magna_bane | It's perfectly normal for the girl to scale the wall to the window. (for alec

It's perfectly normal for the girl to scale the wall to the window. (for alec_lightwood)

The day had been pretty rough. Will found ways to make her work harder when they trained together and it was some strange ritual to make her go away. Sometimes she wasn't sure if he enjoyed her company or if he hated it. He had more mood swings than a woman. Not that she cared. She neither liked him nor hated him. Which was about the same for Jem. The one thing she knew for certain... she liked to keep them safe without either of them noticing. If the didn't notice, they couldn't ask her about it. Things were better that way.

On the other hand, sitting in the attic with a book in her lap that day, she found like so many other days that all she thought about was one person. The first time the smaller branch of the Lightwood family visited the Institute, she'd gone from disinterested in life to a rush of feelings that left her breathless. Will hated the Lightwoods. No matter which family branch... but her entire perception changed the first time his eyes met hers.

Which was why she nimbly scaled the wall up to the dimly lit window of a London apartment. Pulling up onto the window ledge nimbly, she tapped the glass pane softly. It wasn't the first night that she did this. Swinging her feet lightly, she tucked the wayward ebony strands behind an ear and peered down at the city below while waiting.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Then I must say... I am the only smart person in this lovely society." Smiling at him softly, she twirled her fingertips in the soft black hair. "Because you are the true definition of nobility."

When he said he wouldn't let them go down into hell together, she smiled just a little. "I think I know why you're okay together. You're his brain... cause I'm sure he doesn't have one on most days." Tilting her head, she met his gaze and felt a warmth run through her. Every part of her wanted to reach out and pull him into her arms. He needed love and affection, but she didn't want to look so much like a loose woman he wouldn't want her close at all.

Laughing suddenly at the thought of Charlotte calling her ingenious, she ducked her head smiling. Only Alec would come up with something like that. Granted if Charlotte had figured out how much she was in love with the Lightwood she'd likely be proud. The head of the Institute didn't wait. She did it herself. "Taking the initiative... she would very much be impressed. But is such forward tactics attractive? That is the question." A question on he could answer.

"But if I should not come, something came up I could not let you know in time." She would do all she could to let him know regardless.

Really, she shouldn't be so happy to have his touch. The moment those fingertips brushed her cheek she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Lifting her hand, she gently caressed the back of his only to turn into his hand so her cheek pressed into his hand. "It's okay. I'm not worried about the pain. Nor would I want you to feel guilty. More so cunning like a kitten questing for attentions from her favorite person."

Staying close, she gave him a hopeful expression. Honesty was really all she had to give him. She refused to lie or to be anything but straightforward if she could. "As for my stele... yes... I have it." Moving the hand not touching his, she pulled the stele from a pocket before offering it up to him. "You don't have to, Alec..."

"I'm not noble, Magnus." If he was, he wouldn't let her sneak in. He'd do what was proper instead of selfishly wanting to keep Magnus near. But he could never tell her to stop her visits no matter what society might think of them.

"I should say that isn't true, but most times Jace doesn't think." Or if he did, no one but Jace understood what it was that went through his mind. Even bonded with the younger hunter, Alec couldn't understand his parabatai most of the time.

His blush returned as she looked down at him, suddenly wishing that he wasn't so concerned about her reputation. Every time Magnus was near, he wanted to hold her close no matter how improper that would be. Unless... she didn't mind if someone was forward. "If you were the one being forward then those tactics would be attractive."

It was tempting to follow those tactics and lean in to kiss her, but he wasn't sure if she would want that. And he'd never kissed anyone before. What if he disappointed her?

Smiling as she took his hand, he lightly brushed his fingers along unbruised skin. "Am I your favorite person, Magnus?"

Taking the steel with his free hand, he knew he should begin the iratze but he didn't want to pull away. "I don't have to, but I want to. I don't want you to be in pain. Not when I can help."

"You are to me. You know, we could keep arguing the finer points of semantics, or you could just let me win for the sake of letting me win." Putting on her best innocent look, she turned up the power for cute and adorable. Sometimes it really was the best weapon.

