Hai Loves! Gonna keep this short but I'm warning you that you could probably skip this chapter because it's just a setup chapter for our setting change but it has some funny little things here and there so meh do as you please (SO excited for the stuff that I have planned to go down in New York. I am halfway finished with chapter five already and I'm just saying it's almost 4,000 words and that's halfway done) As always enjoy and pretty please drop me a review!

~L.C (Who is a very excited author because she gets to use her favorite movies in the next chapter)

_xxXxx_

Song For This Section~ Sour Cherry by The Kills

"God princess, getting old? Your left jab is worse than Clary's."

I spun and slammed my foot against Jace's padded hand before twisting back and slamming my balled fist against the same red and blue target. Laughing at Jace's idea of encouragement while wiping the sparkling collection of sweat at my brow, I caught and accepted the dig. Realizing I would have no chance with winning in my verbal abilities, I decided to reassert my natural older brother dominance in a different way.

Moving as fast as I could, I faked a kick to his crotch, Jace already bent over to block the unfortunate blow, before straightening out my leg and hooking it around his ankle, efficiently bringing Jace's cocky ass to the slightly damp emerald grass. My knee to his chest and then he was efficiently down for the count. Sweat slicking his blonde hair to his neck and gold eyes blazing with amusement and the challenge of my actions, Jace nodded and I backed off before pulling him up off the grass. I straightened my black athletic shirt and basketball shorts and tried to ignore the peering eyes from the people milling about us. Really we shouldn't screw around in the middle of a field with no mats and emergency services an hour away but it was a little too late for that now.

My voice didn't really sound like my voice when I said, "Dick head, why the hell are you fighting with Clary? Didn't know you two were into that sort of thing."

This got me a laugh but also a sarcastic remark that Jace was famous for. "It may or may not have ended in some hot and half naked make outs but I'm sure you and Magnus have done kinkier."

My jaw just about hit the floor and I just stood there, sneakers making little dents in the grass under my feet, and stared. A second later I realized my mistake but I was too late to stop the straight shot to my middle that sent me sprawling on my back with Jace smirking, Adidas Condivo training pant covered knee to chest. I shook my head and pushed him off me. The ass whole just rolled and stood up like a fucking ninja or something. It really wasn't fair.

Standing up and brushing off his grey wife beater before saying, "What you're not telling me that you look at each other like that and Alec my man, you haven't tapped that? You're losing your touch Alec." I threw my hands in the air and looked at the clear blue sky. Seriously, why did I deserve such treatment? Why?

I purposely ignored the fact that I really didn't have a "touch." I hadn't even kissed anyone yet.

Pointing an accusing finger at the guy who I seriously want to just kick in the shins, I said, "You, shut up, now! No, just, no! I am not having this conversation with you."

Jace adopted an expression that I assumed was supposed to resemble a school girl but really it was creepy and looked like a deer that had been hit by a car while chewing sour candy. I turned, deciding to walk away and remove myself from the situation but I got maybe three feet before I was face to face with caramel sparkling skin and deep green-gold pools.

Looking at Magnus after Jace's previous comment, I blushed fiercely before Magnus smiled, a little too bright and innocent, and said, "Alec! Luke says he wants us to break down our tents and he says I'm riding with you and Isabelle." Oh god, how much did he hear?

I nodded, the blush flaring again. Looking around I saw there was only a few tents up and during the four hours me and Jace had been screwing around, the big top was just a circle of white poles, bare of the blue and silver fabric. "Alright, do you need help with you tent?"

Shaking his head Magnus continued in the same overly chipper voice, "Oh no, no. I'm fine. Shane and Reed helped me."
Nodding again because this behavior wasn't odd for the pair, I replied, "Yeah, the Ranebows do that a lot-"
Cutting me off Magnus said, "Why do you call them that?"

