less than five centimetres away from his crotch.

"Can I?" Magnus muttered, breathing heavily, close enough to Alec's cock for the singer to feel the hot air against his dick. It hardened even more at the sensation.

"Yes," Alec nodded, before Magnus' hand was placed directly onto the bulge in his pants. "Oh God. Sweet Jesus."

"That definitely isn't my name," Magnus joked as he rubbed slowly.

"Oh Mags," Alec spread his legs more - a sight that Magnus knew would be stuck in his head for weeks to come. "More. Please."

"Anything for you," Magnus swore, beginning to unbutton Alec's jeans and pull the zip down before there was a loud ringing sound that made both men jump.

"What is that?" Alec shrieked, mood immediately changed.

Magnus rolled his eyes at Alec's antics, the mood immedaitely gone. "Honestly Alexander, it's just my mobile ringing. However, it's not just anyone ringing."

Alec paused for a moment, before raising an eyebrow, "is…is that the Jaws theme ringing?"

Magnus grinned sheepishly, "it's the ringtone when my Mum calls."

Alec couldn't hold back his laughter and the sexy mood was definitely dead.

"I told Maryse that I want a divorce. I finally did it." Robert said as soon as he was inside the tiny, incredibly cramped apartment. He expected Annamarie to be delighted at the news, but instead, she was sulking. His happiness deflated at her response and a frown rose to his face. "Anna? What's wrong? I thought you'd be happy to hear that."

"We need to talk, Rob." She responded quietly, her eyes red and puffy. Robert realised she'd been crying, with fresh tear tracks still on her cheeks. "It's about something I should've told you years ago."

"Talk away, I'm always going to be here to listen to you." Robert insisted, striding to her side and grabbing her hand. "I'll leave abandon you, sweetheart. No matter what."

She let him lead her to the dark blue sofa, where they both sat down, facing each other. Her hands twitched nervously in her lap as she built up the strength to whisper, "I really hope you don't regret us after you find out about what I've spent years hiding from you."

"I could never regret us," Robert swore, gazing into her eyes and reaching over to place his hand over hers. "Never Anna."

"You know that scar I have across my stomach? The one you always asked about until I finally gave you answer a few years ago." Annamarie uttered brokenly, eyes downcast.

"The one you got during a car crash? Yes." Robert nodded, grimacing when she shook her head.

"I lied about how I got that scar, Rob." She informed him, whimpering loudly and shutting her eyes as more tears cascaded down her cheeks.

"Then tell me how you got it," Robert replied, holding her hand tightly and gently playing with strands of her hair.

"When I was fifteen, I went to some sort of party for one of my friend's, who was a little older. At the party, I met an eighteen year old man called Arthur Blackthorn, who was there with his older brother because he wasn't allowed to go by himself." She started, opening her eyes and staring off into the distance. "His brother had met some girl called Nerissa and left Arthur alone, which gave us a chance to chat. We hit off straight away and he was so charming and sweet. It was love at first sight. After a few months of dating, I gave him all of me, thinking that what I felt was something he returned. But it wasn't. It was all a lie."

Robert frowned, playing with the tips of Annamarie's golden hair. "I'm sorry to hear that, Anna."

"The thing is Robert…I gave Arthur all of me and…when I had just turned sixteen, I discovered that I…I…I was pregnant." She confessed, her shoulders shaking with supressed sobs. "Arthur's family found out and they forbade him from ever seeing me again. We tried to still see each other and Nerissa and Andrew were desperately trying to help us…but it became too hard. The spark between us died from the constant fear and exhaustion of having to hide. Eventually, his family tried to set him up with his brother's soon-to-be sister-in-law. My family wanted me to abort the child, but I didn't. I decided that I would give my baby up for adoption. Nine months later, I gave birth to a little girl, who had her father's green eyes and my blonde hair. She was perfection. But I couldn't keep her, I wasn't ready to be a mother. She deserved better than me."

