#Alexander lightwood imagines

[gatorbites-imagines]

Kinktober day 1

Alec Lightwood + Praise Kink

Happy first day of kinktober everyone. I’ve got a lot more schoolwork this year (curse you psychology) but ill be doing my best to try and keep up with my posting.

I’m gonna be honest I haven’t watched Shadowhunters in a long time, but Alec and Magnus still mean a lot to me. So, this is super vague about background stuff, cuz I can’t remember any of the plot from the show or books.

Kinktober 2023 masterlist

Alec found himself sighing as he leaned back in the chair behind his desk, his hand reaching up to rub at his aching temples. He took his duty very seriously, but at times it could do nothing but cause pains and aches throughout his body and psyche. Not only that, but his work kept him apart from you, sometimes for days or even weeks at a time. Alec had known at the time when he gained his rank that this work would fill much of his life, but now that he had finally found his way to you, it almost didn’t feel worth it.

Alec sighed softly as he got out of his seat, there was no reason to keep working any more tonight. At this point he had stared at those reports enough that he was seeing double, and the thought of your shared bed was like an angel’s call. With that in mind, the shadowhunter found himself almost floating to your shared room, a new edition to your relationship. Neither of you even had much time to spend in this room, as you were both important people in your circles and both took your duties seriously.

It was because of this that Alec didn’t even think about you being present when he entered the dimly lit room, his eyelids heavy and half shut as he pulled off his clothes robotically, folding it up neatly and placing it off to the side to go in the laundry in the morning. It was only when he fell onto the bed, now only clad his boxers, that he noticed the second presence in the room. He almost jolted up with shock, but your arm wrapped warmly and securely around his waist, pulling your lover close as you nuzzled into the back of his stiff neck.

“there’s my pretty boy” you rumble, your voice thick with sleep but also the love and admiration you have for Alec. Alec only allows himself to huff a little, feeling embarrassed at your sweet words. He had never gotten used to being complimented or praised, so when you peppered sleepy kisses on his neck and mumbled about his beautiful, he was and how strong he was, the shadowhunter felt himself grow hotter in the face.

“Look at you, all tense” you huff, your warm hands running up and down the planes of Alecs torso as you hook your chin over his shoulder, your thumbs rubbing just below his pecs, the action causing him to twitch and exhale sharply. “Always working so hard for everyone, but you never take care of yourself” you mumble, your lips pressed to the side of his neck. You can’t help but nibble on the skin there, letting your tongue flatten against the rune on his neck.

“Guess that’s why you have me, isn’t it” you almost tease, your hands finally grabbing his tight pecs in your palms, giving him a loving squeeze, making your sensitive lover whine. “Always such a diligent, good boy, aren’t you?” you croon, giving both of his nipples a quick pinch and twist, enjoying the punched-out noise that leaves Alec at the action. You had always loved how sensitive he was, and how easily you could work him up with just a few touches and sweet words.

“My good boy” you purr, hands traveling down his torso at a snail’s pace, almost in a worshipping manner as you feel out every shape that makes up his body, basking in the shaky way he breaths and how he can’t seem to keep his legs still. “My pretty boy” you hum, your thumbs teasing at the elastic of his underwear, an almost catlike smirk on your lips as you let your lover stew in the need and want running through his tired body.

“Just lay back Alec, ill take care of you” you mutter, using your grip to pull him further against your chest, your hips grinding into his own from behind. Alec shakily exhales but seems to melt in your arms, his muscles untensing as you fold his boxers down under his sack, releasing his hardness to the darkness of your shared room.

“Ill always take care of you. Because you are so good, and so beautiful. So smart, and so considerate of everyone around you” you keep mumbling, one of your hands wrapping around where Alec craves you the most. The noise that leaves him sounds drawn out and almost painful, like he had wanted you to touch him for so long. There isn’t a need for lube, as you don’t have to do much to work Alec how he needs it, at the moment he doesn’t need anything wild, he just needs your touch and presence.

The loose grip you have around him and the lazy way you stroke him is enough to have Alec twitching and jolting, his mouth open as he gasps and whimpers, words long gone from his person as he arches his hips into your hand. How you feel about him is impossible to express in words, so you keep laying every compliment you can think of on him as you kiss and suck at his neck and shoulder.

His keens rise in volume, his voice wobbly and almost hoarse as he begs in broken words. “Go on baby. Good boy, come on, be good and give it to me” you rumble, reaching up with your free hand to give one of his nipples a rough pinch and twist. Its all Alec needs to finish, his hips jolting almost painfully into your hand as his essence spills across the sheets in thick white stripes, painting your black sheets in a different shade.

You barely are able to withdraw from his back before Alec is asleep, the exhaustion of the multiple days of nonstop work and the euphoria of his orgasm knocking him out cold. With a soft chuckle, you kiss his temple and start cleaning up, moving him around to change him out of his underwear into a new pair, and getting new sheets on the bed. As you cuddle against his back again, this time under the sheets, you smile softly to yourself as you kiss the back of his neck. “I love you so much, my sweet boy” you whisper before shutting your eyes, burying your face into his hair, and inhaling his scent, letting the familiar scent carry you off into the land of sleep.

[malecarchive]

[ghoulie-67-baby]

Partners in crime - Shadowhunters.

Summary: You’re Magnus Bane’s best friend and fellow warlock, when Shadowhunters ask for help you take the job together.

Warning: Mentions of nightmares, skimpy pyjamas (idk what you’d call them tbh), playful teasing between friends, fluff.

Pairing: Magnus bane x Warlock!reader (Platonic).

Word count: 1,336.

The sun scorched across my face through a gap in the curtains. I dramatically huffed as I glared at the curtains in disdain, knowing I wouldn't fall asleep again. I stretched with an obnoxiously loud yawn, humming contently as my bones popped in a chorus.

Discomfort quickly set in from the glaring light and I raked my fingers through my hair before swinging my legs from the bed and trudging towards the door. My dreams had kept me up a good portion of the night and in the end, I crawled into bed with Magnus which kept them at bay.

"Mags?" I called through the quiet loft, "Mags, why do you never close the curtains properly?" I searched the loft half asleep for my flatmate only to come up empty. I straightened out my shorts as I wandered to the kitchen, letting the growl of my stomach lead me.

My pyjama vest rose up my stomach as I reached to grab a bowl and I shivered at the cold air of my exposed midriff.

Shuffling towards the living room, I failed to notice the gathering of people until the sound of someone clearing their throat caught my attention. I nodded hello to the group sleepily, gathering my thoughts as I ate my breakfast. I snapped out of my sleepy state as Magnus appeared in front of me protectively.

"Good morning, my dearest, I'll make sure to close them properly from now on shall I?" The question was rhetorical but I nodded anyway, placing my now empty bowl on the table. "Now, as much as I love seeing you half-dressed," Magnus teased with a playful wink. "I'm not sure how much longer Simon can watch without holding his drool back so how about we cover you up." I sighed but let his magic swirl around me, a beautiful, feathered robe appearing around my body.

The fabric brushed the ground as I stepped forward and planted myself into Magnus' chest in a tight hug. He reciprocated, both lost in the cuddle and temporarily forgetting about the group awkwardly standing behind him. Unfamiliar people weren't going to stop me from having my morning cuddle, they could wait.

