Chapter 33

Unawakened

Hey everyone! I'm back! First off, thanks so much for all the reviews, favourites, and alerts last chapter. They were exactly what I needed to make my stressful life better right now. You all make my life so thank you so much for reading and for just being amazing. But now, this chapter took a little bit longer due to the material, which you'll see. It took me awhile before it felt right, and it also involved a lot of tears. But again thank you for reading and I hope you like it.

WARNING: Chapter includes possible triggers, including violence, homophobic terms, and bullying. Please do not read if this will affect you.

Songs:

Echo-Jason Walker

The Kill Acoustic-30 Seconds to Mars

"I can't do this."

"Yes you can."

"No, I can't."

Magnus paced nervously back and forth in the bathroom of the Art Gallery, his black boots leaving treads in the linoleum floor. Alec stood watching him, trying his best to settle Magnus' nerves. Magnus hadn't been able to bring himself to go into the gallery yet. When they were back at the apartment Magnus couldn't have been more excited and Alec had thought Magnus' nerves had completely dissipated. And he was fine until they got there. But then he saw the dozens of people and he found the excuse that he needed to use the bathroom. 15 minutes later, here they were.

Alec grabbed Magnus' hand, stopping him mid stroll. Magnus looked back at Alec, his normally calm, glowing eyes, a now frantic swirl of yellow and green. It was so unlike Magnus to be nervous. Hell if it weren't for what he was seeing now, he'd say Magnus didn't even know what it meant to be nervous. Magnus was always so confident in himself and his abilities that being nervous was about as rare as not wearing some form of glitter.

Alec pulled Magnus towards him, grabbing his other hand with his. They faced each other, their eyes meeting. "You can do it," he said, trying once again to reassure his boyfriend of his talents. He squeezed Magnus' hands, smiling. "You've no reason to be nervous. You wouldn't be here if you weren't good enough. So just go out there, flaunt your work, and show those people how amazing you are."

"But what if they don't like it?"

"Would you stop saying that? They'll like it. And wasn't it you who always told me, 'If they don't like it, then fuck them'? Stop thinking about what people will think baby. This night's about you, and I don't want you to spend it in here worrying." He moved his hands to Magnus' collar, adjusting it before laying his hands lightly on Magnus' shoulders. "I want you to spend it out there, doing what you are meant to do."

"And what's that?"

"Art. Your art." Alec smiled, catching the small shifts in Magnus' face that were the nerves going away. "This is a night for you to celebrate everything you've done, and I won't let you waste it, even if that means I have to tie you up and drag you out there myself."

Magnus' eyebrow shot up. "Tie me up? Baby, why didn't you just say so? I'm all yours." Magnus crossed his wrists, holding them up to Alec, a seductive glint in his eyes.

Alec laughed. "And he's back." Alec pulled Magnus' wrists apart, closing the last few inches between them. He wrapped his arms around Magnus' neck as Magnus wrapped his around Alec's waist, pulling him closer.

"Is that a good thing?" Magnus asked, his eyebrow arched. God, the things that just that eyebrow could do to Alec were unbelievable.

Alec nodded. "Mhm."

"Good," Magnus said. He leaned down, taking Alec's lips with his. Alec pushed into the contact, molding his body to Magnus' and embracing the moment. Their lips moved together in perfect harmony as Alec's hands found their usual spot and Magnus pushed him back up against the sink counter. Alec took this as Magnus having heard him. He could sense the confidence radiating off of Magnus again, and it was beautiful. Alec understood Magnus' nerves but he didn't want Magnus to give up opportunities because of them. Alec knew that Magnus knew he was an amazing artist, even if he didn't always admit it to himself.

"We should get back to the gallery," Alec said between kisses as Magnus' hands trailed the edge of Alec's pants, tugging ever so lightly at his dress shirt. Alec knew Magnus got some sort of thrill out of doing things they shouldn't in places they shouldn't, but here was definitely not the place. Alec didn't care how badly Magnus' body was calling out to him and how badly his wanted to oblige.

"It can wait," Magnus said quickly, nipping at Alec's bottom lip. His hands tugged a little harder, wanting more.

Alec pulled away completely, placing his hands between them, as much as he really didn't want to. "No, it can't. And you know that."

"But..."

"Magnus."

"Fine," Magnus said, his face dropping. But then it slowly grew into a smile as he took a deep breath. "Alright, you're right. I can do this."

