#Although I can also see Simon snapping and telling someone that it wasn't his own stories - there's no winning!

[darkdarkmydesire]

I really hope it wasn't (just an experiment)

Chapter 3:

Magnus woke to the scent of coffee and an empty bed, rolling over he came face to face with a cup of the offending beverage and doughnuts on his bed side table. Tucked underneath the cup was a note, which he snatched out scowling. Magnus didn't know why he felt such strong irritation. Had Alec left in the night? That by no means explained the lukewarm coffee, or fluffy doughnuts, because as far as he was concerned, sustenance didn't just keep it self warm. Deciding to pursue the actions of a mature individual, Magnus flung the paper with tremendous disdain, despite there being no one other than the furniture to witness the action and stalked toward his bathroom. Ignoring the paper and his surging irritation. Magnus's eyes clung to the clock as he passed, 6:18. Despite the seemingly nice gesture, Magnus couldn't help but feel like a hooker. Who woke up before six on a sunday anyway? Alec had disappeared and left a note, all that was missing was the cash on his dresser. Granted Magnus hadn't been looking forward to the awkward morning, but he would've thought Alec would have some tact. Huffing in indignation at his tumultuous thoughts, Magnus made his way to the bathroom with renewed purpose. He'd deal with this after a shower.

Fifteen minutes later Magnus sat on his bed with damp hair and the crumpled remains of his fury. He read over Alec's note for the second time, guilt pricking fine holes in his demeanor.

Sorry I had to leave. I swear this isn't the walk of shame. I have work at 6, so I went home to change. Plus, I got you donougts to make up for it. They're from Nightgale, if you dont like them anymore I'll be sure to pay you back for the bad taste ;)

After the thorough examination, Magnus set down the note, feeling slightly wrecked. He reached for a doughnut. It was his favourite, a glazed wholewheat doughnut. Heart fluttering Magnus bit into the delectable treat. The memory that accompanied only succeeded in tearing down the rest of Magnus. He remembered the first time Alec had took him to the cozy diner, they had been dating. Magnus had taken one bite of the doughnut and declared it his usual haunt, since then him and Alec frequented the place everyday after school. Nightingale was at least a 25 minute walk from his place and Magnus firmly closed the door to the sect of his mind that whispered tantalizing notions: He woke up before 5 for you He did it for you. Alec still cares, still remembers. Still knows you despite the years and silences and changes. Barricading such thoughts, Magnus finished the first doughnut, started the second and drank the coffee till the last drop, despite it going cold. All the while ignoring bubbles of joy in his heart.

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It had been three days since Magnus and Alec had rendezvoused for the lack of a better word, however both went on with their lives tactically avoiding any mention of the night. There was not a wisp of ungainliness, nor any action to build up their friendship on it's dilapidated foundation. Though, regardless of recent events Alec couldn't help but feel a thrum of disappointment. Magnus, Raphael and Simon had gotten close with an exchange student called Ragnor Fell, especially Magnus. Alec tried to snuff out the envy as he saw them laughing in the corridors and conspiring in class. He had trouble shirking of the petulant chorus of: it should be me. Alec had his own acquaintances and friends. He also had no reservations of kindling their romance, but had thought Magnus would at least try to make up for three years of silence. Had thought that night would have meant more than just a release for Magnus. Had thought -

Swearing Alec yanked open his locker. He was acting imbecilic moron, standing here reminiscing of different outcomes and what if's. About how Magnus wouldn't give him the time of day. Disgusted at his own wallowing, Alec flung books into his bag with a vicious ferocity and a scowl to match.

"Someone's in a mood.", whistled Jace, leaning against the subsequent locker with a clanging thump.

" I'm fine.", Alec blew out, running a hand through his hair. He really was oozing an aura of pathetic, if Jace, who was as thick as his textbooks conjoined, could sense something amiss.

"I'm sure the abuse victim would disagree.", Jace snorted, arms crossed, a skeptical expression on his face.

