First Fanfiction! I hope you enjoy it! (No copyright intended, all characters belong to Cassandra Clare)

CASTLES MADE OF SAND, CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Yellow Submarine

"In the town where I was born, Lived a man who sailed to sea,
And he told us of his life, In the land
of submarines."

Alec marched in steady long strides out of the front door of the Academy, making his way towards the parking lot, where the white Jeep was situated perfectly at the back. The sun had finally came out by the end of the day, causing the air around him to have a blistering hot heat; it was moist as well -moist enough to make his white t-shirt stick to the planes of his back. "Hey!" He heard shouted from his right, as a dark figure sprinted their way over, to where Alec was. He turned, and was partially blinded by the glint of light that reflected brightly off of Simon's glasses. "Haven't seen you since yesterday, dude."

"Yeah, I guess we don't have any classes together," Alec shrugged. In the distance he could see where Simon had ran from: The Shadows, as he had once mentioned to Alec, stood starring at them for a beat too long. There were definitely people he didn't recognize at first glance; a guy with gleaming silver hair which caught the light of the sun in fantastical waves, a tall girl with brown hair that was attached to his side, and two guys that looked oddly identical except for one having brown hair, and the other blonde. However, Alec did recognize Camille, Clary, Johnathan, and Sebastian standing with the group of people.

"Your name is Alec right? Clary told me." Simon smiled. A genuine smile. He was a good, honest, trustworthy guy, Alec decided in that moment. Just by gazing at him, you could almost see the sincerity within him. "We were wondering if you wanted to come to the old boat docks with us, now. Just to chill and hangout," He pointed over his shoulder to the group of people. Alec couldn't help but feel as if, they, were the most intimidating people that went to the Academy. Just by the way they dressed, screamed words to others that they were not here on scholarship. And the way they held themselves, with chins high, chests out, and backs straight. Most, if not all, of them walked with a sort of effortless grace, and when one of them walked into a room -everyone's eyes mediated towards them. They were extremely fascinating to look at, no doubt, and as Alec began to learn quickly, they were also extremely fascinating to talk about. In almost every class, Alec would accidentally over hear conversations about 'The Shadows'; some rather scornful and others desirable.

"They're, The Shadows, right?" Alec asked, slowly.

"Yeep," Simon shrugged nonchalantly. He was wearing a dark black t-shirt, with the lines 'Knock Knock, Who's there? Doctor. Doctor who.' pasted on the front in contrasting bright red font, with an image of an old england telephone booth underneath. Alec was beginning to gradually like Simon's choice of t-shirts.

"I thought you said they were the snotty rich kids, that lived on the hills." Alec raised his eyebrow at Simon skeptically, his tone accusing, but playful at the same time -a small smile tugging at his lips. Simon laughed, and raised his fist to his mouth.

"I did say that didn't I?" He smiled even wider into his fist. "And it's true, most of them are. Don't tell them I said that though, or for sure they'd boot me out."

"I won't." Alec looked past Simon's shoulder again, and caught Camille's eye. She gave him a subtle wave, and a quick chin nod of her head; licking her lips precariously slow. Oh god, Alec thought to himself. Johnathan glanced at him as well, in that moment, and gave him a predatory scowl, as if to say 'I don't mind you, but if you mess with her, I'll kill you.' Sebastian smiled, his characteristic lopsided grin that showed off just how pearly white his teeth were. Even if Alec didn't know the rest of them, they seemed okay enough to approach -and this was his chance to fit into some type of hierarchy within the school system; which he was not going to let up. "Sure, I'll come, but I can't stay long-"

"Okay, cool. I'm pretty sure your brother is coming too, Clary mentioned something like that." Simon said, with a definite forced recognition. Alec knew that look, and that tone of voice, all too well -Simon had the exact same problem, it seemed, with Clary and Jace supposedly becoming closer to one another, as Alec did. The only difference was that their roles were opposite: Simon being notably jealous of Jace, and Alec, of Clary. But in some sense, Alec was at a greater level of hiding it -he had to become accustomed to working his way around his envy over the years -and in that respect, had become very good at denying those emotions.

