Chapter Text
It had been a long, tiring day for both Alec and Magnus after Valentine attacked the New York Institute. Both were exhausted, and after helping to round up all the fallen and heal the injured in the aftermath of Valentine’s attack, Magnus and Alec were finally settling in for the night; although it was technically the next day.
They had decided it be best if they stayed there for the night; neither of them felt like making the trip to the loft and Alec refused to allow Magnus to portal them home.
Which is how they found themselves in Alec’s room in the institute; although Alec did not consider it his anymore; It did not feel like home anymore. Most, if not all, of his valued belongings, were at Magnus’. The only thing left behind were the sheets, furniture, and bland decoration that adorned the rest of the institute.
Alec was changing the sheets on the bed and Magnus was in the ensuite bathroom removing his makeup and rings.
Once he was done, he returned to the bedroom and began discarding his battle-worn clothing. He no longer felt the need to change out of Alec’s presence.
Alec had already changed into a pair of Jace’s sweatpants and was sitting on the left of the bed, propped up against two pillows, deep in thought.
Both remained silent; not an uncomfortable one. But rather one that was calm and reassuring.
Alec finally broke the silence when Magnus joined him under the covers. It was a tight fit, their limbs were intertwined and they could feel each other’s breath and the heat of their skin. Alec placed his head on the crook of Magnus’s neck; his skin was warm and smelled of a warm burning fire with a hint of spice. The scent was so familiar and unique, it made him feel instantly calm and at home. The light patch of stubble on his chin and jaw tickled the skin of Magnus’ shoulder.
Alec smiled, closing his eyes and letting out a content sigh. He was finally able to relax. His muscles had been tense and rigid from the moment he thought his worse fear had come true.
His mind flashed back to the moment, painfully recollecting every second of fear and desperation.
He had been trapped in the elevator when he heard the collective screams of hundreds.
’No,’ he breathed. His stomach had dropped, it felt as if his heart was in his throat and he couldn’t breathe, and a cold spread throughout his body.
He had never felt such panic, worry, and fear.
He kept repeating 'No, No, No, No…Please, God no,’ as if it would quell the fact that his worse fear had not just occurred. He could not evoke exactly how he managed to escape. All he remembers is running through the institute, desperately searching every room and every corner.
He came to a stop when he saw Clary and Jace, who was clutching the sword. He didn’t even have time to process how Jace holding the sword. He just needed to find Magnus, he needed to see him, feel his warmth, hear his voice.
He needed to know he was wrong.
When he found him, he immediately embraced Magnus he needed to make sure he was real. He has felt so many emotions all at the same time. The most prominent being relief and love….he loved him. He loved everything about Magnus and he had to tell him because who knows what tomorrow; their world was unpredictable.
He was brought out of his thoughts by feeling the bed shift next to him and the heat next to him disappear.
Magnus had climbed out of bed and turned off the light on the ceiling, leaving only the bedside table lamp on. The room was now bathed in dim, warm glow.
Magnus returned to the bed this time he had scooted down so he was flat on his back. Alec followed suit and returned his body to its place in Magnus’ arms.
Magnus looked at him directly, smiling softly, “Are you alright?” concern flashed in his eyes.
Alec swallowed hard, trying to suppress the emotions that had resurfaced with the memory.
“Yeah,” he replied,
Magnus, however, was not convinced. “You don’t need to worry darling, everyone is safe. Valentine was detained.” he caressed the side of Alec’s face.
Alec sighed, “I know, I just—“ he paused, taking a big breathe then continued. “I don’t ever want to go through that again. The feeling I felt when I realized the soul sword had been activated and that you were…” he could not finish his sentence, he couldn’t bring himself to say the word out loud.
Magnus swiped his thumb over Alec’s cheek, catching a fallen tear. “I’m right here and I’m not going anywhere.” He reassured Alec softly.
“Promise?” Alec asked, his voice shaking and cracking.
“I promise.” he assured, wholeheartedly.
There was a moment silence before Alec spoke again, this time his voice was softer, almost hesitant, as if he were unsure he should be saying it, “I want to see Madzie.” Magnus hummed in response but did not interrupt. Alec took this as a sign and continued, “To make sure she’s okay.”
Magnus wrapped his left arm around Alec’s torso; encasing Alec in the familiar warmth even more.
Magnus smiled fondly at his boyfriend, “Alexander, Catarina looks after children every day.” he said, "I trust she will take excellent care of Madzie; otherwise I would not have taken her there. You don’t need to worry, darling.”
“I know,” Alec paused, rubbing his hands over the stubble on his chin, “I just– I want to make sure that’s she safe– after everything Valentine put her through. I just need to know.” Alec sighed.
Magnus nodded in understanding, not needing to push the topic any further, “Okay. We can go as soon we have everything here taken care of here.”
Alec smiled, “Thank you.”
“No need to thank me. Good night, darling.”
“Goodnight.” Alec replied with a content sigh, “I love you.” He felt Magnus’ lips press against his, lingering for a bit.
“I love you too,” Magnus replied, smiling, his cat eyes glistening with happiness.
Alec watched as Magnus closed his eyes and fell asleep almost instantly. He watched him sleep for a few moments; just taking him in. He wanted to commit every feature on his face and body to memory. Soon after he also fell into a much-needed, deep, slumber.