The party was now in full swing and Magnus was anxiously reviewing the evening's agenda for the umpteenth time when he felt two strong arms wrap around him from behind and a low voice whisper in his ear.

"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you."

Magnus smiled as he felt Alec's lips brush lightly against the nape of his neck. His stress was momentarily replaced by affection rising in his chest before anxiety once more reared its ugly head.

"Do you think it is going well?" without waiting for a reply, Magnus hurriedly prattled on. "I think it's going okay. I mean the band did completely botch Paseo De Gracia, but they seem to have found their rhythm now. Don't you think?"

Alec couldn't keep stop himself from chuckling fondly at his boyfriend's nervous fretting. It was so unlike Magnus to be so ruffled, Alec was usually the one anxiously fumbling over his words, and it warmed his heart to see how important it was to Magnus to make a good impression on his family. As he went to reassure his lover, Magnus continued his tirade.

"Also I'm worried the empanadas are going to be soggy," Magnus sighed dramatically. "I gave the chef such specific instructions, you would think that . . ."

"Magnus," Alec interrupted, tightening his hold on the warlock in what he hoped was a comforting manner. "Everything is perfect." He turned Magnus around in his arms so that they were now facing one another. "Everything is perfect," he repeated, cupping Magnus' face in his hands. "You. Are. Perfect." Punctuating each word with a gentle kiss. "Thank you for tonight."

He couldn't help but feel a little triumphant at the blush that was now creeping up Magnus' perfect neck and the pleased smile spreading across his face.

"Alexander, I know I've said it before, but I feel it bears repeating. You never cease to amaze me."

As Magnus leaned in for another kiss, he heard someone awkwardly clear their throat followed by a hesitant tap on his shoulder.

"I am so sorry to interrupt guys, but I need Magnus. I was gonna wait, but then I was like, 'what if this goes on for a while?' I didn't want to just stand here and watch you makeout like a total creep, so I thought it would be better to just say something, but now I feel bad, you were totally having a moment and I . . ."

"Simon!" Alec snapped, but feeling Magnus' calming hand on his chest, he softened his tone as he continued. "You said you needed Magnus?"

"Right, sorry . . . again. Uh, Magnus, the chef told me he needed to see you right away vis-à-vis the empanadas, something about it not being his fault, but they may have a slight consistency problem."

"Unbelievable! I knew it, I knew he wasn't paying attention. If you want something done right you have to do it yourself. I'm sorry love, I need to go see to this." Magnus pressed a soft kiss to Alec's cheek before flurrying away to the kitchen, leaving Simon and Alec alone.

"So . . . cool party . . ." Simon started.

"Ya, uh, it's great. I need a drink."

"Cool, cool. Ya, I'll probably get one in a bit. I . . ." Simon watched as Alec made a v-line for the bar. "Okaaay, and you're gone. Yup, totally talking to myself."

Alec felt a little bad for walking off so abruptly. He knew he should make more of an attempt with Simon, especially now that Magnus had unofficially taken him under his wing, but the guy was just so annoying, he never stopped talking. He paused and turned for a moment, briefly considering returning to awkwardville, before thinking better of it and continuing on to the bar. He twisted back around, but was stopped short as someone slammed into his chest and fell to the floor.

"Oh my god, Clary! I am so sorry, I didn't see you! Here, let me help you up."

Clary quickly got back on her feet, refusing Alec's assistance. "I'm fine. Don't touch me!"

Alec blanched at the venom in her voice, confused by her response. Nevertheless, he pulled his hands away and took a step back. "Woah, okay. I'm really sorry. It was just an accident."

"Oh really. Just an accident? Always an excuse with you. You disgust me!"

"Clary, what is going on? What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about you killing my mom, you son of a bitch," she hissed.

Alec recoiled at the verbal assault. Weeks of guilt and self-loathing that had been pushed down came bubbling to the surface, threatening to overtake him. He found himself unable to take a proper breath and felt the walls closing in on him. He wanted to respond to Clary, to try and apologize once more, to beg for her forgiveness, but as he opened his mouth to speak nothing but gasping breaths escaped. Knowing he was on the verge of a full-fledged panic attack and desperate for some fresh air he made a quick retreat to the balcony.