Life with Magnus

By Shin Sankai

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Author's Notes: Wow, I got this done quicker then I thought I would. Hooray me! I'm thinking this is probably one of my fave chapters, just downright fluff in my opinion.

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Chapter Fifteen

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Magnus gasped awake, like he'd just been pulled from a nightmare of epic proportions. His heart was hammering in his chest and his mind was downright fuzzy as he couldn't quite grasp what the hell made him fee like that. In the pale lighting of his bedroom, he sucked in deep breaths as his brown and amber-gold eyes looked out his large bedroom window. It was still pitch black outside, meaning the winter sunrise was still quite a ways off.

Magnus' rather shaky hand reached for the glass of water on his bedside table as he took a few gulps, quenching his parched throat and then placed it back down before wiping his hand over his sweaty brow. Was he coming down with something?

Last night had thrown every form of emotion at him, from humour to nervousness, to passion and desperate want and need for the dark haired author who was leaning heavily over him, practically squashing him into his own mattress. It made him shiver a little just remembering it. As Alec had gazed down at him, he could make out his own reflection in those gorgeous crystal blue eyes. Instantly Magnus had felt rather shy at that moment...and he never felt shy about much these days.

Wait... Magnus had seen hesitation in Alexander, that one word making him freeze in an instant. Did he perhaps think he was going to go back on his words of wanting Alec to stay with him? The look was so adorable, but Magnus couldn't bare keeping the man in suspense as his slender hand drifted from Alec's lower back and down his own side, to where his pants were riding low against his hips. His hand went into the pocket and he pulled out the omamori from within, placing it a safe distance away, on the bedside table, not wanting it to be crushed during their frantic love making. Magnus didn't want to call it sex, even though that is blatantly what they were about to do. It felt so...casual...so...impersonal...and that is not what he wanted the both of them to feel right now.

You've kept it with you...all this time? Alec had sultrily murmured against his ear, though Magnus was sure it was just his mind playing tricks on him, though his body did shiver (again) at the man's closeness.

Of course, you bought it for me Alexander. And that was pretty much one of the last things he had said that evening, as electricity buzzed about his body as Alec leaned in closer, locking their lips together in yet another passionate kiss. It immediately sent pleasure bursting through Magnus' entire being, and he was pretty damn sure his eager responses were setting Alexander off as well.

As their night drew on, languid caresses and kisses spread over their entire bodies, gasps and groans filling the quiet of the bedroom before everything went silent, bodies spent and collapsed, wrapped warmly in golden silk sheets.

Breathing finally calmed and it gave Magnus a chance to go over everything that he and Alec had been through so far, and in a fleeting moment, before his eyes closed as he dropped off to sleep, Magnus knew every feeling he had for Alexander was most definitely fast turning into love. Though he dare not voice it, just in case it scared him away.

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Noise jolted Magnus back into reality, he turning to look over his left shoulder as he finally took notice of the light coming from the slightly ajar door to his ensuite. His gaze shifted to the vacant side of his bed, where Alexander had collapsed and fallen asleep, but it was now vacant of him (duh – he was obviously in the bathroom). Quickly, as though to not alert the man he was awake, Magnus laid back down, resting on his side, his bare back to Alec as he listened to the click of the light and then Alec stood beside the bed. The other reason Magnus didn't want to face him, not only to alert him of being awake at this ungodly hour, but also he wasn't sure if Alexander was someone who would just roll out of bed in the buff, go to the bathroom and then return without a stitch of clothing on. He just wasn't prepared to find that out just yet.

With eyes closed, and breath held for a few moments, all of Magnus' other senses were heightened as Alec's heavier body pressed the mattress down as he shifted back under the sheets. At least there was that – he stayed with him. He could feel the hesitation wash over Alexander in waves as he seemed to pause in his movements as though debating whether he should move closer or not. Sadly, he didn't. Though Magnus did have to stave off another shudder when Alec's cool fingers glided lightly over his warm skin, down the middle of his spine in fact. How bold... And then he felt a lump build in his throat when that hand decided to rest lightly over his left hip, seemingly a little possessive, which of course was rather sweet, but perhaps Alec wanted him to know that he was still beside him, just not flush against him like they'd previously been for half the night.

After all, they needn't start something up in the wee hours of the morning (as tempting as it was) when they needed to ensure they were both up and dressed before Catarina arrived with Madzie.

