"Obviously, you have to."

Alec looked up at his sister. "Don't be stupid, I'm not going. No matter what you say."

Isabelle shook her head. "Oh, please, what kind of sister would I be if I didn't force you into an uncomfortable situation you explicitly said you did not want to enter?"

Alec was quiet for a moment. "A good one?"

"Wrong!" She slammed open the door to her bedroom, grabbed Alec's hand, and pulled him in. Alec flinched as the door was slammed back closed. Every time the two of them were in Isabelle's room, she tried to shove him into clothes she "thought" he would "like".

"I bought some clothes for you I think you'll really like!"

Goddammit.

"Izzy, I don't want to get dressed up because I don't want to go." Alec flopped down onto her bed. He stared up at the ceiling, hoping that she would just drop it, give up hope, never try to get him a social life ever again….

Isabelle walked over to her brother. She sat down next to him and sighed. "I know that I come on strong," No shit, "but, I really do care about you, Alec. You seem lonely, like, ninety percent of the time. Why don't you spoil yourself a little bit, and just go? It won't hurt you to try something you're unfamiliar with. You might even like it, as shocking as an idea that is."

Alec didn't look at her. He knew she was right. Wasn't she always? He sighed, turning his head to look at her. "You know getting deep and emotional with me makes me cave." Isabelle shrugged. Alec looked away again. "Fine, I'll go." Isabelle gasped. "Just...don't go overboard, okay?"

"Of course!" She squealed, jumping up to her feet and riffling through the pile of clothes she had collected just for this occasion. "You'll feel totally comfortable in your skin once I'm done. You probably won't even notice you're not wearing your normal clothes!"

He noticed.

Alec sat still as Isabelle fluttered all around him, picking up varying brushes dusted with fine powder, and running them all over his face. Clary sat in the middle of Isabelle's floor, every now and then interjecting an opinion. "Highlight his nose a little broader than that, you don't want to contour it to death. He'll look like a fucking swordfish." The girls would then dissolve into giggles, and make further jokes which Alec didn't understand. Maybe he didn't want to understand them. Girls were weird. Was it a surprise that he wasn't attracted to them?

Isabelle hit him upside the head. "OW!" he yelled. "What was that for?!"

"You have that look on your face that means you're thinking about how dumb girls are."

"I didn't realize we had a fucking mind reader in the family."

"Oh, dear brother," Isabelle tossed her hair behind her, "you'll quickly find that girls know everything. There isn't a thing in this world you can hide from a girl. I'm surprised you haven't learned that as of yet."

Alec scoffed. "I didn't 'learn' it because there was one big thing I was hiding from girls that they didn't sniff out."

"And what is that?" Clary said, her mouth half of funnel cake.

"That I'm gay."

Clary and Isabelle looked at each other, then laughed. Isabelle doubled over, and Clary fell to her side. Alec looked at them both, surprised. "W-What?"

Isabelle waved her hand in the air. "O-oh, it's nothing!" She laughed.

"No, what? What did I say?"

"It's j-just that," Clary covered her mouth, giggling, "you think we didn't know!"

Alec looked between them. "But…. I mean…. Sure, Izzy knew, but she's my sister! You didn't know, and a lot of other girls didn't."

Clary stuck out her bottom lip and tilted her head. "Aww, that's so cute! You think you hid your gay so well."

Alec's cheeks flushed.

Isabelle turned his head to face the mirror again, a wide grin still on her face. Alec thought they were just saying that, to avoid the fact that girls suck. Because they do….

"Just remember," Isabelle said, patting Alec's eyebrows with some smaller and thinner brush than the other ones she was using, "whether or not you believe us, it doesn't matter. We know now, and we're here to get you laid."

Alec choked on his saliva. Isabelle grinned, continuing on with her work.

Alec really, really hated girls.

