Thank Yous should not be This Tiring (for magnus_bane)

[alexandra_lightwood]

 She wasn't supposed to be out of the Institute.  Technically, she wasn't supposed to be out of bed, but Alec was sure her family was being overprotective.  If she was careful and didn't overexert herself, she could make it to Brooklyn without aggravating her injuries.  Not that they were severe after Magnus had healed her.  

Which was the reason why she'd defied her family's orders to rest.  Magnus had spent the night healing her, keeping her company when she was terrified and sure that she was going to die.  He'd grounded her and made her feel safe despite the pain.  Then, when she was finally coherent enough to be able to think, he'd left her bedside, not saying a word before he leaving the Institute.

It's been frustrating since she'd wanted to thank him for what he'd done.  Magnus had shown her a kindness that she hadn't expected and he had no idea what it had meant to her.

The thought had worried at her until Alec had finally gotten out of bed, struggling to put on jeans and a sweater that was more black than gray, and slowly limped her way to Magnus' apartment building.  Leaning heavily on the wall near the buzzer, she pushed the button, impatiently waiting for Magnus to answer.

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[magnus_bane]

Not for the first time, he asked himself what he'd been thinking. What happened to staying out of shadowhunter business? He'd been so resolute against the idea. Yet as soon as he got the note from Starkweather, he'd run to the Institute. For free. Keeping a professional air would have at least given him an excuse. So what did he do?

He not only healed a nephilim... he stayed at the bedside all night even when it was mostly for comfort and not for healing purposes. Not that he didn't try to help with the fevers and fits. The clouded blue eyes and cries of names had stung like needles into his heart. All people he was not. But why should she call his name? She likely didn't even remember his name.

Sinking down into his sofa, his eyes closed and his fingers idly slid through the silken fur of his cat's head. The Chairman purred softly against his chest as he dallied in intense questioning of his own thinking. No good ever came from Downworlders helping Shadowhunters. They tended to get used as much as they could be before they were kicked to the curb. And that was if they were lucky.

He was so deep in his irritated pity party that he didn't hear the buzzer at first. Not until the Chairman jumped up and ran. Blinking his eyes open, he frowned at the ceiling before rising to his feet. Rubbing his hand into the spiked mess of hair on his head, the jeans and t-shirt ensemble were really only for apartment lounging. He'd not been expecting anyone. So.. he gave to fancy as he growled over the intercom. "Who disturbs the high warlock?!" And didn't they have anything else better to do than drive him insane while he was supposed to be sulking.

What was his last thought? Right. What was so special about the hunter that he ran to save her. And then a flash of dark hair and dark blue eyes ran through his head. He loved the combination. But when the note came to him, what rushed up in his mind was her voice. The first time he heard it... declaring it wasn't his fault he was born. Of a demon. Oh, if she only knew what demon.

[alexandra_lightwood]

As she waited for Magnus to answer, she began to wonder if maybe she shouldn't have actually visited and sent him a note instead. There had to be a reason why he hadn't spoken to her before he left. She'd been exhausted but aware enough that she would have understood him. So why wouldn't he speak?

Magnus had been talkative enough during the party. Flirting with her. Not the way Jace did that had her feel like he was somehow being superior with her, making her want to swat him, but actually flirting like he really did think she was the 'cute one.' Izzy had told Alec that she was pretty, but she'd figured it was one of those things that sisters told each other. But Magnus had noticed Alec, not Izzy or even Jace.

That never happened.

And Alec had thought Magnus was attractive, something she normally didn't notice other than in the most abstract way. Jace had been her first crush and after that had failed horribly, Alec hadn't bothered being interested in anyone, figuring it was more important to protect her siblings than think about romance. But Magnus had captured her thoughts, the glitter and charm creating superficial interest that turned to something more intense as she spoke out against how he'd been treated as a child. Those feelings had deepened when she woke up and found Magnus at her bedside, reassuring her when she'd expected to be alone.

Sighing over her tangled thoughts, Alec began to push away from the wall, then realized she couldn't leave yet. She had to wait to see if he answered. She'd wait a few more minutes and if he never let her in, at least she'd know she tried.

Even hoping for an answer, the sound of his voice caused her to jump. Wincing as the mostly healed wounds gave a twinge of pain, she stood and turned toward the intercom. "It's Alec Lightwood. I'd like to talk to you. Please."