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Magnus didn't know when he drifted back to sleep, but again he jolted awake, though not as bad as he had a couple of hours earlier. In fact, what had woken him this time was movement near his left side, it of course being Alexander as he was wide awake now too. He shifted his gaze to look at him, noticing his pale broad back was facing him as Alec sat on the edge of the bed. His eyes moved over the four large tattoos on his back, remembering having traced his fingers over the designs before tracing his lips over them too, watching that pale taut skin shudder beneath his ministrations.

As they had de-clothed each other during their escapades, Magnus couldn't help but play particular attention to the large tattoo against Alec's shuddering abdomen, his hand dipping below the waistband of his jeans and briefs, just as his eyes did the same as he was ever so intrigued as to where it ended. Pale skin flushed multiple times during the evening as Magnus traced his eyes over every inch of Alexander's body, blinking in astonishment at yet more tattoos were revealed to him when the man finally lay just as naked as he did. These tattoos were down his legs not where you were thinking.

"Morning,"

"Oh, um, morning..." Magnus creased his eyebrows as he sat up slowly in bed.

"Is everything alright?"

"Ah, um, yeah, just, lots to do today."

"Alexander..."

"I need to get going."

"Where are you going?" Magnus asked in surprise. This Alexander made him feel nervous as his blue eyes had refused to meet his gaze.

"Well, I need to chat with my mother about what she did yesterday and after that I'll bring the boys back here once we've done some shopping."

"I've plenty of groceries in the fridge so you needn't worry about that." He gulped down the lump in his throat when Alec didn't move from his spot at the edge of the bed nor respond to what he had said. Quickly Magnus cleared his throat, trying to remain cool, calm and collected. "I know, how about I make us some breakfast? I know you like my pancakes."

"I'm fine." Okaaaay...

"Then lets go have a shower and after Catarina drops off Madzie, we can all go together to collect Maxy and Raph?"

Magnus felt a frown mar his lips at the tense way in which Alexander was sitting. "Sh-Shower...? T-Together...?"

"Oh!" Magnus hadn't meant for the man to take it like that, as adorable as it was, since he could see the light flush creeping over Alec's skin. His frown was gone in an instant. "Well, I didn't quite mean it like that, but I'm all for it if you're game." He couldn't help but tease the man a little, though the smile on his lips faltered immediately when Alexander jerked away from his light touch, since he had only just placed his hand against his shoulder, but had watched Alec practically jump out of his bed and move further away from him.

"N-No, I'm fine. I really just need to get the boys."

"In your underwear?" Alec had been heading for the bedroom door in just his plain black boxer briefs. Magnus watched him retrace his steps, though he didn't even look at him, yet again, as he scooped up his littered clothing strewn about the carpet. And then, like nothing had ever happened in his room, since it was devoid of every stitch of clothing Alec had on (and the man himself) Magnus sat alone in his bed.

"Shit..." Magnus placed his head in his hands and closed his eyes. Did Alexander regret sleeping with him?

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Magnus poked his head through the archway which lead to his kitchen as he listened to hearty laughter coming from the two seater couch near his large flat screen TV. Madzie, Max and Raphael were giggling heartily away at whatever cartoon was currently airing. There innocence made him feel a little better even though it was nearing lunchtime and Alexander had not returned from wherever he went.

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When Alec fled his home, Magnus began a massive debate inside his head. Half telling him to go after the man, find out what the problem was, and to tell him that everything was going to be alright, that they could work it out because he loved him – as scary as those words could be. The other half was of course his weak side, a side Magnus hadn't allowed to surface for quite some time, or a side he hadn't realised he still had, though now having met Alexander, the man affected every emotion within him.

This weak side was convinced that after sleeping with him, Alexander had come to regret it, probably thinking it was better to be with that Lydia woman and marry her like his parents wanted. And then they would live happily ever after and he would die broken and alone once more. That very thought, as Magnus took a shower, made his knees weak. His breathing became laboured and he had finally realised that this was the nightmare he had woken from before sunrise. He'd been walking through darkness, unsure what was going on and completely lost in the process. His lungs were starved of air, his throat hurt like hell and that is when he realised in his nightmare he was yelling for Alexander, eyes practically burning with tears. Fear gripped him in an instant as he had continued to call out to the handsome blue eyed man. His yelling shifted to calling out for Madzie, Max and Raphael as well. No one appeared. He was all alone in a barren wasteland, locked in his own personal hell.