Simon began to walk back to the group. Alec followed in tow, and as they were walking towards them, Jace joined his side, almost knocking him over.

"You're coming too?" Jace asked, his hair shining greatly in rays of gold atop his head.

"Yeah, did you text Izzy?" Alec asked, and noticed faintly, how Simon's ears fluttered to the sound of 'Izzy'.

"Mhm, I gave her the keys to the jeep. Let's hope she doesn't get lost, or get herself killed." He hastily said, as they finally stood in front of the group.

"Nice, Jace." Now, I'm going to worry. He wanted to add, but thought better of it.

Jace left Alec with Simon, and went to stand beside Clary; snaking his arm around her waist, in a subtle manor. She looked up to him, with her bright emerald eyes, her red braids partially falling apart under her fedora hat, and smiled brightly. He leaned down, and placed his lips softly on her rosy pink cheeks. Something Jace would never do. Usually, by now, it would have been a full make out session with any other girl, despite the large group of people around them. This was extremely uncharacteristic of him, and Alec couldn't help the sudden feeling of jealousy bubble up in the pit of his stomach, like an erupting volcano. He also noticed the dominating scowl, that crept its way up Simon's face.

"Guys, this is Alec," Simon nodded mainly to the people Alec hadn't had the chance to meet yet.

"Tessa," the tall girl with brown hair held out her polished hand to him kindly. Alec smiled wearily, maybe he couldn't do this... He wasn't comfortable anymore with the amount of people around him, that he didn't know. They were bound to see through him, and see how absolutely nervous he was. Alec usually worked better with getting to know people individually, rather than in groups and clusters of people. It was easier that way.

"James," the silver haired guy said, "but you can call me Jem." He finished with a smile, his almond shaped silver eyes squinting at the corners, and to Alec's surprise he pulled him into a gentle hug. He felt weightless to Alec when their chests were crushed together; almost as if he were made of feathers. "So you're Alexander. I've heard a bit about you," Alec blushed of embarrassment at that. James released him, and grinned at him warmly.

"Gideon," the tall, bulky, dirty blonde haired guy said, nodding his head politely at Alec. "And this is Gabriel, my brother." He stuck his thumb out to his side. Gabriel sharply smiled at Alec, as if his presence didn't affect him whatsoever, and within the blink of an eye the sharp smile was gone. Alec felt like cringing.

"Are we done with the introductions now? I would love to get down to the boat docks, before old man Penhallow comes to kicks us off." Camille lazily said, flipping back her harsh bleach blonde curls over her left shoulder; showing off a great expanse of very bare, spray tanned skin.

"Yeah, lets head out now." Simon agreed; Gideon, Gabriel, Sebastian, and Johnathan took off, in the direction of the parking lot, hopping into a bright indigo sports car. They reved the engine a couple of times, a sweet puring sound -before they took off speedily. "Alec, you can ride with Jem and Tess. Trust me, they don't bite." He added, in a whisper, to Alec. "Jace, Camille and Clary will come with me." Alec smiled and nodded. As long as he wasn't in a cramped car with Gabriel, who didn't seem too accepting of him; or Camille, who would gladly seduce him in the back seat -he was fine. The rest of them began to retreat to the parking lot, and James led him and Tessa to a vintage punch buggy, made of stark white gleaming material.

Alec starred at it in awe. It was a beautiful car, and excitement fluttered inside of him, that he would have the honour to ride in it; sitting atop the plush vintage red seat. James came to stand beside him, watching Alec gape at his car lovingly. He held out his hand to Alec, palm up, the keys resting in the middle of his long lean pale hand. "Do you want to drive?"

Alec caught himself, and shuttered. "No. Uhh, that's fine. I can't... I..."

"Oh, don't worry about it. If you can't drive that's okay." James said, and rounded the front hood of the car.

