pathemaooc | Test Drive #1

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Test Drive #1

ARRIVAL: Your character wakes up in a temple completely naked except for the collar around their neck. Near the spot they wake up is a pile of clothing that is NOT what your character was wearing before they woke up. When they unfold the clothing they will find it's a toga and that there's a pair of sandals under it. Too bad, that's all there is. Perhaps your character is curious and leaves the temple or maybe they activate their device (accidentally or on purpose).

TOGA PARTY: Eros thinks that a party is what's needed to welcome everyone! This event is held on the beach in the Second District and everyone is welcome! Just be sure to wear your toga (HAHA)! There are large silk tents that are filled with pillows for characters to lounge on. There's food (think Greek) and lots to drink! Eros wants everyone to have fun and get to know each other! So eat, drink and mingle!!

NETWORK:Everyone is provided with a communication device that gives them access to an island-wide network. These can be used for so many things! Send pictures of the drunk guy at the bar, your boobs or whatever you want!!

WILDCARD: There are forests, mountains, marketplaces, all sorts of places to go and explore on the island. Ideas for settings can be found on the locations pages!

**TDM threads can be used as your sample in your application! It can also be considered in game canon if it is agreed on by all characters involved in said threads.

CODED BY TESSISAMESS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

The snappy reply didn't come as a surprise, but it did manage to make Magnus laugh. "Fair point. You can take care of yourself." That didn't mean Magnus felt any less protective of him, though he didn't think he needed to explain that it was out of deep love rather than any concern about Alec being a liability of any kind. "But something strange is going on and it's probably magical. That makes me the expert in this area."

Sadly, Magnus hadn't been able to locate any chai nearby, and with his power weakened he'd resorted to borrowing what he could manage. The fact that Alec took the cup was a good sign, though, and not intended to do anything other than calm the Shadowhunter—for even if he wasn't Alec, the runes covering his body definitely marked him for what he was. Magnus was relieved when the man followed without too much fuss, not only because he wanted more privacy but also because being out in the open with his demon mark on display made him nervous. He could have managed a glamour, but he didn't know for how long and he had more immediate uses for his limited magic that took priority.

"Taller than you?" he said, stopping suddenly once they were inside a small alcove in a quieter section of the main hall. Turning around, he looked up at Alec like he'd gone mad. He was having increasing difficulty believing that this was Alec, despite the fact that he looked exactly the same. "You're not remembering correctly. Maybe it's an effect of this spell." It was the only option he could imagine; if this man was an imposter using a rune to disguise himself in order to be close to Magnus, there wouldn't have been any point for him to act like he didn't trust him.

Rolling his eyes, he took a careful step closer to Alec. "I don't have any brothers. That I know of, at least," he added, frowning at the thought but pushing it aside for now. Rubbing the pad of each thumb over its neighboring fingertips, he spread them in the air and held both hands towards Alec. "I can prove it. I'll show you the memories," he offered, though he wasn't about to try laying a hand on Alec again while he was still jumpy, especially when he had to conserve his magic.

Even if Magnus was being logical about magical problems being his area of expertise, Alec didn't like being a 'responsibility'. It made him feel too young compared to Magnus' centuries of life experience. He reminded himself that he was supposed to be past those petty emotions, but it still stung in a way that proved that the progress they'd made was still fragile.

At least Magnus was focusing on him instead of turning inward the way he sometimes did when he had a magical problem to solve. Of course he was the magical problem, but that didn't make the tea less important. It was thoughtful, a little detail that was Magnus-like even if the warlock wasn't Alec's boyfriend.

"Magnus is slightly taller than me." Not by much, but enough that the difference had fascinated him when they first met. "Maybe the spell is messing up your memory," he countered, trying not to let his frustration creep into his voice. Why was someone trying to convince him that he was Magnus when Alec knew that he wasn't his boyfriend? "I think after dating for six months I'd remember the basics about Magnus."

Watching the being warily, he didn't move away when the warlock stepped closer. Everything about this seemed wrong but he needed to know what was going on. If he was here, then his Magnus might be as well. He might need Alec's help and he'd be useless if he didn't find out what had happened. No matter how strange and frustrating the situation was, he couldn't let impatience get the better of him.

