A week later:

"You never kissed Maia on this bed right?" Magnus asked, running his hands over the navy blue sheets and watching Alec from across the room.

Alec unplugged his laptop and came to sit next to Magnus, folding his legs under him and looking at his boyfriend quizzically. "You are totally and completely aware that Maia and I never dated, right? We pretended to date because I was horrendously gay and she was tryin' to avoid her ex."

"Oh, her ex?"

"Yeah," Alec said, pulling the dvd from it's case and sliding it into the computer. "Jordan something or other. Apparently he was a total asshole from a town over and she just wanted him to leave her alone. But then he went and joined the army, so it was all okay."

Magnus hummed, leaning on Alec's shoulder and swinging one of his legs over Alec's. "So that's a yes? You didn't in fact kiss her on this bed?"

Alec rolled his eyes, "That's a yes."

"Good, I like being the only one that has defiled your honour on your bed. It's a title I think I'm quite proud of."

"Defiled my honour?"

"Yes. I'm part asian, honour is supposedly a big thing for us. Thanks to Mulan and Avatar the Last Airbender - which doesn't even take place in fucking Asia - everyone always makes honour jokes around me. I've decided to roll with it and was attempting to make an honour joke myself."

"Wow." Alec said, trying to look at Magnus but ultimately failing because they were too close together, "That's the weirdest thing that's ever come out of your mouth."

"I know," Magnus sighed, "I'm finally going crazy from not shopping. It was always going to happen, but I thought that we'd have a little more time." Nuzzling into Alec's neck and savouring the sweet smell that was entirely boy and one hundred percent Alec, Magnus figured now would be the best time to ask. "Do we have to watch Captain America?"

"Yes." Alec practically yelled, "Are you kiddin'? You say that you haven't seen it and it's the only movie that I can think of that has hot guys for you, action for me and an ending that will totally make you cry." Magnus could probably google just that and find a dozen different movies they could watch, but Alec was determined to show him this movie and Magnus thought he was too cute to argue with.

"I thought the hot guys were for you too?" Magnus asked, watching the flush rise on Alec's cheeks out of the corner of his eye. "And I've already see it."

"You haven't seen the beginning and you haven't seen the ending."

"No, but I did technically watch this movie."

"If you haven't watched Steve Rogers overcome everyone's judgement and then inevitably save the day, you haven't watched this movie."

"Okay fine," Magnus sighed, "But I have seen the part where he gets all ripped and sweaty and that lady - Peggy," Magnus corrected when Alec let out a long sigh, "Reaches out and just caresses his body. That's the bit I've seen."

"Well, now you're going to see the rest!" Alec said brightly, leaning far out of the bed - and too far from Magnus for his liking - to close the blinds and darken the room for the proper movie effect.

"Damn, Bucky is pretty hot too. This movie is a gold mine of hot men."

"Magnus, you're ruining the movie. Be quiet."

"I'm just saying."

"Hey, is that Clara from Doctor Who?"

"Is that who from what now? Alec, your nerd is showing."

"Umf, look at those abs. Are you blushing? Alec I'm not going to leave you for Chris Evans. I like your abs too. Oh, I made the blush worse. Is that a bad thing?"

"How long have you two been sitting there?"

Isabelle watched them from the doorway, raising her eyebrows and eyeing their position on the bed. They'd been sitting side by side, first watching Captain America and then moving on to the second.

"Only a few hours." Alec shrugged one shoulder, the other being occupied by Magnus' head. "We're watching Captain America."

"And the Winter Soldier." Magnus amended, stifling a yawn and curling further into Alec's shoulder. "We already watched the first one."

"Magnus cried." Alec said smugly, smirking. Magnus huffed and smacked Alec on the arm, hiding both his blush and his smile into Alec's shoulder. He had cried - bawled even - when Steve had flown the plane into the ice. And even more so when he mentioned having a date. Alec had found it sort of funny when Magnus cried, but comforted him nonetheless, reminding him that there was a second movie.

"Everyone cries." Isabelle said, "Except me."

"You're heartless." Alec told her, tapping his fingers on the edge of the computer. "Why are you here anyways?"

"Jace sent me. You two have been gone for a suspiciously long amount of time." Ignoring Alec's spluttered excuses, Isabelle sighed. "It's up to us to protect your innocence."

"You're not doing a very good job." Magnus snickered and Alec gave him a him a glare, though it had no weight and was more playful than anything. Isabelle widened her eyes, looking between the both of them and Magnus sighed. "I was kidding sweet cheeks, your brother won't let me past second base."

Isabelle nodded, "Good." Then she walked out of the room backwards, slowly, "We're watching you Bane."

Magnus rolled his eyes and Alec blushed, hiding his face in Magnus' hair as soon as his sister was gone, "Oh my god. They're so embarrassing."

"I think it's cute." Magnus said, still not bothering to lift his head from it's place on Alec's shoulder. "They really care about you. They want to protect you. It's freaking adorable."

"You say that because they're not your siblings."

"Yes, though my friends have been trying to convince me to let them threaten you."

"Really?" Magnus could practically hear the eyebrow raise in his voice. "And you're not letting them?"

Magnus snorted, "You really think I want them to scare you away? That's crazy. Never going to happen."

"I wouldn't mind talking to them." Alec said slowly and Magnus lifted his head off Alec's shoulder to look at him.

"Are you serious?"

"Yeah," Alec said, shrugging his shoulders, "Why not? You make them sound really funny and they're practically your family, they deserve the right to torture me as much as my siblings did you."

"They're going to eat you up." Magnus sighed, "You're too frickin' adorable."

"I'm really nervous." Magnus said, fiddling to get the computer in the right place. Alec just rolled his eyes and leaned back in Magnus' desk chair.

"It'll be fine-"

"Yeah," Magnus said, "You can say that because you're not the one who's going to be dumped if his idiot friends-"

"Whoa," Alec said, sitting up and putting his hands out to grab Magnus' wrists, "You think I'm going to dump you? You honest to god think that I'll dump you just because your friends try to psych me out?"

"Yes?"

"Jesus, Magnus. That's never going to happen." Alec smiled, holding his hands and leaning in to kiss him softly and slowly. "I. Really. Really. Like. You." Alec said, kissing him in between each word. Magnus smiled into the kisses and nodded.