[magnus_bane]

Magnus leaned against the wall next to the door intercom ready to tell the person to go away. He needed time to sulk. Yes. And he could afford turning a client away. Me time was necessary. Even if his pouting fit were due to a blue eyed nephilim girl that would never care about a warlock. Especially if said girl was a...

Lightwood. His head lifted instantly as the voice broke through his thoughts. The name floated through his mind leaving him a little dizzy. Excitement flared up in his chest as he considered why she'd come all the way to Brooklyn, till the backlash hit. Should she be walking so far? Abaddon had beat her up pretty badly.

Without a thought, he hit the button to buzz her in. When he was sure she'd entered, he moved to his door and opened it to look down the stares. Leaning against the doorframe, he crossed his arms over his chest and arched a brow. Part of him wanted to be sure it was even her at the bottom. He'd planned to just stand there and wait but guilt tugged at his chest.

"This is quite a surprise..." Lifting away from the door, he lightly went down the stairs and fought the urge to help her. "You shouldn't be up so soon, you know." Sat on the bottom steps high up enough that his long legs wouldn't bunch up against his chest. She didn't need to climb the stairs. He felt adamant about that. He was also certain she'd stab him if he tried to carry her. Nephilim were prone to do that.

[alexandra_lightwood]

It took Alec a moment to realize that Magnus was letting her in. That was what she'd hoped for but still, she hesitated, unsure if she should go in. Again, he hadn't spoken. Maybe he didn't want to talk to her. Maybe he did random acts of sorcery and disappeared, not wanting to see the people he'd helped again.

Then, she realized the thought was stupid. Magnus wouldn't have buzzed her in if he didn't want to see her. Pushing open the door, she slowly walked inside, letting the door swing closed behind her. Moving toward the steps, she stopped when she realized that the person she wanted to see was already waiting for her.

Alec wasn't quite sure what she expected him to say, but chiding her for getting out of bed too soon wasn't one of the things she'd imagined. Unlike the times when Izzy or Jace told her she was overdoing it, she didn't automatically bristle and try to prove herself. Magnus had helped her and if anyone knew whether she was all right or not, it would be him. "I thought you'd healed me so it'd be okay."

[magnus_bane]

Leaning back on his elbows, he let feline eyes run over her. He tried not to do it in such an inappropriate way, but it still remained appreciatively. Finally letting the golden eyes rest on hers again, he smiled just a little. "I didn't expect you to cross New York City. 'Wellness' is relative you know."

To how she took care of herself. "It's like surgery. Or even marks. The body still needs to naturally heal itself little by little. Magic, where powerful, is not a cure all. I'm good with it. Very good actually. But I'm not inclined to healing. It's not my specialty." Slowly pushing to his feet, he tipped his head a little to keep their eyes locked. He re-crossed his arms to keep from reaching out to touch her.

"So... is there something you needed? Or something I can help you with? Would you like to come in?" He had noticed she looked to be in pain. Magnus did notice little things about people, but rarely was he this in tune to someone. And the idea of making her climb a flight of stairs really didn't set well with him.

"It's rude of me to keep you down here... but not good for you to over exert yourself further. So I will risk my good health." Moving closer, he moved to her side and bent just a little. "Please don't take offense." And with those words, he swept her up into his arms bridal style before moving up the stairs. "And if you do decide to stab me, at least wait till we're inside. I don't want to tumble down the stairs and hurt you... that and blood stains are not so easy to explain away."

[alexandra_lightwood]

"I didn't cross all of New York." It wasn't the best response, but she was flustered by how Magnus was looking at her. Not like the guys in clubs that noticed her when Isabelle chose her clothes, but something else that caused her jittering and made her feel like blushing. This was different than those appraising looks that had her wanting to punch someone for imagining her naked. Alec was sure that Magnus had considered that when he looked at her, but this was something more that she hadn't really experienced before.

"You seem good at it. I don't think most people could have saved me." Actually, she hadn't expected to survive, let alone to be able to make her way to Magnus apartment so soon after the attack. That reminded her of why she had snuck out to see him. "I - uh -"

Her voice trailed off as he moved closer, those golden eyes distracting her so that Alec barely realized what he said until he began to pick her up. Letting out an embarrassing, surprised sound, she wrapped her arms around his neck. At first she was frozen with surprise, then she was afraid to move and upset their balance. "I wouldn't stab you for helping me."

And, if she was honest with herself, she didn't know if she could've made it up the stairs without it taking a humiliating amount of time. When she realized that they weren't in danger of falling, Alec began to relax in his arms. "Thank you."

