Chapter 8

Unforced

Copyright: Sadly I do not own Mortal Instruments, Cassandra Clare does. But, all original ideas and concepts are the intellectual property of me.

I would just like to quickly thank all you wonderful people who have reviewed, alerted, and favourited this story, you guys are extremely amazing. And just thanks to anyone who has been sticking with me through all of this, I wouldn't be able to do it without all of you. I would also like to thank my amazing beta Puckleberry .G, the woman is absolutely amazing. Anyway, here you go and hopefully you guys like it.

Songs:

Amazing-Hedley

You and Me-Lifehouse

Twilight-Thriving Ivory

(Three of my top 10 favourite bands right there. Please do listen to the rest of their music. They are amazing.)

You and I-Bare

(Just for fun. Amazing musical by the way and expect to probably see it a lot in coming chapters. This musical is on my writing playlist and gives me inspiration whenever I write. Listen to the music in it and you'll probably get an idea of what I mean.)

Alec sat on his bed staring at the ceiling. Magnus was at class and the dorm was peacefully silent except for the sporadic purring of Chairman Meow. Alec hadn't had much ambition that day to do anything except lay there replaying the last six days in his head. It still felt like he was in a dream, and with each passing second he found himself being dragged further and further down into the white oblivion. He didn't feel worthy of the happiness the last six days had brought him. He had spent every possible moment he could with Magnus who had grown to be everything he could have imagined.

Magnus made Alec feel safe in a world full of hatred and judgment. He stole away all of his fears of who he was and slowly, Alec was beginning to forget about other people. They hadn't gone public with anything yet and Alec was okay with that. Magnus had said to him that they would take baby steps. Alec felt bad, like he wasn't living up to what Magnus wanted. But Magnus never once appeared to regret being with Alec and not once did he look disappointed. He told Alec that he had been him once and it was hard to adjust to such a new experience. Magnus had been great in helping him adjust. His fears were being alleviated, but they were not gone and they still haunted him wherever he went.

It had all happened so fast and Alec was still trying to wrap his head around it. The way he felt for Magnus was not only foreign but it was beautiful and ferocious and completely and utterly undeniable. All his feelings he had had for Jace now seemed childish and insignificant. All he had had on Jace was a childhood crush that was his way of coping with who he was. He felt relieved to feel his emotions for Jace subsiding and new emotions for Magnus taking over. It wasn't easy to know he liked Magnus but it was easier than liking Jace.

Alec's phone went off on his bedside table to Isabelle's ringtone. Alec smiled. He hadn't spoken to his sister in two weeks, as the both of them had been busy with school… and boys. Alec picked up the phone, hitting the talk button.

"Hey Iz, how are you doing?"

"Wonderful. And you?"

"Never been better." Alec sat up, stretching his neck as he spoke.

"Huh? Wouldn't have anything to do with that Anna chick would it?"

He and Anna actually hadn't been too bad recently. They had talked in class and, despite being in the second most uncomfortable position of his life, things were okay. Anna had come to terms with the fact that Alec didn't like her that way and they had decided to build a friendship. Things were good, or at least better than Alec thought they'd be.

"I see Jace wasted no time telling you about her."

"Well yeah, it's kind of a big deal. I love you bro and you know I want the best for you, but she's so out of your league she's Pluto."

"Thanks Iz. You and Jace really know how to make a guy feel good."

"It's one of my many skills. As for Jace, he doesn't swing that way unless he's extremely drunk. Now dish, I want to know about her."

"There's honestly nothing to know. We're just friends. There's nothing more between us."

"Okay then, any other girls?" Alec knew exactly where this was heading and he knew Isabelle meant it in all the good ways. He knew she knew about him even though he had never directly told her. But he had to give her credit for having figured it out. He never really feared Isabelle's judgment because he knew she knew and she hadn't treated him any differently. She still treated him the same as always and that was one of the many reasons he loved his sister. No matter what, he always knew she'd accept him.

"No."

"Any boys?" she asked playfully.

Alec didn't answer as his heartbeat quickened.

"Oh my god there is! Alec, spill! What's his name?" Isabelle's voice conveyed the same excitement Alec would have expected if Magnus was a girl and it was enlightening.

"Magnus." The biggest weight lifted from his shoulders with that one word. He had told someone. The one thing he was so scared of doing he had done. He had told his sister, the one person he had been the closest to-next to Jace- his whole life. Telling Isabelle felt amazing. Telling her felt like one more step out of the closet of fully accepting who he was. But there were still a few more steps and Alec wasn't willing to take those yet. "Please don't tell anyone," he pleaded.

