Damn it's been way longer than I thought it'd be to get up another chapter. I'm sorry (I say that at the beginning of every chapter don't I?) for the wait. I have a number of excuses but it all narrows down to me being grounded for a very long time then having no idea how to write this stupid thing.
But I do want to say thank you to everyone who reviewed; especially the ones who gave me an idea for the song. I looked up and listened to every suggestion almost immediately after you guys suggested them, and I do believe I shall use a few of them in the later chapters. But just to be safe, I went for the traditional Adam Lambert song, Strut. It just has such a Magnusy feel to it.
Disclaimer: .tihs siht nwo ton od I
(Songs by Adam Lambert [1] and Matthew Perryman Jones [2])
So anyway, I present to you, Chapter Six.
AL
My heart was racing as I waited for Magnus to make his appearance onstage. The lights were flashing across the crowds in a multitude of colors while the sultry music continued to pulse through the room for what felt like hours to me but in reality was probably only a few seconds.
I wanna start a revolution
A type of personal solution
We're all about our own pollution
It's all about the execution
When his hypnotic voice began flowing around us, I knew exactly why he wasn't on the stage. I turned around to come face to face with a very colorful, very smug Magnus holding a microphone almost as sparkly as he was. My eyes were huge with surprise even though I had heard his voice behind me. As he sang the first few lines, his hand came up to caress my cheek and under my chin to tip my head up. He leaned in close enough for me to almost feel the brush of his strawberry gloss coated lips and instantly I was no longer standing in a sweaty club surrounded by people packed full with alcohol but I was instead floating in a Magnus induced stupor; completely free of the normal apprehension and worry constantly racing through me.
But it was over all too soon when I realized what exactly was happening and I came tumbling back down to earth. I gasped at the thought of all the people that could potentially turn around and see us; in fact I saw from the corner of my eye that some already had! Magnus pulled away when he heard me and continued to sing the incredibly alluring song. He sauntered toward the stage through the sea of people that had finally noticed his entrance from the back and graciously parted for him.
You got somethin' to say, your hands are tied
Open your mouth, open it wide
Let the freedom begin
Get on the floor, just let it drive
Don't it feel good, don't it feel hot?
Feel the fire within
I wanna see you strut, strut, strut
Come on walk for me
Strut, strut, strut how you wanna be
Everybody's lookin' for some love
But they don't know
How to let it all hang out
And that's why they're solo
Solo, solo don't wanna be solo
Solo, solo don't wanna be solo
By the time he got to the chorus, Magnus had leisurely made his way to the stage. He scanned the crowd, as it trying to connect with each cheering person, while he sang every flawless note and moved his body in a way I personally believed only he could.
I could tell Isabelle had seen Magnus basically sing the first few lines to me because I saw her staring at me, but I couldn't bring myself to care. I was far too lost in the radiance of Magnus Bane.
We're a complicated nation
And now we're in a situation
Let's take a Maybelline vacation
And get yourself some validation
You got somethin' to say, your hands are tied
Open your mouth, open it wide
Let the freedom begin
Get on the floor, just let it drive
Don't it feel good, don't it feel hot?
Feel the fire within
I wanna see you strut, strut, strut
Come on walk for me
Strut, strut, strut how you wanna be
Everybody's lookin' for some love
But they don't know
How to let it all hang out
And that's why they're solo
Solo, solo don't wanna be solo
Solo, solo don't wanna be solo
When the music changed quickly from sexy and exotic to slow and sweet, (but still entirely sexy) Magnus looked square at me with eyes that almost made my knees buckle. They were dark with a hungry desire; half lidded almost as if he took pleasure in just being able to look at me.
I'll be your mirror
Darlin' let your hair down
Show me what you're workin' with
And let me see you
Strut, strut
Strut, strut how you wanna be
Everybody's lookin' for some love
But they don't know
How to let it all hang out
And that's why they're solo
Solo, solo don't wanna be solo
Solo, solo don't wanna be solo
Strut for me and show me what you're working with
Strut for me and show me what you're working with
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah
At the very end, the lights all turned off dramatically then back on to show no one left onstage; but a second before, Magnus had given me one shimmering wink and a devilish smile. I felt my whole body practically melting after the incredible performance that I couldn't help but feel was especially for me and I had to grab onto Izzy's arm just to guarantee I wouldn't fall over.