"You're beautiful," Clary gasped. She had sat up from the pile of Isabelle's clothes she was laying on, some of which were on her body. Her own clothes were sitting neatly on the bed, folded into a small pile. Isabelle took a step back, finger under her chin. Her expression was utterly focused. She tilted her head from one side to the other. Occasionally, she would walk up to Alec and move his hair here and there then back again.

Finally, she picked up a tub of gel that smelled of citrus and ran her fingers through his hair. She spent a few minutes molding his hair until she was happy with the outcome. She and Clary shared a knowing look.

Isabelle placed her hands on Alec's shoulders. "My job here is done. I have done the impossible," What is that supposed to mean? "I have turned the Beast," she turned him to face the mirror, "into the Beauty."

Alec stared at his own reflection in the mirror. He looked like himself, but better. His skin was glowing and flawless. His hair framed his face, echoing the shadows Isabelle made with her makeup. She had made his face more angular, almost sharper.

He couldn't help the giggle that bubbled up from his chest. "I look amazing. I..I didn't expect to like the outcome so much." He looked at Isabelle through the mirror. She simply smiled and gave a one-shoulder shrug.

Clary stepped forward. "All those times she forced you into her room must have paid off."

Alec smiled at her. "I guess so." He ran his hands over his shirt. His clothes were simple-a black shirt with some black jeans-but, they looked so much better than any of the clothes that he usually wore. And, they just looked better on his body.

"I just have a question…"

Isabelle huffed out an annoyed breath. "You're perfect, Alec, what problem could you possibly have?"

"It's just...why did you put makeup on me?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Clary answered for Isabelle. "You want to show up this guy-Magnus, right? Well, I've seen him before. He's...pretty fucking hot. Really hot, actually. Probably out of everyone's league…." Alec stared at Clary. "M-my point is that you have to appeal to his interests. Throw him off, especially after what he saw of you at the party."

Alec slowly nodded his head. "Plus," Clary continued, "you look really good in makeup." Alec smiled bashfully, ducking down his head. Clary hugged him from behind. "You're going to knock him out! He won't be able to keep up with you."

Alec turned around. He looked at them both. They looked back at him. It was like they were two moms sending their baby off on his first date, dressing him to the nines. There were tears in their eyes, and their hands were clasped together. It was almost embarrassing, actually. "Just...stay safe. Don't do anything you don't want to. Show him that you're the best kisser he's ever been on a date with, and that you can-"

"Okay, I think it's almost time for me to be picked up, don't you think so?"

Jace had offered to wait with Alec until Magnus arrived, maybe meet the guy and give a "break his heart, I break you" speech. Alec had politely declined.

Alec checked his phone again. It was forty-five minutes after nine. Magnus was late. Alec was starting to feel stupid. Stupid that he actually believed Magnus liked him. Stupid to get all dressed up. Stupid for even going to the damn party. He wiped at his eyes, not caring anymore if Isabelle's hard work got smudged. Magnus wasn't going to see it anyway. It was dumb, he was dumb, everything was dumb.

"You really should be more careful when you wipe away tears."

Alec turned. There stood Magnus, wearing a long, dark coat with a collar that covered his shoulders, clearly going for a subtle hair was styled to one side, reminding Alec of the geometric shapes you study in geometry. The rest of his hair fell loose around his face, brushing softly against his cheeks.

Alec blinked at him. "You're late."

"Your makeup is smudged."

"You're late."

"Allow me to help you with that." Magnus stepped forward. He ran his thumb underneath Alec's eye. A solid, black line was left on his thumb. Magnus took out a handkerchief and wiped it away. "There," he said. They were barely a breath away from one another, so Magnus didn't have to raise his voice above a soft whisper. Alec's breath caught in his throat as he met Magnus's intense eyes. They were such a bright green, almost the color of a cat's.

"You're late," Alec breathed, his hands tightening into fists.

Magnus nodded. "Yes, I'm sorry. I realized I didn't ask you where you lived, and I had no way to communicate with you."

"So, what? You just started to walk around all of New York in hopes that I would just be standing out, waiting for you?"

