Hola! Sorry to have disappeared off the face of the earth. I've been working an awful lot and school, and papers, and art and just blah. O.O I'm a busy person. Nonetheless this chapter is a beast. Again. Chapters are probably going to be pretty far between till May. Then I shall be free from school. Woo!

So this is unbetad. Didn't want to bug StarrOwlEyes with this 11 page monster. She's a busy bee too.

CC owns 'em.

Alec awoke to the steady rays of sunlight on his face, streaming in from the window. His forehead furrowed as he squinted his eyes, trying to block out the offending light. Magnus smiled to himself, watching his lover wake. Alec's inky black hair was splayed across the white pillow, deliciously mused from last night. Magnus trailed a hand down Alec's side, tracing the contours of his bicep, to his tautly muscled chest and his firm abs. He traced every dip and curve on Alec's chest, memorizing the perfection of his lover.

"Morning," he purred, kissing away the furrows between Alec's eyes. Alec moaned softly, turning to snuggle into Magnus's chest. Magnus chuckled, wrapping his arms around his lover, holding him close.

"What time is it?" Alec moaned, squeezing Magnus to him tightly. Magnus grinned. Alec was behaving like a small child who didn't want to go to school.

"Judging by the sun I'd say eleven," Magnus said, beginning to play with Alec's hair.

"When do we have to be back on the ship?" Alec asked, his voice muffled against Magnus's chest.

"They didn't say," Magnus said. "We have a few days at least," he continued, tracing a finger down Alec's spine. "A few days all to ourselves."

Alec didn't miss Magnus's playful tone. He looked up at his lover through his thick eyelashes. "Whatever shall we do with ourselves," he said demurely, kissing along Magnus's collarbone. Magnus let his eyes slip shut, getting lost in the heady desires that Alec always induced. Alec pushed him gently back into the pillows, straddling him. Magnus sighed contently as Alec continued his soft kisses. Even with his eyes closed he was intensely focused on all the points of contact between them. Alec's firm but supple thighs rested lightly against his own; the fine hairs on his legs tickling Magnus's skin. Alec's hands lay gently at the nape of Magnus's neck and his side. But most of all, it was Alec's lips that his whole being was focused on. Alec kissed along his jaw, his soft lips leaving burning trails on Magnus's skin as he continued his administrations.

Neither of them moved to intensify their interaction, content with soft kisses and warm touches. They just wanted to feel each other, to encompass every fiber of each other's being. Magnus knew that they were savoring this moment. Committing every plane of muscle and skin of each others body to memory. Who knew how long they'd really have here? This bliss wouldn't last long before they had to return to the Morningstar, and Magnus fully intended on using that time with Alec.

Alec reduced his kisses slowly and luxuriating. He gently pulled away from their loose embrace, sliding off Magnus so that he was cradled into his side. Alec threw his leg lazily over Magnus, curling around his lover. Magnus snuggled back, enjoying Alec's warmth.

Moments like this between them were so few and far between. So rarely was Magnus able to simply hold Alec like this. Last night had been amazing, the love between them only being kindled to a new height. If Magnus could have his way, they'd be making love all day and all night these next few days. He wanted to soak up as much of Alec as he could. Reality, however, was a stark difference. He didn't think either of them could keep up with that pace. With that thought in mind he asked how Alec was feeling.

"A bit sore," Alec admitted, but he didn't seem bothered by it. Magnus kissed his temple gently. He'd been so terrified that he'd hurt Alec; that the pain would be too much. But Alec had surprised him by his pure determination. He fought off the initial pain and road off the final pleasure. He'd even been a bit demanding come to think of it. Just the thought of Alec barking out orders to him, turned him on again.

"It gets easier each time, right?" Alec asked, staring up into Magnus's eyes. Magnus just nodded, squeezing his love tightly. Alec suddenly grinned. "Then I suggest we get lots and lots of practice in." Magnus's eyes widened at the suggestion, but quickly narrowed into a lust filled gaze. His little merman had gotten quite bold. He had to admit, he liked it. A lot.