Confused, Alec raised an eyebrow. He wasn't in the mood for Jace's unamusing jibes.

" The locker. Jjust because it has no nerves, doesn't make it acceptable to pummel the thing.", Jace mocked effectively cutting into Alec's irritation. The words echoed of a previous lecture Alec himself had given him. Breathing out a laugh, Alec felt the vice of strain loosen its grip.

"Jace, I caught you pulverising a postbox with a metal pole., just because you were aggravated. This situation is immensely different.", Alec reasoned closing his locker, although he used a noticeably lower amount of force.

"Right, whatever. Thank fuck you didn't see the five around the corner.", Jace muttered, uninterested in his own failings.

" What?", Alec asked, snapping his head towards Jace, " I swear to God, you better be joking.", he said, pinching the bridge of his nose. With Jace you never really could tell which hypothetical incident was a joke and which an anectode. All Alec knew was that each scenario was as outrageous as the next, if not more so.

"Of course I am.", Jace reassured, " Anyway, Izzy said to tell you, family dinner tonight. Don't forget.", he chirped. Jace never chirped, that was more of Simon's forte, so naturally Alec became suspicious. Adding more fuel to the fire, he couldn't help but think Jace's stride contained an additional vigor. Still unsure and somewhat defeated Alec made his way to AP calculus, perhaps he was overreacting, but in Jace's case even evacuation procedures would be basic protocol. Although, It was not as if he could do anything about the postboxes at this moment. He could offer to pay for them, however even Alec saw little merit in admitting vandalism to a government official's assistant. Hence, Alec simply went to class, turning his back on the memories that hung like ghastly cobwebs in the harsh lighting of the college corridor. Memories that would leave remnants of silk too fine, to perhaps ever remove.

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Only after Alec had sat down did he take note of the minority of students in attendance. Besides a curly haired girl who's fashion sense could rival Isabel's, Alec happened to be the only other individual present. She seemed to radiate a cloud of hostility, yet Alec found her to be intriguing, if not pleasant. The girl had been been a sagacious partner, the few times Alec had been paired with her. An intelligent figure who could hold an interesting conversation. "Staring at Maia? I though you were past the finding an efficacious beard phase", came Magnus's teasing voice, drawing Maia's attention as well as Alec's. Despite his easy tone Alec felt a twinge of shame, as he recalled how adamant he had been in hiding their previous relationship.

Unable to decide if it was truly a jab, Alec played it safe and brushed off Magnus, addressing Maia in his stead, " Sorry long day. I was just thinking that regardless of your intelligence and pleasant fashion sense, my sister and you are two humans best not acquainted. ". This compliment was delivered in the form of an observation, as if he was merely cataloging the number of lexis in his assignment. The lopsided grin and unassuming tenor of his comment, earned a soft laugh from Maia. Alec could be quiet charming without the pomp and swagger of the usual stereotypes encompassing the male population.

"You know, if anyone other than you said that, gay, or not. I would have shown him just how extended my vocabulary can be, but seeing as its you. Thanks.", she responded, her brown eyes shining with amusement. It seems Alec's comment had indirectly insulted Maia, because he recognised that particular brand of humour from Isabel's own reactions to varying "helpful" comments Alec had bestowed upon her.;

" I dont know if I should be honoured, or offended. The boys in this school aren't exactly...", he waved his hand in an elaborate gesture, as he trailed off.

Scoffing, Magnus cut in, " First of all darling, I am deeply offended, as I seem to be grouped with the 'boys in this school' category. ", as he took out his notebook. " Secondly, this.", he encompassed, waving his hand in a fashion similar to Alec's, "Is not an adjective.", he deadpanned reminding Alec of another time he had used that tone. A time he did not want to remember in a classroom, in front of other anthropoids generally.

Clearing his throat and willing his cheeks to cool, Alec answered, " Yeah, I know.", his voice coming out scratchier than he intended.

