(Part one contest entry for MalecLovely 's AU contest.)

"The name's Magnus Bane, and the address is 221B Baker Street."

How could one sentence completely change the course of your life? How could it change what your goals are? The way you think? I never thought it was possible, until I met Magnus Bane. The most cocky, insufferable, and most beautiful man I've ever met.

Though he was rude and quite unpleasant, I decided to take up the offer to share a flat. I really had nowhere else to go, and he was so mysterious and captivating. The way he was able to tell I had been in the army completely bamboozled me. I wanted to know more about him.

"Afghanistan or Iraq?" He asked, taking the phone from my hand after I offered that he could use mine.

"Pardon me?" I gaped, slightly taken aback.

"Afghanistan or Iraq? Which one is it?" He questioned again.

He looked up at me, his amber eyes pierced me with an intense gaze. I could feel myself cracking under the gaze, my heart fluttered in my chest while my knees turned to jello. "A-Afghanistan, h-how did you know that?"

"Ah! Coffee. Thank you Clary." He cut me off, taking a cup of coffee from a red headed girl.

That was the first amazing thing I had ever seen him do. I started to get annoyed as he was leaving, I didn't know anything about him.

"Hang on, we've only just met. We don't know anything about each other, and we're going to look at a flat together? I don't know where we're meeting, I don't even know your name!" I laughed, overwhelmed by him.

"Well, I know that you were a soldier, one who wasn't afraid to throw yourself into danger. You just got back from service and don't really have anywhere to go. You've got parents that live close by, but you won't go to them for help. Probably because they pissed you off. Your therapist thinks you have a psychosomatic limp, which is correct, I'm afraid. That's enough to be going off of, don't you think?"

I let it all play over again in my head as I raised my hand to the knocker of 221B and rapped gently. The door immediately swung open to a smiling lady. "Well hello! You must be Alexander. Come in! I'm the landlady, Dorothea, but you can call me Dot!" She introduced, holding out her hand to shake.

"Lovely to meet you Dot, but just Alec is fine." I replied, shaking her hand lightly.

She nodded politely before turning to lead me up the stairs. I grumbled inwardly as I adjusted my cane in my hand to take them on. When we got to the top, Dot knocked on the door. "Magnus! Your new flat mate is here!" She called before opening the door.

We stepped into the threshold and I was immediately overwhelmed by smells and sights. Papers were strewn over a desk by the window, several full boxes were perched precariously on top of each other, the strong smell of chemicals and various foreign things hung heavily in the air, and as we stepped in more, I saw what looked like a temporary lab set up on the kitchen table. On a couch on the far side of the room, Magnus was laying down staring at the ceiling. His hands were against his chin as though he was praying. He was wearing a dark purple shirt dusted with glitter with a black blazer overtop matched with black trousers. His hair was perfectly styled and he had a bit of makeup on. He looked nothing short of amazing. "Magnus! You could've cleaned up at least a bit." Dot scolded.

He sat up from the couch and walked over. "Terribly sorry about the mess. Only just got all my stuff here." He said in a bored tone, giving a half smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

I wandered over to the nearest armchair and sat down, giving my leg a rest. I watched Magnus as he walked towards a small tower of boxes and picked up two pillows, throwing them haphazardly onto the couch. Dot picked up a newspaper off the kitchen counter and came back into the living room. "What about these suicides then? Thought his would be right up your alley, three exactly the sa-" She began, but was cut off by Magnus.

"Four. And there's something different this time." He said, staring out the window.

Two seconds later, a man came up the stairs and into the room. He was wearing a blue sweater over top of a band t-shirt, which seemed odd for an apparent police officer. "Where?" Magnus asked simply, staring intently at the man.

"Brixton. Lancaster Gardens." The man replied, slightly breathless.

"What's different? You wouldn't have come to get me if there wasn't something different." Magnus pressed.

"You know how they never leave a note? Well, there is one this time." He said, his triumph written across his face.

Magnus' eyes widened slightly. "I'll be there shortly. I'll follow you though, I'm not going in the police car. Who's on forensics?" He asked, his sentences were rapid fire, it was amazing anyone understood him.

"Raj."

"That's not going to work! I can't work with Raj!" He groaned.

"Will you still come?"

"Fine. I'll be there shortly, Sally.

