Chapter 5

Disclaimer: Not my characters, but it is my plot and...yerr that's about it.

It's Rude To Stare

"Another day is gone, and all my faces are alibis" - Marianas Trench

The headaches were beginning again. He hadn't had them the entire summer break. Probably because he hadn't had to put up with people for a prolonged period of time. His Father had been in Europe for the last three months and Magnus had not even talked to him on the phone during this time, although he didn't mind since his father was a prick. He had only had to interact with other humans when he felt like it, and they changed daily. Boys or girls (he wasn't picky) would come home with him, after a long night at some flashy club, and be gone by lunchtime the next day. In fact the only person he had beside him the last year was his motherly maid, Agatha. She had stuck by him all those lonely nights when he missed his mother, put up with his unpredictable mood swings and complimented his often flamboyant attire (although some outfits received significantly less praise then others).

But now he was back at bloody Idris Academy and he was not having fun. He felt trapped and surrounded here. And although he had many admirers, he no longer had any friends. He had pushed each and every one of them away and ostracised himself from his peers. It hurt to see people like Ragnor and Camille walk by him without even sparing him a glance, yet he was too…..(to be honest) scared to regain their friendship because friendship meant trust and vulnerability, and Magnus wasn't sure he was capable of any of that crap anymore.

His head began to ache slightly and he groaned, sensing a massive migraine on the way. He longed to get in his car and drive down to Bob's, a seedy place where he spent most of his time, but he knew that if he skipped any more school, then his father would get involved, and that was not something Magnus wanted.

It was ridiculous, he'd only been back at at school for a week, had been to about two lessons and he already felt sick. He hated the snobbish, stuck-up kids (although many believed he was one), the ridiculous lessons and the teachers with their sympathetic looks.

He was Magnus Bane for god's sake, he didn't need their pathetic pity. He chucked a stone onto the deserted football pitch, from his isolated seat in the stands, imagining Mr Hilton was stood there. How dare he bring up Magnus' mother, and in front of Alec to. Sure he didn't know the boy, but he seemed to be one of the only people who didn't stare at Magnus with pity, hatred or envy. Not to mention he had gorgeous blue eyes and deliciously messy hair. He was also adorable with his stuttering and pink cheeked blush.

Magnus shook his head. Why was he even obsessing over this boy anyway, it's not like he cared about some random nerdy twink, plus he wasn't even sure Alec was gay. Actually that wasn't exactly true as it was blatantly obvious, from the boys constant blushing and stares, that he was attracted to Magnus.

Glancing down at his phone, he saw that his first tutoring meeting with Alec started five minutes ago. He smirked, fashionably late as usual. He would turn up whenever the hell he wanted, and Alec shouldn't have a problem with that as he was lucky Magnus was even bothering to go. Stretching lazily he clambered from his seat on the stands and made his way towards the school building.

He wasn't sure why he was going to this pointless session anyway, it wasn't like he was stupid. Okay so maybe he had failed his last three exams, but its hard to pass when you don't turn up. He briefly considered whether he was going because of the blue eyed beauty who was tutoring him. He sighed, it was possible.

He knew from experience that the best way to deal with these feelings for people was to sleep with them. It sounded cold but it had worked in the past. One night of hot, string-free sex and the confusing emotions were gone for good. He couldn't help his short attention span. In fact now he came to think of it, he'd only really had one serious relationship. He'd dated Camille Belcourt for two years before his mum died, then he found he didn't have it in him to endure her constant worrying. He had withdrawn from everyone, both his family and his closest friends.

He grinned as he strode down the main corridor, feeling empowered by the way kids literally scattered before him, none of them wanting to experience the wrath of Magnus Bane. He continued this way until he reached the the doorway to the library and found it blocked. "Get the fuck out of my way," he snapped, his gaze moving upwards to see white hair and onyx eyes.

"Why don't you get the fuck out of MY way Bane," Jonathan snarled stepping closer to Magnus his eyes hard.

"Oh dear, having trouble formulating an original sentence Morgenstern?" Magnus retorted, stepping closer himself.

"Well at least I don't look like a drag queen on crack!"

They were now so close that Magnus considered kissing the other boy, just to piss him off, but instead opted for running a finger down Jonathan's chest and whispering "careful Johnny, don't get too close, you might catch the gay."

"Fuck you," Jonathan yelled, shoving Magnus away from him.

"opps," Magnus giggled, "looks like it's too late."

Jonathan practically growled at this, raising his fist to deliver a heavy punch. But Magnus only smirked. He'd been in enough fights to know how to win against an eighteen year old dick-head. He caught the boy's fist just before it touched his face and twisted his arm around with a satisfying crunch.