The detail about Magnus' family was another one of those points that added to his unease. Magnus didn't talk about his father often, but now that Alec knew the secret, he didn't hide it from him anymore. "Yes, you do. Or did," Alec answered softly, not wanting anyone to overhear just in case they accidentally mentioned demon's true name. That wasn't knowledge that Magnus wanted known by anyone but the people he trusted most. "I would not forget how I learned about that."

It still gave him nightmares. So did the Seelie queen's punishment that had fed into all his self-doubts. Even if Alec needed to know what was going on, he wouldn't allow a stranger see his thoughts again. "How can you show me a memory? I'm not letting you into my head."

Edited 2017-03-12 20:14 (UTC)

So far, all of the issues that kept arising seemed like things that they could work around. If Magnus could prove himself, there didn't need to be a problem of height, strange memories, magic, or any of the rest. But that cautious optimism fell away when Alec mentioned the duration of their relationship. "Six months?" he echoed, hands falling down as his eyes widened. Magnus and Alec had definitely not been dating for six months, let alone known each other for that long. Sometimes it felt that way from how quickly their relationship had evolved and all of the things that had happened since he'd been pulled into the world of Shadowhunters and the Institute. His mind raced with the possibilities, either of this Alec being from a point forward in their timeline together or, somehow, a different timeline entirely.

The more information that came from Alec—this Alec, Magnus found himself thinking—the more Magnus felt sure that there was not only a possibility of him being from a different version of his reality but a high probability. It was something most people considered to be fictional or theoretical physics, but those with knowledge of the Downworld knew it was far more concrete than either of those. "Did Clary ever enter the alternate reality the Seelies guard?" he asked suddenly, looking back up at Alec as he pulled himself from this thoughts. If she had, it would be a way to explain his theory; if not, it would further prove it.

Clicking his tongue against his teeth, trying not to allow himself to get hung up on the discussion of his family or how Alec might have come to know about them, he turned away and paced towards the wall before stopping and returning. "Then I'll let you into mine," he said simply, reaching out for Alec's wrists in an attempt to pull his hands towards him. "I won't force anything into you, just share my memories while you watch. Please, Alec," he added in a softer and more vulnerable tone.

"Yes, we've been dating for six. Living together for a month." The words were spoken slowly as he tried to understand Magnus' reaction. It was difficult not to think of him as the person he was dating since he looked so similar, his expressions making Alec want to try to ease whatever hurt he'd accidentally caused. Maybe a a spell tampering with their memories. Or maybe something that was altering their perceptions. It could be like the Seelie Queen's glamour, making them both see things that weren't real, experiencing conflicting emotions for their captor's amusement.

Giving Magnus a confused look, he nodded slowly. "Yes, all of us did. It's where I met your father." It'd been a terrible world that they'd barely escaped. It might not have been so horrible if he hadn't been living in constant fear that Magnus would die before Alec could reach him. It had nearly driven him insane. He would have shattered in that forsaken place if he hadn't had Jace and the others with him.

Watching Magnus, the situation almost felt normal, if he ignored the weirdness of the clothes and being in another reality. He paced the same way the Magnus he knew did while he was trying to find a solution to a magical problem. The movements were the same. The expressions nearly the same, just not as open as they were when his boyfriend looked at him. There was more hurt beneath the surface, Alec realized, which was why he didn't protest when the warlock took his hands. "Okay. As long as you're not going to..." If it was anyone else... he had to trust this person since he seemed to truly believe he was Magnus. "I've had people force things into my mind."

His heart ached to think of having that kind of time with Alec, of six months together that could be an eternity in the uncertain life of a Shadowhunter. Living together, sharing a space and a life, seemed like it was still a dream for Magnus. They had just recently opened up to each other about how deeply they felt, the love they shared, and yet Alec was talking about so much more. It hurt to be told it had happened rather than feeling it, but it also gave him a strange sense of hope for what the future might hold.

