Espérons Inutile
A Mortal Instruments Fanfic
Disclaimer: I don't own Mortal Instruments. Any familiar names, places, etc. are property of Cassandra Clare.
AN: PLEASE READ THIS: All right, I warned you all at the end of the last chapter, but here it is again: this is a dark chapter. I almost changed the rating, but I've decided to make it as not explicit as possible. There is some serious dark stuff in here, and I suggest you proceed with caution. You don't actually have to read this. The next chapter is gonna state clearly enough what happened, so I'm telling you to proceed with caution.
Chapter 13: Les étoiles
He looked back up at the figure, trying to see it's face. And the man stepped forwards.
Alec gasped. He knew that face… he had seen it in his desert dream. But… how… why…
"Hello, Alec," Demetri Celior said, a smile playing on his lips.
Alec stared up in shock. This really was the warlock they'd been hunting for weeks now. The one who was wanted by the Clave. The one who had promised to harm Alec. Alec tried to scuttle backwards, away from the warlock, but it was as though he had hit an invisible wall. He couldn't move.
"You can't leave me now, Alec," the warlock laughed. He stepped closer to Alec, and Alec fought against the invisible wall to move away. "I just found you."
Suddenly, Celior raised a hand. Alec felt the wind rush over him again, though this time, he knew that it was to make sure he had no weapons. An odd sensation ran over Alec's body, as though he was being tied in place, though he couldn't see any bindings. So long as the warlock kept Alec bound, there was no way Alec could fight back.
"What do you want with me?" Alec growled. The warlock smiled now.
"You don't know how long I've been searching for you." The warlock stepped up beside Alec, and knelt down beside him. Alec didn't bother to fight now, knowing that any efforts would be futile. "So many years I've spent searching… and I finally found you." He reached out and ran his hand through Alec's hair. It felt horrible not being able to pull away, though Alec was at least able to scowl deeply. The warlock chuckled.
"I was really quite flattered when you joined in the search for me. Because you see," he said smugly. "It's usually the other way around. Usually I do the hunting."
Alec was trying to stare solely at the deck, but a firm hand forced his chin up and he found himself staring into the frighteningly dark eyes.
"At least you knew to find me," the warlock continued. "You knew your destiny, and you came to find me. You were so determined to find me, you couldn't even be killed by Deimus."
Alec stared in shock, intending to tell the warlock that he was completely insane, when something stirred in his memory. He remembered leaving Magnus in the middle of the night, and being attacked by the warlock… Haal had gotten hit. So he had taken Haal home and… and… he'd been killed.
"You're crazy," Alec spat out. "I was never looking for you. I only wanted to find you so we could throw your sorry ass in prison! You were supposed to be punished by the Clave! You're insane!"
"And you're immortal," Celior said with a smile. Alec stared at him, lost for words. This warlock really was crazy.
"What kind of lunatic are you?" Alec shouted at him. Lunatic really was a good word for this guy. Nothing he did made any sense. For example, after Alec said that, the warlock chuckled to himself, leaned in, and kissed Alec.
"Mmph!" was all the noise Alec was able to make as he found himself trapped with the man's lips on his. He couldn't even fight back as one of Celior's hands wound itself in his hair. The warlock tugged slightly on Alec's lower lip, eliciting a squeak of surprise out of Alec. And then he pulled back.
Again, Alec found himself staring into those dark eyes. He refused to let himself be scared by this man, so he glared with all the hatred he could muster. And the warlock smiled.
"Only you, ягодка."
-Break-
Magnus stared contemplatively out of his window, simply considering the dying sunlight as it glinted off the water. He was waiting. Patiently. As he would be continuously as he waited for Alec to show up.
Magnus looked back, further into the hotel room where the door was, as though looking at it would make Alec knock on it. He glared a little harder at the door. Still no Alec. Magnus slammed his head back against the couch. Why was he acting like a love struck little girl? Alec would show up when he was ready. Magnus didn't have to angst over it until he got here.
He didn't doubt that Alec would show up. He didn't. He wasn't going to start pacing.
Magnus sighed, knowing there was one thing to do. He stood up and started pacing.
What was wrong with him? 800 years old and he was getting all nervous at the thought of seeing Alec again. Pathetic. But… it really did matter. He knew by now that he couldn't lose Alec again. The hurt he'd felt after realizing that Alec was really gone had been too much. He could not screw this up.