Caught off guard by the question I didn't answer right away. Once I actually got my thoughts in order, I explained, "Around here, if you're in a serious relationship, the girls down in sales gives you and the person you're with a name and eventually word spreads. Jessamine and Aline are the worst. Before you know it, everybody starts referring to you as your couple name."

Jace helpfully called from about four feet behind me, "Me and Clary's name is Clace."

A look passed over Magnus's face that I couldn't understand but it was wiped away in seconds and that perky voice was back. "That makes sense in a junior high sort of way. Well, I'll see you later."

Offering a small wave to the retreating plum shirt and signature shiny leather pants, I turned around but turned back a second later after hearing my name called. Blinking in the harsh noon sun, I saw Magnus had faced my direction again after calling my name. He cupped his hands with their sparkling, which I had recently learned were extremely soft, in an "O" around his mouth and yelled, "That was sexy as hell by the way!"

I didn't have time to really gape at the smirking Magnus before he turned around and an ever helpful Jace placed a hand on my shoulder, his shit eating grin a warning to beware his comment that was sure to come.

"Man, you are so getting head toni-OW!"

Song for the next section~ Fat Bottomed Girls AND Somebody To Love both by Queen

My feet ached and my mouth was dry from running back and forth from the now broken down big top, huge gaping holes cut out of the grass the only real evidence Cirque Des Ombres had ever been here, to the small area we assigned for all trucks, trailers, and general vehicles needed for moving the production. The two hours since Jace and I had separated ways, Jace rubbing his arm, where exhausting, but finally almost all the fifteen pound braided silks were eventually piled into Izzie's cherry red Ford F-150 and matching two horse hitch up trailer that the circus had lent her to tote around her horses.

Now I was on my final trip, carrying the 4 ft. shimmering purple silk, I thought of what the next twelve hours were going to be like. Usually me and Isabelle would talk for hours and sleep on and off depending on who's driving but now Simon was going to be in the car.

And Magnus…

As I helped her load her horses earlier in between trips, Isabelle had jabbered on and on about how if I just gave Simon a chance, that maybe we would get along and that it would be so fun having both of our men with us this time. I had quickly corrected her about the status of Magnus being my man but she waved away my comment.

So with the gleaming red paint job standing out against the see of chrome and grey, I decided to just sleep until it was my turn to drive. But wait, it was Izzie's turn to drive and what if she made Simon do it for her.

What if he drove the whole ten hours?

What if he drove at all?

We were fucked. Like I might as well start saying the thirty billion hail Mary's I owed someone out there because I was going to die today. I could almost see the newspaper clipping. At least I wouldn't have to go to New York... which I wasn't going to think about anymore!

My inner monologue had taken me to the car so tossed the silk in the back and after securing the tarp over the silks and Izzie's hay supply; I popped the door to the car with an almost silent ding. The cool wash of air chilled my burning skin from the august heat outside and I thankfully sunk into the plush leather back seat.

Maybe it wouldn't be that bad. I did have Magnus to play referee between me and the grunge bimbo and Isabelle seemed to not be bored with this one yet so she wouldn't let me eat him too bad.

I shut my eyes, trying to regain some of the stability in my legs but I didn't get too long to myself before the front passenger side door gave the same high pitched ding and the car was filled with the smell of old spice and cigarrete smoke. I cracked one eye just barely open so I could see the dirty black jeans and band tour tee. Wanting to let out a groan and roll my eyes but holding out against the urge, I fully opened my eyes and gave the kid who couldn't be older than 17 but had all the muscle and looks of a prepubescent girl.

He nodded back and I closed my eyes again, saving the dragon for later. Then there was another ding, this time from my left and a wash of vanilla perfume invaded the car so I didn't even need to open my eyes to see the raven black hair and deep brown eyes to know my sister has graced us with her presence. Then a final ding erupts from my side and I do pop my eyes open only to have focus on Magnus, in the same leather pants and plum shirt but with a thin layer of sweat glistening on his skin that only added to his sex appeal.