"You were, weren't you."

Alec scowled. "Almost an hour."

"Shows dedication"

They lapsed into silence. They simply stared at one another. Alec drank in every last detail of the man before him, he couldn't get enough. He was, in lack of a better word, beautiful. There was no flaw to him. His face was a gentle slope from one detail to another, soft and feminine. Yet, Magnus was perhaps the most masculine person he had ever met. Strange how things like that worked sometimes.

Alec caught himself reaching up, almost as if to touch Magnus. Magnus seemed to notice, as well. Alec blushed and looked away.

Magnus enveloped Alec's hand with his own. "It's okay," he said, raising Alec's hand to his face, "touching adds to the art." He smiled. God, even his teeth were perfect.

Alec traced over the other's cheekbones, sliding the pads of his fingers over his nose, his brow, his temple, his lips. There was a pause. Alec had never felt that rom-com sensation in which everything seemed to stop and fall away (even the floors), leaving only the two lovers, but this was perhaps the closest he had ever been. They stared at one another, not even breathing. Alec felt Magnus pull him closer, never breaking eye contact. Alec felt at home in Magnus's arms, his body pressed close to his.

Alec rolled up onto the balls of his feet, pressing his lips against Magnus's. His hands naturally found home at the back of his neck, pulling him even closer. Magnus's arm around him tightened. Alec felt like his heartbeat was lighter, quicker, fading. Magnus was so warm, such a comfort. His lips were soft against his. His eyelashes brushed against his cheeks. It was perfect to be wrapped up in his arms. He didn't realize how much he had longed for this. He was glad Isabelle had convinced him to go. Hell, he was forever grateful that she convinced him to go to the party that brought him and Magnus together. Isabelle was playing matchmaker without even realizing it.

Alec pulled away slowly. He felt lighter, as if all the emotions he had ever pent up were released into the night air. Magnus opened his eyes and looked down at him. They didn't move for a minute, not wanting to let go.

Alec laughed. "And, to think, I hated your guts just about a week ago."

Magnus chuckled. "If it's any comfort, I knew you were irrevocably in love with me the moment you set your eyes on me. I mean, look at me."

Alec laughed once more. His eyes crinkled. This was the happiest he had felt in a long time. It was weird, but such a welcome warmth. It was odd. The collective time they had spent with one another was, in total, no more than ten minutes. And, yet, it seemed like they had been longing for each other for years. Maybe Alec was alone in how he felt, but Magnus wasn't like many other people. And, maybe that scared Alec a little bit. However, it excited him above all else.

"I'd love to stay like this all night, but, unfortunately, we have other plans that we must attend to first."

Alec agreed, pulling away from Magnus. He put some distance between them. Magnus cocked his head to the side. "Now, I never said we had to completely break contact." He held out his hand. Alec looked down at it, then back up at Magnus. As always, his expression was gentle and welcoming. Alec took his hand in his own. His heart sped up.

"Come, we have ten minutes to make it to our dinner reservation in time."

They walked into the restaurant, red-faced. Alec made to pull his hand away from Magnus's, his eyes darting around the room as people turned and looked at them, but Magnus kept his grip. He looked back at Alec. "It's okay," he said quietly. "They're not judging." Alec gave a small smile and nodded.

Magnus guided him over to their table which sat in a quiet corner of the restaurant. There weren't many people, which was a good thing for Alec. Their waitress took the reserved tab off of the table, gestured for them to sit down, and walked off in the direction in which they came.

Alec shrugged off his coat and placed it on the back of his chair. Magnus pulled out his seat for him, causing Alec to blush. Magnus couldn't help from laughing. "You're quite easy to fluster."

"I get it from my dad. My sister has our mom's confidence. As well as her ferocity. I'm as fierce as a kitten soaked in the rain."

Magnus sat down, chuckling. "Yes, I did get that vibe from her. A little vixen, especially when drunk. I suppose that's what you two have in common, aside from your dark hair, of course." Magnus placed his chin on his intertwined fingers, leaning towards Alec.