Trying to pull his thoughts away from distance edges and focus on the present, Magnus found that he wasn't surprised to hear the difference in Alec's confirmation. All of them had gone, and demons had existed there. It's was nearly opposite of Clary traveling alone into a dimension where demons had been wiped out and Shadowhunters no longer needed. "I think it's possible that you and I are from different realities," he said slowly, as if he didn't fully believe it yet and had to test the concept out for himself. But it would explain the very slight differences in their appearances, the disparity in timelines, and even the different quality of Magnus' magic that Alec seemed to have felt.

His heart ached at the memory of the spell which had fed on Alec's insecurities and pushed him to the point of attempting to take his life. Grip tightening on Alec's wrists, he raised his hands to rest against his neck so that long, strong fingers cupped Magnus' jaw and the back of his head. "I know, darling, and I'd never do something like that to you," he promised, building up what magic he had left inside of him and preparing all the most important memories to share with Alec.

Looking down at warlock, he waited for some reaction. He expected the being to deny Alec's memories but instead he seemed to accept his words. What seemed strange was how sad they seemed to make Magnus. There was something sad and wistful in his eyes that reminded Alec of the way he used to feel about Jace or how he'd felt when he'd looked at photos of Magnus after the breakup. Somehow he'd accidentally hurt him, but Alec didn't know how.

"Different realities," he echoed, considering the idea and realizing it wasn't the weirdest thing that had ever happened. He'd went to a dimension where history had been altered from the one he knew. Another reality was just another version of what had happened there. "So one of us is from the comic canon and the other from the movies?" Pausing, he realized how much he'd sounded like a certain someone. "I knew that spending so much time with Simon was a bad idea." He hadn't been around Simon lately but there'd been enough post-breakup movie marathons to 'cheer him up' that Alec had picked up more comic knowledge than most people expected.

The hands on his wrists felt the same, warm and comforting. He even had the same color of polish that Magnus favored. Settling his hands on Magnus' neck, Alec ignored the strangeness of their posture. He wanted to ask how he knew about the Seelie and the other invasion of his mind, but he knew better than to interrupt a spell. Closing his eyes, he focused on the tingle of energy that always seemed to be present around Magnus and the burnt sugar scent of magic. "I'm ready."

There was no point in denying Alec's memories, not when he so obviously believed in them. They both firmly held that their realities were correct despite how they seemed to clash with each other in every detail they mentioned. But this was Alec, even if it maybe wasn't his Alec, and if they shared one thing in both dimensions then at least it was their relationship and love for one another. That alone made him trust that they could work this out and then, once they were on the same side, they could tackle the fact they were in an unfamiliar place wearing togas of all things. But Alec remained his priority.

Lifting an eyebrow at the analogy, Magnus' face brightened with a smile that felt so good compared to the concern that had begun to etch itself into his brow. To think that Alec had warmed up to Simon enough to pick up something like that was just another glimpse into the surprising warm his boyfriend sometimes hid beneath his warrior exterior. "Something like that, yes. All of the same characters and themes, just through different events or combinations." Which was strange to think about, the other ways that they were different which hadn't been apparent just on the surface. There were the extra runes on Alec's arm, and Magnus' height difference, but otherwise there didn't appear to be any other major changes.

Once Alec said he was prepared for the spell, Magnus closed his eyes and focused on the task. Though magic flowed between him and Alec, he made sure that it didn't feel like anything was pushing against the boundaries of Alec's mind and that the target remained clearly in Magnus' own memories. Once he could feel another presence in his mind, he thought back through all of the major points in their relationship: meeting Alec for the first time, a montage of their repartee of Magnus flirting and Alec denying his interest, Alec opening up to Magnus at one moment and then the sting of rejection the next. Their first kiss, their first date, their first time in bed together. The pride and anxiety Magnus had felt when Alec had asked him to host a party for Max, the fear of losing him during Valentine's attack on the Institute. All of it built to their confession of love after that had just been the day before for Magnus. He barely managed to fit it all in before his magic failed, leaving him weak to the point of losing his balance and leaning heavily against Alec.

Different realities with similar characters. It made sense, in a way that would probably make Alec's head hurt if he tried to puzzle through it. They were Magnus and Alec, just not the ones that the other knew. Different histories but still drawn together from the way Magnus reacted to seeing him.

