In the heart of Brooklyn, New York, the shopping mall buzzed with vibrant energy and holiday cheer during the festive season of Christmas. The air was filled with a unique blend of excitement and anticipation, intensified by the cool winter breeze and the enchanting aroma of cinnamon and evergreen. The mall was adorned with colorful decorations, twinkling lights, and larger-than-life ornaments, creating a magical and inviting atmosphere.
Families, friends, and couples moved through the bustling corridors, their faces adorned with smiles and rosy cheeks from the cold. The sound of laughter and joyful chatter filled the air as children excitedly shared their wishes with Santa Claus, whose jolly laughter echoed through the corridors, spreading mirth.
Every nook and cranny of the mall was alive with activity. Shoppers hurried from store to store, laden with bags filled with carefully chosen gifts and festive treats. Storefronts showcased their finest holiday collections, enticing passersby with dazzling displays of apparel, accessories, and enticing gadgets.
Among the crowd was Alexander Lightwood. He wore a sleek black overcoat that emphasized his tall and athletic frame, its lines sharp and crisp against the snowy backdrop. A soft, charcoal-colored scarf was wrapped around his neck, providing both warmth and a touch of elegance. His leather gloves, fitting snugly on his hands, were shoved in the pocket of his winter coat for warmth. He'd been walking for hours trying to find gifts for his family but nothing caught his attention or they were too expensive.
Music wafted through the mall, resonating with familiar tunes of classic carols and modern holiday songs. Talented musicians and carolers adorned in seasonal attire performed, their melodies adding a melodious backdrop to the joyful scene.
"Alec!" A familiar voice beamed from behind. Alec turned to find Magnus Bane, dressed in a long, crimson coat that seemed to dance with the wind, the fabric adorned with enchanting patterns and delicate embroidery, reflecting his love for opulence and magic. A vibrant scarf in shades of deep purple and gold hung gracefully around his neck, a playful nod to his eccentric taste. His fingers were adorned with rings that glittered in the winter sun, reflecting his love for all things shiny and dazzling. His hair was up into a hundred little spikes but the snow had dampened the ends causing them to curve slightly. However, it was the bundle of bags in Magnus' hands that caught Alec's attention.
"Are you throwing a party or something?" joked Alec, a smile on his face.
"I am," Magnus said seriously.
Alec cleared his throat. He should have realized as much, this was Magnus, the High Warlock of Brooklyn.
"What are you doing here?" the warlock asked.
"Just looking around, still looking for gifts." Alec shrugged.
"Are you coming over tonight?" Magnus asked. Alec winced, unsure if it was a good idea to go over when Magnus was in this state. He wasn't overly familiar with the holiday and the idea of helping with decorating the condo was more daunting than "fun".
"Uh, Jace and I were going out tonight and we're not into all this Christmas stuff." The warlock narrowed his eyes as if he couldn't believe what was coming out of the Shadowhunter's mouth.
"Well I am and you're MY boyfriend!" Magnus declared.
Alec sighed, he couldn't argue with the warlock, even if he wanted to. "Fine, what do you want me to do?"
Magnus looked up in thought. "How about you come over tomorrow morning?"
Alec tilted his head to the side curiously. "What for?"
"It's a surprise, just come over at eight okay."
It was their first Christmas together and Alec could see how important it was to Magnus so he agreed. "Alright, I can do that." He said finally and the warlock beamed.
"Yes! I love you!" And he leaned down and kissed Alec openly in public and the Shadowhunter turned bright red. "See you darling!" And before Alec could get out a word, Magnus was gone, shuffling into the crowd of people.
A cold icy breeze brushed through the young Shadowhunter causing him to shiver and pull his forest green parka with faux fur lining tighter around his body. Underneath, he wore a cozy cable-knit sweater, providing both warmth and comfort. He wore a pair of well-fitted dark jeans and sturdy waterproof boots. A simple but stylish gray beanie covered his head, and warm gloves protected his hands. A sheet of snow had already blanketed the pavement outside the condo that Alec Lightwood stood in front patiently waiting for his boyfriend. A wreath hung decoratively on the front door, jangled and Alec turned to find Magnus emerge from within wearing a luxurious, deep purple overcoat adorned with magical embellishments that shimmered in the daylight, evoking the essence of the winter season. Beneath the coat, he wore a fashionable turtleneck sweater in shades of burgundy and gold added a touch of opulence. Below, he wore tailored black trousers and fashionable leather boots with intricate designs and a vibrant scarf wrapped around his neck, adding a splash of color and style.