[magnus_bane]

"Semantics." He chuckled softly as he nestled her gently to his chest. She wasn't breakable. No, he would never think she was weak or breakable. He simply wanted to treat her with the care and respect she deserved. The word that came to mind, surprisingly, was cherish. He wanted to cherish her.

So as he started up the stairs, he hummed a soft sound waiting for her to settle and be still. "I'm good at knowing what to do with demons. I don't like them much myself, you know." Just because he could talk to them and understand them didn't mean he liked them. "I'm likely the only Warlock on this side of the world that knows how to cure those infected by greater demon poisoning." Or powerful enough.

The thought humbled him. It shook the inner core of his being. What if he'd not been here? But he quickly brushed it aside. "I'm glad to know you won't stab me. I don't much like getting stabbed. It's rather painful and it takes a lot of energy to recover from." Stepping into the door, he used his magic to close it behind them.

As he crossed the room to the sofa, he tipped his head just slightly against hers. "Of course. What sort of gentleman would I be if I didn't aide a lovely lady, no matter how strong she is, that is distressed? It goes against centuries of morals beaten into me." The first statement was completely honest. The second lilted in teasing fashion as he careful set her down on the sofa.

He didn't rise off of his knees in front of her before turning curious gold eyes on her. "Well, regardless of your reason for being here, I'm going to have to insist you rest before I walk you home."

[alexandra_lightwood]

There was a part of her that wanted to close her eyes and snuggled into his arms. Without thought she gave into part of that impulse, pressing close but watching their surroundings. Her training was too ingrained for her to ignore the basics until they were safe in Magnus' apartment.

That thought went against her training as well. Most of the ones she'd been having lately did. Shadowhunters didn't date Downworlders, not seriously at least. Izzy moved from one boyfriend to another with ease, but Alec knew that she couldn't be like her sister.

Alec liked Magnus and liked the way that he treated her. Like she was someone special when most of the time she was the one who cared for the people around her. No one had ever been so careful with her while making sure that she didn't feel like less because she needed help.

The comment about demons caused her to shake off her thoughts of how much she liked being close to Magnus, remembering what he'd said about his family. "No, I didn't think you'd like them. I'm glad that Hodge contacted you."

It still hurt to think of her old friend who had betrayed them. Though since he'd contacted Magnus, he hadn't completely turned his back on them. Something that had eased some of the hurt she'd felt when she'd learned the truth. "I wouldn't stab the person who saved my life."

Her heart fluttered when he moved to rest his head against hers, his chivalry unexpected. Most people saw her as a Shadowhunter, the idea of being a lady as well completely lost since she didn't showcase her looks like the other girls she knew. She was either the older sister or the tomboy, which wasn't quite true but Alec never bothered correcting.

And lovely... She wasn't sure if he was just trying to flatter her or if he really might think she was pretty. "I hope that it isn't just habit that's making you act this way." Especially when Magnus was kneeling beside her like something out of the stories she'd read as a girl.

A faint blush began to creep across her cheeks at the thought and the realization that he planned to take care of her. "You're going to walk me home?"

[magnus_bane]

To be honest, he didn't know why he was indulging. From the moment his eyes caught hers on the stairs to his apartment, he'd felt drawn in. They'd lingered on her and moved back to her over and over. But nothing really came of that. She barely paid him much attention when they'd sat in his room talking to Clary.

Until he'd gotten angry at Clary for throwing away something that was potentially precious. And he'd gotten angry. Angry because people always seemed so... ungrateful for what they had. They never realized how good they had it. Clary was certainly one of those people. Someone that pushed him enough to explode about a past he'd rather forget, only to have the blue eyed angel speak up in his defense.

"I'm glad he contacted me as well." Because it meant she was still alive. That fact felt more than a little important to him. "I'm glad to know my house call earned a little trust. Or rather, my name in the 'do not stab' column. It's a good place to be." Smirking just a little, he fought that impulse to kiss her hair. No matter how familiar they seemed to be right then.

Then her saying she hoped it wasn't habit got a smirk to pull at his lips. Gently nudging her knee with his knuckles, his feline eyes gleamed. "No. Not just habit. In fact, there are few girls I would do that for. The other two are like sisters to me."

Shifting a little so one foot was on the ground and the other knee to the floor, he sat back on his heel and crossed his arms over the knee. His keen gaze flicked to the growing blush before he inclined his head. "That is the plan." He could have more time with her.. while also making sure she stayed safe.