Magnus seemed to have caught the link and looked over with a sly grin, "I - ", he began.

" Okay class, seeing as you're always complaining about how tedious solving exercises are, I devised an activity away from the conventional teaching style for math.", announced Mr. Beamer, successfully cutting of Magnus and looking all too pleased with himself.

Alec, once again, wasn't sure if he was disappointed.

"I would like you to work with your desk partners and create a 3 - d model representing the following topics: Limits and Continuity, Derivatives and Rates of Change, or Integrals and Area, depending on which I assign you. I expect this handed in four weeks from now, with an oral presentation. This will be done in lieu of home work, with the exception of the daily practice questions, of course.", explained the teacher.

" Of course.", mumbled Magnus in annoyance.

"What?", questioned Alec perplexed, under his breath. Eyes still on the board, as to erase any chances of a repeat of the last lesson.

Magnus faced the younger man trying to discern his tone, only to find genuine anticipation on his face. " Of course.", Magnus whispered again, however this time he was significantly amused.

"It'll be an invigorating challenge.", shrugged Alec, noticing a strange expression flit across Magnus's face, before he covered it up with a haughty look.

" Invigorating.", he scoffed, "Who says that?", his tenor seem almost... endearing? But before Alec could question it, Magnus faced forward, concentrating intensely on Mr. Beamer's words.

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" So, after school, your place?", Magnus asked, as the students piled out. "Oh.", replied Alec surprised, " Um, it'll have to be after work, so 7:30?", he queried, expecting a refusal, as he packed away his supplies.

"Sure, I'll text you when I get there.", the older man answered, unfazed, " Number?". Taking in Alec's mildly shocked expression, he frowned. "What? You thought I was going to dump it on you?"

"Well no, I thought... because - you just, I mean. I assumed.", Alec struggled, unable to form a coherent sentence.

" Wow, Alec.", Magnus snapped, "Way to paint me the jerk.", swinging his bag over his shoulder violently.

" What do you expect me to think?", Alec asked vehemently, "You hook up with me, then dont even look my way twice.".

" Don't make this about that, Alec. Dont be so clingy.", Magnus spat.

Ignoring the way his heart clenched at those words, the younger man seethed, " I'm not making it about anything, Magnus. What is wrong with you? We were friends way before this bullshit. If anything, you're the one projecting.", gaining momentum, Alec plundered ahead.

"This isn't even about sex, its about how you seem to think 15 years of friendship isn't reason enough to even try to be civil. You dont want yo speak to me? Fine. But dont get offended, when I assume that's what you're going to keep doing.", Alec finished breathing heavily and pushed past Magnus. He had not felt fury like this in along time. So completely obliterating and wholly directed at one person, rage seemed to crackle from his very being, as Alec none to pointedly ignored the general school populous. Not looking back once, he stormed his way out of the building. Alec was sick of second guessing himself and around Magnus that's all he seemed to do.

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After work, Alec had come home to boxes of takeaway and bickering. Currently, sitting here, even as Izzy smacked Jace once again and as Jace exaggerated in his reaction, once again, Alec felt calm. This is what family dinners are supposed to be like, spending time with the ones who understood you, even if they weren't blood related, like Jace.

" If you ask me", said Jace out if the blue, " You give that Magnus guy too much leniency. ", he observed, leaning against the front if the sofa, as he sat on the floor with Alec sitting crossed leg, opposite him. Izzy mirroring his posture had token over the couch, " He was just a kid when Alec got kicked out. There's no need to blame him for what Dad did. ", reasoned Isabel. " And for the love of God, speak after you finish. Nobody needs to see that.", she exclaimed, nose wrinkling in disgust.

"I'm not blaming him, even though he is a jerk. I'm Just saying Alec should be careful.", pointed out Jace, purposefully chewing as loud as he could, baiting Isabel. Alec wondered at his audaciousness, no man would cross Isabel, not with the constant threat of sterility hanging above his head.

