Life with Magnus

By Shin Sankai

Authors Notes:Thanks for enjoying this story – if you are that is...? Anyway its not over yet (as I'm predicting its going to be about 16 chapters in length - maybe) but somehow I don't think I'll get it done before I start gallivanting around the country for awhile and my laptop is not coming with me. I'll try my best to get out what I can though...

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Chapter Seven

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Alec was pretty much a light sleeper, mainly because when Max was younger he had a lot of nightmares and so any tiny cry he let out, Alec had leapt out of bed and was in his room in an instant. It appeared his body clock had never bothered to get over that now that Max was a little older. Raphael on the other hand was the complete opposite at his age. An absolute godsend sleep wise as he could sleep through anything, bless him.

Blue eyes darted to his closed door, he had heard another bedroom door open and close quietly and then soft footsteps moved down the hallway, this time not covered by alien slippers as Alec already knew it to be Magnus. It was pretty easy as children generally thudded down hallways to make all the noise in the world.

Alec turned his gaze to the digital clock on the bedside table to read it was 5:30am. Did the man get up this early every morning? Alec wanted to stay in bed, for it was way more comfortable then his own and he loved feeling cocooned amongst silk sheets and wintry blankets and lush pillows.

After about fifteen minutes he decided that the thought of being able to converse with Magnus again, before the kids woke for the day, enticed him quite a bit and he rolled out of bed, stretching much like a cat in order to work the kinks out of his lanky body. He swooped down and picked up his trousers, slipping them on. He rummaged through his overnight bag and pulled out a brown top, not bothering to place it on as he held it in his hand while cracking the door open and went on the hunt for Magnus.

Of course it didn't take him long as his eyes drifted to the wide open balcony doors, where pale lighting was coming from as it was still far too early for the sun to rise on this winter day. Though none of that even mattered as what had truly stolen Alec's attention, making his breath catch and his heart thump in his chest, was Magnus himself.

There he was, loose black sweat pants, the red band of his boxer briefs peaking out the top. He was in some sort of stance, legs spread and knees slightly bent. His upper body was bare from any form of clothing, golden-brown skin practically glowing under the pale balcony lighting. Isn't he cold standing out there? Though again, that didn't seem to matter as the man's upper body also had a certain shine to it. Alec wasn't sure if it were sweat, even on a brisk morning, or maybe he'd lathered himself in some sort of body oil perhaps? Either way, he came to the realisation that Magnus was quite...breathtaking. His upper body moved to melodious music, it different from what he used to put the kids to sleep last night, but it was still instrumental and ethereal. His upper body moved this way and that, his arms and hands moving fluidly in tantalising ways, shifting languidly like cool water drifting over smooth rocks. Alec felt his mouth go dry at some of the man's movements. He was...rather flexible.

"What are you doing?" Alec listened to his own deep voice blurt out, dispelling the serenity in the early morning as Magnus let off a small jolt, so lost in his tranquil movements that he hadn't realised he had an onlooker. He gave him a quick glance over his shoulder, Alec watching Magnus' eyes widen slightly as he'd walked out here without even bothering to place on his shirt, so they were equally undressed.

Magnus drew his arms to his sides, turning to face Alec fully now, finally taking notice that Alec didn't just have another tattoo hidden beneath his clothing but several! Magnus of course knew of the one on his neck, and the possibility of another that had peaked between the gap in his shirt, but as his eyes roamed over Alexander's pale skin, there was way more then he thought! A couple on his upper chest, two small ones on both shoulders and then there appeared to be either three or four down each arm too. Magnus watched Alec turn slightly, bending to rub Church behind his ears as his pet had come to rub his body against his leg, already liking him it seemed, and noticed another four tattoos were on his back! Two were high, carved into his shoulder blades and the other two were lower, probably where his kidneys were.

When Alec had risen back up, Magnus couldn't help but drift his eyes to a particular large and intricate tattoo that was against his left hip area and then it shot out to his abdomen and dipped below the waistband of his trousers and boxer briefs, to an area where Magnus shouldn't be looking at.