Enough... Magnus had muttered in his shower, shaking his head of those horrific thoughts, water splashing everywhere as he did so. He would not fall apart. He turned off the taps and stepped out of the shower stall, gazing at his reflection in the half fogged mirror. Magnus had to come to terms with Alec's decisions. The man regretted sleeping with him. He was but a fleeting moment in his life.

Magnus steeled himself as he wrapped a towel around his waist, droplets of water falling to his shoulders as he headed for his large wardrobe, eyeing off an all black ensemble like he were mourning something that hadn't truly been given a vast amount of time to develop.

So Alec didn't want him, big deal. He was an adult, he could totally handle that. It was just a tiny blip, a small mistake (yeah right) between the two of them. Give him a few hours and he'd be fine, ready to shield his hurt and cover it all up with fake smiles. Yeah, that's exactly what Magnus would do.

That morning, Magnus didn't even bother to do his usual Tai Chi exercises, the whole "getting over it" not working as fast as he hoped as he sat at his dining room table, a pot of tea for comfort and his black and gold dressing gown wrapped around his body. He hadn't bothered to dress yet, just placed on clean silk pyjama pants and the gown. His mood was shitty, so today was just going to be a pyjama wearing day. He would stay indoors, it looked like snow out there anyway.

Half an hour had gone by and there was the knock at his door. He opened it and was greeted with a brightly smiling Madzie and Catarina. He hugged his adorable sweet pea, gave Catarina a kiss on the cheek and let the elder woman into his home. Whilst Madzie placed her things in her bedroom, Catarina had frowned as she looked Magnus over. She had tapped him motherly under the chin, much like Ragnor did to him, and demanded answers. He refused to give details, since he didn't want Alexander's regret to be true, and for now she had stopped pestering him. He never did give her much of a choice as conveniently she had that appointment to keep at 9am. He'd given her another peck on the cheek and waved goodbye. Thankfully he didn't have to think about Alexander, even just for a little bit, as his attention was stolen by Madzie.

Well, that was for about an hour as he and Madzie had just been debating on what to read, since The Little Sorceress had already been read three times as it was, and Magnus was sick of it (sort of) when they were interrupted by several knocks at the front door. He was quite surprised when he heard tiny voices calling out to him through the door and on quick feet opened it up to reveal Max and Raphael and of all people: Maryse Lightwood!

Before he could even greet the scary mother, his legs were attacked by the two adorable boys. Magnus, we missed you!

And I missed you. He responded back with a slight coo in his voice. Where is your daddy? He was heading your way to come and collect you. He observed a look of puzzlement flash across Maryse Lightwood's face. So, clearly the man had lied to him. It wasn't the urgency of needing to have it out with his mother (again) and to get his sons back either. It was him, without a single doubt now.

Once again Magnus wasn't truly acknowledged by Alexander's mother as she told her grandsons to behave and that she and their grandfather would see them soon. They gave her innocent waves and once she was inside the elevator Magnus closed his front door.

Where is daddy Magnus? It was a very good question indeed.

Maybe he's getting a surprise for the both of you? It was all he could think to say and he watched as the boys gave him wide excited smiles, eyes sparkling at the thought of presents from their beloved father. He quickly distracted them with advising them that Madzie was home, heart swelling when he watched the trio give each other hugs before he sat them on the couch and handed the remote to Max to choose a station. Whilst they were busy, it gave Magnus a moment to stand on his balcony, gazing at the bridge, the cool breeze ruffling his unkempt hair as he lost himself within his thoughts.

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Which brought him to now, a few more hours having gone by as he was now making lunch. And he too was a little bit hungry as he really hadn't eaten for a solid 24 hours now. He'd just finished cutting the crusts off the chicken, lettuce and mayonnaise sandwiches and then proceeded to cut them into triangles. He piled the sandwiches onto a large platter which also contained glasses of juice, cut up watermelon and small bars of chocolate to enjoy after everyone ate their sandwiches. No dessert before your main meal is what Magnus was taught, though when eyes weren't watching him when he was younger, he did sneak a chocolate (or two) into his pockets back then.

