Disclaimer:
I do not own anything here aside from some OCs. #Saveshadowhunters!
Story so far:
Alec and Magnus went to a store that the Warlock knew. But apparently the owner of the store was not happy to see a Shadowhunter. What was that about? And what was Tessa really doing there? She had claimed that she was having a vacation but knowing her, Magnus did not believe her. Could she be hiding something from him? They both could only hope that the rest of their vacation would go smoothly... but if it did, where would be the fun in that?
DAY 3
(Part 1)
"Ughh..." Magnus groaned.
He looked beside him and saw a very familiar back that is full of runes. He couldn't suppress a small smile. He couldn't believe that he would be so lucky to have an angel sleeping there next to him - a half demon; a son of a Prince of Hell. He quietly moved away from the covers, careful not to wake up his lover.
But before he could get away, a pair of strong arms wrapped itself around Magnus' waist and pulled him back into the bed and into a familiar chest. Magnus looked at the sleepy eyes of his Shadowhunter and kisses his lips and the other reciprocated the act. Alec started to move his hands all over the Warlock's back which caused the man to shiver at the electric feeling.
" 'morning..." Alec whispered softly.
"Good morning to you too, Alexander."
They both cuddled for a few more minutes before finally deciding that it was about time that they got up to eat breakfast. Magnus prepared the scrambled eggs and toast while Alec made them coffee. They both sat down and ate the food while planning the next agenda for the day.
"I was planning that we go to another island," Magnus proposed as he finished the last of his toast.
Alec looked interested at the statement, "Where exactly do you plan to take me?"
"It's actually a country that is made of hundreds and hundreds of islands," Magnus explained. "I've been there but only for a few times in the past. They were at war during that time and I haven't stepped foot in that country since."
Alec nodded, "I think I've heard of a country like that... it's Asian, right?"
"It's called the Philippines."
"So what clothes should I wear for our trip?" Alec asked while looking at his wardrobe.
He hasn't been there but according to his research, it is a tropical place where there were only two seasons: wet (rainy) and dry (sunny). He looks at the Warlock and saw him picking out some skinny dark brown jeans and a plain magenta shirt which read 'I'm Wild, Young, and Free'.
'Wild and Free, sure. But young?' Alec laughed on the inside.
Magnus caught his boyfriend trying to hide it but he saw right through the mask. He pouted, "Judging by your staring, I'm guessing you have something to say about my shirt?"
Alec immediately shook his head 'No', not wanting to face an irritated Magnus so he decided to just copy his lover's attire style. He took out a familiar loose black ripped jeans and a plain light-blue rolled-up sleeved shirt. Magnus examined the choose of clothing and gave his approval. The Shadowhunter went to the bathroom to take a quick shower before emerging out to the bedroom with only a towel wrapped around his waist. His boyfriend was sitting there on the edge of the bed with a leg over the other with an analyzing look on his face.
"What?" Alec asked confused.
Magnus smiled, "I like the view." He stood up and went closer to the Shadowhunter like a predator. He leaned in and whispered, "You look so delectable right now."
Alec nervously stepped back until his back hit the wall as he saw the Warlock licking his lips seductively at him. Magnus grinned as he pinned the other person despite being physically weaker and smaller than his lover. It was obvious who had the upper hand and they both knew that if this did went on, they were both not going to go out of that room for a long time.
Magnus pecked the other's lips before stepping away from the nervous Shadowhunter, "As much as I want to, we do have some plans already."
The Shadowhunter sighed thankful but at the same time was a bit frustrated at the result. He felt himself a little pent up below but he let it go. He watched Magnus walk out the door while telling him to hurry because it seems that they have reservations in a restaurant. Alec did as he was told and wore his attire. He met up with Magnus who was waiting in the living area, ready to make a portal.
"You ready?" Magnus asked.
Alec nodded, "I think so."
"Then let's go."
"What is this?!"
Magnus could see the curious looks that his lover was having as they walked around the streets of the capital - Manila. Alec would ask every now and then and Magnus would answer all of his questions. There were some that he also didn't know so he mentally took note to ask somebody who was familiar with the country. They decided to go to a park first so they rode a public transportation called a 'jeep'.
There were no problems on locating the said place. They just used a map and a tour guide brochure to know what places they should go and visit. When they got there, they both saw a sort of large-sized container of water that has some structure of a kind in the middle of it.