"Err...are those...tribal or something?" Magnus heard himself say, signalling with a wave of his hand towards Alec's tattoos. He hoped he hadn't been staring for too long.

"Oh, um, not really." Magnus arched an eyebrow as Alec finally placed his shirt on. You needn't get dressed just because I'm here... "So, what were you doing just then?" It was Alec's turn to watch Magnus as he moved towards a chair, his eyes watching the man's firm muscles tighten and loosen with his movements and then goosebumps formed as a cool breeze wafted into the spacious living room. He eyed Magnus as he placed on a zip up sleeveless hooded top, hands digging into the pockets after he closed the glass door, not wanting to let anymore cold air in then he already had this early morning.

"You answer my question, and I'll answer yours." Magnus watched Alec roll his eyes.

"They aren't tribal..." Magnus arched an eyebrow. It was a bloody answer, as he'd already said that! "Its...complicated."

"Is everything complicated with you?" Magnus watched the man frown. Perhaps that wasn't the wisest thing for him to say.

"So...?" Alec jutted out his chin, completely ignoring Magnus' other question and expected the man to come to the table and give him an answer now, even though his didn't elaborate at all! Though Magnus wondered as to whether he should open up first and then maybe, just maybe, Alexander would follow suit.

"I guess its sort of like my own modified version of Tai Chi..."

"Oh, well that makes sense."

"It does?" Magnus questioned back.

"Sure, you are of Asian decent, yes?" Alec found it comical as Magnus looked down at himself, hands splayed out in front of him as though to double check.

"My mother was from Indonesia."

"Oh, so, not Chinese then?"

"Oh, well yes, you are correct because my fa...ther..." Alec raised an eyebrow at Magnus' fumble, watching the man's eyes, covered by purple contact lenses shift uneasily. He seemed to stiffen as well, fisted hands thrusting into the pockets of his top. Clearly he didn't like talking about his father. "Yes, Chinese decent, I do have that. And my mother was Indonesian, as I already mentioned and then there was my stepfather who was French. So if you ever want to learn Chinese, Indonesian or French, or even Latin, then I'm your man. For a fee of course." Magnus gave him a little wink at that.

"No thanks..." Alec went to take a seat, but his eyes darted back to Magnus as what he said finally sank in. "Wait, what you just said...your mother and stepfather...?"

"Both dead." He said it so matter of factly that Alec felt a little shocked about it all. You don't just plainly say stuff like that if they were people you loved. But then, maybe, maybe he didn't love them which is why he seemed to feel nothing for them. But then the man was human so he would have to have felt something, even if he were placing up walls with him. Not that he could blame him, he wasn't exactly the most open person either. Huh, at least the both of them had that in common. "So, are you interested in any of my Tai Chi? I could show you some of my moves?" Alec turned his gaze to the plush rug he was standing on, toes wriggling against the fluffy material.

"I'm good..." I prefer watching you... Alec bit his tongue. He would not sound like a creep!

Magnus shrugged his shoulders and could feel the man silently watching him again, tracing his body with his gaze, following his every move and it still sent a shiver down his spine, though Magnus was certain he was able to hide it as he moved to the dining table and picked up a crystal glass filled with juice and shaved ice.

"Would you care for a glass? Freshly squeezed from the organic deli down the block. I picked it up yesterday. Oh, so technically not freshly squeezed, just a day old then, but it is still good." Alec raised an eyebrow, noticing Magnus seemed to ramble every now and then. Was it because of him? Was he making the man nervous? And possibly nervous in a good way?

"I'm fine for now. I was hoping to use your bathroom before the kids got up?"

"Go ahead, my home is your home." Alec, once again, stared quietly at Magnus and that made the loft owner wonder if he should have ended that sentence with for now. It would be too awkward to say it now, and either way, Alec never gave him a chance to since he made his way quietly back down the hallway, probably back into "his" bedroom to get fresh clothes and his toiletries and then there was the distinct sound of water turning on. He'd already placed three sets of towels and face washers out for them, since Magnus was quite the dutiful host when he wanted to be.