Robert looked saddened at the news, but he pulled Annamarie into his arms for a supportive embrace. He kissed her on the forehead as he murmured, "I'm sorry you struggled with that. What happened to her?"

"I organised for a family to adopt her. They were a sweet couple who had been married for eight years and were unable to conceive. Their names were Vivienne and Roger and they fell in love with her as soon as they saw her. Just like how I did too. Everyone fell in love with her – she was beautiful and such a delightful baby. I begged Vivienne and Roger to let me give her a first name – one that I had always wanted to call my daughter, after my great-grandmother." Annamarie continued, sighing. "I called her Camille. She took their last name and they gave her a middle name. She became Camille Lilianne Belcourt."

Alec and Magnus strode down the hallways of the Lightwood's Estate after Magnus had finished his phone call with Batari. According to Magnus' mother, she had seen that he had even been mentioned on a fashion show, where the hosts gossiped about what the celebrities had been sighted wearing. As they walked, Alec would point out to random decorations or tell stories about when he was younger. He couldn't help but notice that his boyfriend really stood out in the house – everything else was all white while Magnus was a burst of colour. He tried to hide his happy smile by averting his eyes when the thought of Magnus being his boyfriend returned to his mind, a blush was rising up to his cheeks.

Magnus was gaping at everything in awe, "it's so…amazing."

"It isn't really that great, Mum just tries to make it seem like that." Alec shrugged as they came to the corridor that his parent's study was situated at. "An illusion of perfection, I suppose."

He stood still at the sound of sobbing and Magnus sent him a confused look. Alec knew it wasn't Izzy, the cries were too deep. They were definitely wails that he was unused to hearing. His eyes searched the corridor, before they landed on the crumpled figure with messy golden hair on the floor. Surprise ran through his veins. "Jace?"

Jace jolted and sat up suddenly, hearing his brother's voice. He stumbled to his feet, going to lean against the wall. He shook his head and went to neaten up, looking everywhere but at Alec and Magnus. His voice was rough, "hi guys, I didn't expect to see you here. I'll just leave you two to it then. Good to see you again, Magnus."

"Jace, wait. Jace. Stop pretending I don't exist and listen to me." Alec called out, watching his brother ignore him and stride past. He paused to turn to a bewildered and slightly awkward Magnus, who was shuffling on the spot. "Give us a minute, please."

"Fuck off, Alec. Leave me alone." Jace suddenly shouted, merely receiving an eye roll from Alec, who was used to the blonde's moods.

Magnus bit his bottom lip, his eyes widening at the blonde retort and hobbled away from Alec, pointing over his shoulder. "How about I go order takeaway and pick it up while you handle this? I feel like I won't be needed at the moment."

Alec felt touched at his boyfriend's understanding nature. He sent him a thankful smile and nodded. "That'd be great, thanks Mags. You're a champ."

Magnus leaned forward and kissing Alec on the cheek. He whispered into Alec's ear, "good luck and text me if you need anything."

Alec watched as his boyfriend walked away, leaving him and Jace alone in a tense silence. He faced the blonde man again, seeing that he was standing still. "First thing first, please resist the urge to tell me to fuck off when Max or Mum could overhear. I don't want to get into trouble for that. Secondly, what's wrong?"

"Nothing Alec, I just can't get a break from anyone. So leave me alone," Jace spat out, refusing to look at Alec. The darkhaired man hid the hurt that hit him due to his brother's tone. Alec knew Jace was upset and trying to stay strong in front of his brother.

"Jace, I've known you since we were kids and I can tell when you're lying. Talk to me." Alec insisted, moving closer to Jace's side. "I'm always going to be here to listen to you, you know that. I'll never share your secrets and I love you, no matter what. You can trust me."

"Mum…Mum and Dad…they're…" Jace cleared his throat and shut his eyes, while Alec's brows furrowed.

"They're what?" Alec pushed gently, reaching out to rub Jace's arm comfortingly.