He then propelled his own arm towards Jonathan, making sure to slam his knuckles into the pressure point on the boy's temple. cold eyes rolled in their sockets and their owners knees buckled. Magnus decided not to knock the idiot out (as much as he'd love to) and instead went for the classic kick to the nutsack.

Jonathan collapsed into a groaning heap on the floor, to the great amusement of the many spectators watching the two boys. Magnus gave them a flamboyant bow and then stepped over his fallen opponent and continued on his way. He was determined to win Alec Lightwood (or to be more realistic, get into his pants) and no albino douchbag was going to cockblock him, no matter how scary his eyes were.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

The muttering accompanied Magnus all the way through the library. People were pointing, staring and even following him, presumably because of the fight and it was getting on Magnus' nerves. When he reached the main seating area, now half an hour late, his head was pounding and his vision filled with spots. He was surprised to see a dark haired boy bent over a thick book, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings. "Alec," he said and grinned as the boy jumped violently and practically flung his book across the room.

"Magnus," the boy gasped, his cerulean eyes wide. Then he scowled slightly, "you're really late," he scolded, "I've been waiting for ages."

"I'm really sorry," Magnus replied as sincerely as he could, "I ran into…..an old friend."

Alec raised his eyebrows, but seemed to accept the excuse . He pulled out a massive textbook and prised it open, scattering a ton of dust in the process. "Okay, so let's begin with some basic algebra...um….why is everyone staring at us?" Alec gulped and fidgeted in his seat. Magnus looked around to see that half the library were giving him and Alec their full attention.

He pressed his fingers to his throbbing temple and tried to think. Should he tell Alec about his fight with Jonathan Morgenstern. It wasn't really a big deal, but Alec didn't appear to be the kind who liked violence.

Suddenly he realized what he was doing and frowned, sending another fiery bolt through his brain. He was Magnus Bane. He never cared what anyone else thought about him and Alec Lightwood was no exception. "I had a fight with Jonathan Morgenstern," he stated calmly, looking Alec in the eyes.

Alec looked slightly surprised at this, but not disgusted or angry (not that it made a difference). "Really?...but you look fine, not a hair out of place."

Magnus grinned happily at this, it was nice to get confirmation that he still looked flawless, even if it came from a fashion virgin like Alec. "Thank you darling," he drawled, "it was a very one sided fight….in fact it was really just me beating him up," Alec scowled at this so Magnus hastily added, "but don't worry, I went very easy on him, he was still conscience and everything."

Alec didn't seem very reassured by this. "Why were you fighting anyway?" he asked and Magnus decided not to mention the doorway. "Because he's a dick," he said instead, "I didn't throw the first punch. Plus he compared me to a drag queen on crack."

Alec snorted at this, "that's ridiculous! you're impossibly hot." Magnus' mouth fell open, he did not expect that. "I mean….I didn't...oh my god," Alec spluttered, his face turning a vivid burgundy.

"hey Alec, breathe," Magnus soothed, "it's ok…..I am impossibly hot." he chuckled but stopped quickly as his head pulsated painfully "Look," he said trying to focus on the boy opposite him. "you clearly don't like the staring, and its going to be there whenever you're with me, and I hate this fucking school, so why don't we go get some lunch in a cafe in town and you can talk nerdy to me." He dropped Alec a glittery wink, his fingers crossed under the table. He really needed to get away before he had a mental breakdown and he was leaving with, or without Alec. "S-sure," the boy stuttered, his hands pulling at the threadbare sleeves of his oversized sweater.

"Fab," Magnus grinned and turned on his heel and walked as fast as he could towards the way out of the hell hole that was Idris academy.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Alec didn't really seem like much of a car-person, but his reaction when they reached Magnus' car was priceless. "An Aston Martin," he gasped, admiring the car's sleek, purple paint job. "When I was little, I asked for one every year for Christmas. Then when I got my licence I wanted to buy one so bad, but we didn't have the money." Magnus chuckled at Alec's awed expression and climbed into the drivers seat, gesturing for Alec to get in.

The boy sat gingerly in the passenger seat, as if he was afraid to damage the expensive leather. "Relax," Magnus grinned, "my father bought me this car last year and he has plenty of money if anything happens to it."

"What's the deal with your father anyway?" Alec asked curiously, "Jace told me that he's a successful business man." Magnus scowled, the pain in his head increasing, this was not his favorite topic. "My father," he spat, "owns Downworlders, and he's an asshole."

Alec's eyes widened at the name, and Magnus knew why. Downworlders was a massive corporation that owned thousands of business in America. From cafes to banks, retailers to petrol stations, the Downworlders logo (a seven point star) could be spotted.

"Wow, you must be filthy rich," Alec breathed, looking slightly envious of Magnus' wealth.

"I guess," Magnus shrugged.

Alec frowned slightly, "you're very lucky."

