After Alexander's departure the second time, Magnus wasn't quite sure what to do with himself. He felt strangely bound to the house as if he was worried leaving might mean he'd missed Alec making a re-appearance. He had been genuinely surprised when Alec had come back the first time, but for some reason he was sure Alec would return again this time. There had been something these in Alec's eyes that gave the warlock faith. Even when weeks went by with no sign of Alec, Magnus didn't doubt the boy's intentions.
How had so many things suddenly become about time? Time spent waiting for Alec's return. Time spent with Alec. Time. Time. Time. Magnus was immortal, so why was he suddenly wishing for time? Just mere hours with Alexander had felt so big and meaningful, if only they had more time. Then Magnus had an idea. He still hadn't collected payment for healing Alec and now he knew exactly what he wanted.
The King and Queen weren't too thrilled, but that played perfectly into Magnus's hands as they seemed to think he wanted Alec for political reasons. They could go ahead and think that all they wanted as far as Magnus was concerned. He and Alec knew the truth, though Magnus thought Alec had been very convincing when he'd talked his parents into the idea.
Alec returned with a packed truck a few moments later, and Magnus opened a portal, extending his arm dramatically.
"After you," Magnus smiled. The King and Queen looked livid.
"I'll see you in a week," Alec told his parents. "Don't fret. I promise everything's fine."
"I think you thanking him went straight to his head," Robert grumbled, but he allowed Alec to hug him.
"Take care," Maryse said as she too hugged her son. "Be safe."
"Don't forget, if he wanted me dead I'd be dead," Alec laughed. His parents mumbled something that sounded to Magnus like they disagreed with Alec's statement.
But then Alexander turned away from them and towards Magnus, his piercing blue eyes glowing with happiness. Magnus almost reached out to take Alec's hand as they went through the portal, but caught himself just in time.
Emerging on the other side, Magnus wasted no time, but pulled Alec into his arms, kissing the shadowhunter desperately. Alec's trunk thudded to the ground as Magnus felt Alec's arms around him. How had these last weeks seemed to take so long? Months, years even, used to go by in the flash. Magnus would blink and decades passed so why had he been unable to wait another second to hold Alec in his arms?
When they broke apart Alec turned his head from side to side taking in their surroundings. They were back at Magnus's house, just a few meters from the front door.
"That was a brilliant!" Alec exclaimed.
"It was your idea actually," Magnus corrected him. "You said you wanted more time."
"Yes, but you found a way to do it!"
"I did indeed," Magnus chuckled, smiling at the joy on Alexander's face. Taking Alec's hand, Magnus walked toward his front door. With a flick of his wrist Magnus had Alec's truck float alongside them.
"Why couldn't you get through the Palace shield?" Alec asked as they approached the door.
"The same reason I couldn't magically pack for you," Magnus replied easily. "The warlock who created it must have been older than me. I didn't have the power to break it."
"Does that mean a warlock's power gets stronger with time?" Alec asked.
"Basically, yes," Magnus replied. "Though also with training. A younger warlock with more training could be stronger than an older one with none. Though most old warlocks didn't get old by being stupid enough not to train."
"Yeah, some shadowhunters are more gifted than others too," Alec said. "Even before Jace had much training he could alway beat Simon in a sparring match."
"For such different races," Magnus chuckled. "It seems we do have something in common."
"It's a nice thing to think of," Alec said. "That we could have things in common." Magnus didn't know how to respond. He was spared the need to find something to say when they re-entered the house moments later.
"This can't be the same house?" Alec said stunned. Magnus just chuckled. He'd redecorated at least twice since Alec's last visit. Bright primary colours ran in thick strips around the walls while the furniture was more muted, with neutral beiges and greys and just the smallest splashes of those bright primary colours to tie it all together.
With a snap of his fingers Alec's currently floating truck blazed into action, whizzing down the hall.
"Hey!" Alec yelled as he made chase, Magnus walking slowly behind him. The truck stopped, just where Magnus had intended, on a freshly made bed in his finest guest room. The truck then proceeded to open of its own volition and unpack its contents into the empty drawers and shelfs opposite.
"Oh," Alec said, stopping dead in his tracks as he realized what Magnus was doing. "I am to sleep here?"
"If you like," Magnus replied. He couldn't understand the melancholy tone to Alexander's voice. Did he dislike sleep?