Magnus sighed and flopped back on the couch.
He didn't know how it had gotten to this. He'd had too many experiences like these, falling for a human. Falling too hard for a human. Hadn't Magnus learned by now that love came and went as regularly as the tide? Why did he choose to become so attached to Alec?
Magnus could recall his past days with Alec with incredible ease. He'd remembered every moment they spent together, from what they said, to when Alec blushed, and every moment when he saw within Alec true feeling. He genuinely enjoyed his time with Alec. In the short time they spent together, he felt himself falling for Alec, in a way that would last for quite while. Was he in love with Alec? Sure, that was a nice label to put on his feelings, but he didn't need it.
Sometimes that got him in a bit of trouble, but he couldn't help it. Magnus didn't really care what his feelings were. He didn't need to be able to document every feeling he'd ever had towards a lover by a certain title. It made it easier, but still. Magnus knew what he felt, and that was all he needed.
Thankfully, Alec had understood that (though Magnus had the feeling it was simply because Alec was too uncertain of his own feelings to even bother contemplating Magnus'). So they loved each other. Magnus could still remember those times when Alec wondered what would happen to them; him being mortal and Magnus being immortal. And Magnus smiled at the memories that followed, where he brushed away Alec's worries like troublesome flies.
Magnus frowned slightly. This was true completely, he knew. He had a feeling Alec would admit it too is asked. So what had changed to make Magnus so… enh, helplessly in love. He rolled his eyes at the phrase, and he called up the night when things had started to change for him.
-Break-
If Alec could only fight back, he'd be safe from this warlock. He'd be able to fight back against him, and if there wasn't any hope of beating him, Alec could always just jump out into the water. If luck was on his side (it had to be once in awhile) he'd be safe from Celior's magic.
But he wasn't safe. He was bound by invisible ropes as the warlock pushed him onto his back. He leaned over Alec, keeping his face only inches away from Alec. He winced as Celior pressed his mouth against Alec's again, and Alec felt long fingers on his chest, gliding downwards from his collarbone. The warlock pulled back slightly, admiring Alec's still form. Then he grabbed Alec's shirt.
Alec gasped as it was torn from his body. As the chill of the evening air attacked his torso, it began to dawn on him what Celior intended. "No! You can't-"
"Mолчание," Celior said firmly as he placed his hand on Alec's chest. Alec closed his eyes and turned his head, trying to place just a little more distance between himself and the warlock. He wasn't having that.
Alec's head was jerked forward again, and he saw the warlock smirking at him as his probing hands explored his body. They ruffled his hair. They wrapped themselves around his neck, though they never squeezed. They made their way along his arms, feeling Alec's biceps. One dark hand found Alec's nipple, and grabbed it. Alec cried out in surprise, and he found himself gasping as both hands began touching him.
The warlock laughed at Alec's responses. "I can tell you like this, Alec."
Alec scowled in response. He managed to pull his legs up, making sure they kneed Celior and pushed him away from Alec.
"Alec, wait! Please!" Alec ignored the pathetic cries coming from behind him, and he continued to walk along the dark streets. He heard the frantic footsteps behind him. He almost wanted to laugh.
A few seconds later, Haal reached him, stepping in front of him and blocking Alec's path. Alec tried to step around him, but Haal grasped his shoulders and held on firmly. Alec simply glared up at him.
"Please just let me explain-" Haal started, but Alec didn't care enough to let him finish.
"Forget it, Haal. Just let me go home."
"No!" Haal begged. "Just hear me out."
"I don't want to hear you at all. Ever again," Alec said cruelly to Haal's pleading face. Was he really supposed to feel guilty about this? Haal had been a bastard, so Alec had a right to speak without being nice. His words had the intended effect, as he watched Haal wilt, misery becoming clear on his face. Being so near, Alec could easily see the tears threatening to spill in Haal's eyes.
Not for the first time, Alec compared Haal to a child. A little boy who started bawling if someone was ever mean to him. And it was always up to Alec to comfort him. Ugh.
"Alec, please, I never meant for this happen-" Alec snorted at this.
"Like hell you didn't."
"I didn't!" Haal exclaimed tearfully. "It was a mistake, I swear it!"
"So was this." That being said, Alec tried to pull away from Haal, but he found that the firm grip could be broken.