"They're getting a divorce." Jace uttered and Alec felt everything around them still. The air felt like it was gone from his lungs. Alec gaped at his brother, his hand falling limply to his side as Jace continued. "Dad was cheating on her less than a year into their marriage, Alec. In fact, he cheated on her before they were even married."

"Are you serious?" Alec's voice was thick with emotion, his blue eyes brimming with storm clouds.

"I wish I wasn't," Jace remarked darkly, kicking at the ground.

Alec licked his lips and reminded himself that he was the big brother – he had to stay strong for Jace. It'd be no help if he became overemotional. "Who did he cheat on her with?"

"Multiple people, but a few who were particular close to him. For example, my Father and his first wife." Jace confessed, his body tensing up. "Neither of them knew that they were both simultaneously cheating on each other and with the same man. And then a woman called Annamarie, who I think he's still with. He specified someone else as well…but I think that's the person Mum needs to tell you about. It's her choice. Alec, there's something else you need to know. It was Dad who made Mum react so badly towards your sexuality, because it was the memory of finding him and Stephen in bed that resurfaced when you announced you were gay. That's why she was hurting so much. It wasn't the fact you were gay, it was the fact that it just hurt to remember his betrayal."

Alec bit his lower lip, moving to lean against the wall. His mind was full to the brim with unanswered questions, "so Dad is gay?"

"Apparently he was just experimenting," Jace muttered, eventually looking over his shoulder, directly into Alec's tempestuous eyes. "This is going to destroy Max."

"And don't get me started on how Izzy will react." Alec groaned, feeling his own eyes water. "I can't believe they're actually getting a divorce…I knew they weren't exactly the happiest couple…but this…is huge."

"There's more…unfortunately." Jace murmured, turning around. "Mum has been sleeping with Andrew."

"Andrew?" Alec hissed, eyes going wide. "The guy who is only a bit older than me? And a part of our staff? That Andrew? He's like…less than half her age. That's sort of…gross."

"Apparently he makes her feel good," Jace said helplessly, shrugging. "She said that while Dad hurt her and made her feel unloved, Andrew would do the opposite and fix whatever was broken."

"I guess that's a…good thing? We need to talk soon. The whole family. I want to hear this from them." Alec stated seriously and Jace nodded.

"Is our family going to fall apart, Al?" Jace mumbled, running a hand through his hair.

"Never. It could never." Alec told him earnestly, stepping closer to Jace and looking into his golden eyes. "I love you, Jace, and it's that love that keeps us together. There will never be a day where you aren't my brother."

"I love you too," Jace replied, throwing his arms around Alec. The two hugged for a moment, just standing the hallway.

"Tessa, it has to be perfect." Will snapped, furiously scratching at his head. "This isn't just some guy we're talking about. It's Jem."

"Yes, I understand that, William. You've said that a hundred times. But you want this huge proposal planned in less than a month?" Tessa growled, scribbling in her workbook. "It's unrealistic."

"Has anything about my love life with Jem been realistic?" Will shot back, glowering at his ex-girlfriend over the table.

"Okay, you two. Calm down. Lower the hate and build up the love." Simon bellowed over the two of the arguing friends.

"Yeah, what he said." Clary supplied weakly when he elbowed her in the ribs to support his case.

"I'd give up if I were you," Catarina said absentmindedly as she read a wedding magazine from the sofa. "They won't stop fighting – it's been like this. Non-stop for days now."

"It has to be perfect," Will reminded everyone disputatiously.

"We know," Maia and Tessa chimed together, letting out grumpy sighs.

"We need Magnus, he can handle that prat." Maia added with a pointed look at the sour-looking Herondale.

"Go shove your snotty nose in someone else's business, Roberts." He sulked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"So mature, Will." Maia replied, going back to painting her nails when Will's phone dinged.

Will unlocked it before shouting, "shit! Red alert, guys! His lecture finished forty-five minutes early and he said his on the bus home already."

"Who?" Catarina peered up from her magazine, not properly listening.