"Okay, but I get to stay. I don't want them asking you anything totally embarrassing." Magnus said firmly, curling up in Alec's lap and tapping the keys a few more times before leaning into Alec.

The screen flickered and the ringing noise echoed through the room.

"It'll be fine." Alec told him, rolling his eyes and kissing Magnus on his temple.

Before Magnus cold respond, the screen flickered to life and Camille appeared, flanked by the usual gang of idiots.

"Hey Mag-holy shit." Camille said, practically throwing herself away from the computer and taking Will down with her. Jessamine was gaping at the screen while Jem and Tessa smiled. Ragnor attempted an awkward wave as Camille and Will both yelled from the floor.

"Get off of me ho-bag-"

"Thatwas-didyou-?"

Alec looked totally and completely stunned and Magnus patted his cheek lovingly. "Ignore them." He said and Alec snorted. "That's Ragnor, Jessamine, Tessa and Jem." He said, pointing to each of them respectively. "The ones on the floor are Camille and Will." His boyfriend nodded and Magnus laughed, wrapping his arm around Alec's shoulder and relaxing into him. "Jesus guys," He said, rolling his eyes, "Please get your shit together."

Will snorted, "I was not the one that pissed myself when your boy toy came on the screen."

"Boyfriend moron." Magnus said, scowling at Will. "Anyways, gang, this is Alexander."

"Alec." He corrected, smiling at them. Jessamine practically swooned and Magnus wondered if it was his imagination or if Alec's country accent was indeed stronger around Magnus' friends.

"God," Camille said brushing herself off and taking a seat in front of the laptop, "Aren't you just adorable." Alec flushed and opened his mouth to protest before Magnus slapped a hand over it.

"You're not allowed to say you're not adorable." Magnus said and Alec looked at him incredulously. "Seriously, you're adorable. Deal with it."

"So," Jem said kindly, smiling at Alec and ignoring Will's mumbles beside him, "How's Texas."

"Wonderful."

Tightening his grip on Magnus' waist, Alec rolled his eyes. "He's exaggeratin', it's extremely boring and hot."

"Not tr-"

Their skype call was interrupted by Isabelle shouting from downstairs. "Alec!"

"What!?" He shouted back, practically bursting Magnus' eardrums.

"Where-?!"

"I can't hear you! Come upstairs!"

Banging the door open with the force of an elephant, Isabelle stormed in the room. "For the love of all that is holy." She muttered, "Alec, have you seen my-" She raised a single eyebrow at the mismatch of people on the other side of the skype call and Magnus in Alec's lap before continuing, "-boots. I need them because I have to look hot at this party."

"Because Simon's going to be there?" Alec asked, biting his lip to hide his grin and wiggling his eyebrows. Isabelle flushed but huffed.

"No." She protested feebly, "Because I just do."

"Smooth." Magnus snorted and Isabelle rolled her eyes at them.

"I have no idea." Alec said, shrugging his shoulders, "Ask Jace."

"Why would Jace know? I'm pretty certain that he has his head so far up Clary's skirt that he hasn't even been mentally present for the last two fucking years." She sighed dramatically, strutting out of the room and proceeding to scream her brother's name at the top of her lungs.

Jace's response was just as loud and just as close and Alec winced. "If they get into a fist fight I'm just going to pretend I'm not here." He told Magnus. They turned back to see Magnus' friends all watching them. They looked thoroughly amused by the exchange and Magnus couldn't help but enjoy the looks on their faces.

Camille was the first to break the silence, "I like your sister. She's pretty."

"That's not shallow at all." Jem said, rolling his eyes.

"Who's Sheldon?" Will asked, popping a mint into his mouth by throwing it up into the air.

"Simon." Magnus corrected.

"Right." Will said, rolling his eyes, "Is he the guy you're dating on the side or?"

"William!" Tessa exclaimed, looking at Will in surprise. He, to his credit, looked slightly abashed, but didn't back down. Magnus cast a worried look at Alec, but he just looked confused.

"What?" Will said, "It's not like he hasn't done it in the past. Does your precious boyfriend know that? Have you told him anything?"

"Shut the fuck up Will." Magnus said, his voice bordering on dangerous. He could practically hear the pieces clicking in Alec's head and he really didn't want his past to screw up any future he could have with Alec.

"He knows nothing about you Magnus." Will said angrily and Camille opened her mouth to fight back when Will continued, "No one can deny that. I know the two of you are super duper or whatever, but how can you honestly think you have a relationship when you don't know anything about each other."

"Will," Jem said, "Stop."

Will glanced at him and rolled his eyes, "It's true."

"No it's not!" Tessa screamed, jumping out of her chair. They all looked at her kind of stunned, but Will most of all. "Stop it Will. Stop. You go around totally bagging on everyone, from how they look to how they talk. You think that the only person who's good at anything is yourself. But you're a terrible person-"

"Tess-"

"No," Tessa said, clenching her fists, "You're going to sit there and hear this. Because you cannot possibly think that the relationship Magnus and Alec have is worse than all those whores that you parade around with." Magnus felt Alec sit up slightly, shoulders tense. "I'm sick and tired of it. They're happy and they're together. So for once, swallow your nasty opinion and let someone else be happy."

Will was silent. Then quickly, almost stumbling, he got up from his chair and fled the room. Tessa looked immediately regretful, shaking her her head and looking to Jem hopelessly.

"It's okay Tess." Camille said softly, "C'mon. Sit down. We're going to just relax. Everyone is kind of going crazy and we've barely even talked to Alec."

Alec gave them a half smile but Magnus noticed the look on his face and hit the mute button on the skype call.

"You okay?" Jessamine asked and Magnus nodded, holding up one finger and turning to Alec.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing." Alec insisted, but sighed after less than a second, "It's just that I feel bad. Your friends are fighting because of me."

"Because of us."

"Mostly me."

Magnus groaned, "Are you seriously going to take the blame for a fight between my douche friend and the girl he likes?"

"He likes her?" Alec said, doubly as horrified, "Oh my god. Now I feel worse." He slapped a hand over his eyes and leaned back, groaning.