"Am I though?" Magnus sighed, his head throbbing "when it comes down to it, money has little importance. I'd rather be poor and happy than rich and miserable. In fact, I'd give up everything, everything I own to bring back-" He broke off, unable to finish the sentence.

He could see Alec give him a concerned look as he gasped in pain at the fiery bolts that were assaulting his head. His vision blurred and he swerved on the road, causing the car behind to honk frustratedly. Alec swore. Magnus could see a lay-by through the haze and he pulled in abruptly. The engine cut out and he leaned his head against the steering wheel, willing the pain away.

"Magnus are you ok?" Alec asked tentatively, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have preyed."

Magnus clutched at his head, pulling at his hair. Why was he reacting like this? It'd been nearly a year since his mother had died, surely a normal person wouldn't be having headaches and panic attacks nearly every other fucking day! He was being ridiculous. Fumbling with his jacket pocket he grasped desperately for his pack of painkillers. He kept some extra strong ones with him at all times, although he only used them if the pain was very bad. He pushed a tablet into his mouth and swallowed.

"Magnus- I - do you want me to get help?"

Magnus closed his eyes trying to focus, "No, no, just give me a moment."

They fell into a tense silence as Magnus waited for the drugs to kick in.

After a few minutes Magnus finally opened his eyes, the pain faded to a dull ache, "Sorry about that," he muttered embarrassed. Alec looked surprised, "There's nothing to be sorry about, I understand completely."

Magnus wondered whether this meant that Alec had lost someone close to him as well, but he didn't ask. "Would you mind driving the rest of the way," Magnus asked, "my head still hurts." he offered the keys to Alec.

Alec flinched away from them as if they were dangerous weapons. "M-me?," he stuttered, "NO! I mean...I can't drive."

Magnus wrinkled his brow, "I thought you said earlier you had a licence."

Alec blinked rapidly looking so terrified, it was almost comical, "Yes but, I…...I just can't okay!" He almost shouted the last bit, his voice so desperate Magnus took pity on him. "Okay," he soothed, "we'll just stay here until I can drive again" Alec leaned back in his seat, his azure eyes full of gratitude.

"How about we play twenty questions?" Magnus suggested breaking the silence. Alec smiled softly back, pleased with the change in subject, "Sure," he breathed and Magnus found himself admiring the boys excellent bone structure.

He shook himself, "focus Magnus, honestly you're acting like Bella swan, just sleep with him already, and end this madness," he told himself. "Okay well I'll start," he said out loud, "hmmmm….what's your favorite book?"

Alec looked relieved and excited by the chosen topic. "Well, I like "To kill a Mockingbird" and "Wuthering Heights", oh, and "a Tale of Two cities"- I adore Dickins"

Magnus snorted, "I bet you do" he sniggered. Alec flushed, but chose to ignore him. "But my all time favorite book," he continued "has got to "The Picture of Dorian Grey" by Oscar Wilde. I love the message it gives, that perfection isn't worth the price you have to pay for it. Flaws are part of humanity." Magnus grinned, he found Alec's obvious love for literature absolutely endearing. "Anyway," Alec muttered, seeming to realize he was gushing, "What's your….erm...life ambition?"

Magnus tilted his head back thoughtfully, "probably to sleep with Adam Lambert, god that man is tasty." he chuckled at the wide eyed look on Alec's face, "I'm only kidding sweetie, try not to have an aneurysm." he smiled then paused for a minute, "I used to want to be an artist" he almost whispered looking down. He remembered how he used to spend most of his free time painting and sketching everything and anything he could. He had been pretty good as well and even had some pieces displayed in local galleries.

"Why did you change your mind," Alec asked, his voice equally soft. Magnus swallowed, "I…..I just lost the will, there was nothing I wanted to capture anymore." There was a beat of silence, before Magnus spoke. "Favourite Hobby?" he asked, smiling tentatively.

Alec blushed bright red. "Ooooh, is it dirty," Magnus exclaimed, his fingers crossed. "Wha-NO-no," Alec sputtered indignantly, "just embarrassing."

"Go on, you can tell me. I promise I won't laugh."

Alec sighed, "I-well-I like to write stories." Magnus raised his eyebrows, "what about?".

Alec blushed and looked down, "just stuff, fantasy mostly, but sometimes murder mysteries as well."

Magnus leaned back in his seat, gazing intently into azure eyes, "can I read one?" he asked, not expecting the boy to agree. Sure enough Alec, turned so red that Magnus was worried he might explode, and stuttered, "Wha-No! I can't show- too embarrassing and private. Do you have pets," he cried, desperate to change the subject.

"YES!" Magnus exclaimed, "I have a cat, he's called Chairman Meow and he's tiny and white and sooooooooo cute." He then noticed Alec giving him a funny look. "What...you asked," he pouted, frowning slightly.

