Hi everyone! I tried to update as soon as possible, but it's been pretty hectic since uni is going back next week D: Just to warn all you Clace/Sizzy fans, you might like this chapter a little ;)
I don't own the Mortal Instruments, it's the marvelous Cassandra Clares'. And the song in this chapter is I Believe in a Thing Called Love by The Darkness, although I imagine Alec's performance to be a bit more like the Glee cover. Enjoy!
Chapter 14
I Believe in a Thing Called Love
"Sorry I'm late, I had to take a detour when I bumped into a group of fangirls. They chased me for ten minutes and then I got lost and had to Google Maps where I was which took even longer because the internet was terrible." Jace hurried to say whilst shuddering at the memory, the glow of the apartment building's hallway light emphasising the golden colour of his hair.
Clary frowned at him, partially hidden behind the half-open door as she peeked around the side of it. "Jace, you're forty-five minutes late. That's not just a little detour."
"It was a huge detour," Jace insisted, giving her a pleading look.
"Really? You expect me to believe that?" Clary looked incredibly hurt and Jace quickly realised his mistake just as she started ranting. "Do you know what, Jace? Next time you feel like just detouring before our date, don't. I'd prefer it if I don't see you again."
Jace shook his head, reaching out with his right hand to stop her from shutting the door. She flinched when his fist accidentally banged against the wood, making him cringe and hurry to convince her. "Clary, I swear that it wasn't intentional. I would've been here on-time if it weren't for the fans. If I had stopped to chat, I would've taken even longer because there was about twenty of them."
"Why didn't you get a driver to drive you here then?" She narrowed her eyes at him dangerously, a scowl rising to her face.
"Because it would've gotten back to some report or something. I want to keep this in-between us for now and it's not because I'm ashamed of what we have, don't think that! I just want to have you to myself for a while before the media catches on and potentially screws everything over." Jace explained in a rush, waiting for her response. Clary stayed silent, so he sighed loudly and whispering, "please Clary, I'm trying. I'm sorry I'm late. I couldn't help it and I'm not used to roaming around the streets of America, I'm still learning what is where. I'm a British boy, remember that! I know the streets in England like the back of my hand, but this is all new to me. Please, just give me a fair shot. I'll make it up to you, I promise!"
Clary's green eyes stayed on his form for a few moments before she stepped to the side of the doorway, "fine, but no repeating this lateness next time or I will be slamming this door in your face. You're on strike one and it's only our first date."
"Deal, and I think you mean first official date." Jace grinned at her, bounding forward to place a warm kiss on her cheek.
"Jace, that night wasn't a date," Clary's cheeks went red and he could feel the heat coming off them.
"Date or not, it sure felt good." He replied in a low tone, sending a shiver down Clary's spine.
"All we did was cuddle," she reminded him darkly, although he could tell she was becoming flustered.
Hiding his smugness at her reaction, Jace continued to murmur, "shut your eyes."
"Why?" Clary queried, crossing her arms over her chest, causing Jace to groan.
"C'mon Clary, just close them. Please?" He pleaded, becoming accustomed to her stubbornness.
"Fine," she muttered, closing her eyes slowly after giving him a suspicious look. "Now what?"
"Honestly, ruin the moment, why don't you?" Jace articulated sarcastically, grabbing her hands and holding them out in front of her before placing something relatively heavy into them. "Open."
Clary opened her eyes and saw a bouquet of red roses in her hands, making her grin widely up at him through batted eyelashes. "Oh my God, you bought me flowers? That's so sweet of you."
"That's part of the reason I was late, I was getting flowers on the way." Jace shrugged self-consciously, and Clary bit her lip before standing onto the tips of her toes and kissing him on the cheek.
"Thank you, I love them." She mumbled thoughtfully, letting inside and shutting the door behind him. "This is my apartment, I know it's not very big but it's home."
"It's great," Jace informed her happily, following her into the main room, which appeared to consist of a kitchen, lounge room and a study that was also her paint studio.
"Upstairs is the bedroom and bathroom," Clary explained when she caught him observing the place.
"Well, good thing I know that," Jace winked at her, immediately making Clary become flustered and blink at him repeatedly. "For the bathroom, of course."
"Yeah…the bathroom," she slurred, clearing her throat and hurrying into the kitchen. "I don't have a vase for these but this should work."
Jace waited as she grabbed something out of a cupboard under the sink and filled it up with water. She carried the object over to the table and plonked the flowers in them, smiling proudly at her effort. Clary rested her hands on her hips, appearing to be pleased with her determination and creativity.
Jace raised an eyebrow incredulously, "did you seriously just put the roses into one of your paint pots?"
"It's a big paint pot. Big enough for flowers," she defended protectively, a smirk rising to her lips.
"It's a paint pot. Full stop." Jace disagreed, shaking his head at her.
"I'm an artist Jace, I don't have the money for a vase – that and the fact that I don't usually get flowers. Plus, I think it looks good." She announced, staring at Jace, as if challenging him to question her judgement.
"Fine, it looks good." Jace raised his arms in an 'I-come-in-peace' manner. "So, what's for dinner?"
"I was thinking Italian takeaway, are you okay with that?" Clary snatched a menu off the fridge and slide it across the table towards him.
Jace seized the menu and grinned at her, "I happen to love Italian."
"What's going on down there?" Magnus queried, inquisitively leaning towards the window to get a better look of the hospital's garden. It was outside Camille's room, although they were a few storeys higher. "Looks like a funeral procession out there."
"Probably not the best joke to crack in a hospital, Mags." Ragnor grumbled, rolling his eyes at Magnus' comment.
"Oh yeah." Magnus smiled sheepishly at Ragnor, his emerald eyes bright with mischief.
Ragnor muttered something incomprehensible under his breath, making Magnus pretend not to notice. He went back to observing the proceedings taking place outside. Workmen, who were all dressed in black, appeared to be setting up some sort of apparatus that reminded Magnus of a stage.
Magnus' eyes widened when he spotted men marching around the garden with SECURITY written on the backs of their shirts. "Damn, they even have security men down there. Must be serious."
"I don't know what's going on, they've been busy all morning. I think they started setting up around six this morning. Mum mentioned it when she visited me during breakfast time." Camille replied, sipping her orange juice. "Clearly they're setting up something."