"Thank you, my love," I whispered, pressing a small kiss to his cheek before peering up at him quizzically. "so, who do we have today?"

"Shadowhunters and Vampires," I moved to stand beside him, smiling at the small sea of faces, some of which smiled back whilst others remained blank. A huge smile overtook me and my eyes softened as my es met Raphael's gaze. I knew he had turned away when I appeared in my pyjamas, he always felt awkward and refused to see me in a vulnerable state, saying it wasn't proper. I understood considering Magnus and I had practically raised him since vampirism. Though he hated to admit it, he was my boy but he had a reputation to hold up and such so I let him seem hardened and cold, sometimes.

"Hello my lovely boy," I held his face in my hand gently, looking at his handsome face before putting my arms around him. He kissed my cheek and hugged me back before clearing his throat, letting me step back towards Magnus. I sniggered as he glared at the group of shocked Shadowhunters, daring them to say something. "Play nice Rafe."

"This is Y/N, best friend for all intents and purposes, partner in crime and partnering warlock." I grinned, bowing playfully at the group who stared at me strangely.

"Y/N, these are the Shadowhunters of the New York Institute. This is Alexander," I noticed the twinkle in his eye at that name. "Jace, Clarissa and Isabelle. The new vampire is Simon, he's with Raphael." He gestured to each respectively and I looked over each of them.

"Nice to meet you all. What can we do for you then?" I let my eyes stay on Alexander a little longer than the others, taking in his tall muscular stature and handsome face.

"So, are you two, like, a thing or?" He trailed off and I raised an eyebrow, looking up at Mags and our grins matched.

"No," I chuckled, shaking my head, "We've been best friends and partners for a few centuries. Most people do assume that though." A gentle hand squeezed my hip and I leant into it softly.

"You seem close enough, you're kind of handsie too," I raised a curious eyebrow at the young vampire, enjoying his curiosity though going off the look on Raphael's face he didn't.

"We've lived together for a long time, and known each other even longer. We come as a pair, can't have one without the other but that doesn't have to mean we're together in that way." I grinned at him, my magic swirling through my fingers languidly. "Curiosity is a fine thing Simon but you should be careful who you're curious about, might just bite you in the ass." I chided him softly, using a small spell to deliver a small biting sensation on his butt. He yelped and jumped, laughing nervously, but grinning widely all the same. I liked him, he seemed sweet.

"And you wonder why Raphael doesn't play nice," Magnus tutted, an amused twinkle in his eye. I hummed before turning back to the matter at hand.

"Now, I've heard you're causing quite the stir in the Shadow world Clary Fray, what is Magnus getting us into now?"

"I need help getting my Mom back, Valentine has taken her," A shiver ran down my spine at that name but I motioned for her to continue. "I don't know where he's taken her but I could do with all the help I can get and I've been told you guys are the best warlocks to ask." I thought about it seriously, biting my lip as I did. "I don't want to cause any trouble but Magnus knows about some of my past memories, ones he blocked that could help me find her." I walked towards her, cupping her face in my hands, hushing her gently. I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and let my thumb wipe away one of her tears with a gentle smile.

"Sweet girl, we'll help however we can as long as it's not a threat to the Downworld." She nodded gratefully, mouthing her thanks as her chest shuddered with a heavy breath. "I can't promise we can remove them but we can damn well try."

"Mama, it's not that simple." Raphael interrupted, looking furious. "We shouldn't get involved in shadowhunter business. They cause nothing but trouble for us." He spoke through gritted teeth, a hard glare fixed on Jace who leered back at him. These two obviously didn't get along.

"Rafe, sweetie, you can't justify not helping them because of that. That would make us just as bad as the Clave now wouldn't it?" I crossed my arms, looking at him disapprovingly. We raised him better than this, his anger was just clouding his judgement. "If things get too much then we'll walk away won't we Mags?" I glanced towards my partner who agreed with me. "You know that's how we work, my darling, we don't bite off more than we can chew." I made sure to emphasise so the Shadowhunters knew where we stood, looking pointedly at Jace whose glare never faltered. Perhaps my comment about the Clave had touched a nerve.

"Well, if you come back tomorrow we can get started, we have stock to replenish and things to organise, I'm sure you understand." Magnus began to shoo them closer to the door, waving them goodbye as I hugged Raphael. He paid special attention to bidding Alexander goodbye and I couldn't help my smirk as I made him a drink. It was 5 o'clock somewhere in the world after all.

"I can't help but feel like the next few days are to be exhausting." I handed the glass to him and nodded solemnly. There was no doubt about that.

[booksandmore]

i really would not change a single thing about the malec plotline (breakup and all) but sometimes i really do wish we got to see alec date at least one other person yk? and i dont mean that in a pre-cog focing himself to date a woman to hide his sexuality way, i mean in a post-breakup rebound/fling kinda way like i just know the drama would be legendary

[butterforbrain]

I'd lose my freaking mind if my HOTI Alec Lightwood started humming a very old song while moving around the institute. Angels bless Magnus bane that man was HOT grumpy boss now he's a happy love sick HOT AF boss !

[helenofblackthorns]

do you think Alec ever like reads reports on the yearly births and pretends he doesn't notice the weird (even for shadowhunters) number of children named Jonathan

[w-artie]

How perfect is it that Magnus decides to take Alexander's surname? to unite it with his own, making it something unique?

Now, I'm not up to date with the books, but from what I gathered Alexander is it for Magnus. Before Alec, Magnus never married, never even bothered to imagine a forever with someone. Alec, in his simplicity and contradictions, has managed to tear down and entirely destroy that wall that had been up for centuries. And while Magnus desperately wants to hope for their forever, desperately wants it, he knows how it is going to end. He knows Alexander is going to pass someday and what he decides to do?

He takes is surname.

I can very well imagine Magnus never removing their wedding ring, even after Alec's passing, which would be a declaration on itself. But the surname?

He is not only saying "oh, he was my love, we were married once". He is incorporating him in his identity. We know how important identity is for a warlock, they usually choose their names for themselves. And Magnus is choosing to making Alec part of it, part of himself.

In a couple of centuries, when the present will only be a chapter in the book of history, Magnus still be Magnus Lightwood-Bane. He would still be Magnus Bane, but he would still be declaring, centuries from now, that he loved a shadowhunter once. That there's a part of him that still will be loving that shadowhunter. That he will probably never stop.

I don't ever want another love.

