Chapter 6
Disclaimer: I am currently concocting an ingenious plan to steal the rights to the mortal instrument characters, all I need is a hispanic grandma, 56 yards of golden thread and a couple of starfish….just you wait and see
Responsibly Reckless
"We're still so young, and desperate for attention" - Panic at the disco
Alec had barely set foot in his room when he was attacked by a flurry of red. "Alec! how was it? Mai said she saw you drive off with Magnus Bane a couple of hours ago, what happened?" Alec fell back onto his bed, shocked by ball of energy that had flown at him. "Clary!" he gasped, "let me breathe."
His frantic attacker retreated a couple of steps, allowing him to see her properly. Her, usually wild, cascade of crimson waves had been tamed, and forced into symmetrical and complicated plaits. She wore a light green, floaty top….or was it a dress….with a lacy collar and brown ankle boots. A delicate silver pendant hung from her neck and Alec even though he saw a neat line of black around her eyes. "Are you going out he asked?" confused by her uncharacteristically girly attire.
She looked pleased that he noticed, but tried to hide it, "yes I am. But don't you dare change the subject, tell me how you ended going on a road trip with the american version of Russell Brand!"
Alec furrowed his brows, he wanted to ask who Russell Brand was, but he sensed this would only annoy Clary further. "Well, we had scheduled our first tutoring session for lunchtime today. So after History I went down to the library to wait for him, I didn't really expect him to turn up but he did, although half an hour late. I think he said he got in a fight."
"OH YES!" Clary exclaimed, "with Jonathan Morgenstern. Tessa works in the infirmary and she said that Morganstern turned up with a dislocated shoulder and a bruised…...well he was badly hurt anyway."
"Yer so that happened and everyone seemed to know. The library's entire population were staring and whispering. I didn't like it and he…." Alec trailed off. He didn't really feel he could tell Clary, or anyone for that matter, about Magnus' headaches, breakdown or the long talks they'd had. "he suggested that we go to a near by cafe. So we set off but…...his car broke down," he smiled at his cleverly thought out excuse. "so we sat in the car and talked 'till the AA came and then we drove back." (A/N- AA are car fixer people, I don't know what they're called in America)
Alec was quite shocked by his deceit. Never before had he been able to tell a convincing lie. Isabelle had often said he was like an open kids book, painfully easy to read. But he'd just told a lie to Clary, without stuttering, turning red or saying something extremely far-fetched. What was it about Magnus Bane that evoked such a protective nature. He was willing to lie, to sustain Magnus' privacy and this scared Alec slightly.
"So," he finally said, "where are you going?" Clary grinned, getting excited by the mention of
her night out, "Camille's throwing a massive party`," she gushed, "You should definitely come."
Alec shifted uncomfortably on his bed, parties had never really been his thing. "I don't know Clary," he muttered, "I'm not really a party kind of guy."
Clary gave him a sympathetic look, "yer but Alec, we'll all be there, Jem, Tessa, Ragnor, Mai, Jordan and Simon….come on, does Simon seem like much of a party guy to you?"
"Did someone ask for a party guy? 'cause I can drop it like it's hot all night," Alec jumped at the southern drawl and turned to see the golden head of his roommate filling the doorway.
"Jace," he grunted, "come in, if your ego can fit." Jace grinned at this, as although Alec's words were unfriendly, his blue eyes smiled. Alec turned back to see Clary staring at the blond with her mouth slightly open.
"And who is this fiery lass," Jace smirked at Clary as he strode towards his closet. Clary's mouth snapped shut and formed a tight line, she scowled. "Clary Fray, and you must be Jace. I heard your a dick." Jace looked slightly surprised at this, since most girls would be drooling over him by now, and Clary turned back to Alec.
"Please come," she urged him, "I want someone to entertain Simon, while I talk to the cute guy in my art class." Alec sighed, he wouldn't normally go to such events, but at least he wouldn't be the only nerd there. "Ok," he groaned, "I'll go."
Clary squealed and grabbed his arm, "thank you Alec, you're the best."
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
"Just stay still," Clary scolded as she tugged on his hair.
"I hate you," Alec sulked, pouting slightly. He was 100% fed-up. For the last hour he had been forced to play barbie as an assortment of people, dressed, styled and insulted him.
After Clary had decided that none of his clothes were suitable to "ever be worn near another human again" she had called Jem, who had joined the "fun" along with Tessa and a pile of clothes. Alec was getting slightly annoyed by Clary's behaviour, normally she was very chilled and laid back, but right now she was acting scarily like his sister, who nearly cried every time Alec wore his favourite holey sweater (which was most of the time).
