Chapter 1: You’re a pretty little thing
Chapter Text
Alec tapped his fingers on the table as the Clave leaders spoke, he could barely concentrate he was so angry at their callousness.
“Mr Lightwood, what is wrong with you? Do you realise how serious this situation is? Have you considered-“
Alec raised his hand in the air to halt their words, “Inquisitor, of course I understand the severity. I’ve spoken with many people about this situation, in fact, I am meeting with…” and then he paused, fighting to find a name of someone who could help, and only one name came up and he wondered if it was the wrong name but he couldn’t hold it back, “Magnus Bane” he blurted out.
Everyone went quiet then, and murmurs started and then Consul Penhallow spoke, “As long as you sort it Alec. We don’t want to see you crash and burn in your first week as Head of the New York Institute. Fix the rift” and with that, everyone stood and began leaving the room.
When everyone left, Jace laughed nervously, “Magnus Bane? As in evil Prince of Edom?”
“I don’t know why that was the first name that came to my mind. He is technically the High Warlock of Brooklyn too, but the Clave don’t even acknowledge his position unless they have to” Alec said with a groan, wiping his hand down his face.
“Let’s just go home” Jace said, smiling sadly at his brother as he stroked him on the back.
“Home?” Alec said with a frown, and Jace laughed at him.
“The New York Institute, Alec” said Jace and Alec chuckled.
“Of course” he mumbled as they walked to the Alicante portal to go back to the Institute. He was too dazed from the Clave meeting to even try to explain to Jace why the New York Institute wasn’t necessarily home, but he also knew he never could explain. Not to Jace, Jace who had found home and sanctuary there after leaving Valentine’s clutches, not Jace who had told Alec that home was by his side, not Jace who loved Alicante and Idris fiercely.
***
It was a couple of days later, and Alec stood outside the warlock’s lair, taking a deep, shaky breath inwards to mentally prepare himself for the next steps he was taking. The weight of wards made Alec’s head pound, but he cleared his thoughts and tried to focus on the door in front of him. He knocked the door.
There was a faint buzzing and the door seemed to shudder as it pulsed red, Alec’s eyes widened in horror as he took a step back. He was fighting the urge to nock an arrow, but walking in armed was not how he wanted to start this particular political house call.
“WHO DARES TO DISTURB THE HIGH WARLOCK OF BROOKLYN?” he heard boom from within the apartment, and the only thing that stopped him darting down the hallway and back down the steps to the streets of Brooklyn was his Shadowhunter training. Alec’s body went rigid and he tried to school his face into a cool stoicism that usually made people lose their ability to look him in the eye. He could be cruel when he wanted to be, when it put him on the path to saving lives.
The double doors swung open then, crashing against their respective walls, the red magic lashed out towards Alec and then retreated. Alec tried not to flinch at the magic that came inches from his face, he fought every inch of his body to step into the apartment with a casual disinterested. As he got further inside, he saw the warlock, sat on a large red leather chair in the corner, one leg crossed over the other, the man was slightly reclined. Alec took in his clothing, he wore small heeled black boots which were partially hidden beneath the black leather trousers, tighter than Alec had ever seen on anyone. His sight quickly navigated, avoiding making eye contact with the man’s crotch in the obscenely tight pants, and moved onto the bedazzled pink sheer top. It felt at odds with the rest of his outfit, and yet somehow instilled fear in Alec, in a way that he couldn’t quite place the cause. His hair was shorter on the sides and spiked on top, a fuchsia ran through the tips, and his makeup was deep reds and black, his eyes lined darkly.
The warlock had a cocktail in his hand and gently stirred it with his pinky finger; he tilted his head to the side to appraise Alec, “I asked you a question, young Shadowhunter. Who are you?” He said, his tone cold and unforgiving.
“Alec Gideon Lightwood, Sir” Alec responded without hesitation.
“Sir? Who knew I’d be treated to such epithets so soon, that title is usually reserved for my lovers” the warlock smirked at Alec then, eying him causally.
“As much as you seem to be enjoying yourself, I’ve come on behalf of the Clave” Alec snarked back, but was unable to hide the blush that was crawling up his neck and jawline.
The warlock raised an eyebrow at Alec, “Ooh Clave business, my least favourite” Magnus sang. “I’m Magnus Bane, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Alexander” Magnus continued, placing his drink on the side to rise from his chair and held his hand out. Alec took it in his and shook firmly, a tendril of magic licked at his wrist and he gave Magnus a questioning look.
“Don’t look at me so scathingly, while I control my magic, it has a tendency to run away with itself when it finds something” Magnus paused then and his eyes trailed up and down Alec, “Or someone, it likes”
Alec withdrew his hand and gave Magnus a placating smile, “So” he dragged out, “Back to why I’m here. There’s a rift open, a rift to Edom, we have demons coming through, other warlocks have tried-“
“Which warlocks? Why did you bother going elsewhere?” Magnus snapped, looking horrified at the prospect.
“There’s not exactly a rule book that says we have to come to you first, Bane. You do not exactly incite world peace” Alec retorted pointedly, a sharpness to his words now. Magnus scoffed but waved for Alec to keep speaking, “Anyway, no one has been able to close it, we would like to enlist your services to help close the rift”
“Okay, I can do that” Magnus said, but Alec felt a shiver run down his spine at the tone the warlock used.
“Let’s get the paperwork sorted then, what is your price?” Alec said, removing a rolled up document from the inside of his jacket and spreading it out on Magnus’ dining room table. Magnus uttered a few small ‘what would I like’s and made a teasing noise of being deep in thought that made Alec’s blood boil. He had to hold himself with a restraint he was sure even the angels would be impressed by, “Bane, please, name your price”
“It’s not monetary” Magnus drawled, causing the Shadowhunter to raise his eyebrows at him, “I would quite like an assistant actually”
“We can’t stop you hiring an assistant, it doesn’t break the Accords, surely money would help you do that” Alec said, shaking his head in confusion now, his brows furrowing.
“I want a pretty one, Alexander” Magnus said as if it was an obvious request, like Alec was being preposterous.
Alec felt exasperated, “Why can’t money buy you a pretty assistant?” he queried, not hiding the frustration on his features.
“Well the thing is, Alexander” Magnus purred, “You’re a pretty little thing” and as he spoke he moved from one side of Alec to the other, slowly trailing his finger along Alec’s shoulder, then the defined muscles of his back that flexed under the touch, and then up his other shoulder. He finally lightly traced his finger along the deflect rune on Alec’s neck and Alec seemingly began leaning into the touch before he huffed and pulled his body away from the warlock’s reach.
“I am not just some assistant” Alec snapped.
“You would be useful though” Magnus said, the coldness returning to his voice, “I’d like you for 3 days a week for two months, if you agree, then I will go close your silly little rift. If not, you’ll have to find someone else who is powerful enough” he said dryly, checking his perfectly manicured pink nails. Alec could tell Magnus knew how hard it would be to find someone powerful enough.
Alec rolled his eyes as he looked down at the table and then straightened to turn to Magnus, “Well luckily I’m the Head of the Institute so I won’t need clearance for this agreement. If it means you’ll close the rift, I agree to your terms”
“You’re the Head of the New York Institute?” Magnus asked, a harsh expression on his face.
“Yes?” Alec answered, unable to stop it sounding like a question.
“I thought Maryse and Robert Lightwood were still in charge. You should have come immediately to introduce yourself to me. Do you have no respect?” Magnus chided, a chill in his voice that made Alec want to beg for forgiveness. Alec was doing everything in his power not to let his fear of the warlock show on his face.
The Shadowhunter cleared his through, “My apologies Mr Bane, it has been a hectic first week”
Magnus narrowed his eyes and made a sound of displeasure, before turning, adding in his requirements with a flick of the wrist and signed the contract, handing the pen to Alec to sign. As Alec took the pen, he jolted from the sharp electricity that shot through his body, a gasp of shock escaping his lips. “A small punishment for your crimes” Magnus chuckled darkly.
Alec huffed in irritation and signed the contract. He couldn’t believe he was agreeing to be in the presence of such a heinous warlock, and do his biding. But he willed himself to be at least pleased that the political alliance was now tentatively set, his first big act since becoming Head of the New York Institute.
“Thank you, Alexander” Magnus said and with a flourish he created a copy of the contract for himself, filing it away somewhere in another room, “You can see yourself out” he said as he walked back to his chair, grabbed his drink and began sipping absentmindedly from it. The air of power still dripping from him, despite his casual posture.
“W-what about our deal?” Alec asked, unable to stop the stuttering.
“I’ll call on you when I’m ready for you. It would be a waste to have you in my services right now, I have important things to do, like finish my martini and go deal with your rift” Magnus said without making eye contact with Alec, and waved a dismissive hand. When Alec seemingly just shuffled nervously on his feet, Magnus’ eyes met his and he spoke in a deadly low tone that made Alec’s blood freeze in his veins, “Goodbye, Alexander”
Alec had to stop himself from running out of the apartment, he simply nodded at the warlock and turned to the door, eyes alight with terror as soon as Magnus could no longer see his face. He headed back to the institute to file his report and the new contract set in place. When he was finalising his report he received a fire message that read:
‘Closed the rift. Don’t disturb me until I seek you.
~ Magnus Bane’
Alec held it firmly in his hand, the lettering seemed to shimmer slightly under the light, what an odd trick he thought to himself. A smile played on his lips, as he tilted the piece paper back and forth, and then with a bemused shake of his head, he put the fire message into his top drawer. Taking a moment to look around his office, Alec sighed, it had never felt like home and he assumed once he was Head of the Institute, it would. He had thought that maybe it suddenly would feel like the place he belonged, his rightful spot in the world, like a puzzle piece snapping into place. But all he felt was a loneliness and a yearning for something else, a something that he couldn’t put his finger on. While lost in his thoughts, there was a knock at his door, and he called for the visitor to step inside. Izzy came through the door and grinned at her big brother, “Hey Alec” she said and crossed the room, plopping herself on a chair in front of Alec’s desk, “Where’ve you been?”
“I went to request Magnus Bane’s help with the rift issue. We came to an arrangement and he has now closed the rift, thank the angels. From here it’s just sweeping up the remaining demons” Alec relayed, as if reporting back a mission statement.
Izzy smirked, “I heard he is quite the charmer” she said, trailing her sharpened red finger nails along the arm of her chair.
“He’s odd” Alec frowned.
“He’s centuries old, he’s going to be a little eccentric. Was he hot? I’ve never seen him before” Izzy leaned forward intently.
“It’s hard to tell, there’s a lot of glitter and tight clothing” Alec said dismissively.
Izzy made a ‘mhmm’ noise before looking at her brother pointedly, “Okay, if you won’t play my game then whatever” she said waving her hand petulantly, “How much did his help set us back?”
“Nothing” Alec said bluntly.
Izzy choked on a laugh, “Magnus Bane, High Warlock of Brooklyn does not do anything for nothing”
“He wanted no financial reward for his work” Alec said casually.
Izzy gasped then, grinning at her brother like he had revealed a piece of gossip so great that she must immediately dig it out of him. She leaned forward, propping her chin on her fists, her elbows on the desk, “What reward did he want then?” Alec cleared his throat and couldn’t meet Izzy’s eyes, she often used a look that felt like she was staring into his soul.
“Alec” she warned, “What did you do?”
“I may have offered my presence to him for the next couple of months”
With a gasp of disgust Izzy jumped up, “You’re going to have sex with him?”
“Izzy! Keep your voice down!” Alec said, and his low tone of authority made Izzy push back from the desk. Alec stood from his desk, his knuckles pressed into the wood, talking in a disgusted whisper now, “Don’t be ridiculous, Izzy. I will be assisting him in downworld matters, but I will obviously not be having sex with the High Warlock of Brooklyn. I would never have sex with Magnus Bane”
A startled laugh came from the doorway and both Alec and Izzy’s heads snapped in shock to the figure lingering at the entrance. “Oh thank the angels it’s only you” Alec said, his tone dripping with exasperation, “Come in, shut the door again” the commanding voice still held.
“Why are we concerned about having sex with Magnus Bane?” Jace asked, crossing the room to sit next to Izzy who had retaken her seat.
“We’re not” Alec stated, “I’m going to be assisting him a few times a week for the next couple of months, and I will need you guys to help here at the Institute”
“Well as long as you’ve worked out the necessary logistics” Jace said.
“Of course, I know exactly what I’m doing” Alec stated with conviction now and his siblings seemed to relax slightly at the sureness.
“It’s nothing dangerous is it?” Izzy asked, worry etching her features now.
“No, Iz. I’ll be safe. He’s very powerful and despite what Mum and Dad said about his lack of cooperation at times, I don’t think he would actively put the Shadowhunters in immediate danger. I mean obviously I will be dealing with Downworlder issues with him, so there will be that, but it’s not like patrolling is any more or less dangerous than that. Plus I’m assisting his meetings, not running the show”
The speech made Izzy and Jace share a reluctant look of acceptance and then they nodded at their brother, “Okay, and when is he wanting you to start?” Izzy asked.
“That is the one detail I didn’t iron out with him… he said he’ll contact me when he needs me” Alec said with a sheepish smile and shrug of his shoulders, at least now telling part of the truth.
Jace shook his head, “It’s a good thing you’ve ensured the rest of this contract is water tight”
“Absolutely, now could you guys go bother each other somewhere? I need to finish filing this paperwork and you’ve given me a headache” he said, but the smile on his lips made his siblings chuckle. They said their goodbyes and left. Alec stared down at this desk, momentarily lost at the thought that he hadn’t checked any details of what Magnus was expecting from him. He had signed a completely open contract and promised the warlock basically anything. Alec shuddered at the thought.
***
Two weeks later Alec and Jace were on mission and had tracked a rogue vampire into Pandemonium. Despite being the Head of the Institute now, Alec allowed himself an occasional mission, especially with his parabatai, Jace. They stared at each other confused when they could no longer see the vampire they’d hunted into the nightclub.
“Where did he go?” Jace asked, frustration lining his question.
“I don’t know, maybe we should split up” Alec said, signalling for Jace to go one direction, but Jace was frozen on the spot.
Alec frowned at him momentarily, before a silky voice greeted him, “Well well, there you are. I’ve been searching for you little Nephilim” Alec’s body tensed at the words, an odd sensation pooling in his abdomen, it was the strangest disdain he’d ever felt. The Shadowhunter froze on the spot, “I’ve dealt with the fledgling vamp, you’re welcome by the way” Magnus said nonchalantly, “Let’s talk privately” and he summoned a portal, grabbing Alec and pulling him through. With a choked gasp, Alec felt Jace grab onto his arm and on the other side Jace had joined the two men in Magnus’ office. Well, at least it seemed to be an office.
“I forgot how annoying Shadowhunters can be when they’re together. Me and your companion need a little chat” Magnus said, glowering at Jace.
“He’s my brother” Jace said, a cool viciousness to his words that Alec always admired.
“That’s fine, but I still need to speak to him” Magnus said, shaking his head. As Magnus spoke, Jace drew his seraph blade and stepped closer to Magnus, causing the warlock’s eyes to widen in anger. There was no fear when Alec looked at him. Before Jace could move further, Magnus’ hand was up and Jace was being suspended in the air by a red cord of magic that wrapped around his throat, “I’m trying to play nice, but you are wearing on my patience already, blondie” Magnus snarled.
“Mr Bane, please” Alec said, a pleading note to his voice that made the corner of Magnus’ lips snake upwards ever so slightly.
Magnus dropped Jace to the floor, and watched as Jace scrabbled back into a fighting stance. A displeasure played on Magnus’ face as he looked at the blonde Shadowhunter, “I don’t like you disrespecting me in my own club, you’re lucky me and your brother have more important things to be concerned with than the likes of you” a venom clung to each word spoken in Jace’s direction. Jace didn’t responded, just continued a few steadying breaths as he recovered from the magical chokehold that Magnus had held him in.
“Alexander, I would like you to start tomorrow. I will need you Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. I’ll send you full details via fire message, but for now I have a few highlights” Magnus said, “There will be a uniform for Fridays and Saturdays as you will be here with me. You will report to my office first, I will allow you to get changed and then you will assist me for the evening and through the night. On Tuesdays you need to be at my loft first thing in the morning, 8am sharp. You can wear what you would like, but please avoid your tatty little jumpers” Magnus said, taking hold of Alec’s sweater sleeve and fingering it with a look of disgust. Alec removed his arm from the warlock’s grip.
“T-Tomorrow? That’s not enough time… it’s not long enough to prepare my people” Alec said.
“Not my problem. You didn’t specify timelines in the contract, I get you because you owe yourself to me” Magnus reminded Alec.
“Alec!” Jace exclaimed, “You made an open ended deal with the devil?”
Magnus groaned, “I am not the devil. I am the Prince of Edom and High Warlock of Brooklyn. Lucifier has no relation to me”
Alec and Jace stared at Magnus, momentarily dumbfounded, Alec recovered first and turned to Jace, “I’m going to need you to manage two nights a week and then Tuesday for mission allocation and management, I’m assuming on Tuesdays I’ll be back at a reasonable hour?”
“I’ll release you from my clutches at 5pm” Magnus teased.
Jace and Alec shared a brief glance of contempt before Jace sighed, “Yes of course, anything for you”
Alec nodded in response, “Well then, I will see you tomorrow back here at the club, Mr Bane”
Before they could leave, Magnus summoned a portal, “You may as well portal back, get a good rest and all. Fridays are one of my busier nights, I’ll need you alert.” Alec simply glared at Magnus as he stepped through the portal, assuming that Jace was wearing a similar expression as he followed him.
Once they were back at the institute, Alec allowed the anxiety to crawl out of his body and onto his expression as he looked at Jace, “Jace, I - I can’t do this”
“Alec if there was a way to get you out of this, you know I’d do it. But you signed a contract and he held up his side. Maybe wasn’t your best first move as Head of the Institute, but we’ve all got to start somewhere” Jace said, and to his surprise Alec burst into laughter.
“Oh by the angel, this is ridiculous. I’m going to be Magnus Bane’s bitch three days a week for two months, this is inane” Alec said in between his fits of laughter and Jace shook his head, chuckling tentatively along with his brother. Once Alec had calmed, he took a deep breath and looked back at Jace, “I actually am going to get an early night-“ and Jace pulled an amused look “-not because Magnus Bane has told me to, but because I want to be ready for any eventuality. I need you back out on patrol, Raj is free tonight, take him with you” Alec said nodding to himself, “Oh but don’t tell him about this. He’d love it too much. As far as everyone will be aware, I’m monitoring Downworlder activity and participating in more meetings across the city to understand the landscape”
“Yes, Sir” Jace responded jovially, “But seriously Alec, you’ve put a lot of thought into this, you’re going to be an incredible Head of the Institute” he complimented, patting his brother on the back before heading over to Raj. Alec sighed, ran a hand down his face and then took himself back to his room, his mind racing with the possibilities of what tomorrow might hold.
***
With a crack of his neck and a deep breath, Alec left his room at the Institute to go assign the missions for today and tomorrow. Tomorrows would have been to be tentative, he thought to himself, they would need to be reviewed by Jace in the morning before assignment. He didn’t think he would be back at a reasonable hour and therefore any possibility of assigning first thing in the morning seemed unlikely.
When he arrived in the Operations Center, there were the morning shift staff filtering to their stations, relieving the night duty Shadowhunters. Alec waved and smiled at those in the room and headed to one of the monitors to begin planning today. It was a simple strategy and he was grateful for the ease in which he assigned people to missions, careful to leave Jace out to ensure there was a person of authority at the Institute, given Alec wouldn’t be able to rush back. As the early morning passed and others began entering into the room, preparing for the morning briefing. Alec finished up Saturday’s planning also, while he had the time.
When he was done, he walked up the stairs to stand on his usual platform and smiled down at everyone, “Hello everyone. Thank you for being prompt this morning. I have assigned today’s missions, please see your tablets for updates. Any questions, I will have an open door for the next hour, so feel free to come by my office. I’ll be in until around 16:30 today but I have some important work to focus on, so after my open door period, only approach me if it’s an emergency” there were nods and murmurs of appreciation.
“To note, I have some political alliances to form and build on as the newly instated Head of the New York Institute. I will be unavailable Tuesdays during the day, returning in the evenings. Fridays and Saturdays I will be holding court with various groups at Pandemonium, I’ll be gone evening and through the night for those. Due to this, Pandemonium is off-limits to Shadowhunters for those two nights, I will be there in case of any issues anyways, also the High Warlock of Brooklyn tends to keep his own stomping grounds clean, so there’s no real concern. I want these political alliances to work and be effective, so I will say again, Pandemonium is not to be entered on Fridays and Saturdays, if there is a need to, send a fire message, call me or discuss it with Jace. Now, speaking of Jace, he will be assigning duties on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and will be the authority of the Institute during the day on Tuesdays, and then Friday and Saturday overnight. Please listen to him and follow his instructions. If any rules I have laid are not followed, there will be consequences” Alec finalised, then he scanned the room, “Is that clear?” There were noises of agreement around the room and Alec nodded, “Wonderful, now let’s get to the fun stuff: Missions” Alec grinned and he saw some nods of approval from the group.
When everyone had dispersed, Jace approached Alec as he walked down the stairs, “Fantastic speech, brother. Thank you for handing over to me and entrusting me with the Institute. It means a lot” he said sincerely.
Alec grinned at his brother and clapped him on the back, “You’ll be great, and if not, Izzy will take care of you” he laughed, a glint in his eye. Jace laughed with him, rolling his eyes at his parabatai as they walked together to the main control board, “Anyways, I’ll leave you here. But you know where I am if you need anything”
“Of course” Jace smiled at him and they parted ways for Alec to go to his office.
***
Alec checked his watched and exhaled dramatically, he had to set off to figure out what ‘assisting’ Magnus Bane would be, especially a Friday night at Pandemonium. He wasn’t big on lies, but he knew his siblings wouldn’t approve of the vague contract details. They had already figured out it was partially open ended, and he didn’t need them worrying any further. He also didn’t want the New York Shadowhunters to see him at Magnus’ beck and call. In fact, he didn’t want any Shadowhunters to see that. He had walked to Pandemonium, heart pounding in his chest the whole way, and as he approached to walk in, the security stopped him. Alec looked affronted.
