Archive of Our Own ^beta

The rhythmic sound of waves crashed against the jagged rocks as the smell of the sea enveloped the small island of Alicante. A lighthouse perched in the far distance, it’s soft glow turning off as the sun took over, peeking from the horizon as dawn broke.

Sitting on the docks was a young lad of mixed Asian descent. His black hair flopped over his hazel eyes. He scanned the horizon, watching the first flock of seagulls as they squawked overhead, soaring against the brightening blue sky.

“Magnus! Breakfast!” A man’s voice called out just as the town slowly rose from sleep. Barn doors creaked open as farmers started their daily rounds. Across the street, an engine sputtered to life. Magnus scrambled up and the sound of his footfalls against the rickety wooden dock was drowned out by a loud ship’s horn. Magnus turned his head to see a ferry in the distance, and he stopped only for a moment in contemplation before scurrying back towards his house.

“I really don’t know what there is to see out there,” his father grumbled.

Magnus sat down to a plate of sausage and eggs. His stomach rumbled as he picked up his fork and began to gulp down his breakfast. He looked at his dad, who was looking at him inquisitively over the top of the daily newspaper.

Magnus shrugged. “When can I take the ferry out?” He asked between mouthfuls of breakfast.

His father put down the paper. “There’s nothing to see on the mainland. If there was something to see there, why would I have moved us all over here to Alicante?”

“But Mr. Lightwood says there’s lots to see in Idris.”

“I was born in Idris, son. That place is nothing but trouble. Now finish up your breakfast or you’ll be late for school.”

Magnus silently scooped the remainder of his eggs into his mouth and placed his plate in the sink. He grabbed his school bag and headed for the door.

“Bye dad,” he said as his father waved at him without glancing up from the paper.

“Morning mom, I’m off to school.” He leaned down and pressed a kiss to a golden photo frame perched on a small table beside the front door. Magnus had lost his mother at a very young age. His father never talked much about her, and all he knew was that they met in Idris and settled in Alicante to start a family. Magnus was the firstborn Bane on the small island of Alicante, and Alicante was his home.

“Morning, Magnus!” A cheerful voice greeted.

“Morning, Clary,’” Magnus responded as he walked down his front porch. Clary Fray, his best friend since…well, forever. Alicante was small, and everybody knew everybody. There was only one grocery store where everyone shopped at, one gas station, one church, and one school. And everyone who grew up on Alicante went to that same, old rickety school with the peeling white paint and sun bleached red roof.

Magnus and Clary walked slowly down the dirt path that led to the school. It was the same routine for them, ever since they were children. The same dirt road, past the same apple tree that was most likely more than a hundred years old. And every day on the hour, the big brass bell perched atop the school would ring, slow and steadily. And the children - the new generation of the previous generation before - would saunter into the building everyday like clockwork. They would sit, as their parents sat, on old wooden chairs, and they would write, as their parents wrote, on marked up wooden desks.

“Good morning, class!” The teacher would say.

“Good morning, Mr. Lightwood,” the students would respond.

The Lightwoods were teachers. Like their parents before them, and their parents before them, and so on.

Magnus was the first of the Bane household to go to school on the island, so he was the first to be taught by Mr. Robert Lightwood. And Mr. Lightwood was a kind man. A tall man in his late 60’s who peered through his round spectacles, who spoke of wonderful tales of life on the mainland. Who also taught science, maths, and history, but Magnus didn’t pay much attention to any of that. Not when he was so intrigued by what was just on the other side of the ferry. A magical land that had tall buildings, and cobblestone roads where people drove on instead of walking or biking.

“Good morning class.”

Magnus froze, as did the rest of the students at the unfamiliar man who stood where Mr.Lightwood always stood. The man had black spectacles that framed his young face, and he looked at them with a bright wide smile.

“I’m Mr. Lightwood. The new, Mr. Lightwood,” the man addressed them.

The class, with Magnus amongst them, filed in and took their seats in silence. Magnus raised a questioning eyebrow at his best friend, and she just shrugged back.

“I’m Alexander Lightwood, your new teacher. My father has fallen ill and requested for me to take his place temporarily.”  The new Mr. Lightwood smiled once again, his ocean blue eyes crinkling.

Magnus felt his mouth go dry at the young teacher in front of him. The teacher’s eyes landed on him softly, and he felt his face heat up. He blinked and quickly looked down at the table as his heart raced in his chest.

“You may not have heard of me, because I just moved here from Idris. There are a lot of things that I have to learn as well, and I hope we can learn from each other.”

Murmurs spread across the small class of twenty. There weren’t many children on the island, and most of them had no interest in anything other than fishing, farming, or whatever it was their family did. Magnus was a bright lad, probably because his father had instilled in him at a very young age that knowledge came from education, and wisdom came from listening. And listened he did, to the soft, kind voice of Mr. Lightwood. And Magnus may have listened just a little too hard, because the wisdom he gained from listening to the young Mr. Lightwood, was one that would change the rest of his life.

Mr. Lightwood stayed only for the summer. Most people who came from the mainland never stayed long. Except for Ms. Lightwood, the youngest Lightwood who replaced her brother’s position. Turns out old Mr. Roger Lightwood most likely wasn’t coming back. The class had sent Mr. Lightwood off, and Magnus watched as the two siblings greeted each other with a hug and kiss by the ferry.

“Stop staring,” Clary whispered to him as she teasingly nudged him in the ribs.

The rest of the class waved and bid farewell as Mr. Lightwood waved back from the ferry. Magnus looked at his classmates, most of who were teary eyed as they sent off their teacher. In the short, sweet months of summer, all the students had taken a liking to the charismatic young Lightwood. And Magnus was no different. Except, maybe he was a little different.

Because Mr. Lightwood made him feel different. His heart fluttered almost constantly in the presence of those black rimmed spectacles and argyle sweater vest. Crushes, he had learned, were the blossoming of what others called puppy love. Innocent feelings that young adolescents felt towards one another. Feelings that developed until they were blessed in the local church, to then contributing to the population growth of the small island. And so the school, with it’s peeling painted exterior, played a very important role in the population of Alicante. Though that was just a fleeting conclusion Magnus had come to on his own. Just like the knowledge that being different was frowned upon in Alicante. Maybe in Idris, things could be different, but definitely not in Alicante.

So Magnus kept the secret of his fluttering heart away from the prying eyes and ears of the island. He bottled it up, and threw it onto the ferry in the very spot where Mr. Lightwood stood waving.

               ****************

“Camille’s grown to be a fine lady. And you’ve grown to be a fine man.”

Magnus filled two cups of coffee and placed one down in front of his father before sitting down at the opposite end of the table.”

“Dad-“

“I’m just saying, son. We’ve known the Belcourts for a long time.”

Magnus gulped down his coffee. “Yeah, dad. Everyone knows everyone here. Gossip spreads like wildfire.”

“Now, son. You said it yourself. And the Belcourt’s are a reputable family. I’ve never heard any gossip from or about them.”

“I’m late for work. I gotta get going.” Magnus stood up and washed his cup.

“I’m just saying, son. If you don’t court her, some other gentleman will sweep her off her feet.”

Magnus swung open the front door and closed it tightly behind him. He closed his eyes and sighed. His feet trudged along the dirt path, and he found himself wandering down to the docks.

Some things never change, as he inhaled deeply, letting the moist, salty air fill his lungs. He looked out towards the calm blue sea, watching as it shimmered in the sunlight, as clear as crystal. Blue, Magnus thought, before he shook his head and stopped his train of thought. He sighed and tore his gaze away and made his way to work.

Work for Magnus, was managing the town’s small recreational facility. Not that anything recreational happened in Alicante. It was just a weak effort at tourism. ‘Come to Alicante! World’s first horsehair dance floor!’ Screamed the brochures that sat on the lonely reception desk where Magnus also sat at, alone.