"Hey," Magnus smiled, his breath forming in the cold as he spoke. "Were you waiting long?" Magnus asked, noticing Alec's bright red nose.
"It's okay," Alec said.
Magnus cupped the base of Alec's chin and kissed him deeply instantly bringing warmth to his lips. At first Alec thought he was just getting a lover's rush but realized his whole body was buzzing with subtle warmth. When Magnus pulled back the boy made a face and shyly turned away his cheeks burning redder than his nose.
"Better?" Magnus smirked.
"Y-you didn't have to do that, I have my Steele" Alec said and Magnus chuckled.
"I wanted to." Alec mumbled under his breath that sounded like let's go and walked ahead. The warlock sighed aloud and watched fondly as his boyfriend stalked ahead wondering how he'd been blessed to have a wonderful man in his life. It was a shame Alec was demure about their relationship but Magnus would never cease to love him. When the Shadowhunter turned, Magnus saw how the white around him seemed to bring out the blue in his eyes.
"Are you coming?"
Magnus nodded and joined his partner, linking his arm through his.
"Where are we going anyway?" Alec asked as they strode down the sidewalk to Magnus's car that he claimed to have borrowed for the evening.
"It's a surprise." Magnus taunted with a wink.
Alec shook his head but couldn't hold back the smile that played in the corner of his lips. After a block down they stopped in front of a silver Lexus sports car. In the winter atmosphere the car exuded a potent blend of contemporary sophistication and high-performance prowess. Its gleaming silver coat, impeccably polished, defined its aerodynamic silhouette, reflecting the expertise in design.
"Nice car," He said.
"Thanks" Magnus winked walking over to the driver's side. Alec stepped into the passenger side and was grateful to be out of the cold. With one push of a button the interior blinked to life in a symphony of color and the finely tuned exhaust emitted a captivating growl, hinting at the potential for exhilarating speed.
In just under two hours, they drove out of the city and into the rustic side of New York where the snow was much more dense, and the birch trees were taller, a clear indication of higher elevation as they ascended the mountains.
"Where are we going?" Alec asked again.
"You'll see." Magnus said, adamant in keeping the secret. A pause.
"Magnus, you know I don't really like surprises, can't you just tell me?"
"No you party pooper, just sit quiet and be patient." Alec drummed his fingers on the dashboard impatiently.
"Look, how about a hint-"
"Shush! They're playing Christmas music!" Magnus cut in, turning up the radio. After a few minutes of silence Alec gave into the fact and Magnus wasn't going to talk. He rested his elbow on the windowsill and looked out, watching as the distance between each country house expanded until there was none left.
He wondered what Jace and Isabelle were planning to do today, although it wasn't too much of a guess. Jace would probably find a way to be with Clary, and she would have probably invited Simon and where there was Simon, there was Isabelle who pretends that she's not interested in him but actually is. Alec couldn't help but smile. At least the group was finding themselves, each one having someone to support each other when in time of need.
Although he wasn't too fond of Simon and his deep thirst for blood due to his vampiric change, Isabelle seemed to be comfortable around him and Alec was glad she could lean on him for support. And Clary, whom Alec had despised at first sight, realized that she understood Jace in a way he, his parabatai, couldn't. Jace opened up to her and he trusts her wholeheartedly, so if he was happy, then Alec could learn to accept that. Then there was Magnus, who became Alec's foundation and shoulder to lean on, cared for him in such a way Alec would never quite understand but loved him unconditionally. Never in Alec's wildest dream did he imagine anyone falling in love with him, let alone an eight hundred year old warlock. Over the course of their relationship, Alec's learned to not question it and accept it as it is. Magnus loved him and Alec shared the same passion and desire.
Another hour had passed and Alec could no longer suppress his anxious curiosity.
"Okay enough! Magnus, where are we going?"
"The evergreen forest up there." Magnus said pointing to the right side where the evergreens stood tall on a hill.
"We're getting a tree? Couldn't you just, I don't know, snap one?" Magnus gave Alec a side glance of annoyance.
"Theoretically, yes, I could have. But I chose not to because I wanted to spend a nice long evening with you. Surprise!" Magnus cheered. Heavy trips outside of the city slightly bothered Alec, especially when he was away from Jace and Isabelle, but he was filled with awe that Magnus would dedicate an entire day to them.
"Then I'm looking for the biggest tree." Alec finally said.
Magnus beamed like a Christmas light and took Alec's hand in his. "That's the spirit!" Alec rolled his eyes and laughed.