"Now that's what I've been waiting to hear." Alec smiled, placing another quick kiss to Magnus' lips before turning him towards the door. "Now come on, go." And with that he laid a hard smack to Magnus' ass, pushing him forward.

Magnus looked back over his shoulder at Alec, that god damn eyebrow raised yet again. What the hell was he trying to do to him? "Are you trying to torture me?"

Oh yeah, because Alec was the one doing the torturing. The minute Magnus had walked out of the bedroom dressed in that outfit, Alec was being tortured. He'd been fighting the urge to fuck Magnus where he stood all night, and the night had barely begun. But one thing Alec had had to learn with Magnus was restraint, especially considering Magnus had no idea what the word even meant. If Alec hadn't learnt it Magnus would have already had him on the counter naked, his lips working wonders over Alec's body. Alec's body shivered at the image, but he pushed it away. No, not now. Later. Later he'd give Magnus exactly what he wanted.

"Tonight."

"Oh, is that a promise?"

Alec just nodded, placing his hands lightly on Magnus' shoulders and pushing him out of the bathroom.

They walked down the hallway in silence, Magnus walking tall and confident, his steps bringing a smile to Alec's face. Alec couldn't be happier that Magnus was being given a chance like this to showcase his art. Before Alec even knew Magnus he had fallen in love with his art, with just that simple little drawing. There was something about Magnus' art that was unique and rare. Alec would never claim to know anything about Magnus' art, but he did know about art; about the art of words. He knew what it meant to see something you created come alive in front of you. He knew that feeling, that thrill of creation. And there was something about art that if you weren't an artist you would never really understand. As much as art is a physical thing that you can make and look at and hold in your hand, art is a part of the soul. Art is the extension of the artist. It's not just some beautiful picture or catchy song, but it's a part of you, and when it came to Magnus and art, his work was him. It wasn't just a part of him, but it was everything he'd been, everything he was, and everything he was going to be. Magnus' art was more than just some lines and some paint, it was a story, each line circling into words upon the canvas. Alec had never seen an artist so devoted, so much a part of their art, as Magnus. Magnus was every line, every curve, every shaded space. He was his art and Alec couldn't be prouder to see Magnus finally being able to show the world all of him. And Alec knew that if Magnus' mother was here now, she couldn't have been more proud of her son.

They came to the gallery, molding into the crowd as they passed under the doorway. The crowd dispersed around them, people going to the art that first caught their eyes. It was a bit of a party around them, people just celebrating art and all that it represented in life. Alec watched the change in Magnus as he entered the room. He shone, and not just because he was a walking glitter bomb, but because Magnus had the kind of presence that just commanded a room. And people just naturally gravitated towards him in situations like these. This was his element and Alec could tell that Magnus was going to own the night.

Magnus looked down at him, smiling. He took Alec's hand and Alec's initial thought was to pull away out of habit, but he stopped. He didn't do that anymore. Instead he just smiled, squeezing Magnus' hand as Magnus started throughout the room. They didn't get far when Alec stopped, clenching Magnus' hand tighter. Magnus looked down at him, worried. He then followed Alec's eyes and suddenly moved in front of Alec to block Sebastian from view.

Magnus had told Alec that Sebastian would be there since he was one of the artists being represented. Alec had been okay with it then, or at least as okay as he could be, but being here, seeing him, that was different. Despite what had transpired a week before between them and Sebastian, Alec's heart still froze every time he saw him. Sebastian had refrained from saying anything to Alec, instead resorting to glaring at him from a distance, but Alec was still afraid. He didn't believe people changed, no matter what happened, so he still lived with the feeling that Sebastian wasn't done. And of course he knew, that even if Sebastian was done, there were still many more of him in the world.

"Baby, don't pay attention to him."

"And how am I supposed to do that?" Alec could see Sebastian behind Magnus' thin frame. He was glaring at them, his eyes a piercing black that made Alec shiver.

Magnus grabbed Alec's chin. "Look at me." He moved Alec's face so their eyes met. "I'm not going to let him do anything to you, I promise. He means nothing, you hear me?"

Alec just nodded.

"Good." Magnus moved his hand to tuck a strand of Alec's hair behind his ear, smiling softly. He kissed Alec lightly and it was enough to ease Alec's racing heart. Alec knew that as long as he had Magnus, no matter what happened, he would always be okay.