"Jem!" Tessa shrieked, snatching all the paperwork and plans off the table and eyeing the room. "Where do I hide these, Will?"

"In the Xbox draw," Will responded, putting all the pens and highlighters away, as well as a jewellery catalogue.

"Why the Hell would you keep it there?" Simon yelled, sounded offended.

Will stared at Simon with an 'are-you-serious?' look, "does Jem seem like the sort of guy to game?"

"Good point," Simon said as he joined Tessa in putting paperwork away. He paused when he saw some wedding cake designs, "that is a nice looking cake."

"Not now, Simon." Clary hissed, yanking Simon to her side as the sound of a key in the front door lock echoed around the apartment.

"Shit, everyone look natural." Tessa commanded quietly, leaping to sit back down at the table, next to Maia, who hadn't moved from where she was sitting, painting her nails.

Simon jumped onto the sofa, pulling Clary with him. They saw the magazine Catarina was reading and Clary gasped, "hide the magazine, Cat."

Catarina got to her feet and ditched it under the sofa before sitting back down, just as Jem entered the room, in time to see Will coming out of the bedroom, where he'd been hiding something else. Jem stopped in the doorway, a bemused expression on his face. "Hi everyone…I didn't expect this reception when I arrived, it's a very pleasant surprise though."

"Hey JemJem," Will said quickly, using the old nickname he gave Jem when they were kids. "How was your class?"

"The teacher never showed up," Jem groaned and ran a hand through his hair. "He sent an email fifteen minutes after class was meant to start to say that he couldn't come."

"He was probably hungover," Simon supplied kindly.

"Perhaps," Jem chuckled politely, smiling gently. "So, why is there an unplanned greeting in my house? Did I forget something? Please tell me it's not Maia's birthday and I've forgotten again."

Jem cringed and Maia let out a disgruntled cry, "you've forgotten my birthday?"

"Pretend I didn't say that." Jem smiled at her before clapping his hands together. "Whilst this gathering is charming, I need a nice hot shower."

"Of course, handsome." Will stepped to the side and Jem raised an eyebrow.

"Are you okay, William?" He questioned, shooting a bewildered look at Tessa, who innocently shrugged in response.

"I'm great. Go on. Hop to it." Will replied cheekily, awkwardly clasping his hands behind his back.

Jem gave him another weird look, "okay, Will…I'll be back soon."

"Okay babe." Will called out as Jem passed him. "Have fun, but not too much. Especially not without me."

"Gross, dude." Maia scrunched up her nose, making Will spin around to face her.

"Silence, you rotten pineapple." He growled, waiting for Jem to leave the room before slouching.

"Stealing Magnus' love for using food as offensive names, huh?" Catarina joked, laughing at the annoyed look she received from Will. "Calm down, Will."

"This proposal thing is going to be more stressful than I originally planned," Will muttered darkly.

"They're getting divorced," Alec murmured as Magnus held him closely, the two of them leaning against the headboard of Alec's bed. "I can't believe it."

"Me either, but it'll be okay, Alec. I promise." Magnus stated, kissing Alec on the forehead. "I won't let you down."

"Apparently, Mum found Dad in bed with Jace's biological dad when they were first married." Alec informed Magnus quietly, sniffling slightly. "That's why she reacted so painfully to my sexuality."

"I'm sorry to hear that, baby." Magnus sighed sadly, wrapping his arms impossibly tighter around his boyfriend. "No one deserves to be treated like that."

"I feel like such a prat for hating on her for all these years…when she was struggling with her own demons…my dad." Alec whispered, swallowing thickly. "It's not right."

"What he did wasn't," Magnus agreed softly and thoughtfully, "but you didn't know the truth and you were young and a child. It's understandable."

"I feel like shit for letting her go through all of that alone." Alec admitted, only to be interrupted when he heard a cry in the hallway.

Alec jumped to his feet, leaving Magnus gaping in shock. He knew who that was. His bedroom burst open and Izzy, Jace and Max stood there, looking very pitiful. Alec opened his arms and all three rushed into them, holding onto him with all their might. He held back just as much.

