* * *

Alec heard Magnus sigh from across the room. "You're staring at me again." Alec's voice was soft but firm. Distant.

"I know." Was Magnus's only reply. Alec's eyes flicked up in surprise...he'd expected the High Warlock of Brooklyn to deny it but no. He just kept his glinting green eyes on those of the boy in the corner. Like a cat watching a mouse.

For a moment, Alec didn't know what to say. He felt bad for Magnus... the poor guy obviously liked him and it wasn't as if they couldn't be together either. Sure it was considered bad to be gay among their world and probably even worse for a Shadowhunter to be with a Warlock...but that wasn't really the problem.

The problem; Alec's heart was already spent on another person. Another person who didn't even know about the life-long crush. Jase Wayland the boy of his dreams was only a friend to him, only wanted to be his friend though he didn't really know the truth. Alec knew that telling him would be a serous blow to their friendship...he wouldn't tell Jase.

Not even if Clary wasn't in the picture which she clearly was. Jase's heart was on her and it was obvious...to everyone but Clary. Oh what a mixed up world, Alec thought and couldn't help but look as tragic as he felt. He tried to sink further down in the couch, further out of sight but it really wasn't possible to go unnoticed...not with Magnus's eyes glued to his every move.

* * *

Magnus crossed his legs and then uncrossed them again, feeling antsy. Alec was just across the room and something was bothering him; it was plain as day. And he wanted to help. I'm the freaking High Warlock of Brooklyn...If I can't help I'll be damned. He thought with a smirk, which was wiped cleanly off his face as soon as he caught sight of Alec's newest change of expression.

Alec's eyes--usually so so blue, like the sky--had gone very dark. His skin, normally a tone of light tan bordering pale was even paler...with an additional green cast to it. Heavy black runes stood out among his angular features; excentuating his dark beauty. Faint white scars also decorated his skin like trophies...He'd killed quite a few demons to have that many scars.

* * *

"Excuse me," said Alec as he hastily stood and nearly scrambled for the bathroom door. Though he really didn't know where the bathroom was...he'd only been here once before and then the bathroom hadn't been in the front of his mind. Eventually he gave up on finding a restroom and hid in Magnus's spare bedroom instead. Sure he was gay but Alec Lightwood was no boy to cry in front of someone...especially not another guy. It was just coded into his brain that way; a sign of defeat. Which was not something a Shadowhunter let the world see.

As soon as he was safely tucked behind a tall stack of cardboard boxes--blocked from sight--he let the tears that had been threatening him all day spill out. They weren't sobs, weren't loud but they were big fat drops of salty water. Having nothing better to do, Alec stared off into space wishing he were home at the Institute where his surroundings were at least familiar. At least there he had his on room. But, he had been left here, traded by Clary, Isabelle and Jace so that they could go do something important. Alec had been their only barganing chip...the only thing Magnus would settle for.

* * *

Magnus's eyes grew wide as Alec bolted for the hallway, saying something about being excused. Magnus didn't know what had happened but he hoped it wasn't something he had done. The last thing he wanted was for Alec to hate him. The thought made him shudder. After a few minutes or at least long enough for somebody to use the rest room had passed, he became worried. No there really wasn't a reason to be worried; the kid was a demon killer for The Angel's sake.

He made his way down the hallway quietly, using a tiny spell--small enough that it could  be called a wizards trick--to make himself quiet. Magnus found it weird that he was sneaking in his own house...it was strange. He opened the bathroom door and peered in, hoping to not embarass or be embarassed but Alec wasn't there. He checked the kitchen, bedroom, laundry/storage closet...and almost resorted to thinking that the Shadowhunter had left when he heard a small noise...one a person wouldn't hear unless extremely focused. It didn't hurt that a feeling of anxiety was sweeping down the hall from the Guest Bedroom. It was almost tangible.

Magnus stayed in the doorway, entranced to see Alec sitting by a pile of boxes near a window. A half sliver of moonlight was shining down onto him giving the effect of a half-halo as the silvery light backlit his hair. His chin was down and his shoulders were slightly shaking. Focusing his eyes, Magnus could see a crystaline tear drop down his cheek and join Alec's other tearstains on his navy blue long sleeved shirt. He was beautiful...even when sad.

* * *

Alec heard nothing, but was expecting a confused Magnus any time now. Alec could already picture it; the way the warlock would sweep noisily down the hallway and throw open the door, asking something like 'what're you doing in here? crying'. He could just hear the distaste in Magnus's tone...it was bound to happen. But he just closed his eyes and let his head thud backwards to where the walls plaster was dented.

Suddenly feeling angry, he grabbed the nearest object and threw it, hearing a noise of exlamation as it shattered. He opened his eyes slowly, knowing just what he'd find. The object he'd thrown had been a small glass beaker...he had no clue what one would want with a beaker but it was there and shattered at Magnus's mismatched socks.

"I'm sorry! I d-idn't mean to break it I swear!" His guilt was growing...all of his emotions wildely out of range. He was just so emotional around Magnus...he couldn't help it...his feelings just slipped out here.

* * *

Magnus swore under his breath, he thought Alec had seen him standing there. He thought he had upset him...because for whatever reason, Alec had thrown an old beaker...something he hadn't used in years if ever and it shattered at his socked feet. Not long after, Alec jumped to his feet, looking apologetic and anxious; tears still streaking down their earlier tracks.

He started to come into the room but stepped on the glass. Now it was harmfull but nothing he couldn't handle.

"I'm leaving," Announced Alec who pushed away from the wall and was just about to go through the doorway and leave. Swiftly, Magnus grasped the front of Alec's shirt and pulled him sideways; efficiently stopping him in his tracks.

"Don't. Please," said Magnus, pleading with his neon cat eyes. Alec swayed...he still was convinced to leave...Magnus could tell. He did the only thing he could think of that might possibly make him stay but might also make Alec hate him.

* * *

Alec looked up at Magnus, a little bit taller and only a couple years older. His skin was flawless; strangely today without makeup. His hair was even out of it's crazy style and curling limply down to the Warlocks ears. He looked hot. Alec gulped, ready to leave because of a strangely sudden fear of the unknown.

And that was when Magnus kissed him. Alec was surprised, jumping and not doing anything for a moment, which made Magnus pull away. Alec could see the hurt in his eyes; apparently even High Warlocks couldn't escape it.

* * *

"Wait," Alec said, voice barely a whisper. Not breaking eye contact with poor confused  Magnus. Alec stood up on his tip toes and tried to kiss Magnus back. The kiss was quick and hesitant...a test.

Alec looked wonderingly  up at Magnus whose knew his eyes were wide as saucers.  "Yes?" Magnus asked and Alec didn't even have to think about it. "Yes." It was quiet again but Magnus bent down, cupping the smaller boys face in his hands, very gently. As if he might break and was surprised as Alec deepened the kiss, opening Magnus's lips with his own.

"Mmm," whispered Magnus--probably ruining the moment. "You taste good." His forehead was pressed against Alecs. Alec was no longer crying...but laughing.

* * *