“Get in the queue with everyone else” the guard said dismissively.
“I’m here to see Magnus Bane” Alec said indignantly.
“Aren’t we all. Now go get in the line with the others” the security snarled.
Alec was about to get in the security guard’s face when he heard a tutting, “Now, now, Luis, that is not how we treat the Head of the New York Institute, and my esteemed guest, is it?” Alec’s head spun towards Magnus Bane then, and he was surprised at the sight in from to him. Magnus wore low rise black jeans, that almost looked painted onto his body, and a blood red belt around the waistband. He had matching red boots on, and as Alec’s eyes trailed back up Magnus’ body he saw the shimmering red sheer shirt underneath, only buttoned half way up. Magnus had covered it with a black blazer that had red details embroidered into the fabric. Finally his gaze landed on the furious face of the warlock, he had red glitter spread on his eyelids and the kohl lined his eyes perfectly. Alec could practically taste the power in the air as Magnus stared down the man who had gotten in Alec’s way.
“Mr Bane… I’m sorry, I didn’t realise it was Alec Lightwood” the security guard said in a panic.
Magnus growled out a irritated sigh, “When people say they are here to see me, at least deign to ask their name before you send them on their way”
“Yes, Mr Bane” the security said, head now hanging down to avoid eye contact with Alec.
Magnus grabbed Alec by the wrist and pulled Alec into the club, throwing him a wry smile as they made their way to the corridor that led to Magnus’ office. Once inside, Magnus turned to Alec, “Apologies about that, they’re normally better at handling my clientele.” Alec shrugged and smiled at Magnus, and realising he wasn’t receiving a verbal response from the Shadowhunter, Magnus continued, “Clothes are in that bag there, get changed and come to my booth as soon as you’re ready”
“Okay, Mr Bane” Alec said and as the door shut behind Magnus, Alec approached the bag tentatively, as if its content would blow him into pieces. He pulled out the outfit and stared in shock, it was tight black leather pants and a black silk top. A note told him he could keep his combat boots on, because apparently Magnus did like those. Alec stifled a surprised laugh as he shook his head. He held the ungodly tight trousers up in front of his face, unable to move for a minute. What had he got himself into?
Chapter 2: Why hello, my little Nephilim
Summary:
Alec starts his time with Magnus and gets to see how exactly he will be assisting Magnus. His first week with Magnus involves confusion, fear and humiliation… and maybe something more?
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Alec pulled the crotch of his trousers down slightly, adjusting himself as he walked out of Magnus’ office, he felt ridiculous in this outfit. He put his hand over his eyes and just breathed for a moment, preparing to walk through Pandemonium in such revealing clothes. It makes his skin crawl. He had known it was coming, but as soon as he’d stepped out on the floor, people were turning to look at him with raised eyebrows. The Downworlders there knew that he was a Shadowhunter and he could feel the judgment mixed with amusement. Alec made it to the platform that Magnus was sat at. He was in what could only be described as a throne, and he was draped across it with a martini in hand. The warlock spotted Alec immediately and eyed him, a dangerous smirk crossing his face, and then he gestured for Alec to come up to his chair.
“Why hello, my little Nephilim” he greeted Alec with a purr, and then emptied his glass, “You took so long that I finished my drink” Magnus fake pouted at him, “Run along and get me another, dear assistant.” Alec bristled but obeyed the request, it was at least nothing too humiliating and it meant he wasn’t around Magnus for too long if he had tasks. He couldn’t help but hope there would be many more tasks. When he came back and handed Magnus his fresh martini, Magnus smiled at him, “Why don’t you take a seat?” and pointed to a wooden stool.
“Wait you get a throne and I get a godawful stool?” Alec shot back, making Magnus chuckle.
He tapped on his glass for a moment, “Would you rather kneel for me?” Alec’s face was furious, “Or you could sit on my lap? It’s comfier”
Alec blinked in confusion then, a blush developing across his face, “N-no! The stool is fine” he muttered out in a fluster and immediately sat down. He went quiet then, not wanting to remind the warlock of the other two options.
“And Alexander, please don’t be such a prude” Magnus said and with a flick of his magic he unfastened 3 shirt buttons revealing Alec’s chest. Alec gasped and pulled his shirt together, holding on tightly. “Don’t worry, a few buttons won’t take away your innocence, you don’t have to clutch your pearls and alert the church elders” Magnus teased, “Now release your shirt, Alexander” and with a frustrated sigh, Alec let go of the shirt. However, he had to admit, he was glad that the warlock then stopped paying attention to him and started speaking to the others surrounding him. He noticed that the stool was set back slightly from Magnus’ chair, so that he could only partially see his side profile, he could sense people’s acknowledgment of his subservience and Alec detested it. It was not how the Head of the New York Institute should be treated.
Alec kept quiet, letting the warlock socialise without interruption, and simply watched the conversations or the dance floor idly. That was, until Alec was bored, he was drumming his fingers against his knees, frustrated as sitting there wasn’t really ‘ assisting ’ Magnus with anything. He thought that maybe he should be grateful that he wasn’t being forced to do anything humiliating or he wasn’t on drink runs again after the first. Or was getting drinks better than doing nothing? He never sat still for this long, no Shadowhunter did. Alec couldn’t help but wonder if the initial drink he got for Magnus was a test to see if he would comply with Magnus’ requests without complaining or hesitation. He was unable to hold himself back then, growing agitated with the waiting, “Mr Bane?” he asked, a tentativeness in his voice that croaked slightly.
“Yes, Alexander?” Magnus said, turning his attention back to the Shadowhunter.
“Is this going to be it every Friday and Saturday?” He questioned, it was blunt but he couldn’t think of a different way to ask.
“Would you like to do more?” Magnus asked with a smirk.
“No… No I just got confused by it. I thought I was here as an assistant” Alec stated with a frown.
“You are assisting me, Alexander”
“It just doesn’t feel like I’m assisting you” Alec pushed, he knew he shouldn’t but he couldn’t resist trying to push for a clearer answer.
“You being so very pretty is assistance enough” Magnus said flatly, but Alec was taken aback and his eyes shot down to the floor, the glitter and confetti suddenly vastly interesting. What did his looks have to do with this situation? He didn’t exactly have the beauty of Izzy or the charm of Jace, both his siblings were highly sought after, and he was, well he was just Alec.
“Pretty” Alec murmured, barely above a whisper, not really sure why he was repeating the word. When he finally looked up, Magnus’ whole body was facing him as the man eyed him with contemplation.
“You don’t agree?” Magnus asked with unreadable expression.
“Well no, I’m the least interesting person at the Institute and I certainly have never been known for my looks” Alec admitted, his eyes meeting the warlock’s now, unsure why he was sharing any of this.
Magnus hummed, seemingly lost in thought, until he finally spoke, “Well I think you’re very attractive” and with that he turned back to the club, a red headed man ascending the dais shortly after to speak with him. Alec was too shocked to say anymore, he just stared straight ahead, eyes appearing to be on the crowd in front of him, but he was in a daze. His thoughts whirred as Magnus’ words settled into his head.
***
The next day was much the same to begin with, but this time when Alec reached Pandemonium, he was let in by security immediately. He also got changed into a similar outfit but without Magnus’ guidance. For tonight his top was a dark blue, he quite liked the colour and smiled softly to himself as ran his fingers over the material, walking over to greet Magnus.
“Oh, my little Nephilim” Magnus spoke, but there was venom as he spoke the word ‘ nephilim ’ and Alec internally recoiled. On the outside, Alec was stoic and simply bowed his head, “Mr Bane, a pleasure to see you again.”
“It’s a pleasure whenever I grace someone with my presence, dear” he stated smugly, and Alec had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. “Fetch me a martini, tonight is going to be thirsty work” Magnus said, flicking his wrist dismissively at Alec and turning to speak to the woman sitting next to him, not sparing Alec another glance.
Alec returned with Magnus’ drink a few moments later, holding it out to him before standing dutifully in front of the warlock, his perfect Shadowhunter form maintained even in this setting. “I’ll need one of these hourly, watch the clock. I want the drink in my hand every hour, not you getting up hourly, so time it right” Magnus commanded, Alec nodded in response. Magnus eyed him gleefully, “You’re so serious in your Shadowhunter mode” Magnus sneered, a faux bravado being layered into the word ‘Shadowhunter’ when he said it. Alec gritted his teeth at the insults that Magnus was so cavalierly throwing at him. After a moment, Magnus pointed to the stool, “Sit”
Alec followed instruction without another word, and once he was seated, Magnus spoke again, not bothering to look at him, “Good boy” he said in a saccharine voice before returning to his previous conversation. Alec’s spine tingled at the words, and he frowned at the odd sensation, maybe he had just never experienced disgust like this before? He shook his head and resumed his blank stare from yesterday, eyes occasionally flitting to the clock as he wondered if there would be anything more to do tonight.
It was about 45 minutes later when Alec stood from the stool and walked down to the bar to request Magnus’ martini. He activated his endurance and flexibility runes ready to sit back on the terrible stool again when he returned to Magnus’ platform. Once he’d made his way through the sea of dancing bodies, he held out Magnus fresh martini, “Here you go, Mr Bane. Shall I take your empty glass?”
Magnus glanced at the clock and smirked, “Yes, you shall, Alexander”
Alec took the glass that he handed to him and then faltered, “May I get a drink?” He asked, unsure if he needed to ask permission to get a drink from the bar. That made Magnus’ smirk turned vicious, Alec could tell that he delighted in Alec having to ask for such simple things and it made the hair on the back of his neck stand up.
“Of course you can have a drink” he replied, and Alec thanked him quickly and turned to leave, “Ahh ahh” Magnus chastised in a tone that made Alec visibly shudder. Alec turned on his heels and looked back at Magnus, who was now standing from his throne leering down at Alec. The Shadowhunter had to tilt his head back slightly to look up at Magnus, especially given how close they were.
“Now where are you going?” Magnus’ voice was low and dangerous.
“T-to put your empty glass back and get a drink… a drink for myself?” Alec tried to sound certain in his words but they came out in a panic, the fear rising up into his chest as he looked at Magnus.
“You can’t have your own drink when you belong to me, Alexander” he stated, his words patronising with a hint of amusement.
“But you said I could get a drink?” Alec retorted, too frustrated by the cryptic words of the man in front of him.
“Shh my darling, drink up” Magnus cooed, holding his martini glass to Alec’s lips and tilting it up, forcing Alec to open his mouth, taking down the alcohol. It burned his throat slightly as he swallowed around the liquid, a shuddering breath almost making him choke. The warlock looked hungrily down at Alec and Alec froze like a deer in headlights, feeling a small trickle of the drink falling out of his mouth as they stared at each other. Magnus’ finger stretched out onto his chin, slowly dragging up the martini and then he was smearing it along Alec’s lips, pushing his index into his mouth soft but sure. Alec’s lips parted and Magnus pushed his finger further in, “Don’t waste a drop of my precious drinks little Nephilim, you don’t want to see me angry.” Alec’s eyes widened at the threatening icy tone and all he could do was nod, Magnus’ finger still pressing firmly on his tongue. Then it was all gone and Magnus was lounging on his throne again. “Sit, Alexander. Don’t put our guests on edge” Magnus said in a bored voice. Alec, confused by the sudden change in Magnus’ demeanour, sat and began watching the clock again. He was mortified, a demon-blooded man had just poured a drink into his mouth and shoved his finger in afterwards. His eyes blinked at the clock, there were too many emotions for Alec to comprehend how he felt about the whole charade, and which feeling was most prominent. Around him he could hear the whispers about him being Magnus’ bitch, about how satisfying it was to see a Shadowhunter bow down. Suddenly, he knew which feeling was closest to the surface: humiliation.
He simmered with anger for the next 40 minutes before he had to stand again to go replace Magnus’ drink. As he had left the stool, he’d noted that Magnus hadn’t quite finished the other cocktail yet, and a sense of pride filled his chest. This only aggravated him further, while yes of course he loved doing a good job and he was always grateful for commendations, that didn’t necessarily mean he should feel proud of his actions while playing assistant to Magnus Bane. He used his stele to activate his rune of clarity, to try and bring his logical thoughts back to the forefront. The swirling mess of anger, confusion, humiliation and pride were not helping him to stay alert while in Pandemonium. Realistically, he thought, he should especially be paying attention to Magnus’ conversations, in case there was intel he could utilise. As he thanked the bartender and took the drink, a gentle wave of clarity passed over him and he was relieved that the rune was beginning to take effect. He gave Magnus his drink and stood patiently in front of him again, “Would you like another drink, young Shadowhunter?” Magnus said, almost singing.
“No, I - uhm, I’m good thank you” Alec stuttered, too humiliated at the memory to speak clearly.
“Suit yourself, you may be seated” Magnus responded, a hint of disappointment in his voice that Alec picked up on immediately. He took his place back on the stool near Magnus’ throne. Alec’s brows furrowed at the thought of the warlock being despondent over a refusal of a drink. Then a new panic crawled in Alec’s stomach - what if he had to say yes to everything Magnus offered?
“Uhm, Mr Bane?” Alec asked, leaning forward to get Magnus’ attention. Magnus turned and raised an eyebrow at him, “I just was wondering… Is part of the contract that I have to say yes to everything you ask of me?”
“Of course”
“So when I said no to the drink…” Alec trailed off, unsure how to word the question.
Magnus laughed then, and it was actually joyful, full of levity, “No no, that was just an offer, you’re all good, Alexander” Magnus said and patted his hand on Alec’s thigh. It lingered momentarily before Magnus’ withdrew and turned back to the vampires next to him. Alec chuckled slightly to himself, unable to stop it as his shoulders relaxed with the relief of not being completely at Magnus’ mercy. He also couldn’t help appreciating the lightness in Magnus’ laugh, the happiness and a lack of control that Alec wasn’t expecting. Somehow, he couldn’t believe he was at ease now, but that thought was brutally cut short when Magnus’ voice echoed around the room, “HOW DARE YOU COME HERE!”
Alec jumped in horror and looked up. Magnus was pulsing with a blazing red fire of magic, and he clicked his fingers, a swirl of electricity and magic filled the air. Then Alec was flying through the air in confusion, he wasn’t sure where he was for a brief second before he was on a leather sofa. He sat up, scrambling feebly to find purchase in his new environment, looking around frantically.
“Mariam, why are you here? I explicitly told you to never return to Pandemonium again. In fact, I distinctly remember saying New York as a whole was off limits!” Magnus bellowed, it was screaming and terrifying, and Alec was shaking violently as he watched.
Magnus held his hand out, magic flowing from it, and Mariam in front of him was shuddering under the power of his magic. The vampire, who Alec now knew as Mariam, was letting out screeching sobs, “P-please I… I’ll do a-anything, Magnus. Just please s-stop, it hurts” she cried. Alec gulped as he watched the scene in front of him, it was so at odds to the almost serenity he had felt after Magnus reassuringly touched his leg. A scream tore out of Mariam then and she collapsed onto the floor as Magnus released her.
“Let the bones I broke be a reminder that you are forbidden from this city, and if you step in here again, the punishment will be much more severe” the lack of emotion in Magnus tone made Alec freeze completely still and unblinking as Magnus continued, “I can do a lot worse. I’ve done a lot worse”
And then Mariam was gone, and another vampire ran to Magnus’ side, “I swear, I promise, I didn’t know she was back, I would have got rid of her I swear”
Magnus pressed a hand to his forehead and the man wailed in pain at the contact and Alec’s nails dug deep into the leather of the couch as he watched. When the warlock’s hand came away, the vampire’s forehead was scorched, burned deep. Alec gasped in raw, unadulterated fright. His body was wracked with convulsions, unable to stop the anxiety that overtook him now. Even his Shadowhunter training hadn’t prepared him for the rage in Magnus’ eyes and the lack of emotion in his voice as he spoke.
“EVERYBODY OUT. GO HOME” Magnus shouted, summoning a portal and walking through it without a glance at Alec. Alec stayed on the sofa as the vampires left the room. As Alec looked around the empty room, he realised they were in Magnus’ office. He could hardly breathe when he tugged his phone out of his pocket and called Izzy.
“Alec? Are you okay?” Izzy answered, but all Alec could do was let out a shaking whimper.
“Do you need me to come to Pandemonium? I’m nearby, I can come straight away” Izzy continued, and Alec provided her with a small ‘mhmm’.
“I’m coming. I’ll stay on the phone if you can speak again” She was running then, he could hear her breathing, only mildly faster, but it was her running breaths.
“H-his off-office” he squeezed out.
“I’m coming Alec. I’m nearly there, big brother” Izzy assured him, and Alec breathed out softly, his panic ebbing when he knew sister would get him. A minute later she burst through the door, her phone dropping to the floor and she swept Alec up in her arms as she crashed into the sofa, “it’s okay I’ve got you.” He wasn’t crying, he’d never started, but the shock that held onto him had gripped him fiercely, but the concern in Izzy’s voice was palpable, “What did he do? Are you hurt? Did that motherfu-“
“Izzy. Izzy, I’m fine” Alec said, pushing up from her now and breathing out one last long breath as he composed himself, “You know, I’ve seen mundanes die, I’ve seen Shadowhunters die, I’ve slaughter countless demons and took down those who conspire against humanity. B-but I’ve never seen anything quite like the torture that Magnus inflicted today, it was emotionless. It had me frozen, I had no ability to move, Izzy. I froze” he looked up at her then, a sense of grief in his eyes.
“It’s okay big brother, it’s okay, you don’t have to be the stoic Head of the Institute at all times” she soothed, “Who were they?”
“Two vampires. He broke one’s bones and then sent her through a portal, then he burned a mark into another’s head. And then he told everyone to leave before he went through a portal” Alec explained, his voice more even and calmer than before.
“Okay, well then why don’t you get changed, and we’ll get you home. At least you didn’t have to do the full night here” she smiled reassuringly as she patted his arm and turned her back to give him some privacy while he changed. He folded the clothes with consideration and then quickly went to Magnus’ desk to leave him a note to ask for Magnus to inform him of the arrangements for Tuesday. Once he had finished, him and Izzy walked home arm in arm, and Alec was quiet and thoughtful while Izzy informed him of the vampire den she’d raided early in the evening.
***
Before Alec knew where the rest of his two days off from Magnus had gone, it was Tuesday. He had received a fire message from Magnus saying that the original plan stood. It was early morning and he was in a state of panic, he went straight to Izzy’s room and banged on the door till it shuddered in the frame.
“Jesus, what the hell - Oh, Alec? What’s going on? Do you realise how early it is?” Izzy said, rubbing her eyes sleepily. She was in her silky long sleeved PJs and she looked annoyed at being awoken.
“I’m sorry I’m panicking, please could you help me pick an outfit” without waiting for her answer her grabbed her hand and pulled her to his room speaking frantically, “There’s just too much at stake. He was terrifying on Saturday and he told me not to wear anything scruffy, but I don’t know if I have anything”
“Didn’t mother buy you something for Christmas?” Izzy asked, still swiping at her bleary eyes.
“Oh!” Alec exclaimed before diving into his wardrobe and grabbing a bag out of them bottom, “This?” He smiled brightly now holding the lightweight baby blue jumper that still had tags on to present to Izzy.
“Yep, that’s the one - now can I go back to sleep?” Izzy grumbled.
“Yes” Alec said, as he took his pyjamas top off and pulled a plain white tee and then his jumper on, “And Iz?” He called as she got to the doorframe.
“Yes?”
“Keep an eye on Jace, he seems fine and comfortable and everyone else seems happy with his work… but just make sure for his sake, that he’s okay, please?” She nodded back at him and smiled before leaving the room. Alec took in a sighing breath and finished getting ready before walking to Magnus’ loft.
When he arrived, he tentatively knocked the door, trying to suppress the overbearing claws of anxiety at the memory of Magnus the other night. He didn’t have long to prepare himself as Magnus threw open the door, smirking at the nervous Shadowhunter, “Why hello, my pretty little Nephilim” Magnus greeted before giving Alec an appraising look up and down, a low purr starting in his throat, “Not quiet as nice as the clothes I offer you in my club but you’ve gone to some trouble I see. A new jumper, Alexander? Just for me?” Magnus was practically grinning in his joy of seeing Alec squirm under scrutiny and dubious praise.
“I got it for Christmas, I just hadn’t had a chance to wear it yet” Alec said without thinking, unsure why he was willingly giving this information to Magnus Bane of all people.
“Well aren’t I lucky” Magnus replied while his finger traced the sleeve of the jumper, from Alec’s shoulder and down his bicep before it made contact with the bare skin of Alec’s wrist. Alec stifled a quiver. “Well I have clients starting to arrive in half an hour, have you eaten?” Magnus asked more conversationally now as he turned away from the Shadowhunter and walked into his loft.
Alec shut the door behind him and followed Magnus into the main living area, “No, I spent too long getting ready” he said and thought he heard Magnus bite back a snort of laughter. He furrowed his brow at Magnus’ back in irritation, because it had taken him ages to find an outfit that may be semi approved by the warlock.
“Well, sit then, Shadowhunter” Magnus instructed, taking a seat at the head of the table and gesturing to the empty chair to the side of him. Alec took the seat, and threw Magnus a polite smile, “You can help yourself to whatever you want” Magnus said as he waved over the table at the various breakfast foods.
Alec grabbed a coffee then dove in, unable to resist the offer of such a large and incredible looking breakfast. He was about half way through his feast before he had looked back up at Magnus. An amused look was playing on the warlock’s features as he held a herbal tea in his hand, he smiled at the Shadowhunter, almost encouragingly.
“Do you not eat breakfast?” Alec asked.
“I was eating before you got here, I finished and cleared mine up already. But oh is it fun to watch you so eagerly take my leftovers” Magnus smirked, a finger rhythmically tracing the rim ofhis cup as he spoke. Alec cleared his throat, but didn’t speak again. He returned to his food and continued to eat, aware of the intensive gaze of the warlock on him as he did.