As soon as he felt Magnus' magic, he knew that there was something slightly different. It was subtle that he probably wouldn't have picked up if they hadn't shared strength so often or if Alec hadn't lived in the same apartment as the High Warlock of Brooklyn. Magnus' magic always seemed to recognize him, welcoming him in a way that said 'home' just as much as small, affectionate gestures they shared now that they were mending their relationship.

Different themes... maybe that was the best way to consider the difference in magic. While his Magnus' magic slid over him whenever he directed it toward Alec, this version was almost sparked along his skin. The way it had when Magnus had healed him months ago.

Even if the memory was of pain and heartbreak, it allowed Alec to relax enough to let Magnus into his mind. Momentarily at least since the first image didn't make sense. Nor the second since Alec had been the one to take the risk, asking Magnus on their first date, never denying his attraction except to hide from his parents and the Clave's scrutiny. He twitched beneath Magnus' hands when he saw a kiss with them both dressed for a wedding. Wedding? Not Jocelyns. Were they were married in the world Magnus was from?

The twitch turned to a shiver and a pained sound when he saw Max. No glasses, but the same face, the same curiosity. The rest was a blur of confusion that he really couldn't absorb since Max was the only thing he could focus on. Max was alive. He was safe. It didn't happen in that world.

Alec felt Magnus' magic slip away, automatically wrapping his arms around Magnus' waist. Pulling him close, he tried to steady him but then realized he was shaking. Pressing his face to Magnus' neck, he let out a shuddering breath. "He's alive in your world."

It was a small comfort at least to know that they both cared for the other; Magnus wasn't sure he'd be able to handle an Alec with no romantic interest in him, given the step they had just taken together in his world. But luckily they didn't have to worry about that hurdle right now, instead focusing on the differences in their dimensions and histories rather than their relationship.

Though Magnus hadn't performed extensive magic on his Alec, he could sense a difference as well. When they had first shared strength to keep Luke alive, Magnus had felt the Shadowhunter's energy flowing through him and mingling with his own magic. It had been intoxicating, and perhaps one of the many reasons he'd been so intrigued by Alec to begin with. Though he was concentrating on keeping away from Alec's energy now, he couldn't help the way his magic lapped at the edges and picked up nuances in its feeling.

The noise Alec made and the grief that suddenly washed over him nearly broke the connection in how it startled Magnus. There had been difficulties in their relationship, and he couldn't keep his sorrow from the memories of the night of Max's party, but he hadn't expected such a reaction from Alec. He managed to hold on to the end, thankful for the strong arms helping him stay upright as he panted for breath. He hadn't been so drained by a spell in a long time, especially one which was normally so simple.

Parting his lips to ask, he stopped when Alec buried his face against his shoulder and spoke first. He wrapped his arms around him tightly, the two of them holding each other up as both threatened to fall. Running his fingers through Alec's hair, he made a soft sound to try and sooth him. At first he'd thought that Alec might have picked up on Magnus' grief from seeing him on the edge of the roof that night, but instead the trigger had been someone else. "Oh Alexander," he said softly, kissing his temple. "I'm so sorry."

There was a world where Max hadn't died. One where he was safe and getting a chance to have the life that had ended so violently back home. One where an Alec hadn't made a mistake that had cost his brother his life and almost gotten Izzy killed as well. "It was my fault." His knees almost buckled as the realization combined with his grief. He'd blamed himself before but this showed how things could have been. In another world, an Alec had protected Max. In his, he'd failed his brother in the worst way.

"I made the wrong choice. I trusted the wrong person and..." His voice was thick with sorrow, nearly choking him as he forced out those words. His fault. If he hadn't trusted Sebastian, if he'd been better, then Max would have lived.

For what felt like hours but he knew that it was only a few minutes, he clung to Magnus, trying to fight past the loss and guilt to focus on what was needed instead of being lost in the past. At least the memories proved that this wasn't a dream created by Magnus' father. If it was, Max would be alive and Alec wouldn't remember his death.

Slowly, he pulled away enough that he could offer Magnus his hand. Alec wasn't sure why the spell had taken so much energy but it had hurt Magnus in some way. "Take my strength. I've done it before."

