Colliding Hearts #Wattys2017

Chapter 10- The Second Mark

Magnus stood staring in shock at his ex. He had not suspected him to arrive so quickly and part of him wanted to slam the door in his face. He couldn't figure out if that was the part that was the scorned ex or the concerned older brother figure to the redhead who sat in his kitchen.

Alec stood peering uncomfortably at his one and only ex, he had slipped out of the Institute, not at all caring for the arguing that was taking place there. Instead he had felt that nagging sensation and had followed his instincts, which had led him here.

"Emerson is here." Alec stated, clearing his throat and shifting uncomfortably. Magnus smirked and simply crossed his arms.

"And whatever gave you that idea?" Magnus teased just as, unknown to him, Emerson walked up and frowned at the two.

"She's right behind you." Alec replied as he stepped forward, urging Magnus to back up and once he was fully inside, he shut the door gently behind him and crossed his arms and gave Magnus an irritated stare.

"I'm not giving the book back and I'm not sharing food with you." Emerson said as she worried about having to share all of the delicious food. Her mouth watered as she thought of how heavenly the food would taste. Magnus chuckled, turning and patting her shoulder as he went to finish cooking.

"I'm not here for food or the book, I am here for answers." Alec spoke, getting straight to the point as he looked directly at Emerson. She stared up at him, her eyebrows knitted together as she was confused by his statement.

"Is that your way of saying you're not leaving?" She inquired, earning a confused and slightly agitated look from him.

From the kitchen, Magnus stood watching the pair interact and visibly cringed from how awkward it was. He had finished cooking and had set the table, being the perfect house guest he had set a place for Alec, however if he wanted food he would have to go through Emerson. Magnus leaned against the counter and continued watching the interaction, finding enjoyment in their awkwardness.

"I am not leaving until you answer my questions." Alec confirmed causing Emerson to let out a loud groan. Alec was slightly taken aback by how rude she was acting and he found himself wondering what he had done to cause such actions from her.

"I don't have answers, I have food, waiting." Emerson complained as she gestured towards the kitchen, she was never easy to deal with when she was hungry, and she was starving.

"Answer my questions and you can go and eat." Alec replied, letting out a sigh as he shifted his weight from foot to foot. His chest seemed to tighten at the pout that Emerson gave him and he fought the urge to smile.

"You're more annoying than Magnus said you were." She groaned as she grew annoyed with the conversation.

Her confusion in why he was questioning her and her hunger mixed, prompting her to turn on her heel and walk towards the kitchen. Her mind wondered from why he was here to if she had been rude to what she would eat first. Magnus had set all of the food in the center of the table and it looked mouthwatering.

She pulled out her seat and sat down, wiggling her fingers as her eyes wondered from dish to dish. She decided on eating the dumplings first so she piled them on her plate and picked up her chopsticks. A content smile formed on her lips as she began eating, ignoring the two men and her problems.

"You won't get anything out of her, not when she's eating." Magnus spoke as he laughed, watching as Alec stood in his living room, eyes wide and mouth slightly opened.

Alec stood in disbelief, of course he was use to being ignored, cut off and just others being rude to him in general, however it never fully bothered him; until now that is. His eyebrows knitted together and his jaw clenched as he fought to understand why he was upset about her actions and Magnus laughing at him.