Alec unconsciously chewed on his lip while looking at the bill in his hands. They had just finished their meals and Erik had brought the bill so that they could pay. Or Alec could pay. Because he had insisted on it. He sighed.

It was actually payable, even for him, though he´d might have to skip some meals the next few days, still. But he could have sworn that the wine he had ordered was more expensive. He had insisted on the best (well, second best) wine because he wanted something special for today.

He looked up at Magnus, who looked back at him, his expression very innocent. Wait – when was Magnus ever innocent?

Alec narrowed his eyes as he handed the money to Erik, the waiter, with the common tip he didn´t deserve. He was hundred percent sure that Magnus paid a part of the price by himself when he hadn´t noticed, so that Alec didn´t have to go bust for him.

„Something wrong, Alec?" Magnus asked him.

„Uh, no. it´s just... you know, it was cheaper than I thought." He answered, watching the warlock closely. „Huh." Magnus said. „But that´s good, isn´t it?" The way he grinned gave him away.

„I know what you did, Bane." he said. Magnus´ eyebrows shot up, disappearing into his hairline.

„Is that so?" Alec nodded. „I know that our meal was supposed to be way more expensive."

Magnus shrugged. „I guess Luigi made us a special price for a friend."

„Magnus!"

„Come on, Alec. I told you how I overcharge the nephilim. Let´s say you are my redress."

„You never overcharged us." Alec pointed out.

It was true. Neither had he asserted payment for healing Alec, nor for his help in the battle against Valentine or any other favour he had done them.

Magnus´ grin turned into his typical smirk that had made Alec go crazy on their first encounter at the party. It still did.

„Oh, that was a special exception. The Lightwoods happen to have a very handsome blue-eyed son – and you know I can´t resist those eyes."

Alec, who tried to ignore the fact that his cheeks warmed up at those words, chuckled. „So, you´re saying that I sell my body for your services?" he asked.

Magnus seemed to ponder about that intensively. „Not only your body." he said eventually. „I learned that you have more qualities than that impressive sixpack of yours."

Alec frowned. „Good to know." he said.
Magnus leaned forward, so that his forehead almost touched Alec´s temple. „You want me to elaborate?" His breath tickled at Alec´s skin deliciously.

Alec looked around cautiously. They were still at the restaurant, and although they were in the less frequented part of it, there were still people watching them. „No." Alec said.

He cleared his throat. „Maybe at home." he added causing Magnus to laugh. „Alright, then, let´s go."

It was strange how fast Alec had gotten used to the fact that he had moved in with Magnus. He was still filled with that immense feeling of excitement whenever he thought about it. He shared an apartment with his boyfriend. And they called it their home, like it hadn´t ever been different.

„Oh, Magnus, you´re leaving?" The voice of Luigi stopped them, before they could step out of the restaurant. „Yes." Magnus said. „The dinner was really good, Luigi. Thank you."

„I´m glad to hear that." Luigi said. „Then, have a nice evening, boys. It´s always a pleasure to meet you." Alec wasn´t sure if that last bit was involving him too.

Erik, however, didn´t seem too pleased about the idea of seeing them again, judging by the unhealthy shade of green his face turned into. Alec laughed in his sleeve.

A breeze of fresh air greeted them as they stepped outside. Alec welcomed it gratefully. It hadn´t been muggy excactly inside the restaurant but Alec preferred the freshness of real wind over air-conditioning. The weather was chilly and it wasn´t dark yet. The sun took its time to go down, giving the couple the extraordinary view of a sunset, showing the typically beautiful colours from red to orange to gold. Alec wasn´t the kitschy kind of guy, but he had to admit watching a sunset together with his boyfriend was romantic. Though he´d always deny it in front of Jace.

„So, what do we do now?" Magnus asked.

Alec glanced at his boyfriend who was standing next to him. His eyes were still focused on the view in front of them, seemingly admiring it as well.

Alec smiled. „Well, if we don´t want to relive our first date precisely, I´d suggest we go home. If we do, we´ll have to find a werewolf, make it go wild and tame it afterwards."

Magnus threw his head back and laughed. Alec joined in.

„No, I guess we´ll skip that part." Magnus responded. „But we can walk home, it´s a very nice evening." Alec agreed.

It was slowly beginning to warm up in New York and he loved this time of the year. It was the time, when spring wasn´t yet over, but summer was about to start.

It was a long way back to their loft, but, just like last time they´d visited the Ethiopian, they enjoyed the walk.

When they arrived at their home they were greeted by the Chairman jumping into Alec´s arms.

„Whoa, careful!" Alec exclaimed surprised.

„Didn´t you say you fed our cat?" Magnus asked, frowning. „Yes." Alec said. „You gave me enough time to do so, when you took your time in the bathroom." Magnus slapped his arm playfully. „Hey, hey. I´m just dressing up for you!"

„No you don´t." Alec said and Magnus grinned. „No, you´re right, I don´t." he confessed. „I´m doing this to brighten up the world with my awesomeness." Alec laughed mockingly. „Sure." he said. „And we all thank you for your sacrifice." He put the Chairman to the ground. The cat instantly ran off to the living room. Weird cat, Alec thought.

„You know, that´s something Jace could have said, too." he mused. Partly because it was true, and partly because he wanted to annoy Magnus for a bit. Magnus groaned. „Aaghh! Don´t compare me to that wonder boy!" Alec chuckled.

He didn´t quite understand the relation between his parabatai and his boyfriend. They were constantly arguing, but Alec was sure they cared about each other like true friends. It was that kind of confusing friendship Jace shared with Simon, too. Dislike on the surface, but affection underneath.

„So... what do we do the rest of your day off?", Magnus asked, coming closer to the shadowhunter.

„I´d have some ideas that will make you long for more." he said, wrapping an arm around Alec and putting their foreheads together. Now they were staring each other directly in the eyes.

Alec licked his lip. „Show me." Was all he said, before he crossed the remaining distance to kiss his boyfriend.

And once more Alec would find out how right his warlock boyfriend was.