When Alec woke up once more a few hours later, he felt more rested. Also, gladly, his headache was gone. Plus, he knew precisely where he was, which left him lying relaxed in Magnus bed for a moment with closed eyes, enjoying the silence. It was just then that he apprehended that it was a little too silent.
Turning around in Magnus' bed, he opened his eyes and realized that Magnus wasn't lying beside him like he'd promised, and all of a sudden, Alec began to feel lost once more.
He couldn't help the tears stinging in his eyes. Magnus had promised to stay with him, and Alec, the fool that he was, had believed him. And now he found himself all alone in the bed of a stranger, feeling all lost and vulnerable.
No one would ever be there for him. Alec should have known it better, he thought with a bitter feeling. He'd thought Magnus was different, but he was like all the other people Alec had gotten to know in his life. Alec didn't know how long he was lying there, deeply lost in his unfortunate thoughts, and not able to move, before he let his eyes, once more, roam over the room. He would leave then, even if he didn't know where to go yet. He had to figure something out.
Looking once more, at the empty bedside beside him, he caught a little note, lying on Magnus' pillow, and Alec was holding it in his hands before he even realized it. Alec unfolded it as fast as possible and read the words, written just for him.

Alexander,
I'm sorry I had to get up doing some duties. But I'll be in the living room when you wake up, which is the second door on the left side when you leave the bedroom. Take a shower, or a bath, whatever you want, feel free to do it. Fresh clothes are in the cupboard, take what you need. I'll be waiting for you with our dinner.
Magnus

Alec just realized then as he let out a relieved sigh, how grateful he was that Magnus hadn't left him like he'd thought Magnus would. He didn't want to admit it just yet, that Magnus already meant so much to him. Nobody ever had brought him out of a panic attack before in such a short time and helped him to relax so selflessly.
Not even his siblings would be able to.
That's what Alec guessed at least.
They didn't know about his fucked up mental state, and it was better that way. Jace, Izzy, and Max didn't need to know. Alec wanted them to live a happy and carefree life, knowing that he was a burden to all of them if they would find out what was wrong with him. He was their bigger brother after all, and it was his job to look out for them, not otherwise.
But with Magnus, Alec had felt so safe and cared about. He wanted to feel it again, even if it was just for today before Magnus would send him away in disgust when he got to know him better.
But all Alec wanted was to get to know Magnus better. If Magnus wanted it too, of course. But he didn't think the other man would want to.
No one will want you this way, Alec. It's an abnormality which you need to get away from!
Alec shuddered, hearing his father's words as if he would stand right behind him. Alec knew he was a freak, his father had told and shown him often enough since he'd told him his secret a few years ago. And furthermore, Alec didn't even know if he would be able to talk to Magnus, he was such an awkward person. His father had told him so often that Alec couldn't stop feeling this way.
But he desperately craved for Magnus' company, so he climbed out of bed, sitting on the edge for a moment. He found his cell and slid over the screen to unlock it.
Immediately, Alec was greeted with a ton of worried messages from Izzy and Jace, even a few from Max, who had just gotten a cell phone to his last birthday.
Alec was surprised to say, at least. He'd only been gone for a few hours, and his siblings were already freaking out.

Alec, are you okay? Max just told me, something happened between Dad and you...do you need someone to talk to? Izzy

Hey man, where are you? Izzy just called me. She worries about you, are you okay? I'm here if you need me, dude. Jace

Alec, really, are you okay? Why don't you answer? You know how Dad gets when he's stressed because of work, don't let him get to you! Izzy

The messages went on and on, the last one with Izzy telling him she would call the cops if he wouldn't call her soon. So Alec decided to text her at least. He didn't want to talk to his sister right now, maybe later.

