Magnus was putting on his dark blue suit and adjusting his tie when the doorbell rang. He rushed to the living room and opened the door. Catarina stepped in, beautiful in her long silver dress that sparkled when she moved. Her hair where down and flowing on her back and it all contrasted great on her dark skin. "Hey, you." she said, kissing Magnus on the cheek. Magnus smiled and said "I'll be ready in a second. Just have to do my make-up." Catarina smiled and sat on the couch. Magnus went back into the bedroom, taking his eyeliner and putting it on. The glitter today was silver, to accompany Catarina's dress.
Clary was having an art show tonight, her first and she had invited Magnus. Magnus knew that there was a high chance of seeing Alec, but he couldn't let Clary down. She was his friend, they had gotten really close in the past month. So he said he'll go, only if he could bring a friend. Magnus didn't want to go stag, he'd just stand there awkwardly. So Clary had said yes, and Magnus invited Cat. She was more than happy to oblige and right now, she was examining her french tips on his couch while talking "So...there's a possibility that he'll be there..." Magnus rolled his eyes, emerging from the bedroom. His dark hair where in spikes but a small part of it fell down elegantly onto his forehead. "So? I mean, it can be awkward but it's not like I have to talk to him." Magnus stated, picking up his car keys. Catarina raised an eyebrow and replied "Right, cause the silent treatment is so much more natural."
Magnus waved his hand and said "Whatever. Let's get this over with." They left and Magnus drove to the small gallery that Clary's mom owned. He locked the car and took Catarina by the arm, locking their elbows. Catarina's heels clicked on the white floor when they entered the building. The wall were of different colors, depending on the art hanging from them, so there was white, black, red and even green. Magnus and Catarina looked around in awe. "Wow" Cat said. Magnus nodded and saw a small redhead rush to them. "You made it! Wow, you guys look stunning!" Clary exclaimed. Catarina blushed and Magnus hugged Clary. "You look amazing, too, biscuit." he said. Clary was wearing a black skater dress, her red locks bouncing on the exposed collarbone and back, with her black heels giving her the much needed height to not stand on her tiptoes when she hugged Magnus back. She blushed at the comment. Catarina said "Clary, this is amazing. The place, the art...it's so beautiful." Magnus nodded enthusiastically and joined in "Yeah, I mean I knew you were good but this...I might just have to buy one myself." Clary giggled and thanked them, handing them both a glass oh champagne from the nearby waiter with a tray.
"Magnus Bane. Found us, did you?" a voice called. Jace was smiling as he walked towards them with a spring in his step. His white suit went great with his blonde hair that shone under the lights. He made it to Clary, sliding a hand around her waist and kissing her cheek. Clary beamed at her. "Ah, was that supposed to be a sarcastic joke?" Magnus asked skeptically. Clary nudged Jace and he smiled and shook his head "I'm just joking. It's great to see you, man." He patted Magnus on the shoulder and Magnus managed a smile. Then he looked above their head at the crowd and saw a familiar mop of black hair. Suddenly he felt like he might panic. His breathing stopped abruptly and he said "I have to go to the bathroom, excuse me." Catarina gave him a worried glance, but Clary had looked over her shoulder, to see what Magnus had seen, and she gave him a knowing glance. "Magnus..." she tried but Magnus was already fleeing them.
He propped himself onto a white wall away from the guests, just around the corner so he wouldn't be seen. Alec was here. He was here and Magnus wasn't so sure he was ready to face him. He felt his heart ache. He downed the champagne he had in his glass and willed his breathing to go back to normal. It's just Alec. He's just a guy. A guy who stole your heart and then stomped on it. Magnus scoffed. Better to get it over with. He went back to the crowd and saw Simon standing next to Raphael. He approached them and Raphael waved at him. Enveloping him into a hug he said "Amigo! You're here." Magnus nodded at Simon who smiled at him. "It's amazing, isn't it. I mean, I knew Fray had it in her but this is incredible. And he got inspiration from all of us, too." Magnus scrunched his eyebrows but Simon went on "I mean the painting of Alec is amazing..." Raphael kicked him in the shin and Simon said "Ow, Raph!" Then he looked at Magnus in panic and said "Oh, sorry, I don't have any filter-" Magnus waved his hand and replied "It's fine. I didn't know that Clary took her friends as an inspiration. Quite clever actually."
Raphael was eyeing him but Magnus ignored it. He searched the walls and found what he was looking for. He started walking towards it, ignoring Simon's protests. Soon he was looking at a painting. It was Alec. He was holding a bow, drawn back and he's muscles were contracted as he held it in place, a strand of his hair falling onto his face. It was all so real Magnus almost reached out his hand to put the strand of hair back in its place. "It's kind of weird, seeing yourself on a wall. I told her that it was a stupid idea, but she insisted..." a quiet voice said behind him. Magnus closed his eyes, bracing himself and then turned around slowly. Alec looked breathtaking. He had on a simple black suit, the jacket open at the front and his tie was dark blue. Matching Magnus' suit. His hair were messy as always, but his eyes were sad when they looked at Magnus. Trying to keep his voice steady, Magnus replied "I think it looks better than the actual version. Might even buy it." Alec let out a laugh and Magnus felt his heart flutter and break at the same time.