"No I can drive... It's just... I... Never mind. Sorry," Alec sheepishly apologized for his moment of stuttering. Memories flooded his mind like wild fire in that moment, encasing him in a ton of dread and longing. He quickly shook off the effects, and brought himself back to reality.

"No problem," James smiled warmly again, and hopped into the drivers seat. Tessa, who had been surprisingly quite, shifted into the back seat quietly. For some reason, when Alec first saw her, he dubbed her to be the ultimate guys-girl - seemingly fitting in effortlessly with all the guys around her, not all too concerned with the way she looked or acted. She was pretty though, with light brown hair that tumbled in waves over her skinny figure, and grey eyes that faintly resembled storm clouds on late may afternoons. She was wearing a light white summer dress, with yellow designs splattered across it, and white vans -even if it was raining that morning, she seemed at ease with whatever she was dressed in. Maybe she just didn't have anything to say to Alec.

Alec opened the door, sat down in the passenger seat, and breathed in the fresh vintage scents of the car. This was absolute heaven to him. He wasn't a car fanatic per-se, he just loved the look of antique things, and this car was definitely vintage chic. Even the hum of the radiator was soothing, and consistent. After a few minutes of driving, Alec realized why he felt at least slightly at ease: William and Magnus hadn't been with the group, and consequently weren't going to the boat docks. Or so he thought. He really wouldn't have minded Magnus to be there, or at least that is what he tried to tell himself. Somewhere between the last block of the day and exiting the school doors, those sweet tremors he felt along the planes of his skin dissipated. He couldn't tell if he was mournful of happy at that loss of that feeling.

Alec, however, would have minded if William went.

"Where'd you move here from?" Tessa called from the back seat.

"East coast, Oble." Alec replied, watching the evergreen trees pass by in a blur of color. Alicante was proving itself to be beautiful to Alec; each time he went to a new places.

"I've been there before, absolutely wonderful waves. You board?" Oh, yes. She was exactly what Alec predicted. Guys-girl. The sound of her voice, so nonchalant. The fact she surfed, breathtaking. Not too many girls even dared to surf the waves back home.

"Yeep. Practically everyday, I'd take it out for the drift, to do some barrels." Alec turned back and grinned at her. She returned the sentiment, with her own sweet knowing smile.

"Jem here, hates to board. Tried to get him to do it once," Tessa leaned forward in her seat, and shook her head, patting James on the shoulder. "He completely wrecked on the tide." She giggled, her eyes squinting in the corners. "It was a cute attempt though,"

"I'm just not cut out for the water." James replied playfully, glancing at Tessa through the mirror overhead. His pale eyes glittering with happiness.

"Oh, trust me. I know. I can't even get him to go swimming," Tessa gave Alec an incredulous look, shifting her big grey eyes back and forth between Alec and James, gesturing to James as if he were some type of foreign alien. Alec laughed, a throaty laugh.

"Have you seen the water down at the boat docks yet, Alec?" James asked, shoulder checking as they came upon an intersection close to the main district of Alicante's downtown. Everything here was updated, and fresher.

"Nope. Jace, Iz and I just stayed around the house, and the woods for the most part of summer." Alec answered honestly. For awhile, after they had moved to Alicante, Alec had no idea the ocean was so close to the town. When he had found out, him and Jace had vowed to go down there at least one day of the summer, but never got around to it.

"Well, you'll see why I won't go swimming with her. It's disgusting, filthy water." He said a bit sarcastically.

"Nah, you're just scared of the water Jem." Tessa added, with a smirk; gazing at him with that same type of happiness he had in his eyes when glancing back at her. It was heart warming really, seeing James and Tessa interact-even if Alec barely knew them. They possessed the utmost happiness and calmness around each other-a situation Alec wished for himself one day. When gazing at Tessa, one of Alec's favorite poems seemed to pop up in his mind;

'She walks in beauty, like the night. Of cloudless climes and starry skies; and all that's best of dark and bright. Meet in her aspect and her eyes: Thus mellow'd to that tender light. Which heaven to gaudy day denies. One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impair'd the namless grace.'