Just as he placed the platter on the dining table and called the children over, his head turned, just like theirs did when they heard noise coming from the other side of the door once more. There was quite a bit of thumping going on, a muffled curse here and there and then as Magnus drew closer the distinct sound of keys rattling. He felt his heart leap into his throat as he stood much like a statue in the middle of his own home as the door finally burst open and there was Alec, looking a bit dishevelled and flushed in the face.

Not that he didn't have an excuse for looking that way when his arms were laden with heavy bags and what was lying in the hallway at his feet, of all things, was a Christmas tree!

"Daddy!" Both boys voiced in delight as Alec unloaded his arms of bags and swooped down to hug his boys. Even Madzie had come over and was greeted with the same amount of affection.

"What's all this?" Magnus questioned as nonchalant as possible. Again he noticed Alec couldn't reach his gaze and once again felt his heart give a painful tug. No! He would be the bigger man and just let everything go, no dramas needed.

"Every time you spoke about Christmas to the kids, excitement lit up their faces and I thought...well with your home being so lovely and beautiful that maybe...maybe you wouldn't mind having it decorated? I mean, I had every intention of doing this back in my apartment with the boys, you know, a tradition with decorating the tree and such, but with the construction works going on..."

"You have no home to do that with them." Magnus finished off. Well, at least he can construct some sentences with me.

"S-Sorry, is that...asking too much of you? I mean I didn't even think to ask if you celebrate Christmas or..." Though he couldn't meet his eyes, there was a tiny smile on his face as Max, Madzie and Raphael were peering excitedly into various bags.

"Its fine Alexander. I'm happy to indulge any traditions you want to make with your sons." No more words were spoken as Magnus made his way over, silently holding up one end of the tree and waited for Alec to grab the other end, his foot kicking the door closed once they were safely inside.

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Another day had passed since the deed had been done and still, the awkwardness ensued. Magnus was trying to be his ever professional self, pretending that nothing was wrong in his little world as he devoted a lot of Saturday afternoon with sorting through the bags and bags of decorations Alec had. He had decided, that tomorrow (which meant today) was going to be the day for decorating his home, much to the excitement coming from the three children.

There was all good intentions to commence the decorating Saturday, right after lunch, but the afternoon had become a tiny bit of a write off as it took quite awhile for Magnus to get the tree into the perfect spot and then there was also positioning it so it could stand correctly as well. That had taken longer, much to Alec's annoyance. It was always on a slight tilt which frustrated him and whilst tiny imperfections like that didn't really bother Magnus, the author was having none of it. Whilst Alec's intentions were unbelievably sweet in wanting to put the Christmas cheer into Magnus' home (and maybe even into the both of them) he truly did have to fight the laughter from his voice at Alec's open frustrations and watching him bite his lip every time he wanted to swear, since three pairs of large innocent eyes were blinking over at him.

Alas, another good couple of hours had gone by that Saturday, the tree was now upright and Magnus had spent the next several hours, sitting on the floor with the children sitting around him in a circle as they attacked the shopping bags with gusto. Alexander had truly gone all out with everything in the bags. Decorations after decorations had been pulled from their respective packaging and Magnus noticed a certain theme was in place: golds, silvers and crystals. Its all like Magnus! The man in question arched an eyebrow at young Max for saying that. Everything is so sparkly! Like Magnus! Raphael finished off, being on the same wavelength as his older brother. You sweet boys... Magnus had given them delightful hugs, eyes darting to Alexander who's face was slightly flushed. Oh! Were the boys correct? Again Alexander's gaze didn't reach his own. His heart was once again conflicted right now. For it gave a tug for the man before him, but then he didn't want his heart to be changed even more then it already was by a man who clearly didn't like sleeping with him!

Quickly Magnus returned his attention to the three children around him and they investigated the last of the bags to find hundreds and hundreds of gold coloured fairy lights and a rather beautiful wreath for the front door too.

Daddy, put it on the door. Raphael had requested of his quiet father and Alec did as ordered of him. It gave Magnus a slight breather as he was beginning to feel rather self conscious with the father silently looking at him, but not trying to look at him. Perhaps Alec thought he was doing it in secret, but of course Magnus knew better.

