"Aiming for your target is simple. It's hitting the target that's the hardest part." The arrow that was notched on Alec's bow was released. It hit the middle of the target with a thump. "Want to try? It's actually really easy."

Magnus raised a dismissive hand. "I don't do well with weapons. My magic is my weapon of choice. Although you do make it look really simple. And not to mention incredibly sexy."

Alec smiled crookedly as he blushed. "Stop it. You're going to make me lose my concentration."

He nocked another arrow on his bowstring and pulled it back, pointing the arrow at his target. He looked so deep in concentration that Magnus almost wanted to do something to break him out of it. This was a golden opportunity that he had to take. Alec's butt was just feet away from him....

With a smirk, Magnus reached over and pinched Alec's bottom. The Shadowhunter yelped in surprise and his arrow went flying towards the ceiling where it lodged itself in the wooden roof.

"What was that for?!" Alec rubbed the spot where Magnus pinched him with a hand.

"Sorry. Couldn't resist," Magnus shrugged. "When your boyfriend has a great looking ass, one can't help but reach over and pinch it."

"Yeah well....you can do what you want with it after I'm finished with training. Now isn't the right time for that," Alec began to reach for another arrow when he paused, looking up at Magnus. "Come here. It's time you learn how to use a weapon instead of magic for once."

When Alec reached out to pull Magnus by the sleeve, the warlock backed away. "I told you I was bad with weapons. You can't trust me with one. Plus of all weapons you want to start me off with, you chose a bow? Seriously?"

"I know it's not everyone's favorite but I promise you, it's really simple to use. I'll even show you how," Alec handed Magnus the bow. His arm just hung in midair as he waited for Magnus to take it from him. "Come on. Just try it one time and I won't bother you anymore."

Magnus glanced down at the bow. "I'm going to hurt someone."

"I won't let that happen. Besides," Alec pulled his best puppy eyes on Magnus knowing it would work on him, "you're hurting my feelings."

Magnus rolled his eyes. "I hate when you pull the puppy dog eyes on me. It's distracting."

"But it works," Alec laughed. "Now come. Stand here where I am right now. The key is to not completely face your target. Kind of stand sideways."

Magnus did what he was told. "Like this?"

Alec smiled. "Perfect. What hand are you comfortable with to hold the bow and pull the string back with the other?"

"Uh...." Magnus held it both ways just to test it out. "My left hand will hold it. My right will notch it back."

"Perfect. That's how I hold it too." Alec reached behind him to grab an arrow from his quiver. "Notch it on the string like this," he connected the feathered part of the arrow back on the string, "and rest the arrowhead on that little part there."

Magnus notched it. "Okay. It's notched. Now what?"

Alec came up behind Magnus and gently with his hands, lift Magnus' arms and positioned them so that the bow was raised and aimed at the target. "Aim for what you're planning to hit and slowly pull the bowstring back. Let this part be level with your chin."

As Alec adjusted the bow to the proper stance, his fingers ever so lightly brushed across Magnus' skin, causing him to shiver. He nearly broke his stance when Alec's thumb traced his chin and the stubble on his jaw. The Shadowhunter was standing sk close behind him; he could feel Alec's heat coming off his body and feel his hot breath against his ear as he spoke.

"Alec," Magnus whispered.

"What?" Alec's deep voice whispered back in his ear.

"I-" Magnus closed his eyes. "I don't think I can do this."

Alec was silent for a moment. "Why not?"

Magnus loosened the notched arrow without releasing it from the string. "I can't do this because you're standing so close next to me and all I want to do and take your clothes off and kiss every part of you. Your breath is hot in my ear and the only thing I can imagine is you panting hard and heavy in our bed. And every time your skin touches mine I either feel like I'm on fire or my skin is electrified. I can't concentrate. It's impossible."

Alec's eyes had grown dark and his brow had furrowed as he looked everywhere on Magnus' face. "I feel the same way. Except I concentrate better when you're around. Everything is enhanced. My senses, my concentration. Everything. Why isn't it the same with you?"

Shrugging, Magnus twirled the bow around in his hand. "I don't know. I guess I'm just not used to not being in control. I'm sure that's something you understand all too well."

"You have no idea," Alec held his hands behind his back and sighed. "You don't have to do this is you don't want to. It's not like you'll ever need to use a bow anyway. Let's just head home. Call it a day."

Magnus looked over at the target on the other side of the room. "No. Not until I get this right."

Alec's eyes widened. "You're going to try and hit the target?"

"What? You don't think I can?" Magnus raised the bow again. "Watch me. I'll slice right through yours like Robin Hood."

With a low chuckle and with a gentle finger, Alec raised Magnus' left arm (the one that was holding the bow in place) up an inch or two and lowered his right elbow down. "Ready when you are."

Magnus took a deep breath and pulled the bowstring back like he'd seen Alec do hundreds of times before. He found it easier if he glared down the middle of the target and imagined hitting the bullseye, hoping it'd work.

"Here goes nothing," he whispered and he released the arrow. It had landed just a few inches shy from the bullseye. "Look! I almost had it! Did you see how close it was?!"

Alec beamed. "Good job! You actually did a lot better than me when I first started using the bow. I didn't even hit the board at all."

"I'm sure you tried your best, handsome," Magnus leaned up and pecked Alec on the lips. "Not bad for my first try though, huh? Are you impressed? Because you look very impressed."

"I'm concerned, actually. If the Clave see how handy you are with a bow, I might just lose my place here at the Insititute-" Alec laughed as Magnus shoved him in annoyance. "I'm kidding! Yes, I'm very impressed. And very proud. I'm glad you decided to give it a try after all. You made my heart happy."

"Oh shut up," Magnus chuckled as he let himself be nuzzled in the neck. "Can we go home now? All this archery is making me tired and hungry."

Alec kissed the warlock's neck and inhaled deeply. "Of course. Maybe we can discuss and arrange some archery lessons from a pro?"

Magnus snorted. "Let me guess. You're the pro?" He laughed as Alec smiled broadly. "We'll see, Alexander. Let's talk about this another time."

"Okay," Alec nodded. "It's too bad you didn't hit the bullseye though. That would've been something, hitting it on your first try."

Magnus reached down and entwined his fingers through Alec's. "I hit the bullseye when I met you," he smiled as Alec blushed a deep red. "You're even red like a target. You should see your face-"

"Shut up," Alec giggled, which sounded strange coming from a 6'3 deadly warrior. "How long have you been waiting to use that line?"

"Oh, since I laid eyes on you. Now seemed like the perfect opportunity so why not use it?" He smiled as Alec rolled his eyes. "Come on. Let's go home. There's another arrow I'd really like to get my hands on, if you know what I mean....."