" The Mortal Instruments " and " The Infernal Devices " , as well as all other books in the Shadowhunter Chronicles , belong to Cassandra Clare as do their rights ."Fangirl " and all things related to it belong to Rainbow Rowell , as do their rights ."Harry Potter " belongs to J. K , as do its rights .
Chapter Four - From Hell with Love
Alec sat in the same seat as always , gently tapping his knuckles on the underside of the desk (though they where clothed by his sweater sleeve ). The constant buzzing energy of the Fiction Writing class was the same as ever cancelling out all the warring noises – or smothering them like a flame. Sweat falling from brows , feet tapping on table legs ,phone buttons clicking , hands rapping on desks , all undone in the amphitheater of a room . Professor Imogen lulled them away like pitiful whimpers .
Still felt too loud , as though he was obnoxiously drawing attention he didn't deserve – Alec stopped tapping .
"It's often said that writing is a solitary job " The Professor remarked , she no longer filled the space at her immaculate desk , choosing to walk steadily around the blackboard at the front .She had that sort of smile that left you waiting for the punchline , hawk like eyes as though she could sense which of her students dared to text under the table ." But we know that's untrue – editing teams , beta readers . It's no longer the lonely old writer all alone on his type writer , now is it ?"
All the students seemed to realize she meant business . Heads all bobbed in succession, especially the boy nearest the front in a bright sky blue t-shirt with a kitten on it , his bleached a frizzed blonde with lilac streaks .There was something wide and honest in his gaze , childlike confusion and wonder – something underneath it all . Alec couldn't help but be somewhat reminded of Magnus for some reason .
" Everyone needs help – you cannot write alone " Professor Imogen spoke and no one dared to disagree " Well you could , but editing by yourself and having no one read your work , is not the way you want to publish a novel ". She stared to list of the stages of a novel after they it was writer , all the people involved in the process .
This was true for Alec .In High-school, nights when Izzy wasn't out with Meliorn or some other mayfly of a man , she would make her way to his room and curl up next to his laptop . Her dark eyes would read all of his stuff , a new chapter had to pass through her strict opinion . His sister always seemed to know what he was trying to get across , if the words wouldn't find the light , Izzy would see them in the dark .
She saw the dangerous glint behind a characters gaze , the hex waiting to be cast , the dagger in someone's back pocket .The words to make it all add up , motives for actions that Alec hadn't even written yet .Isabelle thought she could read people like a book - sadly that wasn't always the case in the real world .
" Draco's being too flirty " She would say wisely , leaning over the edge of his bed , to file away at her manicure . " But they're just about to kiss " Alec would argue ." No they're not – Harry's going to storm out . He's holding that wand so tightly its going to snap . Cant you just tell ?"Izzy would smile smugly , and Alec realized he was just about to type the words - that , that was the only way the story was leading . Alec just hadn't seem it ." But why ? " He would question , seeing this as the perfect chapter , know filled with angst ." There's too much inner turmoil . Everyone has it – you just need to add it " She would yawn .
" Your assignments all showed talent " The Professors voice snapped him back to the present , the memory of the fic writing team he and Izzy used to be vanished ." I liked many of your stories. As your firsts works for my class , I'm very impressed . " From the Perspective of an inanimate object " you have all found a creative voice . Well ..." She drawled filling eyes with fright " apart from those who did the basic . Didn't even try . Wrote about a pen " .
The dismissal in her voice , caused one boy at the front to squawk – everyone turned to role their eyes that he would dare to write about a boring old pen . Alec felt sorry for him .It had been a difficult writing assignment ,( nothing to do with his roommates odd schedule) , just the deeper memories and emotions it had stirred and wouldn't let him forget . A toy Soldier – Izzy didn't half to ask him why he had picked it.
Professor Imogen clapped loudly - just once ."But for your next assignment , I'm asking you to write with a partner .A creative short story – to help you get your voice .And to share in fixing mistakes " .Alec's navy eyes grew huge , the idea of having to work with some stranger made him fell light headed , as his throat burned slightly .Oh , Shit .
None of the fears and doubts that rampaged throw his mind came to pass , as an icy cough alerted him to the fact that the pale haired boy sitting in front of him was waiting to catch his attention .
" Hello " The boy spoke smoothly , in a fashion that made him appear as though his lips weren't truly moving and you were forced to lean closer , well Alec did " I'm Sebastian " .