"Why would I do that?"

"Because you have a tendency to forget to filter your words."

"Alec, I can keep a secret; especially if it's yours. I've been keeping the big one for two years already." The sincerity in her voice touched Alec. "Look, you're my brother and I love you; more than I care to admit sometimes, but I still love you. This is your secret to tell and I understand that perfectly. But as your sister Alexander I am entitled to be excited for you and I am also entitled to give you advice so you don't screw it up. So no, I won't tell anyone, and yes, you will tell me everything. Now start talking. What does he look like?"

Alec smiled. He really couldn't have asked for a better sister, even if she did drive him crazy three quarters of the time. "Beautiful. Amazing. Perfect. And about another 1000 words. He's…"

"Oh my god!" Isabelle's voice pierced though the phone catching Alec off guard.

"Why are saying 'oh my god'?"

"He's the sexy one you were staring at when we were there isn't he? The one at the tree with that slutty blonde on his arm."

"Yes, he is." Alec bit his lip. "You noticed that?"

"I noticed him. Then I noticed you looking at him. I really didn't think you had it in you Alec. I'm impressed."

"Thanks, I guess."

"So how'd it happen? And start from the beginning."

Alec sighed, as Isabelle was known for interrupting stories a million times if she thought you were leaving something important out. Alec took a deep breath as he started from the beginning, feeling slightly uncomfortable at first. It felt weird talking about it. He had never verbally expressed his feelings except to Magnus and it was weird enough to say them to someone else let alone his sister. But as the seconds passed, he grew more comfortable. Talking to Isabelle may be a hassle sometimes but she was a good ear when she wanted to be.

Alec finished his story, having had Isabelle interrupt only twice. He took a deep breath, exhausted and tired from the long story of the last month.

"I'm really happy for you Alec."

"Seriously?"

"Well I'm not saying it to waste my breath if that's what you think. Seriously Alec, I'm happy for you. When I complain about your moping it's because I see that you're not happy. You just always looked like you were living life in a fog and there was no happiness there. I never meant to be a pain in the butt, well maybe a little; I just wanted to try and kick-start you. I was tired of seeing you sad Alec. But now I hear a happiness in your voice that I haven't heard for years. I can tell that Magnus makes you happy and I'm hearing the Alec I used to know. I give the man a medal for ending your moping, I do." Isabelle paused. "But really, I am so happy for you and I will not tell anyone until you're ready."

"Thank you."

"Now don't be afraid of what you are Alec because it is beautiful, and I'm sure Magnus would agree with me." Alec looked up as the dorm door opened. Magnus walked inside, a smile on his face and a song on his lips. His hair had been straightened that day and hung in loose strands around his face. He had lidded his eyes with dark eyeliner and a small amount of glitter-which was a surprise-and he accented it with a dark blue jacket and silver skinny jeans. He looked beautiful in Alec's eyes, just as he always did. Magnus looked over at him with his glittered eyes, registered he was on the phone and continued to just give him a wink as he went about throwing his book bag on the ground.

"Speaking of Magnus, is that him?"

"Yes."

Isabelle squealed with excitement. "Put him on the phone."

Alec groaned. "Izzy, talking to you has been great but I don't know if Magnus would concur." Magnus looked over at him when he heard his name, an eyebrow cocked in questioning.

"Just put him on the phone. I want to talk to him."

"If you say anything bad…"

"Don't worry, I'll keep the embarrassing stories for Christmas dinner," she joked.

"Izzy, if you dare," Alec warned.

"I won't. Just put him on." Isabelle's voice had moved to sincerity. "Please."

Alec looked at Magnus who had proceeded to fix his makeup at his desk. Alec didn't know why he put the makeup on, he looked beautiful without it. But, it was Magnus and Alec liked him either way.

"Fine." There was no saying 'No' to Isabelle when she wanted something.

"Magnus?"

Magnus looked up from his desk. "Yes darling?"

"Um…my sister wants to talk to you."

...

Magnus cocked an eyebrow yet again as he stood up. He walked over to Alec, taking the phone from Alec's hand. This was sure to be interesting.

"Hello."

"Hi Magnus. I'm Isabelle, Alec's sister."

"Yes, he's said a lot about you."

"Good things I hope."

"Very good things. And if you look anything like your brother then I wouldn't doubt a word he says."

"A man who knows how to make a woman feel good. I like you. But tell me, do you know how to make my brother feel good?" Isabelle questioned earnestly.