"Mum just told us," Max said with uncontainable sobs. His tears soaked Alec's shirt.

"It's isn't fair," Izzy added from where her face were pressed against his shoulder, her body shaking with restrained cries.

"It isn't," Alec coincided, soothingly running his fingers through Jace's hair, while he stroked Izzy's back and rested his chin on Max's head. He subtly looked at Magnus, who was watching them sympathetically with a gentle look on his face. Alec caught his eye and mouthed, "I'm sorry."

Magnus smiled softly and mouthed back, "it's okay."

Magnus then made a motion that Alec guessed was him asking whether he should stay or go, so the singer merely shook his head in response, causing Magnus to stay where he was. Jace was the first to move away from the embrace, clearing his throat and wiping at his eyes. Alec frowned and sent him a concerned look. "It's okay to be emotional, bud."

"I know that," Jace waved his hand inattentively. His eyes landed on Magnus and he let out an awkward chortle, "sorry…did we interrupt you two? That was rude of us."

"Of course not," Magnus replied before Alec could. He hopped off the bed and stood up, placing his hands on his hips. "Although, I can easily make myself disappear, if you'd like. I'm very good at it, a pro even."

Max curiously peeked out from where he was hugging Alec, "are you Alec's boyfriend?"

Alec choked on his saliva, but Magnus spoke before he could. "Luckily enough, yes I am. I'm guessing you're his brother?"

Max gave him a weak smile. It wasn't like his usual happy smile, but it was a smile, nonetheless. "I sure am. I'm Max."

"I'm Magnus Bane, it's a pleasure to meet you Max. Although I'm sure it could've been for better reasons, like vodka. Vodka is a great reason."

"Magnus, he's only thirteen." Alec hissed, but his mood wasn't matched by Max, who cackled in response. "Don't talk about such things."

"I'm not completely oblivious to the world, Alec." Max complained like a stereotypical teenager. "I do know what alcohol is."

"I was thirteen when I had my first shot," Magnus stated proudly, puffing out his chest.

"I was twelve." Jace said, sounding superior as Alec gaped at him, appearing ready to begin his rant on how Jace's actions were immature.

"Oh hell to the no, Lightwood." Magnus retorted, winking at the blonde.

At the same time, Alec cried out, "Jonathan Christopher Herondale Lightwood, when on Earth did you get your grubby hands on alcohol?"

Izzy giggled at the interaction, "you and Magnus are so different, Alec. It's cute."

"I'll let you know that I have gorgeous and amazingly sexy hands." Jace shouted, pretending to exaggerate his response. "Anyone would agree with me on that."

"Even Clary?" Izzy retorted quickly and Jace's facade fell.

Max was hooting with laughter, and Alec couldn't help but laugh too, Izzy and Jace following his lead. The four Lightwoods had tears of laughter streaming down their faces. Magnus stood off to the side, looking happy that they were okay, but unsure with how to act. Alec went to his side and pulled him closer, kissing him sweetly.

"Okay, stop kissing him so I can finally question him. Izzy and Jace have met him before, but I haven't had the chance." Max insisted, running over and jumping onto Alec's bed.

Alec sighed dramatically, "I'm not sure if I should let you."

"And he has a name," Izzy prompted Max, although she was smirking.

"You have no choice," Max reminded Alec, patting the space next to him suggestively. "C'mon Magnus, I need to make sure my brother is good enough for you."

"Oi," Alec said while Izzy and Jace moved to his side.

"You just got told," Izzy stage whispered.

Alec rolled his eyes and wrapped his arms around both of them, watching as Magnus moved to his youngest brother's side.