Magnus held Alec as tightly as he could, providing strength enough for both of them to remain standing. It filled him with anguish to hear the despair in Alec's voice, to hear him blame himself for something that Magnus was confident couldn't be his fault. Alec was so good at caring for others, his compassion making it second nature to take on responsibilities that he had no reason to bear alone. Magnus wished he knew what had happened so he could reassure Alec, but as he was in the dark the words would be meaningless. There was also the fact that, given the disparity in their timelines, there was no way to know whether or not Max wouldn't fall to the same fate in Magnus' world as he had in Alec's. He swore to himself not to even mention such a thing, though, only to try and prevent it if possible. "My poor boy," he said softly, kissing at Alec's temple.

Cursing softly, wishing he could summon something for them to sit on, instead he guided Alec down to his knees so they could slump against the wall. Gathering Alec into his arms, running fingers through his hair and over his neck to sooth him, wishing he knew what to say but at a rare loss for words. Magnus had lost more people than the warlock could count, and so often the condolences from others felt so empty that he wondered if they were worth speaking at all.

His focus so completely centered on Alec, Magnus didn't realize he was shaking as well. All of his limbs felt heavy, like his blood had been replaced with lead that moved through him sluggishly rather than the quick energy he was so used to. He was drained, of magic and strength, but he still looked up at Alec to check that it was really alright, that he trusted this different version of his boyfriend not to take more than Alec could spare. Reaching for his hand, he slotted his fingers between Alec's and raised it to his lips to kiss the knuckles before he began to take what strength he needed. "Thank you," he said, the words a soft gasp as he felt Alec's energy begin to flow through him.

There were nuances that were different between this Magnus and the one that he was desperately grateful for. They were similar enough that Alec could accept the offer of comfort, but he could keep steady enough that he didn't fall apart the way he had when Magnus had whisked him off to some hotel room in Europe so Alec could grieve away from his watchful family.

Even as he struggled out of both his memories and Magnus', he curled protectively around the elder. It had to look ridiculous since now he was the taller one, all strange angles and limbs that didn't quite know how to fit together the way they did with their boyfriends. The thought made him laugh weakly, the sound watery from unshed tears as he found a position that was comfortable for both of them. "Sorry. I'm used to being the shorter one.

"Do you have pet names for him too?" It felt like a safer subject, one that could be discussed without the situation being too awkward. As he spoke, he gently rubbed a hand along Magnus' back, starting to worry about what had been done to the warlock when he'd been brought here. A simple memory spell shouldn't have drained someone as powerful as Magnus. Their captors were limiting Magnus' power somehow but Alec felt fine. Emotionally bruised after seeing Max in the vision, but not weakened.

When Magnus silently asked for permission, Alec nodded. It was obvious that this being loved the Alec from his world. This Magnus was different than what Alec expected, but the important things were still the same. He wouldn't hurt Alec. It would sound crazy to most people, but Alec knew that he was safe. Smiling when Magnus kissed his hand, he was about to speak when he felt the first pull of energy.

His hold on Magnus tightened momentarily, as he felt almost dizzy until the connection steadied between them. "You're welcome. This is different too." Realizing how that might sound, he quickly added, "Not bad different. Your magic feels different than his."

Despite what it may or may not have looked like, Magnus was happy to gather Alec into his arms and against his body without a single thought towards appearances. It felt normal to him, having Alec being taller, but he could tell in the way that he kept shifting that he didn't feel the same way. "Don't apologize," he said, stroking a hand over his face and down to cup the back of his neck. He nearly offered to make himself taller before remembering that he didn't have the strength for that. Hopefully Alec could be comforted by him all the same despite the difference in height.

The question caught him off-guard enough to make him laugh, the sound soft and simply amused. "I do," he admitted, a faint blush spreading over his cheeks, though why he didn't know; telling Alec about the terms of endearment he had for Alec shouldn't have felt like voicing a secret. "Only when we're alone," he added as he leaned back against the wall to rest his head against the cool surface.

Magnus kept a careful tally of how much of Alec's strength he was taking, knowing how easy it would have been to get carried away and drain him. He might have reached a normal level of power if he had, but the thought never once crossed his mind as he cared too deeply for Alec. He took only what he needed, feeling his body calm and the shaking stop as he returned to a less dangerous state. "Does it?" he asked as he carefully broke the connection, not wanting to leave any jagged edges to jar Alec. "Your energy feels different, too. I couldn't really tell until you let me in, but it's there."

