September 19, 2009

Jocelyn was to meet them at The Cobalt Mug once more—Alec was beginning to wonder if their repeated use of this "private" bar was negating its purpose during their trip. Then again, the chances of any media person recognizing them at this time of the year were blissfully slim.

Yet, standing at a table with his siblings for Clary's mom and waiting for one last time on the mesh-screened patio, Alec couldn't shake off the feeling that he was being watched. Intently watched. Moreover, he felt as if the pair of eyes that had to be trained on him belonged to one of the bar's patrons, standing at another table. In what he hoped was an inconspicuous movement, he checked over his shoulder at the assortment of people crowded around the tables around the patio, but he didn't make eye contact with anybody.

It felt eerily similar to Turin.

Wrinkling his nose and attempting to shake the strange feeling off and distract from the memory, he began to drum his fingers on the table irregularly. "Clary," he spit out, "how much longer till your mom comes?"

Clary gave him an undoubtedly pissed-off look. "She's probably just held up by traffic," she said with a slight sharpness in her tone. "Also, she was sick yesterday, so she's probably still not feeling well."

Regretting his previous curtness, Alec tried to backtrack. "Yeah, I know, uh, sorry," he said lamely.

"Something up, Superstar?" Jace asked.

"What? No!" Alec replied, a little too quickly than he had intended. The suspicious gazes from his siblings that he got in return clearly meant he wasn't fooling anybody. "It's just that, like, wouldn't the people be mad that we're late?" Horrible excuse.

"Really, Alec?" Isabelle looked almost offended. "Firstly, it's expected that you're fashionably late to these Hollywood events. Yes, I know this is Toronto, you can close your mouth before you protest, but there's still Tinsel Town juggernauts here. And secondly, I'm not exactly sure who you mean by 'the people,' because that sounds slightly insulting, and I'm pretty sure your boyfriend is lumped into that group."

"Hey!" That was definitely something to protest. "He's not my boyfriend!"

"Who's not your boyfriend?"

Shit.

The sigh of relief from Clary at the arrival of her mom was accompanied by Alec's distinct gasp as Jocelyn strolled towards their table, arm-in-arm with Magnus.

"And why isn't he your boyfriend?" The actor had a slight smirk on his face as they approached, his eyes trained intently on Alec.

"Wait, why is he here?" It was Jace, an annoyed note to his voice.

"He's taking a car to the press outside the theatre, but he wanted to come to see you guys first," Jocelyn was saying. "I couldn't really say no, since he got me cold pills yesterday."

Alec, though, couldn't really focus on the conversation that had begun. From the moment Magnus had entered his field of vision, Alec's heartbeat had sped up and started to drown out the other voices. As they held each other's eyes, their date at the CN Tower seemed both minutes and years ago. God, had it really been only two days since they had seen each other?

"Alexander?" Magnus' lips were moving, saying his name, God those lips…

Response, right. "Huh?" Oh, that sounded intelligent.

Magnus chuckled. "I was commenting on your sleek choice of attire tonight. All black, but at least that shirt looks ironed."

Whatever Jocelyn or his siblings said to continue was lost. Alec's brain decided that now was a completely appropriate time to marvel at Magnus—specifically, since Magnus was always a marvel, what he was wearing. The simple black suit which the actor had chosen to don was offset by a gleaming red shirt that caught the dim light of the patio, reflecting it in all directions and all but begging for a double-take from passers-by. As if that wasn't enough, Magnus had daringly left the top three buttons of his shirt open, baring a considerable amount of his tan chest.

Alec was trying his best to draw his eyes away from that deep exposure, but it was practically impossible, especially when Magnus took a step closer to stand right beside him. Alec's breath hitched as Magnus laid a forearm on the table, their hands brushing ever so slightly.

"I've only got about two more minutes before Luke gets here with the car, so I'll make this snappy." Magnus' lively voice effectively cut through the conversation.

Alec tried not to be distracted by the glossy shimmer of the actor's lips.

"There's an after-party after the gala hosted by one of the sponsors, and you are all definitely invited."

"You're taking us to an after-party?!" Izzy nearly squeaked.

"Of course, darling." Alec nearly melted when Magnus suddenly swung an arm around his shoulders, the gesture obviously intended to be seen as casual. Despite every reason to be embarrassed, Alec felt surprisingly comfortable.

"I'll probably have to do some press with Luke beforehand, but Jocelyn said she'd take you over to the party herself."

"Oh, Magnus." Jocelyn said, holding up her phone. "He's here."

