A/N: Receptions. I can totally write receptions.
WARNINGS: sadness revolving around Catarina Loss, but its a reception so its a pretty happy event...
Cute Helen/Aline Girlfriend moments and Sizzy moments. Some reveal into the thoughts of Maryse as well.
Catarina laughed at the sight before her. Simon Lewis, the former vampire, was making a miserable attempt at breakdancing. Isabelle Lightwood, Alec's sister, was standing there laughing but cheering him on. When he finished she grabbed him by the tie, saying something, and pulled him in to a kiss.
Catarina looked around at the party goers. Hellen and Aline were holding hands as they talked to Alec and Magnus. Alec was flushed and smiling widely. Magnus looked extremely pleased at whatever Hellen was saying. Alec burst out laughing, his hand instinctively reaching for Magnus and grabbing his arm as he leaned forwards. Magnus was chuckling, a glass of champagne in the hand farthest away from Alec.
Magnus gestured to Aline's outfit, complimenting her no doubt. She squeezed Hellen's hand and leaned into her shoulder, embarrassed about it.
Catarina couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow. She tilted her head down so no one would notice her frown. She desperately wished she could be happy for Magnus and, especially, for Alec. It was their special day, but she couldn't help but think of the wedding that had never been.
She had been in love once. They were engaged for a long time. The wedding kept getting put off until he was too old to continue on this earth. She cursed the universe for taking her love away from her. He died waiting for their wedding day. A day that never came.
"Hey," Said a soothing voice next to her. She felt a warm hand on her shoulder and looked up, into the feline eyes of her best friend. "Why so glum?"
"I'm so sorry, Magnus. It isn't polite of me to grieve on your wedding day."
"Its alright. I don't mind. Its my party, you can cry if you want to." Catarina, caught off guard by his light humor, let out a small choke of laughter.
"Thank you. I was fine until I walked you down the isle. It was all there. The church, the people, the things I've always dreamed of. I'm so happy for you, Magnus, I really am, but walking down the isle like that was too much."
"I understand, I'm sorry that I asked you to do that. It was selfish of me."
"No, it was an honor. Alec's face when you said your vows, did you see it?"
Magnus nodded dreamily. "It was everything I'd dreamed it would be. He looked so happy."
Magnus looked over at Alec who was talking to Aline about something hilarious. "He is special, can't you feel it? There is something about him."
Catarina hummed in agreement as Alec's eyes met Magnus's over Helen's head. He caught Catarina's gaze and smiled. She sent him a small wave and Alec said something to the two girls in front of him, excusing himself. He walked over to Magnus and Catarina a skeptical look on his face.
"Is everything alright? Is he having any bad ideas? You better intend on stopping him." He said to Catarina.
"We both know Magnus's ideas are always bad."
"True."
"Hey!" Magnus objected.
Catarina smiled peering up at the string lights hanging above the garden.
Alec insisted that the Institute's garden was a perfect place for the reception. It posed a problem for the vampires who were invited, because it was consecrated ground, but Magnus waved away the concern, saying it was perfect. Catarina could see why Alec would like this place. It was small, but still spacious enough for a good number of people. It was calm and closed off with an abundance of plants. It was beautiful and seemed to become even more enchanting as the sun went down.
"Come on, lets go dance." Magnus pestered, pulling on Alec's arm. Alec groaned and looked over at Catarina apologetically. She waved them away, telling them to have fun.
As Magnus dragged Alec towards the makeshift dance floor, Catarina looked around at all the beautiful couples. They were all so happy to have someone they loved. Catarina expected that she was the only one at the party who was not involved in a romantic relationship.
She looked up as someone approached her. It was Maryse looking as resplendent as usual, but, even dressed up in her flattering gown, she had an air of despair. Catarina caught her strong gaze and held it, unafraid. As Maryse approached she noticed that Maryse wasn't trying to be hostile but she couldn't seem to help it. Catarina instantly felt commiseration.
"This is a lovely party." Catarina said to her. She nodded. She looked over at Alec who was attempting to dance. She smiled.
"It is. You are Catarina Loss, correct?"
"Yes."
"And you are Magnus's best friend?" Catarina hummed in agreement. "Will... Will Magnus be happy with Alec?" Catarina blinked.
"Pardon?"
"I know my son very well and I am confident that he will be happy with Magnus. I have no doubts about that. I want to know if you think Magnus will be happy as well. I'm attempting to avoid being a monster-in-law and I'm fairly certain he likes me. You know him better then I, how is he doing?"
Catarina looked at him. He was holding Alec's hands and swaying, using his grip on Alec's hands to push his arms back and forth, forcing him to dance. Alec looked unwilling and his cheeks were pink. Magnus was laughing.
"Magnus is a difficult person, you must understand. He has been alive for so long and seen so much. He has loved more then I, but he has always been faithful. I've told him on countless occasions that he loved too much and it was going to be his downfall. The point is, Magnus has never acted this way before and I've know him for centuries. He called me at several points saying that he couldn't stop thinking about a Shadowhunter boy he'd met. I'd told him that he was in love and he seemed terrified at the thought of falling so deeply in love. Now that they are together, he is so different. I've never seen him more happy then when he is with Alec. I honestly wish their fates were different. I wish they had more years together. Not just for Alec who shall one day perish, but for Magnus who will have to lose him. Magnus has grieved before, but I fear Alec's death will be the worst he has yet to suffer through."
Maryse looked over at the couple who were dancing happily.
"I worry the same thing. It is nice to know how large of an impact my Alexander has made on him. I was worried for a long time that Alec wouldn't find anyone. I'm glad Magnus is the one he loves. I don't want to worry about death just yet. I know that facing it will be inevitable but for now, lets enjoy the party."
"I agree."
Catarina watched the couples dance and enjoy themselves, suddenly relieved that she was alone. She had only pity for those who loved another person so much that their death would mean the end of the world. She felt happiness for Alec Lightwood and sorrow for Magnus Bane.
A/N: THANK YOU ALL FOR STICKING AROUND TO READ THIS! I LOVE YOU ALL AND I HOPE YOU LIKED THIS STORY!
Again, the more reviews this gets, the better chance you have of getting a honeymoon related epilogue... jussayin...