Alec moved to pull the blanket over them, but paused at the stiff crackling the sheet made.

"I think we dirtied up Camille's sheets," Alec said, tossing the blanket away. Magnus just chuckled.

"I assure you, nastier things have happened in this bed. Plus I don't give a fuck what Camille thinks," he continued, pulling Alec closer.

Alec flushed faintly, the idea of Camille knowing exactly what had transpired in her bed making him just a twinge embarrassed. "Why did she give us her room anyway? I don't buy that she was just apologizing for her behavior," he asked.

Magnus just shrugged. "I honestly have no idea. Camille doesn't have a charitable bone in her body," he said. He came off as nonchalant, but truth was he was a bit bothered by Camille's behavior. It was so out of character for her. And the way she kept looking at Alec; her blatant attempts at trying to seduce him. It was all very un-Camille. She never chased a guy, she expected them to come crawling on their knees to her. Magnus chewed on his bottom lip contemplating just what the hell Camille was up to.

Magnus mentally shook himself. Why was he thinking of Camille when he had this gorgeous man in his arms? He gazed down at his love, savoring the image of Alec in his arms. Unfortunately the thoughts of Camille made Magnus remember that loving bliss never lasted forever. With Alec cradled into his chest, he resolved that he was not going to waste a second of precious time not loving this man.

"Whatever the reason, I'm glad Camille did give us her room," he said, his voice dropping lower as he whispered into Alec's ear. "I was able to ravish you thanks to this wonderful room after all," he said, tracing along Alec's abs. God how he loved Alec's abs. Did all mermaids have such cut bodies? Or was it just Alec? Either way, he absolutely worshipped Alec's body. He smiled as he felt Alec's muscles tighten beneath his fingers, even now anticipating Magnus's touch eagerly.

Alec flushed red at Magnus's words, but couldn't deny the pleasure of Magnus's touch. Alec's eyelids slipped shut, his whole being focused on Magnus's hands on him. Egged on by Alec's reactions, Magnus moved his hand lower, playing with the trail of black curls that led down to Alec's already swelling cock.

Magnus leaned down, nibbling on Alec's ear. "What do you say we dirty up Camille's sheets a little more?" he asked, sultrily. Alec could only nod, his body turning into clay in Magnus's hands. Magnus wrapped his slim fingers around Alec's shaft, pumping slowly. Alec let out a breathy moan, his chest rising in quick shallow breaths.

Magnus increased his pace, tugging and twisting on Alec's manhood with greater intensity. Magnus was only devoting a small portion of his attention to pleasuring his lover. He was instead focused on the look of rapt ecstasy on Alec's face. His eyes had slipped shut, his pink lips parted as he gasped in quick breaths. The faint pink blush that Magnus so loved about Alec was out in full force, the flush spreading to his muscled chest. Alec threw his head back, arching into Magnus's touch. Magnus was enraptured by the sight of his lover so pleasured. There was nothing more beautiful than Alec in complete ecstasy at his own hand.

Magnus took his hand away and Alec's eyes snapped open, starring at him with a mix of confusion and frustration. Magnus smiled down at him, kissing his nose.

"Turn over," He said, his eyes full of lust. Alec didn't question him, just rolled over, watching Magnus from over his shoulder. Magnus devoured the delicate curve of Alec's back that led to the swell of his ass. He traced the dip of his spine, causing Alec to shiver.

Magnus chuckled at Alec's reaction. As inviting as Alec's ass was, he wasn't going to take him again so soon. He kissed the little dimples at the base of Alec's spine, flicking his tongue out. Alec jolted a little at the action, but remained lying down. He licked leisurely down Alec's ass, nipping the inside of his cheeks. He could hear Alec gasp beneath him and smiled. This was nothing. He fully intended on having Alec screaming by the time he was done. He swiped his tongue over Alec's entrance, making Alec cry out. He gripped his lover's ass tighter, spreading him to gain more access. This time he dipped his tongue inside of Alec, tasting his lover. From his vantage point he could see the muscles in Alec's back coiling as he gripped onto the sheets, completely lost to the feel of Magnus tasting him. He delved his tongue in deeper, curling and flicking inside Alec's hot hole.