Sure, there were always the odd couple here and there, or a family of wide eyed curious parents with bored teenage children that spat gum onto the floor when they thought nobody was looking. Only for Magnus to have to scrape off said gum when they left, and that was all the excitement he got for the day.

Mondays were always the most quiet when the minimal amount of tourists had already left to go back to the bustling big city of Idris. Magnus never knew why he didn’t get on the ferry and leave the moment he turned eighteen. But that was a lie, of course he knew. He didn’t want to leave his father, he didn’t want to see the look of sorrow in his eyes if he left. The same look that his father always had whenever he looked at his mother’s photograph perched on the table. Idris was a sore spot, and Magnus never quite had the heart to leave this small town behind - to leave his father behind.

And so Magnus did what he always did on Monday mornings. He danced. Because it was such a waste of two thousand square feet of horsehair dance floor if nobody could appreciate it. But Magnus appreciated it, as he twirled across the room, his footfalls bouncing off the rounded roof to a rhythm only he could hear.

He only stopped when the creak of the front door alerted him. Magnus quickly scrambled back to his post behind the ancient reception desk and he plastered on an enthusiastic face, ready to explain about the wonders of horsehair and how one must try out the second to know extravagant dance floor.

“Welcome!” Magnus greeted with fake cheer that fell dry to his own ears. Two figures stepped through the door, both dressed impeccably in a way that screamed that they were from the Mainland. Magnus let the couple do the usual look around. The fascination only lasted until he greeted them, to which most people would just nod politely and take a brochure, probably out of pity for him. Magnus watched like a lion eager for prey as they slowly, agonizingly slowly made their way towards him.

He flashed his big smile, a smile to convince people to stay, to try out the dance floor, or maybe book a wedding or banquet so that he could also gain some commission and maybe one day save up enough to see the Mainland for himself.

“Welcome to Alicante Hall, home of the world’s only horsehair dance fl-“ Magnus stopped as the couple came into view and his eyes landed on a pair of stunningly blue eyes.

“Yes, it’s been a while,” a familiar voice said, matched with a familiar crinkling around the eyes.

Magnus swallowed a lump in his throat as he took in the young man standing in front of him.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been back. I was a school teacher here before, you see. About ten years ago.”

“Oh, Alec, this place is…wonderful.” The blonde haired lady patted Mr. Lightw-Alec- on the arm. Magnus busied himself with gathering pamphlets.

“Alicante hall is the world’s only horsehair dance hall. It’s great for w-weddings and b-banquets.” Magnus sputtered out as he stuck a couple pamphlets towards the gorgeous lady. She smiled softly and took them.

“Have I taught you before?” Alec’s eyes searched Magnus’s, and Magnus ducked his head.

“Oh, honey. He’s so young, just because this town is so small doesn’t mean you’ll know everyone. People come and go from here, isn’t that right, young man?”

Magnus quickly glanced up at the woman with the soft eyes. Even her smile was soft. He just nodded and quickly pointed to a door behind him.

“If you would like to see, we also have a big conference room that can double as a dining hall for your needs.”

“Oh, that’s fine, young man. We can do our own self-guided tour. Alec’s been here before,haven’t you?” The woman threw her head back and laughed. They always laughed jovially, the people from the Mainland.

Alec nodded and the woman linked her arms in his. She gave another sweet smile and they both nodded curtly at him before walking away to see the rest of the hall. Their footsteps echoed lightly and Magnus slumped down in his seat.

A half hour later, Alec and Lydia - as Magnus overheard the young woman’s name - bid their polite farewells to him, the pamphlets clutched gently in their hands as they left the building. And Magnus once again was left alone.

When the sun started to creep back to bed, casting a yawn of purple and pink across the quaint town of Alicante, Magnus headed out of the hall and down onto the docks. He once sat on the aging  wooden planks, swinging his feet above the water as he looked towards the horizon.

“I forget how small this place is.” A low, smooth voice said behind him.

Magnus shivered slightly, and he wasn’t sure if it was from the drop in temperature that signalled the changing of seasons, or from something else entirely.

Alexander Lightwood walked up the the edge of the dock and stood beside him. Magnus wasn’t sure if he should stand up or continue sitting. He chose to sit, and soon, the man also sat down beside him on the narrow dock. Two silhouettes, sitting on the dock as they watched the sunset. It was intimate in a way it shouldn’t be, couldn’t be, and Magnus felt his hands grow clammy.

“I didn’t catch your name. And I didn’t get your business card…?” Alec turned to look at him, soft blue eyes smiling.

Business card. Right. Because he wasn’t a young boy sitting in a classroom anymore, where Mr. Lightwood was asking him for his assignments. Magnus was an adult now, and adults had business cards. Well, adults who lived and worked in Idris had business cards. There wasn’t a need of business cards in Alicante. Not when the owner of the sole grocery store, Luke, lived four houses down, or the local mechanic, Raphael, lived just on the other side of the harbour.

“Bane.” Magnus said, his eyes still looking at the waves in the distance.

“Alexander Lightwood. But I go by Alec.” Alec extended a hand. Magnus turned and warily looked at Alec’s large hands. He contemplated briefly if it was more rude to wipe his clammy sea water kissed hands on his pants, or to thrust them as-is into Alec’s seemingly dry and warm Big City hands. He opted for the latter and decidedly ignored the jolt of electricity that conducted through him at the moment of contact.

Alec didn’t seem to say anything as the man just smiled at him before turning his face towards the sea. A silence once again fell upon them and Magnus wondered if the sounds of the sea were loud enough to drown out his continuous thundering heartbeat.

And they sat, watching the blue waves turn white as they crashed against the rocks. Magnus suddenly had a moment of contemplation. Maybe he had made a mistake. Maybe he shouldn’t have thrown the bottle where Alec stood all those years ago. Because the sea always had a way of dredging up things back to shore. And everything that washed back to the island always ended up battered up and in pieces.

          **************

Everywhere Magnus went, the talk of the town was on the handsome young Lightwood who had come back with a lovely lady.

“Did you see Mr. Lightwood?” Clary caught Magnus by the elbows as he was making his way towards the dance hall.

“He’s so handsome, and his girlfriend is so beautiful. Do you think they’ll get married in the church? Have their banquet in the hall?” She asked as Magnus kicked a pebble down the dirt path.

“Probably,” Magnus answered. Clary continued to chat animatedly as they passed the grocery store, the gas station, and finally arrived at the Hall.

“There’s a celebration tonight behind Ragnor’s house.”

“What for?”

Clary shrugged. “What else for? Ragnor just makes any excuse to celebrate. One exciting thing happens and the whole town celebrates. I just go for the free food. See you tonight?”

Magnus nodded as he stuck the key into the rusty lock. It groaned and Magnus wondered if today was the day when the lock would finally give way after decades of use. The lock popped open. Guess it wouldn’t be today. He opened the door, stepped inside Alicante Hall, and bid farewell to Clary.

The yellow lights flickered on, casting a soft glow on the wooden dance floor. Magnus sighed as he made his way to his desk and sat down onto the creaking office chair. His bottom barely warmed up the worn out cushion when someone came bursting through the doors.

“Bane!” A burly man in lumberjack plaid came bustling in as if he owned the place. Maybe he did, Magnus was not too sure. Ragnor’s family history went back a long ways and maybe somewhere down the line they did own Alicante Hall at one point.

“Ragnor,” Magnus greeted. “How are the preparations for tonight’s celebration?”

Ragnor scoffed as a handkerchief came out to wipe the sweat off his forehead. “I need to rent this place for tonight. Is it open?”

Magnus looked down at the empty calendar. He didn’t really need to look. There had been no bookings for this month. Or the next month.

“It’s all yours,” Magnus said as he extended his arms.

“Good. We’ll need tables and benches set up, but leave the dance floor open. Can you see if Simon and his band can play tonight?”