Hey Izzy, I'm okay, just got out of bed. I'll call you as soon as I can. Alec

Alec put his cellphone aside and moved to get a short shower before putting fresh clothes on and heading to the living room.
Suddenly feeling shy, Alec carefully knocked on the door before opening it.
He stepped inside and was greeted by the most beautiful sight ever. Alec stopped immediately, right there on the threshold, taking in Magnus' appearance.
Magnus stood, lost in thoughts, in front of a large bookshelf, his thumb and forefinger caressing his thin goatee as he was obviously searching for something. His hair was styled, and he was wearing make-up. Alec didn't know if he'd ever seen a man looking so fucking fantastic. Magnus was also wearing jewelry over his outfit, which, clearly, was made to kill him right here on the doorstep.
"Alexander."
Magnus had bent his head a little, watching Alec with a gentle smile on his face.
"I'm glad to see you awake, how are you feeling?"
"Okay...I mean...better, I'm better," Alec answered awkwardly, still stunned by Magnus' appearance.
"That's good, but I'm sure you must be starving, I ordered some food for us earlier," Magnus told him, taking the lead as he walked through a living room which, in Alec's opinion was a place full of art. Alec roamed his eyes over the furniture as he followed Magnus. It was very impressive though, old, surely almost antique furniture put together with more modern things. His mom would love it.
"Did you put all these things together?" Alec asked in awe, not even realizing that he should be awkward, he was too occupied with his surroundings.
"The furniture? Yes. I kind of like putting things together. You can say that it's a hobby." Magnus explained as he guided Alec to his seat without touching him.
"It's like a piece of art," Alec murmured, thanking Magnus with a little smile. It didn't reach his eyes yet, but he tried.
"Why, thank you, Alexander. I'm glad you like it," Magnus answered, smiling widely at him. It was evident to Alec that Magnus really was glad about his words.
"I do," he answered, blushing a little. Alec didn't know what to say more, so he stood silent.
And Magnus didn't push him into talking. There was a comfortable silence between them as Magnus set the table for them.
"Is there anything you don't like, Alexander?" Magnus asked after a moment.
"No, it's fine." Alec stuttered. He was taught to eat what had been cooked, even if there were a few things he really didn't like. Magnus waited for a second, giving Alec the chance to change his mind before he filled his dish with food. Magnus then helped himself and sat down beside Alec.
Both of them dig into their food without much talking. Alec hadn't realized until now how hungry he'd been.
It was just when they'd finished eating and sat comfortably on Magnus' couch, watching a movie, when the other man finally began to speak.
"So tell me, Alexander, if you want to, of course, what was this all about?"
"I...uhm...I guess I had a bad day...," Alec murmured, lying was all he knew when it came to his true feelings. He wasn't allowed to have some, nor to share them.
"Must've been a pretty hard day, darling," Magnus said empathetically, looking at him for a moment. "It's okay if you don't want to talk about it, but it can help, and I won't judge you."
"Okay...," Alec answered lamely, not really knowing what else to say as he clutched the sweatpants he was wearing in nervousness. He couldn't help himself, this topic frightened him.
"I'm making you uncomfortable, sorry Alexander, I won't ask again," Magnus quickly told him soothingly as he saw Alec's reaction to his words.
"I'm not...I...it's just, I'm so bad at it...and I don't want you to think I'm a freak," Alec stuttered, his voice silent but full with emotion. He didn't understand it, how much Magnus actually meant to him after these few hours. He wasn't ready to leave the comfortable company of Magnus yet. It was selfish, but Alec needed some comfort today. And if Magnus knew more about him, he would ask him to leave, Alec was sure he would.
"Oh darling, I would never think that. All I honestly think is that you seem very sad and lost."
Alec risked a look at Magnus, searching for the truth in his words. Magnus held his gaze, letting Alec find whatever he was looking for. And Alec found it. He nodded after a moment and relaxed a little.
"I, I don't know how to start. I don't know if I can."
"You don't have to, Alexander. It's totally fine. But if you ever want to talk about it, I hope you'll find and reach out to me."
Alec nodded once more. He knew he had to talk about it, but right now, he found himself unable to do so.
"I will...thank you, Magnus," Alec murmured. "But I guess it's time for me to leave," he added, not wanting to go home yet, but Alec didn't want to wear out Magnus welcome.
"Oh...yes, yes, of course, Alexander. Do you need a drive home?" The way Magnus spoke made Alec lookup once more in Magnus' direction. Did he hear sadness? He wasn't good at that, but the way, Magnus was watching him...it could be.
