Bloodloss: An Alec and Magnus (Malec) Fanfiction

Chapter 24

We emerge, staggering, out of the portal in the Gard. Everyone is dusting themselves off, recovering from the disorienting portal journey. I take the suitcase off Magnus, who is busy admiring Clary’s handiwork on the portal, which is still swirling with a watery image of the Institute. As he reaches a hand out to touch it, the portal fades under his fingers.

“You okay?” I check with Izzy.

“I’m fine.” She says, brushing the dust from her skirt.

Clary is waving goodbye to Jace reluctantly as Jocelyn and Luke head off towards their house. Raphael is also leaving, glancing anxiously towards the sky despite the darkness of night.

“So we shall see you for dinner at half past eight?” Mom asks Magnus and I.

“Yes, we’ll be there.” I confirm.

“At the meeting rooms in the Gard.” Mom adds.

I nod, absent-mindedly, tugging the suitcase down the hill and calling Magnus. He follows quickly as I attempt to navigate the case along the rocky path.

“Here,” Magnus says, bending down and fiddling with the case to reveal two handles to carry suitcase I’ve been awkwardly wheeling.

He swings it carefully into his hands and starts off down the hill.

“Of course it has handles. Thank you for telling me.” I roll my eyes, laughing, and follow him.

“Wow, you clean up nicely.” Magnus smiles as he emerges from the bedroom, fastening his cufflinks.

“Thank you, not too bad yourself.” I reply.

He’s wearing a clean cut dark grey suit with dress shoes, the jacket draped over his arm. His hair and face are free of any glitter and his hair is smoothed down. He looks almost understated, but of course, not quite.

“You look…good.” I finally say, which might possibly be the understatement of the century. I’m sort of lost for words though.

“Wow, Alec. Don’t get carried away with the compliments.” He says sarcastically and I smile.

He really has done a pretty decent job choosing my suit. It’s black with a white shirt and blue tie I know he’s extremely pleased with. He straightens my tie now, and I can smell his cologne as he leans in. Then he steps back.

“There,” he announces. “Perfect.”

I’m trying not to run my hand through my hair – a habit of mine that always leaves it sticking up – because I’ve managed to make it look almost neat.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you all neat and well-dressed.” Magnus remarks.

“That’s very encouraging.” I quip back, but he’s right. “No, I know.” I add. “I’m not really big on…all this.”

“You should do it more often.” Magnus tells me, brushing some dust off my shoulder. “You look fantastic.”

“Thank you.” I reply, a smile playing about my lips.

He takes my hand gently, shrugging his jacket on.

“Come on, let’s go.” He says, grabbing our coats and tugging me out the door.