[alexandra_lightwood]

"You had a little of my trust before you healed me." It went against how Nephilim normally felt about warlocks. They were part demon. They relied on magic. Those things made Shadowhunters uncomfortable even without the usual Shadowhunter elitism. But Magnus was different. Beneath the glitter and magic was someone who had been hurt and had no expectation that anyone would defend him.

She'd seen the surprise in his eyes when she had, her need to protect overcoming her shyness. For some reason, that had started to make her trust him. He'd deserved it. He deserved someone defending him. Though, she would have expected it to be Clary that had said something since she hadn't grown up surrounded by Shadowhunter culture, but then she was selfish, seeing only her own needs instead of wanting to help others.

Or maybe she did think herself better than the rest of them. She certainly acted like it. The only one she seemed to think was her equal was Jace. Even her mundane friend seemed to be thought of as someone beneath her. "And I don't go around randomly stabbing people."

The blush she'd been trying to ignore brightened when he said that he would only treat a few women in such a way and Alec wondered why she was one of the ones that would receive that kindness. "You don't have to. I made it here by myself." Then, she realized that it sounded ungrateful and she really did want him to walk her home. "But I'd like it if you kept me company."

[magnus_bane]

"And how would I have accomplished that? I merely gave you lot information that I could give. Nothing more, nothing less." He'd given them only what he'd known, but nothing that warranted trust. She'd given him something though. Something she'd not received since Will Herondale died.

Humanity. She saw him as a living breathing person. Not just a disgusting warlock made filthy by demon blood he never asked for.

He ducked his head and chuckled lightly before pushing to his feet. "I didn't figure you did. Your sister might. But I can't see you being quite like that." In fact, she didn't strike him as a killer at all. Not in the same way other Nephilim struck him. "Would you like some tea?"

Moving back, he sat on the ottoman and leaned back on his hands. The motion brought out the Chairman from under the chair. His small furry friend hopped into his lap and he softly scritched behind his ears and under his chin. The purr in response made him smile.

"You did. But the return trip is harder after the initial trip." Lifting his eyes from his cat, he sent her a gentle but small smile. "Then it's settled. When you return home, I'll escort you."

[alexandra_lightwood]

"You didn't have to talk to us, Magnus. You could've slammed the door in our faces." That really wasn't the reason why, but she didn't think he'd appreciate it if she said that she'd started to trust him because he'd told them about his past.

As he stood, Alec felt a little lost, not wanting him to leave even if it was childish to feel that way. He was being kind to her, worrying over her, but that didn't mean he had to stay at her side. "Izzy isn't that bad." Well, most of the time she wasn't.

Watching the cat as it found its way to Magnus' lap, she began to smile. "I'd like some tea but I think you're friend doesn't want you to move." And neither did she.

A quiet voice whispered in the back of her mind, asking what was she doing. Magnus was a warlock and she was visting him, agreeing to let him take her home like he was her date. Maybe if the walk back went well she could ask him out. Her parents would hate it, but if they put up with Izzy's boyfriends, there was no reason for them not to let her date Magnus.

If he wanted to go out with her... "Maybe, when I'm healed completely, you'd like to..." For a moment, she couldn't think of how to finish that sentence. It couldn't be that hard to ask someone out. Izzy and Jace did it all the time. "We could see each other?"

[magnus_bane]

"I'm sure my guests would have preferred it if I had. Fortunately you were with them... I have a soft spot for dark hair and blue eyes." He purposely let that hang in the air for a moment before adding in a low rich tone. "Softer still for one that defends the honor of a warlock."

Brushing past that fact, he figured that was enough in way of thanks for her words. He'd pretended it was of no consequence when it happened. Yet, with just the two of them, he wanted her to know it meant far more. "Your sister is formidable in personality but also chaotic. You are the anchor to her and the chaos that is Jace Way-whatever. I know it started with way."

He released the cat to wave it off and the Chairman hopped off his lap. His golden eyes watched the cat move from him to Alec. The ball of fur sniffed her a little then softly weaved through her legs. "The Chairman likes you..." It made him smile to see it.

But as soon as she said she wanted tea, he snapped his fingers and a cup appeared in her hands. As well as one in his own. "I am prone to laziness." Meaning he had no intention of getting up, even after his cat left him for her.

He looked up suddenly from his tea, however... at her question. Letting his eyes study her, he weighed all the pros and cons of the situation in his mind. Finally he breathed in slowly and decided it was worth the risk. "Well... How about I buy you dinner tonight and you can tell me as I drop you off if you want to see me again. Fair enough? Besides... if my cat likes you, I can date you."