"Maybe it's some sort of performance for the patients?" Ragnor proposed absentmindedly, his eyes firmly directed onto Camille, inspecting her closely in case she needed anything.
"Or even a speech or award ceremony for the staff here?" Magnus suggested, giving the sight one last look before facing his best friends.
"Since when do they have award ceremonies for staff at hospitals?" Ragnor rebutted, scrunching up his nose and shaking his head.
"I'm sure they have award ceremonies, clearly there's some sort of ceremony happening down there." Magnus pointed over his shoulder with a feisty expression.
"Whatever it is, I'm sure we'll find out. Ragnor, stop riling Magnus up, I know you do it on purpose. Now, c'mon my powerpuff girl, sit down with me." Camille concluded, patting the empty seat next to her bed. She pouted up at him, "I haven't properly sat down with you in what feels like forever."
"How can I ever say no to you, Cammie?" Magnus sighed dramatically, shooting Ragnor a quick annoyed look before strutting over to her side to place a sassy kiss on her slightly purple cheek. He hid his sadness at the pitiful image of Camille all bruised by forcing a smile to stay onto his face.
"Because you love me too much," Camille prompted him with a girly giggle, which was very unlike Camille.
Magnus could only guess that the pain relief was still affecting her mood. According to Ragnor, she had burst into tears when he went to fetch himself a coffee one day. Another time, she had told Batari that she was the hottest woman alive…which totally wasn't awkward for Magnus…not at all. Batari seemed rather flattered though, even though she understood that it was probably the medicine talking. Apparently, she had even gone off at Will for kissing Jem's cheek when her Ragnor wasn't there to kiss hers.
"I sure do," Magnus replied teasingly, trying to force himself out of his thoughts.
His response seemed to make Camille's mood brighten even more – something that Magnus never could've pictured happening before this. "I've missed both of you so much."
"Trust me, Cam. We've missed you too." Ragnor replied softly as she grabbed both of their hands. "The past few days were torture for us, and yet you made it and the doctor said that your recovery is miraculous."
"It must've been all the fish oil your mother forces down your throat," Magnus kidded, eyeing her tiny and cold hands.
He scowled when he saw the cuts healing on her uncovered skin, yet he knew there were worse marks under her floral nightgown, especially around her ribs. His best friend never deserved for this to happen to her. Camille didn't seem to pick up on his sorrow, probably too drugged up to completely understand it either. Ragnor momentarily took his eyes off his girlfriend to give Magnus an understanding look.
"Thank you for staying by my side for me, you know you didn't have to, right?" Camille regarded the men fondly, although there was an edge of helplessness that she usually refused to let anyone, other than Magnus, see.
"Cammie, there is no way we'd ever leave your side." Magnus started seriously, tightening his grip on her hand, although he made sure he quickly ensured that it wasn't too constricted. "You're our best friend and without you, we'd never be able to call ourselves the Titillating Trio again."
Camille let out a high-pitched cackle while Ragnor gaped at Magnus with shock, "I thought we agreed to never speak of such dark times again."
"No, you agreed to never speak of such dark times again, however, I have no shame. It doesn't bother me," Magnus winked at a blushing Ragnor. "Back to the point, we're always going to be by your side, in sickness and in health, 'til death do us part."
"Yep, what he said." Ragnor settled, leaning forward to kiss her gently on her healing lips. Apparently the doctors ended up stitching her lip up when she bit through it during the accident. Although, it wasn't her worst injury at the time, that's for sure. Ragnor suddenly pulled back to grimace, "did you seriously just use marriage vows with us?'
"I sure did," Magnus grinned happily, crossing his legs over as part of his hair fell in front of his eyes.
"You need a haircut, mister." Camille declared, eyeing the bun Magnus had pulled his hair into.
"No, it's fashionable like this. Don't be so against my man bun." Magnus complained, swatting her hand away when it reached for his hair. "Alexander likes it, he told me."
"Magnus, you never fail to surprise me." Ragnor murmured, snickering while Magnus ducked Camille's prying hands. "As Mags said earlier, back to the point, look at it this way, Cam – now our love story can really start."
"I like the sound of that," Camille faced Ragnor, beaming up at him while he moved towards her. She continued to gaze at him lovingly, their lips about to connect while Magnus mimed gagging behind her back.
"Magnus," Ragnor muttered while keeping his eyes on Camille. "Keep that up and you'll be the bane of your own existence."
"Never, my dear little cabbage and goddess." Magnus beamed at them before they returned to the question of the staging being set up in the gardens.
Clary woke up to banging on her door, surprising her when she checked the time to see it was ten in the morning. She groaned, rolling over and rubbing her hands over her eyes.
"Coming," Clary yelled tiredly, sliding out of bed and grabbing an over-sized jumper to put over her singlet top. She peeked at herself in the mirror, noticing her mini-shorts. Oh well, they'd have to work. The guest continued to knock on the door as Clary jumped down the staircase and made her way to the front door, yanking it open. She blinked owlishly at the visitor, "Isabelle?"
Isabelle stood on in the apartment hallway, hip crooked to the side with a smirk on her face. "Hi Clary, I just came to talk."
"Oh, okay?" Clary hesitated before stepping aside to let Izzy in. She suddenly felt very self-conscious of her clothing when she saw Izzy's tight red dress and black heels. "Sorry I don't look great, I just woke up."
"I thought that was your usual look?" Izzy replied absentmindedly, striding into the apartment and directly towards the table, where she placed her black handbag down.
Clary's eyes widened at her response and she uncomfortably tugged on her jumped before shutting the door and facing Izzy. "What can I do for you?"
Izzy was staring at Clary, grey eyes lined with kohl. "Do you know what I found strange last night?"
"No, what?" Clary queried awkwardly, moving to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee.
Izzy's eyes followed her figure, "my brother came to the hotel we we're staying in around one in the morning. He also happened to have the stupidest grin on his face."
"Good for Alec?" Clary questioned, pouring water into the kettle.
"Don't play dumb, Clary, we both know I'm referring to Jace." Izzy rolled her eyes and muttered something under her breath. "How was your date last night?"
"Isabelle…I don't know what you're talking about," Clary claimed, twisting her hands in front of her and refusing to look at the bombshell model.