"Where do you sleep?" Alec asked, turning to face the warlock. Magnus couldn't understand what he saw there. Alec's emotions were usually so clearly displaced on his features, but why would Alec be disappointed?
"Down the hall," Magnus said slowly. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Alec said quickly turning away.
"We have so little time already," Magnus spoke softly, reaching his hand out to lift Alec's chin. "Don't turn away from me."
"I kinda thought I'd be sleeping in your room," Alec mumbled. He was still looking down, but as Magnus gently stroked Alec's cheek with his thumb he looked up.
"I'd like that," Magnus replied, smiling. "I just wanted you to have options. To be comfortable. I know your parents think you are here against your will, but you know you aren't trapped, right?"
"I know," Alec smiled at him, warmth and affection in his eyes. Magnus could feel himself being affected by Alec's gaze though not the same way as before. Sure, his heart was pounding faster than normal, but there was more emotion about it this time.
Alec leaned into Magnus's touch, then moved closer and kissed him. Magnus's hand quickly slide to the nap of Alec's neck as he deepened the kiss, holding Alec's waist in his other hand to pull the shadowhunter closer. A soft moan escaped Alec's throat and Magnus moved his kisses down to give greater attention to the skin of Alec's neck. The bruise he knew he'd left last time was completely gone now. It was true what they said about the children of the Angel; they healed fast.
Alec's hands gripped Magnus's clothes tightly and the next thing Magnus knew Alec had pulled them both down onto the bed. They continued kissing, their hands moving over each other, trying to memorized every curve, but it didn't progress pass deep passionate kissing.
This was new. Just lying together in the bed, kissing slowly and deeply. Magnus couldn't remember the last time he'd done such a thing, if ever. Usually it would progress as it had done the first time he'd met Alexander, but right now they both seemed content to merely hold each other. His lips were slightly swollen when they pulled apart for a much needed full breath.
"My truck has finished unpacking," Alec smiled. "Not that I brought much with me."
"Ah, but it seems I have unpacked your things in the wrong room," Magnus replied grinning. Waving his hand, everything began to return to the truck then with another snap of his fingers the truck flow of the room and down the hall. Alec's lips claimed his again and for a moment they continued where they'd left off.
"Do you live in this big house all by yourself?" Alec asked when they had to break apart for air again.
"I often have guests," Magnus answered. "Though mostly yes, just me."
"Doesn't that get lonely?" Alec asked.
Magnus shrugged. "I do throw quite a few wild parties, keeps things interesting. And Tessa said she'd drop by something soon."
"I remember you mentioning a Tessa the last time I was here," Alec said, and Magnus was flattered to know he'd been listening. "When do I get to meet her?"
"Soon, most likely," Magnus replied. "Though she can be rather unpredictable." Magnus paused then added, "Would you like a tour?"
"Yes please!" Alec said enthusiastically, jumping up off the bed in his excitement.
Magnus didn't put much stock in keeping the same decorum for more than a week, so nothing was the same from Alec's last visit. Magnus saw his house with new eyes as he watched the wonder in Alec's blue ones. Magic was everyday to him, but it seems quite mystifying to Alexander.
"Is that a tree growing through the wall?" Alec asked pointing.
"I was having a strange day," Magnus defended himself. With a wave of his hand he vanished the rather odd decoration from his home, the hole in the wall healing over as he did so.
"That's amazing," Alec said, gazing at the place where the tree had been. He walked closer and touched his hand to the new part of the wall, as if he expected it to be different from the wall around it. "Is there anything magic can't do?"
"It has limits," Magnus answered. "As you well know, but for those simple everyday things, magic is endlessly useful."
"Where do you get the ideas for decorating your house?" Alec asked.
"From nature," Magnus began. "From friends and flights of fancy."
"Have you ever thought of turning this place into a huge mansion?" Alec asked. "On the outside it looks like a small cottage."
"Mansions just draw attention," Magnus dismissed the idea. "I'd rather have a mansion on the inside and a cottage on the outside."
"But people know where you live," Alec reminded him. "It's not like it's a secret."
"True," Magnus smiled. "I guess I just like the cottage."
"That's allowed," Alec chuckled as he turned from the wall to Magnus who held his arms out for Alec.
"Is it too early for bed?" Alec asked, his head resting on Magnus's chest.
"Depends. What you mean by bed?" Magnus chuckled, his arms wrapped around Alec tightly. Alec answered the question by looking up, and kissing Magnus.