"Maybe you should just shave it all off," Jace joked from his casual position on Alec's desk. Alec wasn't to sure why the blond was still there. It seemed that the ruder Clary was and the more she rejected him, the harder he tried. Alec supposed that Jace didn't usually get rejected by girls (he could see why), so Clary was a challenge, which made her all the more tempting.
"Wait," Tessa interrupted, "how about…." she pushed her long fingers into Alec's hair and began to mess it up. "There" she grinned, stepping back to admire her work.
Alec flushed, in embarrassment and humiliation at the stares of his four friends. "Don't worry Alec," Jem soothed, "you look nice."
"NICE!" Clary exclaimed, "he looks damn irresistible. Here Alec look." Pulling Alec over to the bathroom mirror and gesturing towards his reflection.
Alec stared at his reflection, lost for words. The boy in the mirror was undoubtedly him, he had Alec's pale skin, thick eyebrows and roman nose, but…..He didn't look like Alec ever had before. His hair had been artfully styled to be shaggy and messy and it perfectly framed his porcelain face. He wore a pair of tight black skinny jeans, that accentuate his long legs and an electric blue button up that emphasized his eyes. He looked edgy, different and not at all like Alec Lightwood.
"I look….." he trailed off.
"Hot," Clary suggested.
"Confident," Tessa added
"Stupid," Jace snickered.
"Vulnerable," Alec whispered, "this isn't me."
Clary looked slightly hurt at this, "come on Alec, you look great and it's only for one night."
Alec gulped and tore his eyes away from his reflection, he could do this. Giving Clary a small nod he turned to face the door.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
The moment Alec followed Tessa, Clary, Jace and Jem into the house, he realized that he'd made a mistake. The whole room was throbbing. Lights flashed, music boomed and bodies pulsated. Alec didn't think it was possible to fit so many people in one house, even if it was a big one. It seemed like the entire school was there, crammed amongst the expensive furniture and vintage antiques. Alec jumped as a hand grabbed his wrist, but it was only Tessa.
"Come on Alec," she yelled over the pounding bass, "don't just stand there gaping, let's find the others." Alec was dragged through the bodies and unwillingly sucked into the party. He had always been slightly claustrophobic, and being surrounded by strangers pressing in on him, was not making him feel better.
Finally they emerged from the mass of dancers, to a slightly less crowded area. Mai, Jordan, Ragnor and Simon sat together on a massive velvet coach, Simon and Ragnor looking extremely uncomfortable, due to the passionate make out session that was going on beside them.
It seemed that Alec wasn't the only one who had dressed for the occasion. Mai wore a deep red dress with a swooping neckline and aztec themes. Jordan, Ragnor and Simon all wore dark blue or black jeans and button ups. Simon even wore a leather jacket (that contrasted wildly with his wire rimmed glasses and shabby converses) and Alec though he spotted a golden chain disappearing beneath Jordan's shirt. Tessa wore a long, silk, sapphire dress, that floated around her ankles and matched Jem's silver tie.
When Simon spotted Alec walking towards them, his double take was comical. He stared at the boy as if he'd never seen another human being before. "Dude," he exclaimed, "what happened." Alec scowled, offended by his reaction. "It's not that weird if I dress nicely once in a while," he sniffed haughtily.
"Clary and me dressed him," Tessa whispered, by way of an explanation.
"ooooh," Simon said, sympathy clouding his tone, "don't worry dude, I've been there before. You look good though anyhow, unlike the time they dressed me up." He gave a visible shudder and took a long swig on his beer. "Hey Alec," Clary chirped, appearing suddenly at his shoulder, "do you want a drink."
Alec shook his head, "I don't drink," he admitted. Everyone looked looked slightly surprised at this (even Jorden and Mai, briefly stopped their pg porno, to give him an incredulous glance), which made Alec slightly annoyed. Not drinking was not that weird or unusual and surely the fact that he didn't consume semi-poisonous and life-ruining substances should be admired.
"Why not?" Simon asked, sounding genuinely curious.
Bright lights and screeching wails, flashed through his mind, but all he could say was, "I don't like the taste." Everyone seemed slightly suspicious of his weak explanation and the timid way he mumbled it, but they didn't push him.
At that moment Jace joined them, his hair haloing around his head and his topaz eyes glowing. "M'Lady," he crooned bowing before Clary's hand and kissing it tenderly, "would you give me the honour of a dance?"
Alec tried not to snort at the exasperated look on the redhead's face, "really Jace," she scowled, "I thought I made it clear that…." she trailed off as he leaned forward to whisper in her ear. Her expression softened and she bit her lip. Then, after giving everyone an apologetic smile, she followed the blond to the middle of the dance floor.
"He seems like a douche," Ragnor observed, the party's lighting giving his skin an odd, greenish tinge. "I hate him," Simon muttered darkly, as he glared at the couple as they danced. Alec felt like he should defend his roommate, because as much of an insensitive ass Jace could be, he was a good guy. However he decided to keep his mouth shut. It was clear that Simon had a colossal crush on his best friend, and if insulting the guy she was dancing with helped him, then who was Alec to take that away.