"Clary, enough with the fake ignorance – that never looks good on a girl." Izzy ordered, strutting to Clary side and forcing the redhead to look up at her. "Do you want to a girl talk? From one single girl to another?"
"Uh, well," Clary started before Izzy suddenly broke her cold demeanour and grabbed her hand, leading her the old, worn couch in front of a small T.V. "Okay."
"So, are you and my brother official?" Izzy fired off immediately, as soon as they sat down.
"No," Clary replied cautiously, "at least, I don't think so."
"You don't think so?" Izzy repeated, deadpanned. "Clary, it's a yes or no question."
"He hasn't made it clear though," Clary protested, starting to actually get into the girl talk. "I mean, he brought me roses."
"He brought you roses? I knew he had it in him," Izzy laughed, leaning back against the sofa and crossing her legs. Even when acting casual, she still looked like a model. "What did you guys do?"
"Eat takeaway Italian and watch movies," Clary replied, also relaxing into the chair. "No one ever warned me that Jace eats like a pig."
Izzy made a noise of understanding, patting Clary's hand. "I know, Alec does too. It is so gross and always gets on Mum's nerves, which is good though. So, back to gossip, have you two kissed yet?"
Clary shook her head, "no, not yet. I thought we about to last night when he was leaving, but then he suddenly went for my cheek and left."
Izzy gaped at her, "but Jace always kisses a girl."
Clary immediately stiffened up, becoming self-conscious. "Not me, then."
Izzy realised her mistake and immediately backtracked, "or you're not just any girl? He's probably just to make it all romantic, that's all."
"Hopefully," Clary chuckled uneasily, shifting in her seat.
Izzy cleared her throat and sat up straight, "can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what?" Clary replied tentatively, her hands clasped together in her lap.
"So, say we're talking hypothetically here and…a friend of mine who's usually the sort of girl to only date the best of the best and ensures to be seen with someone who is just as famous as her met someone…who's not exactly that. And she's confused because she finds him attractive and he's nothing like her exes. He's sweet and compassionate and…adorkable. He can make her laugh when she's down and takes the greyness out of her demanding life to replace it with a burst of colour. And he makes her feel new feelings she's ever felt before and he makes her genuinely happy. He doesn't care for appearances though…but he always compliments her. Even when she's wearing the most unflattering clothes, he can find something beautiful about her. But he's not someone her parents would necessarily approve of and my friend and him are complete opposites-"
"Are we talking about you and Simon?" Clary interrupted, realisation rising to her face before she rolled her eyes. "Ask him out."
"What if he doesn't like me?" Izzy cried out dramatically, shaking her head. "What if it's all in my head?"
"I've known Simon since we were kids and you took his breath away the first moment he saw you. Isabelle, I can say that no other girl has ever had the same effect on him as you do." Clary informed her seriously, leaning forward and clasping their hands together.
"You swear?" Izzy murmured, gazing at Clary with cautious eyes.
"I swear," Clary stated, squeezing Izzy's hand.
The two sat in silence for a few moments before Izzy remarked nonchalantly, "you know Clary, I think this is the start to a great friendship."
"I'm thinking the same thing," Clary replied and the two women paused before bursting into laughter.
"Thanks for coming guys, I know it was short notice and that wasn't very fair." Alec said to his band once they arrived at the hospital, their instruments in their cases. He hid his amusement at the sight of Raphael with his sunglasses and baseball cap on with a cup of takeaway coffee in his spare hand. "I promise to make up for this by buying dinner for everyone next time we hang out."
"It's seriously no problem, Alec. Just part of our job." Jordon stated, shaking Alec's hand before Kaelie hugged him tightly. "Although I could never say no to a free coffee every now and then."
"A free coffee it is," Alec chuckled while Kaelie poked his chest to get his attention, reminding Alec a lot of Izzy's antics. "Yeah, Kaelie?"
"I'm so excited," she declared, jumping back to let Mark shake Alec's hand, almost whacking Raphael with her guitar case in the process. "This will be great. I can't believe we're bringing back some of your older songs."
"And I heard that we're also going to be helping a certain friend of yours with a particular situation." Mark grinned, his blonde hair falling in front of his eyes, reminding Alec a lot of Helen.
"I can't wait to see it, it'll be so romantic." Kaelie clapped her hands together and bounced on the spot. "Why can't I find a man like that?"
"Kaelie, you're acting like such a girl." Raphael whined, growling softly when she jokingly linked their arms together and forced her side against his.
"Raphael, you're acting like such an idiot," she retorted half-heartedly, smirking when he tried to push her off him.
"Wow, you're so cool. Using big words like idiot. I bet you're proud of yourself," Raphael remarked sarcastically, still trying to release himself from her grip. "Now get off you, you tic."
"Oh stop it, you two. Honestly, you constantly fight like kids." Mark interjected before Kaelie could reply.
"Anyway," Alec raised his voice slightly to gain the attention again. "The sound check starts soon, except I need you guys to not play anything that people will figure out relates to me. We want it to be a complete surprise. Someone else will be in charge of making sure the mics are all loud enough. Just make sure no one figures out why you're here. Got it?"
"Sure thing," Jordan beamed at Alec, cracking his knuckles as he said, "I can't wait to see Magnus' expression when he realises it's you. It's going to be awesome."
"I can't wait to see it either," Alec admitted as everyone cooed around him, making him turn bright red. "Okay, enough with the gossip. We're due to be onstage in two and a half hours. Let's get to it."
"Okay Iz, you can do this." Izzy muttered to herself as a pep-talk, her eyes slowly roaming to the front door the Taki's Diner. "Just go in, order a coffee and ask Simon if he wants to hang out after his shift ends and then we can go to the hospital together. Simple."
Taking in a deep breath, Izzy pulled the door open and stepped inside, letting it thud shut behind her before she took her glasses off. The diner's morning rush had finished and only an elderly couple sat in the corner of the room. Simon stood behind the counter, cleaning up with his back to the door. Izzy smiled at the opportunity and went to stand at the desk, clearing her throat pointedly.
Simon whirled around, "I'm sorry for that, how can I – Izzy?"
"Hey," she inwardly cursed herself. Where was the confident Isabelle?
"What can I do for you?" Simon seemed to shake himself out of his trance, striding to the counter.
"Well, a skinny latte would be great," Izzy joked, making Simon turn bright red.