"Would you like dinner first?" Magnus asked, taking Alec's face in his hands.
"Sure," Alec smiled. Together they walked back through the house to the kitchen, with their arms around each other. It was strange to Magnus, having Alec close all day without feeling like he would slip away at any moment.
"Do you create the food from nothing?" Alec asked as Magnus's blue magic cleared and dinner appeared before them.
"Of course not," Magnus chuckled. "Something can't come from nothing. I just summon it and change its nature."
Alec sat down and looked at his dinner as if it were some strange mysterious challenge. Then as if stealing himself to try it, he took a small bit. His face lit up in surprise as he exclaimed that it was delicious. Magnus smiled before he started eating. He supposed summoning dinner was a rather strange concept to someone like Alexander.
When they were done, Magnus cleared the plates with a wave of his hand, and conjured tea. Alec took a sip of his and sighed.
"So what do you do all day?" Alec asked. "I mean what are you responsible for or can you just do whatever you like?"
"As one of the older warlocks," Magnus began. "I sometimes get people seeking my help, but otherwise yes I have a great deal of freedom, so long as I stay away from the Nephilim."
"Why do you say that?"
"Over the centuries," Magnus replied. "Some Nephilim leaders have tried to 'keep' warlocks for their own uses. I don't remember which kings over the years managed it, but I make it a rule never to deal with Shadowhunters without a contract or bargain they can't back out of."
"Like when my mother asked you to save me?" Alec inquired.
"Yes and no," Magnus answered, being as honest as he could when the other person didn't understand the situation. "Catarina wouldn't have forgiven me for refusing to help when a life was on the line, but if your mother had wanted magic for some other purpose, let's say obtaining great wealth or lifting heavy things, I would have said no."
"Mom and dad don't understand warlocks," Alec said. "They don't seem to see any good in them, but I don't think they'd try and imprison one."
"Good to know," Magnus smiled. They'd finished their tea, and Magnus stood up to take Alec's hand. Hand in hand they walked down the hall and into Magnus's bedroom, the only room Magnus hadn't included in their tour.
"This is-well, grand doesn't seem to do it justice," Alec gapsed. The high ceilings were made of a dark wood, the walls a light cream colour with flowers painted along the top, where the wood met the wall. The floors were the same dark wood colour as was the furniture. All the bedding and linen were the same cream colour as the walls, with a similar floral pattern.
"This weeks design," Magnus dismissed the compliment. "But look, your trunks unpacked. Are you sure you want to sleep in here?"
"Yes," Alec answered quickly turning to kiss Magnus gently before moving to his trunk. Without so much as a thought, or so it seemed to Magnus, Alec began to get undressed. After a moment's worry as to what Alec thought he was here for, Magnus saw what Alec was doing.
"I brought sleeping clothes," Alec said, smiling as he pulled them out of a drawer. Magnus couldn't help but stare at the perfect skin of Alec's back. Not a scar or blemish to be had. If he had to choose one word to describe Alexander, it would have been angelic.
Despite his worries that Alec would think he was here for the wrong reason, Magnus couldn't resist walking forward and wrapping his arms around Alec's bare torso. Magnus kissed the skin of Alec's neck, unable to keep his hands to himself. Alec leaned his head back, clearly enjoying the sensation. Neither of them spoke as Alec turned in Magnus's arms and got his hands under Magnus's shirt, which soon found its way to the ground.
Bare chests pressed together they kissed, Alec's hands firmly holding the muscles in Magnus's back.
"Can we…?" Alec asked in a whispered as he indicated what he wanted with the movement of his hips.
"You can feel, I'm sure, that I would like that," Magnus replied softly. "As long as you know that isn't the reason why you are here."
"It isn't?" Alec asked, and if Magnus wasn't much mistaken he sensed disappointment in the other man again.
"Not the only reason," Magnus corrected himself, smiling.
"Good," Alec said grinning. "Because last time was-" He broke off as if trying to find the right word to describe their first meeting. Magnus decided words weren't what mattered right now. Moving his hands down to tuck his fingers into the waistline of Alec's pants, Magnus pulled the shadowhunter tight to his body, kissing Alec passionately as he did so. Alec's mouth opened under his as Magnus felt Alec's hands moving down as well.
"You won't be needing clothes for sleeping," Magnus whispered as he began undressing the beautiful man in his arms. With frantic hands and rushed movements Magnus soon found himself naked and falling into his bed with Alexander.