It only took a little more manuevering for Alec to figure out how to deal with the height difference. Once he found the right position, he let out an almost imperceptible sigh as he relaxed into the embrace. It wasn't the same, but the gentleness Magnus showed him was. "But I should. It's rude to compare the two of you."

But they would. It was impossible not to, but that didn't mean he shouldn't apologize when those comparisons could be offensive.

Lifting a hand, he almost brushed his fingers over the blush that spread across Magnus' skin, and then realized that he didn't have permission for that intimacy. Instead, he moved his hand to Magnus' back again, rubbing slowly to reassuring them both. "Does he have to hide?" Alec asked, curious since it seemed that the other Alec had made his choices obvious to the world. They'd been married in the memories, or he assumed they were.

The difference in Magnus' magic wasn't obvious. Maybe if he hadn't shared strength with his boyfriend often it wouldn't have no. The first time had been similar to this but Alec had been caught on the sidelines of a battle, frustrated he couldn't fight beside his siblings... then realizing that Magnus was willing to give his life to protect them all. It hadn't been the best situation for either one of them, both exhausted from fighting in their own ways. There had been a confusing clash of wants raging in Alec's head and heart at the time that had made it impossible for him to realize that their energy mingled easily.

This felt turbulent like that moment on the river. Like they both weren't sure how this would work and afraid that the other would somehow be hurt. "Your energy is like his was when we first met. Blue sparks and heat. Like fire sometimes, but only when it had to be."

Chuckling lightly, he moved his hand over Alec's neck and shoulders. The touches were more tentative than they would have normally been, but this was far from a normal situation. On top of the obvious issue of them being from different versions of their world, they were also somewhere unfamiliar, a place where there was something strong enough to limit Magnus' magic. It may have been strange to worry so much about preventing anything that would make this Alec uncomfortable, given their predicament, but he was always a priority to Magnus. "Don't worry, I'm not insecure about my height," he teased lightly, tugging on a piece of Alec's hair. "Though the thought of being taller than you is a little thrilling."

Comparisons were going to come naturally now that they were aware of the differences. It was difficult not to look for them, too, the ways that he might move differently or his expressions. He noticed how Alec nearly touched him and then stopped, trying to stop himself from feeling rejected since he knew that it was probably not intended that way. Shaking his head, he looked at Alec and wondered if he asked because that had been his life. "No, not anymore. Once he'd kissed me in front of the entire Institute, he stopped hiding." It had been an incredibly brave step for Alec to take, even if he'd done it in something of a trance at the time.

It was likely that the differences they felt in each other's energy could partially be contributed to how they clashed, needing to learn how to flow together in ways that Magnus and his Alec hadn't explored. With his strength returning to him, he raised a hand and let harmless blue flames flow through his fingers. "When you first met?" he asked, curious as he watched the reflection of his magic in Alec's eyes. "How is his energy now that you've known him longer?"

Different worlds. Different memories. And different ways that the two of them showed affection. The touches were what Alec expected but the tug on his hair caused him to blink down at Magnus in surprise. He didn't mind it but it was unexpected. "I thought it was a little thrilling when I met him." Alec felt like he should be embarrassed at admitting that to someone who was and wasn't Magnus, but it felt the same as talking to his boyfriend about their first meeting.

"I kissed him in front of every Shadowhunter in Idris. I didn't care what they'd do to me for it. Or what my parents would say." At least he'd told himself that he didn't care. Alec had quit trying to live up to others' expectations but it still hurt that his parents couldn't accept the relationship. Maybe that was why this Magnus only used pet names in private. "You're not at the PDA stage of the relationship yet?"

Watching the flames that ran along Magnus' hand, he tried to find some difference. It was the same ethereal blue of Magnus' magic. Reaching out, he let his fingers hover over the flames. Most beings would think it was a stupid thing to do if they knew how Magnus' stepfather had died, but Alec knew that the fire wouldn't harm him. "We met at a party, but a few days later, he healed me from a mortal wound." Despite how agonizing that night had been, he smiled at the memory. "I asked him out as soon as I could sneak out of the Institute."

