Magnus:
Prospect Park. Fifteen minutes.
It's 1:30 in the morning, Alec protested. He was still fully dressed, and turning over a load of laundry. Really exciting stuff. But his days were busy, so late nights were ideal for catching up.
Magnus:
Yes, I'm aware. Did you realize the clock on a cell phone is always accurate? Clever satellite.
No, he hadn't realized. He hadn't thought about it. Even when the time changed? The Park isn't even open to the public this late.
Magnus:
Exactly. So we won't be bothered.
Alec:
That's breaking the law. Trespassing.
Magnus:
I wasn't aware you moonlighted with the Brooklyn PD, Shadowhunter.
Alec sighed. Fine, but I'm going to use an invisibility rune just in case. That way, at least if there were any witnesses, he couldn't be noticed. And Magnus could always throw up a glamour.
Magnus:
That's fine. I like the way your skin tingles when you use it.
Alec:
It…tingles?
Magnus:
You didn't notice? The energy around you pops. I assume you noticed the glow?
Alec:
Hard to miss.
Magnus:
Well, it's like that glow, but in physical form. Very interesting.
Alec:
I'll keep that in mind. So, ten minutes from now?
Magnus:
Make it fifteen. I think I'm going to change.
So…twenty-five then, Alec teased.
Fifteen, Magnus corrected. Unless you keep this up. I can't text and undress.
You can try, Alec continued to tease the warlock, actually enjoying it.
Magnus:
Do you want me to take a picture as well?
Alec:
No. I get charged for pix messaging.
Magnus:
You don't think it'd be worth it? One time fee of what…20 cents? For a digitial image of me you can carry around with you all the time.
Maybe I'll take one at the park, Alec suggested.
The replies stopped after that. He assumed Magnus was busy undressing, or adding any last minute adjustments to his hair and face.
Alec, meanwhile, used up the quarter hour in travel time. He wondered if Magnus had forgotten that part of the plan, that Alec had further to go than he did. Fortunately, the traffic wasn't as bad as it would have been twelve hours ago.
Twenty minutes since he'd sent the last text, Alec jogged from the bus stop to the park. He'd brought along the usual – cell, stele, and dagger. He wasn't willing to take any chances. Public parks, especially at this hour of night, were perfect places for unwelcome activity.
In all honesty, he would gave preferred a simple invite to Magnus's place. He would have taken him up on it, just the same. And it would have been warmer, and had the comfort of surrounding walls.
But he supposed Magnus had his reasons. Maybe he wanted some fresh air, if that was at all possible in New York, much less Brooklyn.
Something flickered in his peripheral vision as he passed beneath the stone entrance.
Magnus.
It had to be. For one, the approaching figure was uncommonly tall. And his hair stood up in a crown of spikes, which Alec couldn't miss even in the darkness. Especially since the spikes were tipped in glitter.
The warlock wore uncharacteristically somber clothing, however. A black cape (with no glitter or gemstones encrusted in the fabric), black slacks, black shining shoes. Black shirt hidden beneath the folds of the cloak. The only colorful article of clothing was the shining belt buckle and a rainbow knit scarf, wound once around his neck and trailing behind him, floating on the breeze.
Close enough for both Shadowhunter and Warlock to make positive recognition, Magnus sent him a flashing white smile.
Lips closed, Alec smiled back and waved.
"So…a park?" Alec inquired, sliding his hands back into the pockets of his jeans.
"Neutral ground," Magnus explained with a snicker. "Besides, my phone has been ringing off the hook."
"Newfound popularity?"
"Looks like. No good deed goes unpunished," he drawled. Alec frowned briefly, but Magnus chuckled, letting him know it was all right. Let it go.
The warlock reached out, sliding his warm palm across Alec's cheek. "So cold," he noted.
"I'm always cold."
"You know that's not normal for a human."
"I've never been 'normal'."
"Hmmm." Magnus pressed his lips together, regarding him seriously for a moment. "You're worse than a Tim Burton film."
Alec blinked.
"Why do I bother referencing pop culture?" Magnus asked himself with a vague smile, shaking his head.
"Because anyone else would get it?"