They continued through the room, Alec paying little attention to anyone but Magnus. On the other hand, Magnus greeted people Alec didn't know, spent a couple minutes in polite conversation with others, and when it came down to discussing his work, Alec had never seen Magnus so alive. Alec couldn't take his eyes off Magnus all night. He was mesmerized by the beauty of him, lost in each movement and each word.

As the night moved along, it became more and more about Magnus. Other artists fell along the wayside as teachers, artists, students, everyone gravitated to Magnus and his art. Alec just stood back and watched, all the while smiling and feeling his heart fly as Magnus did. Magnus was finally getting the attention he deserved.

"Thank you." Magnus smiled as the latest person to compliment his work walked away. He was seriously on cloud nine. The only other time he felt this alive was with Alec. And really, for the first time in his life he was actually proud of himself. No matter what people said to him over the years, he'd never quite seen what they did. But now, seeing all these people examining his work and loving it, it was like a dream come true. You'd think Magnus would have been proud of himself when he got into the art program at Idris, given how competitive it was, but he wasn't. Not really. But now he was because he was finally seeing that it wasn't just always going to be his mother and Alec who had loved his art. It was other people too, complete strangers who didn't know him but loved his art. They didn't care how dark some of the pieces were, but loved the story behind them and the ability to relate. They loved his art. They loved him.

'You'll be famous one day Magnus.'

'No I won't Mom.'

'Yes you will.'

Her words echoed through his head as another person stopped to examine a drawing he had done of his mother. She was standing on the beach, her arms wrapped around her against the night air as she looked out at the sunset. Magnus had many memories of his mother at the beach and he cherished every one of them. Those were the days they would run off and buy ice cream. Those were the days they would discuss superheroes and cartoons and pirates and art. Those were the days that the woman Magnus saw was the woman his mother was meant to be. Magnus had tried to capture her as best he could in that picture, drawing from memory all that he could. Originally he wasn't going to put the picture in the show given how personal it was to him, but after debating it for days, he'd entered it last minute. And now he was glad he did.

He swore he could almost feel her presence in the room. Magnus knew that this was where his mother always knew his life would take him. He wasn't famous yet but he was doing what he loved to do and had always dreamed to do. All those years ago he hadn't believed her, but now he was starting to. He was starting to see the path of his life that she had always seen. Maybe there was a chance that Magnus could be more. Maybe she had always been right. Well, not really maybe since he couldn't remember a time she'd been wrong.

"Did you have to put that picture in?"

Magnus snapped out of his reverie, his eyes moving from his mother's face to Alec's. Magnus smiled, knowing exactly what picture Alec was talking about. It was the one he'd done at Christmas when Alec had bought him the easel. Magnus knew Alec would object, which is why he hadn't mentioned it to him. But honestly, it was one of his best pieces and his professor had insisted he show it. So, he did. And Alec could complain all he wanted but people were loving it.

"Yep."

"But why? I'm a horrible subject. Surely you had better ones without me in them."

"Let me think... nope. Not really. All my best are of you."

"Liar."

"Nope. I am being completely honest. You're a beautiful subject Alec, and I wouldn't trade you for another one."

Alec flushed a fierce red, his eyes darting down in embarrassment.

"You're cute when you blush," Magnus said playfully.

"And you're lying again," Alec said, but not with much force. Alec knew he could fight Magnus as much as he wanted about not being as beautiful as Magnus said, but he would always lose.

"Am I? Well then..."

"This is very good work Bane. And you're a great subject Alec."

Magnus froze as that voice echoed through his ears. He had never wanted to hear it again, and he had sworn if he did it wouldn't be good.

Magnus turned to face Sebastian, quickly slipping his arm around Alec's waist, pulling him closer to his side in an act of protection. He met Sebastian's eyes, and they simply glared at each other for a few seconds, neither moving or even seeming to blink. There was an invisible battle occurring between them, their hatred for each other charging the air.

"Verlac," Magnus said as strained acknowledgment. "What the hell do you want?" Magnus fought the urge to snap on Sebastian, but held his ground. This was not the time nor the place for that.

"Bane, you make it sound like I'm here to do something bad. I'm offended." His voice was slick with confidence that made Magnus sick. The guy thought he could do whatever he wanted and get away with it. It was people like Sebastian that Magnus had fought his whole life, people like him who had made Magnus's childhood a living hell. "You know, I just came over here as an act of courtesy. I thought it would be nice to congratulate a fellow artist on their work. The people really seem to like it, you must be proud. But if you don't want to take the compliment, well then don't. That's your choice." Sebastian smiled as if he actually meant a single word he just said. His eyes darted to Alec and Magnus tightened his hold on him. "It was nice seeing you Alec. And I meant it, you make a great subject." And with that he smirked, turning around and leaving them.