Magnus returned to his hotel room the next morning, wearing the same clothes he had left in the night before with his hair a little messier than what he usually permits it to be. He couldn't find it in himself to be bothered fixing the bird nest called his hair, so he tied it back into a messy, loose man bun. Magnus quickly unlocked the door, moving inside and taking an appreciative look around the hotel room. It had been really sweet of Alec to do all of this for him, even if it was only because he had screwed up. Magnus caught sight of his open suitcase and dread filled him. He was heading back to Manhattan that night – he could no longer afford to miss any more days of university, after all, the huge showcase was coming up. Magnus felt stressed at the thought. He knew that everyone was expecting him to ace the final year and be top of his course. That was a flattering, yet terrifying, expectation placed upon him and whilst he loved challenges, this one pushed him a little more than what he was used to.

With a heavy mind, he sighed and headed towards his suitcase, crouching on the ground and began packing. While putting his spare shoes away, his thoughts turned back to Alec. They had been together for one day and so far, it felt amazing. He had spent the night in Alec's arms, cuddling, whispering and sleeping. He had almost even blown his boyfriend, until his cockblocking mother got in the way. Alec had even told him that his siblings adored him and he was thankful for Magnus. Apparently he was surprised at how quickly Max opened up to Magnus, according to Isabelle, Max had never been amazingly accepting of any of their partners. Other than Magnus, of course. There was a knock on the door, interrupting his thoughts.

"Yes?" He called out, the door opening to reveal Camille. "Hey my bitchy ice queen."

"Hi powerpuff girl," Camille laughed and strode over, pulling Magnus into a hug. "How was last night? Are you two official? Is he a good kisser? What does his siblings think of you? Have you slept together?"

"Hold your horses," Magnus chuckled, placing a finger over her red lips. "To answer all of your questions: we're together although he wants to keep it secret from the public for a while. He is a good kisser and his siblings are great. We slept in the same bed…but not together in the sexy way. We might've made out for a while though. I might've got a little groping done, until my Mum called and disturbed us. Remind me to thank her for that, by the way."

"Magnus, you dog." Camille teased, regaining her voice as a playful smile rose to her face. "Will you ask him to the Idris Ball?"

Magnus shrugged, trying to hide his disappointment as he said, "he probably won't want to come or he won't be able to."

"Why not?" Camille whined, losing her giddiness. Her eyes narrowed and Magnus knew he was treading on dangerous ground.

"He's a busy guy and like I said, he wants to keep us a secret for now. That wouldn't be the way to keep us a secret." Magnus replied seriously, rolling his eyes at her dramatic reaction. "Don't look so heartbroken."

"But it's your last ball at Idris," Camille complained, stamping her foot before declaring, "you have to invite him."

"Or I can go solo?" Magnus suggested cheekily, ducking the shoe she threw at him. "Oi, watch it. Those are expensive. Took me a whole month's worth of pay to buy them…before they fired me."

"Don't try and change the subject with your terrible job skills, Magnus. And if you keep denying my request, I bet Batari will take my side," Camille remarked smugly, crossing her arms over her chest. "I'd love to see you try and fight her wishes. You can try, but you will fail."

Magnus gasped, "do not get my mother on your side."

"Ask him or I'll tell her." She warned, before skipping away. "I have to go get packed. Have fun."

"You're a manipulative prude," Magnus yelled, pouting.

Camille chuckled, "ah yes, but I still get my way. Bye bye, darling."

"I don't want you to go," Alec said softly against Magnus' lips as they stood in the American's hotel room. Magnus was wrapped up in Alec's arms, with his own hands clutching the pale man's leather jacket.

"Me either," Magnus admitted, eyes shining in the dim light. "I'm sorry I have to go back, but my assignment won't complete itself and I have a few other requirements I need to return to. We'll see each other soon though. I promise"

Alec peered up at his boyfriend, slowly pushing his hair away from his face. "I'll try and visit you as soon as possible."

"I look forward to that," Magnus stated, smiling weakly. "I might be busy, I have the big show coming up. Then I'm done though. I'll just have graduation and I'll finally be a qualified fashionista."

"I'll need to make sure that I can book a seat at your graduation, maybe even your show." Alec purred, enjoying the feel of Magnus' arms around him.