"You okay, Alec?" she whispered to me as she grasped my shoulder.
I couldn't drag myself from the haze to look at her when I answered dazedly, "Yeah… yeah, I'm good." I blinked a few times to clear my mind and let go of her when I figured I was back to normal. I finally met her eyes and nodded an "I'm fine," but she didn't seem too convinced.
IZ
After that very surprising show Magnus had just graced us with, I left Alec at a high top table so he could come back down from the emotional high he was probably experiencing. I told Jace – who had completely missed the more private act between our brother and new love interest – to go scamper off and toy with some girl so Alec could have a moment of peace. He started to protest but quickly changed his mind when he spotted a very leggy girl sitting alone at the bar.
I took the moment of both my brother's distraction to locate Magnus – who was obviously attempting to make his way toward the tables but kept getting stopped by random people trying to compliment him – and drag him away to a less crowded area out of Alec's range of sight. He seemed relived when he saw it was me and not some deranged fan.
"So are you off to make contact?" I asked, nodding my head in Alec's direction.
He nodded with a hint of nervousness in his features and said, "Yeah. Did he like the whole-?" he motioned widely at the stage. I laughed at the realization that he was actually worried that Alec would think ill of the stunning performance he'd just given. I smiled warmly to assure him.
"He couldn't take his eyes off you."
He smiled brilliantly, showing off perfect white teeth and slightly pointed canines. "Alright then," he beamed, "I guess I'll head over."
But as he started to turn away from me I pulled him back by the collar of his designer shirt. "Just one thing, Magnus." I dragged him down to my height so I was right in his face.
"If you hurt my brother even the tiniest bit, I will hunt you down, cut off your favorite appendage and make it look like an accident, got it?"
His eyes had gotten big and fearful; just as they should be. He nodded slowly as he stared at my entirely serious expression.
"Good. Just as long as we both understand each other." I let him go and smiled normally. He took a relived breath and put his hand where mine had been holding him. "Now go woo my brother like I know only you can."
He nodded again but before leaving he looked at me thoughtfully. "You're a good sister, Isabelle."
"I know," I replied even though he had already begun walking away.
AL
As the club's DJ started up the music again, I sat at the table Izzy had pushed me to and wondered idly if that was all I'd be seeing of Magnus for the night. I seriously hoped it wasn't or else I'd be forced to sit through a very tedious night of watching other people grind against each other and dealing with my drunken siblings.
But even so, at least I'll have the image of Magnus's lustrous gold-green eyes as he sang to me so I can keep my sanity…
I sighed, immediately berating myself for even thinking that he had been singing to me- me out of the hundreds of famous, striking people swaying their hips to his music while I stood stunned like a post at the back of the crowds. I told myself that he'd only started the song holding me like that because I was the nearest person and not because he actually found me attractive. It wasn't that I was so sure that he found me unattractive, but more me making sure I didn't get my hopes up just to be beaten back down with the hammer of humiliation.
Where the heck did Izzy and Jace go? I thought they'd be pestering me all ni-
"Hey blue eyes." I jumped about a mile in the air when I heard a low voice behind me and warm breath ghosting over my neck. I twisted in my chair to meet familiar gold-green eyes and eager smirk. I stifled a shocked gasp to keep from further embarrassing myself around him and blinked once or twice to assure my brain that Magnus was, in fact, standing there in front of me.
Before replying took a moment to study his ensemble for the night. He was sporting tight leather pants – no surprise there –, an emerald green/ sparkly top that glittered with his every movement, an assortment of rings on both hands, black combat boots accented with chains sprouting here and there out of the shiny leather, and numerous gold hoops in his ears. Although I found his body to be rather attention-grabbing, I mostly focused on his face.
His olive toned skin was completely blemish free and complimented by the dark shade of purple eye shadow swept across his lids. The black eyeliner carefully drawn around his eyes made their exhilarating color even more luminescent and cat-like then to top it all off he'd added strawberry gloss to the mix; making his lips all too inviting. Then, of course, there was glitter everywhere – clinging to his skin, covering his clothes, sticking to his expertly spiked hair, and practically falling off of him as he moved.