"Magnus, you're hurting me."

"The fucking nerve. He actually had the nerve to come over here and compliment me. Well he can shove his compliment up his ass." Magnus shook with anger. The only thing holding him back from going after Sebastian was his hold on Alec.

"Magnus, you're hurting me."

"I'm going to fucking kill him."

"Magnus!"

Magnus stopped, his eyes finally going to Alec. It was then that he realized just how tightly he was holding Alec. He was pretty sure his fingers had left holes in Alec's skin. He hadn't meant to, but seeing Sebastian instantly sent Magnus into defence mode. He promised Alec nothing would happen to him, and so, Magnus was going to make sure nothing happened to him.

Magnus loosened his grip, dropping his arm from around Alec. "I'm sorry Alec."

"It's okay," Alec said, massaging his side with his hand. He looked off in the direction Sebastian had disappeared in but he was gone. Alec let out a deep breath as he looked back at Magnus. "Magnus he just did that to piss us off. He knew it would get a reaction from you. If you do anything you're giving him exactly what he wants." Alec moved his hands to Magnus' shoulders, massaging them softly. "Just relax. We can't let him ruin your night, you hear me?"

Magnus just nodded. He knew Alec was as shaken up as he was at that small interaction but Alec barely showed it. Magnus envied how easily Alec could be calm when he needed to be. When Magnus was feeling a certain way, people knew it; he had no mask to disguise his emotions as Alec was doing now. Alec was the more level headed of the two of them, the better at dealing with situations Magnus couldn't.

"Good." Alec leaned up, kissing Magnus quickly and softly, settling his racing heart. It was so easy to just forget everything, no matter how big, with just a brush of Alec's touch.

"Ew. Seriously you two. Get a room. Some of us here would like to preserve our eyesight."

Magnus looked towards the voice, laughing when he saw William and another man walking up to them. They were holding hands and Magnus couldn't help but smile. So he'd found someone else. Good. William deserved someone. He deserved to be happy.

"Fuck you Will."

"Not today Mag."

They both just smiled at each other and Magnus couldn't help but remember all the times they had together. Before Alec those had been the best years of his life, and he's always be thankful for them, and for Will.

"What are you doing here?"

"Oh well, you know we were just walking and we came upon the gallery, and I thought, 'Hey, let's go look at some art, cause you know we've got nothing better to do on a Saturday night.'"

"Really?"

"Yeah. Fancy seeing you here, huh? What a coincidence!"

"Yeah. What a coincidence."

They both smiled, sharing a small moment between them that neither boyfriend was privy too. Even though things fell apart, there was still something small between them, even if it would never again be big.

"No, I saw the poster around school with your name and I figured I'd come. Thought you might need some moral support if they didn't like it and you fell on your face."

"Oh, so you just assumed I would fall on my face?"

"When do I ever assume otherwise?"

"Never. And another thing you've always been quite constant at is your lack of manners. You've completely failed to introduce us." Magnus turned his gaze to the man next to William. He looked almost the complete opposite of Will. Where Will has dark hair, perfect tan skin, and deep ocean blue eyes, everything about the other boy was white, a startling contrast to Will. His skin seemed almost translucent, the only colour a faint red blush on his cheeks. His hair was white, some strands almost silver in the light. But the most startling was how pale of a grey his eyes were, looking almost completely drained of colour. He was actually quite a sight to see and Magnus could see how William would have been attracted to him. He was beautiful and Magnus' hands instantly itched to draw him. "I'm Magnus, and this is my boyfriend Alec."

"Jem." He bowed his head slightly at them both. He had an accent, English, Magnus guessed. His voice was almost musical, carrying a soft chime to it. It added to his beauty, a beauty that was very rare, and Magnus even doubted he'd be able to quite capture it on paper. There was just something about the boy, something so exotic and unique.

"Hey, I was getting there," said Will in defense.

"It's okay Will. It's a pleasure to meet you both. Your art is beautiful. I've never seen anything quite like it."

"Why thank you. I'm glad you like it."

"Jem's an artist too," said William.

