Magnus opened the door and froze. Alec was standing before him, but he was completely changed from the last time he saw him. From any time he saw him before. 'Sweet Lilith...' He thought, his throat suddenly dry, making a superhuman effort to not jump him right then and there. Thankly the boy seemed extremely nervous and didn't notice any of that, long enough for Magnus to regain his cool and realize with delight, that judging by the look on Alec's face, he wanted to jump him too.

He also realized thought, that regretfully, Alec wasn't going to make a move like that, so he decided to break the silence before his own self-control collapsed.

"Alexander."

"I know you're busy." Alec said hastily snapping out of his trance, and picking up from where he left on the phone, too nervous to think properly. "I'm really sorry to waste your time, but please just…" He sighed defeated. "I'm not making sense, I…" He took Magnus' hand. "Please let me waste some of your time. An hour, or two."

Magnus looked at him faking indifference. "Do you have that much time? I thought you were extremely busy. Seeing you had no time to even text in the past three days."

A look of immense guilt came over Alec's features and he squeezed Magnus' hand. "I do… No one will search for me until tomorrow. Please, if you listen to me I promise to explain everything."

"I'm all yours Alexander." Magnus sighed unable to keep pretending, deciding to take the leap and hope again. 'One more time… Maybe this time he won't break my heart…'

The boy's smile momentary took his breath away, and he found himself smiling too. "Thank you." Alec said.

Magnus shook his head. "I told you before Alexander. I would do anything for you…"

Alec barely bit back an apology squeezing his hand once more instead and repeating. "Thank you."

"Yeah…" Magnus huffed, a short, bitter laugh, and even before the Warlock let go of his hand, looking away, Alec realised that was another wrong answer on his part. However, before he could say anything to fix it, Magnus sighed beckoning him in. "Come on."

"Actually…" Alec said. "Can you please come with me?"

"We're going out? I'm not dressed properly."

The Shadowhunter paused, looking at him once more, raising an eyebrow but then lost the sassy attitude, unable to maintain it against Magnus looking like that and he said blushing, his eyes shining. "You are perfect. More than beautiful."

Magnus knew already that the boy liked the way he dressed. He could see it in his eyes, reflected in his lingering gaze. But Alec had never actually spoken the words and the Warlock was filled with joy hearing them now. Especially after everything that had happened between then. "Thank you Alexander." He said warmly, making him blush more and avert his eyes.

"I was just telling the truth…" He muttered, looking up at him, meeting his eyes for a moment, before dropping his gaze to his lips.

Magnus smirked, knowing exactly what he was thinking about but refusing to humour him this time.

Alec reluctantly tore his eyes away. "Anyway… I… Please Magnus, I've never done this before, help me out here…"

That got the Warlock's attention. "Done what?" He asked confused, raising an eyebrow.

"You'll see." The Nephilim pouted. "If you come with me."

Magnus gave him an incredulous look but didn't push more. "Okay then. Lead the way Shadowhunter."

Alec's pout intensified, but then a look of determination came upon his face. "Uhm… Magnus?

"Yes?"

"Is it okay if I…" He trailed off.

"Yes?" Magnus asked again.

Alec dropped his eyes, his determination fading as quickly as it came and he sighed. 'He's angry at me… Of course he wouldn't want to…' "Nevermind." He muttered defeated.

Magnus smiled fondly, unable to stay mad at him, especially when he was making that adorable face and said softly. "If you want something, you need to ask for it Alexander. I cannot read your mind…" He trailed off reaching out to take his hand. "At least not all the time." He winked as Alec beamed.

"Thank you." He whispered. "Let's go."

Intertwining their fingers together and gently tugging at Magnus' hand he led him out and grabbed a taxi, handing them a written note instead of telling them where to go out loud.

When Magnus raised an eyebrow at him Alec just shrugged smiling. "It's a surprise."

"I see you've thought of everything." He commented and the Nephilim simply nodded blushing slightly.

Neither of them spoke for the rest of the ride, allowing a comfortable silence to hover over them as Alec's fingers nervously danced in Magnus' grip and Magnus used his thumb to soothe him.

~o~