I have safely made it back to my apartment in Florida. I was very lucky to not have suffered any damage or water damage to the place. I am okay and was very safe the entire time. Thank you so much for all the kind words, well wishes and sweet messages! They were so touching and they meant the world to me. You guys truly are the best and I can't wait to start updating this story again. Everything is settling down so updates will start coming regularly again. Thank you so much again!

Disclaimer: I do not own Shadowhunters or any of the characters

Chapter 13

Alec hated celebrating birthdays. He hated when everyone made a big deal and fussed over his birthday. He never wanted to be the center of attention. He never wanted a big party to celebrate getting another year older. He didn't want to be reminded that he was getting older. He was perfectly content just sitting at home and acting like it was any other day. Unfortunately, he had a boyfriend who wanted to celebrate his birthday in a big way.

"Come on Alexander!" Magnus exclaimed as he followed his boyfriend to the kitchen. "Let me throw you a small party at least."

"I don't think you know the definition of the word small. I don't think you've ever thrown a small party in all the time you've been alive. I would pay to see you throw a small party," Alec said.

"That sounds like a challenge to me," Magnus raised an eyebrow at his boyfriend.

"No," Alec quickly turned around to face him and shook his head. "I am not challenging you in the slightest. Do not take this as the opportunity to prove me wrong."

"Okay," Magnus shrugged.

"Magnus Bane," Alec narrowed his eyes at his boyfriend. "I am being serious here."

"I said okay Alexander," Magnus said and then lifted up a hand in the air. "No parties. Big or small."

"You promise?" Alec raised an eyebrow at him.

"I swear," Magnus nodded. Alec shot him one more look but decided to just let it go. He looked at the clock on the wall and then sighed.

"I have to get going. I told Jace I would meet him for training," Alec said.

"Okay," Magnus said. "Have a wonderful day, darling."

"Thanks," Alec raised an eyebrow in amusement. "You too."

"I love you," Magnus walked closer and rested a hand on Alec's chest. Alec smiled and then leaned down to kiss his boyfriend.

"I love you too," Alec said.

"Happy birthday," Magnus whispered against his lips.

"Thanks," Alec chuckled and then kissed him once more before turning to leave the apartment. Magnus watched him go and smiled to himself. Tonight was going to be perfect. He knew that his boyfriend was going to have a hard time hating what he planned for his birthday.

. . . . .

"Magnus?" Alec called out. He walked into the apartment, almost hesitantly, and looked around for his boyfriend. The apartment was quiet and dark. He walked into the living room and stopped in his tracks. There were candles everywhere. The coffee table had been moved to the side and there was a blanket on the floor with plates of food all over it. He looked up and saw Magnus walking in his direction.

"Happy birthday darling," Magnus said with a bright smile on his face.

"What is all of this?" Alec asked. He was clearly surprised by the display in the middle of the living room.

"Well I know you didn't want a birthday party so I figured this was better," Magnus explained. "A picnic in the living room with just the two of us."

"It's perfect," Alec said. He had never had someone do something so special for his birthday. No one had ever taken the time to plan such a perfect night for him. He took a step closer to Magnus and leaned in to kiss him. "I can't believe you did all of this for me."

"I would do anything for you, Alexander," Magnus insisted. "You deserve the world on your birthday. I for one am very thankful that you were born."

"Oh yeah?" Alec smirked.

"If you don't want a big party for the rest of your birthdays, then I can live with that. As long as I get to celebrate your birthdays with you," Magnus said.

"That sounds perfect to me," Alec agreed. He walked over and took a seat on the floor with Magnus, their shoulders touching and the two smiling at each other. Magnus lifted one of the glasses filled with champagne and handled it to Alec before taking his own. He turned his body to face Alec and he watched as he did the same. Magnus lifted his glass and cleared his throat, earning a chuckle from Alec.

"To my Alexander. You are the best thing to ever happen to me in life. I am so thankful to get to celebrate your birthday with you today and every year moving forward. I am very thankful that you were born and that I got the pleasure of falling in love with you," Magnus said and the two shared a smile. "Happy birthday, my dear Alexander." The two clinked glasses and then took a sip of their drinks. Alec placed his on the ground and smiled at his boyfriend.

"Best birthday ever," Alec said. He leaned forward and kissed his boyfriend. So maybe he was wrong about birthdays. Maybe he didn't hate celebrating them as much as he thought.