" That's rich coming from you.", Alec muttered, he was getting imensely annoyed at being the subject of the conversation, as if he was not present. "Also, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. The way you two are going, I'm surprised you don't suit me up in protective gear each time I step out.", Alec replied blandly.

"Exactly Jace and if they do find each other under the sheets, it'll be the matter of two consenting adults.", Isabel quipped, cackling at the glare Alec through in her direction.

" Isabel.", he warned.

"Oh no, Alexander Gideon Lightwood, dont try and deny it. Clary and I saw you dancing with him on Friday night,before you vanished.", taunted Jace from his spot on the floor, " Where, pray tell, did you go?".

"Home.", Alec deadpanned, " We took a cab together.". Beginning to collect the mess he carried on coolly, "Being over him, doesn't mean I'm blind Jace. He was a hot guy who asked me to dance and so I did."

Choosing to sideline Alec's condescending tone Jace rolled his eyes."Looky who grew up.", munched Jace around his food, causing Isabel to finally snap. It was an audible brittle crack.

"Jace, if you don't quit chewing like that. I will rip out your balls and stuff them down your throat.", she sniped sweetly, with all the venom of a mamba. The sugar coating on the words was overtly saturated, hence not the most enticing of delights. It was the tone Isabel reserved for those on death parole and Jace's reflecting expression conveyed as much, this was only to end in casualties and excessive bloodshed.

Stacking the boxes and blatantly ignoring the two, Alec addressed the only responsible one of the pair. " Izzy could you - ", he paused as the bell cut him off. Distractedly, he made his way to the door adjusting the various containers, so he wouldn't drop them. Arms full, but in no danger of dropping the cartons, he opened the door and came face to face with an uncertain looking Magnus. To say it shocked him was a highly exaggerated understatement.

" Um hey. I.. err. I came to apologize, for earlier that is ", admitted Magnus, his eyes seemed to search Alec's for any scraps on how to proceed.

" Oh.", Alec blinked dumbfounded, jarred into action by sound of Magnus's voice. Churlish as it may seem, Alec had not truly believed it to be Magnus, perhaps his obsessive thoughts had conjured up the illusion. "Okay, come inside.", he said gaining control, suddenly closed off.

The way Magnus had acted, had hurt. There was no way Alec would let him swindle his way through an apology. Needing a moment to collect himself, Alex left Magnus standing in the doorway, as he strode in. Throwing away the load in his arms acted as the perfect guise of being in control, he needed to be after his earlier outburst. No matter how deserved, Alec did not lose control like that. Although in conclusion of recent events, he had come to realise, nothing went the way it usually did when Magnus was involved. Try as he might Alec always gave into the urge of bickering back, flirting back. He wanted to push the thing that was Magnus and Alec, Alec and Magnus. He felt an inexplicable need to test the bond, tug at its tether.

" Sorry to cut this short, Izzy, Jace, but I need to get started on a project with Magnus.", Alec spoke nonchalantly, as if they hadn't been talking about him mere seconds ago. Alec didnt know exactly what he was doing, however he certainly appeared self assured, so it was not all in vain.

Jace opened his mouth, no doubt about to retort something witty and disastrous, but Alec's pointed look and Isabel's not so subtle jab had him keeping quiet.

"See you later, brother.", Isabel said, kissing Alec's cheek and ushering Jace out, paying no heed to his disgruntled protests. His best friend was admittedly not apt in making the best life choices. As the door clicked shut and a heavy silence threatened to smother Alec where he stood. Alec abandoned his vigil of the peeling wall paper in the right most corner of his living, turning to face the inevitable. Did he really think he could ignore Magnus after inviting him in? Common sense had indeed learned the procedure in case of an attack of Magnus's presence. Abandon all tasks and abort. Knowing he could delay no longer, Alec shifted, folding his arms in front of his chest, caging his emotions in, or Magnus's out. He wasn't sure of the difference anymore. Not knowing how to proceed, Alec simply waited, holding the gaze an abundantly tense Magnus.