"Alec," Magnus said, grabbing his boyfriend's chin and forcing him to face Magnus. "Listen, it is not your fault. Whatever happened there is nothing and it had nothing to do with you. Will is a wonderful drama queen and he deserved that." Alec giggled and Magnus rolled his eyes, "What now?"

"Sorry," Alec grinned, "But you calling someone else a drama queen was too good."

Magnus opened his mouth, faking offence, "How dare you? I am not-"

But Alec cut him off with a kiss, catching Magnus by surprise. He melted into it, wrapping his hands around Alec's neck and smiling into the kiss. Alec tugged on Magnus' bottom lip and Magnus opened his mouth, letting his boyfriend slip his tongue inside with a moan.

"Damn." Camille said and they both jumped, separating with a pout from Alec. "I wish someone would kiss me like that." She blushed once she realized what she said and glanced at Ragnor.

Magnus snorted and turned the mute off, "Pervy much?"

Camille snorted, "PDA much? I think you should know that Jess filmed that whole thing."

"Did you actually?" Magnus asked, "Why?"

"I was originally just taping the two of you talking because Magnus was in Alec's lap and it was extremely adorable." Jessamine explained, fiddling with something on her phone, "But then you guys started going at it-"

"We did not!" Magnus said, grinning. He played with Alec's hair slightly, getting a beam out of him.

"Anyways," Jem said, rolling his eyes at all of them. "Alec, don't hurt Magnus."

"Right!" Camille chimed in, eyes bright, "We will hunt you down. And then kill you. Or something equally as painful."

Tessa have her a weird look but smiled, "Sure, what Camille said."

"Eloquent." Magnus snorted and Alec laughed.

"I won't." He said, surprisingly serious. "I won't hurt Magnus."

"Really?" Jessamine said, "Because if you go back on that, we will find you and hurt you. A lot." She added, looking to the ceiling.

"Really." Alec said, pulling Magnus close to him and kissing his cheek, "Wouldn't dream of it."

"Good." Jessamine grinned, "Because I really don't want to hurt that face. Like damn." She leaned in towards the camera, "How are you so pale? I thought your people spent a lot of time outdoors? And are your eyes actually that blue because it's almost eerie. Oh and can I see your abs?"

"What?" Alec said, looking completely stunned. His flush from her comment about his face was fading. "I have no idea what you want me to answer."

"He's just naturally pale." Magnus sighed, twirling a piece of Alec's hair around his pinky. "His eyes are actually that blue - isn't it just? And no." Jessamine opened her mouth to pout and Magnus shook his head. "He's mine now and the abs are private property. Hot boy with abs and blue eyes belongs to me biscuit."

Alec laughed, "As the person being objectified-"

"Shh." Magnus smirked, "Don't say anything."

"I'm just supposed to be completely silent?"

"Completely."

"Y'all are too cu-ute!" Jessamine squealed in something akin to a terrible imitation of Alec's accent.

"Is she tryin' to do a Texas accent?" Alec stage whispered and Magnus laughed and nodded. "Oh god."

"Say something cool." Camille said and Alec snorted, raising an eyebrow at her. "You know, something super country."

"Like what?" Alec asked, looking to Magnus for help.

"I have no idea."

"I don't think there is anything country-" Tessa started but she was soon drowned out by everyone arguing about the most country saying. Ragnor was protesting something that Jessamine was convinced about.

"Oh!" Camille said suddenly, "Magnus! We got the best news ever. You'll never guess."

"No," Magnus nodded, "I won't so tell me."

"I'll tell you anyways." She blundered on and Alec snorted, hiding his face in Magnus' neck. Magnus laughed, watching Jessamine coo soundlessly. "One Miss Catarina Loss is coming back for our senior year!"

"No fucking way." Magnus said, gaping at the computer. "You are actually shitting me. There is no fucking way."

"Way!" Camille screamed.

Ragnor grinned, "I'm so glad. It's about damn time. I can't believe she moved away, that was so weird."

"So sudden too." Tessa said thoughtfully, but she grinned, "I wonder if she still wears blue all the time."

"I don't think she's done that since elementary school." Jem smiled and Tessa shrugged, a smile plastered on her face.

"I can't believe this is happening!" Magnus yelled and Alec jumped. "Oh my goodness."

"Who's Catarina again?" Alec asked, looking confused but feeding off of Magnus' giddy joy. There was a smile flirting with his lips, but his eyebrows were furrowed.

"She was one of our best friends." Magnus explained, "But then randomly about a year ago her family moved away. I was distraught-"

"It was pathetic." Camille supplied, grinning.

"It was tragic." Magnus said, shooting her a glare. "She and I had been friends since elementary school and she was key member of our group of loveable misfits. I was beginning to lose hope she was going to come back. Apparently it's all okay because she's coming back! Oh, and she used to have this thing about only wearing blue clothing. It was super weird, but sort of cute I suppose."

"So," Alec clarified, "There's this old friend who's moving back that used to wear blue all the time." Magnus nodded, "And her name is Catarina."

"Pretty much." Jessamine shrugged, "We used to call her Cat or Kitty Cat, because we were uncreative and it used to piss her off."

"Cat didn't bug her that much." Jem snorted, "It was Will calling her Pussy that started to piss her off."

"He used to yell it." Ragnor grinned, "In very public places." Alec laughed, shaking his head. "Will has a weird sense of humour." Ragnor sighed.

"I can tell." Alec muttered and Magnus sent him a questioning look. Alec shook his head and smiled, though there was something lingering in the corners of his mouth that Magnus didn't like and was planning on asking him about as soon as the call was over.

"Yeah," Camille said, breaking the awkward tension that was just starting to settle, "She lands on Saturday but we've been told not to talk to her until Sunday because she's going to be hibernating."

"Naturally."

"And then we're going to take her to this crazy party and deQuincy's. He says there's going to be a keg stand contest."

"Oh jesus." Magnus laughed, "That's probably going to get shut down. Have you got the IDs at the ready?"

"Oh yeah," Camille grinned, "We're all set and all twenty two."

"I didn't even realize people actually used fake IDs." Alec laughed, "That's so weird. Y'all are just like a movie."

"Y'all." Jess repeated with a grin. "And you don't need one?"

"No," Alec laughed, "Parents provide alcohol for parties-"

"Your parents give you booze." Ragnor said, "There's no way they're actually okay with you drinking. That's impossible."