After Alec had finished, Magnus cleared up magically and then led Alec to an apothecary off the main hallway, “You can sit on that loveseat in the corner, no pressure on position. It is all together more relaxed today. Just behave and don’t talk to my clients,l unless I expressly ask you a question in front of them, or if I give you permission to answer their questions”
Alec stood silently for a moment, “Is that understood, Alexander?” Magnus said, more powerful this time. Alec nodded quickly. “Good, well then go sit. Clients will be arriving throughout the day and my first appointment is any second” as Magnus spoke, Alec obeyed the command and went to sit on the sofa. He spread out, tucking his legs up onto it lazily, an elbow resting on the arm to prop him up as he watched Magnus. Magnus spent a few more minutes fiddling with bottles and labels, before a knock came from the door. The warlock straightened up, sent Alec a look to remind him of his place and then went to the doorway of the apothecary. From there, he opened the front door with his magic and held out his arms in welcome, “Teresa, you are back! How wonderful to see you!” The pair embraced and then when they pulled apart Magnus ushered her into the room, made no comment on Alec and went on with conducting business.
The day continued the same way, Alec took note of who Magnus knew, who he hugged, who he didn’t, what the names were of each client and their requests. He relaxed into it, feeling like he was on a simple reconnaissance mission with no real risk. Without noticing he’d even chuckled at a couple of Magnus’ quips, and leaned down further into the sofa. The last client of the day was different, he was a werewolf and the energy in the room was vibrating as he arrived. Magnus offered him a curt greeting - which Alec noted with intrigue - and then led him into the room. They spoke for a while about the wolf’s request but Alec could see that the man’s eyes kept falling on him, and Magnus must have noticed too.
“Oh you’re admiring my new pet Shadowhunter? Yes he’s very good” Magnus cooed.
“Assistant” Alec corrected without thinking.
“Yes my dear, you assist me very well” Magnus condescended, throwing Alec a warning look that had his anger and defiance dowsed immediately.
The wolf laughed viciously, “So which is it? Pet or assistant?” He asked leaning forward.
“Pet” Magnus clarified as Alec simultaneously said “Assistant.” Magnus’ hand flew up and magically fastened a piece of material around the Shadowhunter’s mouth. Alec grunted with indignant disbelief, which Magnus chose to ignore, “Pet” Magnus confirmed again, his voice possessive now.
The werewolf laughed again, “What fun you’re having with him” he commented. They exchanged a few more words about Alec and then further discussed the potion Magnus had been brewing. Once payment was made and the wolf had left, Alec heard the rattling slam of the loft’s front door and his eyes went wide. Magnus flew around the corner, hand outstretched, the material gag was removed but Alec was abruptly suspended in the air, being choked by Magnus’ magic, “You never disrespect me in front of clients. You never talk back. You talk when you are directly spoken to by me. I gave you my very clear rules, and you misbehaved, Alexander,” In his words was a cruel excitement, like the whole situation was exactly how he had wanted it to play out. Alec choked then, hands feebly trying to release the grip but to no avail.
“Now little Shadowhunter, if I let you go, will you behave?” Magnus asked, eyes carefully trained on Alec’s features, and all Alec could do was nod. As soon as he was nodding he was dropped back onto the chair, panting and his hands gently on his throat. He stared at the warlock with startled blue eyed who continued to speak, “Just because I feed you and give you a nice seat, does not mean you can act any different than you do in the club. When you are under my roof, under my instruction, you will be respectful. You will be grateful for any opportunity I give you. I can take luxuries away from you, boy” Magnus’ voice was inhuman, so low and rasping that Alec could practically feel the fires of Edom lapping at his ears.
“Yes, Mr Bane” Alec finally squeezed out.
“I’m glad we understand each other. Now leave, you’re boring me” Magnus said in a dismissive tone usually retained for children, and then he was gone from the room and Alec sat alone. The thought of returning to the Institute felt like a relief but also like a life sentence. He had always felt disconnected from the New York Institute but he felt more unmoored than ever at the thought of it being his home forever . Alec wasn’t sure that returning to the Institute would make today’s events feel any less overwhelming, and he wondered if there was anywhere he could go that would ease the tension in his chest.
Notes:
As always, kudos are super appreciated!! Feedback and thoughts are always welcome, so feel free to comment!🫶
Hope you enjoy this chapter🩷
Chapter 3: You do not touch what is mine
Summary:
Alec heads into week 2 as Magnus’ supposed ‘assistant’, Alec sees new sides to Magnus and he meets a new face!
Notes:
I can’t explain it but I’m already loving any time they’re in the loft together, Tuesdays are my favourite sections to write😂
As always, kudos are super appreciated!! Feedback and thoughts are always welcome, so feel free to comment!🫶 Especially the long comments, they’re my favourite🥰
Hope you enjoy this chapter🩷
Chapter Text
Alec was still a little in shock as he prepared to go to Pandemonium for his second week as Magnus’ supposed assistant. He couldn’t tell if he was grateful that it wasn’t more humiliating, or frustrated that he basically just sat by Magnus’ side the whole time.
Regardless, Alec arrived back at the club, the security guard gave him a polite nod and stepped aside for Alec as if he was royalty. It made Alec smirk to himself, only last week the same security guard had been obnoxious, and now he had clearly been reprimanded for it privately on top of the public slap on the wrist. He shouldn’t feel pleased, but he couldn’t help the feeling that he had won in this situation, and he also couldn’t help but stroll into the club with an added air of confidence.
He changed his clothes, the shirt tonight was a salmon colour and Alec couldn’t help but play with it nervously, not used to brighter colours than blues, greys and blacks. Trying not to put too much thought into it, he stepped into the club and went straight to the bar this time to get Magnus’ a martini. A sense of urgency to be forgiven by Magnus after the misstep at Magnus’s loft earlier this week had taken over his rational thinking. With the drink in hand, he moved to Magnus’ side and handed him the glass. Magnus looked shocked for a moment before his usual expression fell back into place.
“Well well, look at this, Alexander” Magnus purred, “Now take this one away” Magnus demanded, the empty cocktail glass now being shoved at Alec. This time, Alec didn’t hesitate to follow instruction, he couldn’t risk annoying the warlock again and causing himself anymore harm. Having felt Magnus’ magic wrapped around his throat, Alec had to acknowledge the sheer power that Magnus wielded.
When he was back on the platform, empty glass discarded, he fidgeted in front of Magnus, waiting for instruction. “Sit, little Nephilim” Magnus instructed, “You remember your task from before, every hour I need a drink. You’ve started off well today”
Alec smiled softly to himself as he sat down, if there’s one thing that Alec couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride at, it was praise from anyone. In a peaceful silence, he watched the clock, he often didn’t have much time for sitting idly, and he found he was beginning to relax into it now. The Shadowhunter had spent his life on duty, constantly on the move, never stopping to look around, only catching his breath briefly before the next mission, only fully resting if he was in the infirmary. However, this was a solitary activity that he could lose himself to, even if it was in the presence of Magnus Bane and the heathens who frequented his club.
When it was time for Magnus’ next drink, Alec noticed that the glass was empty, “May I take that for you?” He asked, trying to sound polite.
“Yes, Alexander” Magnus replied and pressed the glass into his hand sharply.
The Shadowhunter remained professional, despite his anger flaring, and set about getting the next drink for Magnus from the bar. He stepped back up onto the dais and leant forward to present the drink to Magnus, and he watched as Magnus fingers went to clasp around it. Alec let go of the glass seeing the contact, but Magnus’ hand suddenly jerked away and the glass fell into Magnus’ lap, soaking his pants. Magnus gasped in outrage and Alec quickly saved the glass before it shattered on the floor. Alec was so sure Magnus had a grip on the glass, or had he misjudged it? When he’d placed the now empty glass on the table in front of him, he turned back to Magnus’ enraged glare.
“You stupid, useless little angel” Magnus spat, touching his sodden trousers, “Maybe try activating some of those special runes if you can’t do something as simple as hand me my drinks” Alec flinched as he heard the jeers and sniggering from Magnus’ posse.
“And you wanted more responsibility” Magnus muttered darkly shaking his head, “Now clean me up” Magnus said with a snap of his fingers and handed the cloth to Alec.
Alec frowned, “Wouldn’t your magic be quicker and easier?”
The crowd around Magnus murmured in shock and then Alec felt the warlock’s fingers in his hair, gripping him tightly in place and forcing him to his knees. A gasp fell from his lips at the wildness of the action and the look in Magnus’ eyes, “You disrespect and disobey me again, so soon after last time?” Alec stared up at Magnus, unable to speak. “You are in my club, you are mine and you will do as I tell you. Clean. Me. Up” Magnus said with a deep coldness. Alec took the cloth and dabbed at the trousers, unable to escape the grip of Magnus’ fingers that were still tightly woven into his hair. He resigned himself to the position, and to the contact as he wiped clean the thighs of Magnus’ trousers.
“Now now, Alexander, you know that isn’t where the worst of the spill is” Magnus said, and when Alec looked at him, he could see an evil glint in his eyes. Alec moved the cloth upwards and patted the crotch slightly, another gasp pulled from his lips when he realised the warlock was hard. Magnus didn’t comment, and when Alec looked back up at his face in surprise, Magnus had already resumed chatting casually with the group next to him. Alec’s eyes moved over to the group and some were watching him, some even pointing and cackling with each other as they did. He flushed, unable to stop the blush spreading across the high points of his cheeks as he continued to pat against Magnus’ achingly hard cock. The young Shadowhunter tried to focus on the spilt alcohol, and tried not to consider the implications of why the warlock was hard while he knelt in front of him. When he was finished, he made a small noise that got Magnus attention, “Finished?” Magnus asked, looking down at the Shadowhunter. Alec could only nod. “Good boy, go sit” Magnus said, his voice was soft and pleasant, and Alec struggled not to appreciate it. As he seated himself on the stool, he let out a silent exhale of breath relieved to be back to his quiet.
He continued his process of waiting on the clock and getting Magnus’ his cocktails with no further incidents until Magnus’ turned to him, “Pretty boy” Magnus said, almost questioningly.
Alec’s eyes found him quickly and then his eyes darted to the clock, “It hasn’t been an hour yet, Mr Bane, I swear”
Magnus laughed, “I know. I need you do something for me” Alec smiled as his worry left him, “Go to my office and get my lipgloss out of the top left drawer”
Alec agreed and stood, walking at pace to Magnus’ office to fetch the item he had asked for. As Alec approached the desk, he slid open the drawer and his eyes landed first on the small bottle of lube and the handcuffs. His breathing hitched and his heart clenched, he wasn’t sure why his reaction was so severe, but he had difficulty looking away. With a gulp, he pushed them to the side and leaned down to find the lipgloss at the back. He shut the drawer without another glance. As he pushed through the crowds to get back to Magnus’ he schooled his features into a stoicism that he felt more comfortable with people seeing.
On his return, he held the lipgloss out to Magnus, Magnus’ lips tugged upwards into a sinister smile, “Now put it on me” which made Alec stare at him, mouth hanging open.
“Sorry Mr Bane, could you repeat that?”
“Put the lipgloss on my lips, Alexander” Magnus confirmed that Alec had heard correctly.
Alec’s shaking hands unscrewed the lid, he had never done anything like this and it felt like another opportunity for him to disappoint Magnus, and maybe anger him further. He played around with the applicator, trying to cover it in the slightly pink gloss.
Alec leaned down toward Magnus who sat in his throne, his legs over the chair’s arm, a causal arm on the other armrest as he held himself up. Magnus tilted his head up, parting his lips as his eyes met Alec’s own, and despite him being vulnerable below Alec, the warlock exuded a deadly power. With a nervous hand, Alec started applying the lip gloss to the bottom lip, his eyes trained on the plumpness of Magnus’ mouth. His breathing hitched. Why did it keep doing that? Alec’s eyes moved up to meet Magnus’ that were already twinkling mischievously as he finished applying the gloss. Magnus gulped and shook his head, moving himself back into the chair, sitting upright again. Alec jumped back and stared down at Magnus, “Did I - did I do something wrong?”
Magnus seemed to regain himself then with a laugh, “No, Alexander” he said smacking his lips together, “It was a perfect application. Who knew you’d be so good at your first time”
Alec stuttered in shock, “Oh you’ve applied lipgloss before?” Magnus corrected.
“No, not till today” Alec said flustered, a blush blooming on his face, because a reference to his first time of any kind had always been overwhelming.
Magnus chuckled, “Okay little Shadowhunter, sit down” he said smiling at Alec and shaking his head. Alec’s heart clutched but he ignored it and returned to his stool, waiting for the next cocktail. The rest of Alec’s night went smoothly, and when it got to 3am and he was alleviated from his role as Magnus’ assistant. Only 20 more meetings with him and counting down. Alec got changed and home as quickly as possible, strolling through the Institute until he finally reached his room. He opened the door and swallowed deeply, his discomfort at the bare walls and the lack of trinkets made him feel a little sick. His family never had time for outings, or trips or shopping, and the institute had started to feel soulless lately. The Shadowhunter shook his head to relieve himself of the thoughts and collapsed onto his bed, passing out immediately.
***
Saturday went by quickly, he had a few early afternoon meetings to check in on progress from the day before but he was pleased to see that Jace had successfully been keeping the place on track. He hadn’t had much time to dwell on it either way, as he prepared himself to get ready for his evening at Pandemonium.
As he entered the club, he felt the familiar thrum of the music and the chatter of the crowds that he easily navigated past to make his way towards the corridor that leads to Magnus’ office. When he was inside he found the clothes folded up neatly on the sofa waiting for him. The leather trousers were the same as usual, but as he put on the royal blue shirt, he realised it was more sheer than the other ones. With a shudder he did the buttons up to where Magnus prefers and then went to grab his martini from the bar.
When he got there, the bartender advises Alec that Magnus has been drinking whisky for the evening, so Alec requested both drinks to be safe. He grabbed the drinks and walked to the podium where Magnus was laughing with his friends, Magnus’ head thrown back as the melodic sounds left his mouth. Alec faltered, not used to seeing Magnus quite as joyous, he cleared his throat as he ascended the steps and Magnus’ eyes fell on him immediately. They slowly raked over his body, a quiet snarl escaped his lips, “Well hello there little Nephilim” he smirked. “Treat yourself to a drink too, did you?” Magnus continued.
Alec shook his head vigorously, “No Mr Bane, I was going to get you your usual b-but the bartender” and as he spoke he gestured wildly behind him towards the bar, “Well he… he said that you were on whiskey, but I didn’t want to not bring you your martini”
Magnus’ features softened then, “You keep the martini then, and hand me my whiskey” he said laughing. Alec did as he was told and then stayed still a little longer before Magnus looked up at him again, “Oh, you can sit now” he said and started drinking again, turning to his friends and jumping straight back into the discussion.
Alec sat obediently and sipped on the martini, cringing slightly at the bitterness again, it still was a shock to the tastebuds. He wasn’t sure why Magnus drank these so often. He placed the drink on the floor next to him and checked the clock, 40 minutes until the next drink. It was an odd task and it felt bizarre that he was so calm on the stool, clock watching. As he was lost in thought, he heard a ping onto the floor and jerked into the direction of the sound, but he was quickly distracted by Magnus snapping his fingers at him.
“On the floor Shadowhunter, my friend has lost her earring” he demanded. Alec was on his hands and knees searching before a second thought entered his mind, he was scrabbling under a seat. From the side of him, he could hear Magnus discussing something with an unfamiliar voice but he wasn’t sure what or who, and he was concentrating on his task. Just then he found it and grinned, pulling himself back and sitting up on his knees, holding the earring up. Magnus took it off him and gave it back to the woman who squealed, drunkenly dancing around with it.
“What a good pet you have” the man who had been previously speaking to Magnus said.
“He’s been very good, Jasper” Magnus said, and the man took a step closer to Alec, who was still knelt down.
Jasper then touched Alec’s chin and hummed in delight, “You will have to let me take a turn with your whore, Magnus”
Without a second passing, Magnus surged from his throne and put himself between Alec and Jasper, shoving him back with his hands, “You do not touch what is mine, and Alec is not a whore, not for anyone, not even for me. Do you understand me?” he yelled at the man.
“Come on, he’s a Shadowhunter, he deserves a little sacrilege. I’d tear him apart, and in the end? He’d be begging for me to keep going” the man continued, and Magnus was shaking now. Not from fear, but from a boiling hot fury that had his magic sparking uncontrollably. The anger towards the words somewhat settled the pit that had been growing in Alec’s stomach. Magnus held Alec firmly by the shoulder, to the point that Alec felt bruises forming under the pressure. With his free hand Magnus laid all his magic out at the man who had disrespected Alec. The sound of shattering bones echoed in Alec’s ears, it almost drowned out the yells of Magnus.
“-apologise now, or you won’t see tomorrow, Jasper”
Jasper was shivering uncontrollably, “S-sorry”
“Sorry who?” Magnus growled.
“Sorry, I’m sorry Alec!” Jasper shouted through the pain. Magnus released him immediately and as soon as Jasper was free he ran, limping, for the main exit of the nightclub.
Magnus’ touch gentled then, turning sweeter and his thumb drew circles on Alec’s collarbone, “Are you okay?” He said, squatting down next to Alec and palming his face.
Alec gulped down the lump in his throat, “Y-yes.” Magnus smiled with more geniality than Alec had ever seen when he looked into his face, and Alec couldn’t resist accepting the touches, leaning slightly into it.
“Shall we go somewhere quieter?” Magnus whispered. Alec nodded and Magnus waved his free hand in the air, magic trailing around as he changed their setting. Magnus was in front of Alec then, holding his face in both of his hands, “Look Alec, I may be known as the Prince of Darkness but I need you to know I would never let anyone harm you or do what Jasper said he would do to you”
“I know, I know, because of the contract. Because only you can hurt me”
Magnus frowned, a concern flickering in his eyes but just as quickly they went cold again and he straightened, “Exactly, you’re my property for the next few weeks” After a few moments of quiet, Magnus turned back to Alec, “Get yourself on the sofa, do you need something more comfortable to wear?”
Alec manoeuvred to the sofa, “I don’t have anything else to wear” he murmured, his eyes remaining cast down.
Magnus clicked his fingers and Alec gasped at the change of his clothing. He was in midnight blue silk pyjama bottoms and a fluffy grey jumper than made him feel warm. “It’s not exactly what you’d normally wear, but my clothes aren’t to be scoffed at” Magnus said as he made cocktails, and all Alec could do was admire the clothing, the softness on his skin. “You’re free to go home early tonight, or you can stay here and drink with me” Magnus offered.
“I’ll take a drink” Alec said, unsure why he wasn’t going back to the Institute, or why he was drinking alcohol, but he couldn’t stop himself. Magnus crossed back to the sofa and joined him, handing Alec the drink while he sipped his own. The warlock turned music on from somewhere in the room, and they sat drinking next to each other song after song. Alec was surprised by how the bright decor seemed tranquil to him, how the warlock’s lair almost seemed like an oasis compared the Institute or Pandemonium.
After an hour or so, Magnus cleared his throat, “Well Shadowhunter, unless you’re staying the night” and there was a pointed pause of offer before he continued “I need to get back to my club, so you should go home”
“Oh okay… I’ll leave” Alec said and stood up, “Uhm, what about your clothes?”
“I’ll get them back, I have my ways” he said, smirking at Alec, “I’ll also get your clothes back to you from the club, they’ll be waiting in your room at the Institute. But I’ll portal you directly to your room, you don’t have to walk tonight, given the threats”
Alec flinched at the seemingly distant memory of the threats, but managed to speak evenly, “The institute has wards, how…” Alec trailed off.
“I invented the portal and I established the wards. Plus I’m stronger than anything the Clave can throw at me” Magnus said, tone low and cutting. Alec’s breath gasped out for a moment and all he could do was nod. “Right, now that’s settled” Magnus said and created a portal, “I’ll see you Tuesday, Shadowhunter”
“See you Tuesday, Mr Bane” Alec said and walked past the warlock, through the portal and to his room at the Institute. Once he was there, he stripped off Magnus’ clothes and changed into his own pyjamas. As soon as he folded the clothes on his desk, they disappear with a flourish of magic to his surprise, and he slowly traced the wood where they’d laid seconds ago.
***
Alec had spent Sunday and Monday out on missions and had been thrilled by the lack of breaks. It had been hectic, it had been all hands on deck, including his own, and he had loved every second of it. He was practically buzzing on Tuesday morning when he awoke and then he remembered he wouldn’t be on any hunts. His enthusiasm wavered slightly, but he was pleased to be going to Magnus’ apartment, as opposed to back to the club after the incident from last week.
As he left his room, Izzy was walking down towards the operations centre and she grinned at him, “Oh Alec, I already can’t wait for you to be home” she said linking her arm with his as they walked together.
Home.
That word had never really fit into his heart in the way it had for other people when they thought of the Institute. Sure he had grown up here, but was it home? Or was it simply a place that they trained, ate, slept and reported to the Clave from? He shook himself out of his thoughts to smile down at his sister and stroke her arm, “I’ll be back tonight, you know that. I’ll meet you for dinner in the canteen, okay?” he said kissing her on the top of her head.
“Perfect, I’ll see you then” she said and let go of his arm to go to the morning brief. Alec waved her off and as he headed for the door he played with the sleeve of the same blue jumper he had worn last week.
When he arrived at Magnus’ loft, the wards seemed less oppressive than previous weeks, almost like they were pushing him towards the door as opposed to deterring him. He lifted his fist to knock the door, but the door swung open on its own volition, no one standing behind it. Alec stepped in, “Hello? Mr Bane?” he called out.
“Hello little Nephilim, you-“ and then he paused as he reviewed Alec’s figure, “Oh, an outfit repeater I see” Magnus mused.
Alec took in a breath of panic, “I just, I don’t have - it’s not customary for Shadowhunters to, you know, have... To like have lots of clothes” Magnus chuckled at him and waved a hand at him.
“Luckily, blue suits you. Anyways, I have a dear friend coming over today, so roam freely, little Shadowhunter. The only place that is off limits is my bedroom” Magnus said with a warning glower, “Other than that, the loft is your oyster, Alexander”
“Yes, Mr Bane” Alec responded, his hands clasped behind his back as he listened to his briefing for the day. It was almost like being at the Institute before he had been promoted to Head.