Moving his hand lower, he spread his fingers wide so that the flames danced between them. "It's hard to put into words since I've only used magic a few times. It flows like warm water unless he wants me to feel it like electricity." That admission did cause him to flush faintly since he knew that Magnus would figure out why Alec's boyfriend would use his magic that way. "On a good day, it's comfortable. Like curling up together on the couch to watch movies." On a bad day, there was too much blood and he was trying not to freak out that Magnus was going to die if he didn't have Alec's strength to rely on.

"He must be impressive, being taller than you," he said with a tone that was half teasing and half wistful. Magnus honestly had no insecurities about his size—he had enough confidence and charisma to fill a body twice his height—but it was interesting to imagine how their relationship could have changed in minute ways had he been taller.

His hand stilled, eyes widening as he stared at Alec. "Every Shadowhunter?" he repeated in disbelief. His Alec had been incredibly brave to not only stop his own wedding, but to also kiss Magnus as if to explain exactly why he hadn't gone through with marrying Lydia. To think that this Alec had done that on an even bigger scale was nothing short of legendary. Smiling at him in awe, he ran traced a finger over Alec's jaw. "Good to know your distaste for half-assed spans dimensions."

Sucking in a breath at how easily Alec trusted Magnus and his magic, he urged the flames to climb over his fingers and up his arm to trace over the runes there. "Not exactly," he said, watching the magic and the way it played over Alec's skin. "He's not so shy about kissing in public, but it's a recent development." They had kissed on the steps of the Institute after Valentine's attack, but everyone had been so busy rushing around that Magnus hadn't thought anyone had paid attention to them at the time.

"I first saw you—him—in my club," he replied, thinking back to that night and remembering the unexpected flare of attraction he'd had for the Shadowhunter. "I tried flirting and being coy, but he needed a direct approach to understand my interest." It had been frustrating and yet also charming at times given how innocent and unprepared Alec had been for Magnus' advances. His focus returning to Alec as his magic faded, he took his hand and held it tightly. "A few days," he echoed, thinking about how long his Alec had taken to allow himself to feel anything for Magnus. "I was asking him out for weeks before he said yes."

Chuckling at the comment but not pressing, Magnus averted his eyes to focus on their hands. This Alec and his version of Magnus sounded as if they'd already had a lifetime together, something he couldn't help envying. So much had happened in their world lately, and though they'd tried to find as much time for a relationship as possible it was difficult to juggle dating with world-saving. Magnus had hoped that there would be more time for that now that Valentine was in custody, but he'd woken up in this strange place with a different version of Alec. Suddenly sitting up straighter, his expression turned concerned. "He's alone there."

Noticing Magnus' reaction, he couldn't stop himself from smirking. "We were about to fight a demon army. How could facing the Clave be worse than that?" That hadn't been the real reason, but it had been part of it. It would take to long to explain how he'd been too afraid to accept his feelings and Magnus had been afraid that he'd just been Alec's first fling. Later, once they knew more about their current situation, he'd tell him about what had driven him to break a few Laws in front of everyone. "And our interest in sexy, sexy warlocks." Magnus wouldn't understand the comment but Izzy's description of Magnus was correct.

"Being worried about PDA seemed pointless after that kiss and he took me to a few places where being gay wasn't something to hide. It made me realize that I didn't need to hide anymore." Maybe that was why he didn't mind the little touches that this Magnus was giving him, having to force himself not to react the way with his Magnus. "He does save most of the worst pet names for private." Jace would never let him live it down if Magnus called him sweet pea in front of him.

"A party for your cat. We were there because of Clary and I told you that it wasn't your fault who your parents were." Or specifically, who Magnus' father was. It'd take them hours to compare the differences. Which they might not have.

Looking at their joined hands, it wasn't as obvious that there were differences. The rings were different, missing the topaz that had become the only one he wore regularly because it matched Alec's eyes. He was about to speak when Magnus tensed. His fingers tightened around Magnus' even as he started scanning the area for a threat.