"Why not?" Alec shrugged, "It's not like we can get into anything terrible. We're only a few minutes away from home and we know everyone so it's not the end of the world. Most people just sleep over after parties and then carpool home."

"You don't sneak out of the house?" Camille's voice was bordering on awed.

"No point." Alec guffawed at their faces, "Our parents are totally okay with it."

"Amazing." Magnus said, "Why haven't I been to one of these parties yet?"

Alec shrugged again, "I'm honestly not sure. There's one tonight. Isabelle is going, do you want to go?"

"Sure." Magnus said, "I can get to know the locals."

His boyfriend rolled his eyes, "There'll be kids there from other towns as well. Most of them come from one town over, it's a little bigger there but they go to school here."

"Damn," Camille sighed, "Hot country boys and parent approved booze. Can I come?"

"Can you be here in twenty minutes?" Alec grinned.

"I could try."

"Twenty minutes?" Magnus asked, biting his lip, "I'm not sure I can get ready in twenty."

"Why not?" Alec looked genuinely concerned. "Why don't you just go like that?"

"Because it's a party?" Magnus raised an eyebrow.

Alec raised one in return, "I think you look hot. Just leave it."

"You think I'm hot?"

"No, I think you're an ugly butt. Now, get changed." Alec laughed, pushing Magnus away. Magnus laughed and got off his lap, wandering over to the enormous closet that was overflowing with clothes. "You city folk are so weird." He sighed.

"You two are so cute." Camille cooed and Magnus noticed that it was just her. "Jem went to find Will, Tessa plodded along like the puppy that she is. The other two went to get Chinese food because I'm dying."

Magnus nodded, "How about this one?" He held up one of his tank tops. It was bright purple and it went nicely with the pink shorts he held in his other hand.

"Sure." Camille said, nodding, "Those make you look really skinny."

Shucking his other shirt, Magnus tossed it at Alec. "Hold that." Alec just watched Magnus, letting his eyes move up and down.

"Wow," Camille laughed, "The two of you are actually lusting. It's a little creepy." They both turned to her, eyebrows raised. "Oh come on." She sighed, "Alec is literally watching you change and you're being all weird and touchy. It's cute but I'm actually surprised no one has noticed or walked in on this going down."

"My brother did."

"No fucking way." Camille said, slapping a hand over her mouth and laughing. "Spill."

"You sound like Isabelle." Alec grinned. "And we were sort of making out and then he just kind of opened the door."

"Shirts on or off?" Camille asked, eyes glittering.

"Magnus was wearing his." Alec said slowly and Camille got the message giggling like a school girl.

"Oh god. That's juicy. It really is. And going by the display that I had the privilege to witness earlier, your brother must have gotten quite the show."

"I really did." They all jumped and Jace snorted, "Seriously, could you people be more obvious?" He rolled his eyes and sighed, "I can't believe we're related. I've managed to keep my relationship under wraps for years."

"No you haven't." Alec said, narrowing his eyes, "You literally start to drool whenever you see Clary. Every person alive knows that you're in love with her. No one wants to say anything because the half boner in your pants makes them uncomfortable."

Magnus snickered and Camille practically shoved a fist in her mouth to keep from laughing. Jace just huffed. "I'm not even going to comment on that."

"Translation: I don't have a comeback." Alec grinned and Jace threw one of Magnus' pillows at him.

"Shut up assface. Can you drive Iz and I to the party?"

"No."

"Why not?" Jace whined, "You're not going and so you have nothing to do."

"Because I'm not your bitch and Magnus and I have plans."

Jace raised an eyebrow delicately, "Plans?"

"Yeah," Magnus grinned.

"Where?"

"Kaelie's house."

"That's where the party is."

"I know."

"I hate you." Jace said, leaving the room. "You better be driving us."

"As long as we're not driving Clary." Alec called back.

"That had better be a joke."

After saying goodbye to Camille and getting dressed, Magnus ran some gel through his hair and wandered out into the hallway. Isabelle was there, wearing the famed boots. Jace looked like he'd just rolled out of bed, though it was probably on purpose; and Alec was looking adorable as ever.

Alec was the only one to beam upon his arrival, though Isabelle looked up from her phone and gave him a surprised smile.

"You look like a rave." Jace said sourly, glancing at Magnus' clothes. "I didn't even know they sold clothes that bright. I thought those colours were reserved for highlighters."

"I like it." Alec said brightly.

"We know." Jace rolled his eyes, pushing past his brother to get into the car.

"Don't mind him." Isabelle said, rolling her eyes. "He's just angry because Clary was supposedly out all day with Aline's cousin Sebastian. Which is probably bullshit. And it's not like they're going to be a couple or anything."

"Maybe they will be."

"Shut up Alec."

"Alright." Simon stretched out the 'i' for as long as he could, jumping into the bed of Alec's pick up truck. "Let's hit this party."

"Oh dear god." Jace murmured, leaning into the cab to hiss to Alec, "Is she actually going to bring him." Louder he added, "Hey guys! You must be Sebastian."

Sebastian was - and Magnus was trying to be nice - a little on the creepy side. He had this predatory look about him the paired with extremely fair hair and shockingly dark eyes, made him more than a little daunting. Clary was dwarfed beside him, looking about eight years old in her short pink dress.

"Hey," Clary smiled, taking Jace's offered hand and stepping up into the bed.

"Clary could ride up here with us." Isabelle said, turning around. Only she, Magnus and Alec were in the cab and they could have easily squeezed tiny Clary amongst them. But Clary shook her head.

"I'm fine here."

"I'll be sure to grab her if she goes flying." Sebastian said, grinning. Isabelle nodded, her smile melting into a grimace as she turned back.

Magnus leaned over to whisper in her ear, "A little creepy, no?"

"Oh my god." She said, giggling and nudging him, "What if he can hear you?" Magnus shrugged and Isabelle shook her head.

"So," Alec said, continuing to drive down what Magnus was certain was the longest straight road in all of America. "Sebastian. How long are you here for?"

"Only about another week." He said, leaning on the side of the truck with an arm up the side. "The Penhallows were nice enough to take me in for a bit. My parents are working through a divorce."