[alexandra_lightwood]

Her eyes widened when Magnus said that he preferred her coloration, smiling shyly when he mentioned defending him. "I just spoke the truth, Magnus. At least what I believe is true." Others might not believe the same, but she did. Tentatively, she reached out to touch his hand. "And I'll always believe it."

Despite the seriousness of the topic, Alec couldn't help laughing softly at the descriptions of her siblings. "Chaotic is a good word for them. Usually 'overwhelming' comes to mind." There were others, but she didn't want to think of how bright Jace and Isabelle seemed compared to her. Not when Magnus seemed to want spend time with her.

Holding her hand out to the Chairman, she was about to pet the tiny cat when a cup of tea appeared in her hands, the cup warm against her palms. Stuttering a thank you, she took a sip, realizing he'd somehow guessed that chai was her favorite... or it was the easiest type to cause to appear. When she less nervous, she'd ask. Maybe.

As he watched her, doubt began to creep through her. Even if she had dark hair and blue eyes, why would someone like Magnus be interested in her? His kindness was probably just because he felt sorry for his patient, not because he actually liked her. It was going to be just like Jace all over again except...

Magnus wasn't leading her on. He really wanted to go out with her. "Okay. Dinner and then I'll tell you, but I think I already know the answer." Holding out her hand to the Chairman, she waited for him to decide pettings were acceptable before rubbing lightly between his ears. "I'm glad you like me." Whether she meant the cat or Magnus, she wasn't sure.

[magnus_bane]

"Then you are one of few amongst shadowhunters. It simply means you are like diamond in the rough. A rare and beautiful thing." He was musing now. More talking to himself as his mind argued with him for his decisions to bring her into his life. Someone like her... shouldn't be passed by due to old prejudice. He couldn't even fathom her changing.

A small smile pulled at the corner of his lips. "Your sister is definitely a Lightwood. As for the blonde terror... Fabio comes to mind even though I know that means nothing to you. But I'm sure his mirror sees more action than he lets anyone else." Maybe a little cruel. He'd seen the way he looked at Clary but he didn't care. He felt an inkling of responsibility to the girl... but he knew little of her personality till the party. And he wasn't sure he liked her or not.

Sipping from his own cup, he leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. Turning the cup between his hands thoughtfully, he kept his eyes on her. It made him wonder why she would pull something like this. Why risk this? Obviously she couldn't be serious about him... not when they both knew that a serious relationship would end horribly her career as a shadowhunter.

"Dinner it is. Any preference? Where neither of us are dressed for fancy, it still might be amusing to go expensive to see the waiters and patrons flail." He grinned like a cheshire cat at the thought. Closing his eyes just a moment, he felt something flutter in his chest at the comment of already knowing the answer. Then they flicked back open at her last words. "Cat's are very picky about who they like."

Setting his tea aside, he rose to his feet and moved closer to her. Without a thought and in one fluid motion, a hand slipped under her chin as his knee settled on the sofa beside her. As he lifted her countenance to himself, he bent down and very softly kissed her lips. Chaste and sweet. Nothing overly drawn out and only tenderly lingering. As he pulled back, he smiled at her warmly. "Cats and I have a lot in common."

[alexandra_lightwood]

There was part of her that wanted to protest his words. She couldn't be that special or rare. There had to be others among the Nephilim who would have said the same things she had. But she couldn't ruin his compliment by denying that it was possible that she really could be like that, to Magnus at least. Not when she couldn't remember anyone complimenting her and it not being meaningless charm or praising her fighting skills.

It was charming, but it was also honest. There were dozens of other shallower things Magnus could have said about her instead of praising her virtue. Smiling at the compliment, her eyes brightened, almost glowing with a happiness she hadn't felt before. Magnus thought she was special, something she doubted anyone else had believed before.

The happiness reflected in her eyes turned to amusement as Magnus described her siblings. She didn't get the Fabio reference, but the comparison seemed accurate about Jace and mirrors. "The best way to deal with Jace is to shove him in a closet and leave him there for awhile." Alec only done it once, but that had been enough to keep him from being too obnoxious in her presence.

It was tempting to say yes to going somewhere expensive, but Alec wanted a chance to get to know Magnus and she doubted that would happen if she was nervous over people throwing them out for not being dressed properly. And, if the did go somewhere like that, she wanted a chance to look nice. Maybe not Izzy's level of nice, but at least not like she'd been beaten up by a demon recently. "Maybe Taki's tonight and somewhere expensive for the next date?"

