Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. It all belongs to Cassndra Clare

Author's Note: This is a long multi-chapter story, which is all prewriiten so I can guarantee you an end :D This is just a bit of a background introductory chapter. Imagine this story takes place post-COG as per the story in COFA that Malec go traveling however the events described in COFA (such as Magnus and Alec' returrn) do not occur.

Two weeks ago:

"Come away with me."

It was a simple wish. A short and uncomplicated sentence but to Alec it created a huge dilemma. His heart beat faster as he considered it. His biggest problem was trying to understand why he had a problem in the first place. He was pinned against the bed with the most beautiful warlock he had ever seen leaning over him. Magnus Bane. Why shouldn't he go away with him?

No matter where Alec looked to avoid the Warlock's gaze all he could see were mementoes that just screamed Magnus. From the rainbow coloured curtains to the canary yellow bedspread, Alec was smothered in all things Magnus. The question had put him on the defensive and all his eyes could do was search for a way out... but there was no way. No escaping the question.

He licked his lips which had suddenly become dry and sore without his noticing. "I-I'm not sure, what do you mean?" He asked, helplessly.

"Yes you do, liar." Magnus sighed and then tossed himself down on to the bed next to Alec.

Alec didn't look at him; instead he reached up to re-button the top half of his shirt, undoing Magnus' gentle operation of revealing his scarred chest. When he was done he sat up slowly, his eyes fixed on the window. There wasn't much to see.

"I don't mean come away with me permanently. I just thought... Our relationship is still so new, Alec. There is still so much we need to discover about each other. We can achieve this best if we spend some time alone. Just a bit of travel, darling. It broadens the mind you know. Besides, how long has it been since you last had a proper holiday?"

"Being a Shadowhunter isn't the sort of job you can take a break from. It's a way of life," Alec said, so quietly that Magnus had to prop himself up on his elbow to hear.

Magnus chewed his bottom lip. "I respect that. But," Magnus sat up properly, putting his hand on Alec's own. "You want to be the best Shadowhunter you can be right?" he grinned broadly as he spoke. "So you ought to rest and clear your head before you get back on task, especially after everything that has happened."

Magnus did not need to expand any further. They both knew about all the tragedy and violence that had occurred during the last few weeks.

Alec met his lovers , his lips slightly parted. They sat in silence for a few moments, an atmosphere of suspense building around them. Even Alec didn't know what his answer was. The proposition was so romantic and he truly did want to get away from the Institute, just for a little while...

Looking at Magnus made him want to agree all the more. Those unusual, exotic eyes, those soft lips that had caressed his own so many times during the last few days, they were so gorgeous. For the entire world he wanted to just give in and agree to the Warlock's wishes.

So why dodn't I?

He had responsibilities. And Max was dead... he had no business abandoning his family now. But it wasn't abandonment. There wasn't anything permanent about a holiday! He had mourned his poor little brother as much as anyone, but he had a life to live. Max would have hated to see them all caught in a web of despair.

Alec averted his eyes again, and then murmured under his breath, "I do want to go."

"Then we shall."

"It's not that easy, Magnus!"

"Yes, Alec, it is that easy!" Magnus leapt off the bed and clutched Alec's wrists, dragging him up beside him. His eyes searched Alec's own mercilessly, looking for a weakness.

He found it. He smiled and mashed his lips against Alec's. Gone was the tenderness of before, this kiss was one of animalistic intensity. Finally Alec stole his lips back for his own use, his breathing now ragged.

"Fine, I'll come away with you." He smiled uncontrollably. He was going to go on holiday with his lover. Nothing else mattered. With the weight of dilemma removed from his mind he drew the warlock back towards him, his hands caressing his jaw.

But Magnus withdrew, laughing. "Now, now, Alexander. We have plenty of time for things like that later. Right now I have to start packing; you'd be surprised how many things I need."

"Where shall we go?"

"Anywhere and everywhere, darling."

Alec threw himself back on to the bed, content with his decision. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Magnus drag out a huge suitcase on wheels. It was a glittering blue. The suitcase was unceremoniously dumped on the floor and then a waterfall of colourful clothes went flying in to it.

Alec giggled slightly until one sparkling vest fell on his face, he sat up and threw it at the warlock. Magnus caught it out of the air.

"This is no time to get comfortable, Alec, go home and start packing."

"I won't be taking that much."

"Don't make me come around the Institute and start packing for you. I will, you know." Magnus put his hands to his hips theatrically, but despite the jokes, Alec knew Magnus would do just that if he didn't leave soon.

"Alright, alright. I'll see you later."