"Already? Probably tense, that man." Magnus dropped his arm, but not before Alec felt what had to be a squeeze on his shoulder. "See you lovelies at our table," he said before striding off.

Heart somersaulting, Alec caught the brief smile the actor threw his way as he exited the patio.

The theatre was more packed than Alec had expected it to be. There had to be at least five hundred reporters, journalists, and cameramen parked along the red carpet that lined the—hardly visible—floor, spilling onto the sidewalk outside.

The hall of the gala itself reminded Alec of those awards shows Izzy usually made him watch—fitting, technically, since this was such an event. The Cold World table had been situated near the stage where the speakers and recipients would be speaking. After Jocelyn and showed them to it, Izzy immediately scampered off in an attempt to make friends with some celebrities. Jocelyn had taken Clary to introduce her to some of her colleagues, Jace right at her side, leaving Alec alone with a full hour left before the gala even started.

Without the saving grace of his siblings and the comfort of his phone, left in an environment where he felt entirely out of his element, memories of Turin came crashing back to him. Alec tried couting sugar granules from the container in the table's centre to distract him, but to no avail. Turin was back in his brain for the second time in several months, the first being Magnus' first unexpected visit to the Ajax rink.

"Not even in the orgies of the Olympic Village?" That had been Magnus' question. Alec hated having his brain beginning now to lump memories of Magnus so closely with those of Turin.

That one fateful night, the day he had won Gold in the 500… The synth of some heavy electronica song blaring through the speakers in the darkened living room of that small house… Oh, was he happy, maybe this was what it felt like to be on drugs… Another round, cheer for everybody…

And then the door bursting open, five big guys running in, blending in with the throng of celebration… But one had Alec in a death grip in the corner…

A leg, shoved against his groin and a hard, too hard thrust…

A voice hissing threats in his ear, no face in the darkness…

Sugar granules went flying across his plate as Alec clutched the table violently, trying to dispel the memory.

No, he willed his brain, NO. That was past, this is now. And now was Magnus, Magnus and the Awards Ceremony.

TIFF, Alec drilled himself, this is Toronto, you went on a date with Magnus, he probably very definitely likes you.

He exhaled deeply, releasing a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding, just as Izzy returned to the table, glass in hand despite it only being midday. Fortunately, she seemed keen to stay seated with him, pointing out celebrities as they walked in—"Julianne Moore! Don't you think she looks like Clary's mom?" "What?"—and lamenting Alec's utter clueness when it came to them.

"Really Alec, you should be reading up. I mean, these are Magnus' friends."

"I don't think he's friends with everyone here, Iz."

"But if you're gonna be dating each other—"

"Hey!"

"I'm just saying."

Eventually the entire room had filled up, Magnus and Luke taking their seats at the table. Magnus was sitting directly across from Alec, so Alec was able to see every emotion that crossed the actor's face during the festival speeches and awards presentations.

As Magnus had predicted, Cold World won the Audience Choice Award. The slew of other awards had blown past Alec, since all he could think about was the look on Magnus' face after Cold World was announced: the way his eyebrows had raised ever so slightly, the faint widening of his eyes, the flush through his cheeks, and, Alec's favourite part, the dazzling grin that broke out immediately.

As Luke and Magnus went up to accept the award, along with a couple producers from their neighbouring table, Alec wondered if things were like this at other awards ceremonies. The big, non-festival ones that sounded way too political to be based purely on merit. Yet, if Magnus had won an Oscar—and he was, undoubtedly, brilliant at this acting thing—perhaps they weren't all that controversial.

Alec looked up at the stage where Luke was now delivering a speech. The close proximity of their table allowed him to make eye contact with Magnus, and he smiled uncontrollably when Magnus held the gaze for a couple seconds before dropping a small wink and turning away.

It wasn't expected—with all his friends and colleagues watching, Alec hardly expected Magnus to even acknowledge him at all during the night. The actor had pretty much ignored him before the awards presentations.

But that brief moment when they had held each other's eyes, however unexpected, had been wonderfully different. It was a recognition. For once, Alec actually believed that this, whatever was going on between him and Magnus, might have the slightest chance of really working…

A chance, even if he and his family were leaving tomorrow, and there was no way of knowing if he and Magnus would see each other again after that.

Following the ceremony, Magnus and Luke had been swept away by the press, leaving Jocelyn to herd Alec and his siblings out a separate way so as to avoid getting caught up in all the clamour. Before leaving the theatre, however, Alec made a quick dash to the bathroom.