With Magnus' last reply, the man grumbled something under his breath and left swiftly. As soon as we heard the front door close, Magnus jumped gleefully. "Four serial suicides and a note! It's Christmas!" He shouted.

I stared at him in bewilderment as he dashed around, grabbing his coat and scarf and throwing them on. "I'll be back late Dot. Something to eat when I get back would be lovely." He said, finishing putting his scarf on.

"Not your housekeeper, dear!" Dot replied, crossing her arms.

"Something cold will do!" He called, closing he door behind him.

"Would you like a cup of tea?" Dot sighed after a long pause, turning to me.

"Yes please, that would be great." I replied, picking up the newspaper she had set on the armchair.

"Just this once though dear, I'm your landlady, not your housekeeper!" She said, going downstairs.

"So, you're a soldier." A voice said softly.

I looked up to the doorway to see Magnus leaning against it, his arms crossed as he stared at me unblinkingly. His amber eyes seemed to stare right into my soul. "Uh, y-yeah." I stuttered stupidly, feeling my cheeks heat up.

"Any good?"

"Yeah, pretty good."

"You've seen lots of death?"

"Yes... enough for a lifetime."

"Trouble and violence?"

"Of course, yeah."

"Would you like to see some more?"

"Oh, God yes."

With that, the rapid fire conversation ended as he turned back to the stairs, his coat flapping behind him as he moved. I followed him out the front door and into the awaiting taxi. Not believing the trust I already had in this man.

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

After a while of silent driving, Magnus turned to me. "You have questions." He stated.

"Well yeah, where the hell are we going?" I asked.

"Crime scene. Next." He replied lazily.

"Okay... how did you know about... everything?" I questioned.

I saw a small smirk appear on his face before he shot into a quick explanation. "The way your hair is cut and the way you hold yourself screams 'soldier'. Also you have small tan lines, which indicates you have been somewhere hot where you had to wear long clothing. So, it was either Afghanistan or Iraq."

I knew that my mouth was gaping like a cod fish, but I didn't care. "A-and how did you know about the my parents?" I pressed.

"Your phone. On the back it's engraved, 'To Alexander, Love mom and dad.' It's an expensive phone, very recent model. But, it's all scratched and dinged up. When something is a gift or this expensive, people usually treat it carefully. But your parents must've done something that really pissed you off that you would treat it like this and not care that much about it." He explained, smiling triumphantly.

I gaped again, my mouth opening and closing slightly as I tried to form a sentence. "That was... amazing." I breathed.

"Really? You think so?" Magnus asked, slightly taken aback.

"Yeah, I do." I replied, smiling.

Magnus stared, but then smiled back softly. "Can I ask you something now?" He questioned.

"Shoot." I responded.

"What'd your parents do to piss you off?"

I contemplated telling him, I honestly didn't think it was a good idea. But being around him gave me a weird kind of confidence. "Well, it was more what I did to piss them off. And I'm just pissed at their reaction." I started nervously, avoiding eye contact with him.

"And that is?..."

"I-I told them something. Something they didn't like to hear. So they kicked me out." I stuttered, chickening out at the last second.

Magnus' eyes narrowed. He could tell there was more, but he didn't want to pry and chase Alec away. "Your parents are idiots. I know kind of what you're going through, and I know you'll get through it." He murmured softly.

"What do you mean?" I asked, finally meeting his gaze. His amber eyes stared intently into mine again, searching me for something.

"I came out as bi, and got kicked out of my house." He replied very quietly, so quietly I could barely hear him.

My eyes widened. I mean, I probably should've figured that out. From the outfit full of colour and glitter that only he could pull off, to the makeup that covered his face. He looked amazing. It made me feel small in my worn black jumper and jeans. The last two minutes of the ride was silent, I probably should've said something. I must've looked like an ass.

We finally pulled up in front of a house surrounded by cop cars and police tape. We hopped out of the car and I followed Magnus as he strutted up to the tape. "Well, if it isn't the freak." A female sneered from behind the tape as we approached.

"Ah, my dearest Catarina Loss. You didn't get home last night, did you?" Magnus greeted, lifting up the tape and stepping under it.

Catarina's eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. "Wait, who's this?" She asked, stopping me from stepping under the tape.

"My colleague, Alexander Lightwood." He introduced, lifting the tape for me to step under.