I couldn't have been more entranced with him than in that moment.
"Hi," I said softly; mentally high-fiving myself for not stuttering.
He smiled radiantly. "How'd you like the show?" he purred, using one hand to trail a finger down my cheek and the other to rub lazy circles on my thigh. My heartbeat sped up at how touchy- feely he was being compared to the other night.
"Oh, it was really great," I answered breathlessly and tried to smile without looking like an idiot.
"I was hoping for that reaction," he said in the same terribly sexy way, "I rather enjoyed it myself. Performing in front of actual people is so much more pleasurable than being in recording studio. But I don't need to explain that feeling to you, do I?"
Some of my nerves departed when Magnus brought up a subject I could really relate to. In most conversations I stood at the side awkwardly, not adding any opinions, since I had no real passion for the subject. But with music, I could definitely hold up my end of a discussion.
"Yeah," I grinned with my new self-confidence, "It's much easier to get lost in a song when you can share the sensation with a crowd."
"But of course." The hand tracing shapes on my thigh moved slightly up as his other hand lifted my chin up in the same way he had not too long ago. "Especially when I had such an exquisite focal point to gaze at." Then the nerves were back and people across the room could probably see my blush, even through the dim lights.
"I-I… but- you-," I stuttered mindlessly as his playful smile quickly turned devious.
I was actually quite grateful when he silenced me with a gentle finger against my lips. "Shh darling. I wouldn't want your pretty little heart to go into overdrive, would I?"
Magnus seemed to notice when the DJ switched the song because his eyes flickered from the dance floor then back to me, still wearing that delicious smirk. "I have a proposition for you angel face."
I let out a shaky breath. "What might that be?"
He cupped the side of my face and leaned down so his mouth was right next to my ear. "Dance with me pet." Then I felt his tongue trace the shell of my ear.
I shivered; but not for the reasons he might have been thinking.
"Open your eyes, little one." I felt his slimy tongue graze up my neck and I cringed in disgust but silently refused to open my eyes. The hand on my waist tightened and another roughly grabbed my chin and pulled it up none too lightly. "Show me those baby blues."
I ripped my face away when his repulsive breath washed over me. He took this as an invitation to bite my neck and lick the shell of my ear as he chuckled darkly.
"C'mon pet."
I backed up instantly, stumbling off my chair and nearly knocking over the table behind me. I was breathing way too hard for a normal person and I probably looked like a freak standing there hyperventilating after pulling away from possibly the sexiest man alive. I locked eyes with said sexy man and when I saw the initial surprise and then hurt that overwhelmed them, I could hear a part of my heart ripping. I quickly dropped my head and stared at the floor.
"S-Sorry. I need t-to…" I made the mistake of peeking up to see concerned green eyes that definitely did not make me feel any better, "…go."
And I bolted in the other direction.
MB
What just happened? Everything had been going fine; all according to plan. Alec had showed up, I had sung, he'd liked it, and I'd even gotten to see that adorable blush again. So what had suddenly occurred to make him run away from me like I had the plague?
I felt shaken. I definitely wasn't used to rejection. And the look on Alexander's face when he'd pulled away had been chilling; at least to me.
He'd looked at me like I was terrifying, like I was a cat sizing up its prey before the kill. He'd been petrified for a moment and my chest hurt just thinking that I was the cause of it. I'd been too stunned to make a move to comfort him and I let him get away.
What did I do that made him so upset? How the hell could I screw this up?!
AL
I felt terrible. No, I take that back. I felt so bad that I would gladly take 'terrible' instead of the feeling washing over me.
I could actually say that I genuinely hated myself at that moment, and as I staggered through the masses of people, trying to make my way to the exit, I was mentally calling myself every name I could think of.
Coward.
I'd run away from Magnus; the one guy I've ever felt drawn to or wanted to be with…all because I was too scared to let him get close. I should have stayed calm – even when I was reminded of him – and I should have let Magnus lead me to the dance floor; since everyone here was too drunk or caught up to care if Alec Lightwood was dancing with a guy instead of a girl.
But I panicked. I panicked and let my emotions dictate my actions like always.
Weak.