But at least she got the chance to grin at that small victory over Jace being mindless. She would take them where she could get them and focus on more important things...

Like the fact he just told her it was okay to be forward with him. It felt like a switch was turned on inside of her brightening and erasing shadows of doubt. "Would it?" Sometimes she could tell he loved her... it was the depth of the love she wasn't sure about. Sometimes her hope for more over shadowed the reality.

Smiling in return at his smile, she half closed her eyes in content happiness. "You're always my favorite person." She didn't let other people touch her unless it was absolutely necessary. Yet with him... she'd do anything to feel him close.

And something about his comment about her forward tactics and the way he let his hand linger that made up her mind. Keeping his hand on her face, she rose slowly. In a few careful movements, she slid into his lap and hooked her legs over an arm of the chair. Her heart beat fast in her chest, causing her to bury her face in his chest a moment while still holding his hand.

"Let me stay close to you, Alec? Please?" Even if she only got slight cuddles or simply being held... she wanted that closeness with him.

"I wouldn't be letting you win." She'd have to keep trying to convince him, mostly because Alec liked the teasing games they played... and that look that truly was adorable even if he didn't dare tell her that. She'd probably use one of Henry's strange weapons on him if he said such a thing.

The thought distracted him enough that it took him a moment to realize what she'd asked. Being forward. That had been what they'd been discussing. Not how much he liked the way her eyes brightened whenever Alec managed to think of the right thing to say. "It would. You're my favorite person too. You will always be dear to me."

That couldn't be taken the wrong way... at least he hoped it couldn't. He could almost hear Isabelle teasing him for struggling so much but he knew he didn't have a gift for speaking like Jace and Will did. All he had was honesty and Alec knew that his gift wasn't always appreciated.

But it seemed that it would be rewarded when Magnus moved to sit on his lap. Setting the stele aside, he slid his arm around her. Slowly, his other hand slid from her cheek to her hair, trembling slightly with nervousness as Alec brushed his fingers over her dark hair. "I want you to be with me, Magnus." All night if she wanted even if he was afraid of suggesting it and having her think he wasn't a gentleman.

Giving him a skeptical look, an eyebrow rose slowly. "Was that a concession to losing this once or a challenge to keep trying? Because you're making me wonder if I should be plotting new tactics or celebrating." Maybe with anyone else she would have huffed at the loss of a real victory, but with him.... he was different. He could tease her as much as he wanted.

If anything, because of the way he could make her feel with the simplest of statements. It sent a thrill of energy and happiness all throughout her just knowing that he thought highly of her. Which made her realize that whatever kind of love... he loved her. And it was enough to put a beautiful smile on her face. "You are always dear to me, Alec. From the moment I met you."

Not that she could explain it... just that it was. Just like she wanted his arms about her so much a tremor ran up her spine as he held her close. Sliding a hand up to the back of his neck, she softly played with the hair at the nape. Closing her eyes, she nuzzled closer, careful not to go too far, but still press close.

Closing her eyes, she let the fingers of her other hand softly trace the lines of a mark on his neck. She had stared at it enough to know each curl and turn perfectly without looking. Which sent a blush through her cheeks. "May I stay? All night? I don't want to go back tonight..."

"I know when I'm beaten." At least with Magnus he did. There was no point in arguing with her since she'd always think of a new reason to think of him in a positive light. "You always see the best in me even when I can't see it in myself."

Although it was hard not to think that he had somehow said the right thing when Magnus smiled at him like that. As if she were truly pleased with his words and with him. Feeling that shiver, Alec held her close, afraid she might be cold, suppressing a shiver of his own when Magnus began to brush her fingers along his neck. His breath caught as she followed the curve of the rune, swallowing hard as he tried to answer.

It was wrong to have her stay. Scandalous. Even as a Shadowhunter her reputation would be ruined if anyone found out. But he couldn't say no. Alec wanted her near too much to ever say no to that request. "I'd like you to stay for as long as you'd like."

"Alec... I will always see the best in you." Even with the flaws, the things that shone through lit up the world around her. He brought purpose and meaning just to life itself for her. "I'll be your eyes when you need to be reminded of what amazing things make you, you."