After washing his hands, he strode out, stopping for a quick check in the antechamber of the bathroom to grab a mint from the bowl set out on the chamber's small dresser. As soon he popped the candy in his mouth, the door to the bathroom suddenly swung open and he nearly swallowed the mint at seeing who walked in.

None other than Magnus Bane.

"Oh dear me, did I startle you, Alexander?" Magnus said, managing to look genuinely surprised.

Despite himself, Alec smiled widely and forced the mint towards the front of his mouth to avoid the inevitable choking. "No, but this isn't the first time you're managed to catch me in a theatre restroom."

Magnus chuckled, closing the door behind him. "So you haven't forgotten that other time?"

"Of course not." How could he? In retrospect, what he had said that night made him feel like a downright douchebag.

"You're not a douchebag, Alexander." Shit, did he say that out loud? "Far from it, in fact."

Alec wrinkled his nose, still sucking on the mint. "You weren't following me just now, were you?"

"Not you, but your sister's neon dress in the hallway was rather difficult to miss."

"She insisted on it."

"I can imagine." Magnus had moved closer.

"Well, um, congratulations on the Audience Award," Alec said.

Magnus shrugged. "What did I tell you?" he teased.

"Hey, uh," Alec said, watching Magnus' hand move towards the mint bowl and pluck one out. "Anything can happen, right?"

"Hmm." Without breaking eye contact, Alec heard the light crinkling of the plastic wrapper as Magnus slowly unwrapped the mint. "Perhaps you're right, but if something's well-deserved, wouldn't it be wrong to deny recognition?"

Alec tore his eyes away, watching Magnus' hand as the actor slowly placed the mint between his teeth, biting down and holding it there for a brief moment before dragging it into his mouth with a tongue.

"I…uh…" Alec stammered, trying to think straight. Magnus' lips were slightly parted, allowing Alec glimpses of his tongue swirling the mint around inside his mouth. "I-I guess you're right."

At that, Magnus threw his head back and laughed. Absently, Alec wondered how he didn't choke and was also thankful that there wasn't anybody else in the bathroom to wonder what the hell the two of them were doing in the antechamber.

"Sorry?" Alec tried, not really understanding what was so funny.

"For what?" Magnus took a hand and placed it on Alec's cheek then, causing his heartbeat to spike sharply and the blood to rush to his face. "Normally I'd be tempted to say something about always being right, but you…" He didn't finish, instead exhaling and blowing a minty breath in Alec's face that wasn't at all unwelcome.

"I what?" Alec asked.

Magnus only smiled, holding Alec's face for a second longer before dropping his hand and backing away slowly. "As much as I'd love to continue, Alexander, I actually do need to use the bathroom. Shall we pick up later tonight?"

Alec nodded vigorously. "Later. Tonight."

"Alright."

"Alright." Alec smiled once at Magnus before running out the bathroom, cursing himself for his awkwardness, but feeling nonetheless exhilarated. He crunched his mint enthusiastically as he searched for his siblings, suddenly much more excited for that after-party.

But then he found his sister, who looked at him with wide, stunned eyes as she held out her phone to him.

"I'm so sorry," she said.

"Congratulations on winning the Audience Choice Award! Now, how did you feel when they announced Cold World as the winner?"

"Incredibly shocked." Magnus had heard Luke give this same response about ten times already. "There were so many amazing films this year, like Precious, Damned United… I mean, I'm just glad that people found our film compelling, to say the least."

"Do you think this could be a foreshadowing of Hollywood's awards season?"

"Well, there's still plenty of time between now and then, and with more premieres coming up I think people are going to be much more exposed to all the different films. It would be very difficult to say, at the moment, who is going to win, come awards season."

Magnus smiled inwardly at Luke's purposefully evasive reply. As if Luke, ever the gentleman, would ever tout his own film to sweep everyone out the door in a few months.

"And what about you, Magnus?" The reporter was addressing him directly now. "There's a lot of speculation about another nomination for you this year." She thrust the microphone at him.

He cocked his head to the side, smiling brilliantly. "Well, that would be absolutely splendid, of course. I adore these gala things."

Beside him, Luke let out a bark of laughter.

"Do you have any plans on travelling overseas to the European festivals?"

"I'd say I do, but that would be too committal. My manager would probably kill me."

"And you, Luke?"

"Well, I'm basically tethered to this spitfire here." Luke jostled Magnus' shoulder lightly. "Wherever he gets shipped to, I'm most likely going to be right behind him."