Alec looked at him, his eyes intense and apologetic, but Magnus didn't want him to say anything. But of course he did. "Magnus, I am so sorry. I know you don't want to hear it, but I am saying it anyways." Alec said. His voice was shaking but Magnus willed himself to stand his ground. "I don't really care for anything you have to say." he said in a harsh tone. He knew he was being cruel. But he had been hurt so bad, he just didn't want another breakdown. So this was his defense. What was the saying, best defense is an offence? Or was it the other way around... Alec seemed hurt but he spoke again, letting his hand go to his messy hair "I have been better. I mean, I am getting better. And I'm happier. But I know for a fact that I would be at my happiest if I could be with you." Magnus sighed and rolled his eyes. "You broke up with me, because you thought I couldn't handle it, that you weren't being fair to me. You never asked me what I wanted. How I felt. You just pushed me away. And I'm glad you're better, I really am, Alexander." Alec's eyes closed when Magnus said his name and Magnus felt himself step closer to him unknowingly. "But I was miserable. I couldn't call. Text. I didn't even ask Izzy and Jace how you were because I figured if you wanted, you would come to me. But I am done waiting."
Alec stared at him pleading but Magnus clenched his jaw and didn't budge. "Magnus, I am here now. I now I'm about a month late but, I'm here now. Please, can we talk about this? I don't think I can go on without you." His voice was quivering and Magnus could see tears forming in his eyes, but Magnus' own were dry. He had cried all the tears there were to cry. He shook his head, sucking in a breath. He looked at the ceiling and said in a pained voice "You are not being fair. And to be honest, I don't know what I want anymore. A week ago I would've run into your arms, accepting everything and forgiving anything. But now, I just don't know." He heard Alec gasp silently when he tried to hold back tears, but they escaped anyways. Magnus couldn't help it, he stepped closer and pulled up his chin, wiping the tears from his cheeks. Alec looked at him, stunned but loving. "Don't cry, Alexander, you know I hate it when you do." Magnus said softly. Alec shook his head. "I- why are you so nice to me? After everything I did, you should be yelling at me." Magnus let out an unhappy chuckle and replied "I am not mad anymore. Just hurt. But that's okay."
Alec stared at him. "Magnus..." he said and it was like a prayer. Magnus closed his eyes and still held Alec's face in his hands. With eyes still closed he said "I'll- think about it. Okay?" He cursed himself mentally for being so weak. But Alec was his weakness, always had been. Alec came a little closer to him and Magnus could feel his breath on him, shivering at the touch when Alec took his hand. "I never wanted to mess this up. But I did. And now I don't know how to undo that. Just tell me what I need to do." Alec said, his voice barely a whisper. Magnus looked up. Alec was still beautiful, so sweet and innocent to him at that moment, he just wanted to kiss him and tell him it'll be alright. But he didn't. He kissed his cheek slightly and said "I don't have an answer for that. I just need time. To think. Okay?" Alec nodded and bit his lower lip. He said "I really want to kiss you. Can I?" Magnus almost melted into a puddle. Alec was asking permission to kiss him.
Magnus felt himself nod, although his mind told him to turn and walk away. Alec held his face in his hands and leaned in. Softly, just brushing his lips, he kissed Magnus. Magnus felt his sweet lips against his and instantly felt a connection, pulling him in and he responded to it subconsciously, giving in to it. Alec moved against him, just like he used to, but this time it was sweet and painful, like there was no knowing if this was ever going to happen again. And that was exactly what it was. When Alec pulled away he rested his forehead on Magnus'. Magnus sighed in content. He missed him so much. But he knew he had to take this slow. He couldn't bare to break his heart again. Alec looked at him and said "Magnus, I never stopped loving you. I just want you to know that." With that he stepped back and turned, walking away. Magnus stood there breathless, not knowing what to do. He felt like he might not be able to walk, if he tried.
Suddenly, Clary was rushing to his side "Magnus! I see you found the painting of Alec...I'm really sorry, I should've warned you but I-" Magnus cut in "It's lovely. How much do you want for it?" Clary stood there, stunned. "I- What? I have no-" she stuttered, but Magnus took out his check book, wrote a figure and handed it to Clary. "Is this enough?" he asked. Clary's eyes went wide and she said "Magnus, this is too much, I don't-" but Magnus stopped her by putting a hand to her shoulder and saying "Take it. Call me tomorrow about the transportation, okay? I have to go home. Tell everyone I'm sorry, but I'm tired. It was a beautiful exhibition Clary, I'm so proud of you." Clary nodded, still dazed but understanding. Magnus turned and found Cat. She didn't ask why they were leaving, she guessed.
When Magnus got back into his apartment and dropped the keys, he made himself a cocktail. He sat on the balcony, watching the night sky. Could he let Alexander back into his life or did they mess this up permanently?