Magnus nodded.

“Great. I’ll let everyone know to come here at 7 pm sharp.” Ragnor took out his pocket watch and squinted at the tiny screen. When he was content, he placed the watch back into his pocket and turned on his heels, slamming the door shut behind him. Magnus winced, and checked to see if the door had indeed shut or if it had just fallen off its hinges entirely.

And so Magnus spent the entire day dragging tables and benches by himself. Clary came by and helped him with the balloons and decorations, because she was also the local florist in town and had a knack for decorating.

An hour before the event, Magnus locked up and walked briskly back home to get changed before the celebration.

“It’s been a while since the Lightwoods all gathered together on the island,” his father said as he pulled on his best dress shoes.

Magnus straightened out his tie but said nothing.

“Youre looking smart, son. Have you spoken with Camille yet? I’m sure she will be there tonight.”

Magnus refrained from rolling his eyes. “Camille is just a friend, dad.”

Asmodeus shot him a look. “Magnus-“

“I gotta go, dad. Have to open up the hall doors before they break it down.” Magnus interrupted as he squeezed past his father and down the front porch steps. He walked as fast as his brown dress shoes could allow him, the dust already dirtying them up long before he made it to the Hall. He fumbled with the keys, unlocking it under the scrutinizing gaze of Simon and his band.

“Thanks, Bane,” Simon grunted as he hauled his cello behind him.

Magnus propped the wooden doors open and surveyed the big grand hall in front of him. A welcome banner hung behind the band, the same banner that was hung every time there was a celebration.

“Free food!” Clary whispered from behind him. Magnus jumped, and she giggled.

“You’ve been so skittish, Magnus. What’s gotten into you?”

Magnus didn’t get a chance to answer as the town started to make their way into the hall, and cheerful conversation filled the empty space. Magnus took his spot behind the reception desk, keeping an eye on everyone who filed in. And then his eyes landed on Mr. Lightwood. Alec. He stood tall, in a casual white tshirt with his sleeves rolled up halfway. Magnus tore his eyes away from those tanned, muscular forearms.

“Hey, Bane, right?”

Magnus looked up right into sapphire blue eyes.

“Yeah,” Magnus choked out lamely.

“This place is amazing. I’ve never seen it so full of life.” Alec smiled brightly at him.

Magnus ducked his head. “We use it for celebrations every once in a while. Or for weddings. It’s a nice venue for weddings.”

“You know, I feel completely underdressed. Nobody told us it would be formal,” Alec leaned in and whispered. Magnus smelled the man’s cologne and he shrank back further. Alec smelled earthy, of a man who had his life together, a man from the big city. Magnus probably smelled like fish, because everything the sea wind touched smelled like fish.

“I-it’s fine. You look good,” Magnus stammered. Alec’s eyes seemed to hold surprise at Magnus’s response, and Magnus felt his cheeks burn bright. “You l-look fine, everyone from the Mainland dresses nice. We don’t have much excuses to dress up so everyone jumps at the opportunity to put on their best clothes,” Magnus babbled.

Alec smiled. “Well, you look just as handsome in your suit, Bane.”

Magnus choked. Alec’s gaze was on him, and he managed to croak out a word of gratitude. Thankfully, someone came along and pulled Alec’s attention away, leaving Magnus alone with his wobbly sea legs.

The party was in full swing, the alcohol flowed, and the music kept the beat going long into the night. Laughter filled the air, and Magnus slowly relaxed as he watched the town rejoice in happiness.

“Magnus! Come dance with me!” Clary grabbed him by the arms and dragged him out to the dance floor.

“Clary, I don’t know how to dance,” Magnus grumbled as he dragged his feet.

“Oh, hush, you!’ Clary chided. “Youve been dreaming of dancing your entire life, and if you were born in Idris you would have been a professional dancer!”

Magnus sighed. “Those were daydreams of a child, Clary. I’m not a child anymore.”

“Then why don’t you use your dancing to court Camille? She’s been watching you the entire night, you know.” Clary turned Magnus in the direction of the Belcourt family. Camille caught his eye and gave him a confident smile. Magnus quickly averted his eyes and turned back to Clary.

“Not you too, clary. Why is everyone so invested in my love life?” Magnus complained. “What about Simon? The whole island knows he fancies you.”

Clary scrunched up her nose. “I’m waiting to go to the Mainland. Idris, the city of love, of opportunity. When I save up enough money, I’m going to leave. Or maybe one day someone will come and I’ll leave together with him.” She sighed dreamily.

The song changed tempo, transitioning to a ballad. Clary grabbed Magnus’s hands. “Come on, dance with me, Magnus. I know you’ve been practicing.”

And so they danced, and before Magnus knew it, everyone else had made a circle around them, watching in amusement and joy as Magnus twirled Clary around and around, her flaming red hair fluttering out behind her. And when the music ended, the applause rose.

Clary looked at him, a wide smile accompanying her flush cheeks. She leaned in and kissed him gently against the cheek. “You’ll be a dancer, Magnus. Just you see.”

The music picked up and the rest of the town picked up their feet. Magnus slipped away, down to the docks where the sounds of the celebrations became just a muffled drone. He laid down onto the docks this time, his eyes squinting at the night sky above. The soft slap of water, rising and falling, beat softly in time to his heart. Magnus closed his eyes.

“This seems to be your favourite spot.”

Magnus opened his eyes and made out a tall shadow standing over him. He quickly pulled himself up into a sitting position.

“Oh, you don’t have to get up for me,” Alec said as he sat down with his back facing Magnus. He laid down as well. Magnus hugged his legs up to his chest and interlocked his hands together.

“That’s Polaris, the North Star.” Alec pointed. Magnus looked up in the direction of Alec’s finger.

“Oh.” Magnus said, because that seemed to be the only sound he could get out between his dry lips.

Alec chuckled lightly. “Sorry, force of habit. I assume my sister probably taught you all about astronomy.”

Magnus didn’t reply. He was still reeling from the crisp, sweet sound of Alec’s laughter. A sound that reminded him of warm summers, yet hearing it now sent his body shivering with cold.

“Our entire family loves astronomy. And once you find Polaris, you can trace your fingers over to…”

“The Big Dipper.” Magnus mumbled under his breath.

Alec paused before a slow smile spread across his face. Magnus chanced a glance at the older man, and his breath caught as Alec looked at him with a soft expression. It flickered briefly before those blue eyes once again searched the night sky.

“And over there,” Alec continued as if nothing had happened, “Orion’s belt.”

Magnus craned his neck. The Big Dipper was the extent of his stargazing and astrology knowledge.

“Come down here. You can see it better.”

Magnus froze.

“Come on, I’ll show you.”

Magnus swallowed before slowly leaning back on his elbows. For another long second, he gently rested his head on the wooden dock, fully aware that his head was just mere inches beside Alec’s. And Alec’s blue eyes, shimmering in the night, was looking at him ever so softly. Watching. Always just…watching. The scent of pine was even more potent now. That’s what it was, that earthy smell. It was pine. Magnus tried to focus but his eyes kept trailing to Alec’s lips. Just a slight turn of his head, and their lips would…

Magnus snapped his head back towards the sky. His face burned in both shame and guilt.

“Polaris, that’s my favourite star. Because of how bright it shines, the brightest of them all.” Alec spoke softly, his voice like a small caress into the night air.

Magnus blinked, the smell of pine making his senses hazy. The warmth of Alec’s body so close to his made it that much harder to put his emotions back into that tiny glass bottle.

After a moment of silence, Magnus felt Alec turn to face him. He froze, as still as those pieces of fish that he always saw hanging out to dry on the line by the boats.

“You’re a wonderful dancer, Magnus. Will you teach me to dance?”

Magnus shook his head vehemently. “I don’t…I don’t know how to dance.”