"Really?"

Jem blushed slightly. "Not an artist, a musician. I play violin."

"And he's amazing. The best."

"No, I'm not." Jem blushed even deeper than before.

Magnus watched the exchange between them as Will tried to convince Jem he was the best, and couldn't help but smile. And he couldn't help but look at Alec and remember many of the same conversations. But looking at Will, he was happy. It was nice to see that Will had moved on from him. It was about time and Magnus didn't want Will to spend any more time wishing he had Magnus when he'd never have him again.

The rest of the night went by smoothly. Sebastian didn't say anything else to either one of them, and was, in fact, pretty non-existent for the rest of the night. Alec was able to go on breathing freely and with Magnus by his side, he was able to relax and not worry. He was able to watch Magnus take command yet again of the room and show everyone the artist Alec knew he was. Will and Jem didn't stay too long, just long enough to say hi, see the work, and compliment Magnus. Alec didn't mind Jem, he actually really liked him and as for Will, he'd figure that out some other time. It wasn't that he hated Will, he just didn't really like him. There was something about him that Alec just didn't like.

The gallery had started to clear out and all that remained was a couple of artists and professors. Alec looked over at Magnus and he was still smiling. Alec was sure his face was going to hurt tomorrow but for now, Alec was smiling with him. Magnus had been given enough praise that night to last most people a lifetime, and he deserved every single word of it. But now Alec really wanted to go home and show Magnus just how proud of him he was.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Someone's in a hurry."

"Not a hurry. I just wanted to get home." And the faster Alec got home, the happier he'd be. He'd had enough of other people for one night. Now all he wanted was to be alone with Magnus.

"You tired?"

"Try another adjective."

"Hungry?"

"Closer. You got the 'h' right."

"Oh." Magnus' eyebrows shot up. "Well, then let's go." He took Alec's hand and started out of the gallery. "Are you still going to tie me up?"

"What? No." Alec looked around to make sure no one heard Magnus, but he was sure no one had since Magnus had whispered it seductively in his ear.

"How about handcuffs?"

"No."

"How about..."

"Mr. Bane."

Alec and Magnus stopped, turning around to face Magnus' professor. Alec suddenly prayed she hadn't heard any of that.

"Can I talk to you for a few minutes?"

"Yeah sure."

"I'll just meet you outside," said Alec.

"Are you sure?

"Yeah, I'll see you in a few." Alec let go of Magnus' hand and turned to leave. He opened the gallery doors, stepping outside. He took a deep breath, letting the crisp Spring air fill his lungs. Personally, he found the gallery to be very stuffy and had been needing a breath of fresh air for hours. He'd also just been needing a breath in general and a minute to stop, think, and relax. He walked down the steps, taking a seat on a bench that sat against the gallery wall further down. The last of the students exited the doors behind him, laughing from the euphoria of the night as they headed back home. Alec watched them as they started down the sidewalk and he could swear he heard Magnus' name just as they turned the corner. Alec doubted they were saying anything bad. Magnus was the star of the night, and there was nothing more to it than that.

Alec looked down at the ground, kicking at a small rock as he took in the beauty of the night. It was a full moon and it shone brighter than all the lights around him. The leaves were a crisp green, just hitting their Spring peak. Birds and squirrels scuttled about around him and he watched, amused, as two squirrels chased themselves around the trunk of a nearby tree. These were the kind of peaceful moments when Alec wished he had Magnus' talent. To be able to just pick up a pencil and paper and capture anything you wanted. It must be an amazing feeling. For Alec, his artistic talent ended at stick people, which made him glad his parents had never wanted an artist child, because they definitely wouldn't have got one in him.

"It's a beautiful night isn't it?"

Alec's blood froze in his veins as his breath caught in his lungs.

"I always loved full moons."

Alec looked up to see a shadow coming slowly towards him. As he neared Alec, the moon caught his face and the black of his eyes reflected nothing; nothing but a deep endless pit. Alec stood up quickly, but he was rooted to the spot, unable to run. That look in Sebastian's eyes, it bred fear within Alec's soul. He suddenly wished he hadn't wanted a breath of fresh air that badly and had instead stayed with Magnus inside. Inside where it was safe. Inside where Sebastian couldn't hurt him. There was no one else around to see them, and despite the moon, Alec stood in the shadow of the gallery. And Magnus was upstairs so he wouldn't hear Alec if he screamed for him. Would anyone hear him?