Catarina chuckled disbelievingly before taking a walkie-talkie from her belt. "The freak's coming up." She called into it before leading us to the entrance.

A man in a blue full-body suit stopped us at the door. "Hey! I don't want my crime scene contaminated." He warned with a hand against Magnus' chest.

"Wouldn't dream of it, Raj. How long is your wife gone?" Magnus asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Oh don't pretend like you worked that out. Someone told you." Raj sighed, disgust in his tone.

"Your deodorant told me." Magnus replied.

"My deodorant?" He asked, appalled.

"Yes, its for men!" Magnus said like he was explaining it to a toddler.

"Of course its for men, I wear it!" Raj exclaimed.

"Yes, and so is Sargent Loss." Magnus pointed out.

"Now look, whatever you're implying-" Raj began, only to be cutoff by Magnus.

"I'm not implying anything." Magnus started, brushing past Raj. "I'm sure Catarina just came over for a nice little chat and ended up staying over. I'm also assuming she scrubbed your floor judging by the state of her knees."

I stifled a laugh, but barely as Catarina and Raj's eyes widened. I followed Magnus inside, chuckling softly.

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

About an hour later, we had finished at the crime scene. He still amazed me with his deductions, even though he was a complete asshole about it the entire time. He kept muttering to himself, before he started yelling about a suitcase. Since there was no suitcase, he started going down the stairs towards the front door. "It's not suicides! It's murder! It's a serial killer!" He had yelled victoriously before running from the house, leaving me and Detective Inspector Lewis completely confused.

When I walked outside, I discovered that Magnus had left me stranded here. I grumbled as I hobbled to the main road to find a cab.

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

When I returned to 221B Baker Street, Magnus was dashing around the flat. I watched him as he walked around purposely, grabbing his coat and scarf. A small pink suitcase was lying wide open on a chair nearby. "Magnus, is that-?" I started, but was cutoff by him.

"The dead lady's suitcase? Yes it is. I've just texted the killer. Are you hungry?" He put his scarf around his neck and stared at me expectantly.

"U-uh yeah, I guess. Wait, you did what??" I stuttered, only just catching up to what he was saying.

"Great! I know an amazing place!" He exclaimed, walking past me briskly to lead to way.

I stared after him for a second in bewilderment before following him. I couldn't help but wonder what went through that man's head.

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

We arrived at a small restaurant and were quickly seated at a window booth. I leaned my cane up against the seat beside me as a smiling man came up to us. "Anything off the menu for you Mr. Bane, completely on the house! For your date too." He greeted warmly, gesturing to me.

I felt my cheeks flare up and I struggled to form a sentence. "I-I'm not... w-w-we're just... I'm not his date!" I stuttered.

The man chuckled disbelievingly, and I swear out of the corner of my eye I saw Magnus wink at him. I quickly ordered a plate of chips, Magnus ordered the same. We sat in comfortable silence for a while, Magnus staring intently out the window. "What are you looking at?" I asked him.

"What? Oh. I told the killer to meet me here." He responded distractedly.

"You what?!" I yelled, not bothering to keep my voice down.

This idiot actually invited a serial killer to have a casual dinner with us????? "Not like that Alexander. I meant just on this street up ahead." He elaborated, still staring out the window almost unblinkingly.

I felt my cheeks heat up a bit from him calling me by my full name. Normally, I hated when people did, but with Magnus... I really liked it. A few seconds later the man returned with our plates of chips and set them down in front of us. "Enjoy!" He exclaimed, beaming at us.

"Thank you, Ragnor." Magnus said with a half smile before turning back to the window.

I nodded in thanks to Ragnor before grabbing a few chips from my plate. "So this killer we're looking for... he's someone who hunts best in a crowd. Someone who's able to abduct people in broad daylight with no one noticing. Someone we trust, someone we don't think of." Magnus murmured, munching a chip thoughtfully.

"And that is?..." I asked

"No idea." Magnus replied, turning to give me a small side smile.

I felt myself returning the smile, absolutely captivated by him. I went back to mindlessly eating my chips, when I heard a male voice behind us. "Taxi, for Magnus Bane."

Magnus turned swiftly. "I didn't order a taxi." He replied, stare down the man.

"Yes you did." The man insisted.

He reached his hand into his pocket and I thought I saw a flash of something pink, but only for a second. A strange realization crossed Magnus' face. "Of course. I forgot. I'll see you later Alexander." Magnus said, as if in a daze.