Continuing the gentle tracing, the hand at the back of his neck clutched at hair when Alec drew her closer. Tipping her head up, her lips brushed his pulse softly and unexpectedly causing her to gasp gently. Everything she did right now could destroy what little reputation she had. And that reputation was small and hanging by a thread.

But she'd throw her life away for Alec's happiness... she'd fight to survive if being alive made him happy. The amount of things she would do for him always amazed her. But she never tried to convince herself of anything other than that. And when he told her she could stay as long as she liked, her heart fluttered in her chest.

"Forever would be imposing." Smiling softly, she tipped her head up to look into his eyes. "You're the only one that's ever made me feel safe... at home. I can't say I've felt that way since..." Her words caught and she took a deep breath. "I'm sure you don't want to hear about my childhood all that much..."

Magnus might be the eyes that saw the best in him, but she was also the reason he kept trying when it felt like he would never be a proper Shadowhunter or ever please his parents. Even if he never did those things, if Magnus believed in him, was proud of him, then he could live with the disapproval of others. "That means the world to me, Magnus. You give me hope."

The brush of Magnus' lips against his skin made it impossible to hide that shiver. A quiet sound caught in his throat before he remembered that he had to at least try not to act like he was head over heels for her.

Which meant he should agree that forever was impossible, but he refused to lie. "It wouldn't." He was saying too much too soon. If he should ever dare say such things, but that was the only thing he could rely on since he couldn't be charming like the other boys. "I would be happy to have forever with you."

As she spoke of safety, his fingers brushed through her dark hair, trying to bring comfort, knowing that whatever had happened to Magnus before she'd arrived in London had to have been terrible. "I'll do everything I can to keep you safe, but yo only have to tell me what you want about your past. If you want to tell me, I'll listen, but if you're not ready, I'll be patient."

"You are my strength and hope as well..." Reaching up, she gently cupped his cheek in her hand. Moving closer, she kissed the other soft and sweet. "You are so amazing, Alec... sometimes I want to just shake the world for not realizing it. But if I'm enough... please know that I have so much faith in you. So much pride." Adoration and love. The amount of feelings for the young man sometimes blew her mind.

Blinking at the shiver, she held on to him tighter. "Are you cold?" The whisper was so soft, she wasn't sure if she'd said it out loud.

And considering the reply to her hidden truth, she felt like she couldn't breathe. "Alec..." His name came on an exhale before she suddenly moved to wrap her arms completely about his neck and hug him. "Forever with you... I want that." Whether as a lover or just closer than just friends. As long as it was with him.

"You're the only one I want to know me..." Turning her head to lean into his touch, she breathed in slowly. "Something happened when I was a child. I don't... I don't remember. My mother killed herself. I... I really think it was because of me... why else would my father try to kill me?" She frowned and furrowed her brow in mental anguish. "I don't know how it happened... but the house burned down... he died yet I survived. I don't remember how or why... just that the Silent Brothers found me..."

"I feel the same way about you, Magnus. You're my strength and can't understand why others don't see you the way I do." Instead they saw someone small and not the usual ideal of a lady. Few cared to see that she was intelligent and brave. The fact that she disliked wearing skirts and spoke her mind were enough to condemn her in similar ways as Alec. Even if he wasn't sure what he'd done to be such a disappointment to the old nephilim families. "You will always be enough to make me happy."

His eyes closed with a contented sigh as Magnus held him close, her words causing him to hum softly. "No. I'm not cold. Just ticklish."

He'd begun to wonder if they could simply stay together curled up in his chair together for the night when she said his name, causing him to try to pull away until her arms slid around his neck. It took a moment for Alec to realize she'd said yes, and then he began to grin. "Does that mean I can ask Charlotte's permission to court you?"

He might have been trying before asking officially but he wanted to do this right. If he was going to fight his parents over his choice of who to fall in love with, then he needed Charlotte's help. She would protect them as much as she could and give them a refuge away from the gossips.

