Danger Line (Malec)

Danger Line Chapter 7 Take Me Under

Alexander Lightwood is not normal.

That is something Magnus has become very aware of in the last week and a half of living with him. Magnus knows, from little scraps of information that Alec's given him, that he doesn't like his parents, and the feeling may be mutual if pulling out a lip ring and terrorizing their son is anything to go by. Magnus knows Alec and his parents probably aren't on the best terms, so he half expected this, but at the same time, really didn't.

The fidgeting, running his hand through his hair, pacing, biting his lip… He's nervous. Very nervous, and he's even taken out his sexy lip ring. It's parent-visiting day.

Parents can sign their children off of campus for the night, and families can hang out together. Magnus's uncle is coming to visit, and should appear in an hour or two to take Magnus away. But Alec, he's freaking out.

He obviously doesn't want to encounter his parental units.

"Do you think they're going to come?" Alec asks, biting the nail on his thumb, his eyebrows furrowed, pacing around the table they're at.

Magnus sighs. "Alec, I don't know."

Alec bites down on his lip, wringing his hands. He gazes nervously around the lunchroom they're in, scanning faces for ones he recognizes from his past. There's a nervous layer of sweat on the back of his neck, and it seems like the clock is ticking by in a pool of honey that's slowing it painfully down.

This nervousness, or whatever it is, is really annoying the fuck out of Magnus.

Jesus fucking Christ, why can't he just fucking calm down? If Alec's parents do come, or someone he knows, it's not the end of the world. He needs to relax a bit more. He's going to give himself heart problems at his rate, and Magnus is so not dealing with his roommate having a heart attack in his presence. Not that that would actually happen, but whatever. Alec needs to fucking stop pacing before Magnus makes him.

"Stop the goddamn pacing," Magnus finally snaps, after being annoyed with the teen for several minutes. "They're probably not coming. Parents and friends are supposed to call ahead, and if they didn't they're probably not coming, so chill your balls."

Alec sighs, nodding. "I know, Magnus. I'm just so worried..."

Magnus sighs. "Why are you so afraid of them, anyway?"

Magnus knows it probably isn't a good story. Alec said they pulled out his lip ring, which is notably absent today, and Magnus doesn't know if that's the worst or the best. It may just be neglect that's causing Alec to worry, though that seems unlikely, as neglectful parents wouldn't even come in the first place. Magnus isn't sure, but maybe the long sleeves and jackets aren't just for a fashion (Psht, he wouldn't know fashion if it hit him in the face, and it will, if he doesn't stop being so goddamn anxious and annoying) statement, maybe it's to hide bruises and scars. Maybe there's more to Alec's odd behavior and mood shifts, his protectiveness, his general dislike of being touched than Magnus originally thought. Maybe Alec isn't just a spoiled little bitch. Maybe it's the exact opposite.

Alec looks down at the floor, hoping that if he doesn't look at Magnus he won't have to answer. If he doesn't answer, he won't have to talk about it. It's embarassing, to be honest, and he'd rather not remember all the things his parents have done to him. He'd rather not remember all the things his parents, the people whom were supposed to love him conditionally, did to him in their rage, their anger at the imperfect world they try so hard to make perfect for themselves. He doesn't want to think about all the anger directed at him, only him, their first child and only output for the hate they refuse to show in public, the hate that may ruin their image. If word ever got out about what they did, their reputations would crumble, as well as Alec's. He might not have much left, but he doesn't need anyone to know what's wrong with his family. What's wrong with him.