"Magnus?" he looked at the Warlock for answers.
Magnus took a step forward, analyzing the structure and smiled. "I think this is a gigantic map of the country," he answered then explained further to his lover.
They both continued to walk around until they both sat at a nearby bench. Alec was holding a bottled water while Magnus was drinking his juice. They bought it at a nearby street vendor. The Shadowhunter was still getting used to Magnus not using magic to just get the drinks but to actually pay for it in this country's currency. And when he asked the Warlock on how he got the money, Magnus just told him that he used his own and had it converted weeks before they came here.
"There is something that's bothering me," Alec admitted out of the blue.
This caught Magnus' attention. He became worried a little that the other would be uncomfortable in some way. His goal was to make the other relaxed because of the tense build up from all the work and responsibilities. Alec saw the worried eyes of his lover and immediately followed up his statement.
"What I meant was, I felt some stares from other people for a while now."
"Probably because we're to men who are together?" Magnus answered, who also just realized that there were people looking at them ever since they got here. None of them were hostile so that was good.
"I dunno..." Alec grabbed Magnus' hand. "But I don't mind."
Magnus leaned on Alec's shoulder for comfort. People passed by, some were even staring. But it didn't bother them anymore. It was like there was only the both of them there in the park. A soft growl was heard and Alec blushed a bit. Magnus laughed as he stood up and offered a hand to his boyfriend.
"Let's go eat."
The rest of the day went pretty smooth from that point on.
Alec couldn't remember the last time that he was able to relax and tour a place without being so tense of demon attacks. For some reason there have been no demons in sight. Back home those small buggers was seen in almost every alley. Maybe because he could sense powerful magic that no small weaker demons would want to walk around and attacking the mundanes living there.
"I think these wards were placed by the new High Warlock of Manila," Magnus shared as he took a bite off a banana snack called 'turon'.
He has always been fascinated by the different native foods of each country. He found them interesting because as a person who has lived for hundreds of years, he has tasted a lot. And besides, aside from being able to taste other food, he could tell a little bit history from it.
Magnus and Alec ate at a local restaurant. They bought a lot of different foods to taste. Magnus in particular liked the soup dish 'sinigang' while Alec favored the 'tinola' dish. They shared their food with each other to taste as much as they can while they were still there. After eating, Magnus gave Alec some choices on where to go next. Alec chose to go to 'Intramuros' a famous place in Manila that held a lot of its history while under another country.
"Hi! You're not from around here, are you?" a sudden voice from behind said.
The duo saw a tall chubby-ish woman with long black hair that was tied into a ponytail. Despite her side bangs, they could see a dark chocolate brown shade of eyes. She wore a black blouse with simple jeans and brown leather boots. Judging from her attire, she looked like a local but at the same time, there was something off about her.
Alec, being a trained Shadowhunter prepared to reach for his blades. Magnus, on the other hand, was just standing there analyzing her. She looked somehow familiar but he could not place his finger on it. Nobody moved as they all waited for someone to break the thin ice.
The woman sensed their caution and raised her hand, showing that she was not going to hurt them. "Easy now. Is that how you greet your old acquaintances, Magnus?"
The Shadowhunter immediately looked at his lover who had wide eyes. Apparently he did not recognize the woman, at least at first glance. 'How come Magnus knows so many people in different places?' Alec thought to himself.
Alec knew the answer deep down but just chose to ignore it since yesterday's encounter at the store. Magnus was old. He has lived for hundreds of years. He didn't know exactly how old the other was because every time he asked, the answer was always different. The first answer was 800, then when he was asked again he said that he was 300. And then when other people didn't trust his words, he said something about 400 years of being alive.
The Shadowhunter knew that there would still be secrets between them. He knew that. He chose to accept it. But Magnus was afraid that these secrets would burn through them again like last time. Alec could still remember the incident of when he discovered that chest that contained mementos of the Warlock's past lovers - lovers that has died since they were all from mortals.
So Magnus did his best to open up to Alec which he was really thankful about. But Alec decided to always wait for the Warlock to be more comfortable before sharing. He promised that he would wait as long as he still could hear about them.
But Magnus has already prepared a book for him. His glitter-loving man had named it 'The Bane Chronicles' in dedication to all the adventures and some secrets he is willing to give to Alec at that time. Magnus never wanted to experience the pain of choosing to lie or to tell the truth; to choose between duty and heart.