It was an honor to have her trust him enough to tell him about her past but that couldn't ease the sorrow at knowing she had bee hurt so much in the past. "It had nothing to do with you, Magnus. Sometimes people do things like that and we never know the reason. And there are no reasons other than whatever darkness is in their own minds.

"Grief and sorrow make people do terrible things they wouldn't normally do if they were in their right minds." His hand stilled for a moment as he gently kissed her hair. "I'm glad you survived. I don't know what I'd do if we had never met."

Sometimes she wondered if the smiling would hurt her face. Granted it did this time due to the bruise, but not for the same reason she suspected. Until he'd come into her life, Magnus rarely smiled. "Alec... as long as you see me, I am happy. You make me happy."

Only to grin more at the comment about being ticklish. "Darling, Alexander... you're ticklish? Duly noted." Bumping her nose into his jaw, the smile melted into a playful smirk.

Then he asked that question. Sitting up a little, she met his eyes and searched them for how serious he was. Lifting her hands, she cupped his face shyly at first before feeling more confident as she leaned in closer. "You really wish to court me? I want that... if that's really what you want."

The idea ran through her like a thrill of electricity. Alec wanted her. Her. The excitement it sent through her made butterflies explode in her chest and flutter in her stomach. Catching one of his hands, she drew it to her lips and kissed the knuckles softly. "I never thought..." She smiled brilliantly and ducked her head.

Finally she lifted her head to look at him in worry. "Your parents don't like me... I'm of foreign decent... Are you really sure?" God, she hoped he was. Lifting her hand, she smoothed his hair back softly. "Because, I promise you... I will never leave your side and support you for life." Breathing in slowly, she nearly said those words she wanted to say so badly.

And she nearly convinced herself not to, until Alec said those things to her about her parents. The stinging in her eyes got ignored in favor of moving to very softly touch their lips for just a split second. "I love you."

Happiness was a rare thing in the Lightwood homes. His own was empty except for his siblings since his parents were too busy with their power plays to notice the children that wanted a family. Gabriel and Gideon had spent most of their time abroad and their father had always made Alec uncomfortable in some way he didn't understand.

Happiness wasn't something Lightwoods searched for, but he had found it with Magnus. And he would do everything possible to give that joy to her as well. "I want to make you happy for..." The rest of his life, if she'd agree to it, but he couldn't ask her that. "... for as long as you allow me to."

As he noticed that grin, he realized he would be in trouble later, even if 'ticklish' hadn't been quite the correct description. He couldn't tell her that he liked having her touch him or that the spot was sensitive. "I... Sometimes I am."

But that concern didn't matter since she wanted him to court her. She wanted to be more than friends and eventually he would be able to ask for that lifetime together. "I do want to, Magnus. I've wanted to for awhile but I didn't know how."

Isabelle hadn't helped with that, giving him strange looks whenever he asked how he should court Magnus. He'd never been sure if it was Magnus she disapproved of or him. Izzy loved him and liked Magnus, but the idea of them together seemed to worry her. Maybe because she knew how their parents would react.

Not that it mattered. Alec loved her and he'd lived too long in a house where power was the only thing that mattered. "I don't care if they don't like you. You are my dearest friend and I can't think of anyone else I would wish to..."

He froze as he realized what he'd been about to say, blushing brightly before kissing her unbruised cheek. "I don't care about your lineage, Magnus. It's your heart that matters not who your parents are." Meeting her eyes, he smiled sadly. "If it did, then you might not want me to court you."

That kiss should have readied him for a second, but it still caught him by surprise, lips gentle against hers until she pulled away. Staring at Magnus in shock, grinned at those words. "I love you too, Magnus. I have for a long time."

"Then you'd better prepare for something close to forever... because I want you near to me for that long and longer." Maybe that came off selfish. Especially when she knew that his tastes varied. No matter how much love she saw in his gaze, she never knew how much he wanted her.

Maybe he never would. Yet, she refused to ever ask for more than he would willingly give. "For anyone else, the task of courting me would be arduous at best... for you... it won't take more effort than being yourself. I promise you this. I also promise not to take too much advantage of said 'sensitive' spots." Adding the last part, she tried to lighten the mood. Sadly, it was a good chance the idea would only upset as well.