"Oh yeah, of course." Simon shook himself out of his shock and hurried around the kitchen. "Takeaway?"
"Yes please," Izzy beamed at him and pulled out her purse.
"That will come to three-fifty," Simon announced as she searched through her purse for the change, handing it over and purposefully letting their hands touch. "And can I get your name, please?" Simon asked teasingly, holding a permanent marker in his hand and ready to write her name on the cup.
"You can call me Spiderman because my spidey-senses aren't the only thing tingling," Izzy winked at him seductively, strutting to a seat while Simon gaped at her, pen still in his hand.
"I have never been so turned on in my life," he mumbled himself, swallowing thickly before getting back to the task at hand.
The apartment was quiet, although whispers could be heard coming from the master bedroom. Light was filtered through gaps between closed blinds and there was a strong scent of cologne. Tessa shut the front door behind her, checking her phone to see she was right on time. She put her key back into her purse and quickly heard murmurs. She started heading down the hallway, towards the sound.
"Will?" Tessa peered into Will and Jem's room, her eyes softening at the image in front of her.
Will stood in front of a mirror, trying to tame his hair. He jolted when he heard her voice and sent her a tense smile, "hey Tess, I didn't hear you arrive."
"Sorry about that, I brought my key and let myself in," Tess replied, shrugging absentmindedly while she leaned against the doorframe. "How are you feeling?"
"Nervous. Excited. Close to throwing up. You choose whatever you want to take from that." Will answered and to anyone else, but Tessa or Jem, they would've thought he was completely calm and in control of his emotions. However, the slightly overly edgy joke gave it away to Tessa.
"It'll be okay, Will. There's no need for you to be worried or anything like that." Tessa murmured soothingly, ambling to his side to wrap her arm around him. Will's muscles were stressed, so she began to massage his shoulders. "Jem loves you."
"What if he says no?" Will whispered despairingly, frowning at his reflection in the mirror.
"Jem loves you," Tessa repeated firmly, grabbing Will and spinning him around to face her. She stared up at him, grey eyes meeting blue. "He will say yes because he wants to spend forever with you, even if others are prepared to try and tear you two apart."
"How do you know that?" Will asked gently, watching her closely with desperate eyes. He sounded like he wanted to believe her, yet his heart couldn't risk the pain if it was all false. "How Tess?"
"Because I asked him," Tessa admitted shyly, clearing her throat and momentarily averting her eyes. "I didn't let him know that you're planning to propose today, but he told me that he's expecting you two to become engaged soon. With or without his family's permission. He'll say yes if you ask him."
"If his family disapprove, it'll destroy him. Jem adores his family, even with their traditional ways." Will fretted, snagging Tessa's hand in his own. "I don't know how he'll cope."
"He'll have us to help him through it," Tessa insisted kindly, holding onto Will's sweaty palms and squeezing them slightly. "William Herondale, do you love Jem with all your heart?"
"Yes, I do. You know that." Will's voice was almost panicked as he hurriedly nodded.
"Would you do anything to make him happy?" Tessa continued, lowering her voice and noting the way Will was quick to confirm. "And do you want to spend forever with him?"
"I want eternity with him. I love him, Tess. So much. He is my world," Will informed her, showing a rare and vulnerable side that only Jem or Tessa could get out of him.
"Then show him that, let him know. He thinks the same of you, Will. He will say yes because he wants to be your husband and grow old with you. Who knows? Maybe even adopt a kid or two." Tessa stated sympathetically. "So you go out there today and you show him just how romantic you are. Show him how serious your love for him is and let him know that there will never be a question of who you want to spend the rest of your life with. You're prepared to tell the world that you love him – after all, I wouldn't be surprised if the proposal ends up on the internet with Alexander involved."
"You're right, Tess. Like always." Will's expression hardened and he looked at himself in the mirror again. "I'll win my man over."
"That's the spirt," Tessa laughed, going to tidy Will's hair. "Now let's fix this hair of yours, Jem won't appreciate it if you look like a slob when you propose."
"You know him too well," Will joked before he became sincere, "thanks for helping me with this, Tess."
"Anytime, Will." She replied, patting him on the arm and gazing up at the spoilt boy who she had seen grow into a respectable man. "Anytime."
"Excuse me? Did you just tell me that Jean Gray and Cyclops shouldn't have gotten together? Are you mad?" Simon gasped, actually sounding offended. "They are like the Posh and Becks of the Marvel world!"
"Jean should've hooked up with Wolverine and had his mutant babies." Izzy argued back, giggling when Simon's eyes narrowed at her from behind his glasses.
"I'm not sure this friendship can continue, Isabelle." He said plainly, although she heard the humour in his voice.
"Oh, are we friends now?" Izzy stopped walking, facing him as she crossed her arms over her chest, knowingly pushing up her boobs to make them look bigger.
"Not anymore, we're not." Simon retorted, also pausing to watch her.
Izzy stepped closer, "you're just upset already because I said I preferred Iron Man over Captain America."
"It's a stupid preference!" Simon exploded, waving his arms in the air as Izzy cackled. "And since when did you know so much about these characters? I thought you hadn't seen a Marvel movie or comic in your life?"
Izzy blushed, "I might've touched up on my knowledge."
"Really? Is that the case?" Simon's smirked at her before questioning, "Who was Scarlett Witch the daughter of?"
"Magneto," Izzy replied automatically, gazing up at Simon. "Try harder, four eyes."
"Wait a moment, you did not just call me that." Simon protested, stepping closer to her, their bodies pressed together.
"I just did," Izzy moved closer to whisper, "but don't forget, keep your four eyes on me."
With that comment, she slowly slinked away, once again, leaving Simon close to passing out from shock.
Alec let out an exhausted moan when his phone buzzed again. Snatching it off the table next to his chair, he quickly unlocked it before reading through the text. Izzy was sitting across from him, taking selfies while Jace was talking on his phone to someone. Helen, who was busy working on Alec's makeup, raised an eyebrow at the noise. The four of them were all in the nurses' staff room in the hospital, hiding for the time being.
"What are you doing?" Helen queried, biting her lip while concentrating on getting Alec's eyeliner to be perfect.
"Texting Magnus," Alec replied while he sent the message. "He's a bit upset that he hasn't seen me at all today, as well as a bit curious about the stage right outside Camille's window."