"How long have you guys been together?" Alec blurted out loud. Biting his tongue in regret, he chasaited himself -what if they weren't together? He was being way to forward with his speculations...

"Two years-" James began.

"-Twenty-seven months." Tessa finished. She widened her eyes at James statement. "What, has the past three months meant nothing to you?" She folded her long delicate arms over her chest, and set her mouth into a hard line. James leaned over, and turned his head to Alec as they came to a stop in the road.

"It's been two years, three months, and eight days, since the first time I knew I loved her." He said lowly, and cut his eyes sideways at Tessa, smirking. Alec turned back to see Tessa gazing out the window, a high flush resting on her soft cheekbones; but nevertheless there was a permanent smile on her face. "How about you Alec? Anyone back home? Or is there someone at the Academy that has already caught your eye?"

Yeah, Magnus, Alec instantly thought within his mind. Wait... When did those types of thoughts scuttle their way into his head? A silent shiver crawled up his spine at the thought of Magnus; he could get lost in the thought of Magnus if he really wanted to -but he always willed himself not to, because by doing that he would lead himself into bigger revelations about who he truly was. Revelations he didn't want to go anywhere near, anytime soon. "Not really." He opt. out, and shrugged; biting his lip feverishly, just in case his voice let it slip that someone had caught his eye.

"You'll find someone, soon. You've got the looks that have probably attracted the main portion of the girls at the Academy. Homecoming is just around the corner." Tessa reminded Alec of the bright, glittery poster he had seen in the hallway the day before. Doubt it, Alec said to himself -being conflicted with his attractions towards Jace, and now Magnus, there was no hope in using someone to help aid him in getting over those.

"He could always go stag. It's no big deal Alec," James said, turning out into a large grey slate parking lot -which over looked the ocean. It was a staggering sight to see; the ocean stretched for miles and miles, fresh deep blue water, with flecks of sun rays glistening off of the oceans cover. It definitely wasn't somewhere you could go surfing in, more of a harbour, for the dozens of colorful fishery boats that were nestled along the far left of the brown wood boat docks. If Alec had known that this was what lay on the flip side of the downtown district, he would have spent his whole summer here. It was truly a beautiful mirage-like image. "We'll hangout with you at homecoming, Tessa doesn't like dancing that much anyways." James snapped him out of his reservoir.

"Yeah, that would be nice," Alec said stepping out of the car. He looked around the parking lot, catching the image of the bright indigo sports car, Sebastian, Johnathan, Gabriel, and Gideon all standing around it, and the black four-by-four turf truck, that Jace, Clary, Simon and Camille climbed out of. What he didn't expect to see was a gleaming red Noble M600 parked just beside. And upon taking a further inspection, squinting his eyes against the harshness of the suns rays, he watched as two figures emerged from the low car, and went to stand with the rest of the group.

Magnus and William.

A/N: One more chapter (after this one) and then it will be the dinner scene. Sorry, I just wanted to get a bit more Magnus and Alec in there before I went ahead with it; also I wanted to switch it so the dinner scene was in Alec's perspective (: [The poem is by Lord Byron, by the way. One of my favorites]
I shall tell you this now: I love James Carstairs to pieces, he is my all time favorite book character, beating out Jace Wayland, Robin Goodfellow and Patch Cipriano for that spot. I hope you liked Tessa! To me, while reading the books, it just made sense that she gets along better with guys than girls, in my opinion.
As a side note, I will begin writing the Patch and Nora One-shot called: Angel, Baby -today! But then again, it won't be up for probably another week or so, because I am attempting to juggle this story, that one-shot, and art projects -while trying to read six books.
And hey, give me a shout out, if you want to see my drawings (: I don't mind posting them on my page for you to see!
And! (Holy my Authors notes are getting long...) Wow, 100 reviews? You guys sure do know how to make a girl blush. Like what? This is crazy! I didn't expect to have so many people actually like my story, I'm truly thankful to those of you who have.

Review, or no coco for you.

Amber,