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Magnus, for all his suaveness dropped down into one of his dining room chairs and banged his head on the glass table. He took several deep breaths and tried to recall the last time someone made him feel like this. After several minutes he drew a bloody blank! He'd been in quite a few relationships, some short, some long in his books, but even so, no one had ever made him feel like Alexander was making him feel.

God he was in trouble...big, big trouble.

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Whilst Alec was in the main bathroom showering, Magnus had snapped himself out of his dilemma of letting Alexander and his sons stay with him, though there was no way he'd go back on his invite, he wasn't that kind of man. And whilst Alec was still in the bathroom, that gave him the opportunity to escape to his own room and shower himself.

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After he finished, he stood in his walk in wardrobe, towel around his hips and gazed upon his extensive clothing. He was certain some of the poles were slightly bent and were probably ready to snap.

With needing to ensure his new house guests settled well into their temporary accommodation, Magnus would have to call Ragnor and tell him he wasn't coming to the bar this weekend. He hated to do things like that to his dear friend, but the man truly needed to get another bartender as he couldn't keep working days and nights like he was. Having extra finances was always good in his books, but probably not at the expense of his own health!

And then there was the dire need to have a spring clean in the middle of winter too. It was long overdue after all. Maybe, now that his home was going to be overrun by three Lightwood's, perhaps he could rope the children into making the decisions on what he should keep and what should be given to charity.

Not that any of that mattered as he pulled clothing from his wardrobe and placed it on his perfectly made bed. He needed to get dressed and greet the younger Lightwood's since the volume of noise was increasing in the hallway, though Alec's deep throaty voice was trying ever so hard to shush them.

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"What do you say to Magnus?" Magnus had just exited his kitchen, placing bacon and eggs on toast in front of the Lightwood's before taking a seat, one leg crossed over the other and sipped at his tea. He loved a good cup of tea in the morning.

"Thank you Magnus." The boys politely voiced before digging into their hearty meals. Magnus found it cute that Raphael was propped up under a mountain of cushions since he didn't own a high-chair for obvious reasons, but his quick thinking got around that.

Magnus was dressed in black pressed trousers and silk shirt, but his hair had streaks of bright pink in it and he don chunky necklaces and rings. Everyone needed a bit of bling he believed. Except of course Alexander Lightwood who looked dapper as it was in a sea blue button down shirt. So he did have something other then black and brown...though he was wearing black jeans, but again, they fit him so well.

"That's quite alright, I hope its nice." Contrary to Magnus' flamboyant ways, he was quite the homebody and preferred a night in over clubs and parties. Not that he didn't mind a good party, but he wasn't getting any younger and with his two busy jobs, keeping his business afloat and also now living with Madzie and taking care of her, he never had time for that sort of social life anymore. He probably had partied enough for ten people back in his youth anyway. Now, with most parties behind him, unless he were the host and it was all organised in his own home, though he hadn't done that in awhile, Magnus' distress-or these days happened to be his modified Tai Chi and also, if one could believe it, cooking.

"Yummy!" Both boys voiced. Magnus turned his gaze expectantly to Alec who nodded his head agreeing with his sons as he had a larger serving of the hot breakfast on off and also a nicely brewed coffee.

"Mo-Morning," All eyes focused on a shy Madzie who was the last to get out of bed. She had, after all, snuck into Magnus' bed hours ago, but before he went to do his usual morning ritual of Tai Chi, he'd carried her effortlessly back to her own room for a little more shut eye.

"Hello sweet pea, are you hungry?" Magnus watched her shrug, though her belly did give a tiny grumble. He rose to fetch her a bowl of warm tasty porridge as Madzie didn't like having a big meal for breakfast. She was almost like him in that respect as all he had of a morning, most days, was cups of tea.

Magnus was just returning from the kitchen, just in time to see Alec trying to have a conversation with the shy Madzie and in the end, he picked her up and sat her in a chair next to him, stating he wanted to sit next to her, to get to know her better since he and his sons were imposing on her and Magnus as this was their home together. Magnus had watched her eye him silently as he'd given her a rather friendly smile.

