arrowbythebooks:

If he didn’t have enough self control, he probably could have broken down then and there in the middle of the street. But he didn’t, just sucked in a shaky breath to try and steady himself and his voice before he answered the questions. “Sorry.” He breathed softly.

He’d always planned on finding Alec again but not like this. And not when he wasn’t ready to face what happened. A hand lifted to rub the back of his neck as a weak smile was forced onto his lips.

“Insomnia. I’m fine, thank you.”

“No need to apologize. I’m sure Alexander is a pretty common name, it’s why I don’t go by it.” He shrugged his shoulders awkwardly, not entirely sure what else to say.

No, Alec didn’t recognize him, not really. But there was something oddly familiar about this man and it bothered him. That feeling of missing something came back and Alec frowned, rubbing his neck where one of his many tattoos rested on his skin.

“I know the feeling.” This conversation was becoming uncomfortable for him, “So uh, you got a name?”

“Right. Of course.” He nodded, chewing on the inside of his cheek as he stared at Alec. He wanted to explain it all to him but then again, why should he? Wasn’t Alec better off, safer without being involved in the supernatural?

“Magnus Bane. Sorry, I should probably let you– let you carry on with whatever you were doing.”

This wasn’t Magnus; sheepish and stuttering. He was not the one who would fumble for words, he was the one who was smooth with words.