When Alec had finished his internal monologue, he realized that his friends were all immersed in their own group activities. Mai and Jordan were practically stradling and Alec could see hands in places he did not care to think about. Tessa and Jem were having what looked to be an intense and private discussion. They were sitting very close and Tessa was gripping the hem of her blue dress. Simon and Ragnor were also having a heated discussion, although it was mostly about the pros and cons of Cheer-leading, a topic that Alec was not very interested in.
So, not wanting to interrupt any of his six companions, Alec just leant back into the side of the velvety coach and let the party's loud atmosphere wash over him in waves. The beat thrumming through his bones, the heat stroking his skin and the smell of alcohol invading his nostrils.
He hadn't had so much as a sip of alcohol for nearly two years (A/N Alec is 19 in this). Not that he'd been much of a drinker before that, but he had indulged in the occasional drunken night. Isabelle would always take him out to parties with her, claiming it was his responsibility as older brother to look after his siblings, and that included accompanying her to the occasional party. The first time he had got drunk was just before his seventeenth birthday, when his sister had dragged him out to her rich friend "Emily's" party. Alec had yet to tell Izzy he was gay, although she probably knew, so he was terrified that she would try and set him up with some random girl that he'd have to reject. However nearly the opposite had happened.
Alec had consumed an unholy amount of booze, until he was absolutely pissed. He'd then proceeded to slap the butt of the guy Isabelle was dancing with and confessing to a fetish for "pretty men". The next morning he had awoke to a roaring headache and a sombre Izzy. He'd nearly had a panic attack when she recounted what he'd said and done, but was shocked (and relieved) when she confessed that she knew he was gay and loved him just the same.
After that Alec had a very contradicting view on alcohol. Being a very private and controlled person, Alec hated the fact that alcohol took away his inhibitions and prevented him from thinking things through. However this, free-alter-ego that alcohol created allowed him to become a different person. He could talk about things he would normally be too embarrassed to and do things he would normally be too scared to. Alcohol made him braver, and sometimes he needed bravery. But his opinion about the narcotic was decided once and for all on the night that changed his life. The night of pain, loss and sorrow that was engraved into the forefront of his mind. Now, even the smell of alcohol brought up nausea, self-hatred and memories.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
They had been at the party for nearly two hours and not much had changed. Clary and Jace were still dancing, Simon still glaring and Mai and Jordan still kissing. The difference was that Jem and Tessa had vanished, Ragnor was talking to Camille and a short Spanish kid and Alec was half asleep.
He had gradually slipped down the side of the sofa and was nestled amongst the soft cushions. "I swear you're the only guy to fall asleep at one of Camille's parties, who hasn't drunk or smoked anything." Simon said, looking down at Alec. Alec felt like he should probably apologize for being such bad company, but he couldn't quite work up the effort.
"You know," Simon continued, although Alec wasn't really listening. "I've been waiting for years to have a chance with Clary. I used to drop a million hints and try my best to make her see me. But she was always obsessed with her manga and fictional boys, and that was ok. Because it meant that at least she wasn't into any other guys." Alec cracked an eye open to see Simon gazing, misty eyed at the dancing girl. "And I knew that if one day she wanted to see real guys, then I'd be right there and she'd realize that I've always been there. But now she's enchanted by this blond tool, who'll only break her heart."
Simon sounded so miserable that Alec tried desperately to think of something to say, but he just wasn't good at that sort of stuff. He looked out onto the dance floor, at Clary who was spinning and laughing in Jace's arms. He wondered if she knew all the pain she was causing her friend, or if she was blind to his obvious devotion. As he watched, Jace lean forward and gently cupped the girls face with his hands. Alec could almost hear Simon's heart break as their lips touched and their bodies entwined. Alec felt the boy next to him stand up and he grabbed Simon's arm before he did something he would regret. Although Alec knew it would be hard on his friend, it was Clary's choice and she could kiss who she wanted.
However it suddenly seemed as if she didn't want to kiss Jace. After she had got past the initial shock of the kiss, she pushed on his chest and tried to pull away. Jace it appeared would have none of that, he clung onto her and kissed her desperately. Simon was there in an instant. He grabbed the blond and pulled him away from Clary, pushing him into the ground, hard. Alec ran after him, not wanting his friends to get hurt.
When he got there, Simon was hitting Jace with all his strength shouting, "you bastard, don't you ever touch her again." Alec looked at Clary, who looked a little shaken, but mostly ok and they came to a silent agreement. The two of them separated the fighting boys and stood between them. Simon was still breathing heavily, his eyes mad. "I can't believe you!" Clary shouted.