"That remains me, you like books don't you Madzie?" The little girl nodded her head. "Max says that you and he sometimes sit and read the same ones together." Madzie gave a tiny little nod again. Magnus did recall her and Max sitting together in Day Care, not talking at all, but they had been flipping through some books together. "Maybe you might like to look at some of mine?" Madzie turned her gaze to look up at Alec once more, and Magnus himself, had tilted his head in intrigue at what the man was saying. "Have you heard of Magical Adventures by A.I.M.?" Magnus watched as Madzie's eyes widened as she nodded her head rather vigorously, a sudden sparkle captured in her eyes. He watched Alec give her another lopsided grin, his index finger pointing back at himself. "That's me."

"Daddy's books are great!" Max voiced with his mouth full of scrambled eggs.

"Max, don't talk with your mouth full." Alec picked up a napkin and brushed it over the table as Max had accidentally spat some egg on the glass top. "And your opinion is bias, so it doesn't count." His little four year old didn't understand what that meant and just went back to eating his breakfast. Magnus finally got his legs moving and made his way back to the dining table, placing the bowl of porridge, drizzled with honey, in front of Madzie.

"I..." Magnus was about to unleash some questions on Alec but snapped his mouth shut as both their eyes focused on Madzie's quiet and hesitant voice. "I like Magical Adventures - The Little Sorceress the most."

"Oh!" It finally clicked with Magnus as that had been the book Madzie always wanted him to read to her before she went to bed, although he'd not been home to read it to her in days with his night job becoming a lot busier. When is Ragnor getting me some help!

"You know, its one of my favourites as well. I like to think, having now met Madzie, the Little Sorceress reminds me of her." Was that a cute little blush on his adorable Madzie's cheeks? "She has Madzie's wild frizzy hair and her dark eyes too." Magnus was speechless as Madzie gave him a grin. My little sweet pea...

And as surprising as it was that Madzie was reacting to Alexander, it was even more surprising that he was actually A.I.M. You wouldn't think to look at him, tattoos and all, that he created adorable children's books with lovely illustrations. It just didn't seem to fit him...though he doubted his profession as owner of a Day Care Centre was any different.

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The makeshift "family of five" fell silent as breakfast was polished off by all except Magnus of course.

"If you've all finished, go brush your teeth and we'll head off to Day Care." Chairs were vacated, Magnus helped Raphael down, as the three children headed towards the bathroom. Alec had called out to Max over his shoulder to help out his baby brother with cleaning his teeth and to be careful when taking it in turns to use Madzie's step stool so they could reach the basin.

"Well, that was surprising." Blue orbs drifted over to Magnus. "I had no idea you were an author."

"Why would you, its not like we've talked a lot since our original meeting about you looking after Max and Raphael." Magnus had no comeback for that. The man was right. "You ignoring me was frustrating at first, I don't believe I deserved that kind of behaviour from you just because I have two sons, but there wasn't anything I could do about it since you wouldn't give me the time of day." Magnus felt himself flinch. Alexander seriously didn't pull his punches.

"Sorry..."

Alec shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not trying to make you feel bad, what has happened, has happened. And anyway, after I thought about, I cannot control how you feel about anything, so I was probably being a bit childish in my reactions too. Either way, it doesn't matter anymore since you look after Max and Raphael so well...and you've kindly opened your home to us in our time of need too."

"So, where to from here?" Magnus and Alec locked gazes at his question, the both of them falling silent, their gazes dropping to their folded hands, each resting within their laps. "How about...friends?" Magnus wasn't one to ever seem hesitant, but sometimes, there was just something about Alec that made him feel shy. He placed out his hand, feeling his shoulders ease from the tension he previously felt as Alexander clasped his hand, a tiny lopsided smile on his lips.

"Friends,"

They began clearing the table, heading into the kitchen to place everything in the sink. Magnus would do the dishes when he got back this evening. "So, how did you end up becoming an author?" Magnus questioned as he poured himself a third and final cup of tea, also offering one to Alec, but he placed up his hand as he was still enjoying his coffee as they had moved to sit on one of the leather couches.