[carelessflower]

alec closet analysis thread

now it's confirmed that alec THE ultimate successor of broke nepo baby - sugar baby - tradwife pipeline, I compile a list of what items and brands i think he would use

casual wear

alec's style is the fit in trsom where he layer a leather jacket over hoodie, except now the leather jacket is some authentic italian leather costing 1000$ and the hoodie is ralph lauren. very subtle, very preppy boarding school with inheritance quiet luxury boy, ysl (magnus got confirmed wearing them and magnus shop/magic clothes for alec), loro piana, ami paris (magnus think "a" can be an initial alec is tres chic)

outerwear

classic burberry trench coat, leather jacket (a must), puffer, bomber, if in in dark color and cozy, there 70% chance alec wants it. fw chanel tweed stuff but non-monogram only. oh yeah got access to magnus unlimited closet of fur coat and been dressing in mob wife style every winter (it suit him so why change)

formal wear

structured, clean line, no fussy business. rarely do a three piece suit, unless it's a fancy nightout with magnus. layered his sweater/turtleneck with a blazer all the time. in shadoworld gala or events his suit would have pop of red either from the tie, the brooch or the detail to signal his position while blending in with other party-goers (consul robe wouldn't be sensible, considering shadowhunters history with downworlders). i can see ysl, celine, bottega, alexander mcqueen and peter do (the suit with the open back is for magnus only)

bag

THE shadoworld birkin mom, his collection isn't the biggest in the world because he's very particular in his pieces, no neon, overt pattern or rhinestone. got a mini birkin to store his airphones and gummy bear and izzy can't believe this is her brother's life now. big fans of every big bag imaginable, his birkin always looks like it may burst any moment. louis vuitton duffle bag, neutral, no excessive logo

jewelry

like anything silver, white gold, platinum, diamond, sapphire, pearl. tolerable of period and colored diamonds. keep ruby (bad association), gold and those god-awful rolex away from him please. own a couple of richard mille but only for fancy occasions, his go-to is usually vintage gucci bangle or cartier tank. got matching cartier love bracelet with max. break about 4 sets van cleef albraham but magnus like how delicately they sit on his collarbone so he gonna keep being restocked on them. for ring: harry winston, tiffany, graff, his fave shape is carre, emerald, cushion

perfume

woody, slightly white floral (he doesn't play about jasmine), anything fresh and clean, skin type of perfume. he's basically smell like entering a very expensive yet worth-the-price therapist's office. mfk 724, another 13, the matcha, and do son would be perfect. magnus got a whole shelves of kilian, alec basically take a look and one bottle and that's it. unless you're magnus don't come near him with anything patchouli or overwhelmed musk he would scowl as if your existence's offensive

tag list: @magnus-the-maqnificent @literallytypogod @hoezier-than-thou @sociallyineptbibliophile @queenlilith43

@khaleesiofalicante @wandererbyheart @raziyekroos @onetimetwotimesthreetimess @alexandergideonslightwood

@noah-herondale-lightwood @elettralightwood @dustandducks @deliciousdetectivestranger @delightfullyterrible

@letsgofortacos

@kita-no @thelightofthebane @secrettryst @goldendreams3 @cityofdownwardspirals

@stupidfuckindinosaur

@i-have-not-slept @rinadragomir @potato-jem @kasper-tag

@banesapothecary @culiehua @izzysimcns

[chibi-tsukiko]

Love Always Wins 🏳️‍🌈💕

Happy PRIDE ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Kicking off Pride this year with my favorite boys 🥰

This turned out better than I imagined and I had so much fun adding all the details!

I hope you like it! More PRIDE related goodies to come 😘

Characters owned by @cassandraclare

Tag list : @littleturtle95 @zfoxdraws @bookworm-jedi @magnus-the-maqnificent @beclynn-herondale @khaleesiofalicante @my-archerboy @youngreckless @thomaslightwood @runecarstairs @high-warlock-of-brooklyn @panicatwallmaria @banesbitch @alexandergideonslightwood @livvyheronstairs @ofsandstonebodies @la-lune-chaotique @starlight-in-my-eyes @tamaraheartz @anarchistbitch @iightwoodbane @icycoolslushie @zemiraa @raziyekroos @radisv @alexander-gideon-lightwood-babe @elettralightwood @literallytypogod @axoloteca @queenlilith43 @awecwightwood @astriefer @thomastaircompassrose @all-for-the-fanfiction @ibrushmyteeth-donttellanyone @ipreferfictionoverreality

[catreadsbooks]

Kissed (Magnus and Alec's first kiss)

It was printed on thin paper, nearly parchment, in a thin, elegant, spidery hand. It announced a gathering at the humble home of Magnus the Magnificent Warlock, and promised attendees “a rapturous evening of delights beyond your wildest imaginings.” —City of Bones

Standing in the stairwell of Magnus’ home, Alec stared at the name written under the buzzer on the wall. BANE. The name didn’t really seem to suit Magnus, he thought, not now that he knew him. If you could really be said to know someone when you’d attended one of their parties, once, and then they’d saved your life later but hadn’t really hung around to be thanked. But the name Magnus Bane made him think of a towering sort of figure, with huge shoulders and formal purple warlock’s robes, calling down fire and lightning. Not Magnus himself, who was more of a cross between a panther and a demented elf.

Alec took a deep breath and let it out. Well, he’d come this far; he might as well go on. The bare lightbulb hanging overhead cast sweeping shadows as he reached forward and pressed the buzzer.

A moment later a voice echoed through the stairwell. “WHO CALLS UPON THE HIGH WARLOCK?”

“Er,” Alec said. “It’s me. I mean, Alec. Alec Lightwood.”

There was a sort of silence, as if even the hallway itself were surprised. Then a ping, and the second door opened, letting him out onto the stairwell. He headed up the rickety stairs into the darkness, which smelled like pizza and dust. The second floor landing was bright, the door at the far end open. Magnus Bane was leaning in the entryway.

Compared to the first time Alec has seen him, he looked fairly normal. His black hair still stood up in spikes, and he looked sleepy; his face, even with its cat’s eyes, very young. He wore a black t-shirt with the words ONE MILLION DOLLARS picked out across the chest in sequins, and jeans that hung low on his hips, low enough that Alec looked away, down at his own shoes. Which were boring.

“Alexander Lightwood,” said Magnus. He had just the faintest trace of an accent, something Alec couldn’t put his finger on, a lilt to his vowels. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Alec looked past Magnus. “Do you have — company?”

Magnus crossed his arms, which did good things for his biceps, and leaned against the side of the door. “Why do you want to know?”

“I was hoping I could come in and talk to you.”

“Hmmm.” Magnus’ eyes raked him up and down. They really did shine in the dark, like a cat’s. “Well, all right then.” He turned abruptly away and disappeared into the apartment; after a startled moment, Alec followed.

The loft looked different without a hundred churning bodies in it. It was — well, not ordinary, but the sort of space someone might live in. Like most lofts, it had a big central room split into “rooms” by groupings of furniture. There was a square collection of sofas and tables off to the right, which Magnus gestured Alec toward. Alec sat down on a gold velvet sofa with elegant wooden curlicues on the arms.

“Would you like some tea?” Magnus asked. He wasn’t sitting in a chair, but had sprawled himself on a tufted ottoman, his long legs stretched out in front of him.

Alec nodded. He felt incapable of saying anything. Anything interesting or intelligent, that was. It was always Jace who said the interesting, intelligent things. He was Jace’s parabatai and that was all the glory he needed or wanted: like being the dark star to someone else’s supernova. But this was somewhere Jace couldn’t go with him, something Jace couldn’t help him with. “Sure.”

His right hand felt suddenly hot. He looked down, and realized he was holding a waxed paper cup from Joe, the Art of Coffee. It smelled like chai. He jumped, and only barely escaped spilling on himself. “By the Angel —”

“I LOVE that expression,” said Magnus. “It’s so quaint.”

Alec stared at him. “Did you steal this tea?”

Magnus ignored the question. “So,” he said. “Why are you here?”

Alec took a gulp of the stolen tea. “I wanted to thank you,” he said, when he came up for air. “For saving my life.”

Magnus leaned back on his hands. His t-shirt rode up over his flat stomach, and this time Alec had nowhere else to look. “You wanted to thank me.”

“You saved my life,” Alec said, again. “But I was delirious, and I don’t think I really thanked you. I know you didn’t have to do it. So thank you.”

Magnus’ eyebrows had disappeared up into his hairline. “You’re . . .welcome?”

Alec set his tea down. “Maybe I should go.”

Magnus sat up. “After you came so far? All the way to Brooklyn? Just to thank me?” He was grinning. “Now that would be a wasted effort.” He reached out and put his hand to Alec’s cheek, his thumb brushing along the cheekbone. His touch felt like fire, training tendrils of sparks in its wake. Alec sat frozen in surprise — surprise at the gesture, and surprise at the effect it was having on him. Magnus’ eyes narrowed, and he dropped his hand. “Huh,” he said to himself.

“What?” Alec was suddenly very worried that he’d done something wrong. “What is it?”

“You’re just . . .” A shadow moved behind Magnus; with fluid agility, the warlock twisted around and picked up a small gray and white tabby cat from the floor. The cat curled into the crook of his arm and looked at Alec with suspicion. Now two pairs of gold-green eyes were trained on him darkly. “Not what I expected.”

“From a Shadowhunter?”

“From a Lightwood.”

“I didn’t realize you knew my family that well.”

“I’ve known your family for hundreds of years.” Magnus’ eyes searched his face. “Now your sister, she’s a Lightwood. You—’

“She said you liked me.”

“What?”

“Izzy. My sister. She told me you liked me. Liked me, liked me.”

“Liked you, liked you?” Magnus buried his grin in the cat’s fur. “Sorry. Are we twelve now? I don’t recall saying anything to Isabelle . . .”

“Jace said it too.” Alec was blunt; it was the only way he knew how to be. “That you liked me. That when he buzzed up here, you thought he was me and you were disappointed that it was him. That never happens.”

“Doesn’t it? Well, it should.”

Alec was startled. “No — I mean Jace, he’s . . . Jace.”

“He’s trouble,” said Magnus. “But you are totally without guile. Which in a Lightwood, is a conundrum. You’ve always been a plotting sort of family, like low-rent Borgias. But there isn’t a lie in your face. I get the feeling everything you say is straightforward.”

Alec leaned forward. “Do you want to go out with me?”

Magnus blinked. “See, that’s what I mean. Straightforward.”

Alec chewed his lip and said nothing.

“Why do you want to go out with me?” Magnus inquired. He was rubbing Chairman Meow’s head, his long fingers folding the cat’s ears down. “Not that I’m not highly desirable, but the way you asked, it seemed as if you were having some sort of fit —”

“I just do,” Alec said. “And I thought you liked me, so you’d say yes, and I could try — I mean, we could try —” He put his face in his hands. “Maybe this was a mistake.”

Magnus’ voice was gentle. “Does anyone know you’re gay?”

Alec’s head jerked up; he found he was breathing a little hard, as if he’d run a race. But what could he do, deny it? When he’d come here to do exactly the opposite? “Clary,” he said, hoarsely. “Which is . . . Which was an accident. And Izzy, but she’d never say anything.”

“Not your parents. Not Jace?”

Alec thought about Jace knowing, and pushed the thought away, hard and fast. “No. No, and I don’t want them to know, especially Jace.”

“I think you could tell him.” Magnus rubbed Chairman Meow under the chin. “He went to pieces like a jigsaw puzzle when he thought you were going to die. He cares —”

“I’d rather not.” Alec was still breathing quickly. He rubbed at the knees of his jeans with his fists. “I’ve never had a date,” he said in a low voice. “Never kissed anyone. Not ever. Izzy said you liked me and I thought —”

“I’m not unsympathetic. But do you like me? Because this being gay business doesn’t mean you can just throw yourself at any guy and it’ll be fine because he’s not a girl. There are still people you like and people you don’t.”

Alec thought of his bedroom back at the Institute, of being in a delirium of pain and poison when Magnus had come in. He had barely recognized him. He was fairly sure he’d been screaming for his parents, for Jace, for Izzy, but his voice would only come out on a whisper. He remembered Magnus’ hands on him, his fingers cool and gentle. He remembered the death-grip he’d kept on Magnus’ wrist, for hours and hours, even after the pain had passed and he knew he would be all right. He remembered watching Magnus’ face in the light of the rising sun, the gold of sunrise sparking gold out of his eyes, and thinking how oddly beautiful he was, with his cat’s gaze and grace.

“Yes,” Alec said. “I like you.”

He met Magnus’ gaze squarely. The warlock was looking at him with a sort of admixture of curiosity and affection and puzzlement. “It’s so odd,” Magnus said. “Genetics. Your eyes, that color —” He stopped and shook his head.

“The Lightwoods you knew didn’t have blue eyes?”

“Green-eyed monsters,” said Magnus, and grinned. He deposited Chairman Meow on the ground, and the cat moved over to Alec, and rubbed against his leg. “The Chairman likes you.”

“Is that good?”

“I never date anyone my cat doesn’t like,” Magnus said easily, and stood up. “So let’s say Friday night?”

A great wave of relief came over Alec. “Really? You want to go out with me?”

Magnus shook his head. “You have to stop playing hard to get, Alexander. It makes things difficult.” He grinned. He had a grin like Jace’s — not that they looked anything alike, but the sort of grin that lit up his whole face. “Come on, I’ll walk you out.”

Alec drifted after Magnus toward the front door, feeling as if a weight had been taken off his shoulders, one he hadn’t even known he was carrying. Of course he’d have to come up with an excuse for where he was going Friday night, something Jace wouldn’t want to participate in, something he’d need to do alone. Or he could pretend to be sick and sneak out. He was so lost in thought he almost banged into the front door, which Magnus was leaning against, looking at him through eyes narrowed to crescents.

“What is it?” Alec said.

“Never kissed anyone?” Magnus said. “No one at all?”

“No,” said Alec, hoping this didn’t disqualify him from being datable. “Not a real kiss —”

“Come here.” Magnus took him by the elbows and pulled him close. For a moment Alec was entirely disoriented by the feeling of being so close to someone else, to the kind of person he’d wanted to be close to for so long. Magnus was long and lean but not skinny; his body was hard, his arms lightly muscled but strong; he was an inch or so taller than Alec, which hardly ever happened, and they fit together perfectly. Magnus’ finger was under his chin, tilting his face up, and then they were kissing. Alec heard a small hitching gasp come from his own throat and then their mouths were pressed together with a sort of controlled urgency. Magnus, Alec thought dazedly, really knew what he was doing. His lips were soft, and he parted Alec’s expertly, exploring his mouth: a symphony of lips, teeth, tongue, every movement waking up a nerve ending Alec had never known he had.

He found Magnus’ waist with his fingers, touching the strip of bare skin he’d been trying to avoid looking at before, and slid his hands up under Magnus’ shirt. Magnus jerked with surprise, then relaxed, his hands running down Alec’s arms, over his chest, his waist, finding the belt loops on Alec’s jeans and using them to pull him closer. His mouth left Alec’s and Alec felt the hot pressure of his lips on his throat, where the skin was so sensitive that it seemed directly connected to the bones in his legs, which were about to give out. Just before he slid to the floor, Magnus let him go. His eyes were shining and so was his mouth.

“Now you’ve been kissed,” he said, reached behind him, and yanked the door open. “See you Friday?”

Alec cleared his throat. He felt dizzy, but he also felt alive — blood rushing through his veins like traffic at top speed, everything seemingly almost too brightly colored. As he stepped through the door, he turned and looked at Magnus, who was watching him bemusedly. He reached forward and took hold of the front of Magnus’ t-shirt and dragged the warlock toward him. Magnus stumbled against him, and Alec kissed him, hard and fast and messy and unpracticed, but with everything he had. He pulled Magnus against him, his own hand between them, and felt Magnus’ heart stutter in his chest.

He broke off the kiss, and drew back.

“Friday,” he said, and let Magnus go. He backed away, down the landing, Magnus looking after him. The warlock crossed his arms over his shirt — wrinkled where Alec had grabbed it — and shook his head, grinning.

“Lightwoods,” Magnus said. “They always have to have the last word.”

He shut the door behind him, and Alec ran down the steps, taking them two at a time, his blood still singing in his ears like music.

[captainkirkk]

✩ WEEKLY FIC ROUND-UP ✩

All the fics I’ve read and really enjoyed in the past week-ish. Reminder: This list features any and all ratings and themes. Please look at tags and warnings on ao3 before reading.

DC (Batfamily)

Birdwatch11 by smilebackwards

Tim hadn’t actually meant to start a popular Batwatch blog.

He hadn’t meant to start a blog at all honestly but by the time he turned eleven he’d accumulated hundreds of pictures of Batman and Robin on his Nikon DSLR and it had just seemed inefficient to go through the trouble of printing them and storing them in a box under his bed when BlogSphere had a perfectly adequate platform.

lost treasure by adelfie

"Dad, I don’t want to do this.”

“It doesn’t matter what you want. This is why we brought you here,” Jack hisses. “So we can get paid.”

Or: When a cozy night out with his parents turns into a night of captivity and torture, Tim is forced to seek protection from his worst nightmare - the Red Hood.

Hey There Demons by hitthedeck

Treating magical threats lightly is never an option, especially when that threat tears holes in realities. To combat this danger, a good hero must remain vigilant and in peak physical condition at all times.

Too bad Red Robin never got that message.

Or, in which even demons can't comprehend why Tim Drake is Like That.

Stranger Things

Tell Me "Don't", So I Can Crawl Back In by KiaraMGrey

When Steve finds himself alone and without friends, following his breakup with Nancy, he decides what he needs is a distraction. Maybe some new friends who don't remind him of the bullshit life he gave up. When he literally runs into Eddie Munson, school drug dealer and self proclaimed freak, an idea begins to form. Who better to show him what life outside popularity can be like, than someone who doesn't give a shit what anyone thinks?

And Eddie? Well, Eddie is just bracing for impact.

Everybody's Friend by AmethystUnarmed

"Hey Harrington,” Eddie calls, as Steve books it to the Beamer.

Steve stops, and is only the slightest bit nervous when he says, “Yeah?”

It almost makes Eddie feel bad.

Almost.

“How’s the character creation going?”

The absolute dread on Steve’s face confirms Eddie's worst fears.

“I... I'm not going to be able to play Thursday.”

God. Dammit.

~~~

Steve's budding friendship with the Hellfire Club hits a few snags and Eddie wonders if all of this was even worth it.

Clone Wars

Standards of Professionality by Trixree

"Are we going to pretend I didn’t just find you fucking your General, vod?” Rex hisses over private-comm.

Cody doesn’t even turn his head to look at him. Rex can hear the smile in Cody’s voice when he replies, “No, because I am not fucking my General, Rex’ika. I am fucking Obi-Wan. We are professionals.”

5 times Cody and Obi-Wan struggled to maintain plausible deniability regarding their affections for one another + 1 time they decidedly Did Not

Shadowhunters

prosper matrimonium by smilebackwards

"Gorgeous, sweet, community-oriented,” Magnus ticks off the positive attributes on his fingers. And he’s sure he’ll find plenty more to like about Alexander Lightwood. “I imagine suitors are beating down his door. Please tell me he’s not actually dating Lorenzo.”

Cat hesitates. “Well, if you’re really interested in Alec, you have interesting timing to say the least.”

“How do you mean?” Magnus asks.

“Alec just put his name in for the prosper matrimonium.”

Or: The disaster with the Circle swings the Clave a little more progressive. And if Magnus wants Alec’s heart, he’s going to have to compete for it

The Umbrella Academy

To Be Where You Are (So Very Far) by bobee

He'd thought he'd seen it all.

Forty-Five years in a wasteland and two weeks saving the world, only to be taken for a year by a man guided by his own self-interest. He'd seen the horrors of what this life has to offer. It's all he's ever seen.

He just hadn't known that there was one out there meant for him.

(or, Number Five, the end of the end of the world, and the start of a new one.)

On My Terms by CivilBores

"I did what you asked,” he tells her. “Now, the briefcase.”

Her eyebrows raise in mock-surprise, red lips curling up her face in a sadistic smile.

“You didn’t think that was all, did you?” she asks.

AU: The Handler gives Five a slightly different deal.

[lawsofchaos1]

Shadowhunter Promptlet: The Piano

A young Alec, overwhelmed by everything Maryse and Robert have dropped himself into his lap, runs away from the Institute- just for a few hours- to see what it would be like to be a mundane child. To see what it would be like to live with no responsibility, without parents who leave their bruises on his skin.

Somehow, Alec accidentally finds himself in a piano lesson with a bunch of other children and he discovers music.

Having learned the basics, Alec knows better than to ever reveal it to anyone at the Institute. But, over the years, he sneaks away a few careful hours at a time. He finds public pianos in the parks or he slips into unlocked middle schools, or, later, unlocked high schools or colleges, blending in and sneaking into their practice rooms to bring the music in his head to life.

Alec never tells anyone, not even Jace, about his escape. Jace has always been different and just because it's okay for him to play music, doesn't mean it's okay for Alec.

One day, Magnus and Alec are visiting one of Magnus' warlock friends and Alec, with permission, goes to explore a few nearby rooms while Magnus and his friend catch up. He doesn't dare even sit down on the bench when he finds the piano, but he knows that this room is too far for them to hear, so he plays.

Magnus walks in without Alec noticing at first, but when Alec catches movement out of the corner of his eye and turns, he's frozen.

[Teenage HOTI-Alec with his mundane accidental-piano-friends below the cut]

Imagine a fifteen-year old Alexander Lightwood, overwhelmed from his recent installation as Acting Head, sneaking into the local high school band room to practice on their piano. Imagine Alec meeting this group of kids who basically adopt him and keep claiming him as their brother/visiting cousin/best friend from another high school whenever anyone else pops into the practice room and asks who this random kid is who definitely doesn't go here.

The tattoos and leather jacket make Alec incredibly popular with the teen girls going after the bad boy and Ryan, Haley, and Alison find Alec's total and utter obliviousness to them absolutely hilarious.

But, the little trio also sees his constant injuries and how exhausted he is all the time and one day Haley kind of snaps and pulls a fuzzy blanket out of her backpack and demands Alec take a nap while she practices Braham's lullaby.

(Alec acquiesces and the trio subtly collates a list of the songs that Alec will sleep through while they play. A few times here and there Alec will creep into the practice room, shadows both in and under his eyes, and he won't even try to put fingers to piano- just tentatively pulls out the blanket from Haley's backpack that is now undeniably his and curls up in the corner to sleep fitfully while Ryan guards the door.)

They see how lonely he looks sometimes, how burdened, and the trio drags him out for milkshakes and tell horrible jokes until Alec truly laughs - looking honestly surprised that that sound even came out of his mouth.

And Ryan doesn't make a big deal of it, but he sees how Alec keeps stroking his Haley's blanket between his fingers, enjoying the softness. The next day, Ryan starts keeping a large black hoodie he found made out of the softest material he's ever felt in his tuba case, waiting for the next time they walk into what has become their practice room after school to find Alec lurking in the corner.

(Ten years later, Alec still wears that sweater whenever he needs some extra comfort.)

The night after the wedding-that-wasn't and before Malec's first date, Alec climbs up the fire escape to the 34th floor of and apartment building in Queens and knocks on Haley's window. He then proceeds to have a Gay Panic on her and Alison's couch before they calm him down and convince him to go woo his man.

A year after that, Alec is a groomsman at Ryan’s wedding and Ryan is suddenly stuck trying to explain to his wife why they have a lovely package of custom daggers as a wedding present.

A few months after Magnus finds Alec hardly daring to touch his friend's piano, Haley, Ryan, and Alison are invited to the loft for dinner. Magnus can barely contain the joy and love in his heart as Alec and the trio recount the stories of their meeting and the blatant shenanigans they got up to over the years. Yet, Magnus' heart is somehow even more full as he watches the four friends troop over to the newly installed piano in Alec and Magnus' living room, trading off playing each other's favorite songs until long into the night.

[malecarchive]

[ghoulie-67-baby]

Try and stop me Part 2 - Shadowhunters.

Summary: You seek some comfort for you newly festering wound.

Warnings: Changing clothes, pet names, angst, crying, heartbreak.

Pairing: Lightwood family x Adopted!reader.

Word count: 1,370.

Note: This may be a little angsty projection from me so I apologise profusely.

I hadn't thought through this as much as I should have considering it was pouncing down with rain and I was wearing Jeans, black boots and a thin jumper. Most people would have grabbed a coat but I was so angry and aching to leave that I hadn't thought about it. So as I stomped through the streets, drenched and freezing I cursed myself thoroughly.

I had told Jace, Alec and Izzy they would know where to find me but I didn't even know where I was going. I let my mind zone out and wander, my feet carrying me wherever they felt like. Puddles splattered up my calves soaking me to the bone as I just walked and walked. All I could think of was how Robert was lucky I didn't reveal what I knew but my Mom didn't deserve the heartache of that so I had kept his filthy secret though every fibre of my being screamed against it.

The already dark skies blackened as the evening turned to night and I was violently shivering as I walked down the streets, ignoring the looks I was getting off Mundanes. My aching feet carried me down street after street, alley after alley until they carried me to an apartment I didn't care to pay attention to. Icy hands clenched as they knocked painfully against the wooden door that stood before me. I felt like my eyes had sunk into their sockets, long dried up from tears, and my lips were chapped from the cold and me biting them. I waited patiently as my head throbbed and pounded before knocking on much louder this time. A voice behind the door sounded extremely annoyed at the disturbance and the locks on the door jiggled and clicked open after a few moments.

"So help me if this isn't important then I will turn you into a hamster and keep you in a cage!" The door swung open and I lifted my head wearily to meet the gaze of the person, who was dressed in silk pyjamas. "Y/N? What on earth happened to you?" Magnus' voice softened considerably at my state and I just glanced down at Chairman Meow who wound himself between the Warlock's legs. My eyes welled up, much to my surprise, at the softness of his voice.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, it's just, that I'm not welcome at the institute at the moment." I could barely speak above a scratchy whisper. "I just let my feet carry me and they brought me here. I was kind of hoping you would know what to do." My eyebrows furrowed as I spoke, confusing myself with what I wanted from him. Magnus' hand reached up and tucked a dripping straggle of hair behind my ear as I trailed off.

"Come in Cupcake, let's get you warmed up." Gentle hands guided me into the apartment and I stood silently as he wandered around getting towels and clothes for me. My mind was foggy until he stood in front of me and lifted my chin with his finger. My lip trembled as I stared into his eyes, willing myself not to cry anymore.

"He doesn't want me Mags, he never did." A look of confusion took over his features. "Robert doesn't want me. I'm not good enough. I tried to be, but I'm not." The warlock shook his head gently.

"Let's get you comfortable and then we'll talk. You'll get ill if you stay in these any longer. You're too fragile for magic at the moment so by hand will have to do." I was almost catatonic as he took me to the bathroom to change but I just stood in the middle of the room, not being able to move as my head was overloaded with thoughts. Eventually, he gave up and got me stripped out of the sodden wet clothes, incredibly respectfully, before slipping me into a pair of his grey bed joggers and a long-sleeved t-shirt. His warm hands then guided me back into the living room and onto the cloud-like cushions of the sofa. Within moments I had a hot cup of tea on the coffee table, a hot water bottle on my lap, a blanket around my shoulders and a very concerned-looking Magnus who had sat himself beside me giving me his full attention.

"We were having dinner as a family and he asked me why I hadn't been training so I explained how I'd fallen behind on the books and he started to tell me how I should have caught up because I'd had four years to get it done and that I'm lazy and don't work hard enough." My voice was hoarse and tired. "He never wanted me, Magnus, from the moment Maryse took me in he's looked through me like I'm a ghost. He told me I've never really been a Lightwood, that I take advantage of them." I clenched my fingers together as I spat out his words. "He wishes he hadn't let Mom take me in."

"Don't say that Pumpkin, of course, he wants you, you're his daughter too." I laughed bitterly as the first lot of tears slipped out.

"No, that's the thing. He said it, out loud, in from of Mom, Jace, Alec and Izzy. He said they didn't have to take me in and he was starting to wish they hadn't." I watched as his eyes widened in horror and his thumb brushed my knuckles softly. My lip trembled like a child's whilst my chest heaved.

"I just wanted him to see me. I wanted him to be proud of me and to love me like he loves them. I just wanted him to notice how hard I was trying, wanted him to see how everything I did was to make him happy." My voice broke and my vision blurred with tears. "I just wanted a dad. I've never asked them for anything. But I just wanted him to be my dad." Instantly I broke and my barriers released. My face streamed and I fell forward, letting Magnus catch me against his chest holding me as close as he could. My sobs and wails filled the room as my heart ached in my chest though it threatened to jump out.

The pain that I felt was nothing like I had felt before. Not even like what I felt after my parents abandoned me because this time I had lost someone that I actually loved. Lighting strikes of anguish struck me over and over, doubling me over to the point where I struggled to breathe from my crying. As my body shook, the force of it made Magnus' body shake too though he didn't mind. The Warlock held me, a hand on my back and the other cradling my head as his own tears dripped into my hair. I could hear myself saying the same words as I sobbed; He doesn't want me, it was like venom to my system, taking over and shutting it down, breaking me down by the second until I lay boneless in the arms of the Downworlder.

I didn't have the energy to cry anymore, didn't have the words to make myself feel better, didn't have the frame of mind to think clearly or the motivation to try and deal with this properly. My sobs had stopped and silent tears ran down my reddened cheeks and onto Magnus' already-soaked pyjama shirt as Chairman Meow nuzzled into my hands, providing his own comfort which I gladly accepted.

"Get some rest Pumpkin, we'll talk about this when you've got a little more energy." Magnus swung my legs up on the sofa and settled so I was lying with my head on his chest as he wrapped me up in a mountain of blankets. My skin was still cold to touch and I burrowed against his warm skin with a tired sigh as I closed my eyes and willed sleep to come. Eventually, I managed to drift off to the sound of the Warlock's heartbeat, his soft humming of an unfamiliar song and the gentle purrs of the cat that was curled up on his chest beside me.

[im-out-of-it]

part two of season one recap

im backkkkkkkkkk!!!!! back with my recap shitposting (and will have a bitchfest probably the next one)

im not going to number this because it would probably be at 72918928 something but I do want to go over malecs first meeting (plus wonderful memes some talented people came up with)

the first meet cute plus MAGNUS CALLING ALEC PRETTY BOY LIKE THAT SHIT WAS SET IN STONE. AND ALEC IS SUCH A STUTTERING MESS

and it’s also very important to remember that Alec has never felt as if anyone would chose him. it’s been jace jace jace all the time. Alec is the one who pays consequences, who gets the blame, and who everyone counts on for EVERYTHING. so the fact that Magnus 1. calls him pretty boy 2. is making it clear that he notices Alec AND ONLY ALEC and 3. is telling Alec he finds him attractive is EVERYTHING

I just love how Magnus gets Alec. I’ll post more of Magnus understanding Alec in the next one

and I know I’ve stated this before but I seriously love that they upped the ages because could y’all imagine 800+ year old Magnus chasing not even legal yet alec? no because I hated it the first time

above some of my fav moments of Alec calling people out and not having it. and I love that for Alec. I love that he can stand up for himself and stand his ground. added a few of my fav alec expressions as well (I had to add the one telling Magnus he doesn’t get it because he kinda is calling him out IM SORRY)

Alexander isn’t just some grumpy moody law abiding shadowhunter but he’s caring, giving, and dedicated to doing what is right. and a lot of ways, he and Magnus are similar. I also love how matt portrayed Alec. he’s not biphobic, jealous of Magnus’s past, and always running off. I love that Alec is a great fighter and isn’t some guy in the back who doesn’t seem to do anything besides think and save jace. he’s his own person and I can’t think of anyone being Alec but matt. he really transformed Alec Lightwood and made him a fan favorite. literally Alec is an afterthought in the books and I don’t think some people realize how wonderful and exciting it is that Alec has a voice in the show

magnus name dropping: 1

let me just squeeze this in:

so I’m going to move to part 3 probably tomorrow but I should be done shortly. I still have another parallel to go, some Malec moments, alec, magnus, and I would love to add some Izzy and Simon content because they also made the show watchable. see y’all in a minute

[demy85]

Drawing you in

This fic was created for the Shadowhunters Reverse Bang 2024: Presented by the @malecdiscordserver

It was inspired by @kasper-tag beautiful art and betaed by the lovely @maplemachiato

If you'd like to read it on Ao3 you can find the first chapter here.

Fandoms: Shadowhunters (TV)

Warnings: Rated E.

Relationships: Alec Lightwood x Magnus Bane

Words: 28,366

Chapters: 8/8

Summary:

Magnus, a student in the theater/dance department, was close friends with Isabelle. He had been infatuated with her older brother Alec ever since he met him at a party. When the art department was looking for nude models for a course, Magnus saw it as an opportunity to get closer to Alec.

Chapter 1 is below. You can find the other chapters here:

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Epilogue

Chapter 1 - First Impressions

Ever since the night Izzy had persuaded Magnus to accompany her to one of her parents' dull parties, he simply couldn't get her older brother out of his head.

Alexander Gideon Lightwood was, inarguably, the most beautiful human being to have ever graced the face of the earth.

But Magnus realized sooner than he would have liked that Alec had no interest in getting to know him better. Even though it was evident that Alec did find him attractive, after that evening Magnus was sure that Alec was struggling with his own sexuality and that he might never follow through on his instincts. Definitely not at his parents' house and certainly not at a party where not only his parents were present, but also many of their business partners.

It was clear to see that Maryse and Robert were extremely unhappy with some of their children's decisions. You could read it in their eyes, gestures and facial expressions when Izzy and Alec introduced themselves to their business partners and told them about their studies.

Magnus couldn't imagine how difficult it must be for them to deal with their parents' apparent disapproval. But he didn't have to wait long to find out what it felt like to be under the scrutinizing gaze of the Lightwoods, which was laced with contempt.

It was by no means a pleasant experience when Izzy introduced him to her parents, and he swore to himself after that evening that he would never accompany Izzy to such an event a second time. 

His decision wasn't just due to the fact that Alec had given him the cold shoulder, no, it was rather because of the disdainful look Izzy's parents had given him when she had introduced him and he wanted to avoid meeting them again at all costs.

He knew that the Lightwoods were deeply involved in the history of Idris, the college where he studied. They were descendants of one of the founding families and therefore had great influence. Magnus just hoped that they wouldn't make his life at college more difficult now that they had actually met him.

𒐣

Alec had no idea why he had agreed to attend the annual Christmas party organized by his parent's law firm. He knew he would regret it, as these parties were always strenuous. He always ended up feeling drained.

However, Izzy had mentioned that she was going and that Magnus had agreed to accompany her.

Now that Alec knew Magnus would be there, how could he possibly resist?

Izzy hadn't stopped raving about Magnus since her first day at university and Alec was fascinated by all the things his sister had told him about Magnus.

Magnus was apparently two years older than her, had taken a sabbatical after high school and had been exploring the world.

She had told her brother so much about Magnus that it almost seemed as if Alec himself was friends with him.

However, that wasn't the case. Alec had difficulty making friends, especially with men.

So far he had successfully managed to avoid Izzy and her wonderful fellow student on campus, but that night he would be coming face to face with Magnus Bane and he wasn't sure he was prepared.

𒐣

Magnus was at a loss as to why he had agreed to accompany Isabelle to her parents' party. He was feeling rather nervous, after all he had seldom heard any nice stories about her parents. But at least it gave him the opportunity to visit his father in New York, or rather both his fathers.