"That was be wonderful," Magnus crooned before his conversation with Camille came to mind. "Alexander…I was wondering…when would you be okay with us coming out to the public?"

"I…I'm not sure." Alec muttered considerately, "why?"

"My University is putting on a…ball of sorts. I can bring a plus one…so I was wondering…" Magnus trailed off suggestively, shrugging.

Alec bit his lip, dread filling him very quickly. He slowly asked, "when is this ball?"

"Next month…it sort of celebrates the end of the year and the top student of the course is singled out and gets their own sort of…prom king or queen dance. Not to sound egotistical, but my teachers have warned me that I might be the top…so I might need a date." Magnus said self-consciously, scuffling on the spot slightly.

Alec frowned deeply, "Mags, I don't know. A month is pretty quick to come out as a couple, especially when it's the whole world that will be tuning into our personal life."

Magnus hid his dissatisfaction by sending him an understanding smile, "that's okay." He averted his eyes and sighed when he caught sight of the clock on the wall. "I have to head off, Alec. I have a plane to catch – Cammie will be stressing out if I'm any later."

Alec groaned, also trying to hide his sadness for hurting Magnus. "I'm sorry I can't say goodbye at the airport. It's just too risky with paparazzi and I'm not ready for the world to know about us yet…I'm sorry."

"It's okay, baby." Magnus whispered comfortingly, kissing Alec again. "I really must go."

"Message me when you're off the plane." Alec requested, trying to take in every last thing about Magnus.

"Sure thing," Magnus complied, giving Alec one last kiss. "Bye sweetheart."

"Bye Mags," Alec called out as his lover left the room, leaving him by himself. "I really need to figure this out."

And that's it! I hope you enjoyed it! I have a question: should Maryse be able to sing or not? Should I just keep her as an actress, or maybe have her be able to sing, but purely act for a job? I don't know! Thank you to everyone who reviewed!

FigsVsNewton – I'm still planning to get further into Robert and Maryse's characters, but thank you so much! I hope this chapter was just as amazingly perfect as you hoped for!

blacknblu30 – I adore it when one partner is so hotheaded, yet the other contrasts them completely, so I decided to incorporate that into Helen and Aline's relationship. I'm glad you noticed that!

Moonchild001 – Aww thank you so much! Haha I'm grumpy with Robert too! Thanks for reviewing again.

MalecXlife – I'm definitely hoping to have Alejandro return again, after all, it'd be mean to bring him into the fic and then ditch him ;) Bahaha Bob was the first name that came to mind, so I'm happy that you approved of it! I always imagined Max growing up to be sassy with a little bit of innocence due to being overprotected by Alec, so that's just how I've always portrayed him. I'll definitely explore the Malec sexual tension, but I kind of felt that it was too soon to make them do anything too sexual. They just got together, makes it seemed rushed! Plus, I'm trying to brainstorm all the fun things they could do in the bedroom – I'm not getting very far. Thanks for reviewing again!

wendy – Haha I like having all the plotlines, it gives me a chance to see what readers like and don't like. Then I can kind of decide what I'll focus on and what I'll subtly reject. Thanks for being so sweet and supportive again!

Pri-Chan 1410 – Aww thank you! I'm so happy to hear that you loved their date! I love hearing that you love what I write!

Lukas Le Stelle – I feel bad for Maryse, but at the same time, Robert wasn't the only one cheating…still though. I don't know how to feel about them because they're both in the wrong. I might bring Michael Wayland in at some point, I'll see where the plot takes me! I've shipped some weird combinations. One of my favourites currently is Raphael/Simon…they're just so freaking cute! WILL IS PROPOSING! I'M SUPER EXCITED AND PLANNING IT AND HOPING TO MAKE IT SOMETHING BIG! There will definitely be more Max for you! I adore him so I'd hate to not have him and do not worry, he won't die. I can promise that because I hated it when he died in the books. Thanks for reviewing again! I love reading your reviews ^_^