"Then we'll look forward to the upcoming premieres. Congratulations once again on the Audience Award."

"Thank you."

Before turning away to follow Luke further down the carpet, Magnus glanced briefly towards the reporter's camera. He smirked and dropped a quick wink, then strode off to catch up with his friend.

"I think Jocelyn will kill you just for saying that," Luke told him through a forced smile.

"Oh, please." Magnus' own plastered-on smile was more involuntary—these carpets were glorious. "It's true, anyway. Wait, they want me here."

He took a couple more steps before stopping to face the sea of cameras, the blinding lights against a hoard of people that were all calling his name. Delicately placing a hand on his hip, Magnus made sure to throw his shoulders back ever so slightly to pronouce his chest that little bit more.

As he stood there, switching his pose every so often, he mused about how marvellous it would be to take Alec down one of these carpets, hand-in-hand. They wouldn't have to sneak around like the night at the CN Tower, and Magnus wouldn't have to worry about dangerous magazine covers anymore, about sneaky paparazzi exposing Alec like that. He didn't want to throw Alec out of the closet but it would be so nice to just be strolling down the red carpet as the ultimate it couple—a proclamation to the world that they belonged to each other.

He could feel his smile growing bigger at the thought, and the cameras flashed more rapidly.

Sensing that he should probably move on, despite the fact that he would have loved to stay there longer—he could only wear this outfit once, after all—he gave a coy wave to the press, continuing down the carpet.

This time it was Luke walking to catch up with him. "Did Jocelyn really agree to waiting with the kids?"

"They're really only a couple years younger than me," Magnus protested, "but yes."

"She told me she's getting more unhappy about spending all this time away from Clary."

"Luke, darling, she told me, too." Magnus gave another wave to the cameras as they continued their slow stroll.

"You know, they're leaving tomorrow, right?"

Magnus stopped abruptly, the smile on his face disappearing for a brief second before he remembered where he was and quickly grinned again, despite the pulling at his heart. "I know, Jocelyn's been reminding me ever since they came about how much time they had here."

"She doesn't want Clary to leave." Luke raised an eyebrow. "And you?"

Magnus tried to feign indifference, even though he knew Luke could read him like a book. "Me?"

"Magnus."

"We'll see Clary soon enough, I presume."

"I'm not talking about Clary."

Magnus tried to turn back and pose for the cameras once more, but with a huff of frustration he realized that they had reached the end of the carpet, and the entrance to the after-party beckoned up ahead—he wondered absently if Alec would get a kick out of it once he realized where it was held.

Knowing that turning around now would make him look ridiculous, Magnus pinched the bridge of his nose, trying not to look at Luke. "Look, it's really nothing—"

"Jocelyn didn't tell me much," Luke interrupted, "but she did tell me one thing: it's different this time."

"Understatement of the century."

"And to think I didn't find a chance to have a proper conversation with that Lightwood boy," Luke chuckled, his expression turning somber soon afterwards. "You haven't, though, discussed…" He made a forwards gesture with his hands that made Magnus' heart ache in a strange way.

"No," Magnus replied sadly, before perking up with a grin. "But we have tonight. And who knows what will happen at the after-after-party?"

Luke rolled his eyes. "Come on, let's just go. I'll call Jocelyn and tell her we're already in so she can bring them all around."

"Hello?"

"Alec. I need you and your sister to come back to the condo right now."

"Wait, what?"

"The three of us are going back tonight. The Penhallows can't have their jet ready for us, so I booked a flight that leaves in three hours."

"Dad, hold on! What are you talking about, we're leaving tomorrow!"

"Didn't you hear me, son? Your mother will take Jace and Clary back tomorrow, but we are going back tonight, and we're bringing your sister."

"No! I mean—sorry, wait, no! Dad!"

"Alec, please, we don't have much time."

"Why are we leaving tonight?"

"Sponsors, Alec. Now that the short track team is official, Nike wants a film spot."

"They need it tonight?"

"Tomorrow. The producers are only stopping in New York for the morning, so they need you there. We're meeting at six."

"Dad, it's just…I—"

"Alec, these extra sponsorships don't come around to just anyone."

"I know, I know. But—"

"Some of these sponsors are your literal vehicle to Vancouver."

"But the after-party—"

"Do not tell me you are even considering dropping this enormous opportunity. Think about it, Superstar."

"Don't call me that."

"Three hours, Alec."

"I—"

"Three hours."

Magnus gulped down the last of his Coke—no use in getting drunk now, sobriety was necessary for making the most of his time with Alec when he arrived—and quickly ordered another.