The boy -Sebastian , had black onyx eyes gleaming out from under furrowed white brows , a halo of hair so pale and cold it looked almost silvery , like dandelion fluff curled to a peak on one side of his head . Alec , had to catch himself from making a scared sound , at the turn of the boys frosted lips .Sebastian had a devil may care smile –shuddering slightly Alec realized he had been staring .
" Hi " Alec spluttered , pulling down his sleeves and looking at the table top throw his lash's , still catching himself looking back up at Sebastian " I'm Alec " .This boy had been sitting in front of him since the start of the year , yet Alec had only ever seen the back of his head . How could that be true? Well it is a very pretty head.
" Well , Alec " Sebastian mouthed his name , having it roll gracefully of his tongue . It drew all the attention to his sharp features , cheekbones that would made Benedict Cumberbatch jealous " It seems we have to partner up , do you want to be mine ? "
" Okay " Alec hated how his voice crackled when he was nervous .
" I liked your story , the one about the toy soldier " Sebastian grinned , leaning closer and closer to Alec's table .
" Th...thank you " He didn't want ,or he didn't know how to say more on the subject . The story was very personal to him , about the little toy soldier from the toy store in world war two .He protected a little boy , all through the bomb filled nights , under one night the little boy left the soldier – and never came back .The little toy soldier was filled with grief and despair .
Alec had been forced to read it aloud , but mumbled all the words into his jumper covered chest , stumbling blindly over the words – it wasn't that good a story , not comparing in the slightest to his fanfiction ." I liked your story about the ... sword ? "Sebastian's story didn't emedialty come to mind , yet the other boy nodded tossing his hair .
" I've always liked the stories about ancient swords , how the hold the stories of the battles they've been used in . Some people believe a person's soul , a warriors , is held in their most praised weapon . They even bury them with it" Sebastian showed all his pearly teeth when he smiled , it was quite unnerving "Just think what those swords must have seen , lived throw , all the slaughter and the war " .
Alec bit down on his lip " Yeah , I guess " .How morbid .Sebastian spoke about nonsense for a bit , Alec was slightly entranced by the ice Prince of a boy that he didn't notice , the other spoke enough for the both of them .
Everyone in the rows around them had out there phones , giving each other numbers and such so they could get together to write .Sebastian seemed to realize this to as he pulled out a black sharpie from his bag , and slashed his number across the back of Alec s palm . The digits cut into Alec's skin , almost as if they were burning .
"So as you all work together , you can trade paragraphs back and forth .See how the story goes down different paths with its authors constantly switching between one another , your voice and style mixing . It's a different path you might never find writing alone " Professor Imogen , spoke the words to paraphrase and end the session . Alec was still in shock ,staring down at the phone number on his hand .
A boy gave me his number !This was something that had never happened before , with boy or girl .It was always Jace and Izzy everyone wanted , never him . How am I meant to feel about this ? How do I feel about this ?Does Sebastian like boys ? Does this count as flirting ?
Alec couldn't explain why he was flushing as he grabbed his bag and left the hall . He couldn't explain the flip his stomach did when Sebastian held the door open for him as they left , brushing close to his ear to hiss " Text me " .
Alec nodded like a happy puppy , Sebastian gave one last smirk before disappearing of with the sea of students going to their next classes .He's not flirting with you ! Just get to class .But a little voice in the back of his head asked him .What if he had been ? What would you do ?
Izzy had texted Alec , she wasn't going to be able to make it to dinner .Alec trudged up to his dorm room ,after a long confusing day of classes , knowing fine well there was no point of him going to the lunch hall alone .Or more to the point , that that just wasn't going to happen . Especially without Jace, who was most likely already heading out for a party .Or wherever the hell he's been spending his time .So much for Parabatai .
" Well then "Alec mumbled as he arrived back at his dorm door ,glad to see it void of angry green haired possible warlocks " Protein bars it is " .
A month on protein bars really isn't that bad , he only ever ate then when he would have been forced to go the food hall alone . They came in all different flavors, like Banana Split and Blueberry Bliss , and he could easily take them places or hide them in a box under his bed in his room .Though after a while they had started to taste like chewing cardboard .I'll get over it .