“Refreshments will be on the dining room table all day, but if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call for me. If I need you to do anything, I will let you know. The conversations we will be having are not private, but I also don’t want you following us around all day” Magnus continued his instructions.
Alec nodded, “Of course, Mr Bane”
“Let’s start the day easy, when Raphael comes, you get him the wine glass of blood. For now, go get me a herbal tea, it doesn’t matter which one” Magnus ordered. Alec practically jumped to go get Magnus a tea, it felt like such a juxtaposition to the usual cocktails and liquor that Alec had been fetching. Once he’d made the tea, he came back to Magnus’ side and held it out to him, “Good boy” Magnus said as he took it from him. Alec couldn’t help but violently blush at the praise, he had become accustomed to the two words in public when Magnus’ was putting on more of a show for his people. But in the privacy of Magnus’ loft, just the two of them, it felt different and Alec felt his own gaze heat in a small way. He tried to blink away the sudden desire that had hit, and was grateful when a rasp of knuckles came from the door. Magnus turned towards the door and opened it with his magic, “Why Raphael, my boy!” and as he spoke, Alec stepped over to the table to shakily grab the wine glass.
When he turned around, the two men were embracing and then pulling back to affectionately pat each other’s arms. Alec approached them and held out the glass to Raphael, “For you” he said, almost as if it was a question in his nervousness.
“Thank you” Raphael said, taking the glass and sipping from it before returning his eyes to Magnus, “I had heard you had a pet Shadowhunter, Magnus, but I didn’t quite believe it” there was an amusement and a hint of teasing in his tone.
Magnus waved his hand, “Long story, you know how things just seem to happen to me sometimes” he explained with laughter carrying the sentence. Alec bridled at the words, he was selected for this role by Magnus specifically, how could he dare imply it was forced on him? It took Alec a minute to realise that his line of thought was ridiculous and it didn’t matter. The warlock was cruel and evil, and this was part of the game he played, and anything that could be considered kindness was definitely accidental or further mind games. He was lost in his own thoughts, still staring at Magnus’ hands when he realised someone was speaking to him. Alec looked up to see both men looking at him critically, he refocused himself and realised it was Magnus speaking, “-okay? Alexander, you can leave us now, yes?” With a shake of his head he smiled with embarrassment, another blush spreading along his face as he nodded and dashed away. He heard distant chuckles as he made his way to the dining room table, and when he looked over his shoulder, he saw the backs of the two men disappearing into the apothecary.
Alec made himself a coffee and sat awkwardly at the dining room table as heard Raphael’s voice carry into the room, “So what is he doing for you?”
“He’s my assistant” Magnus said as if it was obvious, “I don’t particularly have anything I need from him today though; so my sweet angel is just amusing himself while we catch up, dear friend” Alec only heard the chuckle of Raphael’s response before their voices were too low to understand. He was tempted to activate his hearing rune to listen in, but the thought of Magnus’ punishing him or hurting him for spying was enough of a deterrent. Suddenly his thoughts went back to Magnus’ words sweet angel , it wasn’t said with a sneer, it wasn’t said in front of him to cause embarrassment, it was just said. It was said almost fondly. Alec wasn’t how to feel about the way Magnus’ usually cruel tone formed around the words, how his voice had been pleasant and light.
Alec forcibly removed the thought from his head and stood up with his coffee, deciding to properly explore the warlock’s home. Previously he was either on defence, stuck in the apothecary or in complete shock, so he hadn’t really looked around at the loft. His feet made their way to the first shelving unit and he looked at the collection of pots and figures, resisting the urge to reach out and touch them, he simply eyed them in awe. He wondered where they originated from, how old they could possibly be, they were beautiful.
When he moved to the next shelf, his heart fluttered, it was many collages of Magnus with the same group of people. The photos seemed to span a lifetime, or maybe multiple lifetimes Alec paused to consider, Magnus was centuries old after all. Magnus seemed enigmatic and amiable in all of the pictures, his arms clasped tightly around his friends, or him laughing, him sipping tea and looking off to the side in a way that could only be described as coy. He reached out and gently touched his finger to the picture, almost unbelieving of its existence. Alec wondered who the other four people were, two men and two women, he recognised the vampire, Raphael, instantaneously, he hadn’t changed at all. The photographs often depicted him rolling his eyes or moodily standing on the far edges of the group, but there were some moments where he was beaming at his friends, his love evident. The other two must be Warlocks, Alec decided, they all had their Warlock marks on display, the man had horns protruding from his temple and a moss green skin tone. The other warlock was stunning, even to Alec’s eyes, she was the blue of a winter sky and her eyes twinkled with kindness and a joy that Alec had never experienced; not in himself or others. She took his breath away momentarily, but then his eyes fell on the final person in the picture, a seemingly unspectacular woman. Her mousy brown hair falling over her shoulders, no discernible warlock’s mark, but also she didn’t have the elegance of a vampire. Alec noted her subtle beauty, but couldn’t place her species, he wondered if she had hidden her warlock mark even in these pictures.
He let his imagination take him away, picturing him and his siblings taking photos together like this, grinning at each other or caught in combat, what poses would they do? How would they look at each other? A smile crossed his lips at the thought of being given the luxury of time and space to take photos together. With a small shake of his head to dislodge himself from the fantasy, he moved into the spare bedroom, which from what Magnus said, he assumed was allowed. He was immediately captivated by a wall that had drawings strewn across it, all some variant of Magnus, the blue warlock and a little girl. Each childlike illustration had a ‘Madzie’ wrote somewhere on it and Alec’s heart beat sped up at the love in the drawings, he reached out and gently traced Magnus’ magic on one of them. The magic appeared to be coming from Magnus’ hands and creating a sky of stars and the moon above, who Alec assumed was, Madzie. As he continued looking around the room he saw a hot pink sequin ‘Guest Book’ on the desk by the window, a startled laugh burst from his lips. He couldn’t help crossing the room to open it onto a random page:
My beloved Magnus,
As much as I love this room and you, and my breakfast served in the morning, if you make me drink whatever ungodly alcoholic beverage that was again, I will murder you. Prince of Edom be damned!
Love you, Cat xoxo
Alec chuckled as he read the words, they were wrote in gentle cursive, and were wrote with a blue sparkly gel pen. He looked around the desk and noticed the pens, and an overwhelming urge overcame him as he flicked to a blank page and picked up the purple gel pen.
Magnus,
Thank you for entrusting me to wander around your home and share in the joys of your memories, trinkets and art
~ Alec Lightwood
He stared at it and smiled to himself. He wasn’t sure if it was the best idea he’d had, but he was grateful to see a different side to the man everyone was terrified of. It was almost unfathomable that he was stood in a room of memories and love, with a hand bedazzled guest book and a room that had fluffy hot pink throw pillows and blankets and a warmth seemed to be blooming from his stomach upwards.
“Alexander! Alexander where are you?” He heard Magnus call from the living area, on hearing the voice a darkness fell over him and he slammed the guest book.
“H-here” he called out and then Magnus rounded the corner on him with a perfect eyebrow arched, “I’m sorry, I thought, I thought it was just your bedroom I couldn’t go in. I’m so sorry, please, please don’t-” he had started begging before he had realised.
Raphael’s snort stopped him short, “My God, what have you been doing to the boy? He’s trembling”
“Nothing” Magnus threw back, glaring at Raphael, and then he turned to Alec, “You’ve done nothing wrong, Alexander. I just wanted to let you know that me and Raphael are having to go and we won’t need your assistance for our trip. So you can either stay here till your time is finished, or go back to the Institute”
Alec visibly relaxed at the reassurance that he wasn’t about to face Magnus’ wrath for entering the other bedroom, “I think I’ll stay here and finish my coffee” Alec mumbled.
“A good plan, help yourself to the food for lunch. If I don’t see you again today, I will see you on Friday” Magnus said, and Alec only nodded in response.
“I’d say it was a pleasure to meet you, but I don’t take pleasure in a lot of things” Raphael drawled before leaving the room behind Magnus. Alec followed them, letting out a chuckle at Raphael’s words, and Raphael turned to him with a wry smile for a flashing second before the two men left the loft.
Alec heaved a sigh and got himself another coffee and a pastry which he sat quietly and ate, washing it down with his black and sweetened coffee. He’d somehow got himself under one of the Barbie pink blankets and had slipped down from his upright position, to be leaning slightly on the cushions below him. Feeling tired with his lids heavy, Alec sank the rest of the way down on the sofa and was taken by a deep need to sleep.
He was pulled suddenly up from the sofa by a tingling sensation on his arms and he blinked awake with fright. Magnus was eying him, his cat eyes were narrow and unforgiving and Alec shrank under their watchfulness. Alec realised Magnus must have only just returned and it was just after the time Alec should have left, he worriedly thought that Magnus may have wanted to return to an empty apartment. “You fell asleep” Magnus pointed out the obvious, “And it is time for you to go now”
“Yes, Mr Bane. I’m sorry, I didn’t even notice I was falling asleep until I woke up” Alec said feebly.
“I’ll see you Friday, Shadowhunter”
Alec acknowledged the dismissal, “Okay, I’ll see you Friday” and as his feet led him to the door, he took one last glance around the loft. He almost tripped in surprise when he noticed the changes in apartment, the food had been cleared away from the table, a few books and magazines were now strewn across the opposite sofa, there were utensils out in the kitchen as if someone had been cooking. Alec sniffed the air and a spiced warmth enveloped his sense, his mouth watered slightly as he caught sight of the pot on the stove - someone had been cooking. Forcing his attention away, he then turned to give Magnus a final nod, but with a start he saw the man had changed into pyjamas, that now had flour marking them in hand prints. He fought back the desire to frown contemplatively and simply nodded and left the loft with an odd sensation burning in his body.
How long had he been asleep? And more importantly, how long had Magnus been home before he had woken him?
Chapter 4: Couldn’t let my best assistant be sliced and diced
Summary:
Alec spends time out on mission in between his time with Magnus, and maybe he is spiralling, but nobody call him out on it, he can’t handle it rn
Notes:
Thank you for reading and your comments, I’m really enjoying this one, even if it’s a wild rollercoaster, I feel like I cannot control these guys😂
As always, kudos are appreciated! Feedback and thoughts are massively welcomed🫶
I hope you enjoy this chapter🩷
Chapter Text
Alec got back to the Institute with the burning question itching through his veins, why had Magnus let him sleep for so long?
He couldn’t say he wasn’t glad of it, it was possibly the best sleep he’d had for as long as he could remember. The warmth of Magnus’ loft, his hunger satiated with pastries and coffee, the pleasing colours that should hurt his eyes seemed to sooth him and he had been wrapped snuggly in the ridiculous blanket. While Magnus was Prince of Edom and a warlock that darkness surrounded, he had an eccentric and eclectic home that screamed happiness. Alec stumbled over the thought, realising today he had felt comfortable there, almost not wanting to leave. He had the chance to come back to the Institute early but the thought of roaming the soulless white corridors had prevented him doing so. The thought of sitting at his desk that seemed to pull him further away from the home he craved had set a fear in him so deep that wrapping himself in a Barbie blanket had been a solace. Even if it was a ludicrous one.
Alec made his way to his office, aware that his time away had meant he was even further behind with his paperwork and reviewing progress and mission reports. As soon as he sat down, Jace pilled through the door, “Thank the angel you’re okay. Why didn’t you reply to me? I thought Magnus had done something to you!” he said, clearly flustered with anger.
“O-oh Jace, I’m sorry. My phone died while I was there, he actually went out and I fell asleep. I didn’t wake up till like 45 minutes ago. I’m sorry I worried you” he explained softly and then paused, his eyebrows knitted together, “Did you feel something bad down the bond?”
“Well no… but I wasn’t sure how powerful Magnus was and what he was capable of masking. You seemed calm, and I’m used to your dependable nervousness fluttering down the bond… It just felt off” Jace stuttered through the sentences, his face showing that he realised it was bizarre to worry because Alec seemed relaxed.
“I’m glad my nervous energy is a comfort to you” Alec said dryly, shooting Jace an amused look, “But I was just chilled. Magnus was out and I was exhausted, and the sofa was honestly the comfiest sofa I’ve ever been on” Alec blurted out, a tinge of pink staining his cheeks.
“Well I’m glad you had a good sleep. Being an assistant is doing wonders for you” Jace remarked sarcastically, but he was grinning at his brother.
“I’ll take my phone charger with me next Tuesday. It is a long day, and I’d just not charged it the night before, I hadn’t thought. But I’d hate there to be an emergency that I didn’t realise was happening because of my phone- wait why didn’t you just send me a fire message?”
Jace sighed, “I wasn’t sure if I was allowed or what Magnus’ wards were like, I just figured I’d rather not cause any issues if there was already a situation. I was an hour away from raiding the guy’s house though” he laughed, and Alec couldn’t resist joining it.
“I don’t think Magnus would have appreciated that, he barely tolerates me being…” and then Alec’s words tapered off at the memory of Magnus’ appearance and the way the loft looked like it had been occupied for some time. How Magnus had simply let Alec sleep soundly while he busied around him, living his normal life.
“Alec?” Alec jerked at Jace calling his name to him.
“Yeah?”
“You just stopped mid-sentence and zoned out. Were you saying he barely tolerates you being there? Crazy given he’s the one who is making you go on weekly basis” Jace pointed out.
Alec cleared his throat and nodded, “Yeah, crazy”
Jace’s features tightened, “Is there something else?”
“Well it was just odd. Magnus was out when I fell asleep but when he woke me up it seemed like he had been back awhile. I’m just surprised he didn’t wake me up as soon as he got back, or at least when it was the end of my contracted hours” Alec explained, trying to hide the hope in his voice that maybe Magnus didn’t hate him like he thought. Which was absurd, because he didn’t exactly like the Downworlder, or any of the evil he inflicted on the world.
Jace stated blankly for a moment before muttering, “Weird” and making his way to sit in a chair in front of Alec’s desk, “Anyway” he dragged out, “We didn’t get to go through the logs for Friday and Saturday given that all personnel were out on missions these past few days. I thought we could go through them now” he offered, a smile warming his face. Jace felt like home sometimes, Alec thought, a distant home, but that familiar comforting love did help ease the ache in Alec’s chest. He wondered if it was bad that he didn’t always feel a deep sense of home and belonging with his parabatai , it wasn’t like their bond was fraught, and he would do anything for him… It was simply that Jace had a life outside of Alec, proper friends and a romantic relationship whereas Alec was bitterly alone and he felt that loneliness deeply. Maybe if he was allowed to explore his sexuality with male Shadowhunters, maybe that would fill the void, maybe then he would feel more at home within the Clave’s clutches.
There was also his belief that perhaps it was just that New York wasn’t for him, that it might hold too much temptation with the fluidity with which the mundane live. More structure could actually be the answer to honouring his duty to the Clave. He had spent years daydreaming about Alicante and Idris, about how if he could just get there, the missing puzzle piece would slot into place. That was why his career path was so important, he had to be steadfast and sure in his political allegiance to the Clave, he had to prove himself to be a leader worthy of being Consul. His political aspirations were the hope he clung to when the loneliness threatened to eat away at his soul, to tear him apart from the inside out. As he consider all of this, the thoughts rolling around in his conscious, he half listened to Jace and provided insights and commendations when he was paying attention. It was late when they retired to their rooms, separating after a sleepy hug with a brotherly pat on the back.
***
The next morning, Alec awoke groggy and tired, and completely unable to fathom when his bed became this uncomfortable, this cold and unwelcoming. He turned onto his back and stared at the bland ceiling, remembering the splatters of multiple colours of paint on Magnus’ ceiling. How bizarre it had seemed to him at first, but how over the past 2 weeks he’d grown accustomed to it, almost liked it. With a heaving sigh, he checked his phone, no messages, no calls, nobody interested in his whereabouts. He couldn’t believe how isolated he felt, how the entire Institute seemed like it was dragging him down into the icy depths of his own desolation. There was another part of him, the one trained in duty and the commitment to the angels, that told him to get a grip of himself, to pull up his boot straps and get on with his career. With another tragic sigh, Alec peeled himself out of bed and reluctantly got himself ready to assign missions for the day. He was only a few steps down the corridor when Izzy was rushing to his side, “Alec. I have news from the Seelie Realm”
“What happened?”
“Meliorn said that he heard-“
Alec rolled his eyes, “You need to stop sleeping with that man”
“Well then we wouldn’t have this intel” she hissed with a sinful grin, “Anyway, as I was saying, he has heard of conspiring happening, possibly aligning with greater demons to ensure the Seelie’s are on the winning side of history”
“Wait, are they conspiring with Magnus Bane?”
“No” Izzy said bluntly, her brow lowering, “Nothing to do with him. They’re in touch with the greater demon directly. I’m not sure which one, but apparently there’s some sort of meeting today”
“Let’s get everyone rounded up early, all hands on deck again today, it’ll be me, you and Jace out in the field. Everyone else will be distributed out, I want scouts elsewhere where we suspect there could be illegal dealings, I want a full team on the intel ports today, no desk empty. I have a few minor missions that I can allocate to lower ranking Shadowhunters. I’ll see you in the Ops centre” he commanded, a firm but loving hand on her back as they parted ways, “And thanks, Iz. Your intel is genuinely invaluable” and she returned his statement with a genuine smile.
Alec, Izzy and Jace were outside the warehouse where they suspected a Seelie representative was meeting with the Greater Demon, or one of the lesser demons on their behalf. After the morning briefing they had rushed straight out into the field, not wanting to waste a second of time they could be stopping the truce. They were side by side, the perfect fighting trio, edging forward into the building, it felt strange having a mission so early in the morning, the sun sparkling down on them. Alec had grown used to the darkness that usually encapsulated them on missions, the dark foreboding that came from skulking into vampire dens and werewolf territory and Seelie domains.
Suddenly from the right, there was the clank of metal and Alec turned to see Jace had reacted quickly to the attack. Jace’s seraph blade was pressing back into a Seelie’s sword, “I don’t want to kill you” Jace started, “You can live if you help us, or you can be taken into custody, but I’m also capable of killing you in seconds, so don’t think you’ll win this fight” he said cockily. Alec almost had to resist the urge to roll his eyes, but then there were more Seelies upon them, ready for battle.
“Was this a set up, Iz?” Alec demanded.
“No” came a reply from one of the Seelies, “We just are protective of our spaces and the meetings we hold”
Alec held up his bow and nocked an arrow, holding it towards the Seelie, “We don’t want trouble. We just want to understand what’s happening here.” The Seelie laughed in a way that sent a twinge of dread down Alec’s spine, but he stood firm, unmoving. Before Alec got a response, the battle started, and Alec shot an arrow into the Seelie’s shoulder before trading his bow for a dagger in each hand, prepared for hand to hand combat. From the corner of his eye, Izzy was wielding her whip, taking down Seelies that were crowding her. Jace was on the other side, parrying attacks and driving long cuts into his opponents. Alec took on a Seelie in front of him, dashing forward to slice two gashes into the woman’s arm as she swung her sword at him. The band of Shadowhunters fell into a pattern, pirouetting around each other to take down each new foe that stepped forward. Their dance because effortless, flowing as if they had rehearsed the choreography tirelessly, and to some extent they’d done exactly that in their daily training.
It felt like they had the upper hand for a moment before he heard the screech of Izzy who had been sliced down the length of her forearm. While Alec was distracted, the next Seelie he had been fighting cut along his abdomen, a bitter hiss escaped Alec’s lips. He clutched at his own torso, but with his other hand, he managed to drive his dagger into the Seelie’s neck when they’d let their guard down. Jace whistled loudly as he drove his weapon into the Seelie’s leg in front of him, mercilessly twisting to prevent them from moving. They were being overpowered still though, and Alec was beginning to grow concerned, they had come as a trio because it was meant to be an intimate gathering. In no way were they expecting to have to contend with this many Seelies, and he wasn’t sure if there were more to come.
Before he could plan their next moves, the ground shook and a wave of power forced the three Shadowhunters backwards. When Alec looked up, it was Magnus Bane stood there with his back to them as he faced the Seelies. His mouth hung open slightly in shock and he felt his heart flutter at the sight of the warlock. He chalked it down to the adrenaline thrumming through his body and stood up from the ground, helping Jace up and watching Izzy rise too. Jace and Izzy drew their weapons and began advancing on Magnus, they were too far away from Magnus to hear and Alec whispered slow and quiet, “Guys. No. Magnus has got this”
“He’s on their side” Jace’s harsh tone came back in response.
“No, no seriously. I - I think we can trust him” Alec said, having made his way in front of his siblings. His hands were up in the air in front of them, silently instructing them to stop, his eyes pleading with them, “Don’t try and hurt a possible ally. At least see what happens first” he asked of them. He was aware that he was Head of the Institute and could probably enforce the matter, but he wanted them to choose to trust in him and his alliances, however tentative.
As they began lowering their weapons, Alec realised Magnus was speaking, “-so go back to your Queen and tell her you failed your little mission. The fair folk shouldn’t have such proclivities to dabble here. I have bigger plans than you or you Queen could even imagine. You will not get in between me and my agenda, so do not meddle in my affairs again. Leave now, or if you choose to stay and fight, I promise you there will be consequences beyond your wildest nightmares.” Magnus’ hands were glowing like fire, with red embers sparking from the magic he wielded. A single Seelie stepped forward and spat towards Magnus, and without hesitation Magnus sent the Seelie up into flames until she burned out in an explosion of magic. He heard the faint gasps that came from his siblings beside him, and realised he had also become breathless with the ruthlessness of the action. “Who’s next?” There was silence in the warehouse that seemed to stretch out for eternity, “That’s what I thought. Don’t let your honour be the death of you”
With that, the remaining Seelies turned and marched away, partially scrambling to the warehouse’s exit. Magnus flashed a smile in the Shadowhunters’ direction and then summoned himself a portal, stepping towards it.
“Wait Magnus” Alec yelled and grabbed Magnus wrist, pulling him back with more force than he probably should have. When the warlock’s eyes met his, a shy smile bloomed on Alec’s lips, “Thank you” he whispered into the air between them as he let go of Magnus.
“Couldn’t let my best assistant be sliced and diced now, could I?” Magnus said playfully, a glint in his eye before he turned and stepped through the portal without another glance.