Then Magnus' realization settled over Alec. His Magnus was alone. He could be hurt. His father could... No. He trusted Magnus to protect himself. Alec wouldn't allow himself to panic until there was a reason to. "If he's there. He could be here. So could Magnus."

"Still," he pressed, resting a hand on Alec's shoulder and rubbing his thumb against the side of his neck, "You're both incredibly brave in more ways that one." It was something that inspired Magnus, both to work hard at their relationship and to fight for the safety of the Downworld rather than just hiding away with his fellow warlocks. He felt proud of Alec and how he'd grown to accept himself, and it seemed to be another similarity across dimensions which was reassuring in itself. To be able to touch him like this outside of the privacy of his loft, or occasionally Alec's room at the Institute, was a luxury even if they were mostly alone in their little alcove. "I'll continue to hold back, then," he said with a bright laugh.

Sobering at the mention of his parents, Magnus looked down at where his hand held Alec's. It was something he hadn't discussed with his Alec, not completely, though explaining his mother's death to Simon and Clary had led to him to telling Alec as well; it hadn't seemed right to keep his boyfriend in the dark while sharing information with others. He wanted Alec to know, but at the same time it scared him to think how it might lead to Magnus losing him.

The thought that his Alec, and the other Magnus, were both somewhere nearby made Magnus feel surprisingly ashamed. He had so easily fallen into Alec's arms that he hadn't considered the repercussions. Was this cheating? It was a strange thing to contemplate, but they didn't necessarily have the time for it. Gathering his legs beneath him, he stood up and pulled Alec with him. "We need to find out where we are and why. I don't suppose you have any weapons with you?"

"He's still in the 'freaking out over finally being out of the closet' stage?" He didn't mean it to be hurtful. He was curious about how the other Alec reacted. At times he'd been afraid to be out with Magnus, terrified of what others would say. Then he'd realized it didn't matter what others said as long as his siblings supported him. "If we're similar, he'll get over it soon."

He hoped, at least. This Magnus didn't deserve to go through what his had. The thought still caused guilt to clench in his stomach but they had been working it out.

Noticing Magnus' reaction to the comment about his parents, he pulled their joined hands close so he could kiss Magnus' knuckles. Belatedly, Alec realized he wasn't the one who had the right to give that kind of affection, but decided apologizing would make it seem like he was rejecting him. "You didn't choose your father and you didn't choose to be a warlock. None of what happened when you were a child was your fault. He'll understand that too."

If that Alec didn't, he didn't deserve to be with Magnus.

Moving with Magnus, he scanned the area, considering how little information they had. He'd picked up a few, confusing details of the situation but not enough for Alec to understand where they were or how they'd gotten there. Unfortunately, Magnus didn't have his magic and Alec didn't have weapons or a stele. Not that it'd matter if their captors had his Magnus somewhere. He'd find a way to free him.

Shaking his head, he gave Magnus an odd, almost feral smile. "I don't, but anythings a weapon if you have the right motivation."

"Not exactly," he said, shaking his head as he began to formulate the response in his head. "He's private, but it's not out of anything negative now," he started, finding it strange to be analyzing Alec to himself. And yet, with the differences established and both of them firmly aware of the disparities in their timelines, it was almost like discussing Alec with a twin brother. That was a strange thought for another time when he was alone and better equipped to dwell on it. "It's sort of that traditional thought that certain aspects of a relationship are meant to be shared by those in said relationship. He's still shy when it comes to discussing sex, but he stands up to his mother to defend what we have. It's all very sweet."

Watching as Alec raised his hand towards him, Magnus melted at the soft brush of lips over the back of his hand. It spoke of an intimacy that was built up over time, and he wondered if he'd ever get a chance to peek into Alec's memories to see what they shared in another world. "That's still a long ways off," he said, clearing his throat and forcing himself to think about the present. For an immortal, it was just as easy to obsess over the future as it was to dwell on the past.

That smile sent a chill through Magnus but he found that he rather enjoyed it. Competency was sexy, after all, and Alec was the best fighter that Magnus knew despite all of the praise his siblings received. "Remind me never to piss you off," he said with a smirk, reaching for Alec's hand and lacing their fingers together. "Shall we?"

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Test Drive #1

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