“Well then, may I ask the man who danced so perfectly back there in the hall, to teach me how to dance?”

Man. Alec saw him as… a man?

Alec shifted and moved to get up. Magnus stayed plastered against the wooden dock.

“I’ll see you around, Bane.”

And those were the last words Magnus heard from Alexander Lightwood. Because those who come from the Mainland, will always return to the Mainland. Just as those who were from the island, stayed on the island.

*******************

Magnus stepped off the ferry. Seven years ago his father passed. And in that same year, he disembarked towards Idris. A city which promised so much, and promised it did. Magnus had achieved his dreams of being a dancer. He had learned that being different was a gift, and one must be different in order to live their life fully. It was in Idris where he proved his father wrong, that it was indeed a city filled with everything he had ever hoped for.

And as he put his foot down on the dirt road that he had grown up on, he felt like stepping into a dream. The islanders stared at him in shock and averted their gaze. Soft murmurs whispered throughout the crowd, sure to travel through the entire island before sundown. His hair was gelled up in a faux hawk, and glitter fell from him as he walked up the harbour and onto the main path.

“Magnus Bane, is that you?!” A familiar voice screeched out.

He turned to see his old friend clary, running towards him at full speed. Some things never did change, as she enveloped him into a tight and comforting hug.

“Hi Clary,” Magnus whispered as he hugged back.

“Oh my goodness, Magnus, look at you! You did it, didn’t you? I knew you would!” Clary exclaimed as she pressed a big kiss on both his cheeks. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she looked at him from head to toe.

“How long will you stay?” Clary asked. And Magnus knew what it meant. Mainlanders never stayed. It was a question that was filled with anticipation and heartbreak all at the same time.

“How is everyone?” Magnus chose to ask instead.

“Great! I prepared a welcome back party for you at the dance hall,” Clary said excitedly. “Everyone’s so excited to see you!”

Magnus smiled. “Who’s in charge of the old dance hall now?”

Clary’s smile seemed to falter for a second. “Oh you know, everyone kind of takes care of it.”

Magnus narrowed his eyes. Clary had never been a good liar.

“What are you hiding, clary?” Magnus asked.

Clary feigned innocence. “Oh, you must be so tired, Magnus. Let’s get your bags up. We’ve prepared a room for you and everything.”

Magnus raised an eyebrow. “We?”

Clary stammered. “O-oh, I got…married, you see.” She blushed shyly.

Magnus almost dropped his bag. “Clarissa Fray, you got married and you didn’t tell me?!” He shouted.

Clary winced. “Well, it’s a long story and, you know…”

Magnus stopped walking. “Well I got all the time so you better start talking, young lady!”

Clary stopped and cocked her head at him. “I like this new you, Magnus. You seem happy.”

Magnus scoffed. “Stop trying to change the topic, Clary. I’m still me.”

Clary just smiled knowingly. “Come on, let me introduce you.”

The short walk to clary’s seaside house showed Magnus that nothing had really changed on the island. He was hit with a sense of nostalgia that he never thought he would feel. Clary’s house had been newly repainted, and it stood out in stark contrast to the neighbouring houses around her. By the front door stood a tall, blonde haired man with stunning green eyes.

"Magnus, this is Jace.”

Jace briskly strode down the porch stairs and extended a hand out to him. Magnus took it and shook it firmly.

“Nice to finally meet you, Magnus,” Jace said as he leaned in and gave Clary a quick peck on the lips. “Clary’s told me so much about you.”

“Jace was born in Idris,” Clary explained. “He came back with his…” There was a pause as Clary gave her husband a look. “His brother. And then it was love at first sight for us.”

Magnus smiled. “That’s wonderful. I’m truly happy for you. For both of you.”

“Did you want to freshen up before the party, Magnus?” Clary asked.

Magnus shook his head. “I’m fine. If the parties are exactly how they were, I don’t think I really need to change the way I look.”

Clary nodded and shared a look with Jace, who smiled back warmly.

Magnus settled into Clary’s small guest bedroom. He had sold his childhood home with no intention of coming back to the island for any extended period of time. Clary had graciously offered her guest bedroom, and Magnus always knew he would be welcome to visit anytime. Though, with the surprise news of her being married, he probably wouldn’t be visiting too often in the future. He wouldn’t want to intrude on them if they wanted to settle down and start a family of their own.

When Magnus walked back down to the kitchen, the smell of tuna casserole enveloped his senses.

“Looks like you’re giving back to the community now,” Magnus teased. Clary rolled her eyes at him.

“Why don’t you help me bring this over to the hall while I get ready?” Clary passed the heavy glass dish to Magnus.

“With pleasure, my lady.” Magnus winked and Clary gave him a soft look.

Magnus balanced the dish in his hands as he slipped into his black boots. And like old times, they were christened with dirt the moment he stepped out onto the gravel road.

Alicante Hall looked no different than the last time he turned his back on it. Magnus noted that the wooden hall doors were still miraculously sitting on its hinges. The same white welcome banner screamed out at him and he smirked, finally knowing what it felt like to be in the receiving end of those faded capital letters. Tables and chairs were set up around the hall, and the dance floor was left open. Magnus chuckled lightly to himself as he stepped onto the spongy floor, his footsteps echoing around him as he made way to one of the tables.

“Oh, hi there, I didn’t notice you come in.”

Magnus froze at the low timbre that echoed from behind him. He placed the casserole dish onto the table before slowly turning around.

A tall raven haired man with blue eyes looked curiously at him.

Magnus’s mouth opened and closed. It had been seven years since he had seen those blue eyes. Seven years of running away from those eyes that seemed to haunt him in his dreams.

“That heavenly casserole can only be from Clary. But you are not that feisty red head. And you’re most definitely not Jace. So who, are you?”

Alec’s eyes flickered up and down and Magnus felt the familiar burn rise up in his cheeks.

“M-Magnus,” he managed to stammer out.

Alec’s reaction surprised him. The man’s blue eyes widened in disbelief and from his lips came a soft voice, a voice that reminded Magnus of a far distant memory. “Magnus…Bane?”

Magnus wracked his brain for a time when he had told Alec his full name. When none came to mind, he plastered a fake smile and extended his hand. Like any experienced mainlander would do in this scenario.

“The one and only.”

Alec shook his hand and Magnus reciprocated just as firmly.

“You look…” Alec trailed off.

Magnus ran a hand through his gelled hair. “Different.”

Alec smiled then. “Yeah. It’s a good look.”

“So, what are you doing here?” Magnus gestured to the hall, his eyes looking around the same four walls that he himself had sat at for many years.

The question seemed to unnerve Alec as the man raised a hand to rub at the back of his neck.

“I…moved back to the island a couple years ago.” Alec cast his eyes downward and Magnus felt the awkward tension in the air.

“I see. And how is the missus?” Magnus treaded carefully. That seemed to hit a nerve as Alec’s shoulders tensed.

“We parted ways.”

Magnus sucked in a breath. “Oh, I’m terribly sorry to hear about that.”

Alec shrugged. “It was mutual. We had our…differences.”

Magnus nodded in understanding. “Right. So, are you here for the party?” He waved his hands aimlessly.

Alec seemed to look at him for a moment before clasping his hands together. “Um, yes. I…”

“Magnus!”

A low voice called out and both men turned to see a stocky man come through the door.

“Ragnor. Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.”

“And what has the Mainland done to you? What is that atrocity perched atop your head?” Ragnor mumbled as he pulled Magnus in for a hug.

“Just trying to find myself out there, Ragnor.”

“I promised your father I would take care of you but what in heavens have you done to yourself?”

“I’m a grown man now, Ragnor. I can take care of myself. And my father would be very pleased to know that I have made quite the name for myself out in Idris. You have nothing to worry yourself about.”

Ragnor rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “I suppose you’re right, lad. You have changed in many ways. Your father would be proud.”