To Alec's surprise, she wasn't shouting at his roommate but at her bespectacled saviour. "ME!" Simon exclaimed incredulously, "I just got that jerk of you."
Clary refused to meet his eyes, "it's none of your business who I kiss and I am perfectly capable of looking after myself," she stormed off into an adjoining room, followed by a protesting Simon.
Alec watched them go before looking down at Jace. The blond was still sat on the floor looking miserable and ashamed. Alec offered him a hand and Jace took it gratefully. "Look Alec," he pleaded, "I didn't mean to hurt her or anything I just…...well it's just I've never felt this way about a girl before. She's so different and...beautiful," his eyes misted and he seemed scared, "I just don't know what to do." He looked desperately at Alec, "Do you? I mean you seem like a long term relationship kind of guy."
Alec's stomach sank, he wasn't ready to tell Jace about his preference for guys, but maybe he could tell him a little. "Well actually," he said uncomfortably, "I've never had a relationship, or anything like that."
Jace looked slightly surprised at this but then gave Alec a small smile, "don't sweat it man, I've never had a proper relationship either, so I guess we're both pretty clueless."
Alec nodded in agreement. "I guess I should probably go apologize," Jace murmured and Alec almost didn't hear him. "Yer, you should," He agreed, giving Jace an encouraging slap on the back. The blond gulped, looking uncharacteristically nervous, before heading in the same direction as Simon and Clary.
Alec watched him go, now alone on the dance floor. He hated having to conceal everyone's secrets. It was as if he had a massive sign saying "trust me" strapped to his chest. He knew about Magnus' likes and past friendship with Camille, Simon's love for his best friend and now Jace's vulnerable side. Didn't he have enough secrets of his own, without having to bear other people's. It suddenly became too hot in the room and Alec scrambled for the door.
The Garden was cool, quiet and empty. Alec felt his frantic mind begin to calm and he leaned against the picket fence. He supposed that there was a positive side to everyone telling him things. It meant that he knew more about the people around him and it helped him form stronger relationships (something he wasn't alway so good at).
It was then that he remembered Magnus' story about how he and Camille used to argue over the fence that separated their garden's. He backed up and craned his neck to see over the high wooden barrier.
He could see a grand house, or to be more accurate: mansion, surrounded by a lush Garden with luxurious features. The house was massive with three stories and numerous windows. However at that moment it was dark and apparently abandoned...except for one window, closest to Camille's, that was lit by a dim orange light. And as Alec looked closer he noticed that on the sill of the window sat a figure. Tall and alone, his legs swinging off the edge and his eyes fixed on the party. With a shock Alec realized it was Magnus.
He wanted to call out, but something held him back. Magnus seemed so deep in thought, so lost that Alec was afraid that the man wouldn't even recognise him. So Alec simplify stepped away towards the heat and music behind him and away from Magnus Bane. But just before he could be re-absorbed into the noise and laughter, he felt eyes on him.
The boy on the window sill was no longer staring into space and was instead looking right at him. Alec gazed right back, unable to move or speak. Then, without breaking eye contact, Magnus lifted a long finger and beckoned Alec closer.
A/N
Hi guys, hoped you liked this chapter, although the quality of writing dropped a bit near the end.
So a couple of days ago I bought the City of Heavenly Fire (wild fangirling) and began to read it. Unfortunately I only got a couple of hundred pages in when my mother took it away. She says I'm not allowed to read it until my exams are done, so hopefully I'll get it on the 6th, or if not, the 13th (big difference). I guess she does have a point as I only get to do my GCSE's once. SO PLEASE NO SPOILERS. But from the tiny bit I've read, it's amazing and there's an abundance of Malec feels.
Also if you've read "the perks of being a wallflower" (or watched the awesome film) then you might notice that Alec is similar to Charlie in how he carries everyone's secrets.
Reviews:
Putty Tat Lion- Nice to see you again, thanks for reading and reviewing and don't worry, I will never give up.
tmilover122- NOT YET! but yes It looks AMAZING!
RangerofFiction- Cheers, I have plans for this story and thank YOU for reading xx
SaveMeI'mFalling- More secrets from Magnus are coming soon :) and I promise they'll be juicy
dancing slowly- i love writing in Magnus' POV, and next chap will be in Magnus' is a dark secret and I have already written a dramatic, emotional scene that will appear later…...so keep reading :)
adelsaro- Alec's little slip of the tongue was rather amusing and more fighting to come.
Phantom of the Claw- omg, she loves me *swoon*, but seriously, thanks for reading x
MagnusBane800- I'm glad I made you giggle, it's one of my main aims in life ;)
Thanks for the review lovelies, until next time, which might be longer as I want to read COHF first.
Lots of Virtual love
Amy
xxx