In the tranquil expanse of the mountain forest, Alec and Magnus ventured hand in hand, their spirits lifted by the crisp mountain air. Towering evergreen trees, adorned in blankets of snow, surrounded them, creating a magical, natural cathedral.
"It's been a while since I went out to look for a tree." Magnus said, eyes looking ahead distantly as if he was recalling a memory. "Over six hundred years."
The sentiment of the Christmas tree also made Alec think back to the previous year when he and his family went to buy a tree. Though it was a mundane tradition, Max had begged that they buy one and decorate it. Robert and Mayrse only agreed after the hundredth request. Little did they know it was Max's last Christmas. Putting the memory aside, Alec tried to put himself in Magnus's position sitting at home every year on this holiday alone. "I come here from time to time but I could never bring myself to take a tree home." Magnus admitted looking down.
"Why couldn't you?" Alec asked.
Magnus shrugged. "It just didn't seem right, there was no joy in it. Why get a big tree just so I could decorate it myself and spend Christmas alone?"
"But you threw parties didn't you"
"I did, and still do, but the process of finding a tree takes time, consideration and purpose." Alec stopped walking and looked Magnus in the eyes.
"Thank you for taking me and sharing this special moment with you. I hope I can make it worth it." Magnus stared in surprise, not used to hearing such kind words from a Shadowhunter who seldom showed his affection in their relationship. The warlock's heart beat with such warmth, desire and admiration for the boy that he no longer felt cold. Magnus cupped Alec's cheek with both hands and pressed his lips against his.
"What was that for?" He asked when Magnus pulled away. The warlock smiled a genuine smile and continued to look down at Alec.
"No reason, I just wanted to do that." He said, taking his hands in his.
"Oh, you're warm." Alec sighed in content. The warlock chuckled and kissed the young boy earning a sweet blush that stuck out against his pale features. As soon as Magnus parted his lips seeking entrance, Alec pulled away with a wide grin on his face.
"Come and get me Magnus." he teased, taking several steps back. The warlock stared in complete shock as Alec turned to disappear with the heart of the forest, the sun's dappled rays creating pockets of light and shadow amidst the towering trees. Alec stealthily navigated the woods, blending effortlessly with the shadows. He moved with grace, skillfully using the terrain to his advantage.
Magnus's lips curled into a devious grin and his eyes followed Alec with hunger.
"I always find you Alexander." Magnus said, under his breath. Ever perceptive and attuned to the magical ebb and flow of the forest, Magnus could sense Alec's movements. His keen senses and magical prowess guided him through the labyrinthine woods, following Alec's trail with playful determination.
"You can't hide forever darling," the warlock called. He knew these mountains and the lay of the land. As Alec remained concealed, Magnus's magical perception heightened, guiding him unerringly to Alec's hiding spot. Magnus heard movement and dashed towards an open field and smirked when he saw the running figure of Alec. Though it was difficult to run in the snow, Magnus was determined to have Alec in his arms. Just as Alec passed through a clearing in the forest, Magnus tackled him in a burst of laughter and energy. The two of them tumbled through the thick snow, a sense of joy filling the forest air.
Their laughter echoed through the trees, harmonizing with the rustle of leaves and the song of birds. Amidst the natural blanket of snow, Alec and Magnus, lost in the euphoria of the game, found a moment of pure happiness.
Finally, Magnus had Alec under him, pinning his wrists beside his head. Pure joy filled his heart as he watched Alec struggle for air through his laughter.
"Okay okay, you got me." He said with exhilaration.
"Not quiet," Magnus purred and leaned down to capture the young boy's lips. The warlock parted Alec's lips with his teeth and Alec obliged, finally allowing Magnus in. Their tongues collided sending an emotional heatwave throughout his body that blocked the cold on his back. "There, now I've got you." Magnus said, pulling away slightly. Alec opened his eyes to admire cat-like gold eyes that had little snow specs glittering along his eyelashes. Though they had been together for a while, the butterflies in his stomach would flutter each time he was alone with Magnus and the boy shivered trying to release those feelings. "Are you cold?" Magnus asked, moving off Alec and extending his hand.
"Well you did have me pinned to the snow," he lied, taking Magnus's hand and getting to his feet. Alec ran his hand through his now damp hair shaking out the snow.
"Alright, well, let's get our tree and get the hell out of here." Magnus exclaimed.
"When I was hiding, I saw a really big tree on the hill."
"Show me the way!"