"Really, another one?" Emily chided him with a slap on the wrist.

Magnus shook his head, smirking at his friend. "The night's still young," he said. Very young.

Emily Blunt had ambushed him the moment he had entered the bar at the after-party, insisting that they needed to catch up and steering him towards a table at the corner where the music from the DJ booth in the lobby was slightly less deafening. "So, I'd say congrats for the win, but I'm sure you've heard it plenty of times already," she was saying now.

"I don't mind the praise, darling," Magnus quipped. "But I have to say, The Young Victoria wasn't half-bad either."

"I was expecting you to be at the premiere!"

"And where were you at mine?" Magnus pouted.

Emily rolled her eyes. "Point," she said, "but I would have been there, except John wanted me to take a night off and see the city."

"Oh, John's here?" Magnus asked. "Is he here tonight?"

"No," Emily's face fell a little. "He left yesterday. They had some last-minute changes in his shooting schedule."

Magnus tilted his head, regarding his friend thoughtfully. The first time they had really hit it off was in 2007, introduced at a party by Camille who, he remembered with an internal wince, had been—and probably still was—close friends with Emily. Thankfully, he and Emily had stayed friendly even after their breakup.

Emily's recent engagement to John Krasinski was one that had Magnus clutching at his heart, thrilled that one of his friends had managed to find happiness in this manic industry.

He tried to perk her up a bit, feeling a similar longing to be with Alec. "You need to tell me details," he said, waggling his eyebrows. "When's the big wedding?"

Emily beamed, leading Magnus to give himself a cheer in his head. "July," she answered. "But don't tell anybody! We're trying our best to keep it hush-hush."

"Luke? Jocelyn?"

"Well, you can tell them," Emily said, the smile on her face growing. She waved a finger in Magnus' face. "But it's going to a be a small wedding."

"You say 'small' in such a fascinating way with that accent."

Emily rolled her eyes again. "Seriously, Magnus! John and I just want some family there, and we were considering somewhere in Europe. You know, a nice, secluded venue."

"It sounds delightful, love," Magnus said.

"But what about you?"

"Hmm?"

It was Emily's turn to give him an inquisitive look. "Anybody special you want to tell me about?" she smirked.

Magnus feigned indifference, despite the voice in his head that was screaming the truth. "Not at the moment, no," he said, taking a sip of his Coke.

"Oh Magnus, I'm sure it would take a real superstar to steal your heart."

Magnus nearly choked on his drink at Emily's words. "Yeah, a real superstar," he muttered.

"What was that?"

"Nothing, love!"

Emily gave him a confused look before seeming to let it go, having apparently seen something over Magnus' shoulder.

Magnus turned around to see Luke approaching with quick strides, face flushed. "Magnus!" Luke spit out. "Did you check your phone?"

"Why?" Magnus quickly glanced at Emily, who shrugged her shoulders, both a little taken aback by Luke's flustered appearance.

"Jocelyn texted," Luke stated, holding out his own phone.

Can you tell Magnus that Alec's leaving tonight, apparently? He won't pick up his phone, must be on silent, it read.

Alec shoved the last of his jeans into his suitcase, zipping it up roughly before swinging it onto the floor. He snatched up his skate bag and threw it on his shoulder. He gave one last look around the bedroom to make sure he didn't forget anything, but all that remained were Jace's things.

He made his way out into living room, slightly grateful that the Penhallows were all out tonight, along with Maryse, leaving them alone in the condo. He dumped his bags by the dining table, walking to the kitchen to grab a glass of water before they had to leave. Their dad had given them twenty minutes to pack before meeting him in the lobby downstairs.

His sister was leaning against the counter, hair still done up fancily, but changed like he was out of their fancy dress clothes and into jeans and a sweater. She had her arms crossed, regarding him stonily. "You look blissfully calm," she deadpanned.

Alec tried to ignore her, going through the motions of filling up a glass with water from the tap.

"So you still have no opinion on this?"

He narrowed his eyes at her, taking a sip from his glass.

"Aren't you fucking pissed?"

"There's nothing we can do, Iz," Alec told her, a pang shooting through his heart at hearing his own words.

Isabelle scowled. "I just don't understand why you're not even trying to think about a way out of this."

"It's a Nike sponsorship," he said, repeating the attempt at reassurance he had been telling himself on the cab ride back to the condo. "We can't reschedule that."

"But what about tonight, Alec?" she questioned him, raising her voice. "What about Magnus? You're not even going to say goodbye?"