"Alec, you can't just leave-"
"Watch me."
"Alec," Haal pleaded. "You have to understand. I-"
"Couldn't care less, Haal," Alec growled, and he pulled harder to get away from Haal's firm grip. He stopped struggling then, knowing it was useless, and decided to get rid of Haal with his words. "If you were so eager to get with someone else, you could have told me that when we were-"
"I love you, Alec!" Alec blinked in surprise as Haal practically screamed it at him. Oh shit, he thought. As soon as the 'L' word was brought up, Alec knew it was time to run.
"No, you don't," Alec said harshly. "If you did, you wouldn't have been up that guy's ass!" Alec felt a stirring within himself at those words, as though he was honestly hurt by Haal's actions. But he didn't care. And because of that, he wasn't really hurt by Haal. Haal couldn't hurt him. Touch him. Make him feel…
Haal's eyes widened at this accusation. He shook his head. "I was never with him like that!" Haal cried. "I couldn't be with anyone after you."
"Yet you were."
"I wasn't! He came onto me-"
"Original," Alec commented sardonically. "How often that work for you? Or any of the other guys that use it?"
"It's true," Haal said firmly. "I – I've known forever, but I didn't know he felt that way. Alec, please, I could never be with anyone else."
Alec stared into his eyes, almost wishing Haal was lying. He decided to say silent, knowing that it was better to let Haal have his moment, then leave.
"I've been in love with you since I first laid eyes on you, Alec," Haal said softly. "I can never get your face out of my head. I've never felt this way about anyone before. I love you more than I ever thought was possible. And… I can't tell you how much I wish this hadn't happened…" To his credit, Haal did not falter once during this speech, even though it was tearing Alec apart. Damn that stupid 'L' word!
Alec closed his eyes.
And opened them. And gasped.
What the hell had just happened! He'd been with Haal… but that couldn't be true. He was back on the boat, looking into the grinning face of Demetri Celior.
"But…" Alec started. The warlock sighed.
"I don't like what happens next," the warlock said sullenly. "You lie and forgive him and… ugh! I prefer the part when you were being honest with him." He looked Alec in the eyes, without any sort of humor.
Alec frowned in confusion. "What… I was with Haal-"
"Don't you remember, Alec?" the warlock asked innocently. "You saw Haal passionately kissing someone else and decided you'd pretend to be mad? It's actually very entertaining when you bitch at him."
And he did remember. It hadn't mattered to him that Haal wanted someone else. It had actually been a relief. But how did this warlock know?
"That-"
"You really shouldn't be surprised," the warlock said placidly, and at that moment, he pulled Alec's naked body against his. Wait… when had he taken off the rest of Alec's clothes? There wasn't time to wonder as hands wrapped themselves around Alec. Alec felt the horrible feel of those hands slowly moving down his spine.
And he still couldn't fight back! He stared in horror as the warlock ran his hands through his hair again, and pulled Alec's face near.
"I've been with you for years, Alec."
-Break-
"Don't do it," Magnus said firmly. He narrowed his eyes, raising his hand in warning. "I swear, if you take another step forward…"
His adversary took one step forward. Magnus pointed at his adversary with mock anger. "That was the last straw! If you move any closer-"
It was no use. There was no point in trying to fight. The battle was lost as Chairman Meow pounced on the last cranberry bliss bar. Magnus swore as the cat took a tiny bite out of it and looked up at him smugly.
"Damn cat," Magnus muttered as he stalked off. "They don't even make those anymore."
It was probably for the best. He really didn't need anything sweet. He looked back up at the clock. 2:06. Damn
Magnus walked back to the living room, ignoring the cat and flopping back on the couch. He wasn't normally one for the insomnia, but these days he seemed to get no sleep. It made for a terrible day and night… unless Alec showed up. He was the one cure for Magnus' tired sulkiness.
And speak of the angel…
Magnus got up again, a smile forming on his lips. He quietly stalked back down the hall to the room where he knew Alec was still sleeping like a baby. He was two steps away from the door when he heard a quiet thump. He froze for a second, and then entered.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
Magnus kept his voice quiet, but there was enough venom in it to kill a blue whale. Demetri, who had been looking down upon Alec's sleeping form, casually looked up, undeterred by Magnus' rage.