"You two already sound like an old married couple," Izzy muttered as she hopped up, clearly finished with taking pictures of herself.
"Well, half an hour until he finds out what's going on," Helen teased, ignoring Izzy before the two siblings would get into a fight. She finished Alec's eyeliner with a flourish. "There we go, I'll just finish contouring and then you're ready to get onstage."
"I might go and meet up with Simon," Izzy announced, pulling her heels and snapping her fingers in front of Jace's face to get his attention. He sent her an annoying look, pointing at his phone while she asked bluntly, "are you coming with me?"
Jace shrugged and followed Izzy out of the room, momentarily pausing to call out, "good luck."
"Thanks," Alec moaned, sipping some water and clearing his throat. "I probably should warm up soon."
The doors opened less than five minutes later and a gaggle of nurses on their lunch break entered, all with shy smiles. One step forward, "excuse me, Mr Lightwood, would it be possible for us to take a photo with you?"
"Of course," Alec smiled at them, giving them the nicest response he felt he could while waving them over towards him. "And call me Alexander. Mr Lightwood is my father."
"Thank you so much," they twittered, holding out their phones while Helen hurriedly finished blending in his makeup.
"I'm done, how about I take the photos for you?" She offered kindly, putting away her makeup brushes and holding her hand.
"Thank you," one nurse said, giving Helen her phone and standing behind Alec, who stood up and wrapped an arm around her.
"Say cheese," Helen muttered, focusing the camera.
"Cheese," the woman laughed, beaming at the camera until the flash went off. "Thank you so much, Alexander. I can't wait to show the picture to my sister. She'll be green-eyed with envy."
"It's my pleasure," Alec chuckled before another nurse came to get her picture with him.
He continued to take photos with them, smiling away and even having silly expressions in some pictures at the requests of the women. One lady blushed when she asked for a photo of him kissing her cheek, something he had become accustomed to over the years. Eventually, they all begged for a group photo with him before they rushed back to their job when their lunch break finished.
"I'm so glad that's over," Alec mumbled tiredly, trying to get lip gloss off his cheek from one of the kisses a nurse gave him.
"So am I, but now I need to fix up your makeup some more." Helen shoved him back into the chair and returned to her job.
Izzy and Jace made their way around the hospital, avoiding the routes that they knew would be busier. They watched as patients and their families were being led out of their rooms and towards the garden. The hallways were filled with whispers and nurses smiling secretively to patient's questions of what was happening. The two Lightwoods headed towards Camille's room, clambering into the elevator and waiting in silence. Izzy was back onto her phone as Jace finally finished his phone call to Maryse, who was telling him to wish Alec good luck.
"I already have, Mum." He stated, internally huffing at her insistence.
"Good, because we both know how nervous he gets before performances," Maryse prompted Jace, a warning tone in her voice. "I have to head off to a meeting. Call me when the show is over."
"Yes Mum, bye." Jace said as Maryse hung up the phone a second later. He sighed and pocketed his mobile, moving to rest his head against the wall of the elevator.
"Do they know what's happening?" Izzy murmured, carrying her handbag in one hand.
"I don't think Magnus or Ragnor do, but Vivenne and Batari found out. I'm guessing Camille knows. I definitely know Clary knows." Jace looked away when Izzy smirked at him. "Stop that."
"Stop what?" Izzy retorted, still looking smug.
"Giving me that look," Jace replied starkly, "it's really annoying."
"What look?" Izzy continued innocently, smiling at him with a spark in her eyes. "When are you going to snog Clary senseless?"
"Isabelle, shut up." Jace hissed, immediately looking around for cameras that could've heard what she said.
Izzy leaned against the side of the elevator, "she thinks you don't like her because you haven't kissed her."
"It was our first date!" Jace countered, sounding somewhat self-defensive with an edge of franticness.
"That hasn't stopped you from kissing other girls on a first date, even before one." Izzy answered lazily, pulling out her phone to send a text to Simon. The two friends had made their way to the hospital together, but split up to hang out with their friends separately.
"Because…because…" Jace trailed off, biting his lower lip and then spinning away from Iz.
"Aw Jace, don't be like that. Just kiss the girl senseless when you see her, God knows the sexual tension between you might make it the best kiss of your life." Izzy pronounced sharply, knowing that whilst Jace would pretend to ignore what she said, he'd be considering it in his head.
"Argh, why do I put up with you?" Jace groused and Izzy hid her smirk, knowing her work in their relationship was done as the elevator doors opened and they made their way towards where they knew their group was about to congregate. They headed around the corner of the hallway, immediately sighting Clary and Simon in the corridor.
Izzy brightened up when Simon turned and caught her eye, "Simon! I was wondering when I'd see you again. It's only been an hour but it's felt like ages."
"Hey Iz," Simon went red when she threw her arms around his neck.
"I was thinking of going and getting something to eat quickly, would you like to come with me?" She queried, and without waiting for his response, Izzy dragged him out of the hallway. She sent Clary the thumbs up behind Jace's back, lowering her hands before Jace saw the signal. "Toodles, big brother! Bye Clary!"
Jace was scowling in the direction Izzy left in before turning back to see an extremely bewildered Clary, "that was an interesting thing to see."
"Sorry about that, she can be…impulsive." Jace apologised weakly, smiling awkwardly at Clary who merely gave him an understanding look.
"No need to apologise, I know how impulsive us women can be." She winked at him cheekily in a rare display of confidence while he chuckled and moved closer towards her. "How has your day been?"
"Average, listened to my Mum lecture me over the phone for an hour, had to sit with Izzy since six this morning. That is painful. She left for a while, thank God, but still, I think I have brain damage from her mindless chatter. This was while hearing Alec sigh over texts from Magnus. I can't decide what the worst bit was," he kidded, shoving his hands into his jeans pockets.
"Hopefully I can help fix your mood," Clary bounced on the spot, her messy red hair tied back into an equally disordered ponytail.
"I think you already have," Jace answered honestly, not stopping to think. He quickly shut his mouth as soon as the words left him while Clary turned five shades redder.
"I'm glad to hear that," she bit her lip, hugging herself in a way that made Jace struggle not to stare at her chest. He shook his head and swallowed thickly, Izzy's words from earlier getting to him. What if Clary really wanted to be kissed? Would she want it now or later? Sweet or passionate? He forced himself out of his thoughts when he thought he saw her shiver.