"I dabbled a bit when I was in College while doing my studies in business, and working for my family, but it was pretty much stopped when my parents found out."

"Why? Shouldn't they be happy for you as you clearly found something you love to do?"

"Is your father happy with what you do?" Alec closed his eyes for a moment at the dark look that crossed Magnus' face. "Sorry, its none of my business."

"Its...Its quite alright..." Magnus took a long sip of his tea. "If you must know, I've not seen my father in a long time...well except the hour or so I was in his presence whilst buying this place, but truthfully, it must be...twenty years now." He watched Alec's beautiful blue eyes widen. "We are not close."

"Clearly..." Magnus gave a small grin, even if it did seem forced.

"So..." Magnus gestured for Alec to give up some information, like he had.

"My family has always been close. My parents have always been protective of us, but when Max died...things changed."

"Alexander..."

"Its been quite awhile since Max passed, and it was hard, still is at times, but we were doing alright, getting back into family routines and such. Though I've destroyed that as of late." Magnus watched Alec shift in his seat and bite his own lip. Magnus realised he definitely hadn't meant to elaborate that far. And he doubted it was in regards to him becoming an author. Its not like he were an assassin or anything...well...not that he knew, but he was pretty sure he wasn't. He always had a sixth sense about people, being able to pick up good and bad vibes instantly. And there was nothing bad about Alexander at all. A strain in a family could be for various reasons such as violence, affairs, financial constraints, but Magnus didn't believe it were any of those. After all, he had met Alexander at Ragnor's Bar, so surely that meant... "Before Max passed, he and Isabelle gave me a lot of encouragement and because of that I went against our parents." Magnus' thoughts were interrupted by the author. "I took a leave of absence from College and began to draw and write. I did a few stand alone children's books, but got my break with Magical Adventures. Though the books don't seem to relate to each other, as each one is centred around a particular character, but they are within the same magical world, so the twelve books ended up being sold together."

"Well, I must admit, I didn't realise The Little Sorceress was part of a collection. Madzie only ever wants me to read that one to her." Magnus gulped down the rest of his tea. "She loves it a lot. I think I've pretty much memorised it if I'm honest."

"I'm glad they are easy to read, and enjoyed by Madzie and my own son. If I can make one child fall in love with my books, then I'm glad."

"May I ask how you came up with your pen name?"

"May I ask how you came up with Warlock Day Care?" This time it was Magnus who rolled his eyes. So they were playing this game again?

"I named it that because it is a war out there for most and children are locked in day care, protected and safe." Alec arched an eyebrow, unsure if Magnus was being truthful since he did crack a grin, flashing his pearly whites and four of his teeth almost seemed pointed like fangs. And as Alec studied Magnus quietly, this grin was nothing like the business smiles he'd been getting from the man. This appeared to be genuine and Alec instantly felt a tug at his heart for how cute it made him look. "Now you Alexander." And even though no one called him Alexander, as he did prefer Alec, hearing it from Magnus' lips, he had to admit, he quite liked that this man was the only one to refer to him in such a way. It sounded so nice coming form his soft sensual voice.

"If I'm honest, I've never had a lot of confidence in myself." Alec found a look of utter surprise on Magnus' face. "I hide a lot of things, but my sister and brother supported me no matter what. So, with their encouragement, and sometimes forcefulness, especially from Isabelle, my ideas started to come to life and thanks to all their help A.I.M. sprouted from the initials of our names." Alec scratched at his neck. "Its kind of corny but..."

"Not at all, I think its a lovely gesture."

"Magnus..."

"Finished!" Alec was interrupted as both men rose from their seated positions, looking upon the children who not only had brushed their teeth, but had also packed their bags which were now on their tiny backs.

"Are you that excited about going to Day Care?" After all, when Alec first started taking his sons, it was like pulling teeth with Max. Raphael on the other hand loved going to day care from the get go as he always talked about Magnus when they returned to their apartment. His little boy would constantly tell him what sort of mischief he got up to with Magnus, cheeks rosy and eyes sparkling. It seemed like Raphael was enchanted with the man.