“Well, now that’s done, let’s get back home” Izzy said, a musicality returning to her voice, as her whip transitioned back into a bracelet that she delicately pulled onto her wrist.
Alec slumped against his wall as soon as he was in his room, the feeling of anxiety and a deep sense of being alone overwhelming him. They’d returned from their mission, bruised, bloody and dirt ridden and he had watched Clary launch into Jace’s arms, legs wrapping around him in desperation to be close to him. He’d turned to make a joke to his sister, only to see her fisting the front of Simon’s top and pulling him in for a blistering kiss that Alec had to avert his gaze from. Somehow she managed to be spending time with Meliorn and Simon, and he had no one. Then he had been running down the corridors, unable to stop the shallow, frantic breaths that were making his lungs feel too big from his rib cage. Sinking to the floor and clutching his chest, he tried not to suppress the raging sob that threatened to spill from him.
Izzy burst through his door, “Alec? Alec are you okay? Do you need to go the infirmary?” she asked, her voice an octave higher as she crouched next to him, “Where’s your injury? Where does it hurt?” She continued as she pat him down and checked him over.
“M-my heart” Alec choked out and it stopped Izzy in her tracks. She dropped down to her knees then and held Alec tightly against her and he curled into her body. No tears came but his breathing staggered out as he held onto his sister, desperate for the hole in his heart to shut, to be filled by his family’s love, for something to slide into the empty space.
After the seconds had stretched into minutes, Izzy’s fingers ran through Alec’s hair in a parental, loving way, “Speak to me, big brother. It’s just us now” she said in a hushed tone.
“I just feel so alone Izzy, I don’t feel like I belong anywhere, home almost feels like a hypothetical concept… I don’t know, I’ve been thinking that being Consul will fill the void that has grown inside me maybe... Maybe that will fix everything” the words tumbled out of Alec before he could hesitate, before he could question whether he should share this part of himself.
Izzy pulled back from him and stared down at her brother, her long fingers clasped on Alec’s upper arms as if he might float away if she let go. She gave him a sad look before she spoke, “I wonder if the void is from losing Max…” it was so quiet that Alec wasn’t sure if he had really heard or, but her eyes sparkled silver and the hurt on her phase was apparent. With a shaky breath, she continued, “I understand. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of sleep from nightmares of what Jonathan did to him. It breaks my heart when I remember all over again on those nights… but we have the rest of our family. We will always be each other’s home. Wherever we live, no matter where we go. You’ll always have a part of me, right here” and her hand loosened from Alec’s arm and her fingers splayed over Alec’s heart. It skipped a beat. His sister, normally crass and snarky was also one of the sweetest and most thoughtful people he had met and it was moments like this that he truly valued her. Which in turn, only increased his guilt because while he loved her deeply, and she was a part of his heart, it didn’t settle the beating of wings or still the crashing waves of bitter emptiness that rose into his throat.
When Izzy had left, Alec took his gear off wincing at the pain that still tore through his muscles and abdomen. He looked down at the wounds and realised they hadn’t fully cauterised from the iratze he had drawn over it earlier, he drew another one to be safe. Once he was properly healed, he went to the shower to wash the day off of him, alongside the sweat, dirt and blood that covered him from head to toe. His mind drifted to Magnus sweeping into the room, his power pulsing through every inch of the warehouse. It had seemed to pull the oxygen from the room with each tendril of starkness reaching out, yet, he had felt so safe. He buried his face into his hands as he leaned into the water, unable to ground himself or fathom the rollercoaster that was being around Magnus Bane.
Alec’s thoughts waned to Magnus’ words, the ones directed at the band of Seelie’s that had descended upon them. Magnus had said he had bigger plans, and Alec felt cold despite the hot water running down his body, he couldn’t stop himself from imagining what those plans were. Was Magnus annoyed that the Seelies had been offered an audience where he hadn’t? Or had he already conspired with the Greater Demon that Izzy had heard about? What was Magnus’ agenda, and could Alec secretly meddle to ensure Magnus wasn’t the one to unleash the dangers onto earth?
He recalled broken parts of Magnus’ words in his head, “ Do not meddle in my affairs again… there will be consequences beyond your wildest nightmares. ” Alec had seen some of the nightmarish consequences that Magnus was referring to and his body practically quaked at the thought. Despite everything, he was still terrified by Magnus, the pain that he could inflict, the ease in which he could do it and the cold stare that glazed over his eyes as he tortured people. It was enough to make Alec feel woozy as he quickly finished his shower. He quickly changed into something comfy and fell into his bed, exhausted from the mission and the range of the emotions he’d gone through.
***
Alec awoke the next day with an unholy headache, it pounded in his ears and the dizziness practically consumed him. He grabbed for his phone and squinted his eyes at it to ring Jace, “Sup man?”
“I have the worst headache - will you do some assignments for me while my iratze heals it, please?”
“Sure sure…” Jace said, trailing off, “Hey, are you okay?”
Alec froze at the gentleness in his parabatai’s voice, “You felt me yesterday, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, Alec, the sorrow and guilt was overwhelming”
“Look Jace, I just I’ve been feeling a little unanchored for the last year, a bit lonelier than I expected” Alec explained, and suddenly the line died and Alec stilled, panicked that he had offended Jace with his admittance. Then his door opened, and Jace looked at him fondly, shutting the door behind him as he stepped into the room.
“Alec, you always have me, you know that right?” He uttered, worry cracking his voice as he sat on the bed and took Alec’s hand in his and his next words made Alec’s heart shatter, “ For whither thou goest, I will go, And where thou lodgest, I will lodge. You are my home, Alec, and I am yours. We are together, always, right here” and Jace touched his own parabatai rune. Instinctively, Alec’s freehand dropped to his own with a sharp intake of breath and the emotions that flooded him. He took a moment to steady himself before speaking again, “I’ve just never felt I belong anywhere”
Jace laugh was almost sad in response, “I think that’s my line. You know my whole ‘who am I?’ schtick. A Wayland, a Lightwood, a Morgenstern, a Herondale. I could be anyone, and I could lose myself to that, but we have to push through that. I think I might let myself be a Fairchild instead one day… Although could you imagine the Clave’s reaction, or worse Mum and Dad’s reaction to a male Shadowhunter taking his wife’s name?” Jace’s cackle was more joyful this time, a hint of mischief lacing the words, but Alec could hear the sincerity in the suggestion. Maybe one day Jace would be Jace Fairchild, moored by the love of, and marriage, to Clary. He could be grounded in a way that felt like an obscure dream to Alec, a completely fantastical idea that would never come to fruition. They sat staring at each other for a long time, a continued non verbal conversation being shared in their connection. Alec could feel home forming around him, he knew the feeling would be fleeting, he often only felt it when him and Jace had a physical bond, but it was a moment of peace in an endless wasteland of solitude. So he grasped on tighter and held the moment to his heart, relishing in the feeling of home.
After some time, Jace let go and left the bed, smiling down at Alec, “I’ll go get assignments sorted. You just come down once the headache has faded. No rush”
Alec returned Jace’s smile, “It’s almost gone, I’ll just shower and then I’ll come check over the missions and brief everyone. Then I have to to submit my weekly report to the Clave, I feel like there’s so much to update them on”
Jace rolled his eyes, “The work of the pencil pushers never stops” he snarked before leaving the room, laughter carrying along the hallway as he left, obviously amused by his teasing of his brother.
Once himself and Jace had reviewed the missions and delegated assignments, Jace went out into the field, while Alec made his way to his office. He returned to reviewing some additional resources the Clave had sent, a note was attached:
Alec,
Some concerning information is coming in. Please read and check if you have any similar reports on your end.
Jia Penhallow
Alec’s face was etched with concern as he removed the note and started flicking through page after page of demon attacks. Most reports were from the LA Institute and detailed accounts of pentagrams being discovered, of rogue demons loose across cities. Someone seemed to be purposefully summoning them just to let them roam free. Initially, Alec’s thought went to Magnus, would he go to LA to summon demons to avoid it being traced to him? As Alec moved through the documents, he saw that a warlock had also been found dead at all of the scenes. With a gasp of realisation, he picked up his tablet, to search through the LA Downworlder murders that were documented on their system. Immediately Alec noticed pattern of a warlock murder happening around the same time as each demon being released. It seemed someone was forcing these warlock’s to bring the demons topside, but then were slitting their throats once the action was complete. Magnus was cruel, but would he really force one of his own to perform a summoning spell and then kill them? Alec doubted he would go that far. He had seen Magnus’ concern for his fellow warlocks, he’d seen the love between Magnus and his friends in the pictures. It was decided in his head before the thought really formed, he would have to send his best reconnaissance Shadowhunter to investigate and question people in Manhattan, his most discreet, he’d need Izzy’s diplomacy. Then, he would need to send Underhill to LA to convene with the Institute there, so they could provide more detailed reports of what they had experienced. For the mundanes he thought, just for the mundanes. But a part of him worried about the warlocks being murdered, and another, larger part of him wanted to prove Magnus would never commit such atrocious acts.
Alec picked up his phone and asked Underhill to come to his office immediately and within minutes the Shadowhunter was at his doorway, “Hi Sir, you wanted to see me?”
“Ah Underhill, thanks for coming so quickly, I have a mission I need to send you on and it means you’ll probably be away for a week, is there anything pressing here that you can’t be taken away from?” Alec asked.
“Nothing, Sir. I’ve mainly been on daily patrols”
“Perfect, I’ll be sending you over to the Los Angeles Institute, I haven’t spoken with them yet, but I’m sure they’ll accommodate given we’re experiencing overlapping issues. Consul Penhallow sent me some reports from LA to review and it turns out that sporadic demon activity is happening there too. I’ve noticed a pattern of a pentagram drawn, demon activity and a warlock murdered all around the same time and location. I’ll have a team here looking into if we have a similar pattern, but I’d like you to go out there for some eyes on the ground and to support their investigation. We need definitive proof of who it is, no assumptions, no prejudices ahead of time, just facts and evidence, please”
“Of course, Sir. Whatever the Clave needs”
“Thank you, Underhill. I trust you to carry this out, and don’t be afraid to conduct interviews of the Downworlders. I know we often do catch and interrogate, but they may be more free with their information in their own territory. That’s the tactic I’m employing here at least” Alec advised.
“That sounds like a good plan, Sir. When do I leave?”
“I’m aiming to have you go on Friday, tomorrow, that gives you a day to prepare. I still need to speak with the Head of the Los Angeles Institute, as I’ve only just received the reports in the last couple of hours. I didn’t anticipate finding such a pattern, so I’m going to call Andrew Blackthorn after this. Oh and could you scan those reports onto the system under LA, since Consul Penhallow sent them as paper copies, I don’t want to risk losing any information”
Underhill stood from his chair and nodded to Alec, “Definitely, Sir. I look forward to visiting the Los Angeles Institute, I’ve never been before”
“Hopefully you’ll get a chance to see the city a little” Alec said with a smile as Underhill left his office.
Alec took in a shaky breath, trying to avoid any thoughts that Magnus could be orchestrated the whole thing and he hadn’t noticed.
Chapter 5: You continue to surprise me, Alexander
Summary:
Alec witnesses atrocities and is tested to his limits on both days, but in very different ways. On Tuesday he is surprised at how he feels being at Magnus’ loft. Basically Alec’s rollercoaster never ends (because we are enemies to lovers, slow burn till we die)
Notes:
**TWs in the notes at end of the chapter!**
Thank you for reading and your comments🥰
As always, kudos are appreciated! Feedback and thoughts are massively welcomed🫶
I hope you enjoy this chapter🩷
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Alec had been training with Jace for over an hour on Friday morning, and the sweat was pooling at his spine under his shirt. He pulled it off his body, panting heavily. “Trying to distract me with your muscles?” Jace teased, gaining an eye roll from Alec.
“Shut up, brother” Alec huffed exasperated, and they both laughed then, the ridiculousness of the conversation distracting from the fight. When Alec recovered, he turned serious again, “Come on, fight me properly”
“Shouldn’t you be resting before tonight? You need to be at your best”
Alec sighed and dropped his stance, “I don’t need to be, plus I’m strong enough”
“You don’t need to be at your best?” Jace said with a frown.
“Well no, Magnus protects me” Jace hid his disgust from Alec and said nothing, just letting him continue, “He actually defended me when someone was disrespectful. And he helped us out at the warehouse. Plus he and his friends seem to just be so sweet with each other, there’s definitely love there. And he gave me some comfy clothes to come home in… he’s nice sometimes”
Jace grimaced, “Alec, what is going on?”
Alec looked at Jace confused now, “What do you mean?”
“You seem to worship the guy” Jace accused.
Alec blushed and began stuttering, “I - no, no I don’t. I - I couldn’t… I wouldn’t!”
Jace was taken aback, almost not expecting it to be true, “It’s been two weeks, how has he managed to manipulate you so quickly?”
“He hasn’t manipulated me, I think I’d know!” Alec yelled indignantly, “No… it’s just… I just think he’s got some humanity to him, but he still terrifies me, I still don’t trust him” Alec was defensive now.
Jace hummed thoughtfully, “Be careful, Alec, please.” Alec only nodded and then put his weapons back and left the room without saying any more. He made his way through the familiar corridors, feeling a complete disconnect from the place he should know as home. When he reached his room, he showered and dressed in a plain tee and jeans, and began wondering if he needed to buy new clothes. Maybe he could ask Izzy at some point, he thought.
Alec stumbled into the club as fast as he could, realising he was later than normal, and he was panic stricken. Once he was in the office, he ripped his own clothes off and quickly got changed into the clothes that had been laid out for him. He ran to the bar and got Magnus’ drink and rushed to stand compliantly in front of Magnus, the drink outstretched.
“Hmm, you’re late. How disappointing. Go sit” Magnus said, taking the drink without looking at him. It somehow hurt him more than if Magnus had inflicted physical pain on him, at least Alec could endure that kind of torture. He wasn’t used to letting people down, and the cold brutal way that Magnus had ignored him was the deepest disappointment he had experienced. Normally he lived to serve the angels and the Clave, but his short time with Magnus had made him want to be good, made him want to assist Magnus well. Maybe it was fear… His fear of future injury made the lack of it now even more terrifying. Yes, it must be that. He had lost himself in agonising thoughts and suddenly it was only minutes away from owing Magnus a drink. Alec jumped up and rushed back to the bar to grab Magnus’ next drink, and then he brought it back to the dais, holding it out and offered his free hand out for the empty glass. It made Magnus laugh darkly, “Are you trying to earn my forgiveness, little Nephilim?”
“Yes, Mr Bane” Alec replied quickly, hoping that was the right answer.
“I don’t do forgiveness Alexander, the Prince of Edom is not forgiving” Magnus said, drawing out each word, “But, you didn’t do anything I need to forgive. You were late and therefore you just need to prove yourself by behaving, young Shadowhunter. There’s no need for fussing.” Alec nodded solemnly, and Magnus simply held his hand out to Alec’s stool, “Sit. I don’t like you hovering” and disappeared the empty glass himself. He sat down hurriedly and stared at Magnus, watching him speak with grandiosity, hands waving wildly as he told stories to the group gathered with him tonight. Alec found himself yearning after an undefinable thing, some formless desire that he craved more desperately than he’d ever craved anything before. If only he could pinpoint what it was. Alec returned to his clock watching and waited for the next drink, which he got on time and cleared the other glass hastily. A tension in his chest was relieved as he was back on his stool, back on track at the small task he was doing for the High Warlock of Brooklyn.
Magnus gasped suddenly and drew up from his throne, “Decleaiaus” he greeted while a Seelie was being dragged in front of him.
“Mr Bane, we finally tracked him down” a man said, pushing him down in front of Magnus as Magnus put his protective spells around the platform to avoid mundane attention.
“Decleaiaus, why did you betray me?”
“I didn’t betray the cause, I swear” Decleaiaus said, shaking his head vigorously. Magnus’ hands came up and a tendril of red magic swirled around the Seelie as he screamed, “I didn’t do anything wrong, I swear. I did nothing wrong. I didn’t betray the cause. I didn’t. I swear” he begged, sobbing.
“What are you doing to him?” Alec demanded, unable to hesitate.
“He feels like his organs are melting, over and over again. I do love a little play in someone’s head, dear Alexander” he purred, and it set Alec’s teeth on edge.
“But the fair folk can’t lie” Alec defended, frustrated.
“But they do enjoy manipulating the truth, isn’t that right, Decleaiaus?” Magnus sneered, his voice drenched in a precarious threat that made Alec feel cold in his veins. Magnus didn’t stop, the torturing continued on, the screaming was nauseating, Decleaiaus was fitting now, eyes rolling back.
“Magnus, stop” Alec screamed, but his voice was drowned out by the mix of wailing from the Seelie, laughter from Magnus’ posse and Magnus’ angry ranting and questioning.
“Magnus, please” the Seelie begged one last time before Magnus let go of him, he let out a desperate cry, “Thank you, thank you”
“I’m bored of you now” Magnus said and shot Decleaiaus one last time with a blast of magic and the man fell dead.
Alec collapsed to the floor, panting and suddenly realised tears were streaming down his face. The whole thing had been so savage. He couldn’t face the excruciating suddenness of it all. Weeping took over him, his body wracked the emotion, and he couldn’t take his eyes off of the dead man’s own; lifeless, sunken. The seelie’s head had hit the ground so hard that blood was flowing over the floor. Alec was shocked out of his thoughts when a hand held onto his shoulder, he looked up wearily, it was Magnus. The warlock casually smiled at him, pushing his sweat soaked hair back from his forehead, “Hi Angel, will you go get myself and my friends drinks? A round of 12 shots, you’ll need to carry it carefully. No spilling” he laughed. Alec stared blankly at him, so Magnus laughed and added, “Chop chop, Nephilim!” As he spoke, he snapped his fingers and the body and blood was gone, as if they had never been there at all; a life erased with no evidence.
Alec stood up, his face expressionless as he wiped his face with the back of his hand, and walked to the bar. A single step at a time, unable to fathom thinking ahead of any more than one foot in front of the other. His legs wobbling at every step. When he got to the bar, the bartender looked at him worriedly but poured the shots on a tray, and slid it to him, “There you go, Alec. Let me know if you need anything else” he said, giving Alec a meaningful look. Alec gave a weak smile and took the tray to take back to Magnus who was dancing with his friends up on the dais.
He took the tray up and stood there as Magnus summoned everyone for a shot, “and you, Alexander” he gestured to the tray for the final shot glass. Alec took it with a tremor in his hand and Magnus clanged their glasses together and squealed a delightful, “Cheers!” and they both drank. On shaking legs, Alec turned from his spot and tentatively walked back to his stool. From there, he spent the evening with his gaze on the clock and fetching drinks at Magnus’ finger clicks, occasionally taking a shuddering breath when it all got too much. Once it was finally over, he walked home in the rain, unable to control the emotions that wash over him. He was almost disappointed by Magnus, he couldn’t explain it but he was flummoxed by the pure evil that had exuded from him. Especially after he had defended Magnus to Jace. Upon getting back to the Institute, he fell into bed fully clothed in the outfit Magnus had selected for him, unable to bring himself to change.
***
The next day, Alec arrived at Pandemonium early, hoping to avoid the worst from Magnus. After watching him switch from so cold and dangerous Prince of Darkness to the chuckling club owner with his admirers after killing someone, he was more terrified than ever of possible consequences. Shuddering at the memory, Alec opened the door to Magnus’ office and saw a top laid out for him, another sheer shirt, but this time it was a bright red that reminds Alec of the blood from yesterday.
Blood .
So much blood.
Clearing his mind of the images, he placed the other clothes from the night before on the sofa and picked up the clothes for tonight. Buttoning the new top with shaking hands, he took in a ragged breath before changing into the leather trousers. They seemed tighter today and he gulped down any nerves he had about walking back into the club like this.
Alec, against his reservations, stepped out into the main bar area, eyes searching for Magnus on his throne, but he wasn’t there. His footing staggered as he felt the bite of panic, the thought of being alone in the club with no protection, no weapons, no Magnus. It was a bizarre feeling, given Magnus’ actions just last night. Trying to look calm, he walked to the bar and smiled at one of the regular bartenders that he recognised, “Hey, have you seen Magnus?”
The bartender went to open his mouth, but he fell silent when an arm either side of Alec locked him in place at the bar and pressed him against it, almost painfully. There was a low, throaty chuckle that rasped into his ear and despite Alec’s instincts pointing only to danger he relaxed into the cage he had found himself in. “Why?” Magnus purred against his ear, the feeling of his breath against Alec’s neck, “Were you missing me, little Nephilim?”
“Yes” Alec breathed out before jolting at his own words, “Yes, you were missing. I wasn’t sure if something h-had come up… maybe… I wasn’t missing you, just that… well you were missing. I didn’t know if I still needed to get you a drink and sit down…” Alec trailed off.
Magnus’ tittered behind him, “Oh you are fun to tease, Alexander” he said, his thumb gently pressing on Alec’s pinky finger, stroking it firmly. It sent tingling up and down Alec’s spine and he felt frozen in place, unsure how to react, unsure how he was allowed to react. After a few moments passed, Magnus stepped to the side and began speaking to the bartender, “4 shots of tequila, please” and then turned back to Alec, “No clock watching tonight, young Shadowhunter, we’ve got more important things at hand”
Alec straightened at that, he was intrigued what important business Magnus would be conducting, and what role he could possibly play. The tequila was placed in front of them, Magnus pushed two to Alec and grabbed one of his own. When Alec didn’t move, Magnus tilted his head in encouragement at the tequila and Alec picked it up, “That’s the spirit” Magnus grinned and clinked the glass against Alec’s before shotting it back. Alec followed suit, and then they both did the same for the next one, “Now for the real fun” Magnus said holding his hand out to Alec, and Alec found himself taking it without thinking.
Magnus dragged him into the centre of the crowded dance floor and Alec’s heartbeat was thrumming, he wasn’t sure whether it was the music, the alcohol or being stuck in the mass of people. He didn’t have much time to think because Magnus spun him around to face away and crossed his left arm over Alec’s chest. Alec could feel Magnus’ hips press into him and he held back a gasp, and then he saw Magnus’ other hand come up and signal something. Suddenly the song was changing, a beat that seemed to please Magnus, as he hummed appreciatively behind him, “That’s more like it”
🎶Shots.
Order what you want, put it all on my tab (tab)
T-t-t-ta-a-a-a-a-ab🎶
Magnus’ hips were moving against him, but Alec was still, unsure what Magnus wanted from him, unsure how to dance since he hadn’t ever done that before. Particularly not to music like this. Alec felt Magnus’ free hand slide onto his hip, “Loosen up, Alexander. You’re not out on patrol, you’re with me, safe in the club, you’re allowed to have fun” Magnus whispered in his ear, just loud enough to hear over the music. It could have been fear or the encouragement from the man behind him but he let his hips move in time to the music, following the sway of the Magnus’ body. The music pounded now, driving them faster in their movements against each other, and Alec almost felt himself letting go.
🎶 Girl
If you ain’t notice, this my world
There’s still a lot you gotta learn 🎶
And Magnus was now singing the lyrics low into Alec’s ear, and Alec’s mind drifted, wondering if this was how Magnus always started with his conquests. Some lewd or absurd reason to trap them into agreeing to follow his instruction, and then lead them onto the dance floor to show his power. He was suddenly pulled out of his thoughts when Magnus let go of his waist and took a drink from a server with a ‘Thank you’ and held a straw up to Alec, “Drink”
“What is it?” Alec asked.
“Something nice. Drink, Alexander” and at those words, Alec couldn’t prevent himself from allowing the straw to be pushed in between his lips. He drank, it was Coke and some kind of alcohol he wasn’t sure of, “Keep going” Magnus cooed in his ear. Alec was mildly irritated by the tone that Magnus was condescending him with, but between the alcohol and his body moving to the music, he couldn’t care for too long. Magnus pulled the drink away from him and downed the rest, then sent the glass off somewhere.
🎶 She not a good girl, nah, she naughty
It's just me and you
I-i-in this club, ah, ah, ah
No one matter to me
Except for us, us-us-us-us 🎶
The last of the lyrics came, but the best continued, Magnus’ hips were still gyrating sinfully against Alec, and Alec began to notice that Magnus was hard as he pressed on him. Not only that, but he himself was starting to grow harder, he shook his head to himself, willing it to stop. He wasn’t enjoying this, he couldn’t be, Magnus Bane was a warlock, an evil, cold blooded warlock. Just as he was about to pull away, Magnus finger grazed his cheek like a whisper, and then it continued to slide down his neck and over his chest, and then down his side to his waist. Alec couldn’t stop the shiver that ran through his body at the softness of the touch he leaned back against Magnus, his hips still moving to the beat, his body still being held firmly by Magnus’ arm. Magnus’ finger trailed to the top of the low rise trousers, and paused, gently playing with the hem, almost Alec mused, like a promise for later. Alec pushed that thought away immediately. The song ended then and Alec relaxed, hoping the next song would cause less rousing thoughts, or that maybe they would go sit down. But any hopes of leaving the dance floor died when the next song started and Magnus pulled him closer, and every inch of Magnus’ front was connected to Alec’s back, “I wonder if this song is about us” Magnus chuckled wickedly.
🎶 I wanna be your slave, I wanna be your master
I wanna make your heartbeat run like rollercoasters
I wanna be a good boy, I wanna be a gangster
'Cause you could be the beauty and I could be the monster 🎶
Alec choked on the realisation of the lyrics and Magnus pushed Alec’s arms up in the air to dance, then trailed his finger tips down both of his upright arms. He felt Magnus’ hands start to trail up and down his body as they danced. The adrenaline coursed through his body as Magnus’ hungry touch explored him.
“Do you want to be a good boy, Alexander? Be my beauty?” Magnus’ breath was hot against him and the gravelly tone only caused Alec’s cock to strain further against his trousers. While he refused to speak, his noises gave him away when he involuntarily whined at Magnus’ words. Alec knew he loved approving words, always appreciated being commended on a job well done, but Magnus’ praise felt otherworldly. He flushed at the thought, he’d almost said ‘angelic’ in his head, and the irony of calling a half demon angelic was not lost on him. “I’ll take that as a yes” Magnus purred at him, and span him around so they were face to face, pulling Alec’s arms down and draping them around his neck. Alec was horrified at himself, mortified that he was almost enjoying this, but the fear that overcame his body was the worst, what was Magnus going to do to him? Upon seeing the worry crossing Alec’s face, Magnus hooked his thumbs into Alec’s belt loops and looked into the Shadowhunters eyes, “Don’t worry, Alexander. You’re still nobody’s whore, this is just fun. It’s letting go, enjoying yourself” at the words, Alec visibly relaxed in relief, he hadn’t realised how much tension he was holding.
“Thank you, Mr Bane. I - well, it was just never part of the contract”
“And it won’t be” Magnus said firmly, “I just thought I’d get you off that stage for a night, bring you down here to dance to the music”
“I’ve never really danced like that before” Alec admitted, flushing, a sudden shyness washing over him now that they were face to face.
“You’d never have been able to tell” Magnus complimented with a wink, pulling Alec closer by the belt loops, and then Magnus’ eyes went wide. Their whole bodies had been pressed into each other with the tug closer and Alec saw the moment in Magnus’ eyes when he felt their hardness against one another’s. Magnus let go of Alec then and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Alec stranded on the dance floor. He tried to follow him, to chase him down but he had lost sight of him completely. Just then a fire message shot in front of Alec and he jumped back but grabbed it.
‘Go home. I’ll see you Tuesday.
~ Magnus Bane’
Alec blinked a few times at the words, he knew exactly what they meant but he couldn’t fathom why he was being sent home early. His eyes closed tightly. He clearly hadn’t annoyed the warlock any more than usual, because he wasn’t being tortured the way the Seelie was yesterday, but he felt a sickness crawling over his body. Pulling himself together enough to open his eyes, he stuffed the note in his pocket and left the club without looking back. He began wondering if Magnus didn’t like the fact that Alec seemed to be enjoying himself, maybe Magnus had been getting off on the fact that Alec was disgusted by the whole thing. Which he had been… hadn’t he?
His walk home had tears pricking at his eyes and he was stuck in a state of confusion, unsure why everything seemed to be affecting him so much. By the time Alec was back at the Institute he had concluded it was the alcohol messing with his emotions, it must be, he wasn’t used to drinking. Back in his room, he took off the shirt Magnus’ had given him and laid it on the bed, deciding he’d have them cleaned along with the ones from yesterday and then would take them back to Magnus’ on Tuesday. He unfastened the trousers and pulled them down slowly, fighting with the tightness of the material as he did, he got them to his ankles when he was suddenly upturned. The trousers tugged off his feet and he was on the floor, his legs frozen in shock above him, and then his clothes that he wore to Pandemonium fell onto his face. With a snarl he ripped them from his face and yelled into the empty space, “Fuck you, Bane!” He knew the Warlock wouldn’t be able to hear him, but he wasn’t sure how else to get his increasing anger out. The clothes he’d just removed had vanished, presumably back to Magnus. He pulled on some sweat pants, then stormed topless and bare foot down to the training room, panting angrily and looking wild as he turned into the room.
“Raziel! What is going on with you?” Izzy gasped as she saw Alec like a feral animal crossing the room to the punching bag. He began a tirade of punches and kicks on the bag, each punctuated with a low, angry growl. Izzy had to stifle a laugh at how much like a werewolf he was and then her own thoughts scared her, “You aren’t turning into a werewolf are you?”
Alec shot her a disgruntled look, “Are you really ragging on me right now? Do I look in the mood for jokes, Izzy?”
She held her hands in the air, nervous laughter escaping her lips before she spoke, “You just seem like a rabid animal”
“Well Magnus pissed me off” Alec said as he continued to assault the punching bag.
“Did he hurt you? What did he do?” Izzy asked in a flurry of concern.
“He made me leave early” Alec said, and as he continued throwing punches, he realised how petulant it sounded, and how weird it was to be annoyed about that. Izzy was silent, other than stuttering over a couple of attempts to start sentences, but failed and just stared at Alec perplexed. Alec hit the bag a few more times before he frowned and turned to Izzy, “You’re never quiet for this long Izzy, it’s freaking me out”
“I just… I’m confused” she said, a look of worry on her face that Alec didn’t understand, “I guess, I would have just thought it would have been a good thing to come home early?”
Home .
He hid the cringe that threatened to overcome his body at the word and just smiled at her, “I think I just want this to go well. If I’m leaving the Institute in someone’s hands for three days a week, I want my time away to feel worthwhile. But being given half tasks and being sent away half way through feels like I’m not finishing what I promised in the contract” he explained, unable to hide the anxious tone in his voice.
“So what? You’re concerned he might come back and demand more because you didn’t give enough time?” Izzy asked, trying to piece together Alec’s incoherent thoughts.
“Yeah exactly” Alec replied quickly, not sure if he even agreed with that being the issue, but wanting to avoid the conversation going any further. His head was a mess. He checked the clock in the training room, “Maybe I could put some gear on and we could go find a mission, what do you say?”
Izzy’s thin lipped smile spread into a grin then, the hunter’s smirk as some of her Downworld lovers had called it when Alec had encountered them on missions. It was always said fondly, and Alec had to agree that it suited her bold features, she was the most natural Shadowhunter he knew, “Let’s do it” she agreed.
***
Since Saturday, Alec had been shaky, he couldn’t comprehend how different Magnus had seemed to him between Friday and Saturday. Maybe it was that he was the same party mad, playboy warlock, but he couldn’t help but feel their time on Saturday was different. Well, until Alec had done some unknown thing and been sent away.
Now he was walking into Magnus’ building, and he could feel the trickle of magic against his skin once more. It felt inviting, pulling him in again, the door was already open when he arrived at the loft’s entrance. He walked through, looking around for Magnus, and seeing him at his drinks cart.
“Hello, my little Nephilim” he said turning around, holding a drink, “What a fine time we had on Saturday, hey?”
“If that’s what you call sending me off early” Alec muttered, more to himself, as he walked across to Magnus.
“Oh you wanted to stay with me did you?” Magnus smirked.
“No, no, I just, didn’t get it. I didn’t understand what I’d done wrong” Alec replied truthfully.
“I have a client coming and I don’t have time for your petty concerns or lack of understanding, sit on the sofa and be quiet until I ask for you. You can obviously help yourself to coffee and tea when you want, although I’m assuming it’ll be coffee” Magnus said, turning to consult a few books that lay in front of him. Alec was amazed that Magnus had remembered that on the two previous occasions he had selected coffee. Which, at the thought, he promptly made his way to the coffee machine to make himself a coffee. His thoughts were interrupted when a knock came at the door, and he heard Magnus open the door, “Ahhhh, the human CEO, what can I do for you?” Magnus greeted, his voice grand and commanding.
“Mr Bane, thank you for seeing me. I need help with summoning a demon for a favour for my company” the person said, and Alec heard them step inside. Alec made his way to the sofa, eyeing the woman who was inside the living room now.
“How devilish. Sure. This is Alec, he’ll be assisting me today” Magnus introduced and Alec waved as the woman greeted him. Assist was exactly what he did for once; for the whole day he grabbed items and books for Magnus, fetched drinks, and stayed out of the way when told. For the first time since signing the contract, he felt like an actual assistant and it was almost satisfying to him.
The whole day had felt long and exhausting, and his mind felt somehow blissful in the bone deep tiredness. He checked his phone for the time and saw that it was 5pm, and went to find Magnus so he could go back to the Institute. The warlock had said his goodbyes to the CEO, returned the greater demon to one of the far reaches of the demonic realm and then headed into the apothecary to clear up. Before Alec could reach the doorway, Magnus came out with a flourish, “Well young Shadowhunter, you are free to go now, unless you would like to stay for dinner? I was mulling over having a dish from my own culture tonight”
Alec smiled at Magnus then, “Oh? What were you thinking of having?”
“A traditional Indonesian dish called Nasi Campur. Comes with many side dishes, I bet you’d love it with all that insatiable Shadowhunter appetite”
It took a second of hesitation in which time Alec thought of the bland food at the Institute, his lack of desire to go back to his office or bare bedroom, and his intrigue of the dish, “Yeah sure, I’ll stay. Just let me tell my brother and sister I’ll be home later”
“Great!” Magnus chimed, walking past him, “I’ll get started on cooking”
As Alec texted his siblings, he paused at the words, “Wait you’re cooking?”
“Of course. I have to make sure it’s perfect, and the only way to do that is use an ancestral recipe” Alec gawped at the warlock. Was the Price of Edom really about to cook for him? Once he sent his messages, he walked into the kitchen and saw Magnus point to a stool in front of the breakfast bar, “Take a seat, Alexander. Would you like a cocktail?” Alec agreed to the drink and sat down on the comfy barstool, as he got settle a pornstar martini appeared in front of him. He picked it up gratefully and took a sip, watching as Magnus chopped different vegetables and began cooking them in his pan. The whole time Magnus prepared the meal, Alec couldn’t take his eyes off of him, he couldn’t quite believe this was happening before his eyes. Prince of Edom, High Warlock of Brooklyn and evil torturer, stood here preparing a meal for two while humming along to the music playing. Quite frankly, Alec also wasn’t expecting the music choice either, it seemed to be back-to-back cheery pop songs. They didn’t really converse, but they shared the occasional grin and head bob at the music, and every now and then, Magnus would explain the parts of the dish he was preparing.
The meal was delicious, and Alec hadn’t stopped chuckling at Magnus’ stories from his centuries on earth, especially the past few decades. They had been so full of adventure, so different from the life Alec had lived so far. Magnus’ voice was giddy as Alec focused in on the punchline of another one of Magnus’ great stories, “And then Bon Jovi turned to me and said ‘Well you wrote the bloody song!’” The two of them burst into roars of laughter simultaneously.
“By the angel, you’re ridiculous!” Alec said, mirth still filling his voice, and then it trailed off and something quieter came out of his mouth, “Your place really does feel like a home, you know?”
Magnus face grew fond, “It might have a lot of clients in and out, but it’s my sanctuary. My one true source of happiness, you can’t forsake that. And I never miss an opportunity to build a place I love or put the things I love in that space” Alec smiled genuinely but as quick as it came, it turned grief stricken. “Why does that make you sad?” Magnus asked.
“No no, not your home. Your home is amazing. I just… I guess I don’t believe I have a home”
“You live at the Institute” Magnus pointed out as if it was obvious.
“Just because I live somewhere, doesn’t make it home” Alec said leaning back on his chair when he’d put his knife and fork down on the plate.
Magnus hummed in consideration, “Interesting. I though Shadowhunters loved the Institute and Idris”
“I love them, but I don’t feel the warm fuzzy feeling that people say” Alec stated.
“You continue to surprise me, Alexander” Magnus said, before adding, “In good ways” with a wink.
Alec smiled with a shrug, “I better get back anyways. Thank you so much for the meal, it was perfect. Some of the best food I’ve ever had”
“Wow, a big compliment, I didn’t think you were particularly capable of those, Mr Serious Shadowhunter” Magnus chuckled.
Alec left the dining room table and Magnus stood up with him, "Well it’s been a pleasure as always Alexander, and I will be seeing you on Friday”
Alec nodded, “Yes, thank you again. See you on Friday” he said, and left the loft with a smile over his shoulder at Magnus.
Notes:
TWs: Murder / possibly graphic depictions of death / death / blood / mature? but brief mentions of sexual content
Chapter 6: I can’t lose you
Summary:
We see Alec continue his investigation into dangerous territory after his 3rd week with Magnus - and is the Shadowhunter maybe getting a little closer with the warlock?
Notes:
Thank you for continuing to read and comment🥰 It’s so nice hearing from people about my fic
I’ve finally come to the end of my planning, so unless this gets an epilogue, we’re looking at 14 chapters - so we’re just under half way through! (Lots more opportunities for whiplash🤪)
As always, kudos are massively appreciated! Feedback and thoughts are more than welcomed🫶
I hope you enjoy this chapter🩷
Chapter Text
Alec had woken early on Wednesday, he had vital intel to review that he hadn’t had an opportunity to before today and he’d requested Jace meet him in the office. As he waited, a fire message came through and he plucked it from the air, he was surprised to see it was from Magnus.
‘Alexander,
Thank you for your company last night, it is not often I get an opportunity to cook my native dishes for someone
~ MB’
Quickly, he pushed it into his desk’s top drawer trying to prevent the grin that was spreading on his face. Frustrated with himself, but eager to reply, he sketched out his fire message.
‘ That’s a shame because the food is awesome. Thank you for cooking
~ Alec ’
He was especially frustrated with himself given he wasn’t sure if he could trust the warlock completely, he had been entirely inconsistent. With an eye roll, he drew nourishment and stamina runes on his arm and sighed in relief at the feeling of being more alert. Jace’s head peered around the door, “Hey bro”
“Hi Jace, come in, we’ve got a ridiculous amount to do between now and me heading to Pandemonium on Friday evening. This contract will be the death of me, I swear. I’m already exhausted”
Jace’s face contorted at that, concern immediately present, “I thought I could feel something through the bond. I wasn’t sure if it was just the new position as Head of the Institute”
“I guess it’s both, I’ve been trying to listen to Magnus’ conversations but they’re so hard to follow between the loud music and having to be up and down for drinks. Plus I don’t even know if any of the conversations have meaning, or if they’re just as mind numbing as they sound sometimes. And, I guess partially I’m exhausted from this large issue we’re having that seems to be more than just demon hoards randomly appearing in New York. I just can’t believe there’s warlock deaths and other cities who are experiencing the same issues”
“Me and Clary have been conducting some research in the library on Greater Demons and their different powers, we’re trying to nail down who it could be but it feels like a needle in a haystack. Really we need someone with more expertise”
“That and with more experience, someone who has been around awhile”
“Magnus?”
“No, I don’t want him involved yet… I can’t tell exactly where he stands, he might be on our side for some stuff, but I’m still not sure if he’s on our side for everything. I don’t want to risk anything” Alec explained, and then silence fell on the two as they were deep in thought, “Actually, our parents used to use Catarina Loss’ services, and I’ve had word she’s back in the city after her extended trip to the Spiral Labyrinth. I’ll send her a fire message”
Once the fire message was sent, basically telling her to come whenever she could, Alec and Jace reviewed the reports and created a strategy for the weekend’s patrols, “So how have you been finding leading the charge a few days a week?” Jace smiled at Alec, a genuine smile that felt like the strings of Alec’s heart were being plucked softly. Alec was sometimes in awe of the bond that parabatais shared, it was a connection like no other.
“It’s been good, I thought I wouldn’t like it as much as being on the ground, but it’s been great - Clary has been a big help as well”
Alec relaxed at the statement, “I’m so pleased, it means that when-“ Before he could say anymore, a portal opened up and a blue skinned woman walked through, looking directly at himself and Jace. “You must be Catarina Loss, I’m Alec Lightwood, new Head of the New York Institute” he introduced himself and then gestured to Jace, “And this is my brother, Jace Herondale”
Catarina shook both of their hands, a warm and friendly expression on her face, “Pleased to meet you both. Now, your message was vague, would you care to fill me in?” Alec did so dutifully as they all sat down around his desk, he was careful to keep his theories private, but handed her the reports and his notes on the links. With a clearing of her throat, her eyes flicked up to meet Alec’s, “I think my friend, Magnus Bane, may be of more use for this particular occasion”
Curiosity got the best of Alec, his question tumbling out, “Friend?”
“Well, best friend if we’re going to be specific” Catarina chuckled, “He wouldn’t be happy if he knew I wasn’t adding he was the best” she must have notice the concern on Alec and Jace’s faces because she clarified, “He whines like a petulant teenager, despite his big age. I can’t listen to a decade of ‘why didn’t you tell those Shadowhunters I was your best friend, Catarina? Friend is such an understatement. Am I not your best friend, Cat?’” Her mock Magnus voice drew a surprised chortle from Alec.
“That sounds like Magnus” he mused, and couldn’t help notice the mild affection in his voice.
“You know him?” She asked with a frown.
“Well he is the High Warlock of Brooklyn, plus I’m working with him at the moment, we’ve been working together for the past 3 weeks”
Cat frowned, “He didn’t tell me… So if you’re working together already, why isn’t he involved in this?”
Alec swallowed, and then took a steady sip from his cup of coffee to give himself time to find a diplomatic way to phrase his next sentence, “I think myself and the High Warlock may have different methods of dealing with sensitive situations”
Cat’s eye widened slightly with understanding, “Oh right that. I always forget he-” she babbled and then stopped herself, “Well I am happy to help. We should exchange phone numbers, might be slightly easier than fire messages” Alec agreed and they exchanged numbers quickly, before the three of them discussed the cases further and the plan Alec had put into action already with the LA Institute.
“Can I create copies of these for myself to take back to the Spiral Labyrinth, please?”
“Be my guest” Alec said, but his mind was still on what Catarina had almost confessed about Magnus. Forgot he was what? His mind drifted to the photos on Magnus’ shelves, how comfortable Catarina looked with Magnus, how fond their eye contact always was. He couldn’t tell if it made him trust Magnus more or trust Catarina less, but regardless the wheels he had set in motion couldn’t be stopped. He was Magnus’ assistant for the next 5 weeks, and he had now involved Catarina in a case that might pertain to her best friend. Once Catarina had made copies and left, Jace said goodbye to go out on mission with Clary. Alone again, Alec started reviewing a book on Greater Demons that Clary had brought him, finding little that pertained to the case but remaining diligent nonetheless. A fire message appeared in front of him and he snatched it from the air, unfurling it:
‘ Spent the morning with a very grumpy vampire client, I hope your morning as been more interesting, or at least less dull than mine
~ MB ’
Alec accidentally let out an embarrassingly long giggle at the message and coughed surreptitiously to the empty room. He added the note to the seemingly growing pile of fire messages from Magnus, he couldn’t pinpoint why he was keeping them but he also couldn’t throw them out. Tutting at himself for getting distracted, he returned to his research until he was meeting his siblings and Clary for a late lunch.