"No complaints so far." Magnus looked at Alec who was biting his fingernail nervously. He smiled at his boyfriend's quirk. What could Isabelle possible say to him that was that bad?

"So what do want with my brother? A friend with benefits? A lover?"

"I want many things with your brother Isabelle. I want a friendship, I want a serious relationship and I want him. I know that what you're doing is looking out for your brother but I promise you I won't hurt him. I like him, a lot, and at this moment I don't want to hurt or lose him." Magnus met Alec's wide eyes as he spoke. "I care for him and I won't make him do anything he doesn't want to do. You have nothing to fear Isabelle. I will take care of him."

A few seconds passed before Isabelle spoke. "I never thought Alec would find someone like you."

"Well, with those sweaters finding someone can be pretty difficult," Magnus teased as Alec turned red.

Isabelle laughed. "You really care for my brother?"

"More than he knows." Magnus and Alec looked into each other's eyes as he spoke. He saw the questions swirl in Alec's blue eyes as he felt his heartbeat skip. Looking into those eyes Magnus couldn't help but think that he was the luckiest man alive to have Alec as his.

"Well just so you know, if you hurt my brother I will hunt you down and kill you. I will break each of your limbs before I castrate you and stab you in the heart." Her words were coated with more force and meaning than Magnus had ever heard. As much as he headed her words he also felt a happiness swell inside of him to know Alec had a sister than cared this much about him. "Do you understand?"

"Completely."

"Good." The cheerfulness returned to Isabelle's voice now that she was done playing the overprotective sister. "Now, what do you think of a shopping date next time I come down?"

Magnus smiled. He liked this woman. "Now you're speaking my language. That sounds like a beautiful idea."

"Great. Talk to you later Magnus, and tell Alec I love him."

"I will."

Isabelle hung up as Magnus followed her actions, handing the phone over to Alec. Alec grabbed it tentatively. "Did she scare you away?"

"Well she did tell me that if I hurt you she would break each of my limbs, castrate me, and then stab me in the heart. Oh, and then she told me to tell you she loves you."

"Oh god." Alec buried his head in his hands as his face flushed red. "She did scare you away."

Magnus sat down on the bed in front of Alec, placing a hand on his to pull them away from his face. "She didn't scare me away. I think it's cute that she's so protective of you."

"Yeah, but it's my job to be the protective one, not her."

"She's allowed Alec. It's what siblings do."

Alec looked up into Magnus' eyes. "Do you have any siblings Magnus?"

"No." And it's a good thing I didn't. Magnus looked away slightly. He hated talking about family. He knew Alec was curious but there were some skeletons that needed to stay in the closet. Hashing up his family history was not a good idea and he hoped Alec could accept that.

"Why do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Get that distant look on your face every time I ask you about your family?" Alec asked innocently.

Magnus sighed softly, looking up at Alec. He searched Alec's eyes slowly. "Alec, there are some things that are better left unsaid. Maybe one day I will tell you, but at this moment I can't. Do you understand?"

"Yes," Alec said. "If you don't want to tell me that's ok, but know I'll be here if you ever want to."

Magnus smiled weakly, rubbing his hand up Alec's arm. The contact sent electric waves through his body as his breath caught in his throat. "I know." I know. He wanted to tell Alec but it just wasn't that easy. But knowing Alec was there, ready to hear it all, made Magnus feel better. One day he'd tell him, just not today.

Magnus closed the small distance between their bodies, capturing Alec's lips with his own. The kiss was soft, just grazing the top of his need. He wanted Alec, more than he had ever wanted anyone else and it as like he said to Isabelle, he didn't want to lose or hurt Alec. He pulled away. He moved to Alec's neck, his teeth nipping the soft skin. His hands traced up Alec's biceps, caressing the lean muscle beneath them. Alec felt so good against him. It felt perfect, unlike anything he had ever experienced.

Alec fell against the pillow as Magnus pushed him down onto the bed. Their eyes met as a smile crossed Magnus' face.

"Do you know how lucky you make me feel?"

"No."

He smiled. "Very."

Alec blushed as Magnus closed the distance once again, this time kissing Alec more deeply than he had before. The kiss was passionate, filling him with an intense feeling of happiness. His tongue slipped through Alec's lips, caressing the sharp ends of his teeth. Magnus moved his hands to Alec's sides, caressing his hands up and under his shirt to lay against Alec's cool skin. The feel of Alec beneath him was amazing and he could only imagine what it would feel like to have all of Alec's skin against his own. He knew Alec wasn't ready for that and he was okay with that because right now he had all he needed.

