Alec slowly opened the door to his room, not sure where Magnus would be and not wanting to hit him if for some reason he was by the door, waiting on him or something. Luckily, Magnus was not behind the door, instead he was sprawled out on Alec's bed, his thin chest slowly rising and falling, asleep. Alec felt a ping of something he couldn't quite describe as he took in the scene, and was thrown back to all the times he woke up the exact sight. He also thought of how much magic Magnus had used thus far, just on healing himself and Isabelle and knew he must be exhausted. He quietly crept to the edge of his bed, and sat on the end of it, careful not to startle Magnus in his sleep. You think startling up a sleepwalker is dangerous? Try doing the same to a sleeping warlock, it's much worse.
Alec gentle rubbed small circles on the warlock's shoulders.
"Magnus," Alec whispered, leaning in close to his ear.
Golden green eyes slowly opened, but they had that tired, dull look. Alec remembered they had looked like that when in the back of Luke's truck, when Magnus had once again used his magic to save their asses, all for Alec of course. It took all the restraint Alec could muster to not move the silky string of hair that had fallen into Magnus's face, and just stare into those golden green eyes. Those eyes that loved him so much from the very beginning, and apparently still did.
"I must have fallen asleep," Magnus explained groggily. His voice still sounded sleepy, and his accent was even stronger this way, that accent that Alec could never quite pinpoint even though he knew a bit more about Magnus's past.
Alec nodded, "You must be exhausted. You have that look in your eyes."
Magnus shrugged, struggling to get up as he was still tired, "The least I could do. This is my fault, after all."
Alec glanced at the sheets, bunching the material in between his hands, needing something to do to distract him from looking Magnus in the eyes. It had been a long time since he had expressed too much emotion, and even before moving to California, it was something he was never quite good at.
"It's not your fault Magnus I don't blame you for this at all. You're helping us just like you always have."
Magnus stared at Alec for a while, well the top of his head, watching while Alec fiddled with the blankets on his bed, doing anything to avoid looking him in the face.
"And I'll continue to do so, regardless of what happens between you and me. I'll do whatever I can to make this up to you."
Alec finally glanced up, actually wanting to look Magnus in the eyes as he spoke.
"You don't have anything to make up for, Magnus. You were only trying to protect me, and I'm not sure what's going to happen either, but I know this is not your fault."
The two just stared at each other a while, Alec thinking that if this was happening just a little over three years ago, they would have kissed. It wasn't three years ago, though and a lot had changed since then. Alec had changed since then, he had whatever was going on with Jasper, and while his morals weren't what they used to be, and Jasper wasn't exactly his boyfriend, doing anything with anyone else would hurt Jasper, and he deserved much more than that. He deserved better than Alec really, better than this Alec at least. So, no matter how tempting it was, especially when Magnus looked so vulnerable and downright beautiful at the moment, Alec resisted.
He cleared his throat, "Well, um Iz and the others are waiting for us in the infirmary. I guess now that I'm clued into everything they want us all to meet together. Mainly Jace actually, he wants to discuss strategy, as always."
Magnus offered a half smile, but something in his eyes was off. Alec wondered if it was disappointment and if Magnus had wanted to kiss him as much as he wanted to kiss Magnus. Magnus had basically admitted he still loved him, but he also knew they were in a strange place, and he may or may not have led Magnus to believe he was actually in a relationship with Jasper. It was justifiable in Alec's opinion; at the time he thought Magnus had just dumped him for no reason, and who doesn't want to make their ex jealous? Especially when you spent the past three years thinking that ex didn't give a damn about you or your new "relationship".
Gracefully, Alec stood up from where he was sitting, offering a hand to assist Magnus in doing the same. Magnus accepted the offer, slowly grabbing onto Alec's scarred hand. He couldn't deny the fact that just holding Alec, in this small intimate gesture, meant more to him than most anything else he had done with any other past lover. It was strange, the jolt of memories brought back to him just touching the Shadowhunter's hand. It brought him back to late nights, when Alec was the first to fall asleep and Magnus would stay up just tracing the scars of old runes and wounds. While it was something Alec was self-conscious about, it was something Magnus loved about the Nephilim. On the contrary, Alec loved how smooth Magnus's skin was. There was no rune made scars, just unmarked, silk like skin. Realizing they were holding hands a bit longer than necessary, with Magnus now just standing in front of him, as if neither man knew what to do, Alec dropped his hand and flushed.
Rubbing the back of his head, Alec gestured towards the door.
"So, I guess we should get going. My siblings aren't exactly known for their patience."
Magnus laughed softly, "That they are not, after you my dear."
Alec flushed again at the endearment then silently cursed himself for blushing so easily. It wasn't supposed to be this easy to fall back into old habits, was it?
He opened the door, with Magnus following closely behind. They were immediately greeted by Isabelle, Jace, Simon and Clary in the hallway. Alec's brotherly instinct kicked in at the sight of Isabelle being held up by Simon and Jace.
"Izzy, what the hell are you doing out of bed?" Alec shouted.
Isabelle glared at him, but it was made a bit unthreatening by how utterly tired and weak she looked. Alec's glare matched Isabelle's and Clary was quick to interject.
"There's another meeting."
"So? I'll fill you in on the details, Iz. Get back in bed."