Alec grit his teeth at hearing the actor's name. "Isabelle," he said, trying to to not burst from his own sheer frustration, "there's nothing we can do."

His sister shook his head. "When we first came here, I was so eager to try to jump into his life. And there you are, smack-dab in it. I don't get it, why are you so resigned?" Izzy's eyes were pleading with him.

Alec snapped. "What am I supposed to do, Iz?" He gazed at his glass, not really registering the water that swirled around inside it through the pounding blood in his head. "You think I'm not frustrated? You think I wasn't expecting something from Magnus tonight, like, I don't know, a basic promise that this thing between us might continue after this trip? That this wasn't just another stupid fling for him and I didn't waste time being so hung up on him?"

"Alec, I—"

"Iz, I know you're gonna tell me that we could still see each other." He had thought about this extensively, but the reality of their situation was stifling. "But we can't. How much time do we spend training? How many shows, premieres does he go to? Look at Clary—it's been two months since she's seen her mom, and they're family. They can't see each other and they mean so much to each other."

Isabelle stepped forward then, snatching the glass out of his hand and slamming it on the counter. "Look at me, Alec." She glared at him determinedly. "Does he mean something to you?"

Alec jerked back. "What? I've only known him for five days—"

"Does he mean something to you?"

Alec could only stare at his sister, his better instincts telling him that committing to something like this after a mere five days was utterly insane, that Magnus probably didn't even feel the same way.

And yet…

He sighed, giving his sister a small smile. Isabelle jumped back, her eyes widening from sudden excitement. "Oh, Alec!" she cried happily.

"Iz, don't—"

"We still have at least two hours 'til the flight leaves, so that's plenty of time."

Alec gaped. "Iz, you can't be suggesting—"

"Oh, I am," she grinned. "Take a cab to the after-party. Tell Dad you're meeting Jace at a Starbucks to give him his watch or something."

"Like he's actually going to believe that."

Isabelle shrugged. "Say it's his passport, I don't know, Mom's not here to watch our things so that's pretty important, right?"

"What about my bags?"

"I'll take them, you're still meeting us at the airport, after all."

Alec stared at his sister, thinking himself crazy for even thinking that this might be able to work. "But what if I get there and I can't find him?"

Isabelle pouted for a second before whipping her cell phone out of her pocket, dialling quickly. "Clary? Can you put your mom on the phone, please?"

Magnus threw Emily a horribly inadequate and regretful "Talk to you soon!" before all but sprinting out of the bar, pulling Luke along by his jacket sleeve. He pulled out his phone, ignoring the messages and missed calls that were undoubtedly from Jocelyn before trying to call her himself, yet only getting an annoying dial tone in return.

They tumbled out into the lobby, where more of the attendees were packing the floor, throwing back drinks and dancing to the music from the DJ booth by the side. Through the crowd, he could see some paparazzi with cameras stationed at the corners of the lobby and pressed against the tinted windows of the building. Before his eyes, a small huddle toasted loudly, one of them making eye contact with him and drunkenly gesturing for him to join them.

He didn't want to send Alec off with a permanent goodbye, not ever, but especially not here.

Fuck, they could not say goodbye tonight.

He spun Luke around, grabbing him tightly. "What the hell do I do now?" he yelled over the music.

Luke furrowed his eyebrows, shouting his response. "Don't you know where they're staying? Why don't you just take a cab there?"

"You think I could just drive there?"

"They may not have left yet!"

Magnus breathed in, considering that insane option for a second before realizing what that would also mean. "I can't meet his parents!"

"I don't know what else you can do!" Luke's eyes were full of pity, and Magnus couldn't stand it, couldn't stand this because nobody should be feeling sorry for him because he couldn't be fucking this up.

"I'm going to call Jocelyn," he said, thrusting his hand into his pocket to fish out his cell phone, about to press the speed dial before the screen switched suddenly to Incoming Call.

"What the—" Before he even stopped to consider how freaky that was, Magnus picked up the call, shoving the phone to his ear and running to the corner so he could hear better, Luke following close behind. "Jocelyn?"

"Magnus! I've been trying to call you!"

"I know, I know, me too!"

"Did Luke tell—"

"He told me. Are you still with them?"

"I'm with Clary and Jace, we're on our way over to you, but Magnus, Isabelle called Clary just now."

"What?"

"He's coming over there before they leave! But I know you guys need some privacy, so I thought about something. Remember how I made sure you're VIP?"

Magnus was about to retort how he didn't need help, but now was definitely not the time. "Okay, yeah?"