"Just came to say hello," came the silky voice. Magnus' eyes narrowed in genuine anger this time. And he welcomed this feeling, letting only Alec's presence keep him from slaughtering Demetri there and then.
"Get out," Magnus said, the same rage filtering through his voice. His anger only seemed to please Demetri.
"Calm down," Demetri said, using his voice to mock Magnus' anger. "I just want to talk with you."
"You can't. Get out."
Demetri raised an eyebrow. "What's this? Feeling bitter? It's charming that you'd remember me but I really do need to speak with you. And, no it can't wait."
What was it about that accent that got on Magnus' last nerve every time? Magnus took a deep breath before saying, "Fine, but not in here."
Demetri grinned. "Why? It's as good a place as any-"
"Out to the kitchen," Magnus ordered through clenched teeth. Demetri chuckled, but obliged Magnus.
Magnus kept his eyes trained on the other warlock as he made his way to the kitchen. Before Magnus walked away from the bedroom, he shut the door and murmured quietly in a language no human could speak. He then followed Demetri away from Alec.
"So what do you want?" Magnus asked as soon as they had walked through the door. Demetri leaned back against the counter, clearly at ease.
"He's quite a catch," Demetri said, choosing to ignore Magnus' question. "But then again, you always had a knack for bedding the beautiful ones."
"And you've always had a knack for saying the exact thing that'll get you kicked out."
"You know," Demetri said exasperatedly. "I was hoping we could have a nice conversation Magnus. You'll want to hear what I say."
Magnus raised an eyebrow.
"Like I said" Demetri continued, the warmth vanishing from his voice. "You've always had a knack for bedding the beautiful ones. The useful ones. I take you remember my cause?"
"You're not going near him."
Demetri scowled at him. "Perhaps I haven't been clear. That boy" he said angrily, pointing in the direction of the bedroom where Alec was undoubtedly still sleeping. "Is everything I've been looking for."
"DID YOU NOT HEAR ME?" Magnus shouted at him. Blue sparks crackled from the tips of Magnus' fingers in his rage. He stepped towards Demetri, who coldly raised his eyebrows at the movement. "If you go near him… I don't give a damn about the deal, I'll kill you."
Demetri stood silent for a moment. He then nodded to himself. "I'll see myself out then."
Magnus forced himself not step any closer to him, for if he did…
"One last thing," Demetri called. Magnus shut his eyes, fists forming at his sides. If Demetri had any sense in that microscopic brain of his, he'd get out. "I'm not the only one who going to notice. My cause is growing; my allies are everywhere. If you, a High Warlock, insist on throwing attention onto the boy… they'll notice. And they won't show you my restraint."
Magnus had completely frozen.
"And speaking of my restraint, we will speak of this again."
And he left. Magnus had all of two seconds to try and restart his heart before he heard quiet footsteps coming from the bedroom. He spun around to see Alec at the doorway of the kitchen. He was blinking, still half asleep.
"Magnus?" Alec murmured. "Why are you up?"
"I couldn't sleep," Magnus mumbled back, and he pulled Alec into his arms. Thankfully, Alec was too tired to question the hug. Or why Magnus was shaking. Or why Magnus didn't let go for hours. Because after a minute, he was asleep again.
-Break-
"Hey! You can't fall asleep yet! I did not come out here just for you to fall asleep on me!"
Alec was grinning as he placed his hands behind his head, eyes blissfully shut. It was very satisfying annoying Miguel. Well, until Miguel dumped a handful of sand on Alec. Okay, it was still kind of satisfying.
Alec laughed as he brushed the sand off of him. "Oh, give me a break. As if you came out here expecting to find sea demons."
Yeah, there was no way they even existed… or maybe… yes? Alec didn't care.
Didn't… couldn't think after downing a few shots.
"You've been drinking," Miguel sighed as he sat down beside Alec in the sand. He looked tired for some reason. Alec frowned playfully.
"Maybe I have. And judging by the look on your face, you should get some too." Miguel rolled his eyes. Then he leaned back to lie down in the sand.
"You're crazy, Alec," Miguel said softly as he beheld the sky above him. Alec briefly considered the man beside him. He registered the beautifully dark, tanned skin and the gorgeous brown locks.
Maybe it was the liquor coursing through his veins, but Alec really didn't care what Miguel thought of him. Okay, he probably would've felt that way if he was sober, but it was important to say that the liquor did have an influence in his actions.