"Nothing, just…..you're more normal when you're talking about your cat" Alec said bluntly. Magnus wasn't quite sure how to take this. More normal? Did that mean that normally he was abnormal? Did he want to be normal? Shaking his head to dispel the confusing, not to mention pointless, train of thought and asked the boy, "favorite TV programme?"

Alec blushed at this, although Magnus couldn't imagine why, and looked down at his feet. "I don't know," he muttered, "We don't have a TV."

Magnus, felt his eyes widen slightly. It shouldn't be so shocking that Alec didn't have a television, but….it just seemed so strange. Alec seemed embarrassed by his lack of luxuries and avoided his eyes. However the fact that Alec had so obviously come from such a poor background to one of the most prestigious schools in the country, made him seem even more amazing than before. Amazing? Magnus' cool alter ego scoffed, what are you, a lovesick puppy?

"Maybe that's a good thing," he told the boy, "you don't have to put up with all the trash that's on TV, if it weren't for America's next top model, I'd chuck my TV any day." Alec seemed slightly cheered by this and gave Magnus a sweet smile that made his heart stutter. Get a grip, he scolded himself.

"Your turn," he said quickly, trying to shake the thoughts from his head.

Alec looked thoughtfully at Magnus and he got the feeling Alec was trying to decide what was acceptable to ask. "I was talking to Camille the other day, and she said you guys were friends…" the boy trailed off, running a hand through his inky locks.

Magnus bit his lip, something about Alec invoked a strong sense of trust. He felt he could tell the boy his darkest secrets, without hesitation. But he was scared. Of trust, vulnerability and the protective walls around his head had formed a prison, trapping and isolating him.

But a little truth wouldn't hurt. "Well...I first met Cammie when I was four. She moved in next-door to me and I hated her with all my heart. We used to shout insults at each other over the garden fence," he smiled at the memory, "I think one time she called me mank-nus Bane and I cried. But then one day I was walking home from school and I saw some older boys picking on her, they were pushing her around and trying to take her barbie. She was putting up a good fight, but they were bigger and older than her. So, without even thinking I ran up and punched one in the face. I was only five by that point but I could throw a decent punch. Then I threatened to call my father, who everyone was scared of and they scattered. I wouldn't have actually called him, he'd have probably just told me to man up, but they didn't know that. Camille was nice to me after that, we started playing together at school and found we had quite a bit in common, we were inseparable since. She's been there for me a lot through the years, she beat up the first guy to break my heart, she helped me have confidence in my art and even got some of my pieces in a gallery and she convinced me to come out to my parents…..and then comforted me afterwards."

Magnus clenched his hands into fists and took a deep breath before continuing. "Then about a year and a half ago, we began to date. It started at a party when I was really drunk and I made a move on her and we ended up sleeping together. It was kind of weird the next morning, but then I realized that I actually wanted to be more than friends and so did she. What I had with Camille was probably one of the most serious relationships I'd ever had, plus we were best friends. But….after….my-my mother died, I realized that I was only hurting her. I couldn't love her and I wasn't sure if I ever did. We broke up and I haven't talked to her since."

There was a long silence then Magnus said in a small voice, "I think I can drive now,"

He reached for the keys when a hand stopped him. "Magnus," Alec murmured, looking intensely at Magnus, "thank you, for trusting me. It means a lot."

Magnus gave him a small smile and then started the car and began the journey home.

A/N

Awww, such a cute couple.

Did you guys like Maggie's POV? It's nice to have an insight into his head. Next chapter will probably be mostly focused on Alec and hopefully clace will meet.

reviews:

wow...so many, I asked for over ten but I wasn't expecting seventeen.

I can't answer them all but I will answer those that had questions or interesting observations.

dancing slowly- I'm glad you picked up on the fact that Alec is so perspective, probably due to the fact that his own mother, is so hard to read.

Reader7264- Hi again, I recognise your username, welcome back xx Hopefully we will be seeing that other side of Magnus pretty soon, you certainly get glimses in this chap when he is alone with Alec

adelsaro- Magnus' manipulative skills know no bounds

lemonofweirdness- Thanks for reviewing, I read your story and it was good, SPOILERS- i love the idea that jace has a sister, only criticism is to do longer chapters...but very good, keep it up xx

MagnusBane800- due to Magnus' trauma/"I don't care" attitude no atchual studying went down, although I doubt Alec minds.

Chocolatewriter- glad you liked, there's even more detail on Camille and Magnus in this chap as I wanted to add more of a backstory.

also thanks must go to all my other reviewers: .0988, D, helloimheretoruinyourlife, Guest, kronlikepodzemlija, MalecHEART01, Mish Herondale, purplelover4600, Artimisapollo97, Phantom of the Claw and finally another Guest

Thanks guys I adore you.

Until Sunday :)

lots of virtual love

Amy

xxx