"Oh." Simon sounded sort of apologetic. "That's rough. My dad died when I was pretty young," Magnus wasn't sure if this was helping, but Simon continued on. "It was hard, but I don't really miss him. I'm better off with my mum I guess." He shrugged.

Sebastian scoffed, wrinkling his nose. "I would hate to have to go live with my mother. She's a terrible bitch. Thank god I'm living with my dad. He's pretty awful too," Sebastian said, totally unperturbed by how uncomfortable everyone else was getting. "But he has more money."

They were all staring at him with something akin to horror. Magnus, though he wasn't exactly close with his parents, did love them and would never imagine saying anything like that aloud. Especially not to strangers.

"I'm adopted?" Jace offered and Sebastian regarded him, head cocked to the side.

"That's a shame. What was it? Parents offed themselves or simply didn't want you anymore?" Isabelle's mouth flew open and Jace looked stunned for a moment. He made no move to defend himself and instead looked to the road ahead. Alec shot him a look in the mirror, but in some unspoken language, Jace made a slight movement and Alec nodded.

"Anyways," Clary said, her voice small and her hair whipping around her head as they drove. "It's nice of Kaelie to invite us all."

"Yeah," Magnus piped up and Clary gave him a grateful smile, "Is Aline coming?"

Sebastian sighed, "I think so, she and the other dyke should be meeting us there."

"Excuse me?" Magnus asked, glaring at Sebastian. "What did you call Helen?"

"A dyke?" Sebastian asked, raising an eyebrow but remaining impassive and unmoved by Magnus' glare. "She's a lesbian. You do know that don't you? I find it a little disgusting myself, but I suppose there's one in every family isn't there." He smiled and it was a challenge more than anything.

Magnus' gritted his teeth and resisted the urge to climb through the cab window and throw Sebastian out of the truck. Going by the look on Isabelle's face, the way that Alec's hands tightened on the steering wheel and the glare of pure acid that Jace was giving him, some people were feeling the same way.

And Simon, as Simon does, decided that he was going to play it off. "One in every family. Right of course. I think I have a gay cousin. Somewhere. Probably." Simon said, laughing awkwardly. No one else said anything.

"So, Sebastian," Isabelle smiled at him, a smile that was cold and almost sarcastic by nature. "When are you leaving again?"

The party was already in full swing when they got there. There were cars lining the walk up to a huge barn and field. Sebastian got out of the truck right away, stalking over to the barn and dragging Clary with him. Simon followed quickly, blushing when he saw how short Isabelle's skirt was.

"There are so many pickup trucks." Magnus whispered to Alec, "I have literally never seen this many trucks. Ever."

"What are you going to drive if you're not driving a truck?" Alec asked, "We're probably one of the few families that have more than one car. But we have to have a truck. What if you need to haul somethin'?"

"I have never needed to haul something." Magnus snorted, checking his hair in the mirror before following Alec and Isabelle out of the car.

"Well," Isabelle said, "I for one am going to go get something to drink. I'm here to party."

"Really?" Jace said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "I'm here for the view."

"I'm pretty hot aren't I?" Magnus smirked.

Rolling his eyes, Jace shoved his hands in his pockets and looked skyward. "Not you moron."

"I think he's pretty hot." Alec grinned.

"I liked you better when you were being selectively mute." Jace bit out, wandering over to the barn. "I'm going to go find Clary." He paused, "And then maybe Aline and Helen. I don't want any of them to be anywhere along with Sebastian."

"Don't take anything he said to heart." Magnus warned Alec. It was just the two of them now, alone in the sea of pick-up trucks.

"Why would I?" Alec asked, "It's not like he insulted me or anything." He spoke bitterly, not meeting Magnus' eyes and crossing his arms.

Magnus sighed, "You're going to get a lot of hate. We both are. But you can't go throwing a fit every time."

"I'm not throwing a fit."

"You are." Magnus huffed, "You're being silly. Sebastian is a narrow-minded little shit and he can read the anger on your face from a mile away. So stop letting him. You know the thing that people like him hate the most? When we're happy. So fuck them all, let's go have fun."

Alec smiled slightly and nodded, "I'm sorry I'm being a little-"

"You're not." Magnus grinned, "You're just being sensitive. I'll get you a tissue later. In case you need to mop up any of those tears."

"Shut up." Alec laughed, pushing Magnus' shoulder and causing his boyfriend to irrupt into giggles. "We can't tell anyone here." He said, sobering up from the laughter, "I'm not sure I'm ready to have a hundred Sebastians breathing down my neck."

"They won't all be like that."

"You don't know that."

"Neither do you."

Magnus and Alec walked over to the barn, the first person they saw was Maia, perched on top of a fence and talking to some other girls and laughing. There was a red cup clenched in her hand. "Alec!" She called, "City boy." Maia smirked and held the cup out to them. "Get me some more would you?"

"Anythin' for you." Alec grinned, taking the cup and leading Magnus over to the drinks.

"Shit, you seriously know how to throw a party." Magnus said, his eyes falling on the hundreds of beers and enormous kegs lining the tables.

Alec downed a beer while they were standing there, filling Maia's cup from the keg and grabbing another bottle for himself. "I thought you were a big partier?" Alec laughed, "Aren't you supposed to have had a lot of experience with alcohol or something? Or is that just in movies?"

"I have a considerable alcohol tolerance."

Alec smirked, handing Magnus a beer and walking over to where Maia was, calling over his shoulder. "Impress me."

"Don't we need a designated driver?" Magnus asked, taking a tentative sip.

"No worries." Alec rolled his eyes, "It's Clary. She's going to drive us all back and then she and Simon are going to sleep over."

"And Sebastian?"

"I'm planning on leaving him here."

"Good idea."

Maia waved at them sloppily. "Howdy. Have y'all brought me refreshments?"

"Indeed I have." Alec grinned, waggling the cup in front of her face. Maia bounced up and down, snatching it from his grip and taking a long sip.

People came by to greet both Alec and Maia, some of them sparing Magnus more than a passing glance and one girl in particular making a move on him. Magnus gave her a beaming smile and told her that he was happily in a relationship.

She pouted, sloshing a bit of her beer on her low-cut top and her mud covered cowboy boots. "If you ever change your mind," She winked, slipping a hand into his front pocket. "Call me."