It really wasn't fair that the man could look good while sweating and I ended up looking like a drowned rat, but he had started talking so I tried to ignore the little voice in my head and focus on his words coming from lately glossed lips.

"Oh goodness, I'm so excited! I love road trips! We could play games and just talk for hours and listen to music! Did I mention I'm really excited?" Child-like glee filled his lined and glitter crusted eyes and the hushed whisper was kept just between the two of us. The fact that he only shared his excitement with me, made my heart jump excitedly but I tried to remind myself that he probably didn't think about me like that. I mean I was awkward and just plain. Right now I was wearing a faded black sweater for Christ's sake and Magnus was just so... Magnus.

Our differences were painfully clear to me, but hadn't Magnus said I was sexy earlier? Was he kidding?

All these questions ran through my head as I smiled genuinely at Magnus and leaned back after noticing how close our faces were. Isabelle sent me a raised eyebrow and mouthed, "Wanky," before looking toward Simon and asking, "Hey can you drive first?"

Simon must have agreed because the two front doors popped simultaneously and Izzie and the grunge bimbo hopped outside but I was too busy watching Magnus reaching forward and fiddling with the radio.

Soon a queen song was beating over the radio and Freddie Mercury was calling out about fat bottomed women. A surprising choice for someone like Magnus, who seemed to make a pop culture reference every thirty seconds, most of which I didn't get, but I wasn't complaining.

Isabelle wasn't either apparently because as soon as she popped into the passenger seat, she started singing at the top of her lungs, like some lunatic, but the craziness was infectious because before too long everyone in the car was singing along.

Then the walkie talkie in the little whole that was supposed to be for drinks pulsed out a crackle of static before Luke's distorted voice buzzed out the all clear to move out. I scooted to the side window and took on last look, still humming along to the bridge of the song; the plain grass showed nothing but a holes and dent where tent poles once stood. No memory that we had ever been here.

I sat back and kept up my almost silent tune. Choosing to listen to Izzie's and Magnus's argument instead. "No I'm telling you that Freddie Mercury was gay!"

"I'm not disagreeing with you darling but I'm just saying that as a freewheeling bisexual myself I don't think that it is so ridiculous to believe that the man might have dabbled in other avenues and therefor his song may not be complete fiction." Magnus flicked his hand and rolled his eyes as if it was crazy that anyone could be right but him. I had to place a hand over my mouth to stifle the small laugh that bubbled out of my chest at his gesture.

Izzie was equally aghast as she turned in her seat, seat belt long forgotten, to face Magnus and replied, "He was screwing his base player, and everybody knows it."

Quick as lightening Magnus found an answer and in his almost signature tone that was a mix of complete dead pan and deprecating, a combination that only really Magnus could pull off, he said, "Hey, a man needs some fancy finger work sometime!"

"Ever heard of two much information?" Izzie said with an impressive eye roll.

"Ever heard of my-"

This was taking the conversation to a ridiculous level to I cut a disgruntled Magnus off before he could say one more thing that would make my face just fly off my neck from embarrassment. "Alright you two. How bout we switch the conversation."

"Spoil sport!" was muttered from one of the two but I ignored it. Isabelle got an evil look in her eye the next second and before I could purpose my own idea for a conversation about something that wouldn't make my already beet read face even redder, she suggested, "How bout we play truth or dare strip style?"

That wasn't happening. No way in fucking hell. She was trying to kill me but Magnus quickly agreed and that damn Simon kid just had to agree didn't he! He really wasn't earning any points in my book but then again...

No! This was going to suck and no, just no.

Wanting to ignore everything, I turned to the window but Isabelle just had to pick me didn't she?

In a sing song voice Isabelle said, "Alec, truth or dare?"

Imagining all the bad questions she could ask and thinking of minimal things she could dare me to do I said, "Dare."