No Alec, stop thinking like that. His imagination was getting away on him, running straight to the dark corners where fear thrived. Sebastian wasn't going to do anything. He wasn't. Alec kept telling himself that in his head, trying to force himself to believe it was true. Sebastian was all words, no action. He wouldn't hurt him. But Alec was having a hard time believing that.

"Just go away Sebastian." Alec's voice shook and he fought to gain control of it.

"Well that's not very nice Alec. I just wanted to talk." He kept coming closer, now only a few metres away from Alec.

"About what?"

"About you." Sebastian's voice snaked from his lips, wrapping around Alec and constricting the fear inside of him, holding it there so Alec couldn't let it go.

Sebastian took a few more steps, closing the distance between them. And that was when Alec snapped, turning to move and run for the gallery doors. Sebastian moved too, faster, cutting Alec off. Alec moved to go the other way but stopped when Sebastian slammed him up against the wall. Alec's head hit off the bricks, sending a shot of pain through his body that mixed with the increasing rate of his frantic heart.

Sebastian pushed his body into Alec's, holding him there. His face was only a few inches from Alec's and Alec couldn't even force himself to look away. He found himself staring deep into the dark abyss that was Sebastian's eyes, and he found the fear growing inside of him, taking over every inch of his body. He wanted to scream but his voice caught in his throat. He wanted to run but his legs were stone beneath him. He felt like he was living one of his nightmares. This was what he had always feared. He felt trapped and he could see in Sebastian's eyes what was coming. He had known all along. This had always been Sebastian's plan and now Alec was stuck with nowhere to run and no one to hear him.

He closed his eyes, praying that maybe this was just a dream. Maybe he'd fallen asleep on the bench and now his fears from earlier that night were manifesting in his sleep. Yeah, that was it. This was just a dream.

Just a dream...

"Open your eyes!" Sebastian grabbed him, slamming his body against the wall again. Alec's eyes opened to stars as the pain rushed through him. His head throbbed at the repeated contact with the brick and the world around him seemed to swirl for a minute. "Look at me."

Alec couldn't. His head hung as he tried to gain his bearings. What should he do? Should he scream? No one would hear him. There was no one around. But maybe Magnus would hear him from upstairs. Or maybe he was he was just coming down the stairs and he would be there in a few seconds. It was only supposed to be a few minutes right? Magnus would be there.

Magnus would...

"You fucking fag! Look at me!" Sebastian grabbed his face, his fingers digging into Alec's skin as he forced Alec's head up. Their eyes met and Alec had never felt so cold. All warmth drained through his fingertips, leaving Alec empty and cold, except for the fear that hung on tightly to every inch of his being.

"Did you really think you could keep away from me forever? Did you really think you could just hide behind that disgusting boyfriend of yours?" Sebastian sneered at him, his fingers digging deeper as he kept Alec's gaze with his. Alec didn't even consider closing his eyes again out of fear. He laughed, a dark sinister laugh that froze Alec to the bone. "You're fucking pathetic." Sebastian dropped his hand and Alec's head fell too. But just as Alec got a second of relief all the air was knocked from his lungs as Sebastian's fist connected with his face. Pain whipped through him as he lost his footing and fell to the ground. He threw out his hands to catch himself, twisting his wrist underneath his weight. He fought back the scream of pain that threatened to escape his lips. No, he wouldn't give Sebastian that. Sebastian wanted to hear him scream, wanted to see him in pain, and he was going to try his best not to give him that.

"Fucking fag!" Sebastian kicked Alec in the ribs, flipping him over onto his back as all the air escaped his bloody lips. Tears threatened to fall but Alec fought them back. No. He wasn't going to be weak. He wasn't going to give Sebastian the satisfaction. But Alec shut his eyes again and prayed to the God that he didn't believe in that this was just a dream. He just wanted to wake up and find himself in those familiar canary yellow blankets, Magnus' arms wrapped him, holding him tight. There he was safe, away from the pain and those dark dark eyes. But as he closed his eyes, the darkness reminded him of those eyes. The darkness was those eyes. There was no escape. No escape but Magnus' arms, and those were far from Alec's reach.

"Magnus..." Alec started, wanting to call out for him, but his voice was rough and broken in his throat.