Alec was saying his name like a mantra, moaning in ecstasy as Magnus fucked him with his tongue. Alec had lifted his hips off the bed, trying to force Magnus's tongue in deeper. Magnus took the opportunity to slip his hand beneath his lover, and cradle Alec's balls. Alec cried out, his body spasming.

"Fuck, Magnus," he ground out, burying his face into the pillow. Magnus continued to pleasure his lover, tugging and thrusting with his tongue in tandem. Soon Alec was a quivering mess beneath him, reduced to moaning out Magnus's name incoherently. Magnus came out of Alec, giving him one more languid lick before he inserted a finger. He wasted no time in finding Alec's prostate, hitting the sensitive bundle of nerves quickly. Alec screamed from above him, immediately divulging his load into the sheets.

Magnus kissed Alec's plump ass one more time before crawling up to his lover, spooning against him. He kissed the side of Alec's neck, curling his arms around him. Alec was still breathing heavily, his baby blues sparkling with that just fucked look.

"Wow." Alec seemed at a total loss for words after Magnus's little display. Magnus chuckled, nuzzling into Alec's neck to plant a kiss there.

"Glad you enjoyed it," he murmured into Alec's ear, causing a post orgasm shiver. Alec's skin was still deliciously flushed and warm against his own. He traced a lazy finger down Alec's side, his dark skin a stark contrast against Alec's pearly white complexion.

"I think you need another bath," he said, chuckling. Alec glared half-heartedly over his shoulder at his lover, but couldn't help but grin back.

(line break)

Alec was overwhelmed by the cacophony of sound that assaulted his ears. If he thought Tortuga was loud last night, he was sorely mistaken. The morning market sounded like a pod of humpback whales, the sound was so great. People were screaming and yelling at each other, haggling wares and bargaining. Animals were braying and cackling in their pens; some so outlandish that Alec couldn't help but gawk.

He was staring at one such creature intently when Magnus suddenly grabbed his arm.

"Alec, its just a chicken, come on," he said, dragging Alec away from the egg seller. Alec cast one last glance at the strange animal called the "chicken", and followed Magnus.

Alec couldn't help but be thunderstruck by the sheer amount of people, in such a small space. It was as if the entire population of Idris had been shoved into a tiny town only one fourth of its size. Everywhere he stepped he was assaulted by other bodies, all vying for space. If it weren't for Magnus he'd have been lost amongst the crowd.

They finally emerged from the chaos of the market, now on much quieter streets. Magnus still held onto his hand, his fingers firmly entwined with his own.

"Where are we going?" Alec asked, glancing around him. They were approaching the water line, but they were a good distance away from the harbor.

"To the best breakfast you'll ever have," Magnus said, grinning brightly.

"But its past noon," Alec protested. Magnus rolled his eyes.

"Whatever," he said. "It will still be the best food you'll ever have." Since the only food Alec had ever had was stale bread and nameless porridge he didn't doubt Magnus's proclamation.

The houses were now pleasant cottages with flowerbeds out front and fresh white wash on the exterior walls. Magnus stopped before one such cottage, knocking on the door with a quick rap of his knuckles. The door opened up almost immediately, revealing a young woman with skin even darker than Magnus's and a head full of tiny braids. Her brown eyes lit up as soon as she set eyes on Magnus.

"Mon cher!" she exclaimed, gathering Magnus into a bone crushing hug. Magnus was grinning widely, returning her hug with fervor. The young woman pulled away suddenly and smacked Magnus on the side of the head.

"Ouch!" Magnus huffed, rubbing his head.

"You're lucky that's all you got, Magnus Bane!" she said sternly in a faint accent. "I haven't heard from you in nigh eight months! Would it kill you to visit me once in a while so I know that you're alive?" She huffed and flicked her many braids over her shoulder, the beads that were tied in clanking loudly. Her eyes suddenly settled on Alec, widening a bit as they did so.

"And who's this?" she asked, eyeing Alec with a critical gaze. Alec gulped, hoping that he wouldn't be on the receiving end of one of her smacks next.