"You'll learn. I was just thinking tonight, wouldn't it be fun – cuddling with Alec on the couch and watching all six seasons of Sex and the City?"
"I think I have heard of that one, actually."
"Well, this is New York. Not surprised."
Alec smiled a little, not getting it. But proud of himself, nonetheless. He wasn't completely sheltered.
Magnus reached up and unwound the rainbow scarf from his neck. Then he promptly lifted it over Alec's head and wound it once around his neck, drawing it snug and tugging the shadowhunter closer by the ends.
Alec didn't balk at the accessory, which by all rights was more colorful than anything he was accustomed to wearing. He took a quick intake of breath, and unconsciously lifted his chin. It was invitation enough.
Magnus lowered his head and kissed him, still gripping the edge of the scarf, fisting the material in his hands. He hummed against Alec's mouth.
Alec touched his fingertips to the edge of Magnus's cheek, his cold fingers fluttering for a moment – unsure. And proceeding until he was cupping his cheek, stroking the soft line of Magnus's jaw with his thumb.
Magnus drew back after a moment, lips curving.
"Walk with me a little while?"
Alec nodded, dazed. He'd like that.
As they turned, Alec started out within arm's reach of the warlock, trying to quicken his steps to compete with Magnus's longer stride. His boots made scraping sounds on the path, unsettling the dirt.
Not satisfied with the distance between them, Magnus reached over and snaked his arm around the boy's thin waist, drawing him into his side. It was awkward for Alec, not used to walking arm in arm with another person – except when injured. But Magnus seemed perfectly comfortable and happy with it, even going so far as to slide his hand inside Alec's coat, fingers splayed against his sweater, the last of his fingertips grazing his bare hip where the material rode up a fraction.
Alec shivered.
"Still cold, darling?"
"It's not bad."
"Would you like a pair of gloves?
"No, thank you. I don't like the way they feel."
"I used to be obsessed with gloves. I had more pairs than you could count."
"No!" Alec reacted in mock surprise.
Magnus laughed outright, tossing his head back in riotous pleasure. "You're adorable."
Alec's lip twitched.
"So…when is your family planning on leaving?"
Alec turned his cheek slightly, regarding the warlock. "I figured you'd know that better than I would."
"Hm. Well, I was told to clear my schedule for the next five days. Awfully inconvenient, not being given an exact appointment time. I'm not used to being a beckon call boy."
"I'm sorry."
Magnus shook his head, warding off the apology. "It's irritating, but I'd rather be the one to open the Portal. I can't have some hack sending you through to Gawd knows where. There's a reason some people undercharge."
He glanced back at Alec sidelong, smiling a little. "I've already found the perfect outfit."
"Another festive cape?"
Magnus laughed once more, completely enjoying himself. "No, but I can throw one in the mix if it makes you happy."
"I don't think you'll need one, if we're leaving early."
"I want to see you again before you go," Magnus announced suddenly. Alec slowed down his walk, feeling the mood shift.
"If we can find the time," Alec agreed, feeling the light pressure of Magnus's hand squeezing his side.
"My place, next time."
"Sounds good."
Magnus smiled again, leaving a quick, warm peck against his cheek. "When did you become so endearing?"
"You mean easy."
Magnus stopped, eying him strangely. Alec almost blushed. "I know it's…different now," Alec pointed out, trying to keep his eyes level wth Magnus's. "Ever since Luke's…"
"You don't need to rehash all that," Magnus reminded, pressing his hand to his lips.
Alec just shook his head. "That's not it, anyway. When you pulled me out of the river, I started seeing things differently."
"I wouldn't be surprised if you had started seeing things. You hit your head pretty hard," Magnus replied, teasing.
"Do you remember that night? What you told me…after you took my energy?"
"Which part?"
"You said you 'saw everything'. Did you have visions?"
"Memories. That's what I saw. Your memories."
"I heard your voice," Alec confessed, brows drawn.
"Really? And what did I say?"
"It was like a montage of a lot of things you've said to me before." And some things I may have dreamed, he added silently.
"Good things?"
"Yeah. Good things. What did you see?"