"You have access to the VIP section, and you'll never guess where it is."

Alec couldn't believe he was back here. After Jocelyn had given him the address of the after-party on the phone and he had relayed it to the cab driver, he was surprised to be dropped off at the same building with the garden restaurant, the place where he had come that first night in Toronto.

The night he met Magnus.

Alec pushed through the press crowded outside the building, thankful that Jocelyn had tipped him off about going through the front entrance rather than the red carpet in the back of the building, where he was sure the press would be all but suffocating.

Upon entering, however, he was immediately hit with the overwhelming atmosphere of party that had proved elusive ever since Turin. Throngs of people filled the lobby that was all but empty the first time he had been here, a DJ booth had been set up at the far side of the lobby, and the bar in the back looked to be overflowing with partygoers.

Magnus is in there, he thought, beginning to push his way through the crowd.

He felt somebody grab his shoulder suddenly, and he was spun around to come face-to-face with Clary's mom. "Alec! You made it!" she exclaimed.

"Yeah." Alec wasn't really sure what he should be saying—all he could cared about now was getting to Magnus. He might as well ask about his siblings, though. "Where are Jace and Clary?" he asked.

"They're fine, they're in the bar." Jocelyn bit her lip, looking almost apologetic. "You should feel proud, I know those sponsorships aren't easy to get."

He could only manage a weak smile in response. He felt like he could really get along with Clary's mom—she was doing so much for him right now. "I know, thanks Ms. Fray."

"So you have, what, twenty minutes here?"

"Maybe fifteen."

"Anxious?"

"Just a little."

She grinned, turning him towards the elevators and tugging him along. Only getting another smile after looking at her quizzically, wondering why they weren't headed towards the bar themselves, he realized that these were the same elevators that took him to the garden-themed restaurant, the penthouse with the lotus flowers and panoramic rooftop view of the city.

Magnus was up there, wasn't he?

They elbowed past some drunk partygoers, Alec narrowly avoiding a drink splashed on his shirt, before reaching the bouncers by the elevators. Up close, they were as stereotypically burly as Alec imagined.

Jocelyn didn't seem phased, pulling out a badge from her clutch and flashing it to the man by the middle elevator.

The bouncer raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "What about him?" he growled, gesturing to Alec.

"He's with me."

No, Alec thought, he was not going to be stopped by this guy.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, unless there's proof of I.D…"

Jocelyn rolled her eyes, shaking her head at Alec. She crossed her arms, looking at the bouncer steelily. "He's with Magnus Bane."

"Mr. Bane?"

Alec bit his lip. Please, please, pleasepleaseplease…

The man glanced at Alec before something in his shoulders shifted out of resignation and he reached over to push the elevator button. "Fine. Go ahead."

The restaurant was nearly empty, but Jocelyn had told him this was because the VIP section usually didn't start filling up until past midnight, when the partygoers in the main section proved a little too wild for some. Alec really couldn't care less, except that it also meant there was hardly anybody to eye him on his way through the familiar ivy-woven trellises towards the balcony.

The cool evening air hit him as soon as he stepped outside, a welcome relief from the intense heat of the party downstairs. The lights of the city, once again reminiscent of those in New York, twinkled despite the lack of a dark night sky, Toronto's own version of stars.

Alec ran up the stairs of the balcony to the rooftop, swept up by the sense of familiarity with the stone benches, cast-iron trellises, and gutters of lotus flowers by the roof's edges.

Magnus was seated on one of the benches, legs crossed and jacket folded beside him, allowing the city lights to reflect off his bright red shirt. His lips were parted slightly, eyes wide and face flushed from the chill breeze—Alec's breath hitched at the sight, overwhelmed by the fact that they were finally together.

For what might be the last time.

"Alexander," the actor breathed, meeting his eyes across the rooftop.

Heartbeat starting to accelerate, Alec moved closer until he was standing in front of the bench. Now that he was actually here, he had no idea what he was going to say. What could ever be a completely fitting goodbye for such a brief flirtation with happiness? "Magnus," he began, "I'm so sorry, I only have like ten min—"

"Shh." Magnus stood up suddenly, grabbing Alec's hands. With their faces in closer proximity, Alec could see that his lip colour had faded to a slight sheen, his eyeliner smudged to give his eyes a muted smoulder. He was gorgeous. "Come with me."

Alec let Magnus lead him towards the rooftop edge and the same lotus gutter they had stood at that first night. "Last time we were here, you tried to seduce me," he pointed out, attempting some humour.