The nearness created wonderful friction as they held each other tightly, kissing and enjoying the others physical proximity. Magnus gasped as Alec's hands closed around him, and Alec did must the same when Magnus returned the favour. With them so worked up, so intent on the moment, it didn't take long for them to finish. Magnus once again cleaned up with a wave of his hands and a flash of blue magic.
They were both panting, but Alec still managed to pull the blankets up over them as he snuggled into Magnus's arms.
Alec looked so peaceful there, his head resting on Magnus's shoulder while the warlock arms was draped around him. And again it was as if time lost its meaning. Magnus gently stroked Alec's soft black hair as he fell asleep. Magnus was incredibly attracted to Alec, but just holding Alexander like this, did things to him he couldn't describe.
Magnus woke up to the sun streaming into his eyes. He must of forgotten to close the curtains last night. With a wave of his hand the drapes moved to cover the window and Magnus rolled over, trying to fall asleep again. He had been quite enjoying his dream. There'd been a rather glorious man in it and they'd been having a wonderful time. Just then Magnus felt a person sleeping beside him and realized it hadn't been a dream at all.
"Good morning," Alec chimed.
"Morning," Magnus mumbled, rolling back over to face Alec.
"You don't like the sun, I see."
"Not this early in the morning, no," Magnus groaned. He had never much of a morning person.
"It's not early," Alec laughed. "I've been awake for hours."
"Huh?" Magnus said, stunned and fighting against his eyelids. Blinking Magnus noticed that Alec was fully dressed. "Alexander, have you been watching me sleep?"
"Breakfast is ready whenever you get up," Alec told him, grinning and avoiding his question. Alec kissed Magnus's forehead and then got out of the bed and left the room.
Magnus could smell something sizzling as if over a fire. With a great effort Magnus slowly got out of bed, put on his robe and dragged his feet down the hall. He entered the kitchen to see Alec standing over the wood burning stove cooking… something.
"You don't keep food in the house," Alec told him.
"I summon it," Magnus shrugged.
"And I hunt it," Alec adding as he flipped over whatever it was in the cooking pan Magnus had forgotten he owned.
"What did you kill?" Magnus asked warily.
"A wild pig," Alec said. "Bacon anyone?"
"How?" Magnus asked his mouth slightly open in surprise.
"Easy," Alec shrugged. "I brought my bow and arrow." Magnus was too tired to ponder the great differences in how he and Alec lived. How Alec's first instinct was to go hunt for his meal alone in a strange wood. Instead, Magnus summoned them some bread and they had bacon sandwiches for breakfast.
They talked, laughed and generally enjoyed each other's company for the next few hours until Magnus heard the door chime and his friend's cheerful greeting as she entered the house.
"It seems you are too meet Tessa today," Magnus smiled, taking Alec's hand and leading him back to the entrance way.
"You look just like Will," Tessa exclaimed, by way of greeting the moment she saw Alec.
"Will?" Alec asked, clearly taken aback by this strange introduction.
"William Herondale," Magnus sighed. He should really have seen this coming. If Alec had been warned maybe he wouldn't look so confused and Tessa was nothing if not predictable.
"That's Jace's surname," Alec observed.
"I have been keeping track of Will's line," Tessa explained, with enthusiasm. "Jace is his great great great grandson."
"Oh," Alec said. "From the way you were talking I thought you meant someone you knew more recently."
"This is always how Tessa talks about Will," Magnus said rolling his eyes.
Woot this story is actually getting updates! Yay! I am almost finished my Glee story and then I shall have only two stories to update so Royal Dilemma should get updated faster. Not sure what else to say here... This story has one of my lowest view counts but I suspect that is due to very slow updates. I'm hopeful it picks up here soon.
Sneak Peek Chapter 7
Alec gazed at Magnus for a moment, ignoring the squabbling friend's words. He never wanted to forget Magnus's face, but he knew his life, his memory was fleeting. If Magnus remembered him Alec could live forever in the warlock's mind, as Will and Jem lived forever in Tessa's memories. It was a oddly marvelous and mind blowing concept to him. The more Alec learned about Magnus the more extraordinary Magnus's interest in Alec become to him. Alec had never really understood his family's prejudice against warlock, but now Alec was truly confused about it. There was no reason for it. Then his little brother's death came to mind, but Alec had a feeling there was more to that story than what his mother believed.