Izzy met him on the corridor as he walked to the dining hall and he flashed her a grin, “How was the Seelie court?”
“Better than expected, we’ll head to your office after lunch to discuss, for now I’m starving” Izzy declared, dramatically pressing the back of her hand to her forehead. Alec laughed softly at his sister when a fire message appeared for him.
‘ Called Jon Bon Jovi at lunch and got into an argument about that god forsaken song
~ MB ’
Spluttering out a laugh that he couldn’t withhold, Alec caught his sister’s inquisitive stare, to which he responded by shoving the message in a pocket on the inside of his jacket and shrugging. It was almost more worrying to him that she didn’t ask, as in the world of Isabelle Lightwood that often meant she was plotting something greater. The last few steps into the canteen felt excruciatingly long after Izzy had given him her detective stare down, but he waved at Jace and Clary and pushed down any future concerns. They quickly joined them and chatted easily, Alec ate his food and listened to the three joking with each other, his thoughts edging towards the taste of Magnus’ cooking. While the Institute was esteemed for a many number of reasons, it definitely wasn’t known for its food. Although Alec hazarded a guess that the High Warlock of Brooklyn wasn’t known for his culinary skills either. The difference was, the Institute’s meals were nutritional and a good source of energy, whereas Magnus’ cooking had been a warm enveloping hug.
“Alec, what could you possibly be blushing at? We haven’t even mentioned you” Izzy said, another look of analysis casting over him. Without noticing, a flush had crept along his neck and face, he checked himself in the reflection of his phone screen and saw how red he had gotten.
“It’s nothing” he muttered with a raise of his shoulders, and shovelled another forkful of his lunch into his mouth.
“You’ve been so weird lately, bro” Jace stated, “You don’t have a boyfriend do you?”
Alec choked on his mouthful of rice, “No I don’t, when would I exactly have time to squeeze a social life in? And could you keep it down, you guys might know but no one else at the Institute does and I would like it to stay that way” he chastised.
Jace shot him an apologetic look, “Sorry” he whispered, “You just seem… different” he ventured.
“The past two months haven’t exactly been status quo” Alec pointed out, simultaneously pointing his fork at his brother and sister.
Half an hour later, Alec was back at his desk glaring down Izzy’s high heels that were currently propped up on his desk. She fixed him with a look, “Brother, there’s more important things than my shoes”
Will a roll of his eyes he conceded, however he did grant himself one last flick of his pen against her exposed skin, drawing out a yelp.
“You’re right, let’s discuss -“ but as he spoke, a fire message came through, falling directly into his hand.
‘ Just had a werewolf claw his way out my loft. Why do werewolves insist on literally clawing their way out of everything
~ MB ’
Alec managed to hold back his laughter. “Jeez, you’re popular today” Izzy commented, sounding irritated, Alec thought she was probably annoyed she wasn’t in on the joke, or that she wasn’t receiving the gossip.
“It’s because I’m gathering intel” Alec noted, “There’s a lot of conflicting narratives, which I’m assuming you’re about to give me another”
“It was odd, he was honest but not forthcoming, it’s the most shut down I’ve ever seen him. They’re hiding something, Alec. I thought the Seelies might have fractioned, but if anything, I’m convinced they’re working as a tighter unit than ever before” Izzy reported.
“Damn it” Alec growled, one of his fists slamming onto the desk in front of him. It was hard enough to make Izzy jump and pull her legs back off the desk, and Alec through her an apologetic look, “Sorry, this is just crazy. First, the rift that was going to be the downfall of my career, and now this that’s a hundred times bigger and more dangerous. We don’t have definitive proof and we need it. I don’t know how to get it, Iz”
Izzy smiled sympathetically and leaned forward to rest her hand on his forearm, “We’ll figure it out - Catarina is going to be a huge help I’m sure, she contacted me for the autopsies, and she seems dedicated”
Alec nodded, “I’m meeting her tomorrow I think, unless nothing comes up in the meantime”
“Well you’ve assigned me for patrol this afternoon, so I better go get ready, but just give me a shout if you need anything. I’m always here” she said standing up and walking to the door, but paused in the doorway, “And Alec?”
He looked up at her from the paperwork he had began flicking through, “Yeah?”
“Whoever this mystery fire message sender is seems to make you happy, don’t let our teasing stop you pursuing it”
The statement felt like it had laid him bare, and he couldn’t bring himself to respond, opting to simply let out a low hum and return to the stack of documents. Izzy left without saying anything further, and Alec was left questioning the feelings that apparently his sister could see.
Later in the afternoon, there was an urgent knocking at his office door and when he called for them to enter, it was one of the comms team, “Sir, we found the body from the last demon summoning. Izzy and Catarina are in the morgue with the warlock body now”
“Thanks for coming to get me, I’ll be right down” he said and the man nodded and left the room.
When he arrived, Catarina moved to greet him, “I’ve noticed a pattern with the warlocks who are dying, they’re all unallied. It got me thinking, the reason I went to the Spiral Labyrinth was because of ward tampering, I mean no one got in, the wards are too powerful, but it is worrying when we see people try. I’m now wondering if our current issues are linked, and it’s all part of the same scheme. I don’t know what dark forces are trying to breach the Spiral Labyrinth, but it has us on high alert. They’re breaking covenant warlock law, even the unallied don’t usually do that”
Alec sucked in a breath, unsure if the next move was the right move but ploughing on anyway, “I know he’s your friend, but could it be Mag-“
He was interrupted by laughter from Catarina, which perplexed him until she spoke, “If anything my dear friend follows their rules to an excruciating compliance. While I have to admit it’s amusing, sometimes malicious compliance isn’t his best work though. No matter how reckless he may be, he does not ignore the law. Plus he has unfettered access to the Spiral Labyrinth, one of the highest clearances, so he would have no reason to, and plus he wouldn’t do it so poorly. The Warlock Council may not like Magnus, but they respect him and everything he has done, which means his eccentricities go unmentioned. Regardless, he would have no motive”
Staggered by the passion in Catarina’s unfiltered defence of Magnus, it took Alec a minute to compose himself, “Sorry, that does make sense. Sometimes his actions are so at old da with others, that I cannot tell where he stands on these matters”
Catarina made a small noise in the throat and swiftly moved the conversation on, “I’ve also been looking at the patterns of the locations, and I think I know where the next pentagram will be drawn, and therefore where the next warlock will appear. If we can intercept, maybe we can get some more direct information”
Alec thanked her with a handshake and briefly discussed next steps with Izzy before retreating back to his office and the endless pile of reports and sign offs. Magnus had been sending fire messages with small jokes that had Alec in giggles at his desk all afternoon and evenings. Alec could see how strange this situation had become after only three weeks, but he was enjoying the fire messages. One had come and said:
‘ Alexander, I need to know if these are worth sending or if I’m being ignored!
~ MB ’
And he’d replied quickly:
‘ All I’d have to offer is “Haha” which feels silly in a fire message - assume I’m laughing hysterically at my desk unless I tell you otherwise
~ Alec ’
It was such a trivial exchange but the rush Alec got over the messages was an excitement he usually only felt on a mission.
During their exchanges, he had finally cleared his in-tray when a new fire message arrived. Another message appeared in his reach him them.
‘ Made too much food tonight and thought about your insane Nephilim appetite
~ MB ’
The words on the paper had a grin forming on his face and a knot tightening in his stomach. A knock sounded at his open door and he stuttered out a breath as he shot upright in his chair to look at the Shadowhunter. Aline Penhallow was fidgeting at the threshold, she had only been at the Institute for a week, but as promised by her mother, she was already a great asset. Her lips curled up cautiously, “Hi Sir, Ms Lightwood finished the autopsy and asked me to run this up to you while she does some lab work” her hand held the autopsy findings. Alec held his hand out and Aline took the hint and stepped into the room to hand it to him, still seemingly nervous, “Also, Sir, I had a request”
“Okay”
“There won’t be a formal request, but Helen Blackthron will be visiting from Friday evening until Monday morning. I just wanted to make sure she could have a room assigned”
Alec frowned at her, “And why isn’t there a formal request?”
With a shaky breath, Aline met his gaze and he could see a desperate need to be understood when she continued speaking, “Because she won’t be here on official Clave business, it’ll be a… personal visit”
“Shadowhunters don’t do personal” he said with a laugh, “But yes, I’ll make sure she has a room ready from Friday, and I’ll update the facilities staff to accommodate an additional person for the weekend… it’s rare to see someone be so open”
“Well I trust you, Sir” she said as if it was obvious.
“What makes you say that?” He asked, the sincerity in his question seemed to surprise Aline.
“People talk” she offered with a shrug, “People commend you for running one of the most efficient Institutes across all the continents, but they also speak of your understanding and compassion”
Alec considered this for a second, “Well, while I consider all Shadowhunters to be duty bound, we are also human, and that comes with very real human emotions” he paused, unsure if his next words should be spoke aloud when they never had before, “And on a more personal note, I am sympathetic”
His words were laced with the double meaning that he hoped Aline would understand, and he could see the moment she realised as her eyes went wide, “I had no idea” she managed to get out in a whisper.
“I don’t exactly make it a point to share my internal feelings. You can forge your own path, but I have long ago chosen mine, and I’m at peace with it” Alec said, the certainty in his voice still always surprised him. She nodded with a grateful smile and turned to leave, “Aline?”
“Yes, Sir?”
“Isn’t Helen Blackthorn part Seelie?” The question wasn’t said with harmful intent but he noticed Aline blanche at the words.
“Yes, Sir”
“Interesting… You’re braver than you know” Alec offered, thinking about the complex feelings he had for his Downworlder. The Downworlder, he corrected to himself, not his, never his. She left the room with a barely audible thank you and Alec was once again alone. He accepted that he was done for the night, despite his desperation to go patrol tomorrow’s potential next demon summoning circle. When he got into bed, he tossed and turned on the firm mattress and stared at his ceiling blankly, trying to will his body into sleep. While he continued to stare, a fire message shot in front of him. The glittering pink letters shot a feeling of warmth through his whole body.
‘ Ran into your minion Raj Khatri tonight.
He told me I was disgusting, but at least you don’t agree with that, do you little Nephilim?
~MB ’
Something roiled inside him at the question, he quickly fought it down and slid the fire message into his bedside table, trying to ignore his own body’s response.
***
Izzy was practically buzzing with excitement when Alec strolled into the Operations centre, she bounded over to him, “Can we go now?”
“Yes, we just need Catarina for the portal”
“Well here I am, let’s get started shall we?” Catarina asked as she created the portal in front of them. Aline came to join them, and her and Alec shared a quick exchange of greeting before the four of them stepped through the portal.
On the other side, they seemed to be in a rundown office building, and while they were out of sight, there was someone making noise just around the corner. Everyone knew the plan, and so they immediately got into position, Alec readying his bow and arrow as they moved in the direction of the sound.
When they had a clear sight on the warlock, Alec noted their features, they had antlers protruding from their hair and as their face turned, their lips were twisted into a snarl as they caught sight of them. Catarina acted first, her magic temporarily disarming the warlock, Izzy slowly moving to utilise the Clave sanctioned handcuffs, but before she could reach him, he broke free. His magic blasting outwards, causing Catarina to stumble backwards at the force. Izzy sliced his arm with her whip, the cool concentrating of a hunter crossing her face as she prepared for her next move, eyes darting to Catarina. Alec loosed an arrow but it was dissolved in mid-air by the warlock.
“He’s stronger than I expected, I think he’s pulling from another power source” Catarina called to Alec and they shared brief eye contact full of concern before Alec drew another arrow and Catarina advanced on the warlock.
Another arrow flew at the warlock and it was shattered this time, and Alec helplessly watched as Catarina wielded her magic. There was no way to keep up with the flying sparks, the walls of defence versus the attacks, so Alec continued nocking arrows and directing them at the rogue warlock.
The warlock’s attention quickly pivoted to Alec and he barely had time to think before a whirl of colour and flashes was launched at him. A searing pain shot up and down his torso and he screamed out, collapsing to the floor, he looked down to see a large open wound, so deep that he couldn’t look for long. His head was pounding, the world spinning as he laid fully back against the concrete, he could hear his sister screaming and Catarina yelling instructions. Magic seemed to roar around him as the darkness consumed his vision.
“I felt him down the bond” Jace said from somewhere, the words distant yet urgent.
“How bad is he” another voice asked.
The black void consumed his thoughts again, the voices fading.
“My magic is too weak, I can’t - I can’t do it. God, what do we do” Catarina’s voice filtered through, her deep panic filling every inch of his brain. Was he dying?
There were voices shouting, fractured arguments, but the words were garbled, his brain unable to piece together anything.
When he came back into vague consciousness, he heard a familiar, commanding voice that demanded everyone out of the room. It felt like a weighted blanket on his brain and he let himself fall into the emptiness again.
He was waiting to hear the angels call upon him, when a nothingness clung to him for a seemingly unending time. Was the nothingness clinging to him or what he clinging to it? The parabatai bond flared with agitation and fear. No, no, he was absorbed by the nothingness, it was inescapable.
“No you can’t leave me now, I can’t lose you, Alexander, please” slowly the words floated into his mind, like a raft in a storm at sea. Time didn’t feel real, and it seemed as if he hadn’t heard coherent words in years, and these were sweet and gentle. They coaxed him forward, and as he took a step closer, he felt the tug of his parabatai bond. Was it Jace begging him to stay? Why did he call him Alexander? He didn’t have to wait long till he knew, because the next words confirmed the voice’s identity, “My actions might not always show it, but I need you. Having you at the club with me, in my home, you’ve grounded me”
It was Magnus. Soft spoken in a way Alec had never experienced before, but before he could open his eyes, a wave of nauseating exhaustion consumed him.
***
Alec’s eyelids felt like they were being torn at the seams as he peeled his eyes open, finally being granted full consciousness by his body.
“Alec!” Jace’s voice was right there, excited and beautifully clear for the first time since he felt the searing pain.
“I’ve not been able to hear you properly” Alec croaked out, unable to say anything else.
“I’ve been right here, we all have” he assured and then he turned away and shouted for Catarina.
“Hi Alec, I’m so glad to see you awake. Do you remember what happened to you?”
Alec choked as he tried to speak and Jace was there with a straw to his mouth, urging him to drink. Once he regained himself, Alec looked at Catarina properly, “I remember being attacked, I could see inside my body, and then I passed out. I remember hearing you say you couldn’t heal me and then I faded into the darkness and I thought I’d died. I thought I heard- I could have sworn… It’s, it’s all so fuzzy” he admitted, feeling the pang in his head and the ache in his side that he was sure would turn into a shooting pain if he moved.
“Rest up. Magnus came after I left and he did an incredible job healing you. His assessment to your medical team was that you’ll be fine by tomorrow morning, and I’m inclined to agree. Nobody told him I had been here, so your secret is still safe, although maybe unfounded. I’m not sure how he managed to get you to where you are now, but I genuinely can’t see any reason you won’t be back on your feet tomorrow. The medics will ensure your pain management overnight, and we’ll let you sleep” she said, moving slightly out of his line of vision, “Won’t we Jace?”
“Th-thank you, thank you for everything”
He felt tiredness take him once again, but this time it felt more peaceful and he let it sweep him away. Magnus had healed him, his family had been by his side, Catarina had kept his secret. Magnus had healed him. Magnus.
Chapter 7: I would let you explicitly worship me
Summary:
A mission goes awry, leaving Alec emotionally vulnerable, and Tuesday brings lies, confessions and confusion.
Notes:
Thank you for continuing to read this fic and your comments🥰 I’m loving this one so much! We’re also officially at the half way point, which is incredible.
This is a slower burn than I’ve written before and I can’t tell you how desperate I have been to get to the non-slow bit🤭 I’ve just started writing it and it’s feeling ✨right✨ - can’t wait to share that with you guys when we get there.
As always, kudos are appreciated and comments are massively welcomed🫶
I hope you enjoy chapter 7🩷
Chapter Text
Alec was lost in his thoughts of how the past few days had played out, as he strode down the Institute’s corridors to the Operations Room. He smiled at his Shadowhunters as he walked in and headed straight up to the stairs, preparing to speak, “Morning all, gather around. We have a large mission today, it will see most of the Institute out, I’m going to be on hand here to give updates to the Clave from central. I wish I was out with you but after my injuries, I won’t be back out on mission for a few days. Remember I’m out tonight at meetings, but anything urgent tell Jace or get a fire message to me. I’ll hand over to Jace for him to provide you with the plan as he’ll be leading the charge of shutting down these rogue vampire dens. We can’t see any more mundanes becoming addicted to vampire blood, or being turned, so please be vigilant, be careful and if you see a mundane, make them your priority. Anyway, good luck out there, and over to Jace” he said, holding his arms out to Jace who was running up the stairs two steps at a time to clamp his hand on Alec’s shoulder gratefully. Alec gave him a sharp nod before heading to his office to get a rundown on the previous night from Izzy, who informed him that Catarina had needed to kill the unallied warlock to save Alec. Resigning himself to not achieving their goal on this occasion, Alec thanked Izzy and released her to join the vampire den raids.
He then communicated the events of last night to Consul Penhallow and the plan for the vampire raids today, with a small update on Aline and the progress she was making. By the time he was finished, the mission was half way complete with no injuries reported and he had just enough time to shower before going to Pandemonium.
On arriving at Pandemonium, the energy was electrifying, Alec could practically feel the excited buzz in the air around him as patrons waited in the line. The music seemed louder tonight, a rhythmic pulse beating through the air even outside of the building. Alec took in a gulp of air and headed inside to get changed in Magnus’ office. He quickly changed into the leather pants and the turquoise sheer shirt that was prepared for him on the sofa. The shirt was glittering tonight and he almost admired it. Almost. Changed and feeling more at peace than the rest of his fraught day, he acquired Magnus’ drink and headed over to him to give his drink to him.
“Hello, Alexander. Impressive recovery” Magnus said, a genuine smile seemed to flourish on his face as he sat up in his chair, “Ooh why thank you” he said taking the drink from him. Alec was flawed by the reaction, Magnus seemed pleased to see him, and had said ‘thank you’ to him for the first time, well, ever. They smiled at each other for another moment before Magnus snapped out of it, “Would you like a sip of my drink?” He asked Alec.
Alec nodded, “Please”
Magnus stood from his throne and stepped closer to Alec, and Alec stretched his hand out for the glass. With a low, amused noise, Magnus tutted, “You should know better by now, Shadowhunter. You have to drink from my hands, if you’re having a drink of mine. An injury won’t get you off the hook that easily” Alec stared back at him bashfully, unsure how to form words. When Magnus realised that Alec wasn’t going to talk again, he tilted the drink to Alec’s lips and Alec drank, taking each drop that Magnus offered him. Their eye contact held the whole time, Alec could sense that familiar feeling in his stomach again, a fluttering of nerves. The one he had previously associated with disdain, but now he was at a complete loss to what it really meant. When Magnus pulled away, Alec bit back a disappointed noise, managing to kill the sound before Magnus could hear it. Magnus sat back down and pointed to the stool with a grin on his face. Alec sat, trying to contain his own smile. He knew this wasn’t a game, but he almost felt as if him and Magnus had their own private joke, the current situation seemed faintly bemusing.
“Are you on hourly drinks tonight, Mr Bane?” Alec asked, a lilt to his voice.
“You know it, little Nephilim” Magnus chirped, shooting him a wry look. Despite them having no more notable moments, Alec enjoyed the rest of the evening, settling into his usual position by Magnus’ side.
It was around 11pm when Jace burst into the club and frantically made his way across the dance floor. Alec rose from his stool, none of the shy assistant, and all of the Head of the New York Institute, “What is it, Jace? What happened?” His voice boomed out, startling even Magnus.
“It’s Izzy, everyone else is okay, but the vampire’s took her. They’re holding her hostage. They don’t even know what they want in exchange for her, I’ve tried negotiating. They mainly just want revenge but I think they’re too scared to break the Accords. I don’t know what to do Alec, I wouldn’t have come if-“
Alec jumped down from the platform and dragged Jace into his arms, a firm grip on the blonde Shadowhunter, “It’s okay, we’re going to get her back unharmed” he pulled away and repeated the last word again. Jace’s eyes flashed to the man beside Alec, who was now holding Alec by the shoulder. He spun around to look at Magnus, “Please, Mr Bane, I have to-“
“Ah-ah, Alexander” Magnus said in an unreadable tone, “You don’t have to explain. But I do have a request” Jace sighed from next to them but Alec’s eyes were trained on Magnus, a silent agreement passed between them for him to at least listen.
“Let me go alone. Firstly, because your injuries are not healed and you won’t be at your best for rescuing her. Secondly, I am more respected and hold more authority at Dumort” Magnus said flatly, but in his next breath, his voice turned murderous, “Plus if they’ve touched a single hair on your sister’s head, I won’t be breaking the Accords when I tear them all limb from limb”
Jace and Alec gasped in unison at Magnus and the cutting words that had been spoken, they seemed to hang in their air, riding on the curtails of Magnus’ magic. Alec turned to Jace who simply nodded, and Alec spun to look at Magnus, “Okay”
“All Shadowhunters need to vacate the area, immediately. Otherwise I won’t be able to retrieve your sister”
The two parabatai shared a look and then decided it was the best course of action, Jace spoke first, “Okay, let’s go home” as he did, Magnus clicked his fingers and changed Alec back into the clothes he had come in. Alec smiled at Magnus for a second.
Alec nodded to Jace then, “Yeah, let’s get back to the Institute” they both moved for the exit and Alec turned suddenly to see Magnus summoning a portal. Their eyes met and Alec mouthed a ‘thank you’ which was returned with a nod before Magnus disappeared into the portal.
They had put out notices to all on the ground Shadowhunters to return to base, and they updated the Clave on progress. The two men watched the monitors feverishly, checking their phones, checking their tablets, asking the surveillance team if the live updates were definitely refreshing at the emergency 5 second refresh rate. Neither could calm, but then Alec looked over at Jace’s slumped shoulders, his hair hanging limply, his face grey with exhaustion and the bags under his eyes.
“Jace, please go sleep, you look exhausted” Alec pleaded, and seeing Jace’s hesitation, added, “I swear I’ll come get you if anything changes” and with that reassurance they shared a brief hug before Jace left the room.