Magnus smiled gently, letting go of his hands to pick a lotus out of the gutter. "Remember what you told me that night?"

Blushing at the memory, Alec let out a small laugh. "Something about Chinese restaurants?"

"Again, Alexander, your small talk is horribly endearing." Magnus grinned, the lights reflecting off his pearl-white smile. "But I had told you these flowers are sacred to Buddhists."

Alec watched as Magnus set the lotus back in the water, the coloured lights from the gutter illuminating it and the other flowers in a dazzling array of rainbow hues and casting a multicoloured glow over their bodies.

"They represent enlightenment, freedom from the suffering of this world." Magnus had moved closer, such that there was probably an inch of space between Alec and the actor's glittering chest. "The Buddhists seek total enlightenment, you know."

The blood rushed to his face as Magnus placed a finger under his chin.

"I'd like to think our worldly enlightenments are still significant, though."

Alec stared into Magnus' brilliant eyes. His own breath was coming short. "Yeah, I think so, too," he murmured, heart thrumming in his chest.

This was it. Magnus had all but laid out their relationship with that once sentence.

His better judgment was telling him this was fast, too fast—that five days could never be a solid starting point for a leap this huge.

And yet, chances like this only came once in a lifetime. He knew that, maybe more than anybody.

"Alexander?" Alec felt his cheek warm up as Magnus moved to caress it with one hand, the other finding Alec's by their sides and grasping it almost worriedly. "Please tell me you agree with me."

He could sense what was coming, just like those other unbelieveable chances, but he still wanted to ask. "About what?"

Magnus pressed his lips together briefly before whispering his reply: "That this is not a goodbye."

Alec exhaled slowly.

Bell lap. All or nothing.

"Definitely not," he answered.

And then Magnus leaned in that extra inch, and they were kissing.

As he closed his eyes, Alec hadn't known what to expect, but it could have never been this. Magnus' lips were warm, pressed to his own with a fierce fervour that felt as if it teetered on the edge of desperation. Alec let his lips be parted, felt Magnus' tongue slip slowly into his mouth as they tightened their hold on each other. The actor's hand moved to grasp at the nape of Alec's neck, deepening the kiss while Alec let him lead their lips through an increasingly passionate dance. Acting on a fiery instinct, he threw his arms around Magnus' shoulders, pulling the actor closer so they were flush against each other, each point of contact between their two bodies sending sparks running through his veins. Involuntarily, he let out an embarassing moan that only had Magnus tugging slightly at his hair, the sensation unexpectedly thrilling.

It was over when Magnus pulled away gently, both of them gasping for air while staring into the other's eyes. Alec realized he was clutching Magnus' hair, and pulled back with a start before the actor laughed, grabbing his hands in his own. Everything, Alec realized through the haze, was suddenly aglow—Magnus' eyes were shining, crinkled at the corners from a vibrant smile.

Alec was conscious of the fact that he himself was grinning uncontrollably. They were actually going to try this, and God knows if it would work out but all that mattered was their little bubble of peaceful contentment here on this rooftop tonight.

Absently, he figured he was probably cutting it extremly close in terms of getting to the airport on time, but he couldn't be brought to care right now.

Magnus was the first to break the silence, speaking with lips that still glistened from their kiss—his first kiss, Alec thought with a jolt. "I presume you'll be getting a new phone in New York, no?" Magnus asked.

"Hopefully within the next couple days," Alec replied, still a little breathless.

"I'll need to give you my number then, although the long distance fees might be a problem."

Alec nodded. "Long distance, right." A thought occurred to him. "Time difference?"

"Shouldn't be a problem, love," Magnus whispered.

Love. It was a casual address, yet Alec's heart leapt at hearing it. It was too soon, a lifetime too early to jump to conclusions, but he still felt like he could hear the actor say it again, and again, and again without ever growing tired of it.

Magnus gripped Alec's hands tighter to bring him out of his thoughts, eyes twinkling as he leaned in closer. "So, Alexander…"

Alec bit his lip.

"When will I see you again?"

End Part One

A/N: Meta note:
- Emily Blunt is one of my favourite actresses - it feels so strange putting words into her mouth, but I feel like she and Magnus would be really terrific friends.
- Precious was the actual winner of the Audience Choice Award at TIFF 2009.

I hope everybody's been enjoying the Olympics! I'm a more than a little bummed that they're coming to an end (and especially that Short Track events are over, for obvious reasons), but I'll try to keep the spirit alive!

Next up is Part Two: Vancouver!