"Shut up." Sebastian's foot connected with Alec's throat, pushing against Alec's windpipe, forcing the air from his lungs. Alec struggled for breath as Sebastian leaned in closer to him, his weight pushing even harder on Alec's throat. Alec grasped at Sebastian's foot with his hands, trying to pull him off.

"Stop...," he struggled, the word coming out rough and quiet.

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. Speak louder princess." He pushed harder, his shoe cutting into Alec's skin.

"Stop..." Even Alec could barely hear it. It sounded weak to his ears and completely drowned out by the sound of his racing heart. Magnus, he called out, screaming in his head for him. Where was he? He was only supposed to be a few minutes.

"I'll stop when I feel like it." He straightened, taking his foot off of Alec's throat.

Alec coughed, curling over onto his side as he tried to breathe through the pain. Air came in piercing intervals, scraping like nails down his injured windpipe. Alec was seeing stars as his body screamed for release from the pain, from the fear. He just wanted it to be over. Couldn't it just be over? Couldn't he just wake up now? And Magnus...

Alec let out a cry of pain as yet again Sebastian's foot made contact with his ribs. Alec curled in on himself, trying to push the pain away.

"I wonder, where's your boyfriend now, huh?" He kicked again and this time the sound of Alec's cracking rib resonated in the darkness. Alec bit back a cry, forcing more blood to rush into his mouth. He spit out the blood as he took in staggered breaths, fighting for air that never seemed to come. "Not here to protect you is he? How pathetic."

Alec placed his hands underneath him, trying to force himself to stand. He had to get up. He had to get to away, to Magnus. Sebastian kicked him again and Alec collapsed, his body giving out beneath him. "Please stop." But he knew his words were lost to Sebastian, heard only by the ground beneath his beaten body.

"I wonder what he'll think when he finds you. Probably break his pathetic heart. Poor Magnus, couldn't protect his little boyfriend. He should know that threats mean nothing to me. Especially from fucking queers like you." He kicked Alec again, this time harder than he had before, channeling all his anger into his strength. Alec finally let the cry past his lips as the pain tore straight through his body. He heard Sebastian laugh behind him and Alec hated himself for giving him that satisfaction. "Get up."

Alec looked up at Sebastian above him, his figure illuminated by the moon. He tried to stand. He had to. He had to run, or try to, and that meant he had to stand up. The door was right there; just a few metres away and he'd be safe. But as he tried to stand, his bruised and broken ribs protested, forcing Alec back down. No, he had to stand. He had to get away. He tried again, but yet again he failed. Sebastian laughed again as he watched Alec struggle and it fueled Alec to try even harder to stand. He placed his hands against the ground, biting back the pain in his wrist and body as he tried to get back up. But he was forced back down, Sebastian's foot connecting with his back and knocking him down. His already sprained wrist twisted again as his body fell on it and it slipped out beneath him.

All of Alec's strength left him as he closed his eyes. He conjured up an image of Magnus, using him to push back the image of Sebastian that was burning in his sight. Magnus. "Magnus." It slipped past his lips as a whisper, barely even heard by him, let alone Magnus who probably just thought Alec was outside on the bench reading some book on his phone as he waited. A few minutes had already passed and still Magnus wasn't here. He was supposed to be here. Alec finally let a tear slip past his eyes as he tried to hold onto the image of Magnus. He seemed so far away now, so out of Alec's grasp as everything seemed to slip away from him. All Alec could feel was the pain, and all he could see, ingrained in his brain, was Sebastian's face, hating him, judging him, hurting him.

Sebastian's foot connected with his side, rather lighter than before, turning Alec over to face him again. Alec didn't want to look at him. He didn't want to see him. He wanted this nightmare to be over. They always ended before they got this bad, so why wasn't this one?

Alec finally forced himself to look up at Sebastian and he knew from that moment that no matter how hard he tried, he would never forget that face. He would never forget those eyes, even when he closed his own.

"Magnus..."

"Isn't coming. Feels terrible doesn't it? Knowing he's not here to save you?" Sebastian leaned down to Alec, his face a few inches away. "Well no one's here to save you Alec. And no one will ever save you. You're an abomination and you are damned. You are a pathetic excuse for a man and I hope you rot in hell like you deserve." Sebastian stood up, his eyes trailing over Alec in disgust. He went to speak when voices echoed from further away that were slowly getting closer.

Alec's heart leaped with hope and he forced his lips to form words. He needed to call for help. They could save him. They could end the pain.