Tears pricked at Magnus’s eyes and he nodded. Ragnor then narrowed his eyes behind him and turned his attention over to Alec.

“Lightwood! That banner is crooked! You teaching types, why is it that you always miss the smallest details! Can’t you see that it’s not straight?” Ragnor threw his hands up in exasperation.

Something flickered in Alec’s face before a wane smile appeared. “I‘ll fix that right away, Ragnor.”

Alec turned to Magnus and gave a shy smile before heading off in the direction of the stage. Magnus stared, absolutely bewildered.

“Magnus!” Clary singsonged and Magnus watched as his best friend waltzed in with her husband.

“Hey Clary. I put your casserole on the table. Apparently it’s got quite the reputation. I’ll have to try some myself later.”

“I seriously don’t know why my brother’s got such an obsession with your casserole,” Jace said as he shook his head.

“Brother?” Magnus raised an eyebrow.

Jace nodded. “Yeah. Alec.”

Clary grabbed at Magnus’s elbows and dragged him off to the side.

“You married a Lightwood?!” Magnus whispered.

“No, Jace is adopted,” Clary whispered back. “So remember a long time ago when Mr. Lightwood came with this lady called Lydia? Well, according to Jace she didn’t really like the island. Found it too…” Clary gestured with her hands, “well you know how it is. Anyway, so they’re not together anymore and I don’t know the details but it’s sort of a sore spot for Mr. Lightwood.”

“You could have told me that earlier!’ Magnus hissed. Clary’s eyes widened as she looked from Magnus to Alec in the back. She chose not to comment and continued. “Mr. Lightwood came back to the island to get his mind off of things. And he brought Jace with him, and that’s how we met. Jace hadn’t planned on staying. He was just fascinated about the island and wanted to check it out.”

“So Jace is teaching now?” Magnus asked.

Clary shook her head. “Nah, Jace likes fishing so he’s working out on the docks.”

“And Al-“ Magnus cleared his throat, “Mr. Lightwood?”

Clary blinked. “Uh…well, he’s working…here.”

“Here? As in the Hall? My old job?”

Clary nodded. “Yeah.”

Magnus frowned. “Why isn’t he teaching?”

Clary shrugged. “I don’t know. He doesn’t talk much. Not after he came back from the Mainland.”

“Oh.”

Clary looked at him long and hard.

“What?” Magnus frowned. But Clary just shook her head.

The party was in full swing, and Magnus stood against the wall, watching. He found himself missing the simplicity of life on the island. The way things just seemed so easy, a happiness that seemed to wash over him in waves.

“Dance with me, Magnus.” Clary pulled at his arms, and once again he found himself in the middle of the dance floor. But this time it was different. This time, he gently swayed Clary in his arms. His moves were refined, sophisticated. But Clary still threw her head back, her eyes twinkling as the music moved them across the dance floor. And Magnus swung her gracefully into Jace’s arms, giving the man a nod before slipping through the crowd. The music continued on, the dancers moved back onto the dance floor, and Magnus stepped out of the hall and into the cool night air.

This time, Magnus walked slowly. The sea breeze blew around him, gently kissing his cheeks as he made his way down the familiar path towards the wooden dock. The boards creaked under his weight as he gently sat down on the edge, his legs just barely touching the water below. He closed his eyes, relishing in the soft sounds of the sea around him. After a few moments, he laid down and crossed his arms under his head.

A creak sounded behind him and he slowly cracked open his eyes.

“Thought I’d find you here.”

Magnus swallowed thickly. “Alexander.” The name slipped out from his lips and into the night.

There was a sharp inhale, and Magnus frankly wasn’t sure if it came from him, or from the man behind him.

Magnus heard Alec lay down, the all familiar scent of pine hitting him as Alec’s head once again landed parallel to his. Magnus closed his eyes and willed his heart to stop crashing against his chest.

“You were looking for me?” Magnus broke the silence after his mind processed Alec’s previous words.

“I knew you’d make it as a dancer,” Alec simply stated.

Magnus blinked as he stared up at the night sky. Through the corner of his eyes, he felt Alec’s gaze on him.

There was a deep intake of breath from the older man. “Polaris.”

“Your favourite star.” Magnus raised a hand and pointed. Some nights he found it right away. Tonight was one of those nights.

Alec lifted himself up onto his elbows. Magnus turned his gaze onto the man, whose figure was silhouetted by the soft glow of moonlight.

“You remembered.” Alec’s eyes looked at him, his gaze unfaltering.

Magnus shrugged. “You remembered my name.”

There was a pregnant pause before Alec spoke.

“I remember all my students’ names.”

Magnus stilled and he felt an icy chill run through his veins. He slowly got up into a sitting position, his eyes carefully averted from the older man. “I should get back.” He said slowly as he stood up.

“Wait.” Alec suddenly reached up and grabbed his hand. Magnus looked down before pulling away in both shock and fear.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” Alec scrambled up as well. The dock was even more narrow now that they were both adult men, and the proximity of Alec beside him had Magnus taking a step back.

“I…I have to go.” Magnus turned around and briskly walked back towards the dirt path. His eyes brimmed with tears. How could he have forgotten? While he had always seen Alexander Lightwood as a man, the teacher had always seen him for what he was. Just a student. A naive young student from the island who had a stupid crush on his teacher, on a man 10 years his senior. Magnus was a fool. He was a fool for chasing after someone he could not have, and further more, a man.

**************

Magnus awoke to an unfamiliar room. The soft sound of the sea lulled him out of sleep. Right. He was back on the island. The warm smell of cinnamon pancakes filled the air as Magnus dressed himself and made his way down the stairs.

“Morning, Magnus! Did you sleep well?” Clary asked.

“I did. I forget how easy it is to fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the sea.”

Clary smiled. “Maybe you should move back here?”

Magnus shook his head sadly. “I know, I miss you too, clary. But my home is in Idris now. I mean, Alicante will forever be my home but…”

Clary nodded in understanding. “Maybe you’ll find someone to settle down with and move back here?”

Magnus shook his head. “I don’t know about that, Clary. Not everyone can have a happy ending with the one they fall in love with at first sight.”

Clary’s eyes searched his as she placed a cup of coffee in his hands. “Oh, Magnus.”

Magnus sipped the hot coffee and said nothing more. Jace walked in and waved at Magnus.

“Hey, my brother’s been looking for you.”

Magnus tried not to show how much Jace’s words fazed him.

“Why?” he asked nonchalantly under Clary’s scrutinizing gaze.

Jace shrugged. “Don’t know, he said you left something there last night.”

Magnus frowned. “I didn’t bring anyth- oh. Sorry clary, I left your casserole dish. I’ll go get it back.”

He placed his coffee down on the table and made his way out the door.

“Magnus…” Clary called after him, but he was already trodding down the dirt path. Clary looked from her husband to the white casserole dish sitting on the drying rack. Jace just shrugged.

Magnus made it to the Hall in no time. He cautiously pushed open the wooden door and stepped in gingerly, taking in the empty dance hall which showed no evidence of a party last night.

“Hello?” Magnus called out. There was no reply. The reception desk was empty, the chair neatly tucked in place.

“Ale-“ Magnus paused. “Mr. Lightwood?” The name sounded foreign coming from his mouth.

There was no response. The hall was empty. Magnus sighed and walked along the dance floor, feeling the special bounce that came from the horsehair padding underneath the floorboards. He shrugged off his boots and took off his socks. His bare feet tested the wooden floor before doing a couple warm up twirls. He started to hum as his feet flew across the dance floor in perfect unison. The floor was indeed incredible, something he hadn’t really fully understood until he trained on the Mainland. He tried out all his routines, executing them to perfection, the floor providing just the right amount of give. And when he finally stopped to catch his breath, someone clapped from within the shadows. Magnus froze as a tall figure stepped out.