"Yeah, I don't know where I am, so...at least, I mean just if there isn't a taxi stand outside. But I can also walk...I mean, uhm, you don't have to if you have better things to do? I'm already a burden enough," he traded off, being ashamed for himself.
If his father knew...
"Stop it right there, Alexander. I would love to give you a drive if you want to go home. And you're definitely not a burden to me, haven't been at one point. Please, don't think that, darling. I'm glad we met yesterday and grateful that you gave me the chance to help you," Magnus told him soothingly.
And once more, Alec couldn't help believing Magnus. He didn't understand this feeling, never had something like this before. Not wanting to lose it, Alec blurted out.
"I don't know where to go."
"What do you mean, darling? Don't you have a place to go?" Magnus asked in concern, about to touch Alec, but stopped himself immediately.
"I uhm...I...kind of. I live at my parents' home, you know? And we had a fight...? I can't go home...my Dad," Alec tried to explain without explaining, blushing and averting his eyes from Magnus' gaze. It was all too much at this point. So many emotions were running through his body, and Alec found himself feeling the panic rising in his gut once more. His breathing increased, and his view became blurry in an instant.
"Alexander, it's alright. You don't have to explain anything you can't yet. Would it help you if you would stay for another night?"
"I'm a burden, Magnus, you'll regret that offer, I'm sure you will." Alec murmured hoarsely, still fighting the rising panic.
He didn't even know why or understood it.
This was just a normal conversation, he didn't need to panic. Magnus was so kind to him, but the fear of being rejected was too much. Alec couldn't allow himself to get used to Magnus' kindness. He would suffer too much afterward.
"Don't think that, darling. I don't think you are a burden." Magnus assured once more. "Hey, concentrate on your breathing, Alexander. You don't need to panic. You're safe here, and I would never take advantage of you, nor make fun of you. Do you listen to me?" He asked as he got no response from Alec, who was trying to get himself under control.
"Yeah," he croaked, nodding a little. He, indeed, was listening to Magnus, who's voice had such a calming effect on him.
"Alright. First off, I wouldn't make this offer if I didn't care about your well-being, Alexander. And you're clearly not doing well. I don't need to know any reasons why you're having a bad time until you're ready to talk about your problems. If you want to talk to me, to say at least. I won't force you to do anything you don't want. And secondly, I would feel better to know that you have a place where you can stay. I really don't know where this is coming from in such a short time, but I do care a lot about you, Alexander, and I hope you allow me to help you."
Alec was stunned, his rising panic forgotten. Besides his siblings, who didn't know anything about his mental state, no one had never been so nice to him, so worried about him. It melted his heart, and Alec knew he'd always remember these words. He lifted his eyes to directly look at Magnus, who was holding his gaze with intensity, so strong, Alec had never seen in his life.
He didn't know how long they just stared at each other, the emotion evident in both their eyes, until Alec finally gave in and nodded.
"Thank you, Magnus. I don't know why I deserve this, but thank you," he murmured gratefully but also very ashamed. Alec simply didn't know how to handle such kindness by a stranger.
"I'm sure you deserve it, Alexander," Magnus assured him, smiling gently until Alec finally managed to relax a little bit more.
"I have to tell my sister...I'm sure she's already freaking out," Alec murmured after a moment. He didn't realize how drained he felt until now and how much time had passed.
"Sure. You really should do that, darling."
And so Alec got up, walked back into Magnus' bedroom to call his sister. She picked up after the second ring.
"Alec!" Izzy almost screamed into the phone. "I was so worried! Where are you? Are you okay? Max told me you had a fight with Dad?"
"I'm good, Izzy...just needed a time-out. I'm at a...at, a friend's place. Don't know how long I'll stay," Alec explained slowly. He didn't want his sister to worry more than she already did.
"Alec...was it that bad?" Izzy asked after a moment. "What did Dad say?"
"It's fine, Izzy, really. I just need to figure things out, and maybe it's better if I stay away from home for a while. But if you need anything, you can call me any time, Iz." Alec assured her as calm as possible. He knew Izzy loved their Dad beyond words and didn't want to be the one to destroy that.
