Chapter Text
To say that Magnus was tired right now was an understatement. In fact, he was exhausted. This day started to go downhill within the first hour of his shift. First, he found out his attending was Dr Valentine Morgenstern. Brilliant surgeon, but an arrogant, slave-driving prick. Especially to his interns. His residents were not very nice and piled most of the legwork on Magnus. Two patients in their caseload developed an infection, were delirious and attempted to get out of bed resulting in a fall - one ending up with a possible fractured arm and the other hit his head prompting for a CT to rule out any brain injury. All in all this added more stuff on Magnus’ growing to do list.
His shift should have ended three-ish hours ago, yet here he was. Still working. He was behind on his post-op notes and he still had 2 X-ray requests to send and two blood collections. Times like this, he questioned why he wanted to be a doctor in the first place. Because I want to help people. To save lives. He told himself. Endure the torture of being an intern. You can do this. You're not going to give up now.
Magnus remembered all the blood (yes blood), sweat and tears he poured into getting into college, getting the highest GPA to pass pre-med. All those gruelling hours studying for the MCATs and then interview after interview to get into the medical programme. It didn't end there. Once he was accepted into the programme, he worked even harder to stay in it. A passing grade was not enough, he had to achieve at least an A average in all subjects and his overall GPA to maintain his scholarship. It wasn't a full scholarship but they at least paid for tuition fees which was the bulk of the expenses. Medical school was not cheap. Working while studying was exhausting. But he endured and he will continue to endure. He's already survived three months of being an intern, what's another nine? At least when he's a resident he won't be at the bottom of the pile. And he’ll finally get paid.
Magnus took a big breath in and slowly exhaled relaxing a little bit. He clicked "submit" to send off the second of the X-ray requests, turned away from the computer and grabbed a patient file to write his notes.
"And I thought my shift ended late. What are you still doing here? Your shift ended three hours ago," Magnus looked up to see Catarina standing at the entrance of the staff station. She was not wearing her usual scrubs. She had her handbag slung on her shoulder and she looked about ready to leave.
"Because I am at the bottom of the food chain and my attending is a slave driver," He said, stamping his name on the patient's file, closes it, puts it back in the shelf and grabs another. "I'm almost done. This last note. Then just need bloods for Mrs B and Mr D and send it to the lab."
She walked into the staff station and took the seat beside him. "Who's on night duty? Shouldn't you have handed that over to the next shift?"
Magnus gave her a forced smile through gritted teeth. "Oh no. These tasks are too simple and low for Satan’s spawn. I had explicit orders from the ruler of hell to finish all of them before leaving the premises and not to hand them over to his son."
Catarina rolled her eyes in disgust. "Oh God, Satan Jr is doing nights? Glad I'm not on that roster." She looked at him and started rolling up her sleeves. "Anything I can do to help?"
Magnus got up, put the file in the shelf. "No, I'm good. I really should do this. It's part of my learning."
"Magnus, I'm a nurse. Part of my duty is to assist doctors. Even interns. Most especially one who is a friend. Besides, you're already waaay behind. This will make it faster," She smiled at him and rolled up her sleeve.
He chuckled. "Yes, but you're off duty now and I don't want to delay you any longer. You should go on ahead. I'm fine," He walked over to the bloods cart and started gathering what he needed. Catarina following closely.
"Nope. I'm gonna end up waiting for you anyway cause I don't want to walk to the train station alone. Might as well be useful," She pushed the cart towards the patient rooms. "So Mrs B... has she asked you to marry her yet?"
"Three times today. She promised me a beach wedding this time," They both laughed then entered Mrs B's room.
"Not just a beach wedding, dear. A beach wedding in the Bahamas, Hawaii, Maldives... Take your pick. I can afford it," The old lady said, as she adjusted to sit herself upright on the bed.
Magnus went to her right side and rolled up her sleeve while Catarina set up the tubes and the needle. "That sounds wonderful, Mrs B. But as much as I would love to say 'yes', I am very much spoken for."
"I won't believe it until I see it. I don’t see a ring," Mrs B said, looking away as Magnus readied the needle.
“Because I’m not allowed to wear it during work time.” Magnus said. In reality, his engagement right was on a chain around his neck under his scrubs and white coat.
Mrs B looked at Catarina. "Is he really taken or is he just playing hard to get?"
Catarina gave out a little laugh. "Unfortunately for you, Mrs B, he's telling the truth." Catarina looked at Magnus and saw the twinkle in his eyes even as he continued with what he was doing. "He's in a very committed and happy relationship. Sickeningly lovey-dovey sometimes. Like bloody teenagers."
"Hey. We just happen to like expressing our feelings for each other," Magnus narrowed his eyes at her but then smiled. "There we are Mrs B. All done." He put a band aid on the inside of her elbow where he inserted the needle.
"Thank you, dear," The elderly lady said as she rolled her sleeve down. "Tell you what, let me meet this other half of yours so I can size 'em up."
"He takes care of me fine," Magnus interjected as he walked towards the door with the cart. Catarina fluffing up the pillows for the elder lady and making sure she's comfortable. Ever the caring nurse.
"I'll be the judge of that. If I don't like him I'll take you far away."
Magnus chuckled. "Thank you, Mrs B. Why don't you focus on getting better and I'll see if I can arrange a meeting?"
"Deal," The elderly lady said and watched Magnus and Catarina wave goodbye and walk out of her room and towards their next patient.
As soon as they collect the last of the bloods, Catarina pushed Magnus towards the lockers. "Go on. Get yourself organized. I'll take care of these." She held up the two zip lock bags with the hazardous material sign on them, the test tubes for the bloods carefully sealed inside.
"No, I can..." Magnus protested but she put up her hand to stop him.
"Magnus." Catarina was now using her senior nurse voice, the one she used to put staff and patients, and even doctors in their place. "Go. It's ok." She perked up. "Besides, I like sending stuff to the lab. Those Lamson tube things are fun. I like putting these little baggies in the tube and then whoosh, they get whisked away like magic. Like in Men in Black and the tube thing." She shooed him away.
"Thank you. I'll be really quick. I'll meet you by the elevators." He said and walked, almost ran to the lockers.
********
Catarina watched as Magnus made his way towards her at the elevators looking like he's about to fall over. As if on cue, the elevator doors opened as soon as he got to her. She led him inside and pressed the button for the ground floor. Magnus headed straight toward the back and leaned his head on the back wall not caring that his red-tipped spiky hair was getting all flat. It was beyond fixing about 4 hours ago. He was sure his eyeliner was already smudged.
“I hate being an intern right now,” He turned around and slumped his head against Catarina's right shoulder. "I'm so tired I want to cry."
"Aaaw, I know, honey. Such is the life of an intern. I've seen many crumble. But I know you will survive. It'll get better. You'll be a bad-ass resident in no-time," She rested her head on his as she reached up her right hand and slowly patted the right side of his face. "In the meantime, I know you'll feel so much better once you get home."
Magnus couldn't stop the sides of his lip from twitching up to a smile at the thought of going home – specifically who was there. He was fiddling with his ring on his right ring finger now that he was off duty and was allowed to wear hand jewellery. It was a simple white gold band with two yellow green gems embedded into it, the color of his eyes. Around the gems, there was an arrow twisting into the infinity symbol engraved on it. He took his cell phone out of his pocket. 10pm. No text. He's probably asleep.
"I feel like I haven't seen him in days. We barely see each other in the mornings. And he'll probably be asleep by the time I get home. Again. Fifth time this week," He pouted. “We haven’t had sex in 5 days. Five days, Cat. We’re practically celibate. We used to do it ev…” She put her hand over his mouth to stop him.
"Right. First, exaggerating and TMI. Good thing we’re alone in this elevator. Second, I'm sure he understands and he still loves you despite the celibacy as you call it. And you’re both probably sexually frustrated right now so equal ground. And third, think of how amazing the sex will be when you do finally find time. I’m sure neither of you will be able to walk. And I cannot believe I just said that."
She face palmed herself. “That last comment makes me feel like I know way too much about your sex life.”
The elevator dinged and the doors opened at the lobby. Magnus let Catarina practically drag him out of the elevator. Not because he didn't want to go out, more like he was too tired to walk of his own volition or even think about which way to walk towards. He had his head down and didn't see her suddenly stop ending up bumping straight into her. "Sorry, Cat."
He looked at her as she turned to him while crossing her arms, a big smile on her face. "You two are so cute." She cocked her head slightly indicating behind her then moved aside.
A tall, dark-haired man wearing black pants, black collared button up shirt with a leather dark grey jacket, and black combat boots walked towards them, smiling. Magnus could feel his exhaustion dissipate as soon as he made eye contact. His breath hitched, and then he smiled. "Alexander."
"Hey." Alec stopped just in front of Magnus, leaned down and gave him a soft, chaste kiss in greeting. It was short and Magnus wanted more but was immediately lost in Alec's beautiful hazel eyes as soon as the taller man pulled back. He gave Catarina a wave. “Hey, Cat.”
“Hello, Alec.”
"What are you doing here? I thought you already went home hours ago." Magnus said as soon as Alec’s attention was back to him. He couldn't stop smiling. He was glad that Alec was there. Surprised but very happy. He placed both his hands on the taller man’s chest as if to make sure it was really him, feeling Alec place his right hand gently on Magnus' hip. Magnus was not entirely sure if this was real or if he was just really tired and possibly hallucinating. Alec’s touch was reassuring.
Magnus had texted him around the time his shift was supposed to end letting Alec know he was going to be late and that they couldn't go home together. Again. Alec replied with an "Ok" and Magnus just assumed he had gone home. Feeling a bit dejected but understanding that it was what it was. Fifth time this week. It was starting to become the usual. Much to Magnus' chagrin.
Alec co-owned and managed the cafe/restaurant in front of the hospital. He and his silent business partner, Luke Garroway, were able to acquire it 6 months ago from the previous owner who decided to sell his business and move away. Alec was also the head chef and designing new things to add on the menu.
Magnus knew Alec finished his work at the cafe 4 hours ago. Usually their shifts ended within an hour of each other and they had made it a point to go home together when possible. Since he was assigned to the surgical service last month, it had started to become less frequent with Magnus being held back to see his patients, or with Alec sorting things out with the new menu at the cafe.
"I figured I'd wait for you. I had some things to sort out, anyway. The kitchen is now spotless and organised. And we may be able to introduce a new line of desserts tomorrow. Including your favourite banofee pie.” Magnus smiled at the mention of his favourite dessert. His fiancé made it for him on their impromptu third date when Magnus was stressed out about a big exam for one of his major subjects.
"Save a slice for me?"
Alec nodded then brushed a stray hair away from Magnus' forehead. "You can have a whole pie to yourself." Magnus chuckled.
Alec held up a plastic bag, taking his right hand away from Magnus' waist. "I'm thinking you skipped dinner again so I brought you sandwiches from the cafe. They're leftover ones though but still good."
Magnus laughed quietly and gave the taller man a quick kiss on the lips. "Thank you. You're always so thoughtful." He hugged Alec, burying his face into the other man's chest. “I missed you.”
Alec squeezed him back, hugging him tight and kissing the top of Magnus’ head, taking in his scent. “I missed you, too.” They looked at each other for what felt like hours, memorizing each feature closely committing it to memory. Alec brushed his left thumb to remove Magnus' smudged eyeliner on the side of right eye. "You look knackered."
Magnus nods and leans into Alec's touch, closing his eyes, savouring the touch. He didn't realize how much he has missed Alec's touch until now. "Very busy day. But I'm better now that you're here. How was your day?"
"It was alright. I put Raphael at the front of house today."
Magnus chuckled. Knowing his friend, it probably did not go well. "And how did that go?"
"He definitely needs to work on his people skills." Magnus laughed. "No, seriously, at one point, I think a lady bought a salad instead of another chocolate cake just because she got scared of him. She wasn't fat or anything."
Magnus was not surprised. Raphael was not much of a people person – being blunt and tactless most of the time. The boy didn't do it to hurt or be mean, it's just the way he was. He did not see the point of political correctness. Since meeting Magnus, Alec and the rest of their group from the University, they have been trying to educate Raphael in pragmatics, tactfulness and public relations. It's clearly a work in progress. They were surprised Raphael wanted a career in Hotel and Restaurant management.
"Ready to go home?" Magnus nodded. The taller man gave him a quick kiss on the forehead and both men turn towards Catarina who was watching them from the side, a big smile on her face. "Let's go, lover boys."
She started walking a few paces ahead of them, giving the lovers some much needed alone time. Alec kept his hand around Magnus' shoulder and Magnus snaked his hand under Alec's jacket and around his waist as they follow their friend towards the train station.
********
It was a ten minute walk to the station. Magnus and Catarina practically devouring the sandwiches Alec brought while they walked. They split up with the nurse at the top of the stairs as her train was heading in the opposite direction and was on a different platform. Alec and Magnus held hands, fingers intertwined as they went down the stairs. Magnus let his fiancé lead him his exhaustion slowly creeping up on him again. The small boost of energy he got from seeing his lover unexpectedly has started to dissipate. He was sure his eyes were half closed and his feet were running on autopilot. These days he loathed living 30 minutes away by train from work - well it was a 20 minute train ride and a ten minute walk from the station to their loft. He wished he could somehow magic them home.
Alec must have noticed something was wrong as soon as they got to the turnstiles as Magnus felt Alec give his hand a little squeeze. "You alright?"
Magnus blinked to wake himself up and looked up at Alec. "Yes. Just really tired. Can't wait to go home."
Alec's brow furrowed a bit, concern in his eyes. "Maybe we should just take a cab. It'll be faster." He turned towards the exit but Magnus grabbed him.
"No. No. The cab will be expensive. This is fine." Magnus gave him a smile. It's not forced but he was sure Alec could see the tiredness on his face. "I'll make it."
Alec opened his mouth to say something but Magnus stopped him. "Baby, I'm fine." He pulled Alec closer, encircling the taller man’s waist with his arms. "We can't afford cab fare. Well, we can but I'd rather the money go to the wedding slash honeymoon fund."
Ever since they got engaged, Magnus has started to put together a wedding/honeymoon fund. They both knew Magnus still had to finish his medical training and they were not in a hurry to tie-the-knot so they have yet to set a date. That did not stop Magnus returning to his super budget mode persona, minimizing unnecessary spending as much as possible to start the fund. Never too early to start saving up, was his motto, especially with the wedding/honeymoon they wanted.
Living on a tight budget was not new to him. He's practically been fending for himself since he was sixteen. He did odd jobs around the neighbourhood where his foster homes (yes, plural) were and always made it a point to save. He worked full time for two years after graduating high school. His savings from that time, along with a small inheritance his parents left him, allowed him to pay off the deposit on the loft in Brooklyn. He got lucky. It was a private sale with one of his then employer's friends and was able to arrange a rent-to-own agreement. He worked as a tutor for high school kids wanting to get into Ivy League universities while he was doing his pre-med and medicine courses. He also side-lined as a personal shopper for some of the parents of the kids he tutored (or the kids themselves). He had to admit, his good taste in fashion paid well. When he and Alec moved in together, they were able to pay off the loft quicker - their first grown up, domestic task together. The payments were completed last year at the end of Magnus' fourth year of his medical degree. They got the place cheap but knew there was a lot to be done to fix up the place but at least it was theirs now. Alec proposed to him during their private "house warming" party. It was just the two of them. Magnus had wanted to continue with his usual work/study pace going into his unpaid internship year but Alec managed to convince him out of it arguing that Magnus was going to get burned out. Alec insisted his income from his business was enough for both of them – even if the restaurant was still starting out. Magnus had teased that it was just because of Alec's desire to be a sugar daddy, even if Alec was younger. Magnus had eventually agreed, albeit reluctantly at first. Being completely dependent on someone financially was new to him at the time and it took him a while to be comfortable with it. Magnus was certain Alec worked to make sure he never had to take on any extra work, allowing him to concentrate on his internship. Alec would never admit to it as always. God, how Magnus loved this man. He was sure Alec was an angel sent from heaven.
"Well if you die of exhaustion then there won't be a need for a wedding slash honeymoon fund." Alec interjected putting both hands on his hips. "We haven't even decided on a date yet. I'm sure we can spare cab fare."
Magnus shook his head. With newfound energy, he took Alec's hand and pulled him towards the turnstiles, swiping his train pass. "Nope. We're taking the train." Alec followed suit but still not convinced. He tightened his hold on Magnus' hand as he followed his fiancé towards the platform. The train pulled in as soon as they got there, moving to the side of the doors to let passengers off before going in.
The train was still slightly full even around this time. With no seats available, Magnus pulled Alec towards the opposite door and positioned himself in the corner, his back leaning partially on the glass panel divider and the closed door. Alec stood in front of him so they were face to face, leaning his hand over the top of the panel to steady himself. This was their usual routine during their commute. In this position, Alec’s height over Magnus is emphasised as he towers over him, virtually shielding him from the mob of commuters behind. Magnus liked how they get their own little pocket of privacy all thanks to his fiancé's height. Not to mention, in this position, Magnus could smell Alec's sweet scent as his face is directly at Alec's neck and chest area depending on whether or not he was standing straight. He put his hands on Alec's waist and pulled him closer via the loops on Alec's jeans, his face now just inches away from Alec's cheek. Alec was looking away over his own shoulder to see the rest of the passengers get in the train. Magnus could see how long Alec's eyelashes were from this angle. God, he's so beautiful. And he's all mine. He smiles then decides to boop his finger on the tip of Alec's nose to catch his attention. Alec turns his head to face him and they both smile at each other. They were glued to each other's eyes not really noticing that the train has started to move.
Magnus still had his finger hovering in front of Alec's mouth and Alec made an attempt to bite it but never breaking eye contact. Magnus let out a little shriek as he pulled his finger away. They both chuckled then Alec gave Magnus a quick peck on his forehead.
"Speaking of wedding plans..." Magnus now fiddling with the buttons of Alec's shirt. "There's this wedding expo..." Alec groaned.
"Magnus..."
"... Next weekend and I really want us to go check it out. It’s free entry." Magnus continued ignoring Alec's protests. "Please?" He bat his eyes at his fiancé and flashing his very cute smile. Alec shook his head trying very hard to resist. "It's only for recon, we won't have to sign up or commit to anything. I just want to get some ideas..."
"You already have plenty of ideas. Plus why do I have to go?" Alec interjected, frowning now. Magnus shut his mouth, crossed his arms across his chest and leaned back. "You know I'm not good with those things and I don't like crowds." Alec softenex his expression as he continued to explain.
"Fine." Magnus said ending with a pout.
"No. No pouting. You know I’m weak to the pouting." Alec sighed and put both hands on Magnus' hips and bowed down to rest his forehead on Magnus' but the other man just looked away. "Babe."
"No. It's ok. I'll just go with Izzy and Sheldon then." He has gotten into the habit of calling Alec’s sister’s boyfriend different names. He knew the boy’s real name was Simon.
Magnus didn't look at Alec, clearly not okay. He started removing what could have been imaginary lint from his coat. Alec wasn't sure. "I just thought we haven't had the same day off in a while. And we haven't really gone out and it would be a good couple bonding experience. And it's for our wedding. But it's not your thing so ok. You don't have to go."
Silence fell between them. Magnus knew he was being petty. He could see Alec's point. His fiancé has never been interested in things like fashion, or wedding planning or crowded places. He and Jace – Alec's adopted brother - rolled their eyes at Magnus and Izzy when they were ecstatic and excited about the Royal Wedding delving into every detail and talking about what they would adapt for their own weddings. Their relationship was relatively new at the time but they were sure that they wanted to be married to the other. They just haven't told the other yet. Right now, Magnus was hoping that maybe Alec would reconsider his stance just this once. It WAS for their wedding.
Alec put his finger to Magnus' chin and made the shorter man face him. Magnus didn't make eye contact. "Magnus... " Still not looking. "Baby, please look at me." It worked this time but Magnus kept his pout, arms still crossed across his chest. "Only if you promise me that I won't be left in the corner while you and Izzy get lost somewhere in wedding dresses and what not and I get mobbed by all the pamphlet givers." Magnus' eyes slowly lit up as he realised Alec was agreeing. A smile escaped his lips but tried to contain his excitement.
"I promise."
"And you do not go overboard." Magnus nodded. "And we only stay for one hour."
Magnus frowned. "Three hours."
"Two. Final offer." Magnus bit his bottom lip and nodded.
"Deal." He uncrossed his arms and stood on his toes to give Alec a quick kiss. "Thank you. I have the best fiancé ever."
"Only fiancé ever. I had better be the best." Alec corrected him. "Unless you have others." Magnus shook his head then pulled Alec close for another quick kiss.
"Never. Just you.."
"Good." Alec kissed Magnus' forehead again.
"Although, I did have three proposals from this elderly lady and a promise of an overseas beach wedding to the country of my choice," Magnus put his finger to his lips in thought. "It was a very tempting offer. She is quite loaded."
Alec narrowed his eyes at him.
"I said 'no'," He nuzzled his nose to Alec's. "Because I only want you." Magnus smiled then gave Alec a quick kiss on the lips. "She actually wants to meet you. Said she wanted to size you up and see if you're taking care of me. And I said you definitely are," Alec chuckled.
"Good. She should know I'm very caring." Alec paused. "Maybe she'll ask me to marry her when we meet. I'll say 'yes'," Alec said with a mischievous grin.
Magnus hit Alec's chest with his hand. "Hey!"
Alec let out a short hearty laugh and pulled his fiance closer to him. "Ok, ok. I'll say no."
Silence fell between them as the train stopped at another station to pick up new passengers. They were still 4 stations away from their stop. There were some seats that freed up but somehow, the pair were comfortable where they were and made no attempts to move.
More people got on the train at the next station. Alec shifted slightly even closer to Magnus who now had his eyes on Alec's chest and was playing with his shirt collar again. "Have you called your mom back?
"No." It was a short answer. Magnus didn't say anything for a couple of beats. He knew this was a sensitive subject. He bit his lip and decided to press on.
"Your mom and I spoke today. On the phone." He felt Alec tense as he shifts his weight and looks at Magnus. "She called me."
"What did she want?" The younger man's voice was serious and Magnus could tell he was suppressing his anger.
"Well..." Magnus continued to fiddle with Alec's collar. "She couldn't get a hold of you and you weren't texting her back or returning her messages. She asked how we were and I said we’re doing well. And I told her you were busy at the cafe," Magnus waited for Alec to respond but all he got was another huff. "And so she was wondering... She invited us to brunch on Sunday."
"Really? We haven't spoken to her for two weeks and she suddenly wants us to come over for brunch?" Magnus looked up at Alec, who was now looking out the window, a frown on his face. Magnus bit the inside of his lower lip waiting for Alec to calm down, his palm rubbing circular motions on his fiance's chest to soothe him.
"Maybe she wants to talk about that incident. Just hear her out." Still no response from Alec.
A few moments pass with just the click clack swoosh noise of the train in the background. Alec turned his head slightly to Magnus and resting his forehead on Magnus' left temple, his eyes closed. "Magnus, she's only going to try to talk me into taking over the company. I'm not doing that."
Alec had a strained relationship with his parents. That's putting it gently. For one they did not approve of his sexual orientation. They merely tolerated it. They were traditional. They were civil when he introduced them to his boyfriends. There were only two others before Magnus and those weren't really even serious, hence did not last long. Alec was aware that his mother still secretly hoped he was going through a phase and that he will still eventually marry a woman, have children and inherit their empire. Alec did not miss the disapproving looks or the attempts to subtly deny the situation among friends and colleagues. However, when Alec proposed to Magnus, they have accepted (with a whole lot of grain of salt) that their son's relationship was very serious. The fact that Magnus was a doctor (in training but soon to be full-fledged) made it slightly easier for them to accept him. Being a doctor is a well-respected position. And Magnus, was one of the top students of his class. His talent in medicine was clear. So the Lightwood parents focused on the other issue.
The Lightwoods were a wealthy family to say the least. Robert and Maryse Lightwood owned a corporate law firm managing accounts for multimillion dollar businesses. Alec being the first born was "heir to the throne" and expected to take over when his parents retire. Alec had no desire to go into the corporate world and his parents were furious when he informed them he wanted to branch out on his own. They did not stop attempting to reconsider and it all boiled over into a huge argument over Sunday dinner two weeks ago. Magnus had never seen Alec so angry and furious than that night. Magnus, and Jace practically had to drag his fiance out of the house before he did anything he regretted. Simon had to drag Izzy out of there as well. She looked likely to turn Kamikaze on her parents for her brother. Alec has not spoken to his parents since and ignored all of his mother's attempts to talk to him.
Magnus cupped his hand on Alec's cheek making them face each other. "Alexander, They're your parents. They love you. And I know you love them. Please just talk to them?" Alec rolled his eyes and let out a small hiss. "And also, this is a first. Your mom called me. She never calls me. But on the phone, she was very friendly, or at least was trying to, and not just in a civil way this time. I'm not going to deny that it wasn't awkward. I'd have to say it was one of the better conversations I've had with her."
"You know she's just using you to get to me, right?" The younger man had his head bowed now, fiddling with something on the floor with his shoe.
"Of course, she is, darling. They know I'm your weakness." Magnus winks at Alec when the younger man looked up at him. Magnus brushed the hair away from Alec's face, Alec leaning into his touch. "Please meet with them. For me? She promised she and your dad will behave. And hear you out. And talk about this calmly."
Alec sighed. He looked out the window, biting his bottom lip in thought.
"Plus, I really miss those delectable cream puffs your mom makes. They are to die for." Alec rolled his eyes which makes Magnus smile. His fiance was giving in. "Actually, now that I think about it. She asked for me to go to brunch and drag you along. So really, you're my plus one. I'm the actual guest. And I really need my plus one."
Alec looked at Magnus lovingly. He leaned in and kissed him lightly at first before going in for another, deeper kiss. Magnus clung to his collar, surprised with the second deeper kiss. Alec was not one for public displays of affection especially in the kissing department. Holding Magnus' hand, hugging or putting his arm around his waist, or touching his face, Alec was very generous. Kisses were a different matter. Light little kisses now and then, forehead or hair kisses, yes, but not deep kisses like this one right now. These ones Alec reserved for when they're in private. But on the odd occasion like now, Magnus was sure that the kiss was to assure his love for him.
Magnus licked his lips as Alec pulled away. A little smile escaping yet again and he was sure he looked dazed. "I love you, too."
Alec blushed, a sheepish smile appearing on his face. He will never not blush when Magnus professed his love for him.
"So we're going to Sunday brunch?" Magnus asked to confirm. Alec nodded. "Do you want me to..."
Alec shook his head. "I'll text her tomorrow."
They get to their stop and made their way out of the train station hand in hand. "Hey, maybe on Sunday you can blackmail Jace into going to the wedding expo with us."
Alec laughed. "That is an awesome idea. Although, I think he'll end up loving it. He won't admit it but he'll love it."
It was Magnus' turn to laugh this time. He leaned in closer to Alec who now put his arm around Magnus's shoulder. Magnus snaked his arm around Alec's waist, burying his face briefly into Alec's chest as they continue to walk towards the loft. This day may not have started out well, and he spent most of it being tired and exhausted. But this, being with Alec at the end of the day, always took the exhaustion away.