Magnus closed the door with a sigh, as Jace and Izzy, the last of the evening's guests, headed back to the Institute. To say he was exhausted would have been the understatement of the year. It was more than physical weariness that plagued him though; his soul was burdened and weary. Thoughts and feelings that had remained buried for decades came rushing back when he saw Alexander standing on that ledge. He remembered all too well the hopelessness and self-hatred that pushed him to the edge all those years ago. To know that his love was now experiencing those same emotions was gut-wrenching.
Magnus made his way into his living room, finding it in total disarray, which served as a fitting visual representation of the chaos reflected in his current mental state. He wanted, no needed, to comfort Alexander, to ground him, to be there for him. But he felt completely inadequate to do so. Magnus knew he should seek out his beloved to be a rock for him, but it was all too much. Overwhelmed by the demons of his past and concern for Alec's well-being, he collapsed onto the sofa and dropped his head into his hands, choking down soft sobs.
He sat like for this for some time, until he felt Alec sit down beside him, wrapping his long arms around Magnus' waist, pulling the older man into his lap and resting his chin gently on his shoulder. Neither of them said a word as Alec pressed tender kisses to Magnus' neck, and Magnus took Alec's hands in his, intertwining their fingers. Both knew they would have to discuss the events that had transpired tonight, but that could wait. For now, they found solace in the warmth of their bodies, together.
After several minutes had passed, Magnus turned in Alec's lap so that he could see his boyfriend, and was saddened, but not surprised to see tears filling his beautiful hazel eyes. Untangling their hands, and placing them behind Alec's neck, he pulled their faces close, finding comfort in the feel of Alec's warm breath on his cheek.
Finding his voice, he whispered reverently, "I love you, Alexander. You are my world."
Alec was overwhelmed by his feelings for this incredible man, he thanked the angel that he was allowed to love and be loved by him. Choked by emotion he felt powerless to form a coherent response, so instead, he wrapped his arms tighter around his lover and closed the distance between their lips. Hoping that in his kiss, Magnus would hear the words Alec could not convey.
This kiss did not carry the passion and intensity of their first kiss, nor the shy excitement of kiss after their first date. No, this kiss was about love and comfort. It was soft and warm, familiar. After a few long minutes, they broke the kiss, only slightly, breathing in one another, lips mere inches apart. They stayed like this for a while, staring into one another's eyes, finding love and acceptance reflected back.
Magnus knew they would be okay. He didn't know when or how, but they would be okay, he was sure of it. He would give everything for this man, and as he looked into Alec's eyes he knew Alec would do the same for him. For the first time since seeing Alec on that ledge, Magnus felt like he could breathe again. He scooted down in Alec's lap and laid his head on his chest, comforted by the steady thrum of his heartbeat. Alec looked down fondly at his boyfriend pressing one final kiss to his forehead, before closing his eyes and letting sleep claim him.
They were going to be okay.