"Are you cold? I can give you my jacket. That flannel shirt isn't very warm," he pointed out, going to take off his leather jacket.
"No, I'm okay, I have a t-shirt underneath it," Clary explained, uncrossing her arms and letting them dangle limply by her side. "So, I was wondering, um…"
"Yeah?" Jace pushed, not realising that he had moved closer to her, his eyes trained on her lips.
Clary wavered due to the attention, looking unsure over how to process the situation. "Jace? Are you okay?"
Jace knew his mind was made in that moment. Their eyes connected and all restraint was gone. "Clary, I'm so sorry," Jace yelled hysterically, making Clary jump back from surprise.
Her green eyes widened in a way that enticed him even more, "what is it? Is something wrong? Jace? You look like you've seen a ghost after running in a long ass marathon."
"God, this is hard and difficulty but I have to do something." Jace rushed to say, causing Clary to appear to be even more bemused.
"Then do it?" She recommended uncertainly, squinting up at him and trying to hide her hope at the thought of what he might do.
"Good, I just needed permission." He declared, his muscles taunt from the restraint he had forced on himself. He suddenly grabbed her wrist and yanking her towards him, causing Clary to stumble and crash her chest against his.
"Jace? What on Earth-" Clary cried out, finding herself muted when his soft lips connected with hers passionately.
Clary's eyes widened and she clenched her hands into fists as he wrapped his arms around her small waist and tugged her even closer, until they were completely pressed against each other. The height difference made it a little awkward for them, although they made it work. One hand reached up to cup her cheek before it moved to tangle his fingers into her hair. Jace nipped at her lip, making Clary moan and shut her eyes, reaching up and draping her arms around his neck. The two were lost in the moment for what could've been seconds, minutes or hours. Clary let out an appreciative moan when he softly grinded against her, completely forgetting that they were in the middle of a hospital corridor that was about to become crowded.
"Clary?" A woman called out tentatively and Clary's eyes burst open before she pulled back from the kiss.
"Mum?" She gasped, almost whacking Jace in the chin with her forehead when she jolted back. She released Jace in a hurry when her eyes scanned the man next to the woman, causing Clary to also exclaim, "Luke?"
Jace stepped back from Clary, avoiding any more flailing limbs while neatening himself up. He watched the redheaded lady who definitely was Clary's mother. They had the same facial structure, body shape and hair colour. A faint sprinkle of freckles also seemed to cover her nose, just like Clary. Clary's mother was holding hands with a man who appeared to be around the same age.
"I'm Jocelyn," Clary's Mum introduced herself, waving awkwardly.
"Hi Jocelyn, I'm Jace. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Jace said, trying to shake off his uneasiness.
"Well, this is awkward," Clary muttered under her breath.
"What's going on?" Magnus asked when he heard the sound of drums banging in the garden.
"I'm guessing it is some concert." Ragnor shrugged helplessly, finally getting off his seat to join Magnus in staring out the window. "Looks like a band from up here."
"I don't recognise them," Magnus pouted sadly, crossing his arms over chest.
"Of course you don't, you prat. You're three storeys up and hundreds of metres away." Ragnor pointed out bluntly, making Magnus spin around to gain Camille's attention.
"Camille, your boyfriend's being mean to me." He whined, rushing to her side and leaping onto the edge of her bed. "Tell him to stop it."
"Stop it, Ragnor." Camille requested dryly, rolling her eyes at their behaviour when there was a knock on her door. "Please don't let it be that woman again."
"Want me to let them in?" Ragnor suggested, bounding over to the door and yanking it open. "Batari! Viv, Rog! Jocelyn? What are you guys doing here? Oh hey…Luke. Wait a moment, bloody hell."
Ragnor got shoved to the side as the whole group of friends entered the room, although they also had brought Jace and Izzy with them. The two Lightwoods seemingly tried to blend in with the group, although their more fashionable appearance made them stand out. Magnus searched the group for Alec, frowning slightly when he realised that his boyfriend was missing from the group.
A slightly frazzled Clary paused to inform everyone, "Will and Tessa are running a little late due to traffic."
"Yeah, Tessa just texted me about it," Maia murmured while checking her phone, a crease between he brows.
"Late to what?" Magnus queried as a nurse brought a wheelchair into Camille's room.
"Why am I not surprise that William is late?" Jem joked, ignoring Magnus' comment and waving happily at the nurse, "hey Beth, nice to see you again."
"You know her?" Simon queried, raising an eyebrow at Jem who smiled nicely and quickly hugged the nurse.
"Sure do, met her while I was completing some of my practice studies here," he explained, beaming down at Beth who muttered something at Jem, making him laugh heartily.
"Hi Camille, let's get you up and at 'em, hey?" Beth chuckled, golden curls falling in front of her face as she grabbed Camille's jacket from Vivienne.
"What is going on?" Ragnor questioned, biting his lower lip nervously while Beth helped Camille put her jacket on, over the top of her floral dress. "Hang on, when where you wearing that?"
"The whole time, since you guys thought it was just a nightgown. I thought you would've known better than that, Mags." Camille smirked, leaning closely to Maia to whisper dramatically, "men."
"You knew about this?" Magnus pointed towards the window, gaping when Camille nodded smugly.
"A little birdy told me this morning what was happening." She replied as she was lifted into the wheelchair.
"What's happening?" Ragnor cried out, pushing in-between Beth and the wheelchair. He grabbed the handles to steer Camille's wheelchair, smiling cheekily at an amused Beth. "Sorry, but it's boyfriend privileges."
"Oh my God, Ragnor." Camille moaned loudly at his overprotective antics.
"Where are we going though?" Magnus groaned as Batari moved to his side.
"You'll find out, Maggie. Now come on, we don't want to be late." She beamed up at him, linking their arms while the group headed out of the room, Batari practically dragging her son with her.
"Come on," Tessa dragged Will along the corridor, a thumb drive in her hand and a determined expression on her face.
"I don't know about this, Tess." Will backtracked, permitting himself to be yanked behind her.
"Will, we've gone over this. You love him, he loves you. You'll get married, adopt babies and maybe have a dog or two. Now hurry up! Alec goes onstage in fifteen minutes and we have to make sure we can get this thumb drive to him before then so he can organise it." Tessa snapped, trying to subtly make her way out into the garden.