The possibilities were endless of where everything was going to go and it wasn't long before there were sad looks on their children's faces as Alec decided to distance himself even more, advising them that he needed to "do stuff" in the bedroom and mumbled for the boys to behave. Really, there was no need for that as Maxy and Raph never put a foot wrong with Magnus.

Alec never showed himself again that night, not until it was time for dinner and then when it was time for everyone to shower and go to bed.

They had shared an awkward good night in the hallway and Magnus bit his own lip, willing himself not to cry as Alec entered his makeshift bedroom and closed the door in his face.

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Magnus sat awake most of the night, debating on what the hell he should do. Surely things couldn't go on like this, it was practically ripping him apart. And now with it nearing two days of Alec not looking him in the eye, and the fact there was no fleeting touches, no intense stares and not a single kiss, Magnus truly was ready to burst. Being an adult be damned, he needed to have it out with the man.

And rather conveniently for him, Clary's mother had called Sunday morning, as her cute daughter wanted to have a play date and sleep over with Madzie, Max and Raphael. This was his chance...well...unless Alec said no of course. The man had said yes. Bags were packed and Alec took the three children to meet Clary, Jace and their mothers in the nearest park. Magnus had offered, but Alec had just shrugged his shoulders saying he was dressed (yes, Magnus was once again in his black and gold pyjama ensemble) and it was fine for him to do it.

This also meant decorating was placed on hold again, but the concept of a sleep over was far more exciting it seemed. Well, for now anyway. Magnus was sure Clary's place would be decked out already, so once the children saw it and then returned home tomorrow, he just knew there would be demands to start decorating his home immediately.

Whilst Alec was gone, this gave Magnus time to go about his domestic chores, starting with a load of washing which was filled with the children's clothes. There were two more loads left, one being all the towels (as everyone got fresh new fluffy towels and face washers) and the other contained his and Alec's clothing, the man not in the least bit bothered about washing their clothing together, even though they appeared at odds lately. Though, who cared, it was just washing after all, something as simple as that meant nothing. It was practical.

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With his home in some form of order (even if only for a day) Magnus had just finished watering the plants on his balcony when once again he heard the click of his lock go. He tried not to pay attention to the thudding of his heart as he placed down the watering can and slid the balcony door closed. His eyes shifted over to Alec and then he began stacking the mass amount of newspapers which had been building up.

"Do you have any plans Alexander?"

"What?"

"I was thinking of going out myself, maybe to catch up with Ragnor if he isn't still sleeping that is." He stole a quick glance at a rather rigid Alexander, hands fisted at his sides. He looked ready to explode. "Most of the chores are done so you'll finally be able to have some peace and quiet without my getting in your way."

"Stop talking to me like that!" Magnus arched an eyebrow at the man's attitude.

"Like what?"

"Like we are damn strangers!"

"Excuse me?" Now it was Magnus' turn to sound put out. He folded his arms over his chest, his undone dressing gown gaping open.

"Stop pretending like it never happened!" Alec shouted at him and Magnus' eyes immediately grew wide. He'd never been spoken to like this and he needn't be a rocket scientist to know exactly what Alec was talking about.

"I was doing it for you." He watched Alec's mouth snap closed. "You were the one who was so uncomfortable about sleeping with me." Magnus took a seat on his couch, heart thudding in his chest as Alec took a seat next to him. As much as he wanted to have it out with the man, he wasn't ready at all!

"Its not that..." Came Alec's suddenly soft reply.

"Then what is it?" When there was nothing but silence, Magnus screwed up his face. "Fine,"

"Magnus wait!" Alec threw out his hand, fingers wrapping around Magnus' wrist, silently telling him not to go. After a tense few minutes, Magnus sat back down, feeling the warmth leave him when Alec finally let go of his wrist.

"Alexander..." He watched sad blue eyes glance over at him before adorably darting away. Alec may say that he frustrated the hell out of him, but truth be told, he could say the same about Alec! Even with everything that had gone on, and clearly what was happening now, the man was still so handsome and cute all at once. "You can tell me anything..." He watched those pretty blue eyes finally lock with his gaze for more then two seconds now. "You know that, don't you?"

"Yeah..." He watched Alec's shoulders sag a little. Was he ready to talk?

"So what is it?" Magnus gulped down the lump in his throat. "Please be honest with me. I can take it if you regret sleeping with me."

"I said its not that!" Magnus hadn't realised just how much those words meant to him when Alec snappily replied.

