I do not own "Shadowhunters". Hence this being "fan" fiction and not a novel.

Completely unbetaed chapter because I seem to have lost my darling beta. If you see her, please return her promptly. Thank you.

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Magnus watched Alexander as that - by all accounts - fascinating woman, Lydia, winked at the shadowhunter and purposely left them alone. He had been wanting to ask Alec for a date, that was why he was here, but he reconsidered as he noticed how uncertain his (was he allowed that word yet, he wondered?) Alexander was. Something really low pressure was clearly in order to make him relax.

He wasn't quite sure how they ended up in a playful sparring match, but it was clearly more of an excuse to touch him than coming from any sort of latent desire to take control, so he did not mind. Alec was being gentle: learning his movements, seemingly getting a feeling for him in the archer's own setting. The warlock made a mental note to let Alexander teach him about archery sometime. He bet they'd both enjoy that: if for somewhat different reasons...

He made a quick, portal-induced trip home after their little game (because that was clearly what it was) and returned twenty minutes later in fresh clothing and with some takeout and a film, hoping to just let Alec relax a bit.

As he slowly coaxed the younger man to settle and stop being so tensely strung - like a bow, ready to fire - they shared the takeout (it was intimate and sweet, really rather perfect for a first date - which wasn't strictly first - in his mind) and he encouraged Alexander to enjoy himself by pointedly not pushing. They'd need to talk about boundaries, sooner or later, as Alec clearly needed some in order to feel fully safe, but there would be time for that soon enough.

He let him talk about his siblings - this was no hardship, Maxwell seemed to have inherited the same adorableness as his oldest sibling and Jace and Izzy were both hilarious - and brought up archery every time the conversation faltered.

He made a point not to touch Alec too often or too much unless he intitated it - he was still so easily spooked and Magnus would have hated to scare him away by making him uncomfortable - but tonight that was more of a challenge than ever. Not to mention, he highly suspected, more crucial to get right than ever before.

By the time the film was over, Magnus had moved up from their, admittedly comfortable, position in their spot on the floor, and sat on Alexander's bed, looking at him pointedly, though gently. He could see the pretty shadowhunter blush slightly and swallow. When he still rose to gamely come over, Magnus smiled in encouragement.

"I have something I would like to show you," Magnus specified, still looking at the Lightwood (so much nicer than many other Lightwoods he had met, through the years) and aware himself of how utterly fond he must look. "If you'll let me. Is that alright?" He was very careful to state his objective, as he had noticed before that purpose seemed to calm Alec down.

Knowing what would be expected, what was up, made him more at ease. Magnus could still vividly recall the nervousness - bridging on cold unease - of that first night, coupled with the stark contrast of Alec lying in this very bed, half-asleep and utterly comfortable in his trust with him, when he healed his wounds. Plans were clearly important.

As Alexander nodded, Magnus smiled softly. "I wanted to show you my warlock marks. You know we warlocks have them, I am sure." He could not hold back an amused snicker as Alexander looked him over with sudden amazement, as if he expected to see one now. He had clearly forgotten all about that rule up until now, some part of his mind obviously assuming Magnus must not have one.

"May I?" Magnus made sure again. This nod was slightly eager, but also puzzled. Looking down briefly, Magnus dropped his glamour and then met Alexander's so pretty, deeply and wonderfully blue eyes with his own golden cat-eyes. He liked his warlock mark - it was as much a part of him as his beloved blue sparkling reservoir of magic force - but he knew it could take someone quite aback. Alec merely leaned forward though, watching them with fascination. Magnus smiled. This was going well.