"Angel…" The Warlock whispered and hugged him tightly. "Thank God you're okay…" He muttered knowing he was not okay at all, but at least there was no damage on Alec he couldn't fix with his magic, unlike what happened in his horrid dream.
Alec hugged him back weakly and muttered, struggling with his words. "Magnus… I'm… I'm sorry…"
"Shh… It's okay angel… Don't speak anymore."
"Mags…"
"Hush… Everything will be okay now. Let's just go home."
"Okay…" Alec nodded slowly, and tried to get up, regretting it immediately. He felt a stab of pain and would have collapsed again if Magnus wasn't holding him up.
"Alexander!" He exclaimed, worried. "Hey… Don't push yourself, I've got you…" He whispered and kissed his forehead softly. "Sleep…"
Alec felt the familiar warmth of magic course through him when Magnus kissed him and his eyes closed against his will. Trusting the Warlock completely, he surrendered to his arms, letting the darkness claim him once more.
~o~
When Alec woke up again, it was morning. He could feel the sun warming his face and even before he opened his eyes, he knew he was home, in their bed. He took a deep breath bracing for the pain in his ribs, but it never came.
"Morning beautiful…"
His most beloved voice in the world whispered close to him, and Alec finally opened his eyes, and found himself staring into his lover's gorgeous emerald cat-eyes. "Magnus…" He whispered unable to suppress his smile and the Warlock smiled back at him immediately.
"How are you feeling?" He asked concerned, reaching out to gently touch his face. "Does it still hurt?"
The Shadowhunter leaned into his touch, sighing contently. "No… I think I'm okay… Thank you… Magnus, I…"
"No." Magnus said abruptly, even though his tone was still gentle. "Don't say it." He whispered gently placing a finger on Alec's lips, and even though his wounds were healed, the Nephilim felt his soul ache at the pained look on the older man's face. "Alexander. I'm so sorry." Magnus told him, his voice breaking, and Alec felt his breath catch as he stared at the Warlock with wide blue eyes, an irrational fear taking over his senses.
'Why is he apologising? Is he going to leave? Is he sick of always having to patch me up? Of me not telling him everything?'
"Alexander! Breathe!" Magnus' voice brought Alec back to reality and he realised he'd been hyperventilating. "What's wrong?" He asked cupping his face with both hands, forcing the Shadowhunter to meet his eyes.
Alec wanted to get lost in them. To never look away, to never have to worry about anything again… But he couldn't do that. Reluctantly, he shook his head, and asked, trying to keep his voice even. "Are you… leaving?" Despite his best efforts, his voice broke, though, and so did his heart a little, at the pained look Magnus gave him in response.
"Do you want me to…? I will understand if you do of course." He whispered before averting his eyes.
"What? Why would I want that?"
"Why wouldn't you? You almost died, and the last thing you heard from me, was hurtful and cruel. But I swear, Alexander," He went on, before the boy could speak. "I didn't mean it, not one word. Never. I love you."
Alec gripped his hand swallowing around the lump in his throat. "I love you too…" He choked out. "Please don't go."
"Never. Never again. As long as you want me, I'm not going anywhere. I won't let go of you." Magnus said with fervour, squeezing his hands.
"I will always want you. And I will always need you." The Nephilim answered, holding his gaze. "You were everything I never knew I needed. And now you're everything I can't live without… Even the things you consider flaws seem endearing and adorable to me. You are perfect in every sense, and I love you so unbelievably much. More than I thought I could ever love anyone…"
Magnus stared at him with wide eyes, momentary surprised by the confession, before pulling him into a tight hug.
"In the hundreds of years I've been alive…" Magnus choked out, "I've never met anyone like you… You have no idea how much I love you…"
Alec gasped softly, his heart racing, and hugged him back, unable to hold back the huge smile on his face. "Why don't you show me then?" He said after a minute, using that playful tone he knew Magnus loved.
"Show you what baby?" Magnus asked.
Still beaming, Alec let him go to look into his eyes, and smirked, putting a hand on his chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat. "Just how much you love me." He finally said, leaning closer, so close that their lips brushed as he spoke.
Magnus' answering smile was radiant. "It would be my pleasure, darling…" He purred before closing the distance between them and kissing him. Again, and again, and again…