"Magnus is taking us to the park." Raphael chirped happily. "We go to feed the fish!"

"Well there is that, but its also nice every now and then to get some fresh air and some exercise as there is a rather large playground in the park too. Maybe we'll even read 'The Little Sorceress' there as well." Madzie's eyes flashed happily at this news. "So, are we all ready?" Nods of the head was all the two men needed as shoes, coats, gloves and beanies were placed on. Magnus placed a leopard print jacket over his attire. A bright red and pink silk scarf was wrapped around his neck, he suddenly darting back to his bedroom and finally came back, handing Alec's grey scarf back to him.

"Keep it." Magnus furrowed his eyebrows. "I bought another." Magnus was about to argue that one scarf surely wasn't enough, as he watched Alec placed on the only scarf the man seemed to own now which was a black, grey and white striped one, but then Alec didn't seem to worry about what he wore and closed his mouth, unfolding the scarf and hung it on the hook next to his leather coat. The grey colour looked quite nice with the shiny black material.

"Everyone say 'bye Church, have a nice day'." Alec grinned at the chorus of children farewelling the cat even though Church was no where in sight. He was probably curled in Madzie's bed.

After picking up his bag, Magnus shuffled everyone out of his home and the door locked behind them as they piled into the elevator and headed for the street.

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They were quite a sight as Madzie was holding Magnus' left hand, Raphael was holding his right and his father's left and Max was holding his fathers right hand. They took up most of the footpath, but who cares. It was a perfect crisp morning, the sun was creeping its way higher into the sky and for just a single moment Magnus could feel like he were part of a family. Not that Catarina and Ragnor weren't pretty much his family these days, but this, for a split second, Magnus could indulge, could believe that this was just so right, and that like others, he too was allowed to dream of the 'what ifs' right?

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"Well, this is quite a rare moment." Both men and the three children walked into the Day Care, eyes focused on Catarina, observing as hers widened as she looked upon Max's bandaged head. "What happened?"

"Its a long story, but Max is healing well, aren't you Max?" The youngster nodded his head.

"And daddy is taking us out for the biggest ice cream sundae soon, right?"

"Right," Catarina arched an eyebrow, pointedly staring at Magnus, wanting him to elaborate on what had happened as she was not taking "its a long story" as a good enough explanation. And then there was the sight of seeing Magnus and Alec within several feet of each other. The day the two men had met, she had noticed just how on edge Magnus was, not that she wanted to pry or anything...

"We're all currently living together." Catarina's eyes widened as Magnus removed his scarf and the leopard print jacket, placing them on the coat stand and then off he trotted to greet the ever smiling Clary and the sour faced, but still equally as cute, Jace.

"What Magnus means to say is that the boys and I are imposing on his hospitality due to our home being damaged by a burst water pipe. I was having trouble finding us temporary accommodation and Magnus was kind enough to help us out."

"I see..."

"I'm heading to the insurance company today to find out how long construction is going to take and hope it is going to be a simple fix since I would hate to impose on Magnus and Madzie for too long." Alec watched Magnus wave his hand flippantly, not in the least bit concerned with how long things could take...or that his home was overrun by three Lightwood's now.

"Oh my..." Catarina mumbled, her eyes drifting once more to Magnus who was heading back over to Alec.

"Your appointment is in an hour is it not? You best be off then."

"R-Right,"

"Just phone me to let me know where you are at later this afternoon so we can meet up to go home together. I'll also organise a spare key for you so you can come and go with your work."

Magnus felt his breath catch in his throat when Alec placed his large warm hand against his cheek rather suddenly. "Thanks Magnus." Catarina gave the man a slight wave and then watched his head off, her inquisitive gaze finally locking onto Magnus.

"What?" Magnus voiced rather defensively, arms folding over his chest.

"Nothing," Catarina replied quietly, but then couldn't help it as she made her way over to the little boy she had watched grow into a man, placing her hand against his cheek. "Just be careful Magnus."

"I don't know what you are talking about."

"Uh huh..."

# To be Continued #