Life with Magnus

By Shin Sankai

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Chapter Eleven

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Another week had passed in Magnus Bane's household which was still overrun by Lightwood's. Even Magnus was still quite surprised at how well he had adapted to the father and his two sons taking over his home. In fact they'd become quite the makeshift little family as they did quite a bit together, especially on weekends. And it was even funny how synchronised Magnus and Alec had become, tag teaming with making sure the children were fed, showered and in bed at a certain time...unless they were given a treat to stay up a little later then usual.

Magnus had finally cut down his night shifts at Ragnor's since Ellias was working out so well as the other bartender. Whilst he sometimes missed the money and tips he made, Magnus couldn't help but not miss it at the same time. After all, he quite liked being host to the Lightwood's and was enjoying spending his days with them too. And even though Alec still profusely apologised for the constant delays happening at his apartment building, Magnus was not phased at all.

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It was Sunday morning, the sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky, quite bizarre for December, and once again Magnus was doing his Tai Chi on the balcony. He always felt off if he didn't do it daily and was now getting back into his usual routine, even if it was slightly different. And different in the sense that Magnus knew three pairs of eyes were watching him. It of course being Alexander and his two sons. Madzie had wanted to spend the night at Catarina's so she'd picked her up Saturday afternoon and was due to drop her back later today.

Magnus had never really had an audience before and whilst the children just innocently blinked at him as he finished off his routine, he couldn't help but feel the butterflies in his stomach flutter about (like they seemed to always do these days) as Alexander's blue orbs continued to watch him too closely.

He received claps and flamboyantly twirled and then gave a bow, trying to hide his embarrassment. It was then he finally took notice of a rather large and flat bag by Alec's feet. He was dressed in an olive green shirt, ¾ length sleeves, black zip up jacket and baggy black jeans and a pair of boots, hair naturally spiked and messy. Nice...

"Going somewhere?"

"Prospect Park." Magnus arched an eyebrow as that was not truly explaining anything to him. "For many years I've been associated with an archery club and they are holding a training session in the park. I've not been in awhile and I promised I'd go this weekend."

"Archery?" This man was full of surprises.

"Mm, its like my Tai Chi." The comment made Magnus grin.

"And that would be your bow then?" Magnus pointed to the bag and Alec nodded. "Well, have fun." He began to think what on earth he could do since every waking hour these days was solely taken over by the Lightwood's and Madzie (and of course Jace and Clary at Day Care) and yet with them going out he'd be in his home, with Church, alone and bored out of his mind.

"If you don't have any plans," Magnus turned his gaze to Alexander. "Do you want to come?"

"I'll go get dressed." Magnus rushed off to his bedroom, not even needing time to think about it.

He closed his door and stood in his wardrobe looking everything over. Another outing with Alexander and the kids sounded like fun...and it was different then meeting the man at their usual grocery store to buy food. And no it wasn't a date! It was only archery in the park which meant he shouldn't be too extravagant in his attire right? That may just embarrass the man and he wouldn't want to do that.

Magnus finally decided on a pair of black jeans – quite form fitting if he were honest – and a long sleeved red button down shirt. He didn't bother to tuck the shirt in either. Surely this was fine for a date...NO...adventure...in the park. Quickly Magnus splashed some water into his hair, allowing it to remain as natural as ever. He placed a silver chain with a pendant over his neck and then on went his rings. He couldn't go anywhere without his rings – six in total. And in record time, Magnus was finished. No coloured spray in the hair, no glitter, no lavish eye make-up, just a tiny amount of eye-liner which he never left home without. When he'd first done it, Catarina had been surprised, but then told him it actually brought out his eyes and made his eyelashes seem thicker and longer then they were, so he'd continued with it from then on.

And shock of all shocks: no contact lenses!

"Sorry for the delay, I'm ready to go now." Magnus placed his feet into some boots and laced them up. He grabbed a hooded black zip up jacket and placed it on, placing his wallet, phone and keys into the pockets and finally turned his gaze to Alec who did nothing but look at him. "What?" Is it too much?

"Nothing," Alec shuffled his boys out the door, bag slung over his broad shoulder.

When Magnus had come down the hallway, he was rooted to the spot, just staring at him like an idiot, though lucky he hadn't noticed at all...well most of the staring at least. He looked very plain and simple, since he'd seen him in some fairly colourful outfits, it was quite surprising really. Though even plain and simple made Magnus look so good.

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In Prospect Park, Magnus sat under a tree, eyes glued to the archery happening in front of him with Max and Raphael sitting on either side of him, their tiny hands tucked within his own. They were a safe distance away, just in case there was a rogue arrow or two. And even with the cooler weather, Magnus decided to remove his boots and socks as he did like the feel of lush cool grass on his bare feet.

