"As much fun as I've had making fun of Alec with you," Jace clapped Magnus on the back, "I have a date to get to. Make sure to give him hell."

"I thought you were my friend," Alec was holding a toy car that he had painted hot pink. Thankfully, when Magnus told him to paint his car with his choice of spray paint Alec had thought quickly. Magnus had laughed so hard, along with Jace, that he decided it worked for the assignment. Alec had been counting down the hours. They still have far too many for his own taste. It was barely 3:00 pm and he had until 6:00 am.

"I am and that is why I'm having so much fun." Jace winked. "I almost considered turning down a girl for you. I wouldn't, ever, but I considered it."

"Wow, so generous of you," Alec rolled his eyes at his best friend. "Please, go enjoy your happy life."

"Why thank you!" Jace pulled his shoes on and opened the door. "Remember Magnus, hell, give him hell. Also, take pictures!" And with that Jace was out the door leaving them alone.

Magnus took the car from Alec and set it down on the counter where the newspaper was laid out to keep the paint from staining anything else. Alec tried to scoot back but he was against the counter. "I dare you," Magnus leaned in even closer so Alec could feel  Magnus's words rather than hear them. "To do something that we both want you to right now."

Alec froze. That was more than a loaded command. There was one thing that Alec knew Magnus was talking about but there was the very strong possibility of Jace walking back in. The few hours with Jace around had only added to the tension between Magnus and Alec. There was no denying it. They both wanted exactly what Alec was thinking and he didn't even care if it was just part of the game anymore. If he was going to lose to anyone it would be Magnus.

Alec turned his head and met Magnus's soft lips with his own. They were humming with energy. He lightly brushed them back and forth across Magnus's and then his world shifted. The door opened and Alec not able to do anything else fell flat on his ass. Magnus pushed himself back and Jace walked in completely unaware. 

"Dude," Jace shook his head. "How many times do I have to tell you, it looks terrible to be a guy at that level especially in front of another guy. You look helplessly gay."

"I made him balance on one foot." Magnus flipped back easily to being normal, unlike Alec who was internally dying. 

"Poor guy." Jace held a hand out to Alec. "He was never blessed with grace."

"Except in water." Magnus cocked an eyebrow when he saw the horrified look in Alec's eyes. Magnus had no idea why that was so terrible to say but he thoroughly enjoyed watching Alec squirm.

"True," Jace brushed his hand over Alec as if he was cleaning the dust off him. "He's a great swimmer. The one thing I could never beat him at sadly."

"I'm standing right here." Alec stomped over to the sink to get a drink of water. His world was getting far too complicated. He was about to burst. How could Magnus act so normal?

"He's also one hell of a kisser," Magnus said and the other two looked at him with shocked horror on their faces. 

"I mean I had to know," Magnus continued as if he hadn't just dropped a bomb in the room and their lives. "Wouldn't you test it, Jace?"

Jace's cheeks burned brightly. "Dude, he's my brother and straight. I'm cool with you messing with him but don't hurt him. I get that you're gay but don't try to make him act like he is."

"I prefer to think of myself as a freewheeling bisexual." Magnus beamed at Jace because Alec was looking anywhere but at him. "Also, I may ooze sensualness but I have yet to turn someone. I just made him kiss me because he's never had a first kiss and as you know I love to mess with people."

Jace chuckled, trying to stay calm. "What made you think that? Just because he's quiet and hopeless when it comes to dating he's kissed plenty of girls."

"Yeah, obviously," Alec's voice sounded too loud. He coughed. "Jace, Magnus is just messing with you. He made me go along with it to see your reaction, but Magnus," Alec gave Magnus a look of death, daring him to continue, "it's gone far enough. Jace knows me too well."

"Damn straight." Jace smiled more easily. "Alec would never keep something like that from me. Also, he's the straightest guy I know. I mean he won't even admit that I'm hot. I mean look at me." Jace spun in a circle.

"Ah," Magnus smiled. "You are golden that's for sure, but I myself prefer silver."

"Well, to each their own." Jace shrugged and picked up his phone that he had forgotten. "Alec, make sure if you do any of those gay things because of the bet that you'll do it deep in the closet. You know Mom and Dad would kill both of us if any rumors started even with them being because of a dare."

"Jace, I know." Alec tried to smile but it was more of a frown. "I would never do something stupid like that. It really was a joke."

"Good." Jace gave Magnus a serious look. "Don't push your beliefs onto my brother or we'll have a problem."

"Am I missing something?" Magnus asked but Alec shook his head before Jace looked at him again. 

"Did he not tell you who our parents are?" Jace gave Alec a disapproving look.

"They're the head of the Institute," Jace said when Alec chose to stay quiet.

"The Institute?" Magnus was shocked but at the same time, it all made sense.

"Yes, we had to go through a whole bunch of shit to just come out here for school. Alec was going to come alone and I had to come with him just so he could go. Our parents got me in to be his sort of bodyguard. He's the heir to the Institute throne and I'll be his second in command." Jace rolled his eyes. "Not that he seems to want it. Speaking of wanting it, what happened to your date with Lydia?"

"I canceled," Alec blurted out. This was all too much. "I thought I would go with you and then I didn't want to flip-flop on her. I'll text her and see if tomorrow works."

"Good." Jace nodded his approval. "The sooner you hold up your end of the bargain the sooner they hold up theirs."

"What does that mean?" Magnus asked even though he had an inkling as to what they meant.

"I'm here to get an education," Alec said and then Jace finished for him, "and find a wife that they approve of."

"Like arranged marriage?" Magnus laughed. They had to be joking. They were screwing with him.

"Either I pick an acceptable girl myself or yes, an arrangement will be created." Alec was somber as well as Jace.

"Lydia seems nice, but you need to get to know her better before anything is decided." Jace agreed. "You know I have to report back to them so please make it quick."

"I will." Alec nodded. "He really was just saying that to mess with you."

"Good." Jace opened the door again. "Alec, I know this is hard, but it's our life. I'm on your side, but I do owe your parents."

"Don't worry." Magnus sounded stern and hurt, but Alec was sure Jace wouldn't notice. "I'd never let my life choices hurt your brother."

"I'll see to it." Jace finally walked outside and Alec slid down the wall to the ground. He buried his face in his hands and pressed his palms against his eyes to keep them dry. How could he have been so stupid? He knew better than to let his feelings have even an ounce of control. He had hurt himself, but more importantly, he had hurt Magnus. All because he was too much of a pansy to admit the truth. 

"The Institute?" Magnus chuckled darkly. "You're the heir to the throne?"

"I'm sorry," Alec whispered. "I just wanted to be normal for a moment. And you let me." Alec opened his watering eyes to meet Magnus's harsh gaze. "You let me truly be myself and for that, I'm grateful even if it was merely for a few hours."

"You're a fool." Magnus's hands shook with rage.

"I'm sorry."

"Save it." Magnus spun on his heel. "I'm going to go to the office and get new living arrangements. I can't be seen with your kind, you know? It's bad for my image."

"Magnus," Alec wanted to follow him but he just stayed. What could he possibly do? Instead, he picked up his phone and texted Lydia. He only had one month to find his possible wife. If he didn't then his parents would choose and he'd have to move back to the college just down the street from their home.

A/N That took a turn I definitely wasn't expecting! I might change it, but who knows. If you want more of this story let me know and I think I'll actually add to it, fix it up, and move it to its own book possibly with my own characters or still as a Malec fanfic. I feel like it's morphing too far away from Malec and Shadowhunters and it's always fun to have characters that are your own.

Thoughts?