She paused, realising it was a lot bigger than she expected, although a quick scan told her that the group wasn't there yet. Her eyes landed on security guards stopping people from going backstage, "this way."
"Tess, you're acting like a lunatic," Will informed her weakly as they sprinted over to the security guard who tensed at the sight of them.
"You're not allowed backstage," he stated seriously, "head to your seats."
"I'm sorry, but Alexander knows about this." Tessa cried out, holding the thumb drive up. "I swear, he knows us and he knows why we need to give him this."
"Lady, you wouldn't believe how many times I've heard that excuse before, now go sit down." The security guard growled, eyes flashing warningly.
Will cleared his throat, "excuse me, but I'm going to be proposing to my boyfriend during this concert, something Alec knows about. If you don't mind-"
"Hey, you're the guy who's proposing right?" Will and Tessa vaguely recognised the woman, dressed in ripped jeans and a crop top, as she ran over to them. Will was surprised at her ability to sprint due to the knee-high black heeled boots she was wearing. "Hi, it's great to meet you. I'm Alec's guitarist, Kaelie. Don't worry Rob, they're genuinely friends with Alec. How about you give that to me and I'll pass it onto the tech guys? They'll be in-charge of that."
"Thank you so much," Tessa sighed in relief, handing the thumb drive over.
"My pleasure," Kaelie grinned at her, winking at Will. "Good luck."
With that, she turned away and rushed backstage, leaving Tessa and Will to find their places with the group. Will licked his lips nervously, "I feel sick."
"You're nervous, that's all." She reminded him comfortingly, rubbing his arm before she caught sight of their group of friends. "They're over there."
Will and Tessa trudged over, smiling at the group. Will seemed to cheer up when Jem strolled to his side and kissed his cheek. "Hey guys, how's it going?"
"Hi Will," everyone chorused as they took their seats, enthusiastically chatting between each other.
"Do you know what's going on?" Magnus questioned, leaning forward from where he sat between Batari and Izzy. His dark hair was still pulled back into a man bun with stray hairs escaping it. Will couldn't deny that even when dressed casually (at least, Magnus' version of casual), Magnus was pretty hot. "No one will tell me!"
"You only have to wait five minutes and you'll find out for yourself, Magnus." Batari countered, narrowing her eyes up at him. Clearly Magnus had been asking a lot about what was going to happen from the way Batari huffed dramatically.
"Five minutes of stress is still going to give me a higher chance of going grey young." Magnus snapped, falling back into his chair and crossing his arms with a huff.
"You'd look hot with grey hair," Izzy interjected, "like a sexy business owner and head of some huge company hot."
"You think so?" Magnus brightened up immediately, a smile coming to his face before he bit his lower lip. "Maybe grey hair wouldn't look so bad on me, after all."
"Nice to know, how about you take some of my grey hairs then?" Batari said dryly when an announcement broke out over speakers.
"Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, thank you for joining us this sunny afternoon. We request that to avoid any interruptions, you turn your mobiles onto silent. If you desire to stand up, please head to the back of the garden so that those who wish to sit can watch easily at the front. Thank you and enjoy the show."
The stage lights suddenly flashed red and a band came onto the stage, moving to their respective places with their instruments. Magnus squinted at them, trying to edge closer in his seat. He could see the drummer's platinum blonde hair that definitely reminded him of someone. "They still look so familiar."
"Shh," Batari and Izzy shushed him at the same time, making him grumble under his breath.
The electric guitarist started playing, the lights flaring up even more as Magnus stiffened in his seat. The stage lights changed from red to purple, then blue and yellow. The music progression sounded so familiar to him, yet he couldn't pin-point which song it was. He peered over at a smirking Camille, about to ask her whose song it was when it hit him. Magnus jaw dropped when he recognised a darkhaired, blue-eyed man run onto the stage, wearing tight black jeans and a white t-shirt on it. Alec held the microphone up to his mouth as he strutted to the front of the stage.
Can't explain all the feelings that you're making me feel.
My heart's in overdrive and you're behind the steering wheel.
Alec pointed into the audience while bouncing on the spot before miming navigating a steering wheel. The audience erupted into a round of applause at the sight of him and started cheering. The praises became louder once more and more people began to recognise who he was.
A middle aged woman in front of Magnus turned to her excited child who had her arm in a slung, "who is that?"
"Oh Mum," the girl bemoaned, "that's Alexander Lightwood."
"Maryse and Robert Lightwood's son? That's probably why I could recognise him a little," the Mum chuckled before her daughter snuggled into her side.
Onstage, Alec crouched skilfully and shockingly well in his skinny jeans that had their hems tucked into his signature combat boots. Alec slowly and seductively ran his hands down his body when singing the coda.
Touching you, touching me.
He continued to touch his body in a way that left Magnus' mouth dry before leaping up to stand again. Every movement he made was graceful and rehearsed, reminding Magnus that Alec had probably been performing this song for years since it was released when they were teenagers. It was one of his original big singles that made him rise to fame even more.
Touching you, god you're touching me.
Magnus felt awe fill him from the strength of Alec's voice and the confidence in his persona. It was slightly weird seeing his usually shy and reserved Alexander being such a self-assured entertainer and rocking out on the stage. Next to Magnus, Izzy, Simon, Clary and Camille were happily singing along to the song. Magnus' heart warmed up at the sight of Ragnor and Camille's linked hands.
I believe in a thing called love,
Just listen to the rhythm of my heart.
Alec patted his hand against his chest, over the top of where Magnus assumed Alec's heart was pounding in his torso. Every movement was in synch to the beat of the song – Alec's dancing, the musicians' foot tapping and head bouncing.
There's a chance we could make it now,
We'll be rocking 'til the sun goes down.
I believe in a thing called love.
Ooh!
Alec lowered the microphone and kicked the air as the crowd screamed at the top of their lungs and then the background of the stage lit up with the live video of Alec. His blue eyes were shining with adrenaline and happiness. It made it a lot easier for Magnus to observe his boyfriend and even added to the dramatic effect of the performance. Alec swaggered towards the front of the stage and kneeling down, waiting for Kaelie to finish a small guitar before singing. He pointed at a fan whilst singing the next verse.
I wanna kiss you every minute, every hour, every day.