"Then what?" He so wanted to take hold of Alec's hands, but feared the man would just jump to his feet and run away. After all, the last touch he tried to give him was that very morning when he had fled his bedroom.

"I've never done this before!" Alec had never felt so mortified then he did right now. Even so, regardless of what he was feeling, Magnus deserved to know. He watched Magnus tilt his head. How he loved that look and the adorable crease to his brow as he pondered over what he was talking about. When Magnus made no comment, Alec waved his hand between the both of them. "This...us...I'm not...experienced." God he felt so lame as his cheeks brightened.

"Wait...are you saying..."

"You're my first..." Alec bit his bottom lip before leaning forward, elbows on his knees as he cradled his head in his hands, not wanting to look at Magnus' supposedly pitiful gaze at him. "Now do you get why I've been so...awkward?" Alec couldn't very well call himself an asshole so had opted for that, but truthfully, he had been acting like an ass. The silence grew thick between the both of them.

"Well, I figured I was your first man, since you appear to be a bit hesitant in taking that sort of step with another man...and also because you've got kids and all, but Alexander, its alright..."

"That's not it." Alec finally snapped his head up, intense eyes not breaking from Magnus' deep brown and amber-gold gaze. "I mean...you are my actual first...in everything..." It only took a few seconds for Magnus to process all of this in his head and Alec immediately knew when it had finally hit home as Magnus' lips parted open in shock and his eyes had widened too. "I knew it, you're horrified..."

"No..." Magnus placed a hand on Alec's shoulder and thankfully this time, the man did not run away. Granted he was bloody surprised and a thousand and one questions were on the tip of his tongue since Alec had two little boys, surely he'd been intimate with the mother of his children!? But then he instantly remembered what Alec had said when he was drunk. That he and Lydia never had sex the conventional way to have the kids... Letting out a tiny sigh, Magnus placed a small smile on his lips as he lifted his arm and placed it over Alec's tense shoulders, drawing him towards him as he knocked his head against his own. "Oh Alexander..." Would it be wrong of him to tell him he felt quite honoured and delighted that he were (or was) going to be his first everything? "You don't have to be ashamed at all."

"I'm not ashamed." Was that a slight pout in his voice?

"Would it help if I said you were quite good?" Truthfully Magnus didn't know what to say to ease the way Alec was currently feeling about himself.

A slight chuckle, almost bitter it seemed, finally reached his ears. "Reading books has its perks." Alec mumbled, and finally shifted away from Magnus, practically lying on half the couch with his left arm flung over his eyes. "Is quite good...even good enough?" Alec jerked his arm away from his eyes, blinking widely up at Magnus who had shifted in his own seated position. The man was now straddling his lap! He felt his shoulders ease, his eyes soften and a slight smile graced his lips, even though he was certain his cheeks were darkening in colour too, as Magnus' wonderfully warm hands cupped his face and the man was smiling at him...only for him.

"Practice makes perfect..." Magnus mumbled before allowing Alec a chance to flee, but when he didn't, he bent down and sealed his lips with his own. A buzz went through his body when Alec's arms snaked around his slender waist, pulling him in even closer.

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It was mid afternoon and Magnus had just re-entered his bedroom to see Alec was just getting back into his bed, now modestly dressed in a pair of thin black sweat pants, the bright red band of his briefs showing. His eyes gazed at the folder on the bedside table closest to Alec, but again the author stole his attention once more as Church leapt onto the bed and purred loudly against Alec's side, earning a grin from Alec.

"Hey Church," Alec pet his spoilt cat before finally realising he had an audience and turned his gaze to look over at him. How he had missed those pretty blue eyes looking at him. Magnus stood in the doorway, in nothing but his silk pyjama bottoms and a tray in his hands.

"What have you got there?"

"Pancakes." Magnus was pleased when Alec grinned and then hearty laughter escaped his lips when the man's stomach growled. He made his way over to the bed, handing the tray to Alec and then shooed a put out Church to the end of the bed. He wanted to sit close to Alec.

Once Magnus was settled, he placed the blankets over his legs and then Alec set the tray down.

"What if we spill it?"

"Then I'll just do some more washing." Magnus nudged Alec's side, the man having taken a bite of his fluffy pancakes, savouring the taste and then finally turned his gaze to him. "Besides, these sheets need to be washed anyway." That got an adorable blush from the author.

