The café was crowded, people's voices buzzing in Alec's ears. He stirred his coffee and glanced at his watch. Magnus was late; not like this was unusual. He hated having double dates with Jace and Clary; they were always so sickeningly in love. You would think this wouldn't irritate others in the exact same situation but Jace and Clary managed to annoy practically anyone.

At this moment, though, they were hardly speaking. Jace was staring off into space and Clary looked like she wanted to bolt. The three of them made a rather awkward gathering. Alec made a mental note to see how Jace was doing; he seemed distant lately and rather belligerent when approached. Not like himself at all. But Alec honestly didn't have time for Jace and Clary's relationship issues. Suddenly there was insistent buzzing and it took Alec a moment to realize it was his cell. Not recognizing the number he flipped it open,

"Hello?"

"It's all ready, Alexander. Whenever you're ready." Alec couldn't help be shocked to hear Camille's voice on the other end. Clary was watching him with her eyebrows pulled together. Even Jace got out of his trance long enough to mouth, who is it? Alec waved them away and started to walk out to the outdoor patio. It was empty, the cold weather driving the people inside instead of out.

"Already? I literally just asked you yesterday." Camille sounded annoyed when she replied,

"I work fast, Alexander. Now do you want this or not?"

Alec licked his suddenly dry lips, "yeah. I do."

"Fine. Meet me at the back of Taki's in twenty minutes. Don't be late." At that she hung up, an ugly dial tone buzzed in Alec's ear. He shrugged and snapped the phone shut. He turned around and nearly shouted in surprise. Magnus was right behind him. His eyes were narrowed with suspicion.

"Who was that?"

"No one," Alec replied immediately, trying to side step him. Magnus blocked his path.

"Yeah. Sure, I'll buy that."

"I have to go, let me through."

"It was Camille, wasn't it?" Alec stared at Magnus. How the hell did he know?

Seeming to read his thoughts Magnus just answered, "I'm the high warlock of Brooklyn, Alec. I hear things." after a pause he said, "and Camille was over last night, begging for a place to stay. We fought; she said she's my enemy now. I knew something must be up." Alec was taken back. Camille went to Magnus?

Magnus suddenly went serious, "Alec. What did she promise you?" Alec glanced away from his well knowing eyes and mumbled his response,

"Immortality."

Alec watched as Magnus groaned and put his head in his hands. His voice was slightly muffled when he said, "And you believed her?" Alec felt himself blush with anger and embarrassment.

"Yes, I believed her. At least she was trying to find a way." Magnus glanced at Alec, his face hard, "she was never going to find a way, and it was a trick."

"No, it wasn't."

"Why don't you believe me?"

"Why don't you want us to be together!"

Magnus' eyes widened, "I do want us to be together. I don't want you giving up everything for this. It's not all it's cracked up to be, Alec. I told you this before. You don't get immortality without giving up something. I don't mean cash, or your looks, or even your family. I mean your soul. Humans live in mortality. They die. That's the way the world works. To change that, you compromise your soul. Can you live with that?"

Alec was quiet when he said, "if it means being with you. Yes."

"Alec. I couldn't live with it. I love you for you. And that means your mortality too. It doesn't make you any weaker. In fact, it makes you stronger. Don't change that for me, especially for this. We'll figure something out."

"But Camille said…."

"I don't care what Camille said. She is vindictive and soulless. She'll do anything for her own gain."

"Even breaking us apart?"

"Especially breaking us apart."

Alec sat down heavily on the stoop in front of the café, head in hands. After a moment Magnus joined him.

"No one said this was going to be easy," his voice was tired and little more than sad, "but that is what we do for those we love. We go along the difficult road, because we know," at this he looked Alec straight in the eye, "that it will be worth it."

"But, won't it be kind of gross when I'm like…forty and your still nineteen?"

Magnus shrugged, twining his hand through Alec's.

"I love you. You're the only one for me, and we'll deal with it when the time comes."

Alec sighed. Magnus was right. This wasn't going to be easy.

"Yeah. I guess."

Magnus was insistent, "I know." He pulled Alec into a quick but passionate kiss. He pulled away far too early for Alec's liking and stood up.

"Come on; let's enjoy the rest of our lame double date. You know, if they haven't left yet."

Alec grinned and stood up as well. The two of them walked into the café, hand in hand and didn't look back.