"I'm not sure if she just tried gave me a napkin with her number on it or a hand job." Magnus muttered to Alec as the girl sashayed away, blonde hair catching on her fake nails and highlighting her very real tan. "But it's nice to see that people in the country don't rely on spray to get their tan."

"Do people actually do that?" Maia asked, "That's so weird. Are they all orange and shit?"

"Only if they do it wrong." Magnus smiled into his cup, looking at Alec strangely, "You okay?" He was looking down at his cup in confusion, one hand in a fist in his pocket.

"He better be." Jace said, slurring slightly. "Because we're gonna take shots! As a family. And Magnus." He added, grabbing both of their shirts and dragging them away to the sound of Maia's tilted laughter.

They all paraded over to the field, where kids were trying to lay out blankets and a girl was puking in the bushes. There was a cluster of friends trying to help her, though they themselves were stumbling. Magnus was more than a little impressed that the Southern kindness continued even when everyone was teetering between drunk and wasted.

Simon was splayed out on Clary and a red checkered blanket that Magnus could have sworn he'd seen before.

"Is that the same blanket?" He asked, noticing his voice was a lot louder than he'd intended.

"Nah," Isabelle waved him off with a bottle of vodka, just missing Jace and tossing a handful of shot glasses into the recently seated Alec's lap. "We just have a shit ton of these blankets. It's not the picnic one. We wouldn't risk getting Alec's puke all over that heirloom." She giggled and stumbled to sit down in her heals, bracing herself on Jace's shoulder.

"Sit." Jace commanded and Magnus nodded, falling next to Alec and grinning at his boyfriend.

Isabelle was spilling the vodka into the glasses and over the blanket. Simon looked sort of concerned, but when he tried to help he was just as useless. Clary rolled her eyes and took the bottle.

"Those glasses are full enough." She smirked and Jace threw an arm around her, pressing a sloppy kiss onto her cheek and picking up one of the glasses.

"To summer!" Jace said.

"It's half over." Alec laughed and Jace shrugged. They tipped their heads back Isabelle letting out a whoop and Alec shaking his head at the taste. Magnus felt the familiar burn as the alcohol hit his tongue and the wave of giddy excitement that followed.

"Another!" Jace called as the kids on the other side of the field started to set up fireworks. Magnus almost said something about there being a fire hazard, but by the time the words were even on his tongue, he'd forgotten what he wanted to say.

"Jordan! Stop!" It was Maia and there was nothing funny about her tone anymore, she was in full panic. Her voice was high and she sounded scared. Magnus didn't think girls like Maia got scared.

But there was a guy, grabbing at Maia's arm. Her curls were blocking her face but Magnus could see Jordan's clearly. He was cute, in a sort of boyish way. With hazel eyes and brown hair, he had the same tanned skin they all sported. All except for Alec who was already running over to them.

"Dude," Alec said, far taller than Jordan, "She said stop."

"I just need to talk to her." Jordan insisted. He wasn't there for the party, that was obvious. Other kids were giving them a wide berth, but a few girls were whispering about him.

"She said no." There was another guy now, he had a square jaw and had height on both Jordan and Alec. Alec wasn't scared of him though, looking more grateful for the guy's presence than anything.

"Shut up Bat." Jordan hissed, "I just need to talk to her. But she won't fucking listen."

"Let me go." Maia said, she'd dropped her cup by her feet and drops of beer graced her legs. "Please." She said, pulling her arm away from Jordan.

"No." Jordan grabbed for Maia's arm, but caught her shirt instead, the fabric ridding up to reveal a patch of Maia's back and a butterfly tattoo just about the hem of her jeans.

Maia screamed, pushing Jordan away and stumbling into Alec who caught her, murmuring something in her ear. She gasped and crumpled the collar of Alec's shirt. They all watched Jordan who'd started to argue with Bat.

"-fucking talk to her." Jordan growled, pushing Bat out of the way.

Bat wrapped an arm around Jordan's neck dragging him away from Maia and throwing him to the ground on the other side. A group started to gather around them, the drunken boys chanting for a fight and the girls all protesting frantically.

And Jordan gave them exactly what they wanted, He turned around and swung at Bat, making contact with his cheek and a solid thud. The crowd went crazy and Jace got up, going over to the two of them. Bat got a few decent swings in before Jace pushed them apart.

"This is stupid." He said, his golden eyes ablaze and his tone dark and sober. "Both of you shut the fuck up. Bat, calm down and Jordan, get out."

"What?" Jordan said, disbelieving. Bat smirked triumphantly. "He started it."

"He was invited." Jace shot back. "And he'd be invited to leave as well if he was harassing people. Seriously Kyle, fuck off. Don't make this worse than it has to be."

"I need to talk to Maia."

"No you don't." Jace said, shaking his head. He was caught in the light coming from the barn and looked more threatening than he was. "You need to leave."

Jordan opened his mouth to say something, but caught the frightened look on Maia's face and nodded, stepping away. He walked away and the kids slowly dispersed.

"Are you okay?" Magnus asked Maia, coming to stand beside his boyfriend. Maia nodded shakily and Bat came over to see her as well.

Jace made it his job to get rid of the rest of the crowd, telling them to go away and shooing them. He nodded to the fireworks guys who immediately got to work distracting everyone.

Maia turned to Bat, who's eyes softened when he saw her. She slapped him and all the guys gapped at her. Isabelle was the only one who smirked, nodding her approval. "That was for treating me like some little princess that needed saving." She said bitterly. With the panic gone, she'd returned to her usual self, the kind of girl that didn't get scared. Hesitating, Maia went on her tiptoes and kissed Bat on the cheek. "And that was for saving me."

Bat laughed, smiling brighter than Magnus would have if he'd just been slapped. "I guess I deserved that. Starting a fist fight at the party, what will our city boy think of us?" He shot Magnus a wink who laughed.

"I've seen a lot of fights worse than that one." Magnus shook his head, "And over a lot stupider things too. That was almost noble."

"Alright, Mr Noble." Maia said, rolling her eyes and running her fingers through her curls, "Go back to Eve, she's probably waiting."

"Let her wait." Bat shrugged and Magnus wasn't sure, but there was almost a hint of blush on Maia's cheeks as he said that.