He stood up and followed the cabbie outside, leaving me staring after him in bewilderment. The whole encounter seemed... off. I watched as Magnus climbed into the cab. The gears started turning in my head and I finally connected the dots. I felt my eyes widened in realization. I shot up from the table and dashed outside, abandoning my chips. But just my luck the cab was already driving off. I quickly hailed another and climbed in. "Follow that cab!" I shouted at him, pointing at the cab that was quickly disappearing.

The man nodded and started driving, following the cab at a reasonable distance. The drive seemed agonizing. After a while the cab turned a corner, but as we did it had disappeared. "No!" I shouted in frustration.

The cabbie kept driving forward, but I stopped him. "I'll go from foot from here, thank you." I said, tossing some cash at him.

I jumped out and slammed the door behind me, taking off at a run. I took a left at the nearest street, only to be met by a cul-de-sac. I let out a loud yell of frustration before turning back the way I had came. I then went right and followed the street as far as it would go. I ended up at a Research Science Centre. I breathed a loud sigh of relief, seeing the cab that Magnus had gotten into. I pulled out my phone and dialled a number. "Hello? I need to speak with Detective Inspector Lewis, it's an emergency!" I yelled into the phone.

I heard some muffled voices before I heard Simon. "What?"

"Magnus is with the serial killer, he's at the Research Science Centre, get here as soon as you can!" I shouted, hanging up before he could respond.

I turned back to the Research Science Centre, the only trouble was that there was two buildings. I felt a horrible, twisting sensation of dread in my gut knowing that Magnus was alone with a serial killer. I quickly ran into the one on the left. "Magnus! MAGNUS!" I yelled, my throats going raw as I checked every door, trying to find him.

Finally, on the last level, I came to a door that was unlocked. I threw it open, only to be met by a vast, empty room. I caught a glimpse of something moving in the window, and quickly ran to it. Magnus and the man stood facing each other, both had odd looking pills in their hands, slowly bringing them towards their mouths. "MAGNUS!" I screamed, but it was no use, no one could hear me.

I fumbled with the object in my pocket as they moved the pills closer to their mouths. I finally withdrew it, holding it with steady hands. I had done it a million times before, and now was no different. Except, it somehow was. I was filled with a weird mix of anxiety and anger, knowing Magnus was in danger. I had to do something. Steadying my aim, I pulled the trigger. The gun went off with a loud bang, hitting the man directly in the shoulder near his chest. I ducked away from the window, not wanting Magnus the see me. I peered through the window carefully to see Magnus inspecting the hole he bullet had left in the window, before going back over to the man. I took my opportunity and ran from the building, not wanting to be charged for killing a man.

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

Two minutes later the police finally showed up. I watched from a distance as Simon talked to Magnus. Judging from the eye roll, I could tell Magnus called him by the wrong name again. Magnus started to say something to Simon, but stopped when he saw me. He said something quickly before he left the annoyed Simon. He strutted over to me, smiling slyly. "I was just uh, speaking to Catarina. A-about all that happened." I said quickly.

"Good shot." He murmured.

"Y-yeah it must've been, with that accuracy from that distance." I stuttered, a blush rising to my cheeks.

Magnus chuckled softly before leaning closer to me. I froze, blushing profusely. "I know it was you. But I won't tell anyone. You certainly wouldn't serve time, but I think it's better to avoid the pesky court case." He whispered, adding a wink at the end.

My heart fluttered in my chest as I stared into his amber eyes, torn between wanting to grab him and kiss him, and wanting to turn away. I chose the latter, turning my gaze from his and taking a fraction of a step back. I saw Magnus' smile falter, but only for a second. "Hungry?" Magnus asked.

"Starving." I replied, a smile forming on my face.

Magnus' smile widened again. "Come on, I know a great place. And while we're there, you can grab your cane." He said, grabbing my hand to lead the way.

My face turned completely red, but I let him tug me along. Not at all complaining or caring about who saw. I realized that I had been without my cane this whole time. The limp really was psychosomatic. I caught Magnus smiling at me triumphantly, and I smiled broadly back. "Screw the cane!" I yelled, causing Magnus to throw his head back and start laughing.

I decided from that point on to make Magnus laugh as often as I could, because his laugh was the most beautiful sound I had ever heard.