He lifted up his hand and focused it on his head, twisting it around and winking at the fan while continuing to sing.
You got me in a spin but everythin' is !
The camera showed the young girl who sat in the front row, beaming up at him and loving being singled out from the rest of the audience. She giggled at his antics and Alec leaned forward to high five her, close to falling off the stage if she hadn't stood up and rushed to the fence between the audience and stage. Magnus saw Alec do one of his silent laughs when he managed to stabilise himself again.
Touching you, touching me.
Alec returned to the middle of the stage, clearly trying to act in a teasing manner, except he couldn't get the tell-tale smile off his face. The Lightwood seemed to be living off the adrenaline rush of the performance.
Touching you, god you're touching me.
"Touch me, Alexander!" A woman shrieked and the crowd burst into laughter, Alec copying their actions. Albeit, the laugh Magnus released was a little tenser and fake, his eyes narrowing in the direction of the fan.
Izzy leered up at Magnus, noting his change in demeanour. "You do realise Alec is gay right? There's no way that little call out is going to have any impact on him, other than make him forget where he's up to in the song."
"Dammit, don't make me laugh." Alec joked, running his hand through his hair and sharing a humoured look with Jordon. "Where was I again?"
Magnus burst out laughing while Izzy rolled her eyes, "I would say that I'm a seer, but alas, I just know how stuff like that makes my brother become all flustered."
"The chorus, Alec." Jordon cackled into the microphone while the whole band all joined in on the laughter.
"He does this every time," Raphael complained into his microphone and the audience all seemed to thrive off the band's banter.
"Oh right, the chorus." Alec realised, "shit, I missed my cue."
The band all seemed amused by this and appeared to repeat Alec's cue so that he came back in.
I believe in a thing called love,
Just listen to the rhythm of my heart.
Alec's voice was a lot softer and Magnus could tell that he was still chuckling over his own antics.
There's a chance we could make it now,
We'll be rocking 'til the sun goes down.
I believe in a thing called love.
Alec's eyes scanned the crowd before they landed on Magnus, who was a few rows back from the stage. A huge grin broke out over Alec's face before he shook his head and turned his back to them, pointing at Kaelie.
Ooh! Guitar!
"Take it away, Kae!" Alec yelled as Kaelie strode forward, shredding into the guitar solo with a concentrated look on her face.
She looked every part of a rock goddess and completely poised. The cameras zoomed in onto her fingers as they moved effortless over the neck of her guitar, although Magnus' eyes stayed on Alec. Alec stood to the side of the stage, waiting for her to finish as he caught his breath. He looked back to where he now knew Magnus was sitting, keeping eye contact until the coda. Magnus held his breath while Alec sang, continuing to stare directly at Magnus.
Touching you, touching me.
Once again, Alec pointed out into the crowd, but this time it was aimed at Magnus. Magnus' jaw dropped slightly while Izzy cleared her throat smugly and leaned closer to Magnus.
"If that doesn't support the whole he-only-has-eyes-for-you thing, I have no clue what will." She whispered before moving away again.
Touching you, god you're touching me
The instruments all quietened down except for the drums as Alec pranced to the centre of the stage, "I want to hear you all sing for me. Can you do that? I'll start you off."
I believe in a thing called love.
Alec then lifted up the microphone and held it out towards the audience, who all raised their voices, Magnus included. The crowd's singing echoed around the garden.
Just listen to the rhythm of my heart,
There's a chance we could make it now.
Jace jokingly made his voice crack, yelling it loud enough so that people who were within fifteen metres of the actor all cracked up. Laughter filled the air as Alec appeared to just take in the moment with his eyes shut, before he brought the microphone back up to his mouth to end the song.
We'll be rocking 'til the sun goes down,
I believe in a thing called love.
Ooh!
"Finish it off, Kaelie." He beamed at her as she took the attention of the fans again by starting up another guitar solo that was filled with complicated and even faster finger movements.
The audience cheered at the impressive display of musical talent. Eventually, her riff began to slow down as she looked over at her band mates and jumped to indicate when they would finish all together. Screams became louder while the musicians became silent.
Alec stayed quiet for a few moments, before a huge grin rose to his face and he called out, "thank you for the warm welcome! But don't forget, we're just getting this party started!"
Hehe I'm sorry that I didn't include Will's proposal in this chapter, but you did get Sizzy flirting and Clace's first kiss! Next chapter will have the proposal and some more Malec! I promise! Thank you to everyone who reviewed, it means so much to me!
floosted – Aww I'm glad the notification for the last chapter excited you! Hopefully the notification for this chapter did too ;) Thanks for reviewing and I hope you love this chapter
Indigo Lenna – I'm sorry I worried you D: Aww thank you, I'm glad you like my updates :') I'll try and update soon!
Pri-Chan 1410 – Just one chapter and then you'll have the proposal! I've even planned the song Alec will sing when Will comes onto the stage, but you'll have to wait to find out what it is ;) I promise it'll be romantic, though. I definitely will explore the Batari and Alec bond, and as for Alec defending Camille, there will be stuff about that in the next chapter because I wrote it for this chapter but ended up taking it out. If it isn't in the next chapter though, it will be in the one after…at least that's what's planned…for now :P I'll try and write the next chapter quickly to make up for the huge break I had! Thanks for reviewing again.
Tay – I DID UPDATE, I UPDATED. AWW YUS. I'm actually so proud of myself for updating ;) Haha I love Alec with attitude, it definitely is something that I think suits him when he's being overprotective of those he loves. I listen to a crap ton of sad music when writing break down scenes, so 90% of the them writing them, I cry…I have no shame though ;) Alec does have a specific song for the proposal, and if I promised it for this chapter, sorry for delaying it but I decided that it'd be better to have it next chapter so that this one doesn't become too long. If I do something with the dancer, all it'll probably do is make Magnus jealous, tbh xD I don't know who Tessa could date, or if I should make an OC or something o.O I considered Raphael, but I'm contemplating making him and Kaelie get together. Maybe Tessa could date Mark? I don't know. Haha let me know if you have a good idea! Yes, the ball will be the public announcement of their relationship and it is coming up soon! After the chapter of Will's proposal and before Magnus becomes Alec's costume designer *yes, spoiler, but I think everyone knew that was coming*. Thanks for reviewing!