He was back to position because of Lorenzo's retirement. He was proven to not cooperate when Magnus asked for his help. And based on Warlock law, as the High Warlock of Brooklyn, Lorenzo should have helped. But since he didn't because of a baseless accusation, he was stripped of his authority.
"Alexander?"
Alec turned to look at his boyfriend who looked worried about him. It was strange. He has been reminiscing about the past lately. Maybe because now he has a lot of time to reflect on the things that happened. It's always been like that. Max, Izzy, and Jace would scold him for over thinking at times but they also tell him to take some time in between for the situation to sink in with him.
"This is Nicole, the High Warlock of Manila," he introduced.
The newly named woman quickly took his hands, "You must be the 'Alec' I've heard so much about!"
"You know me?" Alec was taken aback at that fact.
Nicole nodded, "Who wouldn't? You're really famous specially with the Warlocks. I mean, you have helped us Downworlders and you held no malice, hatred, and disgust. Loving one of the most powerful Warlock in the world is just an added bonus."
This time, it was Magnus who was alert at what was said, "I'm just a bonus?"
Alec and Nicole laughed while Magnus pouted. Apparently, Nicole sensed Magnus' magic the moment they stepped out of the portal to Manila. She waited a bit after lunch time before showing herself. Magnus didn't recognize her at first because her hair color and length was different and compared to the last time they met, she cut off some fat; although she was still a bit on the chubby side.
Nicole gave them a tour inside and showed her bits and pieces of history there. Magnus didn't need much information since he did know some of the mortals that the Philippines recognized at heroes or figures of the past. He could still remember talking to Jose Rizal and trying to convince him that he should escape to another country. He could also still remember his encounter with Andres Bonifacio, who thought that he was also there to harm them. Because of the language barrier, they could not understand each other well. So Magnus decided to learn their language.
He helped a bit until Andres and some of his men convinced Magnus that despite appreciating his help, this was their country and it is their job to protect their mother land. They didn't want Magnus, a foreigner, to get involved. They had involved too many people already. They didn't want to add more innocent blood. So with a final parting hug and hopes, he left. The next time that Magnus came, the people that he knew already passed away and their descendants lived on.
He became involved with a president of the Philippines named, Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos and Magnus didn't work well together much since the Warlock found the other man too tight. But when an incident happened that took the life of the said person, Magnus was the first one to find for the culprit. He was able to do so and told the officers of the truth. He escaped when one man tried to twist his words and blamed him for orchestrating the death of their president. So Magnus left again.
He came back after a few years this time and together with another Warlock - Theresa 'Tessa' Gray. They went around and tried some food and strange clothing that they haven't seen before. Tessa was fascinated specially by the ethnic groups there. They even accidentally saw Ragnor there. He was fitting in perfectly at the mountain provinces of the Philippines. He liked nature and hiking so there were no problems. They knew Catarina would also like it there but she was too busy with her mundane job.
That was when he met Nicole Dela Rosa. Despite just meeting her, he knew that she is either almost around the same age or maybe a little few years younger. She was still the chubby shy girl before who was so insecure of her weight and looks. With some help from the 'Magnificent Magnus' - he called himself that to her before - he managed to make her more comfortable to who she is and what she looks like.
Magnus would probably share more stories of his adventures there. Nicole hugged Alec then turned to hug Magnus. They both reciprocated the act and thanked her for the tour. She told them that she would be staying at the hotel called Conrad Hotel and gave them her cell number. But before she made herself scarce, she leaned closer to Alec and pulled him towards her.
"Be careful of the wolf," she whispered and winked at him.
Alec looked at her puzzled and Magnus told her off before skipping away. Magnus walked towards Alec and grabbed the other's hands. "Come on, it's still 4 in the afternoon."
A/N:
So I decided to cut this into two parts. The second part would be shorter. I don't want to continue it here so the chapter won't be too long. And I want to go into details with what happens on the next part. What do you think so far? There will be more about what they did while still in the Philippines.
Sneak Peak:
"What is this about? Why are you being like that?"
"That's the problem! We promised no more secrets but look at what you're doing!"
"Don't run away from this."
"It's time they fear the dark."
"The wolf is coming. Be careful."