Scritching under the Chairman's chin, she wondered if she was being too forward, assuming that there would be another date. She wanted one. She already knew that. Magnus might not be like anyone else she'd met, but she already knew she could care for him... if she didn't already.

Her eyes widened slightly when Magnus moved, leaning in to his touch instead of pulling away like she expected. Her breath caught and her eyes fluttered closed as he softly kissed her, smiling softly as Magnus pulled away. "I've always liked cats."

[magnus_bane]

"Sounds fortuitous to men that may want a shot at his majesty." Even as he joked, he wondered about Alec and Jace. Alec's eyes followed Jace. She seemed to turn to him often and he couldn't tell if it was because they were parabatai or because she was in love with him. Possibly both.

Which made this harder for him. It wouldn't be easy to date someone with the elephant in the room of a boy she was in love with. Gold eyes watched his cat melt under her fingertips and he sighed a little. Hopefully he was just over thinking it. Really... another guy would be the 'smaller' part of their possible problems.

"I think that is a good choice." A small smile pulled at the corner of his lips at her mentioning a second date. He would take it in stride for now. She may want it now, but there was a chance she wouldn't after. He didn't wish to 'count the chickens before they hatch' so to speak.

But it didn't seem to stop him from that one act of kissing those lips. Tipping his head, he kissed the corner of her lips before he pulled back. Letting his fingertips slip along her jaw, he let out a gentle laugh. "Do you? They can be a bit eccentric."

[alexandra_lightwood]

Her mother would have been annoyed by the quiet snort of laughter Alec let out at the thought of Jace being in the closet. The sound wasn't ladylike, but then few people expected Alec to act like a lady and she rarely did. At least in the ways that her parents thought were proper. At least Izzy liked all those 'girly' things that Alec had been too busy keeping an eye on her siblings to really pay attention to. "He might have considered it before Clary."

Clary who had picked up on Alec's past infatuation with Jace and tried to pick a fight with her to prove that she was more important to the blond than his parabatai. Some of the things Clary had said had been true, but those feelings had died down awhile ago after a few weeks of kind of dating before Jace had tried to kindly let her down.

It'd broken her heart, but she hadn't expected it to work out. She wasn't Jace's type, too steady and serious for him... and unwilling to put up with his manic ego without grounding him when it got out of hand.

"Taki's is okay?" After hearing everyone talk about Magnus in hushed tones, Alec had wondered if the High Warlock had ever been there. Most of the customers seemed to act like Magnus was a legend. "That's where we got the invitation to the party."

The first kiss was special, the first she'd ever been given. The second meant even more to her even if it was more a sign of affection than the first. He'd kissed her and he'd liked it enough to do it again. Butterflies swooped in her chest, bringing a feeling like being caught in warm sunshine at the thought. Leaning in, she caught his gaze, shivering at the feeling of his fingers against her skin, before giving him a sweet, shy kiss. "I like eccentric, immortal cats."

[magnus_bane]

"That relationship will be..." A train wreck? Hazardous to those around them? "Interesting to watch." Far too kind. But she liked the blonde, so he stayed tactful enough. The two individuals in question were wholly too selfish. People could say the same for him... but there was far more to Magnus than he let other people see.

Moving to sit on the sofa beside her, he fought that urge to draw her closer to him. Normally he didn't move that fast. Well, not with someone he wanted to last. But something about her fit. Something made him feel like she was the one he always seemed to look for but never found. "I think Taki's will be fine. A good easy atmosphere. As for the invitation, that doesn't surprise me."

When their eyes caught, he moved automatically to meet her lips. The soft touch ignited something inside he didn't expect. Licking his lips, he stayed close and breathed her in. "And I like strong, independent angels." Smiling at her, it was only half teasing. The real word was 'women', but she was an angel in so many ways.

And he couldn't resist... not when he was this close. Reaching up, he slipped his hand into her hair at the back of her neck. Drawing her in, he kissed her lips with slow precise movement. Licking and nibbling at her lips, he coaxed her lips apart before he took her mouth. No action was fast, rather it was slow and sweet even as he deepened the kiss causing that raging fire inside to flare in the most consumingly pleasant way.

[alexandra_lightwood]

"Jace's never been in a relationship, so I don't know what it'll be like." She'd thought he had but her impressions of them 'dating' had been different than his. Technically, he hadn't even thought of it as dating until Izzy had confronted him and Jace had told Alec the truth.