"This is Alec," Magnus said, coming to stand beside him. "Alec, this is Maia," he said by way of introduction. Alec smiled, hoping to god that this woman liked him. Maia eyed the way Magnus's had snaked his arm around Alec's waist and suddenly smiled.

"Nice to meet you, hun," she said brightly. "Any friend of Magnus is a friend of mine. Come in, come in." Alec didn't know what he had done, but apparently he had passed the test. Alec took a hesitant step into the house with Magnus right on his heels. The inside was just as pleasant as the outside, emitting a bright welcoming aura. It was just a one-room hut with a dirt floor, but it was tidy and well kept. Maia gestured to the small table that leaned against the wall. Alec followed Magnus's lead, taking a seat on a rickety chair.

"I suppose you want something to eat," Maia said, giving Magnus a knowing look. This must not have been the first time that Magnus had shown up at her doorstep with an empty stomach.

Magnus just gave her his signature smile, flashing his pearly whites. Maia snorted, but set about gathering ingredients anyway. As she cracked eggs and set a skillet on the fire she talked.

"So I heard you took it into your head to sign up with Valentine," Maia said, giving Magnus a dirty look. "Whatever possessed you to sign up with that madman?" she asked.

Magnus shrugged. "Wanted to find out what the old devil was up to," Magnus said, leaning back in his chair. He dropped Alec a wink, grinning widely. Maia just shook her head, no doubt used to Magnus's antics.

"You were always one for drama," she tsked, stirring whatever was in the skillet. How long had the two of them known each other? As if sensing his thoughts, Magnus spoke up.

"Maia and I grew up together," he explained. "Her mother, Maria, was my nanny." Alec's eyes widened with recognition. He remembered Magnus having mentioned Maria, when he was telling Alec about his childhood. Alec realized with a start that Maia probably knew Magnus even better than Ragnor. He looked at Maia in a new light and respect. After all these years they were still in contact. It was clear that Maia cared about Magnus, enough to chastise him for not checking in at least.

Maia's eyes widened at Magnus's explanation and Alec's understanding expression. Her shocked expression softened into a soft smile. "So he told you, did he?" she said, knowingly.

Magnus reached across the table and clasped Alec's hand, not needing to say anything more.

"You know, you're the first person Magnus has ever brought here," Maia said with a thoughtful expression. "You must be very special indeed," she continued.

"He is," Magnus said, staring at him lovingly. Alec flushed from all the attention, but couldn't keep the ecstatic smile that threatened to overcome his expression away.

Maia just smiled happily at the two of them. She scooped up a hearty portioning of food into two bowls and set them down in front of the two lovers. Alec inhaled deeply, the aroma coming off the steaming food making his mouth water.

"God Maia, you make the best hash," Magnus said, licking his lips in anticipation. Alec didn't know what hash was, but it looked delicious. Alec took a large bite and immediately sighed in contentment. It was delicious. More than delicious, it was the single most amazing thing he had ever tasted. Somehow human food was so much more flavorful than what he ever got at home. It was so full of different spices and flavors that he couldn't have even imagined.

"What's in this?" he asked, stuffing another mouthful in. Magnus was in much of the same state, neither of them had anything to eat this morning or last night since they were too busy with each other.

"Eggs, potatoes, chilies, and some bacon," Maia said, beaming proudly. Alec didn't know what any of those things were, but they sure tasted amazing together. "It's the bacon grease that does the trick," Maia said, leaning in like it was some sort of secret. Alec just nodded back sagely. He made a silent promise to himself to have everything he ate from then on out dripping in bacon grease.

A sudden knock on the door interrupted their feasting. Maia didn't even have time to open the door before Ragnor burst in, wide-eyed.

"Do I smell hash?" he asked, practically drooling. He didn't wait for a response, dishing himself out a large helping. Maia just rolled her eyes.

"I swear boy all you care about is your stomach." Maia finally helped herself to some of her delicious cooking, plopping down on her small bed in the corner.

