The Bane Chronicles: The Course of True Love (And First Dates)

[strongest_faith]

Alec was late. He was really late. Late enough that he was pretty sure Magnus would have given up on him. Damn Jace wanting to train and Alec's inability to think of a good enough excuse to get out of it.

He'd rushed through a shower and pulled on a light-blue shirt that was actually new. Izzy said it did good things for his eyes. Alec hoped they were good enough for Magnus to forget that he was supposed to be there more than twenty minutes ago. He also hoped Izzy had been right about the cologne. He'd never worn cologne before.

As he sprinted through the Brooklyn streets to Magnus's loft, Alec dodged between pedestrians and once or twice vaulted a low wall that was in his way. He couldn't be bothered to stop for things like red lights, so he just flitted between (or over) cars where necessary. He was already late, but he didn't have to be any later.

By the time he got to Magnus's loft and threw himself at the buzzer, he actually needed to catch his breath.


[ooc: Dialogue and plot courtesy of Cassandra Clare's The Bane Chronicles.]

Comments

[strongest_faith]

At the very least, the guys coming onto the train give Alec something to look at other than that ad.

But they also seem to be setting up for a performance directly in front of Alec and Magnus. One of them starts dancing, swinging himself from poles and handrails precariously in the crowded car. The other set himself up cross-legged, beating a drum.

"Hello, ladies and gentlemen, and whatever else you got," he begins, and Alec sits back a little. "We're gonna perform for your entertainment. I hope you enjoy it. We call it 'The Butt Song'."

Oh. Oh no.

Oh, this cannot end well.

[highwarlock_bane]

Together the two began to rap. It was quite obviously a song they had written themselves.

"Roses are red, and
They say love's not made
to last,

But I know I'll never
get enough of that sweet,
sweet ass.

All that jelly in your
jeans, all that junk in
your trunk,

I just gotta have it -
one look and I was sunk.

If you ever wonder
why I had to make you
mine,

It's 'cause no other
lady has a tush so fine.

They say you're not a
looker, but I don't mind.

What I'm looking at is
the view from behind.

Never been romantic,
don't know what love
means,

But I know I dig the
way you're wearing
those jeans.

Hate to see you leave
but love to watch you go.

Turn back, then leave
again-baby do it slow

I'm coming right after,
gonna make a pass,

Can't get enough of
that sweet, sweet ass."

Most of the commuters seemed stunned. Magnus isn't sure if Alec is stunned or if he is deeply scandalized but Magnus was doing everything he can to keep from laughing. But as it was, Magnus is profoundly grateful when they reached their stop.

[strongest_faith]

Alec is neither stunned nor scandalized. He's just trying desperately not to laugh. It's...it's such a ridiculous thing, but Magnus isn't laughing? And Alec doesn't want Magnus to think he laughs at stupid things, but it's so stupid and so funny, and Alec is fairly certain he's going to have an aneurysm trying not to laugh.

And then they reach their stop, and they can get off the train, and Alec thinks that maybe things are looking up, when a skinny, freckled guy slips by them and tries to pickpocket Magnus's wallet.

Alec hardly has time to think before he's acting, grabbing the man by his arm and throwing him.

The man goes flying, arms and legs flailing, and he lands hard on the platform, a crack reverberating through the space. Alec's boot his on his throat before he has a chance to react.

[highwarlock_bane]

Magnus tipped a few dollars to the singers before exiting the train.

Just as Magnus thought someone might have picketed his pocket there was a howl and screech.

And there on the platform floor was the guy who had picked his pocket.

The Friday night commuters started to form a knot of bodies in tight shiny clothes and artful hair around Magnus and Alec.

The red head squawked, revealing braces, and flapped his hands in an urgent surrender. "Dude! I'm sorry! Seriously! I didn't know you were a ninja" the red head blurts our to Alec.

[strongest_faith]

Alec had...really not meant to throw him so hard.

And now--by the Angel--there are mundanes everywhere, and they're staring, gathering around to watch.

Alec lifted his boot from the guy's neck and muttered. "I'm not a ninja."

[highwarlock_bane]

A pretty girl with butterfly clips in her dreadlocks put a hand on his arm. "You were amazing." she says to Alec, "You have the reflexes of a striking snake. Really, with your cheekbones, you should be an actor." she says as she studies Alec and his features.

