HeartBLOOD

Chapter sixty-four

One last time, huh?, Magnus smiled as Alec walked into Raphaels and his dorm room- they had decided that it would only be appropriate to start the day of their last ever rehearsal at NYABM like they used to do before the fire. And that included a mandatory walk down the stairs.

Im excited., Alec smiled before kissing Magnus- this felt old in the most refreshing way.

Are you nervous to come back?, Magnus asked between the kisses, watching Alecs eyes darken.

Nah., he chuckled, Ive got nothing to lose anymore. And it feels great.

I can imagine., Magnus smiled as he pulled away, I signed with New York City Ballet last night. The audition was right before the BDA competition.

Oh my god!, Alec exclaimed in shock, How come you havent told me?

Because I wanted to see that exact face., Magnus laughed out, kissing Alec to relieve him from the duty of talking.

Im so fucking proud of you., Alec smiled, picking Magnus up, feeling his boyfriends legs wrap around his hips before pushing his back against a wall, feeling Magnus hands explore his body, trace the line of his spine, disarray his hair, strike his shivering skin.

Will you stay in New York, too?, Magnus asked insecurely- they had always managed to avoid the question as Alec still hadnt decided on his future.

Of course I will., Alec smiled, cradling Magnus face with his hand, And Id follow you around the globe, if that was where it took you. Wherever you go, I go. Because when I stayed, you did too.

***

Hey, good to see you back!, Raphael smiled, pulling Alec into a hug- though he had had a lot on his hands with the BDA competition, he still managed to rest his leg a bit, which meant he felt completely ready for what was to come their way- or at least, this was what he had thought.

Im happy to be here., Alec grinned, taking off his hoodie- he had already warmed up upstairs with Magnus, trying not to waste any precious rehearsal time.

Everyone, this is the last time we all gather before your senior performance with NYABM- are there any last things that need discussing?, Valentine said dryly as he walked in, not even greeting them.

Actually, yes., Aline replied and stepped forwards, pulling all attention to her.

Alec, first of all, Im glad youre back. But, it does concern me that you have missed so many rehearsals.

What are you saying?, he asked calmly.

Im just saying that maybe you shouldnt be doing the center duo with Maia. I feel like its too great of a risk- you two havent had the chance to rehearse as much as for example Jonathan and I did.

You know theyre the best at those stunts, right?, Magnus hissed defensively- he couldnt believe it. For once, Alec had taken some time off, and this was what he got in return.

Mags-, Alec interrupted, Theres no point.

Hell yeah, theres a point!, Maia exclaimed, Aline, how are you not embarrassed?

Im doing the thing yall are too scared to do- you know that it would be best for the choreography if Jonathan and I did that stunt instead of you and Alec., Aline replied, heating up the argument whilst Jonathan nervously bit his lip, obviously uncomfortable.

Alexander., Valentine interfered, Do you think you can do better than Jonathan and Aline?

I can prove it., Alec replied, warming up his wrists, Why dont Maia and I do the final throw and Jonathan and Aline do it afterwards? Then you can decide whos better.

Sounds fair to me., Valentine nodded, stepping aside, Lets see it.

You ready?, Alec asked, getting into position.

Five, six, seven, eight., Maia whispered, jumping into Alecs arms before being thrown up into the air, spinning once, twice, three, four times- just like they had always done it.

Timid applause filled the room, Jonathan and Aline stepping up, the air thickening with suspense.

Just like Maia and Alec, they got into position, Aline counted them in and jumped into Jonathans arms, expecting to outperform Maia and Alec- but she had made the equation without her dance partner. After one sad spin, she was caught in Jonathans arms again.

Jonathan, what the hell?, she hissed, pushing him away, it being more than obvious that Jonathan could have done a lot better- her body had barely left his arms.

You didnt listen when I said you shouldnt try to compete with Alec.

I cant believe it, youre siding with him?, Aline shrieked, pointing at Alec who watched the scene in complete disbelief.

Yeah. Cause hes a better person than you and me will ever be.

***

Im still in shock., Maia exhaled as Alec and her had decided to take a quick water break.

After their battle with Aline and Jonathan, they had gotten back to rehearsing- although Alec was secure in his and Maias abilities, the entire story had a bitter aftertaste.

Yeah, I didnt expect Jonathan to sabotage himself for a change., Alec chuckled, A very in-character way to apologize, thats for sure.

It makes sense to me, though- its our last rehearsal, after all. We will go separate ways in less than a week., Maia said, nostalgically looking around the training room.

It feels weird to know well never train in this room again., Alec swallowed, looking at the barre and the huge windows on the opposite of the mirrored wall, reminiscing of a time this place was still dreamt of.

Youre not staying for a fourth year, are you?, she asked, glancing at Alec.

Hell no., he laughed, I have mad respect for Magnus for doing so, but I could never.

Do you hate it so much?, Maia frowned.

Nope, I just love it too little., Alec smiled weakly, Im ready to move on, I think. Weirdly, I always thought it would be so sad for me to say goodbye, but I dont feel sad. Just, you know, indifferent. Which, now that I think about it, is kind of worse.

I get it, though., Maia replied, Weve outgrown it. Its part of life.