So Alec slowly reached out and curled his fingers in Miguel's think hair. He smiled as Miguel looked at him with shocked eyes. Alec ran his fingers down Miguel's face, enjoying the surprised sounds that came out.
"What-"
"I am crazy," Alec agreed quietly. "And I've decided to make you crazy as well. Like that song… La Vida Loca."
"Yes… oh…" Miguel's eyes were shut as Alec pressed his lips against his throat. Alec grinned.
Alec gently kissed at nipped at the warm base of Miguel's throat, slowly making his way up. When his lips landed on Miguel's jaw line, he found Miguel stopping him.
"Alec…" Miguel seemed at a loss for words. Even through his drunken haze, Alec could see the fear that was eminent in his eyes. "I-I am engaged. I was raised as a Catholic… I can't do this with you-"
"You can chill out," Alec insisted, a little annoyed at Miguel now. "This is a one time thing. With any luck, we'll learn from this experience."
And that being said, Alec moved forward to press his lips against Miguel's.
When Alec found himself kissing the warlock instead of Miguel, he knew that the warlock would push him over the edge. He knew that he would be harmed before the day was over. And he knew, especially after Demetri showed him that memory, what exactly Demetri planned to take from him.
-Break-
At that moment, Magnus had known he would do anything for Alec. If he had to pinpoint a moment when everything had changed for good, it was the moment when he'd held his sweet, innocent little angel against him, as though he could protect him from any danger the world presented. In that moment, he went from simply feeling love for Alec to being in love with him. It was such a profound difference to Magnus.
There was something about the oncoming threat from Demetri Celior that made Magnus want to pull Alec closer to him. And so he did. He let their relationship flourish even farther, and he found more and more that he needed Alec. He was easily much more relaxed with Alec near, and anyone could notice.
What Magnus kept hidden were his worries. He knew from experience exactly what Demetri Celior was: a worshipper of Satan. He was a dangerous psychotic, and he was solely dedicated to finding a way to free the Devil. Having had more than enough experience with the satanic culture, Magnus was happy to ignore Demetri.
Thing was, Demetri didn't work that way.
It started happening a couple weeks after their midnight discussion. Magnus and Alec would be out enjoying a date together, when Magnus saw him lurking. He would stiffen at the sight of the warlock, who smiled cruelly in return. Every time he appeared, Magnus felt a rush of fear running through him. He would always grab Alec's arm, too tight, and flex his fingers, readying for an excessive use of violent magic. But it was pointless. For when someone walk across Magnus' line of vision, Demetri would always be gone.
It was torture for Magnus. Though he was loathe to admit it, he truly was in a panic over Alec. He would cast protection spells over Alec whenever he was leaving, and when the two of them were together, Magnus never let Alec out of his sight. He was not going to let Demetri get anywhere near his Alec.
However, Magnus hadn't quite anticipated his own actions. Though he was determined to keep Alec safe, he would never let Alec know about Demetri. He knew it wasn't the best option, but there would be more harm done than good if Alec found out about his past with the warlock. So the impression Magnus gave Alec was that whenever they were together, Magnus was always focusing on something else. His need to keep Alec safe seemed to erase his showing of love for Alec.
Deep down, he knew Alec was hurting. But he was safe. And that mattered more.
-Break-
There were certain levels of humiliation. There was the mundane type, where you simply farted or got toilet paper stuck to your shoe. There was the type Alec often experienced when being beaten by Jace during training (vastly different from the times when he was beaten by Isabelle). And there was the type he felt when Magnus stood him up.
But this was new. He had never before experience the humiliation he was feeling now, as he endured the most horrible pain in existence at the hands of Demetri Celior. It was heightened so every time Alec opened his mouth to scream and he found magic blocking him from making any sound. His cheeks were coated with tears.
It hurt. So bad… and he wanted Magnus. If Magnus were only here… to save him…
"He isn't coming," that cruel voice murmured in his ear. "You know he isn't coming."
Alec frantically shook his head, eyes clenched shut. He wanted so bad to launch all of his hatred and anger at this warlock
But he couldn't. And he found himself silently shrieking in agony as a stronger pain flashed through him. It was much worse this time…
It was like he was being burned from the inside out. And all around him, that horrible laughter rang loud and clear.