The Chairman made a faint sound of protest as Magnus stole her attention away from him. "I'm glad we got that invitation and that you let us in. I'm still surprised that I was the one you noticed." Her eyes were an unusual color, but that didn't mean she was the 'cute one.' Especially when compared to Isabelle or even Clary.

It wasn't until Magnus called her an angel that Alec realized what she'd said. She'd only half meant the comment to include Magnus, at first thinking of Church, then realized the description fit the warlock as well.

Moving with the gentle hand at her neck, her breath caught as she melted into the kiss. Moaning softly at the feeling of teeth against her lips, she let Magnus taste her, hand tangling in his shirt as she began to return the kiss.

Part of her needed that connection, needed to feel him solid against her fingers since kissing Magnus felt like falling except she wasn't afraid. Magnus would catch her... he wouldn't let her get hurt.

When she finally had to pull away to catch her breath, she slowly opened her eyes, fingers sliding from his shirt to brush his jaw. "You're the first person I've ever kissed."

[magnus_bane]

"I just know he's annoying and trouble." Shrugging his shoulders, he settled onto the couch and urged her to lean against him. Forward? Yes. But he didn't let his hands wander and simply held her close so she could rest and they could talk. That is... if she wanted to. He left it easy for her to get away.

"Red heads aren't my thing. I've been watching Clary grow up since she was an infant. Isabelle is a Lightwood. No offense. Bad history with your family. Nothing personal to Isabelle herself. Jace is trouble. You... you are truly a marvel." He said it all honestly and without reserve. He had no reason to lie to her and he wanted her to understand that she was special. Very much so.

And after a kiss like that... his world came to a halt. Everything inside seemed to come to life in ways it hadn't in years. And in ways that had never happened before. It was a stunning realization that he wasn't expecting at all. Sliding his hand up into her hair, he closed his eyes and tipped his head to nuzzle at the top of her head.

"Then I believe I am a very lucky man indeed and hope I did not disappoint." Smiling just a little, he looped the raven locks about his fingers and played with it softly. "I'm sorry if I'm being too forward."

[alexandra_lightwood]

Blushing slightly, Alec settled against Magnus, surprised that she didn't feel awkward at being so close to someone she barely knew. But then, in a way they did know each other. Magnus had seen her at her worst, terrified and in pain and he hadn't thought less of her for whatever she might had said and did while he stayed at her bedside.

For once, she thought of Jace and realized she didn't want to think of him or the trouble he'd probably get them into later. Clary was a subject she avoided. Alec would force herself to like the redhead, but she doubted that she'd ever be friends with her. The comment about her family should have annoyed her, but she knew that Magnus was right. Her family wasn't open-minded about Downworlders despite how often Izzy dated them.

"I think most of the older Downworlders have had bad experiences with my family." Which made her wonder what her ancestors had done to Magnus and why he was so willing to be close to her. Could standing up for him really be that special? "What I did... what I said... really is that rare? It seems like someone else should have seen what I see in you."

Realizing what she'd said her blush brightened, but she didn't pull away. "Someone should have defended you other than me."

But the thought that she was so special thrilled her, especially after she felt like she was floating from that kiss. It reminded her of all those poetic descriptions she'd read and wondered if they could be true. Like she'd finally found something vital that had been missing until she had been pulled into Magnus' life.

Letting out a happy sigh as Magnus nuzzled her hair, she rested her head against his shoulder. "It was everything I'd hoped for." Which probably made her sound foolish, but it was the truth. It was everything she could have hoped for, causing her to wish that there would be more kisses and maybe more than that if their dates went well. "You're not too forward, Magnus." Pausing, she smiled, wondering if she'd mind if he did become too forward. "I'll let you know if you cross the line."

[magnus_bane]

"I only observed most of their doing and their hypocritical claims. But those was over a century ago." Shrugging a little, he knew that Gabriel and Gideon at least tried to clean up the Lightwood name. Not that he stayed in too much contact with the Clave till Jocelyn drug him in. Pausing at her last question, he thought about it honestly. "It starts that way. One Nephilim tried. But in very very different context. I don't spend much time with shadowhunters. Where they've changed a bit as of the century... certain events in the past makes me very wary."

"As for my merit and worth... I've not had much contact with the stalwartly in my corner." There were different kinds of defense. Most that did hear his story about his parents would be the 'I'm sorry' for you crowd. Alec got defensive. That was a far cry different.

People didn't support him. Magnus supported other people. It was how it always went.

Wrapping his arms more firmly about her when she showed no desire to pull away, he let his chin rest on her shoulder. She was warm... solid but lithe with the perfect muscle tone. To him, Alexandra Lightwood was perfect.