"Shut up and eat." Alec was silently delighted in this playful Magnus. He'd been on guard before, but finally he'd shown him more of himself to the man and Magnus was accepting all of him.

Their afternoon pancake feast was eaten mostly in companionable silence. When the meal and drinks (coffee for Alec and tea for Magnus) had been polished off, Magnus placed the tray to the side and turned to gaze at a hesitant Alec once more.

"Uh oh..."

"What?"

"Your fighting another inner battle." Blue eyes widened at Magnus' correct assumption. "Come on, out with it Lightwood, I don't bite."

"Oh really?" Alec quickly responded, pointedly staring at the teeth marks on his shoulder.

"Alright, if you're going to get all technical on me, I mostly don't bite." He loved that lopsided grin on Alexander. "In all seriousness though, is everything alright?"

"Well..."

"Does it have anything to do with that folder?" Alec blinked in quiet astonishment once more. The more this man got to know him, the more he was finding it hard to keep a secret.

"Its work related..."

"On a Sunday?" Magnus voiced in a put out tone.

"I can't help it, I've had writers block for ages and frankly, its really getting to me now. This has been with me now, untouched for so long it was practically growing mould." Magnus arched an eyebrow at that. "I hadn't looked at it for a long time, not since I met you at Ragnor's Bar."

"Oh?"

"You've unlocked something within me." Alec felt his cheeks warm, not even realising he was going to blurt something that mushy out. Though the beautiful smile that graced Magnus' lips and the sparkle within his eyes was well worth it.

"Whilst I'm flattered Alexander, I'm not so sure I'm happy that its work related." He gave him a playful nudge, advising him that he was only teasing.

"I'm not as lucky as you in having a solid income."

"Alexander..."

"B-But its alright. I'm doing something I love...well...even if its stalled at the moment." Magnus watched Alec scratch adorably at the back of his head as he tried to get his thoughts into words. He watched him open the folder and pull out a thick wad of crisp white paper. Could this stack of papers be from a couple of weeks ago? Magnus had pretty damn good eyes and it looked to be the same thickness. "This is...an idea that's been stuck in my head for the longest time. In truth, I've not shown it to anyone. Actually, its so bad I've never wanted to show it to anyone...well...not until you that is." Magnus felt his heart thump happily in his chest at this. "Its probably absolute rubbish and I doubt it'll make any sense whatsoever, but you did mention you've read a lot of genres and you do have quite the collection and I thought...maybe...you may have an opinion...or ideas? I don't what I'm saying, its just, if there is anyone who'd be truthful with me, its you."

"So, you want me to be the first, other then yourself, to read it?" Magnus watched Alec give a slight nod of the head. This was big! "Do you want me to read it now?" Again his heart swelled for the umpteenth time as Alec shook his head negatively in that oh so adorable and childish way, messy hair swishing about the place. "Alright, I'll pencil it in for another day."

"Mm..." Magnus leaned over the side of the bed, placing the papers back into the folder and then sat in on the carpet. When he sat back up, he was quite pleased when Alec pulled him back towards him, his back leaning into Alec's bare chest, arms loosely wrapped around his waist like it was the most natural thing to do. He couldn't help but shiver at their contact once more. "Are you cold Magnus?"

"I'm fine..."

"Are you sure? Maybe you need a shower to warm up?"

"I'm game if you are." Again, there was that teasing tone of voice Alec was getting used to. Well, if he was going to be like that, two could play at that game.

"I am." He felt Magnus jerk in his arms, finally loosening his hold on him as Magnus turned to look at him, debating whether he himself was being teased.

"Did you just..."

"I did." Alec pushed the covers away, hands out to Magnus and pulled the man from his bed, their bodies flush against each other, breaths mingling.

"You realise you can't back out once we go in there."

"Lucky for me," Alec began, hand lifting to brush a long strand of Magnus' hair out of his eyes. It was usually all spiked up that he hadn't realised just how long it was. "There's just something irresistible about you Magnus Bane." New at this or not, this damn author had all the right words as Magnus couldn't help the heat that rose to his own cheeks.

"Well, you're quite addictive yourself Alexander Lightwood." The man didn't object as Magnus took his hand and lead him into his bathroom.

# To be Continued #