Opening the door , to throw himself throw it and landed on his bed only to realize he wasn't alone .Leaning against his closet two pairs of different glitter coated footwear in hand , Magnus split into a grin at the sight of Alec " Hello Alexander ,Darling .Your back early " .
Knowing he meant from dinner , Alec merely nodded unable to meet Magnus's liquid gaze with his lie .Maybe I'll have to eat the protein bar in the bathroom? Mumbling something incoherent, Alec could only hope Magnus would go back to choosing a shoe. Magnus just had to be home on one of the days he needed to eat alone .
Magnus dropped both pairs of shoes with a thump , he was outright staring at Alec now ." Your trash can is filled with energy bar wrappers , Alec " He demanded , pointing a finger to the wire mess bin under Alec's desk , hidden so far in the shadow it was out of view .
"You've been looking throw my trash?! "Magnus might be act wiser , and more confident , yet Alec found he was able to speak up for himself – he couldn't quite fathom a reason for snoopy throw someone else things . He nearly shot up from the bed , hands clenched at his side .Who does that !
" Ragnor was looking for a place to spit out his gum " It was a fine enough answer , Alec sank back into the layers of covers and over-sized jumper around him .Ragnor – that explains a lot .Until Magnus looking awkwardly at him throw the mirror glass on his wardrobe "Alexander ,do you have an eating disorder ? "
There was tender worry in Magnus's voice , but the words made Alec flinch ."No " Alex exclaimed , though he was pretty sure that's exactly what he would say if he did have an eating disorder .Magnus turned from the mirrored wardrobe , his face was tense as though he would really like to be asking any other question .Yet his eyes traced to Alec's stomach under his large jumper , covered with moth bitten holes , tiny flash's of pale skin where slightly on show .
" Why don't you eat real food then, Alec ? You told me last night you had just been out having dinner with your sister ? Did you lie ? "
"I do eat food – and I didn't lie . I just don't eat that real food here , okay " He knew it sounded stupid but to explain his odd habits would probably just confused Magnus more ." Are you a freaky eater ?" Magnus raised a brow , he did that a lot acutely . Maybe it was because he had such perfectly sculpted brows that moved like expressive waves on his face .Stop thinking about his eyebrows , Alec .
"No , I just ..." Alec stared at the ceiling as he spoke , watching the dust bunnies stuck up there on the pealing white paint .He decided he might as well tell him "I don't ...exactly know where the lunch hall is " .
"What do you mean you don't know where the lunch hall is .You've been here for over a month Alexander , and you don't know where the lunch hall is !? " .
"Not quite . I know where a few of the lunch halls on campus are .My sister and I eat there sometimes – all my friends are on the other side of campus .It's just I don't really know the exact location of the one for this area of Campus ".
The walk from his dorm to Izzy and Jaces side of campus wasn't really that long . He almost felt comfortable in their lunch hall – it was in the main central part of campus , the odd food combinations weren't even that bad .But his dorm was teetering on the edge of campus , in Magnus's eyes it might seem like a distance .
" You've been practically living of protein bars because you don't know how to find the lunch hall ?How's that even possible ?You could have asked someone " Magnus threw up his hands , Alec was thankful Magnus wasn't still clutching his shoes as a glittering boot to the face wasn't what he needed right now .
" I've been to nearly all of the food places on campus " Magnus reached for Alec's shoulder " I suppose Il have to show you then " . Alec jutted back as if Magnus was about to burn him , coming close to smacking his head of the wall behind his bed .He was already red like a tomato from the questions , but now he was a burning scarlet .
" No , really it's alright " But Magnus wasn't taking no for an answer ." You can't live of energy bars Alec .Your running out " Magnus chided ."No I'm not " The box tucked under his bed was still quite full , he could ration them for a long stretch of time if he needed ." Ragnor might have eaten a few . A blueberry Bliss I think " .Magnus spoke almost meagerly .
"You let Ragnor eat my protein bars !?""Believe me darling , he's doing you a favor .Forcing the issue to my attention , so I can fix it " ."It doesn't need to be fix .You could just leave it alone you know " Alec also didn't need his eccentric roommate trying to fix and change him , there was already far too much of that in his life. Certain things can't be changed or helped .
" Get a jumper Alexander .I'm taking you to the lunch hall " Magnus announced as though he was telling Alec that he was giving him millions of dollars .Maybe time was currency with Magnus – he repays you in hours with him rather than cash .Time was precious , Magnus made it sound like a free gift he was giving Alec . Defiantly a warlock !