Magnus pulled away, his tongue slipping out of Alec's mouth slowly. He placed one more soft kiss to Alec's lips before meeting his eyes. "Let me take you on a date tomorrow night."

"What?"

"You heard me." Magnus took Alec's hand in his own, staring at their entwined hands before looking back at him. "So will you let me?"

"Yeah. Ok. Where?"

"Well my love, you will just have to wait to find out." Magnus placed Alec's hand behind his head, holding it there as he kissed Alec yet again. They remained that way in perfect bliss for the rest of the day, savouring the moment together.

"Really? Do you have to blindfold me?" Alec asked, standing who knew where as he listened to Magnus move about.

"Yes, darling, I do."

Alec groaned. He knew he was outside, the cool autumn air told him that much. There was no noise but the sound of breathing, his beating heart, and Magnus' movement. When Magnus had said he was going to take him on a date he wasn't sure what to expect. But the thought of spending a romantic night together was wonderful. He'd been anxious all day and it didn't help that Magnus wouldn't tell him what they were doing.

"Alright. We're good." Alec flinched when he suddenly felt Magnus' hands reach behind his head to untie the blindfold, which was actually a very glittery blue scarf that was amazingly soft.

The scarf fell from Alec's face as he was blinded by the onslaught of the different lighting. He stood on a hill overlooking the city skyline and above him sparkled dozens of stars. One single tree was planted on the hill and underneath it Magnus had set up a blanket, a basket, and lanterns that shone brightly in the night. It was beautiful. It was not what Alec had expected and yet it was perfect.

Alec smiled, looking at Magnus. He felt his heart swell in his chest. "It's beautiful."

"I knew you'd like it." Magnus grinned. "See, corny or not twenty questions does have its benefits."

Alec blushed. Magnus had asked him to describe his perfect date location and at the time he hadn't thought anything of it, but now he understood perfectly the meaning behind Magnus' asking.

Magnus met Alec's gaze as he placed the scarf around Alec's neck.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm fixing your wardrobe darling." Magnus wrapped the scarf around his neck, fixing it before stilling his hands on Alec's chest. "I told you this was your colour." Magnus pulled on the scarf, taking Alec to him as he pressed his lips against his. The kiss was soft and slow and Alec knew that that night would be perfect. It was his first date, his first boyfriend, and the first time he had ever felt for someone the way he did for Magnus.

Magnus pulled away, both of them smiling. He took Alec's hand in his, leading him over to the blanket and food he had set up. They both sat down as Magnus took out a bottle of champagne. He poured two glasses, handing one to Alec. He held his up in the air as he looked at Alec. "To us and new beginnings."

Alec smiled, hitting his glass on Magnus' before taking a sip. He looked at Magnus over the glass, feeling the champagne flow through his body. The moon reflected off Magnus, glistening in the deep green of his eyes. The glitter sparkled marvelously against his tan skin and Alec wished at that moment he hadn't failed at art as a child so he could draw him.

Magnus put down his glass to grab the food and Alec watched him. His heart was racing about a million miles an hour. He had never done something like this before and he was scared of making a mistake. What if he didn't live up to Magnus' expectations and he disappointed him? What if he messed up? He tried to calm his nerves and focus on the good thoughts flowing through his mind. It all just felt so surreal and so amazing. Sitting there on the hill, with only Magnus and the stars as company, the whole world drained away. He didn't care about what the people below thought; he just cared what Magnus thought. He just wanted to be with Magnus and enjoy that moment with him as long as he could. He was happy. He was always so scared he would never be happy because of who he was, but here he was. Happy.

...

"And there's Libra," Alex pointed out, tracing the stars in the sky. He looked over at Magnus who was watching him with interest. "What?"

"I just think it's adorable that you know so much about the stars when I can't even find the Big Dipper."

"It was a hobby when I was younger." Alec blushed.

"Any others?"

"Many. Like, did you know that the guy who voiced Bugs Bunny was actually allergic to carrots? It's pretty ironic."