"I saw we drink to that." Simon said, slinging an unsteady arm around Isabelle's shoulders and holding up the vodka bottle with a lopsided grin.

"Huzzah." Jace deadpanned.

Magnus tried to open his eyes, groaning at the spike of pain that hit his brain as soon as he saw the light. Then there was the immediate panic. He was not in his room. But a quick glance around told him that he was in Alec's and he felt himself relax.

He couldn't see Alec's face, only the cream of his shoulder and his black hair. Alarm bells went off in Magnus' head when he realized something else. He wasn't wearing any pants.

And the door opened, it was slow enough for Magnus to notice without getting a heart attack, but he still jumped when Isabelle's head popped in.

Her eyes were wide and nervous and her hair was - to put it kindly - a mess. As soon as she saw Magnus she glanced at Alec and waved her hand, gesturing for him to come outside.

I'm not wearing any pants, he mouthed and she raised an eyebrow.

"What?" She whispered.

"I'm not wearing any pants." He hissed, looking at Alec out of the corner of his eye.

"It's fine. I've seen my brothers in boxers all the time."

"I'm not wearing anything."

"You're naked in my brother's bed?" Isabelle said softly, looking at Alec in alarm. Alec didn't move, because he was apparently a far heavier sleeper than Magnus had realized. "Is he wearing any pants."

Magnus shrugged, "How am I supposed to know?"

"Check!"

Making a face at her and very subtly lifting up the covers, Magnus caught a glimpse of Alec's boxers and let out a long breath, giving Isabelle the thumbs up.

"Does that mean pants or no pants?" She asked.

"Pants. Why would it mean no pants?"

Isabelle rolled her eyes like it was obvious. "Because then you would have gotten laid." She gestured again, "Now come out here. Before Alec or anyone else is up."

"No pants." Magnus reminded her and she sighed, closing her eyes and he scanned the room for his boxers. They were nowhere to be found. Magnus, keeping a close eye on Isabelle, quickly scrambled over to the other side of the room and put on a pair of Alec's.

Then he left the room, pushing Isabelle out in front of him and closing the door. "Would it have been that hard to get a shirt?" She snorted, dragging him into one of the random guest rooms and checking the entire room before closing the door.

Magnus crossed his arms. "I'm here. What's the emergency?"

"I think I slept with Simon."

"What?"

"I don't know!" Isabelle said, throwing her hands in the air. She was on the verge of tears, "I don't know what happened but he is in my bed and very much naked."

"I was naked in Alec's bed and I'm like nineteen percent sure we didn't do anything."

"Nineteen?"

"I don't really trust myself around your brother."

"But I was naked too!" Isabelle said, running a hand through her hair. Hey eyeliner was smudged around her eyes and for once, she looked as young as she was. "And there was a… you know." She waved her hands around and Magnus laughed.

"A condom?" She nodded, "Well at least you used protection." Magnus grinned, "Honey, I don't think you slept with Simon. I know you slept with Simon."

Isabelle shoved his shoulder and bit her lip. "I'm not worried about all that. I'm more worried about what happens now? And the fact that I can't remember anything after the fight."

"Neither can I." Magnus admitted, "But I'm guessing we drank a lot of vodka? Don't worry, this happens to me a lot."

"Is your mum going to be mad?" Isabelle asked, "I wonder if we weren't supposed to take you-"

"Could the two of you put on some fucking pants?" Jace mumbled, stumbling out of his room. He looked from Magnus in just his boxers to Isabelle in her underwear and a huge band shirt that was Simon's from the night before.

Isabelle just stuck out a tongue at him.

"Don't worry." Magnus whispered as Jace stumbled down the stairs, cussing and banging against the wall. "Just go in and talk to him."

"Maybe I shouldn't." Isabelle said suddenly, "Just pretend that nothing happened."

"No," Magnus groaned, "I have a friend that does that a lot and it's really not working out for her. Grow a pair and get in there."

"I'd really rather not grow a pair."

"I need to find a female translation for that." Magnus sighed, shoving a giggling Isabelle towards the door. "Go."

"Wait!" She called, "Do not. I repeat, do not tell Alec. He'll flip his shit. I can't have him find out. Promise?"

"Promise." Magnus sighed, waving her off and watching her vanish inside her room. Rubbing a hand over his face, Magnus went back inside Alec's room and closed the door, leaning against it. Guilt washed over him, feeling bad about rushing into the party as soon as his mother had told him to take it easy. After she'd sent him to Texas.

"Why am I in my underpants?" Alec's voice was raspy and he was rubbing his eyes as Magnus turned to look at him. Biting back a giggle, Magnus walked over. Alec eyed him suspiciously. "Why are you in my underpants?"

"I couldn't find mine." Magnus shrugged, suddenly glancing down and slapping a hand over his mouth to keep from laughing. "Did I do that?" He asked, eyeing the large purple mark.

Alec glanced down and snorted, "I sure hope so."

Magnus laughed and leaned down, crawling over the bed to press a soft kiss to Alec's lips. Alec smiled into the kiss and sighed. Magnus settled onto Alec's hips comfortably, running his fingers through Alec's hair.

"What do you remember from last night?" Magnus asked slowly and Alec looked at him alarmed.

"Next to nothing. I'm blanking as of right after Simon's stupid toast."

"The one about drinking to Eve waiting?"

"That's the one."

"Who's Eve?"

Alec laughed, "She's this girl that Bat's dating. Pretty I guess, redhead. But she is most definitely his attempt to get over Maia."

"They dated?"

"For a long time." Alec sighed, "Somewhere after we pretended to date and just after Jordan left to join the army. Which apparently did nothing to soothe his anger issues."

"I'll say. What was that display?" Magnus shook his head, "It was a little crazy. Though very brave of you to jump in to save Maia."

"I didn't even throw any punches." Alec raised an eyebrow.

"True." Magnus grinned, "But the thought was there. My prince charming." His grin worked it's way into a smirk as he leaned down to press another soft kiss to the corner of Alec's mouth.

"So," Alec said slowly, pulling away from Magnus. "You don't remember anything either?"

"No-"

"But we didn't do anything?"

"Relax," Magnus shook his head, "I don't think we would have. Because honestly, all signs point to 'we were drunk and we passed out'. Don't sweat it."