It showed just how much she loved him. He really was the center of her universe. And from the way he seemed so sure that his parents' opinion would not sway him away from her. "You are my closest and dearest to my heart. My best friend... Alec... there is no one better to fall for... And I know I never will love another in this way."

Shaking her head at the thought of his parents, she moved to touch their foreheads. "Alec... I don't care who your parents are or where you come from. It's you... it's all for you... you're all I want in my life..."

Moving her hands to slide about his face, she slipped her nose against his. "I have loved you in kind... for so very long. May I? Kiss you?" Amber eyes lit up in hope, fingertips softly playing at his hair.

His expression brightened with love and adoration at her demand. It was what he'd hoped for and what he had been almost certain that she might want but he'd still feared that he'd misjudged things. "I want forever with you and longer, if that's possible."

Smiling in relief that he could court her and she wouldn't make the task too difficult for him, he gently brushed his fingers through her hair like he'd wanted to do so many times. "Then maybe I won't be a failure at courting you like Izzy expects."

If it was anyone else that he was trying to court, he might believe Isabelle, but Magnus had been his friend for years. She knew he valued honesty more than the rest of polite society ever would. Though that wouldn't stop him from teasing her at times. "I appreciate you not using my weaknesses against me since I know how tempted you'll be."

The words were spoken lightly, then his tone turned serious as he met those golden eyes. "You are the one I love most, Magnus. I don't care about our families or what anyone thinks. I love you with all my heart."

Humming quietly as Magnus played with his hair, he gave her a soft smile. "I think you already did but you can do it again."

Tipping her head into his hand, she marveled at how it felt when he touched her. The happiness it brought left her melted and sometimes stunned. How someone had so much power over her, she didn't know. "Alec.. strange as it sounds... you couldn't be a failure when it comes to me."

Sighing dramatically, she opened her eyes to smile at him. "It will be hard. Resisting the temptation will be quite a feat." Leaning closer, she nuzzled their noses together. "You own my heart, Alec..." Smoothing her hands up to cup his face, she took a soft breath.

Tilting her head, she let there lips touch smiling against his. Only then did she kiss him again, this time full and lingering as she memorized the feel of his lips against her own. The sensation sent a thrill down her spine and she felt warmth explode in her chest. It felt like the world just clicked together in that moment...

There were few things that Alec could think of that could make Alec happier than he was at that moment. Magnus had said yes and had basically told him that he couldn't ruin things between them. They would have a lifetime together just like he'd dreamed of. "It does sound strange, but I'm glad that you have that much confidence in me."

Smiling at both the sigh and at having Magnus so close, he slid his fingers through her hair. "And you have mine, Magnus. You have since we first met."

Alec might not have understood it then, but his heart had belonged to her completely that day. Even before friendship had turned to deeper feelings, he would have done almost anything just to make her smile.

Making a quiet sound as she kissed him again, Alec's hand curled lightly around the back of Magnus' neck. Perfect... it was the only way he could think of describing it. The warmth of her lips, having her in his arms, was perfect.

When Alec eventually pulled away, his hand slipped from her neck to cup her cheek. "Tomorrow, I'll ask Charlotte. Make it official. I don't think she'll say no." At least he hoped she wouldn't. Charlotte had always seemed to like him and hadn't minded that they were always spending time together.

"I have nothing but confidence in you and how I feel for you." Smiling at that, she knew she meant it with every fiber of her being. Which only felt warmer when Alec told her that his heart belonged to her since they met.

Breathing in slowly, she met his eyes and felt her face heat up. "Magna... you... you can call me that. No one else... okay?" She'd spent years forcing everyone to stop. Only Will dared now.. and it got him a lot of pain for his troubles.

And if Alec kept kissing her like that... she had a feeling she'd be floating through life. Smiling as his hand slipped to her cheek, her eyes closed slowly. "I don't think she will either." Charlotte liked Alec a lot. It wouldn't take much for her to adopt him as well into their odd little family.