Alec shrugged. "I wouldn't know much about that. I forget most of that night."

Magnus grinned. "Luckily, I remember everything."

Alec rolled his eyes playfully, and looked down at his menu. The entrees were entirely in Italian. Alec dreaded ordering. He would certainly butcher the pronunciation. Maybe the waitress would think he was too uncivilized to be in a place like this. He seemed to be underdressed. Everyone wore clothes that seemed to come straight off of the catwalk of New York Fashion Week. All others faded in comparison to Magnus, though. He certainly knew how to make a statement, nor shying away from a bold and bright teal. Some may say it was almost poetic how the bright and colorful Magnus contrasted against the dark Alec. Alec didn't see it, though. Art was difficult as was.

"What are you thinking of ordering?" Alec looked up from his menu. Magnus hadn't even picked up his own. Was he staring at him the entire time?

"Uh, I was thinking something simple. Maybe the alfredo?"

Magnus hummed. "Simplicity is sometimes the best choice." His eyes flickered down Alec's body before returning back up. Alec narrowed his eyes. Magnus looked as innocent as he could. "What?"

Alec looked back down at his menu. "Nothing at all."

Magnus laughed through his nose.

"What about you? What are you ordering?"

"Sole pomodori secchi e salsiccia polenta peperoni farciti."

Alec looked at Magnus through his eyelashes. "Translation?"

"Sun-dried tomatoes, sausage, and stuffed peppers." He wiggled his hand in the air. "Roughly what it says."

Alec looked down at the untouched menu. "So, I take it you come here often?"

Magnus bobbed his head. "It's my favorite place to come to eat, aside from my own kitchen, of course."

"You cook often?"

"I try to. Sometimes I splurge and go out to eat, but it's better to eat in the comfort of your own home. Pants are optional."

Alec had to cover his mouth to avoid bursting out in laughter. "I see. And, you only wear pants when absolutely necessary?"

"This is the first time you have seen me in pants." Alec thought for a moment. This was the first time he had seen Magnus in pants. Granted, he only saw him once before, but… "And, hopefully, that won't last very much longer."

Alec hid behind his menu, unable to let Magnus see his face flush again. He certainly knew just how to trigger this response. This felt like the five-hundredth time tonight that Alec has blushed. Magnus must be feeling pretty smug right now. What an asshole.

The waitress returned to their table. She placed a neat basket of warm rolls in the center of the table along with a small dish of butter. Magnus placed both of their orders, as well as a third thing (presumably the beverages). She collected their menus, and walked away. Maybe Alec was imagining it, but it seemed to him that the waitress smiled at them differently than the customary service smile. Alec shook off the thought.

Their food was served to them not long afterwards. It was warm, and smelled better than it looked, and it looked like the greatest thing Alec has ever set eyes on. The waitress placed down a bottle of champagne, and two glasses. "Godere!" she said before tending to her other tables.

Magnus poured a glass for them both, handing one to Alec. "Do we clink glasses?"

Magnus smiled. "If you so wish."

"Well, I never have…"

"Then, we shall." Magnus tipped his glass towards Alec who met him halfway with his own. They tapped glasses, creating a quiet clink. Alec smiled. "To an experience of firsts."

Alec tipped his glass to his lips just as he felt something brush against his thigh.

He jumped.

Magnus laughed.

Magnus unlocked his front door. He held it open for Alec, who followed in after him. Their cheeks were red from the cold. The warmth of the apartment was a relief from the bitterness of New York air. Magnus hung up his and Alec's coat, then walked up the stairs. Alec walked slowly behind him.

Everything looked pretty much as Alec had remembered it, except that it was cleaner. It smelled of lemons and, strangely, vanilla. Clearly, the career of throwing parties made Magnus skilled at cleaning. Alec couldn't even tell there had been a party. If he had not been there himself, he wouldn't believe it.