"Oh, shut up Alec. I want to go."
"Of course you do, but that doesn't mean you should, you were nearly killed. Jace, help me out here."
Jace shrugged, and Alec remembered how just alike Jace and Isabelle were in these type of situations. Too much pride to admit they were in pain. He turned his attention to Simon, who was doing his best to avoid his gaze.
"Don't be rude to Simon, it's my choice Alec."
"Yeah, but they shouldn't be helping you, you're still injured."
Magnus was leaning casually against the wall of the hallway, his expression indicating he clearly did not want to get involved in this conversation. Alec, not seeing this expression, turned to Magnus with a pleading expression. About to give in, Magnus opened his mouth, always willing to assist Alec regardless of how hopeless anything he said may be. Isabelle was a Lightwood after all, arguing with her was pointless.
"Alec," A voice called, and Isabelle rolled her eyes, not happy with the person speaking or with Alec at the moment.
Alec turned to see Maria walking his way, "have you seen Jasper?"
Alec shook his head, "No, why?"
Maria stood in front of him, arms folded across her chest, "He's not here, and that usually means he's off with you somewhere."
Alec felt a bit taken back, and drew back a bit as if warding off a blow. He saw Isabelle and Clary glaring at the girl from the corner of his eye, they clearly didn't like Maria.
"Well, he's obviously not with Alec, as he has spent the majority of the time with us." Clary snapped, and Alec wondered, for what seemed like the millionth time, how he could have ever disliked the red head.
Jace smirked proudly at his soon to be fiancé. Maria glared at her, but turned back to Alec.
"I just spoke to Mark and Jenna, with everything that is happening this could be dangerous. I want you to come help me look for him."
"No way," Isabelle snapped, "go ask your Mundie boyfriend to assist you, not my brother."
Maria rolled her eyes, and looked at Isabelle with disdain.
"With everything happening, it's best to have a fellow Shadowhunter with me," Maria turned to Alec again, her expression softening, "will you please go with me? I've tried tracking his phone and sending him fire message, and it hasn't worked."
Alec nodded, sympathizing with the poor girl. Jasper was her parabatai, and she hoped someone would help him in the same way if a similar situation were ever to arise with Jace.
"Alec," Isabelle hissed, looking angry.
"We'll be back soon," Alec replied, hoping they all would somehow understand. Jasper was his friend, and Maria couldn't simply go alone. It made sense.
"Fine, but hurry back."
Maria turned her attention towards Magnus, whose expression was indecipherable.
"Wait; is it possible for you to do a tracking spell?"
Magnus sighed, "Not at the moment, my dear. My magic is low right now and I'm focusing what I can on protecting the institute. While I can't track him, I would be more than happy to accompany you two-"
"That's fine," Maria interrupted, grabbing Alec, "we'll manage."
"Should I get my gear?" Alec asked.
Maria nodded, as she was already in gear "Meet me at the entrance, and we'll devise a plan from there."
Alec nodded, watching as she stocked off.
"What a bitch," Clary murmured.
Isabelle was just staring at Alec incredulously, and he sighed.
"She needed my help," Alec explained.
Isabelle just shook her head, "Fine, go on Alec."
With the assistance of Simon and Jace, Isabelle made her way to the library, where the meeting was, with Clary behind them. Magnus still stood against the wall, regarding him quietly. Alec once again felt a little nervous, and looked up at the warlock.
"So, I um, guess we'll all meet up later?" Alec asked.
Magnus nodded, "I'm not sure about this Alec, you know what's happening, they don't."
Alec shrugged, "I'd never forgive myself if something happened to Jasper."
Magnus looked a bit hurt at the words and Alec wasn't sure what possessed him to do this, but he had to let Magnus know the truth.
"He's a good friend I'd feel guilty if anything happened because of his connection to me." He clarified,
Magnus nodded, "It's just dangerous for you in particular."
"I'm a Shadowhunter; danger is part of the gig."
Magnus still looked doubtful.
"I'm not going out looking for a fight, just a friend. If anything looks suspicious, I'll call you write away."
Magnus sighed, "Well, if you insist, at least take this with you."
Magnus pulled out a small blue necklace, the blue near his eye color, and Alec regarded the item carefully, confusion in his eyes.
"It's not just for fashion purposes, it's a gift from an old warlock friend, and it can register any distress of the one who wears it. In case, for whatever reason, you're indisposed."
Alec rolled his eyes, but took the necklace anyway, "If you insist."
"I do, let me put it on for you," Magnus replied, grabbing the necklace back and looping it around his former lover's neck.
Alec's breathing slowed, the nearness of the warlock having an intense effect on him. After the necklace was secured around him, Alec grabbed his door knob.
"I should get geared up, Maria's about as patient as Izzy."
Magnus chuckled halfheartedly, "Alright then."
They stood there a moment, just watching each other, before Alec turned the handed and stepped into his room.
"Please, be careful Alexander."
Alec felt his chest tighten at the use of his full name by the man, but he nodded, "I will be."
Magnus then proceeded down the hall, and Alec went the rest of the way into his room, poking his head out to watch the man walk away. He caught golden green eyes glancing back at him, and slowly shut the door.
0o0
I hope there was enough fluff for you guys! I don't want anything too intimate right now, as Alec is still a bit confused on what to do with the Jasper situation.