"I couldn't say for sure. It was a lot to process in a short time," Magnus replied slowly, and Alec looked at him dubiously, wondering if he was lying. If he was, he probably had a reason. Something he didn't feel comfortable sharing? Or thought Alec didn't want to know? But if these were Alec's memories to begin with…
"Perfect spot!" Magnus announced abruptly, pulling away from him. Alec watched him move off the path and towards a large, overhanging tree. There were acres of them, meticulously planted off the unpaved roads.
A large blanket, crisp white and billowing on the wind, appeared out of nowhere. Magnus floated it down to the ground, then gestured quickly for Alec to join him, sitting down on it to keep it from escaping.
Alec obliged, sitting in the center, feeling the textured grass beneath the blanket.
Magnus, on the other hand, sprawled out along his side across the blanket. Fortunately it was extraordinarily long, accommodating his straight legs and folded arms. His cape slid back, resting against the blanket.
"So I guess we'll kind of be on radio silence in a few days, once we leave for Idris."
"No late night phone calls, no incessant texting…" Magnus mused, following his train of thought. He seemed disappointed, eyelashes sweeping down, but when he glanced up again, it was with an encouraging smile.
"There are other ways to keep in touch."
"Will you? Keep in touch."
"My ridiculously busy schedule allowing. Of course."
Alec nodded, trying to content himself with that.
"And I take it you're going to be busy as well. Serious business, being an adult member of Clave. You won't have to sit at the kiddie table anymore when they convene."
"I'm ready," Alec responded, shoulders squaring.
"Yes, I see that. And I'm sure you'll make your parents proud."
Alec glanced at him, not sure if it was meant in sarcasm or not. "I believe they are, yes."
"Don't want to disappoint them…"
"I won't," Alec replied automatically.
Magnus had no ready reply, looking up at him.
"Come here," he whispered after several tense moments, tugging on the edge of the scarf again. Alec complied, moving to lay down on his side, opposite the warlock.
"Are you going to miss me while you're away?"
"Yes, I'll miss you."
"But not as much as I'm going to miss you, I think."
"You're trying to bait me," Alec guessed, figuring this was going to turn into an 'I miss you.' 'No, I miss you more' battle.
Magnus's lip twitched. "It's regrettable, but true."
Alec rolled his eyes.
"How's your handwriting?"
"I think I've got a decent hand. Why?"
"There's always fire messaging."
"That's true."
"Will you write me?" Magnus prompted, brows raised.
"Yes."
"Then burn the evidence?" Magnus teased.
"It'll already be partly singed just from sending the note."
"Well, you won't exactly have a paper shredder on hand."
"That's true. But why are you convinced I'm going to get rid of the messages?"
Magnus's eyes took on a knowing look. But rather than elaborate, he shrugged. Then he lifted his hand and reached across the blanket, fingers dipping quickly inside Alec's coat.
Alec gasped, his body jerking involuntarily. He felt the heel of Magnus's hand drag across his chest, and then it was gone again.
Confused, he watched Magnus roll over onto his back. He had Alec's cell phone in his hand.
It was a feeling of déjà vu. The pressure of his thumb alerted Alec to the fact that he was skimming through his texts, or maybe his call log. Just like Jace. Only there really was nothing to hide from Magnus, was there? He was involved in most of the exchanges. His phone history read like a stalker's diary. Alec blushed.
The warlock smiled, apparently pleased with what he found. Then he handed the phone back to Alec, shifting to rest his head in his hand once more and repose gracefully on his side.
"Take my picture. Just like you promised."
Alec looked back at him for a moment, brows raised. Magnus waited patiently.
So Alec complied. He scooted forward on his knees and tried to remember how to go about it exactly. Taking pictures with his phone. But one glance at the screen and he realized Magnus had already set it up for him. All he had to do was press the center button and snap the shot.
He looked into the reflected picture of Magnus on the screen, then the reality. Magnus was watching him steadily, lips twitching in the smallest of smiles, his eyes warm and shining.
"Any time now," Magnus teased, winking.
With a faint smile, Alec looked down at his image on the screen and pressed the button, capturing it.