Magnus was practically snorting with laughter as Ragnor stuffed his face. "He has the nose of a bloodhound, I swear. He can sniff out a good meal by a dozen leagues." Alec and Maia couldn't help but laugh along, enjoying Ragnor's irritated expression.

"It's not my fault," he huffed. "I was being a good friend, letting you two sleep in and canoodle all morning, and what do I get in thanks? You two leave me in the bloody inn!" Ragnor was red in the face by now, waving his fork around wildly.

"Are you done?" Maia asked, eyebrow quirked. Ragnor glared at her, but continued to eat her hash. "I swear both of you are the biggest drama queens I know. I don't know how you put up with these two knuckle heads, Alec."

Alec just laughed, his bowl now empty. Alec loved one of those knuckle heads. He found out he was more than willing to put up with his and Ragnor's little tiffs. They were cute, really.

Alec was overwhelmed by a feeling of contentment. Being here with Magnus, Ragnor, and Maia was one of the happiest moments in his life. To be surrounded by friends, albeit new ones put him more at ease than he'd bee in a long while. Maia seemed like a good person. She was fiery but sweet. Someone he could easily imagine being close to Magnus.

Where's Jordan by the way?" Magnus asked, now finishing his second helping. Maia's expression softened, a small smile gracing her lips.

"He's out fishing," she said, gathering up their bowls. Alec got the sense that this Jordan was Maia's significant other. He'd seen that inner glow that brightened your eyes and made your skin shine many times. He saw it on Magnus's face very time he looked at him, no doubt he wore the same expression just as often.

Ragnor snorted, sensing the atmosphere in the room change. "You lovebirds make me sick," he said, scoffing.

"Jealousy does not become you," Maia said, with an evil smile. Ragnor huffed.

"Jealous? Are you kidding? I'm as free as a bird," he said firmly.

Even Alec couldn't contain his eye roll. It was comical really how much Ragnor denied that he wanted to be in a relationship. Ragnor insisted on maintaining his bachelor persona. Catching Magnus's eye across the table, he couldn't imagine way Ragnor scoffed at a partner.

(line break)

It was so good to see Maia again after these many long months. He'd missed her company, but definitely didn't miss her temper. His head still smarted from her thwack. Her anger at him quickly dissipated after he introduced Alec. She had been stuffing him full of food all afternoon, muttering on about how he was too skinny and pale to be out at sea for so long.

Magnus smiled at her mothering. It meant that she liked Alec, for her to be flittering around like a mother hen so much. Alec was eating everything she put down in front of him. He was amazed at how much Alec was eating. He was putting away his food with the fervor of a man starved. Magnus supposed he was in a way. Alec had never really had real food. Well, he'd never had Maia's cooking before. The fare they received on the Morningstar was nothing compared to Maia's bountiful feast. This was Alec's first time having true human food. It was adorable really how much he was eating. Every time he tasted something new, his eyes would widen in awe, then slip shut as he savored the exotic taste. Magnus found it all extremely adorable.

They wound up spending most of the afternoon in Maia's little cottage simply enjoying one another's company. Alec seemed to be enjoying himself greatly, his blue eyes shining with happiness. He watched his love interact with his two best friends in the world and be so at ease. He was so perfectly relaxed and himself, not concerned with passing as human in such pleasant company. Watching Alec smile and laugh along brought infinite happiness to him. It was in this moment that he imagined a life like this for Alec and himself. In a small house by the sea, living a simple life, just the two of them; free from any worries of Valentine. Magnus couldn't help but grin stupidly at the thought, giddy at the idea of it all.

His fanciful musing was interrupted by the sound of whistling, coming from the walkway up to the house. Maia's eyes widened before an ear-splitting grin broke across her cinnamon skin. The door flew open, revealing a tall muscular young man, holding a long string of fish.

"Jordan," Maia said cool, extending a hand for the fish. "We have company." Jordan glanced around the room, giving a small smile to them, before his attention returned to Maia. He handed over the fish, but snatched Maia's wrist and hauled her to him to plant a firm kiss on her lips.