Why the hell couldn't I just get over this already? It had been four years since that day! Normal people could get past tough situations in a lot less than half of that time. Hadn't I been strong once? Where had that Alec gone? The one who could take humiliation and cruelty without even flinching! Now I'm just some anxious kid who can't even handle the smallest bit of physical contact without freaking out!
Stupid.
I couldn't have felt worse. Magnus hadn't even looked at me with the disgust or aversion I'd expected to get when I'd pulled away. He'd actually seemed concerned; like he wanted to help me instead of torment me.
But I didn't believe I'd ever be seeing that look again that is if I ever got to see him at all. He probably figured out that I'm not worth the trouble.
Insignificant.
I hailed a cab so I could go break down at home.
Pathetic.
I almost started crying in the backseat.
Worthless.
Things could have gone so much better. But then again, I fuck up everything eventually, don't I?
IZ
I had expected to dance tonight, I had expected to make out with random guys, I had expected to get drunk, and I had expected to go home early in the morning with a very happy – very smitten – Alec. What I had not expected was to find Magnus Bane sitting alone at the bar drinking away less than half an hour after I'd sent him over to my brother.
"What the hell are you doing?" I asked, taking the seat next to him while he set down his bottle of hard liquor.
"I screwed up," he said immediately, "I pushed him too far and he ran away from me like a bat outta hell."
"What?! He left?" Alec had rejected Magnus – his life long crush? What in God's name possessed him to do that? I pulled my phone out of my pocket to call him or something when I saw that he'd texted me already.
Alec: Took a taxi home. Don't drive if you're too drunk.
I was beyond confused at this point. "What happened?" Magnus looked down at his drink. "Magnus, what happened?" I said, harsher than usual as I grabbed his shoulder and made him look at me.
"I don't know! I just… I asked him to dance and-,"he stopped looking uncomfortable. I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration. It was like trying to get information out of a middle school kid.
"And what?"
He glanced sideways at me. "And I may have kinda… taken a nibble at his ear."
Oh shit.
"I just didn't know what to do! Alexander gets me flustered and I don't know the right thing to say so I just…"
It was kind of funny; Magnus thought I was angry with him. But I knew it wasn't his fault for Alec's reaction, nor was it Alec's fault either. And the usually self-assured singer looked confused and worried which gave me confidence that he'd never purposefully make my brother feel the way he was feeling now. Truthfully, I felt bad for the both of them – this relationship was not going to be an easy one.
"I'm sorry," he murmured, resembling a kicked puppy.
I nodded, "It's alright." A short silence came between us.
"Do you think he'll ever be okay with seeing me again?"
I almost laughed out loud. God, both of these idiots need some serious guidance when it comes to the other person. "Of course! What are you, stupid?" He seemed surprised. "Alec just needs some time. He's never done this before."
"Really?"
I snorted. "Oh yeah. Take things a little slower than usual and you'll be fine."
"So you think I have a chance with your brother?" His voice sounded hopeful.
"I think you're the only one with a chance."
If there was a chance that we could be lovers
I'd write you a book of hand written letters
And burn them all up to the end
Just to start over again
If there was a chance that we could be lovers
I'd learn how to dance and to hold without touching
Oh love, where have you been?
I'll wait for your lead to come in
So tell me the secret
Is there a way into your heart?
Cause I want to believe it
Or will I be wishing until the last falling star?
If there was a chance that we could be lovers
I'd swim seven oceans and keep going further
I'd hold my breath until you slipped
Those words that belong on your lips
So tell me the secret
Is there a way into your heart?
Cause I want to believe it
Or will I be wishing until the last falling star?
Say a line
It could be anything
Just stay with me tonight
So tell me the secret
Is there a way into your heart
Cause I want to believe it
Or will I be wishing until the last falling star?
So tell me the secret
Is there a way into your heart?
Cause I want to believe it
Or will I be wishing, I'll keep on wishing
Until the last falling star
Until the Last Falling Star – By Alec Lightwood
Phew, thank God that's done! I don't know if I've had a harder chapter to write.
I'm not feeling particularly chatty so… thanks for reading and anyone who reviews shall receive a mental hug. And you have never been mentally hugged until you've been mentally hugged by me. :)
~Brina-Bot~