In all honesty, he didn't know much about archery and he felt a little bored when nothing seemed to be going on when they first got here. There seemed to be a lot talking and stretching, but no actual action. It wasn't until Alexander and around twenty or so others started to finally set up the targets and then each person pulled out their respective bows from their bags (or borrowed spare ones from the club president) and then quivers of arrows were placed at club members feet as they stood behind a makeshift line, quite a distance from the targets.

Of course, Magnus' boredom was short lived as finally practice shots were being done, except Alec, who was most definitely a "senior" in the club and he took his time with new members to give them some pointers. It wasn't until about another half hour later did Magnus watch Alec walk over to the club president and seemed to ask him question. Next thing Magnus observed was Alexander was waving him over. He'd no idea what the man was thinking and quietly told Max and Raphael to stay put and he headed over to the handsome archer. It was then Magnus saw Alec's bow, very plain looking. It was practically crying out for some detail, but once again he guessed Alec just wasn't truly into finer details like that. Christmas is coming... Maybe I could... Magnus dropped the thought as he blinked silently at Alec who handed his bow over to him wordlessly. He took it, of course, thinking he were holding it for him for a moment, maybe he needed to tie his shoelaces or something, but then suddenly Alec asked him to have a go!

Magnus had shook his head, not having a clue what to do, but was struck speechless when Alec stood behind him, his body heat radiating against his own as he shifted him into a stance with his arms and his legs shifting his body into position. Magnus hoped his face remained neutral even though his heart hammered in his chest as Alec's hands drifted down his arms, pulling his arms up which contained his bow and an arrow was now cocked too. Alec's breath fluttered against his reddening ear as the man was trying to teach him about trajectory, wind and some other stuff which went in one ear and out the other. All that Magnus seemed to concentrate on was Alexander's hard muscular body right behind him, brushing softly, too innocently, against his own and then there was the vibration of his deep sensual voice resonating at his upper back.

When Alec had whispered Let go Magnus he had jolted, fingers releasing the arrow as it flew across the park, landing, most shockingly, in the bullseye circle. He turned to look up at the pleased smile on Alec's face and quickly handed back his bow, stating he should stay with Max and Raphael and keep them company while he practised with his club. Alec couldn't get a word in as a flustered Magnus escaped his arms.

Thankfully Alec had been distracted by the other club members, and they were all encouraging him to finally do his "three shot special". Alec shrugged his shoulders and removed his jacket, taking up his stance.

Magnus felt his mouth go dry, watching as Alexander placed a quiver over his shoulders, three arrows sitting within the leather casing. The man's arms flexed as he raised his bow and cocked an arrow. Magnus watched him close those beautiful blue eyes of his for a moment, channelling whatever it was he did and then he snapped them open and he released the first arrow. Magnus didn't even have a chance to blink twice as Alec fired off then second arrow and then the third. Alec let out a breath and then dropped his bow to his side. Magnus darted his eyes towards the target, and they widened (naturally) as he found three arrows, right in the middle of the bullseye! He jerked in his seated spot when Max and Raphael cheered loudly for their father. Those intense eyes turned to look at them and quickly Magnus got himself under some form of control (he hoped) and clapped along with the two boys next to him.

Alec gave them a small salute, a lopsided grin and then went back to teaching some new members. Alexander Lightwood... You truly are something else.

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A few hours had passed and it appeared archery was now over as the targets were being taken down, the audience that the club had garnered in the park had started moving on and Alec finally waved his boys (and him) over as it was now safe for them to come closer.

"Daddy is so cool!" Max voiced happily, Raphael nodding in agreement. Alec grinned at their honesty.

"I wish I could shoot my arrows like you Alec." A younger member whined, Magnus watching two girls nod their heads in agreement. He wasn't sure if all the training in the world would get them to have the same skills as Alexander, since his appeared to be natural talent, but he supposed they could all try.

"Are you making sure to do your stretches? And centre yourself and concentrate too?"

"Of course, but I think my body is still too stiff." The young man whined again.

"Maybe we should take up yoga?" One of the girls voiced. What the hell did yoga have to do with archery? Just practice and stop complaining.

"Magnus knows yoga." His eyes darted to Max and ruffled his shaggy hair.

"Not yoga Max, just a modified version of Tai Chi."

"Tai Chi?" Magnus gave a quick and short explanation. "Could you show us an example?"

"What?" That had surprised Magnus as several pairs of eyes were now looking at him. He was just a bystander, an observer, not someone who was meant to get involved in anything here.

"Yeah Magnus, show them, its really cool." Magnus glanced over at Alec for a moment and then dropped his hands on both Lightwood boys heads as he gazed upon their smiles. Damn these boys always won him over.