“Sorry, It was not my intention to watch you. But you were so focused, I didn’t want to break your concentration.” Alec held up his hands in apology.

Magnus brushed back a lock of hair and proceeded to put his socks and shoes back on.

“I’m here to pick up Clary’s casserole dish.”

Alec frowned. “Casserole dish?”

“Yes, I must have forgotten it last night, that’s why you were asking for me?”

Alec swallowed. “I…wasn’t talking about the casserole dish.”

Magnus frowned.

“Magnus, first, I need to apologize for my actions last night. I have no excuse for my behaviour, and I can only hope that you will forgive me.

Magnus looked away from Alec’s eyes. “It’s fine.”

“I’m sorry, Magnus. I truly am. Please, I want to clear things up and not leave things on the wrong note.”

“It’s fine, it really is.”

Alec sighed. “Thank you, Magnus.”

“No problem. I should get going then.” Magnus gestured towards the door.

“What’s Idris like now?” Alec suddenly asked.

Magnus stopped in his tracks. He looked at Alec, trying to gauge the man’s reaction. “Idris is…Idris. Filled with bright lights, modern, growing technology.” Magnus shrugged. “You could always go back and see.”

The mention of going back sent a flash of pain in Alec’s eyes. Magnus flinched. He had forgotten already that the man probably didn’t want to go back to the mainland.

“It’s…probably best for me here,” Alec answered.

“Al-Mr. Lightwood.”

Alec visibly flinched and Magnus saw conflict warring behind those sapphire eyes.

“Alec is fine, Magnus. I may have taught you a long time ago, but I’m not your teacher anymore.”

Magnus swallowed at Alec’s words. His heart thrashed wildly in his chest, like relentless waves crashing against shore.

Alec looked away. “You’re a grown man now, Magnus. And I’m not a teacher anymore.”

“Right. A-Alec.”

Alec smiled then. “When will you leave?

Magnus shrugged. “Maybe tomorrow. I wasn’t planning on staying long, especially now that I know Clary is married.”

Alec chuckled, a low sound that Magnus hadn’t realized he had missed.

“I don’t think those two will ever get out of their honeymoon stage.” Alec winked, and Magnus felt his face burn. Alec didn’t seem to notice as he continued. “How about yourself? Have anyone back in Idris?”

Magnus shook his head. “Too busy with dance. Not much time for anything else.”

Alec nodded. “I remember what that was like. That’s why I moved back to the island. Things are more…uncomplicated here.”

“Grass is always greener on the other side.” Magnus sighed. “I better get back.”

“Of course.” Alec coughed and flashed Magnus a smile. “And thank you, for coming today.”

“I’ll see you around, Alec.”

Magnus rubbed his face with his hands as he left the hall, feeling a rush of emotions. Most of which consisted of confusion. Every interaction with Alec always left him confused. And when he stepped back into Clary’s kitchen and she showed him the casserole dish, he was even more confused.

A strong wind started to kick up when Magnus was helping with the dishes. It howled around the house, and the sound of wind chimes outside tinkered aggressively.

“Jace, did they say there would be a storm tonight?” Clary looked worriedly at her husband.

“No, they didn’t say anything about that. It’ll probably pass through in no time.”

Magnus peered warily out the window. “I think we should board up the windows.”

“Nah, it’ll be fine,” Jace waved a hand in dismissal.

Magnus shook his head. “It’ll take no time. I’ve done it my entire life with my dad. Better safe than sorry.”

“I agree with Magnus, sweetheart. If it picks up at night while we’re asleep, we might wake up to a big mess tomorrow.”

“Alright, sweetheart.” Jace gave in as he pressed a kiss on top of Clary’s forehead. He turned to Magnus. “I’ll show you where the board and nails are.”

The wind picked up as Jace and Magnus grabbed the boards, and the rain started to come down in sheets.

“Good call, Magnus!” Jace shouted over the rain. Magnus hammered the nails in with confidence and all the windows were boarded up in no time. Clary rushed over to them with towels the moment they stepped back inside the house.

“Oh thank goodness. Thank you, Magnus!” Clary placed a kiss onto Magnus’s wet cheeks.

"I better call Alec and let him know to board up his place too.” Jace ran a towel over his hair as he reached for the landline. He shook his head as he placed the phone back in its cradle. “The lines are down. I’ll run over there to see if he needs help.”

“Jace…” Clary bit her lips nervously.

“I’ll do it,” Magnus spoke up. “Where does he live?”

“No, it’s too dangerous out there. I’ll go.” Jace made a move towards the door.

Magnus shoved his towel into Clary’s hands. “I’ll board up his windows and come right back. The storm isn’t in full force yet.”

“Magnus…” Clary shook her head.

“He lives just behind the general store. It’s a blue house with a white door.” Jace turned to Clary. “Magnus is right, he knows what he’s doing.”

“I’ll be fine, Clary. I’m an islander, remember?” Magnus gave Clary a quick kiss on the cheek before opening the door. The rain pelted down onto him, immediately soaking him to the bone. He quickly shut the door behind him and made his way towards Alec’s house. The roads were slippery, and Magnus could barely see from all the rain, but he ran as fast as he could.

Magnus saw the blue house and found himself picking up the pace. He could see a figure outside and he presumed it was the blue-eyed man.

“Alec!” Magnus shouted out. The figure turned around.

“Magnus?”

Magnus grabbed the other side of the board that Alec was carrying and propped it against the window.

“Careful! It’s broken!” He heard Alec shout across the wind. Magnus then noticed that the window was indeed broken. No time to worry about that now. He quickly hammered in the nails and grabbed another piece of wood. The two of them hurriedly boarded up the other windows. The wind was in full force now, and Magnus was starting to struggle against it.

“We have to get inside, now!” Alec shouted as he grabbed Magnus and pulled him in. They stumbled through the door and into the house, and Alec slammed the door shut against the wind.

“Stay here, I’ll get some towels.”

Magnus took the opportunity to look around Alec’s house. It was clean and organized, and very minimalistic.

“Gosh what a mess,” Alec exclaimed as he handed Magnus a towel. “Thank goodness for your help, or my entire house would have been flooded.”

Magnus refrained from inhaling the pine scent that emanated from the soft cotton towel. He also tried not to stare too hard at Alec’s completely soaked through t-shirt. There was no way a teacher could be so ripped.

“I better get back. Jace and clary will be worried.” Magnus placed a hand on the door.

“No!” Alec cried out, surprising both of them. “You can’t go out there, it’s too dangerous. I’ll call them and let them know.”

“The lines are down, that’s why I ran over here to see if you needed help.”

“Then wait here. Until the storm is over.”

Magnus shook his head. “This storm doesn’t look like it’ll be clearing up anytime soon.”

“You braved the storm to come help me and I am indebted to you. I can’t let you endanger yourself, Magnus. Please. Just…stay.” Alec pleaded.

Magnus sighed. “Ill help you clean up. And when the storm calms down then I’ll head back.

“Deal.”

The storm raged on long into the night, and the winds howled against the creaking boards. They had changed into dry clothes, and Magnus was sitting at the table while the kettle whistled. Alec poured two steaming cups of tea down. It was evident that Magnus would not be able to leave anytime soon.

“I have a guest bedroom,” Alec said as he sipped his tea. Before Magnus could say anything, Alec continued. “It would put my mind at ease, if you stayed the night. It’s far too dangerous out there. I promise the moment the lines come back on I will immediately call Jace and Clary and let them know that you’re safe.”

Magnus nodded. “Thank you.” He watched as a look of relief flooded Alec’s face. There was silence as they both sipped on their tea.

“Why did you stop teaching?” Magnus asked.

Alec looked up at him. “I…didn’t have an affinity for it. Not like my father, or my sister.”