Turning her head, she kissed his palm before nuzzling her face into his neck. "I didn't realize how tired I was until now..." One hand stayed about his neck, her thumb gently slipping up and down his pulse. "I love you... but I think we'd be more comfortable sleeping somewhere else... do you agree?"

Knowing how much Magnus disliked her name, he that it was a gift that she would offer to let him use Magna instead. Brushing a gentle kiss against her cheek, he gave her a shy smile. "Only when it's the two of us. No other times. But I do like calling you Magnus too."

Resting his forehead against hers, he didn't realize how worried he'd been until Magnus reassured him that she thought Charlotte wouldn't disapprove. "This might mean she'll try to get you into those dresses you hate so much so you'll be a proper lady being courted."

Not that the dresses matter to him. Magnus was beautiful to him whether she wore the kind of dresses Jessamine favored or trousers. But he couldn't help teasing her a bit, at least until he noticed how tired she was.

"I love you too." His eyes drifted half closed as her thumb brushed against his neck and he had to remind himself that she was right and that they'd both be sore in the morning if they didn't move. Shifting her in his arms, Alec stood, smiling softly at having her so close and knowing that she wanted to be with him as he carried her to the bedroom.

Setting her down on the bed, he couldn't stop himself from blushing even if Magnus has stayed with him before. "Do you want one of my shirts to sleep in?"

The smile that grew on her face was luminous. The gold in her eyes glimmered a lighter shade as she kissed his cheek softly. "I like that idea. When it's just us..." She liked Magnus better... but something about him calling her something no one else was allowed to, made her unbelievably happy.

"You're right... now I'm slightly horrified of the dresses she will try to give me." Blinking a few times, she made a slight face. "She'll tell me that I should do it for you." And part of her considered trying it a little more often if only for his reputation. It wouldn't do to have a fiance or even a wife that dressed like a boy all the time.

Curling her arms about his neck as he stood, she smiled at how easy he moved with her in his arms. Tipping her head up, she brushed a kiss to his neck. Feeling this close to Alec and being able to show her emotions... there was nothing like it in the world. Nothing at all.

Humming a happy sound when he sat her on the bed, she brushed her hair back and nodded. "If you don't mind." It wasn't just because his clothes covered more.. she loved his scent as well. "You are okay with us being here?"

"When it's just us, Magna." It felt odd to say that name when he knew she hadn't wanted anyone to call her that, but special too. It was theirs. Something that she shared only with him.

Even if it was what society would think of as proper, he didn't mind that she preferred the masculine version of her name or that she'd rather dress like a boy than wear ladies' fashions. "You don't have to wear them for me. I fell in love with the girl who wore trousers, not some society miss."

Not someone like Jessamine... he couldn't imagine dealing with someone like that. Or even Isabelle. Every time she spoke of things like that, he was completely lost. At least his sister only asked if she looked pretty and didn't want any other opinion about her clothing. "You're beautiful whether you're wearing gear or those dresses Charlotte tries to shove you into."

The kiss caused him to pause for a moment, wishing he could ask her to do that again, but knowing it wouldn't be proper. Not when she was spending the night and he didn't want her to get the wrong idea about what he wanted from her.

Trying to ignore his blush, he started searching for a shirt, finding one of his old ones that would cover her and be soft against her skin. "I don't mind. I - I know we probably shouldn't, but I love having you here with me and you know I won't do anything..."

And if he did try something and she didn't want him to, she could knock him flat. Offering her the shirt, he smiled nervously. "I'll leave so you can change."

Nodding, she smiled softly at the sound of the given name. When he said it... she loved it. Like maybe it could be part of her. Just like her less than ladylike tendencies that he just complimented. "I don't need dresses to make me feel beautiful... you make me feel beautiful."

And even if she knew she should let her lips linger on his pulse... the likelihood of them kissing over his neck again later were high. After spending years repressing her feelings for Alec... The drive to touch him now grew.

When he pulled away, she carefully pulled off the weapons and belts she'd brought along. All of them were small things. Things easy to hide and didn't weigh her down. She relied on natural speed to get her through tougher situations. Slowly rising to her feet, she pushed the boots away that she'd just shed.