Ragnor Fell had adopted him from the orphanage,taken him in, and raised him with much love and affection. Together with two other children, Raphael and Catarina, Magnus spent a wonderful childhood with Ragnor.

He had never felt a desire to find his biological father, even though Ragnor had assured him that he would help him if he wished to do so. But Magnus would prefer to forget his past. Forget finding his mother’s lifeless body and what his stepfather had done to him as a result.

Looking for his biological father at that time would only have created another wound 

But  the decision was snatched away from him one day when a man suddenly appeared on their doorstep.

Asmodeus Yeung.

Asmodeus got along well with Ragnor  from the start which allowed Magnus to open up to him more quickly than he would have thought possible.

Even though he had decided to keep his name and continue to live with Ragnor, he was still in regular contact with his biological father and the relationship between the two of them created many opportunities for Magnus and his siblings.

Magnus was well aware that without Asmodeus, he would probably never have been accepted into Idris.

He was pulled from his thoughts when he heard someone say, "You look quite handsome, son." Magnus turned to see Asmodeus standing in the doorway with a wide grin on his face.

"I hope you have a wonderful evening with Isabelle Lightwood. I'm sure you'll enchant them all with your good looks and charm," Asmodeus said, giving his son a hug before bidding him farewell and retreating back to his study.

After that, Magnus was convinced that the evening would be a good one. After all, Izzy would finally introduce him to Alexander. He had been waiting for this ever since he had first seen him on campus.

So he made his way to the venue in high spirits.

𒐣

For Alec, being introduced to Magnus by Izzy was a truly life-changing experience. It made him wish for the floor to open up and swallow him as he noticed the heat creeping into his cheeks.

Magnus seemed to be enjoying the sight, which only made Alec all the more nervous.

Izzy was beaming brightly at him as she began to address him, "Hey, Alec. I want you to meet Magnus, my dance partner."

Magnus gulped as he let his eyes roam over Alec unfiltered for the first time. Of course, he had seen him in passing on campus, but never up close.

He was tall and had dusky brown hair that seemed to fall over his forehead as if he'd been running his hands through it. His pale skin stood out against the dark clothes he wore, and when Magnus looked at him, it was almost as if his brain blanked out. 

As he finally lifted his gaze to lock eyes with him, he saw beautiful hazel colored eyes staring straight back at him, making his stomach twist with excitement, and a smile that made Magnus weak in the knees.

Alec couldn't help but stare at Magnus. He exuded so much confidence and appeared to be comfortable in his own skin. Alec admired and envied him at the same time.

He held out his hand and when they made contact, it was almost as if an electric shock shot through his arm.

Alec hoped they wouldn't notice what was transpiring in his head as he literally squeezed out the words, "Nice to finally be able to meet you, Magnus."

It was a mystery to him how he had managed not to make a complete fool out of himself and to be able to utter a full sentence. The elation didn't last long, however, and when he saw Magnus' smug grin, he knew that he had revealed more of his inner turmoil than he would have liked.

𒐣

He had no intention of appearing rude, but Alec was well aware that there was a good chance that if he remained in Magnus' immediate vicinity for much longer, he would be unable to hide his feelings.

Instead of speaking to his sister and Magnus, Alec excused himself and proceeded to find the only friend he had made among his parents' fellow attorneys.

Jem Carstairs was a young, sympathetic man who was very different from all the other attornies that worked for Alec's parents. Alec could talk to him about anything without fear of condemnation or disapproval.

But that evening, as Alec made his way through the crowd in search of Jem, he found him in a heated discussion with some of the older partners at the law firm. Alec didn't want to intrude, so he decided to back off and get through the event alone.

He found a quiet corner, away from the noise and the stares of the other guests. Leaningagainst the wall and watching the crowd, his gaze constantly drifted to Magnus and Izzy. He couldn't deny that Magnus had an intriguing personality. He was charismatic, charming and had a special way of moving, as if he was dancing to a tune that only he could hear.

Alec couldn't help but to wish that he could be a part of that melody.

Yet , he was aware it was impossible. He just knew there was no way he could come out, not in front of his family and certainly not in such a public setting.

𒐣

Jem caught a glimpse of Alec walking towards him out of the corner of his eye and immediately reversing his direction when he noticed the person Jem was deep in conversation with.

If he was honest, he could hardly blame Alec for not wanting to be part of their conversation. A talk with Valentine Morgenstern was certainly not a pleasant experience. That being said, he was a very close friend of Robert Lightwood's and therefore it was best not to offend him.

However, Jem was more than relieved when Morgenstern finally dismissed him after a few more minutes and turned his attention elsewhere.

He didn't hesitate and set off in search of Alec.

After finally finding him, he momentarily hesitated as Alec seemed oblivious to the world around him. His gaze was fixed and when Jem followed him, he understood what must be going on in Alec's head.

Alec was staring unashamedly at a flamboyant young man who was engrossed in conversation with Izzy. 

Jem could see the longing in Alec's gaze, the conflict going on inside him, and his heart broke a little for Alec, because he could empathize with how Alec must be aching inside.

He wanted to help him, to show him that it was okay to not conform with the established social norms and an idea began to blossom inside him.

𒐣

Christmas had slipped past them in a blink of an eye. Alec had spent most of his time holed up alone in his room and had even avoided his sister. His parents were once again working on an important case, so it wasn't surprising that they were hardly ever seen.

If he was honest, he couldn't even remember the last time his family had spent Christmas together, especially when they had all been living in the same house.

One of his parents was always busy with work, and since Jace had left for California, he hadn't spent Christmas with them either. Jace played for the USC Trojans, the University of Southern California’s football team, and his excuse was that his training schedule wouldn’t allow enough time to come home to New York for the holidays. 

Alec and Izzy tried to make the best of it. They usually spent a lot of time wandering around New York, stuffing themselves with all sorts of goodies they found at the various Christmas markets.

Alec had always really enjoyed spending quality time with his sister, as they rarely got to just relax during the semester.

But this year was different, because Izzy was pissed and still hadn't forgiven him for the way he had treated Magnus at the Christmas party. He could hardly  blame her. However, he was also unable to tell her the reason why he had been so short with Magnus.

And so, she had given him the cold shoulder until the moment when she had walked into his room on Christmas morning and stared at him with sorrow in her eyes.

𒐣

He had a sheet of paper lying in front of him and had started to sketch a person. And even though the drawing was still in its early stages, it was clear to see which person he was drawing.

Alec observed as Izzy began to open her mouth and he was already expecting the worst. Thinking that she was going to reprimand him again for his behavior towards Magnus, he was surprised when he heard what she said to him instead.

"Hey, Alec. Something's bothering you, hasn't it? You seem unhappy, do you maybe want to talk about what happened at the party when I introduced you to Magnus?" said Izzy as she came into the room and sat down on the bed, commenting casually, "The drawing is beautiful, you know."

Alec turned the paper over, he didn't like people looking at his art before he'd finished it. But obviously he hadn't turned it around fast enough, because Izzy had seen it. 

Shyly, he averted his eyes from her. "Nothing's happened. You introduced me to Magnus and I joined the crowd afterwards to socialize like our parents expect me to," he said. 

"Alec, I can see that something has happened."

"Nothing has happened, Izzy. You're reading too much into this. Please, just let it go." 

Ever since he'd seen Magnus at the party, he hadn't been able to stop thinking about him. And at night, while he slept, his dreams were filled with Magnus. But he couldn't afford to tell his sister about it, because it would mean revealing a part of himself and he wasn't ready for that, not quite yet.

𒐣

He gave his sister a pleading look on his face before pleading with her again, "Just please let me be, Iz. It doesn't matter. Besides, even if something had happened, it really wouldn't be any of your business." 

Alec witnessed the exact moment his words stabbed straight through his sister's heart, and he would have wanted to slap himself for the harsh words.

Izzy shook her head, she couldn't believe Alec wasn't able to open up to her, but she knew when it was time to back off and stop bothering him. Still, she was unable to hide the hurt that his words had caused her from her expression. 

"I love you, Alec, and I hate seeing you like this. If you don't want to talk to me about it, then maybe you should talk to Jace. You might find it easier to confide in him and I'm sure he can help you," she sighed as she stood up. Izzy walked over to Alec and gave him a kiss on the cheek before leaving the room again.

Relieved, Alec lay down on his bed and wished that the time until the start of the spring semester would pass more quickly.