"Really Magnus its fine . I'm sure Izzy can help me , maybe even go with me to my dinner hall tomorrow . And why do I need another jumper ? "
"Alexander , that jumper has more holes in it than material " Magnus argued plainly , hands on hips glaring at the fabric – a washed out grey that had once been black ." All my jumper look like this – all my cloths look like this " Alec contradicted him .
Pulling open the treasure trove that was his wardrobe , Magnus threw Alec a soft blue thing , that as he unfolded it revealed itself to be a jumper almost matching Alec's eye's , with silver jeweled flowers making a collar . " Magnus , I can't where this "Alec said loudly , he stared at the jumper that was defiantly not black with fright ." Just put it on Alec , its cold outside " .
" Oh alright " Alec pulled the garment over his head , to be hit with the alarming smell of sandalwood and glitter , what he could only guess was what Magnus smelt like . The jumper didn't fit – it was too big .Alec felt weird to be warring someone else's cloths – especially something so bright and clearly belonging to Magnus ."Oh you look so cute " Magnus chimed happily , grabbing his sleeve that dropped over his wrist and hauling him towards the door " Now you want catch a cold , and you look adorable " .
" Magnus I don't want to go the lunch hall . I also don't think I need to be warring your jumper " Alec said , as Magnus shoved his backpack containing his college meal card and phone into his arms .The blush covering Alec's cheeks only seemed to make him more determined ." This whole trip is a ploy so I can see you in a color that isn't black , Alexander .Now come on " .
Magnus was quite intimidating , he stood a even taller than Alec as though he was above all the pitiful things that happened beneath him .As though he expected everyone to follow his wise command – be at his beck and call .Alec thought back to when he had first caught a glimpse of Magnus across the hall , sitting like a king with his subjects .Maybe Magnus is more like Jace , than I thought .
As the door swung shut , Alec felt anxious desperate wanting to claw it back open .Going down to the dinner hall , leaving his room – that was winning .Not letting the crazy , anxious , slightly mad creature that dwelled inside of him , win . Alec zero , crazy one million .It would have been easy to let it win once more .
Magnus gave him stern look , mixed with a grin . Alec found himself walking a few steps behind the other boy , looking down at his wrecked vans with a little smile . Okay – maybe not protein bars after all .
There was no awkward tense moment upon entering the dinner hall , when all the other students wiped their heads up like angry dogs , snarling and ready to bite . As it turned out the dinner hall was barely a five minute walk from their dorm , it was more tucked away then Izzys dinner Hall but in the inside it was the same . Glass – white walls – matching tables and plastic chairs , the usual .
Magnus brought Alec to the line , where he was handed his food after swiping his meal card . Alec chose macaroni , while Magnus chose a colorful looking salad while more ingredients than he could name .They sat at one of the first empty tables they found , Magnus nodded to a few of the people around him .The nod in Alec's stomach unfurled itself – he breathed a sigh of relief .
They stood in a short line , Magnus in front as though he was demonstrating some difficult craft on blue peter and not a usual social function , everyone else understood .Magnus with his colorful salad , with more ingredients than possible to count , Alec with a bowl of macaroni the steam filling the air around him .
Magnus sat at one of the first empty tables they found , nodding to a few of the others on the surrounding tables before looking up at Alec ." Was that really that bad ? " Magnus joked , his plastic fork twiddling between his fingers , long graceful fingers that moved like dancers ." No . No it wasn't " Alec popped a piece of tunnel shaped macaroni in his mouth , warm cheese taste making his mouth water terribly ." Thank you " He said after the bite .
Magnus spit into the biggest smile Alec had ever seem – and not just on Magnus , but on anyone .It was clear Magnus was never short on compliments , but he seemed to view this as a prized achievement . Alexander Lightwood had left his dorm room , and was eating in the dinner hall .Alec smiled with a twitch of his lip , before he stared right back down at the pasta in the bowl .
" So these siblings of yours , Alexander . Why exactly aren't they bothering to have dinner with you tonight ?" Magnus chewed thoughtfully on a leaf of a purple plant , he leaned in towards Alec as he spoke .As though they where gossiping and sharing secrets .Unlikely .