" Look", he said, inhaling sharpy, as if their very friendship rested on his next words, which for all he knew it did, had it not been for Alec's incongruous need for all that was Magnus. "I was a shitcase, I shouldn't have called you clingy. You aren't. Even before that I shouldn't have ignored you.".

His words tumbled over one and another, a desperate apology, an intoxicating plea. Magnus breathed shakily, as Alec continued staring, face absent of any emotion. " After the club, I assumed things would be awkward. I was even prepared for it. But then it wasn't and I thought I was either extremely dense, or you we're ignoring that night.", Magnus continued, a bit hesitant at revealing his vulnerabilities, though he rapidly brushed away Alec's potential objections that crept in the furrow of his brow, the pursing of his lip, the tightening of his stance. "I know you weren't. I had just overthought the situation so much, it seemed like the logical outcome.".

" So there I was consumed by you, while you seemingly went on unaffected.", Magnus conceded, vulnerability creeping into his eyes.

This time Alec did interrupt, " I wasn't unaffected.", he said, frown deepening.

"Clearly", Magnus scoffed, recalling Alec's outburst earlier. Justified, but an outburst all the same.

" All I'm saying is, I'm not trying to make excuses. I didn't set out to hurt you.", he said , frustration present through the shaky hand he ran over his hair and down his face, as if he could wipe away the emotions he was feeling. He would do anything not to lose Alec, but as Magnus poured his heart out, Alec had stood there stoic. Giving no sign if he was succeeding in his efforts. Magnus was incredibly selfish, he had realised even after years of separation, he still wanted Alec as a friend. No matter how much, or how often he told himself that Alec was just another person he had come into contact with, ordinary, he could not believe that lie. There was nothing ordinary about Alexander Lightwood. Magnus's every sense was crowded with Alexander, from his hazel eyes, to raven black hair and pale throat. He had become an obsession, compulsion, Magnus's destuction.

"I know an apology isn't enough, but I'm sorry Alec.", he croaked, voice tainted with shame and a sliver of hope. Hope Alec could snuff with nothing more than a breath.

" Fine, I forgive you.", Alec relented.

"I'll make it up to you.", Magnus said softly, " I'll - . Wait, what?", he wheeled back back confused.

"You didn't think I was going to end our friendship based on one fight, did you?", smirked Alec. "Though you did deserve it.", he said honestly, dropping down on the sofa and flicking on the t.v. As much as Magnus's actions had severed Alec's heart, he knew that whatever pain they caused each other would be forgiven, if they could wield it to forge something stronger. However, never forgotten because an perpetual cycle of repetitive mistakes was not what Alec wanted, not what they both needed, but forgiven they could be.

It was Magnus's turn to stare nonplussed. If he hadn't been so relieved, he would have been furious. "I know.", he laughed quietly, after what seemed like an age, running his hands through his hair. " You are evil darling. My heart felt like it was going to give out, for all the hints you gave me.", he chuckled easing down next to Alec. Though the movement was tender and if you looked close enough, you could see past the veil of nonchalance. Underneath was a river of gratification and disbelief, running through Magnus minutely tense posture, as he inclined back. Through the tenuous upward curl of his lips. Through the flickers his amber orbs.

Clicking on a movie, Alec raised an eyebrow in question. "What about the project?", Magnus frowned, after all that was how this conflict came to be. Magnus was by no means the most dedicated individual, however he gave an adequate amount of significance to his educational pursuits.

Alec shrugged in response, " We have time.", he muttered, whilst burrowing deeper into the couch, causing an involuntary grin to sketch across Magnus's face. And, as the light flickered across Alec's features, illuminating his laughs and frowns, while he criticised the plot, Magnus blamed the speeding of his heart on the earlier fright. Convincing himself it had nothing to do with Alec's easy smiles and casual touches.

#Malec #fan fiction #i hope you enjoy #classandra claire