"Oh you're no fun. Hmm give me a second." Isabelle conspiratorially leaned over to Magnus and their hair mixed together creating a curtain of impending doom. I was truly screwed. My fear was only confirmed when she leaned over to Simon who was turning onto a crowded freeway and whispering in his ear. He nodded with a slightly bored expression and apparently my fate was sealed.

Clearing her throat before saying, "Okay dear brother, I dare you to moan, loudly."

Magnus helpfully added, "Let out your inner orgy babe."

That didn't help my face situation which probably had the color of a fire truck and certainly not the uncomfortable tightening in my pants.

What could I do but that I realized my secret weapon, the other probably didn't have.

I quickly took off my sweater.

Then I straightened my black short sleeve tee and stared around at Izzie and Magnus whose faces ranged from incredulous to slightly appraising. Magnus gave me a wink and I smiled awkwardly at the two before asking, "So do I ask someone something now?"

A frustrated because her plan was spoiled Izzie nodded and I turned to the grunge bimbo in the front seat and ask him to pick his poison through the mirror.

"Truth or Dare Simon?"

He looked warily in the mirror as if he sense what I had in store for him, but eventually said, eyes back on the clogged highway and the car filled with Tessa, Jem, and Will in front of us, "Dare."

That put a slight spin on my plans and I looked over at Magnus who winked at me and leaned over. Closer and closer, the inches between us disappeared and then my heart was in my throat and he was whispering in my ear, "Make him put an ice cube down his pants. God knows he's got a raging hard-on from your sister just sitting there. It's almost pitiful that he can't hold himself back."

I looked at Magnus with an incredulous expression and shook my head. There was no way in hell that I was going to do that!

I looked back at Simon, who was staring a little too hard out the front window. Shaking my head, I muttered, "Never mind. Forget about it."

"Fine, I elect Magnus to go next."

The man in question looked the happiest I had seen him since we meet a week ago and quickly answered, "Dare. I choose dare!"

Izzie didn't hesitate either when she said, "I dare you to kiss Alec." She then turned around to face front with an evil wink at me.

I wanted to yell a giant no, but at the same time a huge fucking yes, like the one where your favorite sports team scores a goal. I didn't know how to feel but I didn't have time to decide my feelings because Magnus leaned in and kissed me.

When he pulled away a second layer, staying put a little bit longer than truly needed, I just sat there, a little shocked and a little lightheaded, but I came to quick enough to rub the lip print of shimmering gloss off my check.

"Oh you suck; I didn't mean a kiss on the cheek!" Magnus simply rolled his eyes and yawned dramatically.

"I'm getting bored with this shenanigans. It isn't as fun in a car. How about w- Hey! Turn the radio up! This is like my jam!"

Simon obliged and Magnus started singing at the top of his lungs. He was actually a really good singer and before long I was smiling like an idiot because of how happy he looked.

I hummed along quietly with him but stopped as all of a sudden Magnus's hands clutched mine and he broke away from singing to excitedly say, "Come on Alec, please sing with me?"

I couldn't deny the childlike pools of green that I was swimming in and rolled my eyes before joining on the chorus of Somebody To Love by Queen.

We sang until we were breathless and the song changed to something from The Black Keys. Laughing afterwords didn't help me catch my breath but I couldn't help it. We were singing like idiots and I know for a fact that I can't sing well.

Izzie broke our laughter by looking behind her and saying, "You two sound really good together."

I dismissed the meaning Izzie was probably trying to get across and decided to close my eyes for a second instead because I really was tired.

I don't know when I fell asleep or what was going on while I was asleep but all I do know was that what seemed like a second later, Isabelle was shaking my leg and I had my head leaning against a sleeping Magnus's chest. Somehow our hands were clasped and I quickly jerked my hand free, afraid of how Magnus might feel at the implications of the gesture.

This woke Magnus up and we both looked confused and I'm sure my face was bright red but Izzie just laughed at our expressions and said, "We're here boys. Welcome to New York City."