"Jordan!" she exclaimed, outraged. Even with her dark skin, her blush was apparent. She beat at Jordan's chest none too gently trying to get him to release her. Jordan was having none of it, pulling her in for another kiss. Maia seemed to finally melt against him, sighing in the kiss.

Ragnor whistled loudly, ruining the moment. The two of them broke apart, glaring at the offender. Ragnor just grinned back, like the little shit he was.

"Good to see you, Jordan," Magnus said, extending his hand. Jordan grasped his hand firmly, smiling at him warmly.

"You too Magnus," he said in response. He cast a glare at Ragnor. "Though I can't say the same for your friend." Magnus couldn't help but laugh. Ragnor usually emitted such a reaction. "And who's this?" he asked, eyeing Alec.

Magnus stood up and slid onto Alec's lap. "My lover," he said, curling his arms around Alec's neck.

"Magnus!" Alec exclaimed, blushing as red as a lobster. Magnus just pecked his lover's nose, smiling sweetly at him. Alec was still blushing, but acquiesced to his lover's affections in front of their friends.

"Well its good to meet you…" Jordan trailed off.

"Alec," he said, speaking up on his own behalf. The two of them shook hands, and Alec went to wrap his arms around Magnus's waist.

"Ouch!" Magnus exclaimed, looking at Alec in surprise. "Did you just pinch me?" he asked, lowering his voice. His ass was smarting from Alec's harsh fingers. Alec stared back innocently.

"You deserved that," Alec said, completely unapologetic. "You were being naughty." Magnus's eyebrows soared, noting Alec's teasing tone. Magnus swung his leg over, now straddling his lover.

"So if I'm naughty again, will I be punished?" he asked, biting his lower lip. He knew it drove Alec crazy and was rewarded by a lustful glint in Alec's oceanic eyes.

Before Alec could even answer, Ragnor butted in.

"Dear Lord, make it stop!" Ragnor huffed. He turned to Maia and Jordan with an imploring look. "You better kick them out now before they start fucking on your kitchen table."

"RAGNOR!" Magnus and Alec both yelled, outraged. Maia just laughed, but Jordan seemed a little nervous at the idea. Magnus huffed, the easy mood between them all ruined.

"Maybe we should be going," Magnus said, standing up, dragging Alec up with him. "We don't want to impose and it's getting late. Thanks so much for the meal, Maia. It was good to see you. And you too Jordan." Magnus hugged his childhood friend and shook hands with her man.

Even Alec hugged Maia goodbye, thanking her again for feeding him.

"You keep him fed, Magnus!" she scolded. As the three of them waved goodbye, Magnus muttered under his breath: "I'm the skinny one here, why isn't she concerned about my diet?"

"Because Alec is more polite than you," Ragnor muttered, teasingly. Magnus punched him in the arm. Hard.

"You are such a little shit," he said, referring to his earlier comment. Ragnor shrugged, rubbing his shoulder nonchalantly.

"I was only speaking the truth. You two fuck like rabbits."

Magnus leaned down and nibbled on Alec's ear. "What do you say, love? Should we put rabbits to shame?" he purred, trying to antagonize his friend.

"What are rabbits again?" Alec asked in confusion, from either the affects of Magnus nibbling on his ear, or from lack of knowledge Magnus didn't know which. He captured his merman's lips, wanting to taste him.

He heard Ragnor huff and he stalked off ahead of them towards town. Magnus laughed evilly against Alec's mouth, biting Alec's bottom lip. Pulling away, he could see that Alec's eyes were hooded, his thick eyelashes fluttering from Magnus's dizzying kiss. He looked intoxicated, but as long as Alec was intoxicated with him he guessed it didn't really matter.

He palmed Alec's growing erection through his pants, causing his lover to moan loudly. He was intent on hearing that noise again, and again, and again tonight. Alec entangled his fingers in Magnus's thick strands, tugging his head forwards to lean against his own.

"Inn," was all Alec said. Magnus didn't need to be told twice.

A/N: So ya, they're horny as hell. But I figure they deserve their happiness now, before I make them experience hell… Reviews are love!