And enough was enough. That was Alec's only thought as he walked along the streets of Brooklyn toward Magnus' loft. It wasn't fair. Alec put everything he had into their relationship. Magnus was his first. And there were no words to describe how much love Alec felt for him. No words to describe the immediate rejection of even the idea of letting Magnus know this.
He was fed up with the way Magnus was treating him. The damned warlock was supposed to care about him! And he didn't even look at Alec anymore…. Alec shook his head in frustration as Magnus' building came into sight. As soon as he made it there, he quickly walked inside, pulling out his key.
He was going to make Magnus listen to him.
He quietly opened the door to Magnus' apartment, stepping in through the doorframe without making a sound. He let his eyes scan the bare looking room. No Magnus.
So Magnus was hiding? Did he know Alec was coming? Or was he just out?
Alec shook his head in exasperation, checking the living room and the kitchen. Nothing. Alec sighed, considering where Magnus could be. Well, he'd stood Alec up only the night before. Maybe he'd thrown a party and was nursing a hangover. Alec half ran to the bedroom, needing to find Magnus.
He stepped through the bedroom door… oh.
Alec stopped in his tracks. It was as though the world had frozen, the air going still in his lungs. There was his Magnus. Quietly sleeping, letting the suns rays reflect off his shimmering hair. His nose. His lips. The man that was nestled quietly beside him.
No. Magnus would never… but he had. Alec shut his eyes, praying for a moment that he was dreaming. And his heart died again when he opened his eyes and nothing had changed.
The man beside Magnus was… there wasn't any word for him except beautiful. He curled up against Magnus, lips unconsciously pressed against Magnus' hair. Behind the man, huge wings were stretched out on the mattress. Huge wings that were almost like angel wings. Except they were the deep, dark, pitch black of midnight.
So Magnus was sleeping with another warlock. A beautiful, immortal man who could obviously hold Magnus' attention for longer than Alec.
The scene in front of him seemed to blur. For a moment Alec prayed he was waking from this horrible dream. But no. Those were the tears that seeped down his cheeks. This scene was real… all too real.
Alec struggled to breathe. He couldn't get air down his throat. He was trying frantically to push air out then in, but instead, a sort of keening sound came up. It was the kind of sound a wolf might make while slowly dying. And Alec was slowly dying.
There was a rustle of covers as Alec stared on in horror. Magnus was waking up. He slowly opened his heavy eyelids and raised them to Alec's face. And froze…
"You-" was all Alec was able to get out before stumbling back against the door. He couldn't look back. He couldn't. So he ran, and as he did, a cruel laughter teased his ears mercilessly.
-Break
Magnus swore in a hundred different languages as he desperately grabbed a pair of jeans off the floor and ran after Alec. He was not one for running, so chasing after Alec was harder than he'd anticipated.
But something was wrong with Alec. He could barely walk in a straight line, and every step seemed to drain him completely. Determined and scared as he was, he was able to reach out and grab Alec's arm.
Alec yelped at the contact and, seeing Magnus' face looming over him, fought hard to resist Magnus.
"Alec, you have to listen to me-"
"Oooohhh," Alec moaned, and Magnus' eyes widened at the pure pain and misery that dominated Alec's voice. "Noooooo… ugh…"
Alec was shaking with terrible sobs. Magnus couldn't even hear him breathing. "Alec, please, something's wrong-"
"NOOO!" Alec shrieked at him, pulling away again. "You…"
Alec looked at him. Magnus swallowed as he looked in Alec's eyes and saw, not misery as he expected, but… destruction. His eyes reminded Magnus of the aftermath of 9/11, which he had seen clearly many years ago. Much like the towers, Alec had been destroyed. And only the destruction was left.
"I'm so sorry…" It came out as a gasp, simply because seeing the destruction in those beautiful eyes was simply too much for Magnus to bear.
"You... bastard," Alec gasped. "You fucking bastard…"
Magnus studied Alec in horror as the boy began to shake uncontrollably. Magnus tried to grasp Alec to stop him, but that only made it worse. Magnus, in all his panic, couldn't do anything as Alec crippled and fell to the ground. Magnus knelt down instantly and tried to calm Alec down.
"Alec, can you hear-"
"You lied! You lied!" Alec's voice cracked as he yelled. Magnus' eyes filled with tears. He reached out again and held down Alec's arms down.