" Oh Izzy and Jace , there out at a party I guess " Alec felt hot shame slipping up his face .Magnus frowned " Oh . I guess they are freshman – don't they offer to take you along with them ?" Alec snorted , he suddenly felt very stupid after words , and offered the answer ." Yeah sure " He stabbed a piece of pasta "Jace tries . But its not like I want to go, they know that. I don't mind , they can have fun . I've just never thought of anything like that as fun ".
"Well then. That doesn't explain the phone number written of your hand . If it didn't come from a party then where? Or should I say who ? " Magnus dropped the fork ,he slipped his hand across the table top to Alec's hand .Before Alec could detract it , Magnus had him in his grip , warm palm pressed against his cold skin .
Though it had been very , very apart to Alec before , Magnus was now extremely close to him .There was a single seat between the two of them ( Alec had sat down as fast as possible to avoid being the only one standing ) ,and now Magnus's leg brushed against his . Soft denim against ,stiff ,tight leather .
Alec could see Magnus's eyes up-close , like burning stars they where so many other colours than amber and topaz . A spectrum of shades in one boys catlike gaze .They where breathtaking to see in detail .Hands lingered together to long , Magnus twitched as though he had forgot he had spoken at all and was to busy staring at Alec . He must think I'm really weird now . Especially since I was staring at him .
" It's nothing "Alec said shyly ,rubbing at his hand as the digits where already in his phone " Just a number for class . We have this group project to write . It's in partners " .
"What's the lucky person's name ? " Magnus joked , he looked closer at Alec's hand and saw the tiny added scrawl of " Sebastian ?"
" Yeah , Sebastian . He sits in front of me in English . You might now him ? " Alec's voice crackled , he pulled the jumper sleeve over the number , so hard he though the fabric may rip ." I don't know any Sebastian's . If I meet him – Il make sure he's an alright guy .I don't want you getting hurt if you're going to meet up with him or something . Then I would have to hurt him – or set Ragnor on him " Magnus tossed his head ,acting as though he did that for any of his friends .But were not really friends ?
" Really . Its fine .You don't have to do that – its only an English project " Alec really didn't want to think about Sebastian running into the clan of brightly colored warlocks , it sounded way to much like some kind of anime show down ." For you Alexander , I would do anything " Magnus smirked .
Alec hit his knee so hard of the table , it might have fractured . He knew Magnus had meant it as a kind , kidding offer , but whenever Magnus spoke all his words sounded warped , and ... sexualised .Alec's sapphire eyes turned glassy with the pain from hitting his leg , flushing furiously he mumbled to himself .
"Alexander Darling . You've turned red " Magnus teased . Alec knew he was blushing furiously , but with Magnus around he couldn't help it .
Walking back to the dorm was fearful , the moon hung in the sky waiting to overtake the sun . Magnus had left him after dinner to go meet up with Ragnor , Alec found he was once again alone .Walking across the gravel , his footfalls sounded out into the early night .He thought over his next chapter of the Infernal Devices .Was Tessa going to use her gift to help out the institute . Is Will going to be the one to escort her to Dequincy's Party ?
He must have been so far in thought , that he didn't notice as he was tackled by a golden haired shadow ." Jace !" Alec announced in shock , he hadn't expected to see Jace who had been seemingly void for the past week . Party's – hangovers – classes – and Clary – where Jaces busy schedule , Alec felt slightly bitter about the distance .Maybe that's why I was so rude about Clary in that odd dream ?
" Where have you been ? " Jace looked smug , all gold and shadows in the light , the absence of the small redhead at his side was strange .Alec didn't have time to answer , as Jace added " Do you want to come over to mine ? Mundanes out somewhere – probably a Star-Wars marathon " .
" Maybe that's where Izzy snuck of to " Alec laughed with agreement . "We could watch some American Horror Story, if you want ? " Jace knew Alec was bound to agree , they had already started walking to the side of campus Jace lived in . " Will Clary be there ? " Alec asked politely .
" No , she has some late night art club thing .That means there's Murder House just for me and you .You in ? " Jace nudged Alec s shoulder .
Alec slip into a grin , all thoughts of amber eyes , or snowy hair where gone from his mind .Spending time with Jace was all consuming .Finally having time with someone he was comfortable around was not to be passed up (as well as the AHS ). A weight of his chest , breathing would be easy again , words didn't tumble form his mouth all wrong " Who could say no to that ? "Or you ?