Malec: A Fanfic Romance

Chapter 4

Alec wasn't prepared for the rough landing as he was practically shoved into the arms of Magnus when the portal brought them to his apartment. It almost tipped them both over, but Magnus caught himself and Alec, stumbling back a few steps. Once they were both firmly on their feet, the realization of just how close they were hit immediately. Magnus' arm was still wrapped around Alec back and his eyes locked firmly on Alec's.

It was then that Alec realized that they were alone. None of the distractions of the Pandemonium to create some sort of physical or emotional distance between the two. It was quiet. Quiet enough for Alec to hear his own shallow breaths. He was looking at Magnus. I mean really looking. Taking in every aspect of his face, trying to read him like he usually does others. It wasn't working. Magnus was a mystery to him, and probably everyone that has ever met him. He looked fantastical, like some character from a book with his extravagant outfit and ear cuffs. Alec noted that usually people who dress like this use it as some sort of coping mechanism to hide who they truly are, but for some reason he could tell that for Magnus this wasn't a persona. It was confidence. It was authenticity. And Alec found that extremely attractive, admired it even. He studied his dark hair that was sort of burgundy at the tips, the way his eyes seemed to hollow as a result of his eyeliner, his nose. He knew he was in trouble when he reached his lips because no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't tear his eyes off of them. The period of time between his breaths grew shorter.

Then he remembered the mission. He couldn't let his emotions get in the way of what really mattered. He pretended to clear his throat while taking a step back to ease the tension.

"So I play this game with you and you'll help my friends," Alec croaked, still trying to regain control over his senses.

"Yes" Magnus responded, his voice sort of gravelly.

Then it was his turn to clear his throat.

"Yes, let me just get-" Magnus started to leave to get the materials.

He had been so enthralled by Alec he had actually forgotten he had magic and stopped himself before he got far enough that it would have been noticeable. Once again he waved his hand in a circular motion and a table with an empty bottle and wooden crate appeared. He could tell Alec wasn't used to being around Warlocks by the way he flinched each time he used magic. Almost unnoticeable, but it was there. He had the same reaction earlier with the stele earlier in that night.

Magnus slowly waved his hand over the crate and suddenly there was an assortment of items on the floor, ranging from chocolate, to handcuffs.

Magnus took the bottle, the only thing remaining on the small table, and sat down in front of the items. He looked up at Alec still standing awkwardly.

"Sit"

He motioned his hand from Alec to the floor in case he needed help with the directions.

Alec sat opposite of him, his legs crossed. Magnus scooted himself backwards just a hint, to make sure there was room for the items. He waved his hand over them and what once was a pile turned into an organized circle of objects between the two of them.

"Much better", he boasted with a light smile.

"I thought we were playing a drinking game"

"Another one of my tactics, I would never get you drunk"

"I'll keep that in mind"

"This game is easy," Magnus stared into Alec's eyes to make sure he was listening.

"We each have a turn at spinning this bottle. During our turn the bottle will land on one of these objects. Whoever spun the bottle gets to decide what the other person does with the object that they landed on"