"Alec, listen to me!" Magnus shouted at him. "I love you!"
It was useless. Alec would never hear him. Magnus didn't understand what was wrong. Alec… Alec wouldn't react like this. Something truly was wrong. But what to do…
An idea came to Magnus, cooed to him by a little voice in the back of his head. In all of his desperation, Magus could not bother himself to stop and consider what he was doing. He reached out and placed his palm on Alec's forehead and looked into Alec's mind.
Alec's mind was a tangled mess, but Magnus quickly picked out the memory of Alec finding him in bed with another man. And he destroyed that memory. Now to replace it…
Alec had come over to Magnus' loft, but hadn't even gotten a chance to speak. Magnus didn't want him anymore. So he ended it out.
As the memory took shape and Magnus pulled out of Alec's mind, he felt tears streaming freely down his face. He slowly backed away from Alec, who already looked better. Just as Magnus knew he had hidden himself perfectly from Alec's sight, Alec stood up. He was crying, but he looked healthy. Alive and vital.
But miserable. Alec continued to shake with sobs as he walked away from Magnus' loft and back to the Institute. He turned a corner, and Magnus knew Alec was gone forever.
What had he done?
He still didn't have any idea when a few minutes later, Demetri approached him.
"I haven't thank you yet for last night," Demetri said calmly, in a cruelly cheerful tone.
"Don't bother."
Demetri grinned broadly at him. "Our deal still stands."
"Yes, it does."
The other warlock started walking away from him.
"Alec will be safe. You know I won't go near him. And I'll make sure none of my followers do. So look happy." And he walked away. Magnus shut his eyes and buried his face in his hands.
Alec would be safe. And Magnus would never have him again.
-Mysterious Break-
Both men recalled that horrible day with tears spilling out of their eyes.
Alec remembered the truth on a boat, being harmed by the same winged man who had hurt him so long ago, simply by being. Now tears poured down his face as the warlock hurt him yet again.
Magnus stared resolutely at the ground as he remembered the greatest mistake of his life. He'd been tricked by that damn warlock. It had been to protect Alec, but instead it hurt him.
Alec shook with heavier sobs as a familiar misery came over him. He wasn't as hurt as before, but how he could his heart not be permanently wounded after this?
Magnus swore to himself that he would never hurt Alec like that again, and he would do whatever was in his power to kill Demetri before he could get to Alec. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't notice his phone ringing. After it rung three times (it could've been more), he picked up.
Alec stared through tear-filled eyes up at the sky. There were so many stars out…
"Do you know where Alec is? He hasn't shown up all day and when I try his phone, there's no answer."
Magnus frowned at Isabelle's words. "He said he would come over to my hotel. I don't know where he is now, but if he shows up…" His voice drifted off as he looked out the window and instead in the direction of the harbour. Even from this distance, he could see still see the bright white light that seemed to emanate from one of the boats. He knew that light. He knew he was too late
Oh, yes. The stars were beautiful.
AN: Ah, there's nothing like the stars in the night sky to take your mind off all the heavy stuff. Well, if you were actually in the middle of a city like Sydney, you might not even be able to see stars, but too bad.
I'm really sorry now about the updating issue. I don't know how writing this got so hard, but maybe it's just a lack of inspiration. I know what I want to do, but I can't force myself to write these chapters. I'll try harder now. And this chapter in particular… was supposed to be easy. But it turned out I couldn't do the **** scene with Alec and Demetri. That was impossible for me, so I resorted to implications. And also, Magnus originally had a very different reason for leaving Alec, but those reasons changed for story purposes. I think this reason makes more sense, and it's genuine. You might want to yell at Magnus, you might want to sympathize with him. Either way, I get to put my OC to some use.
Now, the content. You may have noticed me tampering with the rating awhile back. That was when I wasn't sure if I could do the scene with Alec, but I changed it back because I could alter the story. It's still T.
But anyways, tell me what you thought of it. Were you horrified? Did you think anyone was extremely OOC (Ale's reaction to the unfaithfulness seems kinda OOC even to me, but I have my reasons for doing this)? Does anyone kinda envy Demetri, who has done the nasty with both of our favourite boys? REVIEW AND TELL ME. Please. It honestly will encourage me to continue at this point.
I really hope you're enjoying this. If you think I actually should change the rating, you'll have to review and tell me. Thanks.