"Right." Alec said, just as slowly as before. "I just, I don't want it to be like this."

Magnus rolled his eyes, "And it won't be. Besides, I think it would be a little more obvious if we did." Alec looked around and snorted. Their clothes were in neat piles on the floor - with the exception of Magnus' underwear which continued to be missing - and the bed was neat as it could be with two people sleeping in it. As far as sex went, they'd either had the calmest sex known to man or it hadn't happened at all.

"Okay," Alec nodded, "Fair point. So, why are you all worried then?"

"What?"

"You have this crinkle," Alec said, "Right there." He tapped a part of Magnus' forehead. Magnus - being Magnus - tried to look at it, with no success.

"I'm just-" He paused, biting his lip.

"You can tell me anything." Alec grinned, "I won't tell a soul if you don't want me to."

"I'm upset because I feel like I betrayed my mum somehow." Magnus muttered. There was a crinkle in Alec's forehead now as he narrowed his eyes. "Coming here was supposed to fix me." Magnus said, suddenly feeling like he was on the verge of crying. Being over emotional and feeling foolish at the same time was annoying as hell.

"Can't fix what isn't broken." Alec whispered, running his thumbs over Magnus' cheekbones. Magnus' mouth fell open slightly, looking up at Alec in surprise.

"Are you for real?" Magnus asked and Alec smirked.

"I'm pretty sure I am."

"Impossible." Magnus murmured into Alec's lips, leaning in to press them together. Alec's hands trailed down and wrapped around Magnus' hips, pulling him closer as Alec moved to sit up further.

They both jumped out of their skin when there was a knock on the door.

"Alexander?" It was Robert.

They exchanged looks. Then, so fast it was almost comical, Magnus threw himself off Alec and ran to hide in the closet - oh the irony - and Alec searched around for some kind of shirt to cover up the giant bruise blossoming on his chest.

"Alexander?"

"One second!" Alec yelled, grabbing his blue shirt off the floor and throwing it over his head. He cast a glance at Magnus who gave him the thumbs up and closed the closet door.

Magnus had never been particularly fond of hide and seek. Mostly because he didn't like cramming himself into tiny, dark spaces and waiting. But oh, the things we do for love. Magnus' knees were already starting to cramp and he didn't dare move in the event that he'd open the door or make an noise that wouldn't normally come from a closet. If only Alec had a walk in closet. No, he had to have one where the pole was digging into Magnus' neck and he was pressed against the double doors so tightly he didn't dare breath too heavily.

"So," Robert said slowly, though he was louder, so he must have come in the room. "I needed to talk to you because you called me last night."

"I did?" Alec was panicking. Magnus could hear it in his tone. His voice was higher and Magnus could imagine him bouncing his knee up and down.

"I didn't pick up." Robert said slowly, "Because it was three o'clock in the morning. But," He stopped to breath, which was almost funny because neither Magnus nor Alec could do the same. "You left a message."

"Oh god." Alec whispered. "What," He cleared his throat, "What did I say?"

"A lot."

"Oh?" Alec's voice was sort of panicky again and Robert's hesitancy to address the situation wasn't making it any better.

"Your mother has heard the message as well. She wants to talk to you as well."

"What did I say?" Alec was resigned now, more of a sigh.

"That you were gay-"

"Oh shit." Alec whispered.

"-And you're with Magnus." Robert suddenly stopped, "Whose clothes are on the floor. Where is he? Did he sleep here?"

"Uh yeah." Alec laughed nervously, "He might sort of be in the closet."

Robert snorted, "You can come out Magnus. Alec's doing the same."

Alec laughed - looking more surprised than anyone that he still could - and Magnus giggled, pushing the door open slowly and peaking his head out first, giving Robert a hesitant smile. He wandered over to sit next to Alec. Robert didn't look happy, but he didn't look nearly as angry as Magnus or Alec had feared.

"So, you're okay with it?" Alec was looking at the floor, like he found if physically impossible to look his father in the eyes.

"I don't know." Robert said and Alec flinched. "Alexander - Alec. I found out about fifteen minutes ago. I was talking to your mother and my phone beeped. I spent two minutes listening to the message and the next thirteen wondering how the hell I never noticed."

"It's not really your fault for not noticing." Alec sighed, "I tried really hard."

"You shouldn't have had to." Robert said. Magnus felt a little weird being there, but Alec was leaning on him slightly and he felt good being able to be there for his boyfriend. "I'm hoping that Magnus has told you this, but just in case I'm going to tell you."

"I remember the day you were born. I was scared as hell. I was so worried that something was going to go terribly wrong. But then the doctor handed me this baby and I looked down and realized that the scary stuff didn't end there. I was going to be scared for you for the rest of my life. And somehow, that was the best feeling in the whole world." Robert knelt down in front of his son and angled Alec's face upwards so they were, for once eye to eye. "We are your family. That's not suddenly going to change. I don't know what to do because your gay. But that doesn't mean we're going to stop loving you. We're going to figure this out."

"You say that like it's a math problem." Alec muttered.

"I kind of wish it was." Robert shook his head, "Maybe then I'd know where to start. As for this," He said, gesturing between the two of them. "Use protection, don't get STDs and try not to have a messy breakup. I'm not sure I can deal with that on top of Isabelle's temper tantrums."

Magnus and Alec laughed and Robert's mouth twitched like he was going to smile. Then he stood up, brushed off his jeans and shook Magnus' hand. Magnus tried to hide his beaming smile and Robert seemed to notice. Alec held out his hand for his father to shake but Robert just shook his head and pulled him in for a hug.

"I know you were scared to tell us." Robert whispered, "And I know it might have taken a little bit more alcohol than I would have liked, but I'm proud of you." Alec nodded into his father's shoulder and Robert grinned, patting him on the shoulder and pushing him out the door. "You have to go talk to your mother."

Alec nodded and glanced back and Magnus who shooed him off. Robert looked at Magnus and his eyes softened a fraction. It was just the two of them now, "Take care of him for me." He said softly, looking at the door where Alec had just left.

And then Magnus was scared. He was scared because he realized the Robert wasn't going to be the biggest obstacle they were going to face. He was scared because he'd be scared for Alec for the rest of his life. And somehow, Robert was right and it was the best feeling in the whole world.