Magnus walked past him after having locked the door behind them. He had shed his shoes, placing them next to the door. Alec followed suit, kicking off his own shoes and heading in the direction Magnus walked. There, sat on the couch that brought back embarrassing memories, Magnus was sprawled, pants half-undone. He looked over at Alec, patting the spot next to him.

"Are you okay?"

Magnus looked over at him. He smiled softly. "The best I have ever been."

"Oh. You just seem...tired, is all."

Magnus nodded. "I suppose I am."

"Do you want me to go home?" Alec asked, starting to get up.

Magnus grabbed his arm. "No. Please...stay?" Alec sank back down. Magnus leaned against him, closing his eyes. Alec furrowed his brow.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Magnus nodded. Alec relaxed into the sofa, running his hand through Magnus's hair. Even with the excessive amount of product, his hair was still silky smooth. Magnus sighed happily, turning his body so that he lay on his back, his head in Alec's lap. Alec looked down at him, continuing on running his hand through Magnus's hair. "Do you want to talk about it?" Alec whispered.

Magnus opened one eye. He and Alec were quiet for a moment. "There's not much to say, really."

Alec's heart sank. He knew it. Magnus had a terrible time and here was the part in which he talked about how awful Alec was, how he never wanted to see him again, that he was ugly and terrible and gross. Really, it was only a matter of time.

"...and, I guess, that makes me a terrible person."

Wait, what?

"Wait, what?"

Magnus huffed out a laugh. "Were you paying any attention?"

Alec opened his mouth, then closed it. "Uh, no, not really, sorry."

Magnus shook his head. "I was just saying that… That I kind of feel bad. I mean, you're extremely attractive, Alexander. But, I didn't think you'd be so sweet and so kind. I didn't think, by the end of the night, I'd be starting to feel something for you. I thought we would go to dinner, come back to my place, fuck, then that'd be the end of it." Magnus sighed. "But, then, I saw you standing there, having tried so hard for my sake. You were like nothing I had ever seen. You were, for the lack of a better word, beautiful," Magnus breathed, his eyes fluttering closed. "When you kissed me, I knew I was fucked-and, not in the way I had originally thought." Alec laughed. Magnus smiled up at him. "I guess, what I'm trying to spit out is… I think I'm starting to like you. I think I'm starting to fall for you." He scoffed. "How disgusting."

Alec sat in silence, stroking Magnus's hair. Magnus was looking off to the side. "And, if I may ask, how is that a bad thing?"

Magnus's eyes flickered back to Alec. "I'm a horny son of a bitch, that's what. But, now I have to treat you with….'respect'." He made a face.

"And, you think screwing on the first date would be disrespectful to me?" Magnus shrugged. Alec rolled his eyes. "Listen, I'm not a prude, or anything. I have casual sex sometimes. I wouldn't turn down a good fuck." Magnus smirked. "Besides, I'm not brain dead. If you are interested in having sex with me, of all people, I better hop on that shit as fast as possible before you come to your senses."

Something flashed across Magnus's eyes. He lifted his hand, curling his fingers around the back of Alec's neck. "You don't have to do it."

"But I want to."

"I only top."

"I don't like to do work."

"So, we're in agreement?"

"I think so."

Magnus's lips curled. He sat up, pressing his lips hard against Alec's. Alec moved his hand to tangle in Magnus's hair. They kept pulling each other closer, not caring that the kiss was sloppy, it was heated and desperate and passionate. Magnus raked his fingers down Alec's back, leaving trails of red against the pale skin. Alec clutched at Magus's jaw, feeling the muscles work beneath his fingers. He shivered.