Lifting her head, she reached out to gently take the shirt only to smile at him in return. Brushing their fingers gently, she moved closer and tugged him down to kiss him soft and sweet. "Alec... I can dress out there... you still need to change as well and all your things are in here, right?"

She didn't like throwing things off for him. Not at all. But she also loved how he always thought of her first. Hugging the shirt to her chest, she ended up grinning to herself feeling every bit of girlish that she was.

As Alec turned around and realized that Magnus was taking off her weapons, he flushed slightly, ready to leave the room until she pulled him close for a kiss. "I don't have to change. I can stay like this."

It wouldn't be comfortable but if he could sleep in his gear, he could sleep in almost anything.

Seeing how happy she was, he couldn't resist giving her another kiss, his hand finding Magnus' so that he could thread his fingers between hers. "Whatever you'll be most comfortable with, Magna. I don't want you to think... You know I wouldn't..."

"No.. you should. I don't want you uncomfortable. Not on my account. I trust you, Alec. In truth... I trust you more than myself." Because she wanted to be close to him so badly. To feel her hands on his skin and just kiss him however she could.

Returning his kiss, she squeezed the hand that took her own. Humming a happy sound, she pulled him closer just a little before leaning into his chest. Dragging their joined hands to her lips, she kissed his knuckles softly. "I really wouldn't mind if I faced one direction and you faced the other to change. I'd respect you... and I know you'd respect me."

Kissing the back of his hand this time, she nuzzled against his skin. "You are my happiness... and comfort."

With those words, Alec's blush returned. He'd thought about Magnus before, wanting to be close to her, but he hadn't seriously considered she might have similar thoughts about him. "I wouldn't mind the discomfort." Pausing, he couldn't help looking hopeful even if he knew that he should be a gentleman with her. "You really... with me?"

Which made it seem like a bad idea to go with her suggestion, but as he held her close and she kissed his hand, he couldn't say no. Magnus was right. He would respect her. He wouldn't peek or take advantage. And when they were in private they had done things that others would think were just as scandalous. The fact that they were alone together in his apartment, in his bedroom would be enough to ruin their reputations.

"If that's what you wish, then we'll promise not to look and that will be enough." Kissing her forehead, Alec smiled as she nuzzled his hand. "I promise to always try to be those things for you." He wished he could do more. Ease the pain that had been caused by her past, but he would offer her a future with the happiness she deserved.

Reluctantly pulling his hand away, he let his fingers linger against hers before moving from the bed to find the clothes that he normally wore when she spent the night. An old shirt and a pair of pants that had been mended too many times to be of any use except for roughhousing with his parabatai or pretending to train Max.

Keeping his back turned, he changed quickly, telling himself that there was no reason to be embarrassed. They had done things like this before... but that had been before. It felt like everything had changed with a few precious words. Tugging, at the shirt hem, Alec stared at the wall, waiting for Magnus to say it was all right for him to turn around.

The heat intensified in her face as he told her he wouldn't mind the discomfort. Breathing in slowly, she tried to rein in her quickly beating heart. "I do... Only with you. It... it never would have even struck me with anyone else." She'd actually tried to look at other boys that way once. And in the end, the only man that got her heart racing was Alec. The only man she ever dreamt about or even fantasized about.

"I'd rather not be that far away from you right now." Where it would be inevitable come morning.. right now she didn't have to. Tipping her head up to the kiss, she smiled lovingly. "Alec... you're everything to me. That won't change."

She lingered only a second watching him retrieve his clothing before slowly turning. Moving slowly, she closed her eyes as she changed. It might be wrong, but she focused on the sounds of his movements behind her. She'd never disrespect him... even if her mind unkindly supplied mental images.

When the shirt slid on, she hugged herself and took a deep breath. Shifting back without turning, she lowered down to sit on the bed lightly. "Okay... I'm dressed." She didn't wear much else but the shirt and the under clothes beneath.

Coiling her legs up and under her, she tipped her head to listen for him.

It's perfectly normal for the girl to scale the wall to the window. (for alec_lightwood)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject