Archive of Our Own

Magnus was working on a potion when he felt his wards relax and heard his boyfriend come home over. Ever since returning from Edom, Magnus felt Alec's presence more strongly, knowing how lonely and mopey he had been when they'd been broken up; it made every moment that Alec was here a lot more special, and Magnus had the inexplicable urge for Alec to always be here when he woke up, and for them to go to sleep together. Maybe he should just ask Alec at some point. Just a casual remark to see how the Shadowhunter would react.

But for now, he called, "Hey, honey! I'm in the apothecary. I'll be done soon!"

He heard boots being shoved near the door, Alec unarming himself and then he was here and was leaning against the door frame, arms crossed and biceps standing out beautifully. Magnus took in the sight of him, marvelling that Alec had still chosen him despite everything. "Hey."

"Hey, yourself," Magnus smiled, almost on reflex at seeing Alec, "How was Patrol?"

"I don't like slimey demons," is the answer Alec gave, "They're my least favourite. I feel disgusting."

"Not fun, I take it," Magnus said with a sympathetic smile, "Shower's all yours."

"Thank you," Alec sighed in relief, "How's the potion coming along?"

"Won't take too much longer," Magnus explained, "I'm already annoyed that it took up more than half a day."

Alec hummed in understanding, walking inside and leaning down to quickly kiss Magnus on the cheek. "We could watch a movie after?"

"Sounds perfect, darling."

Magnus stopped working to stare after Alec as he left, something as small as a peck on his cheek leaving him longing for it to a normal routine between them. For Alec to appear whenever he was working, show him the small acts of love that Alec had so perfected, and then do his own thing in the loft, because he wanted to be there. With Magnus. Always. He shook his head at his own riduculous sentimentality and got back to work.

Magnus was thumbing through takeaway leaflets when Alec got out of the shower, and he was pleasantly surprised when Alec came out in just joggers, his hair unruly and dripping onto his bare torso.

"Am I being seduced?" Magnus asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked Alec down and up, "I have to tell you, it's working really well."

Alec flushed slightly and said, "I forgot to pack a shirt. Can I borrow one of yours?"

"So no seducing?" Magnus pouted but conjured up one of his basic T-shirts anyway. Neither of them mentioned the fact Magnus could've easily summoned one of Alec's own T-shirts.

"After dinner?" Alec said and Magnus nodded with a laugh, opening his arm for Alec once he slipped the shirt on. Alec flipped through the leaflets and asked, "What do you fancy?"

"You," Magnus said without missing a beat and then corrected, "I'm not fussed, darling. Whatever you want is fine."

After looking at the options, they decided to get pizza and some fries, and as they waited, Magnus flicked the TV on, watching bemusedly as Alec settled his head into Magnus' lap, his eyes fluttering shut. Almost subconsciously, Magnus threaded his fingers through Alec's wet hair, carding through and gently drying the locks in the process, leaving a whisp of blue magic behind.

"Thank you," Alec mumbled, his voice suddenly heavy with exhausion. The past few days had been filled with unusally high demonic activity, and all the Patrolling and fighting seemed to cave in on Alec in that moment, his tiredness dragging him into the sofa. He turned around and pressed his face to Magnus' stomach, letting out a groan as his muscles tightened.

"Are you okay?" Magnus asked, letting a wave of his magic check for any injuries. None showed up and Magnus exhaled in relief.

"'M tired," Alec said, voice muffled against Magnus' jumper.

"You work too hard," Magnus complained and then, much to Alec's dismay, urged him to sit up. Magnus settled against the arm of the sofa and pulled at Alec until he was sitting between his legs, his head nearly drooping onto Magnus' shoulder.

"What-"

"Shush," Magnus said, "Let go and enjoy."

And Magnus started massaging Alec's shoulder, fingertips pressing in hard, working out the sore knots as Alec groaned every time a particulary tense muscle was pressed.

"Fuck, that feels good," Alec muttered.

"Mm, keep talking dirty to me," Magnus teased, earning a swat on his thigh.

Magnus moved his hands lower and a bit behind, working Alec's shoulderblades and the back of his neck as Alec arched to the side to give him better room. Magnus couldn't resist leaning in and pressed a soft kiss to Alec's shoulder, smiling as Alec hummed.

"Why are you so good at this?" Alec asked around a groan.

"All my centuries have taught me some things," Magnus answered and then started humming a tune that he couldn't recall the origin of. 

Alec felt his muscles turn to liquid, his bones to mush, his brain going offline as Magnus pressed hard enough to be painful, but it was just what was needed for his overworked muscles, and he let his eyes shut, a whole body tremor moving through him when Magnus massaged just right. He let Magnus' soft voice as he murmured Indonesian lyrics wash over him, feeling at once heavy and light, sinking and floating. He didn't realise when his eyes drooped, his body went lax and he fully passed out against Magnus.

Magnus stopped singing and massaging when he felt Alec go boneless against him, his whole Shadowhunter weight pressing against him. He realised Alec was asleep and let out a soft chuckle, brushing through Alec's hair again. He manouvered them ineleganlty, glad that the Chairman was the only witness, until he sat against the sofa properly with Alec's head in his lap again. Summoning a blanket, he draped it over his boyfriend and returned his attention to the TV, fingers still carding through Alec's hair, and hoping for many more nights like this, with Alec against him.

***

Alec was angry. Why did he have to fall in love with such a selfless boyfriend who was always throwing himself in danger? Jace, Alec and Magnus had gone after a rogue warlock, Magnus inisting and arguing that the High Warlock had to be there, despite Alec's many protests. When they'd found the rogue warlock, she'd summoned an army of demons that Jace and Alec slashed their way through easily, freeing the mundanes she'd forced to join as cultists. And Magnus had taken it upon himself to disengage her magic with a hefty spell, before undoing all the demonic enchantment that had fallen upon the abandoned building. 

As Jace and Alec watched Magnus work, keeping an eye on the rogue warlock who was now cuffed and standing a few paces away, Alec said, "You better charge us for this."

"Of course I will," Magnus looked over his shoulder and winked, "Only one Nephilim gets my services free of charge."

Jace raised an eyebrow but stopped whatever he was going to say when Alec glared in his direction. Alec couldn't help but notice Magnus was slightly wavering as he lifted enchantment after enchantment, his face pinched and slightly grey. Alec knew just that morning Magnus had gone to the Spiral Labyrinth to strengthen the wards, and Magnus had told him that was a long process requiring a lot of magic, and when Magnus swayed once again, blue spark erupting, he realised Magnus was close to depletion. 

Alec turned to his parabatai, "Do you want to head back to the Institute and take care of her?" he jerked his chin in the rogue warlock's direction. "I think Magnus has nearly exhausted his magic. I'll take him ho- to the loft after."

If Jace noticed Alec's little stutter, and the longing he felt to call Magnus' apartment home, he didn't comment on it. He simply nodded, gave Alec a hug and guided the rogue warlock in the direction of the Institute, no doubt making a few snark remarks on the way. 

Alec rushed over to Magnus, curled an arm protectively around his back and said, "We could've asked another warlock to come along. You must already be tired from the wards."

"After another warlock already," Magnus teased, "And they say I'm promiscuous."

Alec rolled his eyes, "Give me your hand." He reached for the warlock's hand, eyes catching at the way his rings glinted in the moonlight, and laced their fingers together. "Take my strength."

"I promise, I'm okay-"

"Magnus, I'm the person you don't need to always be strong with, okay?" Alec asked firmly, knowing Magnus hated needing anything from anyone else, "I want you to use my strength. Please?"

"You and your perfect words," Magnus said but he was smiling a startled smile, and drew upon Alec's strength, letting the familiar sensation, the presence of his Alec wash over him, neutralising the last of the enchantments. "Are you coming back to mine tonight?" He felt slightly embarrassed at the blatant hopefulness in his voice.

"Yeah," Alec said, "Is that okay? Or should I give you some space to recover?"

"Alexander," Magnus said, cupping Alec's cheek, smiling when Alec turned his head and pressed a kiss to Magnus' palm, "You're always welcome at the loft. And I'm not that depleted, I promise. And you don't need to give me space. I want you there."

"Okay," Alec smiled, and when Magnus raised his hand to conjure a Portal, Alec caught at his wrist, "Let's walk?"

Magnus smiled, "Of course."

They linked their hands, and Magnus leaned against his boyfriend, inquiring about his day as they walked. Alec started explaining the plot of the book he was currently reading, begrudgingly agreeing that Simon's recommendation had been good, and Magnus talked about his day at the Labyrinth and the friends he ran into after decades. 

"I should introduce you sometime," Magnus said, "I think my friends would like you."

"I'm not sure they're going to be a fan of Shadowhunters," Alec shook his head with a small smile.

"Nonsense," Magnus dismissed, "And you're not a bigoted, discriminating old man. You're a considerate, smart, sexy Shadowhunter."

"I don't think I want your friends to think of me as 'sexy'."

Magnus considered this for a minute, "Neither do I. You're my sexy Shadowhunter."

"I think we've said the word 'sexy' too many times," Alec chucked, and Magnus laughed along with him. 

They reached the loft laughing and giggling, and Magnus felt his heart clench when Alec stepped inside the loft, the laughter a warm accompaniment, and he thought - not for the first time - that he would love to always have that laughter in his place. He couldn't think for too long, because at the sight of his sofa, his entire body turned to jelly and he collapsed onto it in a way he'd never allow anyone else to witness.

Alec took a knee beside the sofa, brushing Magnus' hair back, and Magnus let out a sound between a groan and a purr.

"Can I run you a bath?" Alec asked.

"You don't need to-"

"Just tell me if you have the energy for a bath right now and if that's something you want," Alec murmured to him, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth, "Some champagne too?"

"I would love that," Magnus smiled and watched with a sense of profound love and gratefulness as Alec retreated to the en-suit, and he heard water running. Alec returned a moment later with make-up wipes and Micellar water, urging Magnus to gently sit up.

"Alexander, you really don't have to," Magnus protested at the sight of Alec on his knees, drenching a wipe in the water.

"I want to," Alec said, a gentleness in his voice that Magnus felt within the core of his heart. He felt his whole body and nervous system relax as Alec wiped his make-up off, kissing his cheek and eyelids in the process.

"I love you," Magnus murmured, never having experienced this kind of love from another person, "Thank you."

"Shush," Alec murmured, reached behind Magnus' neck to start unclasping his necklace, "I'm your boyfriend. You don't need to thank me. I love you too."

Magnus watched in something near awe as Alec removed all of his jewellery with nimble fingers and then started undoing his shirt, wrapping him up in a robe that Magnus didn't even realise he had retrieved. He then stood up, held a hand out for Magnus, who took it and followed him into the bedroom and then the en-suite, where the bath was bubbling and the faint scent of sandalwood filled the room.

"This okay?" Alec asked, embracing Magnus from behind, removing his robe, pressing kisses to his bare shoulders and neck, hands tightening around his waist before going lower and unbottoning his trousers.

Magnus turned his head and caught Alec's lips in a soft kiss, a kiss with no urgency, a kiss to show how grateful he was. He whispered against Alec's lips, "It's perfect. You're perfect." Alec pulled away, biting Magnus' lower lips gently, leaving him wanting more.

"Later," Alec promised, "Bath first."

Magnus nodded and stepped out of his trousers and underwear, stepping into the bath and sinking down as the warm water - how did Alec know the perfect temperature? - relaxed his body and mind, both of which felt heavy with exhaustion. His fingertips sparked as his magic fought to control itself. Alec brushed Magnus' hair back and said, "I'll be back."

Magnus couldn't find it in himself to protest, so he let his eyes shut, feeling better as some magic seeped back into his being. He opened his eyes when he heard Alec again, "Here you go, love."

Alec had returned with two glasses of champagne and a plate of strawberries and cream and Magnus had to hold back tears at his thoughtfulness and willingness to do this for Magnus. Maybe this was what love actually was. To know and care about someone on their lowest days, to hold them until they could hold themselves. It was an intoxicating feeling to know he was learning so much about love after centuries, from a Shadowhunter who'd completely captured his heart, with blue eyes as clear and steadfast as his soul.

"Darling, you spoil me," he said as he took the glass of Alec and set it down on the ledge of the bathtub.

"It's the least I can do after you did so much today," Alec said in that matter-of-fact way of his, making everyone around believe that they deserved only the best, that Alec would only give them the best.

"I love you, you wonderful, romantic, handsome Shadowhunter," Magnus said, flicking some water over Alec. 

Alec sputtered and then laughed, "Magnus!"

Magnus simply grinned and flicked some more water over until Alec playfully restrained his arms and kissed him, effectively turning his brain to goo.

Magnus felt his heart settle that evening, feeling at home in a way he'd never felt before, but feeling it more and more in the presence of Alec. They ate strawberries, drank champagne, and talked and giggled, Alec resting against the bathtub as Magnus carded through his hair. It was a complete normalcy that had Magnus feeling like he was floating, and he craved for it to always be there, for Alec to always be there. He really should just ask Alec to move in.

***

It was a rare morning where Magnus and Alec could sleep in and not worry about their jobs until later in the afternoon, a morning that both of them cherised. Magnus woke up first, golden sunlight seeping in from under the heavy curtains and his heart skipped a beat at the sight of his Alec next to him, their legs tangled together. He brushed a wayward strand of hair from Alec's forehead and smiled, the love he felt threatening to overwhelm him. 

"G'morning," Alec said sleepy, eyes still shut.

"Hi," Magnus whispered back, not wanting to disrupt the stillness. He leaned over, kissing Alec's cheek. "How'd you sleep?"

"So good," Alec said, and then shuffled closer to lay his head on Magnus' chest, kissing the warlock's neck in the process, "You?"

"Me too," Magnus said, "I like waking up next to you."

"Hmm, I could get used to sleeping in," Alec added and then stretched his long limbs before curling back into Magnus again, "Do you need to get up?"

"No, darling." 

"Good."

Alec threw a hand over Magnus' torso and yanked him closer, nipping at his neck. "Can I ask you something?"

Magnus nodded and waited for Alec to respond. Alec played with his necklaces as he asked, "How was Indonesia like? Have you been there... recently?"

Magnus thought for a minute before he answered. "I don't remember a lot," he said, "I remember... Our little house used to be by the beach. I loved the ocean. I loved the feeling of sand as I ran. I liked looking at the water. I think those were my only good memories there. I haven't visited my hometown. It's too painful. It's all changed now anyway, but it's still... Yeah. But I've been to the country a lot."

Alec imagined a little Magnus running around a beach, young eyes wondering at the vast ocean. "Do you think you'd ever want to go?"

Magnus turned to face Alec then and smiled, realising the truth of his words as he spoke them, "Maybe with you by my side." His birthplace brought memories of his demon heritage, the first place where he'd realised he was different and would be hated for it. But Alec had embraced all of his differences, and had showed him he was beautiful no matter what. Maybe Alec would help him find beauty even in that place of horror.

"I would love to go with you," Alec promised, "I want to see all the places that made you you."

"We'll have a lot of destination then."

Alec shrugged. "I'm sure we can make time."

"Yes. We can."

They kissed slowly and languidly for a minute before begrudingly getting out of bed, Magnus throwing on a robe he'd chucked on the floor last night and Alec reaching for his T-shirt that he'd draped over the chair.

"Shall I make us breakfast?" Alec asked as Magnus made to head into the bathroom, "Waffles?"

"Sounds delightful," Magnus said, "Sure."

So as Magnus did his morning beauty routine, Alec headed into the kitchen accustomed to where everything was by now, and started mixing the batter for the waffles when he felt Magnus behind him, snaking his hands around Alec's torso.

"I could get used to this kinda treatment," Magnus mumbled, "No one's made breakfast for me before."

"That seems statistically unlikely," Alec said with a chuckle.

"Mm, you'd be surprised," Magnus said, not wanting to dwell on the fact he'd actually only been used time and time again in other relationships, never appreciated just for his presence. Never before Alec.

"I'll make sure to make you breakfast whenever I can," Alec said in a teasing tone but Magnus understood the sentiment underneath the words, the promise that Alec would love him as he deserved.

"Or I could just have you," Magnus offered and felt Alec's eye roll even if he couldn't see it and laughed.

"I should've asked you this before, but do you have a waffle maker?" Alec asked, turning arounf in Magnus' embrace.

"I can't lie, it's been decades since anyone's cooked in here, so no," Magnus said sheepishly, "But worry not, your boyfriend is a warlock."

Magnus waved his hands, summoning a waffle maker from the nearest store, ignoring Alec's look of disappointment. "I'll cut up some fruit," Magnus offered, ducking out the conversation about Magnus stealing things that he was sure Alec was about to start, and added, "I've paid them."

Magnus then flicked his wrist, playing music from the speaker in the kitchen as a comfortable silence fell around them, Alec portioning the mixture and Magnus cutting up an array of berries before mixing them with honey in a bowl. Magnus realised that he'd never had this simple joy of cooking with someone before, both doing their own things, but achieving the same endpoint, simply humming and moving around each other in a dance that they'd never done before.

"We should cook together more often," Alec smiled, as if reading Magnus' mind, serving them each a portion of waffles.

"Of course," Magnus said, "I'll start shopping and actually have groceries."

Alec's face lit up at that, "That sounds really good."

Magnus returned his smile, "Come on darling, let's eat."

Magnus, much to Alec's dismay, summoned some cream for the waffles, saying, "Waffles without cream is just not the same, Alexander! I promise I do pay these places."

"I'm going to believe you for my own consience," Alec said and then started eating his waffles.

The pair of them ate, discussing respective plans for the day, Alec confirming he had a free evening, and Magnus suggesting they go on a date, and Alec enthusiastically agreeing. When plates were cleaned, Alec noticed Magnus had a little cream on the side of his lips, and in the cheesiest move possible, he whispered, "You have a little something there," and brushed his thumb across Magnus' lips before bringing it to his own mouth and wiping the cream off.

Magnus appeared startled for a second, a look of utter surprise on his face, and Alec fought to keep from blushing under Magnus' wild gaze. "Alexander Gideon Lightwood," Magnus said, "You can't just do things like that."

Alec raised an eyebrow, "Why not?"

"Because it makes me want to slam you against the counter."

Alec ducked his head, hoping he appeared somewhat coy as he murmured, "I mean, you could."

At this, Magnus laughed, reaching for Alec's hand. "Oh darling, I've thoroughly ruined you."

"No," Alec argued, "I just love you, so wouldn't be opposed to doing... that."

"Pray tell, what is that?"

"Oh, shut up," Alec mumbled, "I was just trying to be romantic."

Magnus' teasing softened then, and he leaned forwards to kiss Alec gently. "You are romantic. I love you."

"I love you too," Alec said against Magnus' mouth and gasped in surprise as Magnus yanked him up from the chair and pushed his hips until he hit the counter. Alec's eyes widended before they darkned, his lips going dry.

"Still okay?" Magnus checked in, kissing Alec's cheek.

Alec pulled him closer and sealed their lips together for an answer, looking forward to many more days and nights cooking together... Especially if they ended like this.

***

Magnus had had a long life filled with a fair share of surprises, but coming back to the loft after a week of being away for a Warlock Meeting and finding Alec on the sofa in his jumper was making the top five of the best surprises.

Alec turned his head when he heard Magnus, his face lighting up as he put his book down. "Magnus!" he exclaimed, clambering off the sofa and pulling Magnus into a strong hug, "How did it go?"

"All good, Alexander," Magnus smiled, "I have so many stories."

"I can't wait to listen to them all," Alec promised.

"Hm, but first," Magnus whispered, curling his hands into Alec's - no, his jumper - and tugging, "Kiss me."

Alec didn't need to be told twice. He pressed his lips against Magnus', their smiles fitting together perfectly as they kissed and kissed, gently, a kiss to say 'Hello' and 'I missed you'. Magnus finally pulled away and said, "That jumper suits you."

Alec looked down at himself, seemingly forgetting that he was wearing Magnus' clothes and brushed a hand through his own hair. "Oh- I... Um, I came over a couple of hours ago because I knew you'd be coming back, and I knew your wards would let me in, and I saw the jumper, and then I just missed you-"

"Alexander," Magnus cupped his cheek, stopping his rambling, "I wasn't complaining. It really looks nice on you. And I like you wearing my clothes."

Alec seemed to relax then, "Oh. Okay. Good."

Magnus curved towards Alec again, "Now... Where were we?" 

And they kissed again, but this time, the gentleness was gone, mouths clashing together hungrily, hands roaming each other feverently. This was a kiss to say 'I want you after not having you for a week'. 

Magnus tangled his hands in Alec's hair and tugged, his rings catching in the disheveled waves, causing Alec to whine against Magnus' mouth. Magnus walked backwards, pulling Alec by his beltloops until his back hit the wall and Alec was pressing in against his front. All he could feel was Alec's strong body pressed against him, his soft lips travelling down his jaw, and his teeth carefully sinking into his collarbone, eliciting a dirty moan out of the warlock.

"Alexander," he sighed, hands tightening in Alec's bicep, pulling him impossibly closer.

One of Alec's thighs slotted between Magnus', and he gasped at the maddening friction, rocking his hips against it, his head feeling like smoke. He tugged at Alec's jumper until Alec separated from his throat and parted to take it off and toss it over his shoulder, before reaching out to undo Magnus' waistcoat.

Magnus kissed Alec's face - his eyelids, the curve of his nose, his sharp cheekbones and his jawline - as the Shadowhunter divested him of the rest of his outfit, until they were both gasping and oggling each other shirtless.

"Come here," Magnus said, linking their fingers together and walking to the sofa, lying down and pulling Alec on top of him, the weight as familiar as his own skin.

"We have a big bed, you know?" Alec laughed, pressing a sloppy kiss to Magnus' throat.

"Mm," Magnus moaned, trying and failing to form sentences, "Too far." He didn't call out upon the fact Alec had referred to Magnus' bed as their bed, because he desperately wanted for Alec to feel that way about the loft, about him. A sense of belonging and comfort and permanence.

Alec laughed again, but it turned into a gasping moan as Magnus brought his face down for a biting kiss. Soon, hands were on belt buckles, trousers were inelegantly kicked off and Alec was lying between Magnus' legs, looking beautiful and sinful and oh- Magnus just wanted, wanted, wanted. He threw his head back, closing his eyes before this all finished too soon. He blindly reached with his hands, his heart clenching when Alec immediately laced their fingers together.

Alec kissed the inside of Magnus' thigh, placing his free hand against Magnus' hip to stop him from moving, watching as the warlock trembled and cursed.

"Alec, Alec," Magnus sighed, "Please."

He still had his eyes closed. Alec squeezed his hand once and said softly, "Look at me, love."

And Magnus could never not listen to the voice so he looked into blue eyes, the shade of them becoming a sign of security and love, as Alec finally went down on him. He really did try to keep his eyes open, but Alec knew how to turn him into a writhing mess, and was fully succeeding. He shut his eyes after a minute of valiantly trying. Alec pulled off and Magnus whined, "Alexander-"

"I told you to look at me," Alec said, his voice hoarse in a way that made Magnus whine.

"I - I can't," he protested, "Too good. Will be over too soon."

"I can get you all worked up again," Alec promised, running a maddeningly teasing hand down Magnus' thigh, "Let go for me." And he went down again, leaving Magnus gasping and shuddering as he fought to maintain eye-contact.

"Fuck, Alexander," he groaned, "So good. So fucking good."

He felt Alec's answering moan, and that was enough for him pull Alec off and tug him up into a wet kiss, as he finished. Alec rubbed him through it gently, careful to avoid painful overstimulation. After a few minutes, still in his high, Magnus couldn't even maintain enough brain power to kiss, so he closed him eyes and wore a blissed out smile as Alec kissed all of his face, murmuring, "God, you're beautiful", "I missed you so much", "I love you."

He then felt Alec rubbing against his thigh, and he regained enough sanity to kiss Alec's neck, a spot he knew was sensitive, helping Alec achieve his high.

"That's it, my love," he murmured, moving his thigh in time with Alec's hips, "I've got you. Come on, darling. You're gorgeous. Can't wait to fuck you later. Or have you fuck me. Not fussed. Just want you. I want you all the goddamn time." He bit Alec's deflect rune and the slight pain, combined with the devastating friction and dirty words tipped Alec over the edge.

"Magnus," Alec groaned, shaking and shuddering as he buried his head in Magnus' neck.

"Alexander," Magnus answered, tangling his hands into Alec's hair as the Shadowhunter collapsed half on top of him. He cleaned them up with a snap of his fingers and smirked, "So, you're going to activate your stamina rune for the night?"

"I don't need runes to get all hot and bothered for you again," Alec said, nuzzling his neck, "Or for me to make love to you until you scream."

"Fuck, Alexander," was apparently the only comeback Magnus had for that.

Despite the teasing words, neither of them made any effort to move, instead basking in the gentle afterglow. Magnus, his arms around a nearly asleep Alec, thought back to the sight of Alec in his clothes, waiting to greet him, and he wanted - with an unreal intensity - to have Alec waiting for him always, and for him to wait, knowing that Alec would come back to the loft after a mission, because this place, everything of Magnus', including his heart and soul, completely belonged to Alec.

He took a breath and whispered, "Move in with me."

When there was no response, he thought maybe Alec was asleep, and that was possibly good because he could then come up with a more romantic plan to ask Alec, but he was pulled out of his thoughts when Alec rolled on top of him, smiling his Earth-shattering smile. "Really?"

Magnus said, "I miss you all the time when you're not here, I love it when you're here, even if we're doing our own thing, I love how you know my perfect bathwater temperature, I love the fact you make any day better for me, and I hope I do at least half of what you do for me for you. And I love you. So damn much. So yes, really, move in with me, so I can always fall asleep and wake up next to you."

"Magnus," Alec kissed him, "Yes. God, yes. Please. I miss you all the time too. I love being here. With you. I love you."

And this time when Alec kissed him, Magnus tightened his hold on him, feeling a sense of utter joy, feeling like he himself was complete, because now Alec would be here with him always. Alec wanted to be here with him always. They'd make many more breakfasts together, they'd wake each other up every morning with soft kisses and gentle conversation, they'd go to bed curled together and they'd always be able to help when the other was tired. 

When Alec tried to break the kiss, Magnus didn't let him get far, whispering instead, "So about making love to me until I scream..."

"I may need a bed for the amount of time I want to spend making you scream," Alec countered, nipping Magnus' jaw.

"How convinient that our bedroom has one."

Magnus couldn't get to the bedroom fast enough, tumbling onto the silk sheets with Alec encasing him, making good on his promise.

When they laid in each other's arms after, Alec dozing on his chest, Magnus realised he'd never really thought to call a place 'home' before. But now, knowing he had this loft with Alec, memories and pieces of them scattered in every room, he felt his heart spill with love as he understood, after all his centuries and countless misfits, this was home. And it was home not because of the place but because of the person he loved beyond Heaven and Hell. Alexander was his home.