As they drew closer, Sebastian turned back to Alec, placing his foot once again against Alec's throat, cutting off any chance he had of calling for help. Alec tried to fight against Sebastian but all his strength was gone. He had nothing to fight back with. No words, no fists, nothing. He was helpless and he could see no light at the end of this tunnel. He just saw darkness. A cold, inescapable darkness.

The two girls laughed happily as they walked past. They barely even looked their way, too engrossed in the topic of this week's new heartthrob to pay any attention to their surroundings. Alec screamed silently at them, praying for them to look his way and happen to see more than just a man standing in the shadows. Please,he begged, lookoverhere.Seeme...helpme.

But they disappeared, lost out of sight and lost to Alec. Any hope that he had had at the beginning was gone. No one was going to save him now. It was just him, Sebastian, and the pain that was slowly tearing him apart. It hurt to breathe, his fractured ribs squeezing his lungs and his bruised windpipe screaming in defiance at each breath he took.

Sebastian looked back down at him, a dark smile crossing his face. "Well, that was close, wasn't it? Guess that means I should be going. Magnus should be here any time now. We'll have to continue this later. I'll see you around Alec." His smile grew bigger as he took his foot off Alec's throat. He turned to leave and Alec closed his eyes in relief as a small glimmer of hope lit at the end of the tunnel. Magnus. He would be coming. It would all be okay.

But then it all went black as Sebastian's foot connected with his face, sending Alec into unconsciousness.

"Thanks Professor. I'll see you tomorrow." And with that, Magnus turned and left. So the conversation had run far longer than a few minutes but Magnus was sure Alec was fine. He normally just took out his phone and started reading whenever Magnus took too long doing something. So he was sure Alec was fine. He would just make sure he made up for tonight.

Magnus smiled at the thought as he descended the steps happily, wanting nothing more than to be at the apartment, alone at last with Alec. Magnus hummed softly to himself in excitement as he cleared the gallery lobby. He flung open the gallery doors into the Spring air, taking a deep breath. Alec was right, tonight was a good night. It had been perfect, everything Magnus could have asked for. And it was going to get even better.

But where was Alec?

Magnus had expected to see Alec standing right there waiting or something but Magnus couldn't see him anywhere. His heart started to beat faster. Where was he?

"Alec?" He waited a few seconds for a response, but he got nothing. "Alec? Where are you?" Again nothing. "Baby, this isn't funny. If you're hiding and plan on jumping out at me, I swear I'm going to kill you." Still nothing. His heart beat even faster as fear gripped him. Why wasn't he answering? Seriously, if this was some joke, Magnus was not laughing.

He took the steps to the ground, looking frantically around him. And then he saw a dark shape further away, hidden in the shadows. Magnus started towards it quickly, his heart hammering in his chest. Don'tletitbeAlec.PleaseGod,don'tletitbeAlec.

As he neared, the moon cast it's light on the shadows, flushing away the darkness. And there, laying on the ground, was Alec.

Magnus' heart stopped in his chest, his breath freezing in his lungs. He ran over to Alec, the worst of fears already tearing him apart. No. No. This wasn't happening. Not to Alec. No.

He knelt next to Alec, taking in what he saw. His whole face was bloody except for a single streak where a tear had fallen. His chest rose very little, but it was enough to give Magnus hope as his own tears fell from his face.

"Alec..." He placed his hand on Alec's face, pushing a bloody mat of hair away from his eyes. "Alec, can you hear me? Wake up baby. Come on." More tears fell, landing on Alec's skin. Magnus could feel his whole being shattering within him. He should have been here. He should have been a few minutes just like he promised. He should have never have let Alec come outside. He promised. He promised nothing would happen to him.

"Alec, it's going to be okay, you hear me? You're going to be alright, I promise."

But was it really?

Was it really going to be alright?

Okay, so I cried my eyes our writing this, and not just for Alec but for everyone else this has ever happened to. For anyone else who has been bullied for just being who they are. Things like this should't happen; shouldn't even exist. But unfortunately we live in an ignorant society that doesn't understand acceptance and loving people, no matter who they are. So all we can do is try to push and teach that acceptance and hope that one day it can get better and things like this never happen to people like Alec or Magnus.

Now I hope it was okay. This was extremely hard to write and I hope I expressed it right. Please let me know what you think. I was extremely nervous posting this, so I really do hope it's okay. Thank you again for reading and sticking with me through all of this. I love all of you.

Be the change,

Amber