A Malec Story

Chapter 15: Ninth meet

City of Ashes - Chapter 8 - The Seelie Court

Alec swallowed. "We're going," he said. He spoke the words like an apology. "Jace—a request from the Seelie Court—it would be stupid to ignore it. Besides, Isabelle's probably already told them we're coming."

"There is no chance I'm going to let you do this, Alec," Jace said in a dangerous voice. "I'll wrestle you to the ground if I have to."

"While that does sound tempting," said Magnus, flipping his long silk sleeves back, "there is another way."

"What other way? This is a directive from the Clave. I can't just weasel out of it."

"But I can." Magnus grinned. "Never doubt my weaseling abilities, Shadowhunter, for they are epic and memorable in their scope. I specifically enchanted the contract with the Inquisitor so that I could let you go for a short time if I desired, as long as another of the Nephilim was willing to take your place."

"Where are we going to find another—Oh," Alec said meekly. "You mean me."

- City of Ashes, p. 148

Magnus

"Finally," Magnus said relieved as the door closed behind Jace, Clary and Simon.

Alec sat at the round table, tapping his fingers on it. "That eager to get rid of them?" he asked.

"Of course not, but I wanted to be alone with you," Magnus replied.

"Oh," Alec blushed and looked down at the table. Magnus smiled inwardly, still so shy, his Shadowhunter. He still couldn't believe Magnus would be glad to be alone with him.

"Can you get up, please," he asked, Alec stood up, eyebrows raised in question. "I have to return these," Magnus explained, indicating the table and the chairs. "It was only a loan. And I want my own furniture back."

"Where is your furniture?" Alec asked.

"I have it stored. Sometimes if I need the space for something else, like round tables, I put my stuff in a storage room. I'm going to get it back now. I miss my sofa."

Alec smiled and walked to the kitchen. "You want coffee?" he asked.

"Love some," Magnus replied while he flicked with his hand, bringing back the chairs and table to the antiques reproduction store he took it from. Then another flick of the hand and his own familiar furniture was back in the room. The warm chocolate brown rug, the comfortable sofa and his desk. Some other knickknacks he valued. Satisfied he looked around, it felt like home again. Jace was finally out of his hair and Alec was here. This afternoon was going to be grand.

He followed Alec to the kitchen, looking at him while he was making coffee. He felt a mild frustration at how Alec had treated Jace earlier. His hand on Jace's shoulder. Magnus had to clear his throat in order for Alec to let go. Why would he nurse this crush, Magnus thought, annoyed. Jace would never love him back. And besides, the whole world knew he was straight and hung up on his sister. Well, maybe not the whole world knew that last part.

Alec handed him a mug of coffee. "Sorry," he said softly. The way he said it almost broke Magnus's heart. He had to constantly remind himself that Alec was still so new at this. So young. So closeted too. He had been brave enough to ask Magnus out, twice. To kiss him in the middle of the street, even. Alec was getting there. He had to believe that one day he would snap out of his closet and with it he would fell out of that crush, too. Magnus had to be patient. He could do that. He didn't liked being denied, but he kept hope. He had to, because otherwise this Shadowhunter would be his undoing.

Alec was looking at him in anticipation. Magnus took the mug and smiled. "There's nothing to be sorry for." He said and took a big gulp of coffee. Alec looked relieved and drank from his own cup. "What do you want to do?" he asked, "Go out?"