Magnus pulled away. He grabbed a fistful of Alec's shirt and pulled him up off the couch, and began to drag him down the hallway to the door at the end. He shoved him in. Alec stumbled backwards, tripping over his own feet onto a big, plush bed. Magnus walked over to him, his eyes blown with lust. He slowly licked his lips. He pressed his hands flat against Alec's chest and shoved him down against the mattress. He climbed on top of Alec, straddling his hips, keeping him pinned beneath him. He ripped the buttons of his own shirt open, allowing the shirt to hang open. Alec reached up, running his fingers down Magnus's chest. Just like every other part of him, it was smooth with just the right amount of chisel.

Magnus ducked down his head, kissing Alec's neck. His breath caught, goosebumps travelling down his back. He shoved one hand into Magnus's hair. "G-god…" he gasped. He felt Magnus grin against his neck, playfully nipping at the area before lapping his tongue against it.

Magnus's fingers massaged Alec's hips in slow, almost lazy circles. He pressed his lips against Alec's ear, whispering something in a language Alec didn't understand, but each syllable turned him on even more.

Magnus sat up, his thighs flexing with the movement. For a moment, they were both still, their chests rising and falling at a quicker pace. They looked at each other's blushing faces, exchanged smiles and hungry looks, then Magnus rocked forward. Alec wasn't expecting it, nor was he fully aware of just how turned on he was because Magnus' hips rutting against his own sent such a flood of relief through Alec. He gripped the sheets beneath him, gasping and arching his back with each sliding of Magnus's hips. He ground down into Alec, grunting as the friction increased.

Sweat had begun to collect at Alec's hairline and in the crease of his neck. He whimpered, his body twitching. Without removing a single layer of clothing, Magnus already metaphorically had Alec on his knees, and Alec was enjoying every last second. He lolled his head to the side, looking up at Magnus. "Magnus," he said. Magnus's eyes met his. The tension was already high as was, but looking into Alec's pleading eyes made Magnus all the more lustful.

He slid off of Alec, dropping onto his knees on the floor beside the bed. He placed his hands onto Alec's chest, dragging them down inch by agonizing inch. Finally, when he reached the waist of Alec's pants, he dipped his fingers beneath the waistband.

Magnus moved his head down. Alec held himself up on his elbows. "Magnus, w-what…?" He moved his head to see what Magnus was doing. He had the fabric of Alec's pants between his teeth, and he was pushing the button through the hole. They immediately loosened. Magnus took the zipper between his teeth, looked up at Alec through his lashes, and pulled it down. All the while, Alec was watching with wide eyes.

Magnus bit his lip. He grabbed Alec's jeans and tugged them down in one swift motion. Tossing them over his shoulder, Magnus shrugged off his own shirt and threw it in the same direction. Alec couldn't stop staring at him. He was mesmerized, which Magnus took advantage of. He kept steady eye contact with Alec, no matter what he did. Scooting closer, Magnus kissed a trail up Alec's thighs, giving both equal attention. He would bite and lick the insides of Alec's thighs. Alec shivered. Feeling Magnus's mouth and warm breath so close to where he needed them to be was suspenseful.

Then, Magnus licked him through his boxers. And Alec's whole body stiffened. "Oh, fffuck, Magnus…." Magnus did it longer this time. Alec bit down on his lip to keep from making some embarrassing sound.

Magnus's breath ghosting over the now wet area made Alec more anxious. He just needed relief, and he knew Magnus knew this.

Magnus, at that moment, pulled down Alec's boxers.

Magnus didn't say or, more importantly, do anything for what felt like an eternity. When Alec looked down at him, he saw him just staring in awe. Alec fell back against the mattress, covering his face. "Stop staring at it," he groaned. This was so weird.

Magnus laughed. "But, I like it."

"Don't say that, it makes this weirder than it has to be."

"Alexander," Magnus purred. Alec peeked through his hands. Magnus was now just a few inches from his face, smiling down at him. "everything about sex is weird. New bodies are weird. Your body is beautiful in every way, there's no need to be embarrassed by it."

Alec avoided looking at Magnus. "Yeah, okay, great. Can you please just go back to giving me a blow job?"