“I think you did well,” Magnus said quietly as he looked into his cup. He felt Alec’s intense gaze on him.

“Kind words. I only taught for one summer here on the island, I’m pretty sure I didn’t leave any lasting impressions whatsoever.” Alec laughed lightly.

Magnus bit his lip before asking a question that had been burning in his mind since seeing Alec again. “Did you remember me?” He wasn’t sure what he wanted to hear for an answer.

And Alec stilled. It seemed the older man also had trouble answering the loaded question.

“I did.” Alec breathed out. “Well, I didn’t remember you but I remembered your name because it stands out. It’s…”

“Different.” Magnus decided to help the struggling man.

“Beautiful.”

The way Alec looked at him made his breath hitch. The thundering came back in his heart and his hands grew clammy even though there was no trace of moisture inside the house. Magnus didn’t know what else to say.

“I’m sorry for keeping you awake. I can show you to your room, if you would like?” Alec got up abruptly and the chair squeaked as it was pushed back.

“Yes, thank you.” Magnus followed Alec to a small bedroom with a single bed.

“Good night, Magnus.”

“Good night, Alec.”

And Magnus laid awake, staring at the ceiling. There was a moment where he allowed himself to imagine what it was like to stay on the island, to stay for Alec. As the wind continued to wreck havoc outside on the island of Alicante, Magnus fought with his own storm of emotions.

*************

Magnus awoke to the smell of bacon. He tiptoed out to the kitchen to see Alec preparing breakfast. The man’s blue eyes twinkled as they landed on him.

“Good morning, Magnus. I hope you slept well last night?”

Magnus nodded as Alec gestured for him to sit.

“I called Jace early this morning, they’re relieved to hear that you and I are both safe.”

Magnus mumbled a thank you before looking down at the hearty breakfast in front of him. The domesticity of it all felt so surreal. How a simple storm blew him to Alec’s house, and now he was sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast. And Alec acted as if it was completely normal for a stranger to be eating breakfast with him.

“I didn’t know what you like, so I just…” Alec waved his hands nervously.

“Its great. It’s good.” Magnus quickly interjected. “I didn’t expect…this. Thank you.”

Alec shook his head. “It’s nothing. I should be thanking you. For helping me last night, and for cleaning. Breakfast is the least I can do.”

“I’ve grown up on the island and been through a lot of storms.” Magnus took a bite of toast.

“It looks like the skies are starting to clear, but I don’t know if the ferry will be here. Were you still planning to leave today?”

Magnus checked his watch. “Yes, I better head down to the docks after to see what the schedule is like. If not I might just catch a ride out on one of the fishermen’s boats.”

“Will you come back?” Alec looked at him curiously.

Magnus shrugged. “Can’t say for sure. I just came back to visit Clary, but now that she’s got her own family, I’m not worried about her anymore. There’s not much for me back here. Sure it’s still home, but…”

“You’ll miss your favourite spot by the docks.”

Magnus grinned. “Yeah, that I will indeed.”

Alec placed his fork down. “The stars don’t shine as brightly out on Idris. I didn’t notice that before. Not until…” Alec visibly swallowed. “Until that night when I looked up at the night sky. And saw just how bright the stars shone here.”

“Is that why you decided to come back?” Magnus asked.

“Idris is a wonderful place, filled with opportunity. The big lights, the big city. A place where as you know,” Alec nodded at him, “you can be whoever you are.”

“So why leave?”

Alec sighed. “I didn’t know who I was until I came back here. It was like Polaris, guiding me back here, guiding me home.”

Alec’s words hung heave between them, and Magnus listened intently, as he did all those years ago.

“Anyway,” Alec said as he stood up. “These are just thoughts of a rambling man. You have things to do, places to go. I shouldn’t hold you back.”

“Thanks for breakfast, Alec. Thanks for everything.” Magnus said as he helped Alec put the dishes in the sink.

When he turned to leave, Alec called out to him. “I’ll see you around, Magnus.”

And Magnus shut the door behind him, his heart feeling heavy. He started down the path towards Clary’s house, and he willed himself not to look back.

Clary fussed over him the moment he stepped foot into her house. She whisked him off to the showers and sat him down to a bowl of fresh, hot soup.

“I already ate, Clary. Alec made breakfast and we ate together.”

“My brother did what?” Jace’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline as he shrugged off his jacket.

“Alec? Since when did you and Mr. Lightwood become so close?” Magnus saw the gears grind in the fiery red head’s mind and he put a stop to it before it could grind any faster.

“We’re not close, Clary. And you’re the one who married Mr. Lightwood’s brother. We just talked a couple times, that’s all.”

“A couple times? You mean he’s not all cranky and broody when you see him?” Jace was genuinely interested now as he pulled up a chair.

“No? He’s always been…pleasant.” Magnus tried to shrug nonchalantly as he turned to his soup and started to shovel spoonfuls into his mouth.

“Huh.” Jace shrugged as he shot his wife a look. “Well, if you’re heading out today, Magnus, there’s no ferries. But I might be able to pull some strings and see if someone can get you back to the Mainland.”

Magnus looked up. “Thanks, Jace. I really appreciate it.”

“You sure you don’t want to stay a while longer?” Jace asked suddenly.

“Yeah, Magnus. You just came, and now you’re leaving me behind again!” Clary pouted.

“Clary, you’re in wonderful hands here. I don’t have to worry about you anymore.”

“I’ve always been the one worrying about you!” Clary scoffed. “When you get married you better come back here!”

Magnus rolled his eyes. “You’re one to talk, misses get married without letting her best friend know.”

Clary blushed. “Well, everything just happened so fast with Jace and I. Everything just felt right. Like coming home, even thought my home has always been here.” She wrapped her arms around Jace and planted a kiss on his nose.

Magnus glanced away to give them a moment of privacy. “I’m going out to see a few more people before I leave. Let me know the schedule if you get a boat, Jace.”

Jace nodded. “Will do.”

Magnus left the two lovebirds alone and he trekked silently down to the docks. He rarely came down to the docks in the afternoons, but it was warm out and the skies were clear with no cloud in sight. He laid down and closed his eyes, listening to the soft lapping of water and seagulls squawking in the distance. It was nice, and it did feel like…home.

See you around, Magnus.

Like Polaris, guiding me home.

Stay.

All his life, he wanted to go to Idris. Everything he wanted, everything he dreamt of, was there. There was only one thing that wasn’t in Idris, and that was… Magnus shook his head. To move back to the island meant foregoing everything he had in Idris. He couldn’t give up his entire life for something so trivial. Magnus squeezed his eyes shut. A horn blew in the distance, long and solemnly. Magnus slowly got up and looked towards the distance at the pillow of black smoke. He gripped his fists tightly and turned away from the dock.

“Magnus!” Jace waved at him from the front porch. “One of my buddies can go anytime you’re ready. He’s got to make a trip to Idris to grab some supplies. Just go down to the dock and look for the Seraph. She’s a good boat and she’ll get you there in no time.”

Magnus thanked Jace and Clary handed him his bags. “Take care, Magnus.”

“I will, and you too.”

“Come back again soon, please?”

Magnus kissed her on the cheek. “I will.”

Magnus waved goodbye and headed down to the docks. The Seraph was a beautiful boat with a light blue hull and white sails. Magnus stood, watching it for a moment before he sighed and turned his back to it. He shifted his bag onto his shoulder and walked up the path, towards a big white building.

The wooden doors swung open as Magnus peered inside Alicante Hall.

“Welcome! Oh… Magnus?” Alec seemed startled as he stood up from behind the desk.

“I just…came to say goodbye.” Magnus swallowed.

Alec walked over to him, his soft footsteps echoing across the hall.

“I see,” Alec said. He opened his mouth to say something else but then closed it again, replacing it with a smile. “Safe travels home.”