[strongest_faith]

Alec looks like a cornered animal.

"A lot of people are looking for someone as pretty as you who'd do his own stunts."

He takes a step back and gives Magnus a desperate look.

[highwarlock_bane]

Magnus tales pity on Alec placing his hand on the small of Alec's back and leaning against him.

His attitude and the glance he shoots at the girl clearly communicate my date

[strongest_faith]

Alec has never been so grateful for having someone's hand on him.

"No offense," she quickly adds. "Let me give you my card. I work in a talent agency. You could be a star."

[highwarlock_bane]

|He's foreign" magnus told the girl with a bit of attitude.

"He doesn't' have a social security number. You can't hire him."

trying to get Alec out of this situation. This poor girl has no idea who she is talking to.

[strongest_faith]

Alec looked at his shoes. he really needed more interesting shoes if this was going to become a habit.

"That's a shame. He could be huge. Those eyes."

[highwarlock_bane]

"I realize he's a knockout" Magnus emphasizes. "But I am afraid I have to whisk him away. He is wanted by Interpol."

[strongest_faith]

Alec glanced to Magnus. "Interpol?" Because, what was he on about?

When Magnus only shrugged, Alec continued. "Knockout?"

[highwarlock_bane]

Magnus raised an eyebrow at him, "You had to know I thought so. Why else would I agree to go on a date with you?"

[strongest_faith]

Alec blinked, startled, and his lips quirked up a little at the corner. "I thought, maybe, um...you know. You said you weren't unsympathetic."

Pity. He'd thought Magnus agreed out of pity.

[highwarlock_bane]

"I don't do charity." he says clearly, "In any area of my life."

Interrupting their moment the thief pipes up, "I'll give the wallet back."

[strongest_faith]

The thief makes far too much of a show for Alec's liking, digging Magnus's wallet out of his pocket and then dropping it with a yelp.

"That wallet bit me!"

[highwarlock_bane]

That'll show you not to steal warlocks wallets Magnus thought bending down to retrieve the wallet.

"This just isn't you lucky night, is it?"

[strongest_faith]

Alec cocks his head. "Your wallet bites people?" he asks Magnus.

That's...sort of clever, actually.

[highwarlock_bane]

"This one bites people," said Magnus putting the wallet back in his pocket. He was glad to have it back, "The John Varvatos wallet bursts into flames."

[strongest_faith]

"Who?" said Alec.

Judging from the look on Magnus's face, Alec had disappointed him.

"Totally cool designer," said the girl with the butterfly clips. "You know they give you designer stuff for free when you're a movie star?"

Alec wasn't exactly sure what it was about him that gave her the impression this would be a selling point.

"I can always flog a Varvatos wallet," the mugger affirmed. "Not that I'd steal or sell anything from anyone on this platform," he was quick to add. "Especially not you guys." Alec was not entirely sure what to make of the look this guy gave him. It was not unlike the way Max looked at Jace. "I didn't know gay guys could fight like that. Like, no offense. It was badass."

[highwarlock_bane]

Magnus addresses the thief, "You have been taught two important lessons about tolerance and honesty. And you still have all your fingers after tryiung to mug me on a first date, so this was the best outcome you could expect."

There was a murmur of sympathy.

Alec looks a little wild eyed. The warlock is certain that Alec is having a miserable time. It was supposed to be a simple plan. He sighs internally.

[strongest_faith]

Alec had no idea what to do with the attention they were getting. These people were far too interested in Alec's love life for complete strangers.

"Aw, man, I'm sorry," said the mugger. "I wouldn't want to mess up anybody's first date with a ninja."

[highwarlock_bane]

"WE ARE LEAVING NOW" Magnus declares in his best High Warlock voice.

He was worried that Alexander was planning to fling himself into the path of an oncoming train.

[strongest_faith]

"Have fun on your date boys," said Butterfly Clips, and Alec felt her hand slipping something into the pocket of his jeans. He jumped. "Call me if you change your mind about wanting fame and fortune."

"Sorry again," said the mugger, waving them off cheerfully.

Alec could feel the tips of his ears burning as the left the platform to the sounds of an encouraging crowd.

Thanks, guys, Alec thought. No pressure.