Something tells me that I should no longer ignore Raphael's calls. They always worry about me. Andrew more than Raphael. And since my trip to Vegas and the subsequent consequences anyway. But they have nothing to worry about. I'm already involuntarily married. I can't get another husband because polygamy is illegal in New York State. It is also illegal in all other American states except Utah. There, this fact is knowingly ignored. I stop short and have the image of Alec and another guy in front of me. They are both wearing black dinner jackets with bow ties and together we are standing in front of Elvis again who is marrying us. The three of us. And in the background I hear more men whispering. It doesn't stop and just the idea of marrying another man drunk drives me crazy.

I surrender to my fate and Raphael's telling me off.

"Hello Rapha. How are you?", I ask him cheerfully after my thumb has flitted over the green flashing symbol after all. My childish behaviour doesn't do anyone any good. And basically nothing has happened. That's what I've been telling myself for four days now every time Alec comes home and his gaze automatically wanders to the sofa. No matter whether I'm sitting there or not. So why should I avoid talking to Raphael then.

"I'm fine. But you seem to have lost the ability to speak or had both your arms amputated. Oh wait, you got bitten by a giant gay monster super spider and since then you can only leave the house at night and have to protect the city from villains with clown masks. Of course, there's no time to call your best friend back." Raphael's sarcasm is boundless. Unfortunately, so are his references to various superhero films that he regularly watches with Andrew. I'm sure they wear their Halloween costumes outside of this day. I recognise Batman in his words. But what the gay spider is about I don't know.

"I've been busy", I reply curtly.

"That's no reason to ignore us. Andrew has been worried. You know what he's like. And after reading your article, our need to talk was already very high."

"You read my article?", I ask the question to which I already know the answer. You read all my articles.

"Of course. You know that. We read all your articles." I say.

"So, what's your opinion of the book? Have you read it?" Raphael reads almost everything I review. And we often get into an argument about the plot or writing style. We don't always agree. But that's fine the way it is. It doesn't change our unconditional friendship.

"No. After your rather sobering review, it doesn't end up on my wish list." My diversionary tactic is working brilliantly.

"And don't Andrew give me that book for Christmas. Stop him. Find him something else, please. Drama would be nice again." I add his wish to my imaginary list.

"And I've already noticed your attempt at distraction. What's going on Magnus? Why are you hiding?" The only problem with our long intimate friendship is that Raphael sees through me quickly. If he were standing in front of me now, he would have already read all the details of my night with Alec on my face. I don't know how he does it. But he can.

I clear my throat and run a hand through my hair. I can see Raphael's furrowed brow and drawn-together eyebrows clearly in front of me.

"How are things with Alex? Any problems?"

"Alec. His name is Alec", I say with a sigh.

"Alright. Alec." The ending is given extra emphasis and just then I curse his life as an educator.

"I'm waiting", says Raphael admonishingly.

"You're catching me at an awkward moment. It's my boss's annual barbecue today. You know, steaks for the men and salads for the women."

"Yes, yes, beer and cocktails. I've been there with you before. Get to the point Bane. Oh wait, Lightwood. We'll talk about that in a minute." So that's where the wind is blowing from.

"Sweetie I'm late. The plan was for me to go to this event with Alec. But he's late, still has the wardrobe problem. It keeps him very busy, every night he tosses and turns restlessly on the sofa and I hear him muttering softly. As you know, I like to work at night and since Alec gets up every day when others go to bed first, this has of course not escaped me. Not to mention his telltale circles under his eyes." While I'm rambling these things to Raphael, I sort through the notes for my next article and shut down my laptop. Of course, it's not Alec's fault that I'm late. He got back to me in time and apologised for being late. I sent him the address and delved back into my current reading. In contrast to the previous book, this one is mega exciting and I wonder when Myles will finally realise that Glenn is the love of his life. It's been a long time since I've been as captivated by a book as I am by this one and the title 'Burning Love' really does apply. I will probably exceed my weekly word count by far. I keep making notes for my review. I forgot about the time and now I'm stressed.

"Magnus wait, I don't follow you anymore. Wardrobe?", asks Raphael, confused.

"Yes. Built-in wardrobe. Lots of angles. Little corners. Very difficult."

"Okay. Why is Alec sleeping on the sofa and not you?" That's a fair question. And a simple answer.

"Because Alec doesn't want to. He feels like an intruder and doesn't want to take over my bedroom too. It's only a temporary marriage, after all. We'll be divorced again in eleven months." Approving grumble from Raphael and then silence. Silence with Raphael is never good.

"Now tell me," I prompt him and it promptly pours out of him.

"Dude are you still in your right mind? Why are you writing Magnus Lightwood under your article? Are you so keen that everyone knows you got married? And what about Julian? Have you thought about him? Don't get me wrong, I don't like what he did either. But if he finds out, you'll break his heart."

Hastily, I rush out of the house and throw myself into the taxi I've ordered. I let Raphael's tirade wash over me, telling the driver the address on the side and trying to fasten the seatbelt. Not as easy with one hand as you might think.

"Fuck. This is a fuck.", I mutter and Raphael falls silent. "Sorry. I'm in the taxi trying to fasten the seatbelt. But I was listening to you. It's like this now. The peronal department knew anyway. I didn't give it much thought at all."

"Your husband must be suffering from hellish back pain. Your sofa is not fit to sleep on. One night was enough for me." Six months ago, my two best friends had a disagreement. It wasn't long before the longing for each other was stronger than the resentment. Neither of them holds grudges, fortunately for their relationship.

"I already took care of his maltreated body. Alec was very grateful", I say unconcernedly.

"I see." And regret it the next moment. "You had sex", says Raphael and I swallow dryly.