"Same here, Alec. I know you're not telling me everything. But I'm here for you as well if you need me, big brother. Do you get that?" Izzy asked him firmly, and Alec nodded, his eyes filling with tears at his sister's words.
"Thank you, Iz," he almost whispered. "It's good to hear that," he added, hoping she wouldn't push him into talking.
"It's okay, Alec. Hey, do you need anything from home? Clothes, maybe, or some personal things. I can bring it over, or we meet tomorrow. Just as you want to."
"That would be nice...I'll text you tomorrow, okay?" Alec asked her. Izzy was fast to agree, and after little more small talk, they said their goodbyes.
Alec felt relieved not having to go home, at least for tonight. He could figure something out then.
A knock on the door brought him out of his thoughts, and Alec realized he must've been sitting here for a while when Magnus carefully opened the door and asked him if he was okay.
Alec nodded a little, trying on a slight smile at least.
"Mind if I join you for a moment, Alexander?" Magnus asked then, and Alec nodded once more.
"It's your home, you don't have to ask me, Magnus," Alec told him softly, touched by Magnus' actions.
"I don't mind, darling. I just want you to be comfortable for tonight, and I think we should get clear about a few things first," Magnus told him gently, as he carefully sat down beside Alec. "Is it okay to talk about it?"
"Yes, yes, of course," Alec answered slowly, watching Magnus in awe. This man was such a unique human. Alec didn't deserve so much kindness, he knew that, but if Magnus offered it, he wouldn't refuse it.
"What do you want, Alexander? I have a second room for guests if you'd like to use it. You also can stay here with me. I'm okay with both. It's your decision, darling," Magnus asked him gently, leaving it for Alec to decide. And Alec didn't have time to think twice before he blurted out his answer.
"Can I...can I stay here? Please?" Feeling himself blushing, Alec put his hand on his neck to stroke it nervously. Even if Magnus had offered it, Alec still felt like the older man would refuse to let him sleep by his side.
"Of course you can, Alexander. Better for me to check if you're alright," Magnus told him with an evident smile in his voice.
"Thank you...really, I appreciate this so much," Alec murmured. "I don't know what I would do without your help," he added, the emotion and vulnerability apparent in his voice.
"I'm glad I can help you, darling. Whenever you need me tonight, just wake me, okay?"
"Okay," Alec agreed, risking a look at Magnus, who was watching him with a wry smile.
"Can I ask you something?" The question had left his mouth without him realizing it. But Alec had to know.
"Of course, Alexander. You can ask me anything."
"Are you gay?" Alec blurted out before Magnus was able to end his sentence. If Alec could blush more, he was sure it was happening right now.
Another smile appeared on Magnus' face. A gentle, understanding smile. Magnus wasn't making fun on him, just like he'd promised, and Alec felt more than relieved.
"I'm not gay, I'm bi," the other man told him then, and Alec nodded slowly after a moment.
"Okay," he answered lamely, nodding once more. Alec didn't mind at all. But he also didn't know what to say more. And Magnus, again, didn't push him.
"If you have question's, don't hesitate to ask me, Alexander. I will tell you if it's a little too fast forward or if I'm uncomfortable. But don't shut yourself down when you're with me," he just said, smiling gently at him.
"I'll try," Alec answered. He didn't know if he would be able to, but Magnus' encouragement helped him a lot.
"Let's get some more rest, darling. We can figure out more in the morning. Are you alright with that?"
"Yeah. I guess I'm not a good company anyway," Alec said, feeling really exhausted from everything that had happened.
"Oh, I'm enjoying your company very much, Alexander. But I think a little more sleep won't do any harm."
And Alec knew he was right.
Both of them got ready for bed then, Magnus needing a lot more time in the bath than Alec. As he finally stepped out of the bathroom, without any make-up and jewelry, Alec couldn't stop himself from watching Magnus in awe. He still was so very beautiful to Alec, he would never be able to hide his affection for the other man.
Magnus laid down beside Alec and turned to face him, both lying on their sides, watching each other for a moment.
"Is that okay, Alexander?"
"Yes...yes it is. It's good," Alec replied, feeling safe and cared about at Magnus' side. He hadn't felt this for the longest time and just kept relishing the fact that someone cared about him.
"Okay, I'm glad then. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask or wake me, darling," Magnus told him once more, smiling gently at him.
"Will do," Alec answered honestly before he closed his tired eyes. "Goodnight, Magnus. Thank you for everything," he murmured gratefully.
"Goodnight, Alexander. You're more than welcome," Magnus answered, but Alec didn't hear it, he was already fast asleep.