"Good to know." Smiling a little smugly, he let his eyes fall closed. "How late may I keep you then? So I won't have the Clave breaking my door down for kidnapping you." Turning his head just a little, he nuzzled just behind her ear. Breathing in her scent, he felt a rush of warmth envelope him in response to her presence just filling his senses. "Just tell me when you're rested up enough to eat as well. I have a feeling I could fall asleep like this..." Another of the catlike features of his.

[alexandra_lightwood]

"We haven't changed much in a century." The thought was depressing in so many ways. Alec hadn't thought of it, not seriously, until she'd met Magnus and the warlock had captured her attention. Then, she began to realize how the Nephilim treated others. It was something she'd felt guilty about and hoped that she could at least act better than she had in the past. "Whatever my ancestors did... I'm sorry."

Shifting closer, her heart ached as she thought of the pain he must have went through over the years because of what his parents had done. "If they haven't realized your worth then you haven't been hanging out with the right people."

People like her, maybe. It seemed possible since they were curled up together. It felt comfortable and safe in a way she didn't expect, waiting to be with him for as long as possible.

She wasn't sure if it was 'good to know' that the kiss had been what she'd hoped for or that she'd warn him if he got too friendly. Maybe it was both, though Alec hoped that it was the kiss he'd referred to since she wanted him to kiss her again.

"No one from the Clave will look." Her parents wouldn't check on her until morning, if then and the only other 'adult' that might care about her was gone. "Izzy might worry but I think she'd know where I was." Since Isabelle had almost shoved her at Magnus, it'd surprise Alec if her sister didn't assume that was where she was.

Cuddling into his side, she closed her eyes, ignoring how sad it must seem that no one would look for her. She couldn't think of that when Magnus was holding her. "I don't mind if we fall asleep." Her voice was soft, hazy with tiredness that Alec hadn't noticed until she realized how warm and happy she was with Magnus' arms around her. "I'm supposed to rest."

[magnus_bane]

"I don't recall any direct assault on me other than verbal from your ancestors. You look nothing like them. Well... One, if you're from her." He was rambling a little, but he rarely thought about Nephilim and bloodlines and what they looked like. After he ran from Will and the others, he did his best to not pay too much attention to them.

When she commented on the 'crowd' he ran with he wanted to snort. The first thought was that people probably shouldn't have bothered with him. If it continued to be an issue, obviously the problem pointed to himself. "If you continue to feel as you do, lovely angel, I will agree with that deduction." Smiling lightly, he moved his head to catch her eye. "Deal?"

He felt a warm pleased sensation in his chest... that disappeared the instant Alec said no one would look for her. The thought that her parents wouldn't even seek her out made him unbelievably upset. Wrapping her up tightly into his arms, he kissed the side of her head. "If it makes you feel better... Alec... I would look for you."

Lifting a hand, he threaded it through her hair gently and lovingly. His eyes were half closed as he watched the silky raven locks slide through his slender fingers. "Then sleep... you do need rest." Pressing his face into Alec's hair, he continued to play with her hair as he drifted off.

"I'll take care of you. I promise."

[alexandra_lightwood]

"I'm glad they didn't hurt you physically at least." It helped a bit to know that so she didn't wonder if they had tried to do the kind of things she'd read about to him. She wasn't sure what she would have said or done if they had. "I might be... everyone says that I don't have the Lightwood eyes, but neither does Izzy." Her parents eyes were blue, but neither one of them had the same shade as Alec's... maybe that was the resemblance Magnus noticed.

Smiling at the idea that Magnus might eventually agree with her, Alec snuggled closer, knowing that her thoughts about him wouldn't change. "Then you should agree now since my opinion is going to stay the same." No matter what things she might have read about warlocks being 'dangerous' she knew that Magnus was a good person.

Her parents disinterest was something she'd gotten used to. They were busy. They had more important things to do than keep an eye on a daughter that was a few weeks away from becoming an adult. It'd hurt, though, that they hadn't been there after the attack. Izzy had been waiting, of course. And Magnus had been the one to comfort her.

"It does make me feel better." She had to be special if Magnus would say that he'd look for her. He wouldn't do that for any patient that he healed. She hoped.

Humming softly as he played with her hair, her eyes drifted closed, sleep slowing her thoughts. "Don't want to ruin our date by falling asleep." But it felt good to be held and to have someone care about her... and to care about someone else. "And I promise to take care of you."