Magnus looked into Alec’s eyes. “Goodbye, Alexander.” He turned and took a step, and it felt heavy. His heart felt like an anchor, pulling down at him.

“Magnus. Wait.” Alec called out. Magnus slowly turned around.

“I…” Alec started. “You…” The man seemed flustered as his hand rubbed nervously against the back of his neck.

“You forgot to teach me how to dance,” the man finally blurted out.

Magnus stared, taken aback.

Alec took a deep breath. “I asked if you would teach me to dance, but we never got the chance.”

“Now?” Magnus asked incredulously.

Alec nodded and took a step forward. “If you’re not coming back I may never get the chance to learn again. I’ve always…wanted to learn. If… if you will teach me.”

Magnus sucked in a breath. “Here?”

Alec let out a small chuckle. “Where else? These floors are made of horsehair afterall, right?”

Magnus smiled. “Of course.” He dropped his bag down on the floor and stepped towards the taller man. They were almost equal in height, he had just come to realize. “What type of dance did you want to learn?”

Alec shrugged. “Something basic, something that can be used whenever they open up parties here. Is there anything like that?”

Magnus thought for a moment. “Yes. I’ll lead first and you can follow, then you can try leading.”

Alec nodded intently as his blue eyes locked in on Magnus’s. Magnus took a deep breath before holding out his arms. “Arms go around the waist like so…” He gingerly wrapped an arm around Alec’s waist, barely touching the other man’s body. “And the other hand goes up like this.” Magnus fought down his feelings as he motioned for Alec to place his hand in his. “Great, now you put your other hand up on my shoulder here.”

Alec obliged, and Magnus felt warmth emanate from both of Alec’s hands. He willed his knees not to buckle as he lightly stepped forward. “Thats right, when I step forward you step back, like so.”

They danced, slowly, in the middle of the hall, just the two of them.

“Can I try leading now?” Alec asked after a while. Magnus smiled at him encouragingly and moved his arm away from Alec’s waist and onto his shoulders. He felt Alec’s arms snake around his waist and gasped lightly when the man pulled them closer together. Alec’s blue eyes burned into his as he led the dance. Their chests were just mere inches from each other, and Magnus felt the smell of trees, an earthy scent that reminded him of…home.

He didn’t know how long he was in Alec’s arms. All he knew was that he didn’t want the moment to ever end. And when Alec finally slowed down, he didn’t release his hold.

“Are we even now, Magnus?” Alec asked breathlessly, his blue eyes searching. When Magnus didn’t respond, he continued. “I taught you once before, and now you’ve taught me to dance. Are we equals now?”

Magnus couldn’t form any coherent thoughts as Alec’s eyes continued to look at him, and only him.

“I…we…” Magnus stammered weakly.

Alec released him and took a step back. “Thanks for teaching me to dance, Magnus. I guess you better be on your way before the sun sets.”

Magnus picked up his bag and threw it over his shoulder. He opened the door and looked behind him to see Alec standing there, watching him. He ducked his head and turned, closing the door behind him.

When he got to the harbour, the Seraph was long gone, and Magnus felt a mixture of guilt and relief. He wandered back to Clary’s, and she pulled him into the guest bedroom.

“Magnus, I thought you left!” She exclaimed as she shut the door quietly behind her.

Magnus sighed. “I’m terribly sorry.”

"I’m all for you staying here longer, Magnus, but what’s wrong?” Clary gave him a worried look.

Magnus shook his head. “I…I don’t know. I don’t know what the right thing is. All my life Ive wanted to  leave this place. But now, I can’t bring myself to leave.”

“Does this have something to do with Alexander Lightwood?”

Magnus’s eyes widened and he quickly shook his head.

Clary sighed and sat down beside him. “Magnus, you ran out into a storm for that man without a care for your own personal safety.”

“Clary, I…”

Clary raised her hand to silence him. “There is nothing wrong in caring for someone, Magnus. And if you care for them, shouldn’t you let them know?”

“I know you’re afraid, Magnus.” Clary placed a hand overtop of his. “But it doesn’t have to be that way. I was afraid at first too, falling in love with Jace. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t scared either. That’s the thing about love. You have to fall in order to find it. And when that person falls together with you, doesn’t it make it that much less frightening?”

“But, it’s not the same, Clary. It’s…different.” Magnus sighed.

“You have always been different, Magnus. We are all different in our own ways, which make us who we are. And I wouldn’t want you any other way. And I’m sure, a certain someone also sees you for who you are.” Clary winked. “Go, Magnus. You braved the storm once already. Have no fear.” She squeezed his hands together in hers and he stood up.

“Go get him, Magnus!” Clary encouraged as Magnus took a deep breath. He strode to the bedroom door and placed a shaking hand on the door knob. He turned and Clary nodded at him. Magnus exhaled then pulled the door open and strode out. He stalked out of the house and down the porch and onto the dirt road.

The sun was setting low in the horizon, painting the lands with brushstrokes of pink and purple. Magnus always enjoyed seeing the hills turn soft, as the sun made its way to rest. It was comforting and calming. But today, particularly, he felt the calm before the storm as his feet brought him closer and closer to the looming white door. Would Alec be home? Maybe he was still at the Hall? Maybe Magnus had read into everything wrong and Alec would close the door in his face? Oh why hadn’t he thought of that outcome ?

Dread coursed through his veins, cold like ice. He swallowed, choking on his own spit as he brought shaking hands up to knock on the white door. Knock knock knock.

There was no answer, and Magnus felt his heart sink. He raised his hand once more. Because, maybe Alec hadn’t heard. Maybe Alec was preoccupied. Maybe-

And then the door cracked open, and Alec was standing in front of him in a navy collared button up and khaki shorts. Surprise flickered in Alec’s blue eyes.

“Magnus…” Alec said breathlessly. The same breathlessness that Magnus was feeling as well. And there was a softness in Alec’s eyes as they searched his. Magnus took a step forward, and Alec swallowed. Another step forward, and Alec didn’t make an effort to step back. So Magnus did something that he had wanted to do for a very long time. He reached out and gently fisted his hand into Alec’s shirt, and pulled himself forward. He tiptoed upwards, and pressed his lips firmly against the older man’s.

Alec froze in surprise, and Magnus had a moment of fear, which was relinquished immediately as he felt Alec wound his arms tightly around his waist. And then he felt himself get pushed backward until his back was pressed tightly against the wall. Alec pressed into him, his lips taking control in a wild and heated kiss. Magnus had a fleeting thought of that one moment in The Notebook, but that was silly. Now was not the time to be thinking of other people kissing in movies when he was currently liplocked with Alexander Lightwood.

When they parted up for air, both men were panting heavily against each other. Alec pressed his forehead against Magnus. “What the heck did I just do?”

Magnus froze. Was it all a mistake? Alec looked at him, his blue eyes crinkling up. He leaned in and pressed a featherlight kiss on Magnus’s nose. “‘I didn’t hurt you did I? I might have pushed you too hard into the wall just now.”

Magnus bit his lip and shook his head. Alec reached down and grabbed both of Magnus’s hands in his. “You’ve missed your boat…”

Magnus nodded, still trying to catch up to what just happened. Alec smiled. “Does this mean you’ll stay?” Magnus blinked. Alec blushed as he squeezed Magnus’s hands. “Stay with me?”

Magnus responded by pressing his lips into Alec’s.

And he stayed. He stayed with Alec on an island that he called home. And every night they would walk down the shore to the docks, and lay together, watching the stars.

“The brightest star of all, guiding us home,” Alec whispered as he nuzzled into Magnus’s neck.

“Polaris,” Magnus whispered back.

“No,” Alec raised his head and looked right at Magnus. His eyes were soft, ever so soft yet filled with strong sense of determination. “You.”

Alec leaned in and pressed his lips softly against Magnus’s, and Magnus felt the world shatter around him in a million stars, all as equally bright as Polaris.