Magnus chuckled. "Gladly." He dropped back down to his knees. This time, he wasted no time. He wrapped his hand around the base of Alec's dick, and pumped. Alec's worry soon melted away, replaced with bliss and pleasure. Magnus ran his tongue over the tip, swirling around in circles. Alec's breath became heavier, especially once Magnus started to take Alec. He didn't need much time to adjust to Alec before his nose was pressed against Alec's stomach. He allowed for Alec to get used to the feeling before slowly drawing back his head.

Magnus went slow at first, simply going back and forth, varying how much length he took in. It felt nice, like someone dragging their fingers up and down his back. Alec was relaxed. One hand rested at the back of Magnus's head, playing with his hair. Then, Magnus began to speed up. Then he began to put more force into it. Then he went deeper. On occasion, Magnus would pull away and press kisses to Alec's inner thighs before running his tongue slowly up along the sides of Alec's shaft.

Alec kept one hand knotted in Magnus's hair. His mouth hung open in a relaxed "o". He was breathing deeper and heavier. "Fuck," he gasped when Magnus swallowed around him. Then, it was gone. Alec was immediately aware of the absence, and whimpered. He heard Magnus chuckle, and felt the bed dip beneath him. He opened one eye and saw Magnus hovering above him. "Why'd you stop?"

Magnus grinned. "You know, you are very cute when you're getting blown."

Alec made an annoyed sound in the back of his throat. "Do you always avoid people's questions?"

"It's a habit of mine, yes."

"Well, stop. I don't like it," Alec grumbled, sitting up on his elbows.

Magnus laughed. He leaned down, pressing his lips against Alec's. Alec cupped his cheek, and turned his head to the side. Magnus bit down on his bottom lip, tugging as he leaned back. Alec smiled, following Magnus eagerly. They both were sitting up, Magnus on Alec's lap with one of Alec's arm around his waist.

Magnus reached down between them, grabbed the hem of Alec's shirt, and pulled it over his head. Magnus slid off of Alec's lap, threw his shirt to the side, and grabbed the waist of his own pants. "Move back," he said. Alec could only nod obediently and shift backwards onto the bed. Magnus dropped his pants to the floor, and stepped out of them. Alec bit his lip. Magnus climbed back onto the bed, crawling towards Alec. "Like what you see?"

"You know I do."

Magnus pressed a finger to Alec's lips. "Then, you'll like this even more." Magnus stuck his finger into his mouth, mimicking what he had just done on Alec on his finger. Alec watched with wide eyes, unable to look away. Magnus pulled his finger out with a pop. He kissed Alec, shoving his tongue down Alec's throat. Alec moaned, pulling Magnus down on top of him.

He gasped when he felt Magnus slide his finger inside of him. Magnus went slow, taking his time on stretching out Alec. He pressed his forehead against Alec's, their breaths mingling. A small smile spread across his face every time Alec gasped when he put in another finger. Soon, Alec was almost pleading for Magnus to hurry up and "fuck me already, you clown."

Magnus was only happy to oblige.

He slid his hands up between Alec's thighs, spreading them apart. He scooted closer to Alec. "Ready?" Alec nodded. Magnus lined himself and pushed forward.

All of Alec's breath came out at once. His back hovered above the bed in an arch. He grabbed a handful of the sheets, tugging on them. Magnus smiled cheekily down at him. "Having fun?"

Alec laughed. "Just shut up."

Magnus adjusted Alec so that his legs were wrapped around his waist. He placed his hands on either side of Alec's head, tilting Alec upwards. He dug his fingers into Magnus's shoulders, laughing nervously. "Trust me on this." He pulled back his hips, then slammed them back. Alec tipped back his head, his mouth forming a perfect "O".

Magnus built up a steady pace, altering his position slightly to change the angle. It didn't take long before he found Alec's sweet spot and Alec was pushed to the verge of orgasm. "O-oh g-gooood! Fuck, go ha-harder." Magnus grabbed the edge of the bed, plowing Alec into the mattress. Their lips found each other, crushed against each other. They moaned unabashedly, muffled by each other's mouths.