Magnus laughed, shaking his head. "No. I did not." He met Alec's gaze, raising a hand to brush a loose strand of black hair behind Alec's ear. He left his hand there as he propped himself up on his elbow. He looked down at Alec who, in the moonlight, looked just as beautiful as ever. Their night together had been everything Magnus had wanted and more. He felt so at ease with Alec and everything around him just seemed to slip away. He wasn't scared of what Alec would think or what might happen but was simply happy in that moment. His heart felt like it was alive in his chest, a quality it hadn't had for years. He felt like Alec was breaking through everything he had put up to protect his heart. He had never let his guard down with anyone, and now, here with Alec, it was slipping out of his hands. He was scared of what might happen if Alec got all the way through. Everyone who his heart had known had left him and he couldn't bear losing another person. He couldn't bear losing Alec if his heart ever came to know him. He needed to know that if he was going to fall for Alec, that it would be the right thing to do.

"Alec, what do you want?"

"What do you mean?" Alec looked at Magnus quizzically.

"Between us. What do you want?"

"Magnus, why are asking me this?" Alec propped himself up on his elbow to better meet Magnus' eyes.

"I just want to know." Magnus searched Alec's eyes as he waited for an answer. His heart caught in his chest. What was Alec going to say? He wanted Alec to say something that mirrored what he wanted. He wanted to know if both their heart's were falling together.

Maybe he doesn't feel the same way.

He will. He has to.

Magnus could only hope that he did.

"I want everything I have right now, right here. I want you. I want you and nothing else. I want to continue to feel like this is the happiest moment of my life and I want to hold onto it for as long as I can. I want it to just be you and me, together."

Yeah, his heart was falling. It was falling and it was falling hard.

Damn it.

When he had found himself liking Alec he had never thought it would become what it was now. He pretty much thought Alec would deject him or turn out to be straight. He had never thought to be here with him, underneath a rare star streamed sky wanting nothing more than to just be with him. He had never thought it was possible to fall so hard so fast, yet here he was, a complete example of that.

With anyone else, Magnus would have gone running but with Alec, he didn't want to run. He wanted to stay and make him a part of his life. Magnus wanted to protect his heart and yet he was thinking he wanted to let Alec in. His heart was telling him to go for it, and if his heart said so, he'd do it.

"Are you sure?"

"I've never been more sure."

Magnus smiled, looking at the adorable blue-eyed boy he got to call his own. "You know, once you've had me in your life there's no going back."

"I think I'll live." Alec bit his lip. "Now just kiss me."

"Well, since you asked." They both smiled as Magnus closed the distance between them to kiss Alec. He placed a hand on Alec's back to pull him closer as the kiss slowly intensified with undeniable passion. Alec's tongue slipped through his lips, sliding over his teeth and rubbing at his gums, apparently more daring than he normally was. Magnus savoured every second of it and quickly gave himself over to the moment.

Alec pushed harder into the kiss, the intensity between them becoming almost unbearable. Alec's hand fell on Magnus' neck, tracing through his hairline to grab his hair. Alec pulled lightly, and with the connection already between them and the hard bulge against his leather pants, it was enough to push Magnus over the edge.

"Oh, god," he moaned against Alec's mouth.

Alec pulled away quickly, embarrassment on his face. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, you did everything right. I swear you're out to torture me."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I…"

"Just shut up." Magnus smiled as he took Alec's lips in his again, this time shifting their weight so that he was overtop of Alec. One hand went to the ground next to Alec's head while the other went to Alec's hip. He pushed harder into the kiss, letting it overtake his senses. Sparks flew between their bodies and Magnus felt happier than he had felt in years. He gave himself over to Alec as Alec did the same to Magnus, both their hearts melding together in the cold midnight.

Magnus snaked his hand up under Alec's side as Alec's hands went up Magnus' back. One of Alec's hands found its way into his hair as Magnus moaned against Alec's mouth. He pushed his hips against Alec's lightly, his whole body craving contact with Alec's.

The cold air nipped at his skin, cooling the electric heat pulsing through his veins. He never wanted the kiss to end. The contact with Alec made Magnus feel free and safe and at peace with everything. Alec made him feel alive and he made him feel like everything just didn't matter. He made him feel like for once in his life he had made a good choice.

Alec pulled away softly. "Magnus?"

"Yes my love?"

"Thank you." Alec trailed his hand absentmindedly through Magnus' hair, twisting a finger around a long strand.

"For what?"

"For the best night of my life."

"Oh sweetheart, there'll be many more of those to come." Magnus smiled and in his heart he knew this was the right thing to do. Being here, with Alec, was perfect.

So, was it good? I'd love it if you'd leave a review, it would really make my day. Anyway, thank you so much to everyone who is reading and I will get the next chapter up as soon as I can, which will be sometime before Christmas when my life gets crazy. But thanks for reading my lovely readers, you are all awesome.

Be the change,

Amber