Chapter 11

The Lightwood twins laughed as they walked back towards the apartment from training down at the Institute. Halfway there, Alex noticed that Maggie was leaning against the side of a building. Confused, the Lightwoods walked over to Maggie girlfriend who was watching Alex with glittering eyes. "What are you doing out here?" Alex asked quietly casting Alec a sideways glance.

"Sending Alec on his merry way and give you this." Maggie held out a small wrapped box. "Also I have every intention of kidnapping you." Alex laughed looking at the box before smiling at Alec.

"Guess I get Magnus all to myself." He smiled warmly. "You two have fun with… whatever this is about. We'll see you when you get back." He waved a farewell before Maggie took Alex's hand and led her down the streets of New York. Alex put her head on Maggie's shoulder enjoying the quiet moment of togetherness.

"Maggie, what exactly are you planning?" Alex asked softly.

"To make it up to you." Alex stopped and drew away from Maggie. "You're already eighteen. I missed your birthday." People parted around the two of them. "Why didn't you tell me your birthday had passed?"

"Maggie, it's just a birthday." Alex insisted.

"But it's your birthday." Maggie insisted. "Alex, you only have so many birthdays," her knuckles grazed Alex's cheek. "I want to celebrate them all. For you." Alex looked at Maggie who cupped Alex's cheek in her hand. "Plus, I love an excuse to steal you for an entire day." Maggie added looping an arm around Alex and pulling her closer. "Now, we have an entire day to be spent together."

"Mags I really-"

"Alex, I love you but shut up. You have been working yourself like a dog. You've earned this little break." Alex bit her lip before nodding. Maggie smiled with a little squeal before placing a kiss on Alex's lips. "Come on then love," Maggie insisted taking Alex hand in her own swinging it proudly as they walked.

"Where to?"

"I was thinking ice skating." Alex gave Maggie a sideways glance. "You and Jensen use to skate at kids. You said you missed it." Alex smiled flushing a little leaning her head on Maggie's shoulder. Maggie kissed Alex's hair as they walked content and at peace. Alex wanted nothing to ever stop this.

Thoughts danced in her head, maybe she wouldn't find a way home. They could make a little life here. Time would never restart, she would never be at the mercy of Maggie's father. No, she could be rid of that. Then her family came in. There was no way she could just abandon them. Her heart shunned the thought. Shoving all of it aside, Alex enjoyed being with Maggie, ice skating and falling together. With cheeks flushed from the cold and feet aching from the skates, Maggie and Alex set off still laughing quietly to each other. "That was horrible." Maggie said.

"Seeing how long you've been alive, I thought you would be a better skater."

"All honesty, I have no balance."

"Says the girl who frequently wears towering heels." Alex teased and Maggie feigned hurt.

"Walking in heels is an art darling. Ice skating is a sport." Alex shook her head putting her hands into her coat pockets still laughing. Her hands grazed over something and she pulled it out.

"Oh yeah, I never opened this."

"Well go on." Maggie encouraged practically bouncing with excitement. Alex shook her head a little before tearing at the wrapping.

Alec arrived home shedding his coat only for two arms to grab him by the waist and a pair of lips to split his apart. Alec gave a sound of surprise that quickly dissolved before Magnus pulled back and nuzzled against Alec's neck. "I'm home." Alec announced as Magnus kissed his neck before pulling back.

"I noticed." Magnus kissed him once more before walking over to the couch, dragging Alec by the wrist. Pulling Alec down on top of him so he straddled the older man's waist, Magnus kissed Alec softly, his hands grazing Alec's jean clad hips. Alec smiled before pulling back, his hands on Magnus' shoulders looking into Magnus' sparkling golden green eyes.

"What's all this affection for?" Alec asked curiously.

"Maggie and I talked." Was all Magnus answered before biting Alec's neck making the Shadowhunter jump in surprise. Magnus kissed the spot bringing Alec closer to his body. "She and I discussed the parallel world, we were trying to make sense of Alex's behavior. Somehow…we talked about what this would be life if Maggie had been left home." Magus shuddered a little and Alec ran his hands up and down Magnus' back for comfort. "And it made me ask, what if you vanished one day?" Alec felt something cool and wet touch his collarbone and pushed Magnus back.

"Mags," Alec said softly. He palmed his boyfriend's tears. "I haven't gone anywhere. Nor do I plan to," he tucked Magnus' loose hair behind his ear.

"I know Alexander. It just…scared me a bit. But I think I understand Alex a bit more." Alec smiled at his boyfriend before softly kissing him. Magnus wrapped his arms around Alec and stood, Alec wrapping his legs around Magnus' hips for support. Magnus walked still kissing Alec before Alec was laying in bed, his lips attached to Magnus'. Pushing Magnus up, Alec smiled before tugging his boyfriend down to lay on the bed with him. Magnus obeyed cuddling his tired boyfriend close.

"I love you Magnus Bane." Alec whispered.

"And I love you Alexander Lightwood." Magnus answered.