Alec raked his fingers down Magnus's back, his grip on him tightening. He broke the kiss, gasping in large gulps of air. "God… Magnus, I-I think I'm go-gonna-" Alec threw his head back, his whole body contracting.

Magnus smirked. "Virgin, much?"

Alec shot him a glare. "Having trouble reaching climax, old man?"

Magnus gripped Alec's face in his hand, sharply turning it to the side. He dragged his tongue up Alec's neck, biting down on his jugular.

He gave a big thrust, hunched over Alec, and let out a shuttering breath.

They lay in silence. Magnus rolled off of Alec. He found his hand and held it in his own. Alec rubbed the pad of his thumb over the back of Magnus's hand.

"That was fun."

"You think so?"

Alec moved his head up and down. "Could have been longer…"

Magnus hit him on the chest. Alec laughed.

Magnus lifted his lighter to his cigarette. He held it there for a moment before pulling away. He inhaled deeply, loving the familiarity of the smoke filling him up. When he exhaled, the smoke poured out, billowing around his face in thick curls of smoke. He sat back, eyes closed as he inhaled and exhaled.

Alec lay in Magnus's arms. The back of his hand was cradled in the palm of Magnus's, and their fingers were intertwined. Alec watched the smoke from the cigarette float up and fade into the air above. He breathed shallowly, trying to avoid inhaling as much of the smoke as humanly possible.

Magnus looked down at him. "Something the matter?" He ran his hands through Alec's hair, pushing back his bangs out of his face.

"Well," Alec sighed, almost instantly regretting the waste of air, "it's just…. I guess I get the whole 'smoke in bed after sex' thing, but I kind of have asthma. Plus, second-hand smoke kills thousands of people annually."

Magnus held his cigarette between his fingers. "However, that is a build-up over a long period of time. Once isn't going to kill you."

"Ah, yes, but you're not the only person I have been around that smokes."

"The whole world smells of smoke, yet only a small percentage of people die." Alec gave him a dirty look. "Come now" Magnus laughed, rubbing his hand against Alec's upper arm, "you really must lighten up, darling. I promise, just this once."

Alec didn't look entirely convinced, but said nothing further. Instead, he settled himself deeper against Magnus who continued to smoke. A natural and comfortable silence fell between them with Alec keeping his eyes closed and Magnus staring pensively at the ceiling. "Were you serious when you said you have asthma?"

"What would I gain by lying?"

"Further convincing me to stop smoking this cigarette."

Alec opened one eye. "Does it?"

Manus was quiet. "No," he said.

Alec smiled. "Exactly."

Magnus put out his smoke in the ashtray on the bedside table once he had smoked it to a stub. Alec as relieved that he would be able to return to his normal breathing patterns. It was exhausting to constantly hold his breath, not to mention the fact that he was starting to feel just a bit light-headed.

Alec rolled onto his stomach. He placed his chin on Magnus's chest. "So, what comes after this? What do you typically do after sex?"

Magnus thought for a moment. "Generally, I pretend to go to sleep so the person I hooked up has no choice but to leave."

Alec laughed. "Are you going to do that with me?"

"I'm sorry, I can't hear you, I'm asleep."

Alec punched Magnus in the stomach. "Shut up, dick."

Magnus hummed, smirking down at Alec. "You know you find me hilarious, it's okay to admit it." He pressed his finger to his lips. "Your secret is safe with me. I wouldn't dream of telling a living soul."

"Yeah… And, I bet you'll whip out an ouija board and contact all your little gossipy ghost friends."

Magnus looked offended. "Excuse me, but I have common sense and know not to fuck with that shit. I'm popular enough in this world, thank you, I don't need to go paroling in the next looking to get my ass haunted"

Alec pressed his lips against Magnus's. "Oh, shut up, won't you?"

Magnus blinked at him. "For you? Always."

Alec kissed him again. "Good."