"Alright, alright, here, hold my jacket young Lightwood." Magnus pulled it off and gave it to the grinning Max, watching as he comically placed it on, it far too big for his tiny body and dragged on the grass.

Magnus closed his eyes, slowing his breathing as he shifted into a stance. He began to channel his "calm atmosphere" as he transported himself to a tranquil place within his head, a place where he knew he would always feel happy, safe and comfortable. Magnus frowned for a second, when a picture of the three Lightwood's suddenly showed up in his mind. No! He had to concentrate right now. Breath in... Breathe out... He felt his arms rise and slowly began to move, bare feet shuffling through the lush grass as he had more room out here then on his balcony. He lost himself within his fluidity, not sure how long his routine was going for until a "mummy look at that man over there" assaulted his ears and Magnus snapped his eyes open, putting an abrupt halt to his movements.

"Um, something like that." He felt a little taken aback, not realising he had gained quite the audience from club members but also strangers walking in the park as they all began clapping!An endearing awkwardness enveloped Magnus, unsure what to do right now, but he was saved by Alexander's boys who came rushing to his side to praise him once more and also to give him hugs. He truly loved their hugs. And the ever thoughtful Max, still wrapped rather funnily in his jacket which probably had a few grass stains on it now, had rushed back to where they previously sat under the tree and brought him his socks and boots. He was thankful for that as it distracted him from staring at people who were silently looking at him. Magnus was all for attention, but only from someone he wanted to notice him.

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Whilst Magnus was lacing up his boots, it took Alec quite a few moments to break from his daze as he'd been transfixed by the man. He looked...magical. Alec pulled a face at such a lame description, but in all honesty, it was what he truly thought about Magnus there and then. So much so, he wanted to illustrate what he'd seen onto paper...again...if he were being honest. Could he turn Magnus into a character for the book he was currently writing? Not that he'd touched much on the pending 400 page document he had hidden away in one of his bags, but observing Magnus, since he and his sons began residing in his home (and secretly – he hoped – at the Day Care too) the man intrigued him. More so then anyone he'd ever met in his life or been associated with. There was just something about him and Alec was still trying to work out what made him so different then everyone else.

That 400 page document that Alec had tucked away in his laptop bag was him trying to spread his wings, expanding his fantasy world so to speak. It was in modern times, but also focused on angels, demons, vampires and werewolves and so much more. The world involved all of them but also humans, mundanes if you like, and then the children of angels, protectors...shadowhunters...who fought for good...most of the time. However, his mind had become overloaded with the pressure to get the story off the ground that Alec was now suffering from writers block.

But for some reason, gazing upon Magnus in all his glory, moving about the park as he did, showing all those that were transfixed on him and his Tai Chi, it made Alec realise that he was missing something like that within his book. A mysterious character, much like Magnus was. A character that could draw anyone into his world out of sheer intrigue. But what more could he think of? What could he possibly do?

Alec's mind began spinning. Magnus was quite magical so...maybe...someone magical, someone so powerful that you didn't truly know just how much power he really had that it was almost frightening. Maybe the character he needed...was a warlock perhaps? That sounds ridiculous. Alec shook his head of such thoughts. If he based a character on an actual real person, he'd have to discuss it with them and get their approval first. And the idea was so lame he wouldn't dare even mention it to the man.

"Daddy, wasn't Magnus cool?" Raphael shouted at him, waving him over. Alec finally got his legs moving as he walked over, placing his hand at the small of Magnus' back to gain his attention, feeling the man's body give a slight jolt at his touch, but those deep brown and amber gold eyes turned to look up at him and...were they sparkling at him?

"What a show off." Alec grinned as laughter bubbled up from Magnus' throat. Good, he knew he was only joking with that comment. In fact, he truly did agree with his son.

Several of his club members came to praise Magnus who was looking a little flustered right now. Alec watched his eyes dart to look over at him, and he saw that pleading look in an instant. Magnus wanted to be rescued.

"Thanks for the practice session today, I'm glad I came." Alec shook hands with various club members, the president included. "We'd love to stay, but we've another engagement to get to." Alec farewelled the rest of the club members and then took hold of his son's hands and off the four of them went.

"If you ever do classes professionally, let us know!" A few of the women shouted which Magnus just gave them a slight wave for.

"Well, aren't you Mr Popular."

"It's all Maxy's fault!" Magnus grumbled as he swooped down to lift the four year old into the air, twirling him around. It brought a lopsided grin to Alec's lips as Magnus lifted Max to rest atop his shoulders, much like how Alec now had Raphael.

The boys laughter surrounded them in a bubble of joy as they strolled out of the park and towards the subway which would get them a block from Magnus' home.

# To be Continued #