Alec had spent the night pacing the Institute, listening for updates on the airwaves, waiting on fire messages or phone calls. The Clave had been no help and he had stopped reporting updates to them in frustration, hoping they’d presume he was asleep. As the sun began to rise he assumed the worst, assumed that Magnus had lied, or that Izzy was dead, or that they were both lying dead at Hotel Dumort. An overwhelming grief hit him and he sunk to his knees, holding his balled up fist to his chest. Then a crackling noise started, low at first and then exploded into shimmering light in front of him. A portal formed and Magnus stepped out, carrying a sleeping Izzy in his arms, Alec heard Jace gasp from beside him, he must have just woke up and come straight here. Magnus handed Izzy to Jace, “She seems unharmed, just exhausted, but take her to your infirmary” Magnus ordered. Jace complied, a quick ‘thank you’ leaving his lips as he rushed off with Izzy.
“I need to alert the Clave” Alec said and left for his office, Magnus following closely behind without a word. Once Alec had sent the fire message, he stood leaning on his desk, Magnus in front of him detailing what had happened. Alec was beyond grateful, Magnus had gone up against countless vampires to get to Izzy and seemly even more to get her out. “Thank the Angels” Alec finally breathed out when Magnus had finished his recollection.
Magnus chucked darkly, “Sweet Nephilim, don’t be thanking them. I deserve your praise and worship, maybe you should get on your knees and thank me”
Alec didn’t know what came over him, but he sank to his knees in front of Magnus. Maybe, he told himself, it was the exhaustion or the gratitude for Magnus saving both himself and Izzy in one week. He tried to ignore the voice screaming that it was because of the words that Magnus had feverishly whispered to him when he thought Alec was unconscious and unhearing. When Magnus thought Alec was dying. Distantly, he heard his office door lock, but he was too far gone to think, “T-thank you, Mr Bane, thank you so much. You deserve my eternal gratitude for saving my sister from that hell den. Thank you, Sir. Thank you so much.” The whole time he was speaking, he stared up at Magnus with a reverence that resonated to his core.
Magnus purred in response, “Saying that word and on your knees, you are brave.” Alec stiffened then, his body tense as he realised what he had just done, he began stuttering out half considered excuses. He shook his head, unbelieving of how he ended up on the floor of his own office worshipping at the altar of the Prince of Hell. Magnus laughed then, “Don’t worry little one, you haven’t devoted your life and soul to me or anything” he must have noticed Alec’s reluctance to believe it because he continued, “I swear, come here” and Magnus hauled Alec off the floor. Swiping his hands down the sleeves of Alec’s jacket, he added “You’re fine. The only bond we have between us is the contract we both signed” Alec blushed then, he’s not sure why but he couldn’t stop the heat from flowing over his face. Magnus softened further and tilted Alec’s chin up, and being so close made Alec gasp slightly at the touch. The warlock appeared to ignore the sound, “Forget about tonight, stay here with your sister, I’ll see you Tuesday, okay?”
“Will that mean I owe you an extra day somewhere?” Alec asked.
Magnus shook his head, “No no, Shadowhunter. Free rein to go on a vampire hunt was more than enough for me” and there’s a levity in Magnus’ voice that Alec’s mind melts into. He had spent hours awake, worrying, pacing and now there was a lightness to the world, to the conversation.
“Well I am glad you enjoyed yourself” Alec deadpanned, rolling his eyes.
“So sassy, I don’t know what I’d do with all that sass if you were in my club” Magnus teased and Alec doesn’t stop himself from laughing. Without another word, Magnus summoned a portal and gave Alec a soft wave of his fingers before disappearing.
With that Alec headed straight to Izzy’s bedside and remained there until she woke up mid-morning, “Jace? Alec?”
“We’re here, Iz. Don’t you worry, we’re here” Alec reassured, holding her arm gently and rubbing soothing circles with his thumb.
“Where’s Magnus?” She croaked out, taking the water that Jace was hastily pushing into her hand. She took a large mouthful of water, “That feels so much better. So?”
Alec shrugged, “He’s wherever he usually is at this time. I’m not sure”
“He didn’t stay? I wanted to thank him”
“I thanked him for all of us” Alec assured.
She snorted and muttered, “I bet” under her breath.
“Izzy!” Alec scolded but then remembered being on his knees with a hopeless feeling of devotion, and an inferno heated his face and neck.
Izzy eyed her brother suspiciously but then laughed it off, “Okay, okay. I know… But please, tell him how thankful I am for him. He was like one of Max’s comic book superheroes, he charged in and threw vampires out of the way with his magic and then scooped me up. I felt like I was practically flown home”
Alec smiled, “I’m glad you’re back”
“Me too, we were so worried” Jace added.
Izzy shrugged slightly, “Who needs worry when you have Magnus Bane, apparently. After everything our parents said, I never expected him to care so much about one life… And a Shadowhunter’s life at that”
“Starting to wonder if the Clave told us the whole truth” Alec said, mostly to himself but his siblings seemed to contemplate it.
After their reunion, Jace and Alec barely left Izzy’s side while she was checked over, but eventually she convinced them to go rest. They’d warily agreed when Izzy kept shoving them, neither one wanting to leave her alone again, irrationally worrying that she would disappear. Once he had slept, Alec had made sure to send a fire message to again thank Magnus for his heroism. He received a reply a few hours later that made his gut feeling that Magnus was a better man than he let on, all the more present.
‘ Anyone would have done it
~ Magnus Bane ’
Alec was sat at his desk when his phone rang, with a disgruntled sigh, he answer, “Alec Lightwood speaking”
“Sir, hi, it’s Underhill. I just wanted to give you a brief verbal update before I send my report over”
He couldn’t help but perk up then, “Great news, go ahead”
“Well Sir, it’s very sensitive information and I don’t want anyone to necessarily know yet, but all the interviews I’ve conducted and the evidence I’ve gathered, well it’s all pointing to Magnus Bane”
His mind seemed to cloud over for the rest of the debrief, and he was just grateful that Underhill’s reports were always detailed, because otherwise he’d have barely grasped anything other than one thing. Magnus. At some point, the call ended and Alec somehow managed to continue his day, it all mixing into a blur of time passing.
***
Before Alec knew it, it was Tuesday again and he was actually pleased that he was going to Magnus’ loft, pushing aside any thoughts of Underhill’s report. When he entered, Magnus’ magic flitted over his skin, he felt that it was almost delighted to have him back. He let himself relax into the feeling as he walked into the loft, and then he heard Magnus’ voice, jovial and playful. Alec followed the sound of his voice into the living room, Magnus was reading a storybook to a young girl. The girl, Alec noticed, was clearly a warlock from her gills, and they did a cute flutter whenever she giggled gleefully at the voices Magnus was doing for each character. Alec stood, enthralled, unable to move from the entrance to the living area.
Eventually, Magnus shut the book and looked up, starting at the sight of Alec, “Oh, Alexander! I completely forgot what day it was, help yourself to coffee, please” and put the book down on the coffee table, sweeping the warlock child up into his arms, “Damn, breakfast, I forgot, sorry” he said, evidently ruffled by Alec’s appearance in his home. Magnus, with a quick gesture of his hand, laid the table with a large spread. “We, uh, me and Madzie - that is - we were just finishing up a story that it was too late to read last night” Magnus explained, to which Alec hummed and nodded as he grabbed a slice of toast and crunched into it. Magnus put Madzie down on one of the seats at the table and watched as she used her magic to pull pancakes and syrup to herself. Alec smiled down at her and when he looked back at Magnus, there was a flicker of protectiveness there as Magnus stared at him. “My friend, Catarina, she dropped her off in an emergency last night. I - I obviously forgot it was Monday and didn’t send you a fire message”
“I don’t mind at all, I love kids” Alec explained, trying to settle Magnus’ agitation, when Magnus didn’t respond, he walked to the shelves of photographs, “Is Catarina one of the women in these pictures?” Alec asked, pretending as if he hadn’t met her before.
Magnus shoulders released some tension then, “Yes, yes, this one here” he said, pointing to the blue warlock, Alec traced his finger along one of the pictures of her.
“So, what are our plans with Madzie today?” Alec asked, straightening up and was shocked when Magnus let out a snort of laughter. They stared at each other for a moment, both waiting on the other to speak.
Eventually Magnus cleared his throat, “Catarina is coming soon, but I did actually clear today’s schedule in case she needed more time, so Lilith knows what we’ll get up to today”
If Magnus noticed the intensive blush that spread across Alec’s body at the open ended thought of them getting up to something, then he didn’t let on. He turned back to Madzie and was chatting with her, and Alec joined them at the table, slowly weaving himself into the conversation. Madzie seemed to slowly come out of her shell as Alec asked her questions and told her about himself, he was beaming at her as he spoke. As they were finishing up breakfast, a portal appeared and Catarina stepped out, “Oh Madzie” she breathed out as Madzie squealed and threw herself into Catarina’s arms. “Thank you Magnus so much for - oh, well I guess thank you Magnus and guest?” She said hesitantly, her eyes meeting Alec’s with concern.
“Alec Lightwood, Head of the New York Institute” Alec said standing up from the table to properly greet her, wondering if this was a completely ridiculous show to put on.
“Very obviously not in pyjamas, and therefore not a night guest” Magnus interjected, giving Catarina a look that Alec couldn’t decipher.
“Well that is good” Catarina said to Magnus with an eye roll, “Alec, it was lovely to meet you. We best be off back to the Spiral Labyrinth. Goodbye Magnus, my darling” and with that she went through the portal. When the portal had closed, the two men stood in silence, both fixed to the spots they’d said their goodbyes from.
“Well those two have clearly ruined my street cred” Magnus said, almost too soon and too loud for the quiet of the room they were in. Alec snorted.
“You’re significantly less scary to me now” Alec admitted.
With that Magnus sauntered to stand in front to Alec, looking down at him, standing so close that Alec had to move his head back to look up at him. His next words were icy and sent a chill up Alec’s neck, “I can still be your worst nightmare, Nephilim, don’t you worry about that”
Alec felt the sizzling heat of Magnus’ magic around him and stepped back until he hit the dining rooms table, “I b-believe you”
That admittance granted him a sinister turn up of Magnus’ lips, “As long as you’re aware” and then the look was gone. “Now, are you having your usual second breakfast or are you going to follow me around for a tour of my stuff you rifled through when Raphael was here.” Alec had the distinct symptoms of whiplash as Magnus’ words formed into a coherent sentence in his head. He couldn’t figure Magnus out, not what his end game was, not why he was so different from one minute to the next, and certainly not the offer of a tour.
“Tour” Alec mumbled, grabbing his coffee mug and sidled over until he was next to Magnus. They took their time as Magnus showed him each photo, telling stories of his friends, explaining each Indonesian relic of importance and moving onto the books and antiques he’d bought and loved. Magnus almost seemed genuine and vulnerable as he guided Alec around the room. There was still a confused part of Alec that gnawed at him, Catarina had trusted Magnus with a child, and would anyone truly trust someone with a child if they were evil? Or did Magnus just hate anyone who wasn’t a warlock? Maybe his good graces only extended to those similar to him. Alec could understand that to some extent, the Clave was like that at times, and certain members of the Clave had a rigid prejudice that couldn’t be overcome. But Magnus, he seemed to have accepted Alec to some extent, and a part of Alec hummed with gratification at the thought.
“Thoughts, Shadowhunter?” Magnus asked.
“I’m just grateful you haven’t hurt me” Alec said honestly before he realised that Magnus was asking him about a book in his outstretched hand. There was a tension between them, “Uhm… sorry, I was lost in thought. I - I haven’t read that one”
“You should” Magnus said, shoving it against his chest, almost as if he was offended by the words that had come out of Alec’s mouth.
With a shaking breath, Alec replied, “I will” and then he summoned the grounded courage from his Shadowhunter training and spoke again, “Mr Bane, I need you to know that I really appreciate everything you’ve done. You have offered me and the New York Institute more than you were contracted to, and I am thankful. Plus” he paused, “I’m also grateful that you didn’t take advantage of your power, especially when I thanked you for helping Izzy… in my office.” A heated flush exploded onto his cheeks as he spoke.
Magnus face was indiscernible, emotions colouring his features faster than Alec could grasp onto. It felt like lifetimes were passing when he didn’t speak, until he cleared his throat, his eyes darkened as he looked at Alec, “I do think you enjoyed being on your knees to thank your new religious figurehead” Magnus teased.
Alec shook his head and an incredulous laugh left his lips, “The Nephilim aren’t explicitly religious”
“And yet I would let you explicitly worship me” Magnus purred and stroked a purple polished nail down Alec’s chest. Alec was stunned into silence, unsure how to react. Magnus had spoken to him this way before, but not when Alec had felt a fondness towards the man. A confused feeling pooled in his stomach as the words echoed in his head. Magnus noticed Alec’s hesitation and stepped closer, “You didn’t enjoy being on your knees for me even a little bit? I’ve seen you at the club, you enjoy your little tasks at the very least” He reminded Alec.
“I never claimed I didn’t enjoy a directive. It’s peaceful to follow instruction without hesitation, it’s the way Shadowhunters are raised and trained. Being a leader is different now, I have to be in control” Alec said, with the staunch arrogance of a Nephilim, the type of tone that seemed to put Magnus on edge as he spoke. The disapproving look left Magnus’ face quickly and was replaced with a knowing smirk that made Alec lean harder back into the table.
“Well I certainly enjoy you following my orders… Did you enjoy dancing at the club?” He asked, changing the subject but Alec felt like it had some undertone, some link between the two thoughts.
“It was… different… I’ve never danced before”
Magnus gasped audibly, as if Alec had said something devastating, “Alexander, you had never danced before Saturday? Like ever? I thought you just meant the way we danced”
There was something more human to Magnus now, a casual yet eccentric flare of honesty that shattered Alec’s composure completely, “No never. I mean frankly I’ve never been that close to a man for that length of time either, well unless I was killing them”
“Well thank you for not killing me, those Nephilim instincts are strong, must have been hard to resist” Magnus joked. Alec gave a laugh in response and Magnus chose his moment to speak again, “So you’ve never been with a man, huh?”
Alec frowned at that, “Been with?”
“Sex, Alexander”
Alec let out a derisive sound, “No, of course not. Why would I have?”
Magnus faltered and tilted his head, an almost cat-like intrigue played on his face, “I think I misread your sexuality”
“We don’t do sexuality, you marry and raise the next generation of Shadowhunters. That’s it” Alec replied, as if it was the most clear thing in the world.
Magnus let out a sound of understanding, “So you hide yourself”
“That’s not what I said, Mr Bane, do not put words in my mouth” Alec replied, jabbing a finger into his chest, but in doing so, he suddenly was reminded how close they were stood. He could feel Magnus’ breath from here, tilting his chin up ever so to look at his face and his eyes flickered down to Magnus’ lips. Gulping, he pushed Magnus back slightly, “Just don’t”
“Come on, Shadowhunter. I felt how much you wanted me, remember? You certainly caught me off guard but there’s no denying it”
Alec tried to think of ways to deny it, but with a sigh he looked Magnus in the eyes then, “Fine. I’m not into women, I’ve never been with men, one day I will marry a woman and settle down and have kids. My duty will be fulfilled, it will be honourable, the end”
Magnus opened and closed his mouth a few times, clearly shocked by the Shadowhunter’s outburst and the sheer honesty in the words he had spoken. Alec grabbed another coffee and sat down on the sofa, unable to speak again after laying his truth out to someone, and a warlock no less. Magnus joined him on the sofa, “Do you not think there’s some dishonour in not being true to yourself?”
Alec eyed Magnus in disbelief, “Mr Bane -“
“When we’re alone, call me Magnus” he interjected.
“Fine, Magnus , I know you don’t understand us and you barely like us, but duty is everything to us. There is honour in duty and that is something a Shadowhunter must accept” Alec explained in a finality that shocked even himself.
“Not tempted to throw caution to the wind and try your luck at a male warlock? I’ll give you a free joyride, a one time pass before you settle for some Nephilim woman” Magnus looked smug as he laid out his casual offer.
It was Alec’s turn to be speechless, because the first word in his head, the voice that screamed the loudest, was a resounding ‘Yes’.
Chapter 8: You are beyond angelic, Alexander Lightwood
Summary:
The pair grow closer in their dynamic at the club, an unexpected event causes confessions at a party, and Alec doubts his own judgement.
Notes:
Thank you to everyone who continues reading this fic, it is one of my favourites that I’ve wrote so far🥹
As always, kudos are my bread and butter and comments are the magical fillings🫶
I hope you enjoy this chapter🩷
Chapter Text
Friday had come into focus at an alarming pace again, Alec had been drowning in reports and meetings since Tuesday evening. He hadn’t heard from Magnus since he had left the loft without answering Magnus’ question. It had been rude, but he had stayed later than he was contracted to, and the offer Magnus had given him was too brazen, too sudden. Alec rolled those thoughts around his head as he saw the bag on the sofa, with another on top.
‘Alexander,
You may hide from the world, but you can’t hide from me.
~ Magnus Bane
P.s. I hope the new outfit is your size’
Alec stared at the words for longer than he would like to admit, but eased himself away from the note to remove his boots and jeans, slipping the paper into his folded jeans’ pocket. When he grabbed the clothes from the bag, he was shocked to see that this time he had been given shorts made from a black shiny material and the same style of top from before. Alec tried the shorts on and was mortified by the bulge they presented and the tightness on his ass. He closed his eyes, willing the moment to be a nightmare, but when he reopened them, the clothes were still the same. Apparently, he couldn’t hide himself from the world either, not with this outfit.
He executed his first task by getting Magnus a drink and Magnus smiled at him as the glass was taken by his fingers.
“Dismissed, down” Magnus said with a wave of his hand, and Alec’s knees buckled slightly beneath him as if urging him to his kneel. Swiftly, he moved to the stool instead and sat, but the blush was mounting into a wild red and Magnus was gently chuckling to himself. Magnus had noticed. Alec chose not to acknowledge it, not even to himself, he looked at the clock and tried to settle his brain into his usual task. With determination, Alec’s usually calmness swept over him and when he was getting closer to the hour, he got up from his stool and went to fetch Magnus’ drink. When he returned Magnus took the glass and smirked up at him, “Would you like another drink, Shadowhunter?”
“Yes, Mr Bane” Alec responded, and watched as the warlock stood up, rising above him and held the glass towards Alec’s lips. He accepted the drink, but this time Magnus maintained a more heated eye contact with him, a pleased look swept his features as he watched him drink.
“Very good, Alexander” Magnus purred and his eyes widened as he saw Alec’s reaction to the praise. Alec couldn’t prevent it, it was becoming harder to avoid his full body responses to Magnus’ praise. Magnus looked at him, a faint amusement and then a sudden thoughtfulness, “Little Nephilim, I think you should kneel for me today.” The jarring feeling that passed through Alec was well masked, and he chose to nod as he watched Magnus summon a cushion in front of his chair. “Kneel” he commanded, a low tone that sent a wave of awe over Alec and he let his knees drop at the instruction. Magnus carded his fingers through Alec’s hair and a playful expression took over his features, “Good boy” he praised, his voice pleasant and light in a way that made Alec want to lean in closer to the hand on his head. Magnus sat next down to him on his chair and let his hand slide down to sit at the base of his neck, a slight pressure Alec there.
Alec was overwhelmed by the elation his body was feeling, he wasn’t sure what had come over him but he seemed to be enjoying kneeling in front of Magnus. It felt like he had returned to a place of comfort after years being away. His mind couldn’t fathom what the sensation was, it was something he hadn’t experienced before. As his breathing felt easier and more serene, he stayed knelt by Magnus’ side, focused on the touch of Magnus’ hand on his neck. Guests came and went, talking to Magnus but Alec wasn’t paying attention to any of it, he was simply just existing in the moment. The conversations he wanted to pay attention to for possible mission updates, felt irrelevant. Alec had been told he didn’t have to fetch drinks tonight, just kneel and stay still, and so that’s what he did. A gentle breath blew against his ear, he could almost feel the smile on Magnus lips, “You seem peaceful, my sweet little Nephilim.” Alec made a soft mhmm sound, totally zoned out, and Magnus chuckled, “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re quite at home here in Pandemonium, my dear”
Those few words jerked Alec out of his fluffy headspace, and he mock laughed, unable to stop himself, “Home sure was a choice of words, Mr Bane”
“Yes, yes maybe not quite what you needed to hear” Magnus mused and played with Alec’s hair absentmindedly when a cough redirected Magnus’s attention. His hand was still in Alec’s hair but both men had turned to look at the Seelie who had come to stand in front of them, “How can I help you, Meliorn?”
“I’ve heard you aren’t letting this one out of your sights” Meliorn observed.
“You haven’t come all the way to my club to point out the obvious, have you?” Magnus retorted.
Meliorn made an amused noise, and Alec noted that the fair folk’s sounds were always slightly off, not quite hitting the humanity that most other earthly creatures managed. The man stared down at Alec then, “I’ve only had his sister, I’d be interested in trying a male Shadowhunter. Maybe we could share?”
Alec almost launched himself at Meliorn in his anger but Magnus held him in place magically, and Alec snarled at Meliorn as Magnus got closer to the Seelie, “I don’t know how make this much clearer to everyone” Magnus let out in a chilled whisper, “Alec isn’t someone’s whore. Nobody touches him. I do not touch him. He is nobody’s plaything to be passed around or shared” and as his voice grew louder, people were turning to look, even those in the crowd, “You disgust me. He is my assistant, yes he might dress up for me, he might kneel at my throne, but out of respect” he seethed and then with his hand outstretched, a blast of magic hit Meliorn as he spoke his final frost tipped words, “You should learn some.” Meliorn fell to the ground, clutching at his shoulder where the magic had hit him and glared at Magnus, and without another word, stood up and walked off.
Magnus kneeled in front of Alec, “Are you okay?”
The compassion in his words made Alec want to laugh bitterly. The man who murdered in front of him and then expected he go fetch drinks, was now checking on him after a few words about sex. He fought the impulse and slanted his gaze to Magnus, “I’m fine” and against his better judgement he continued, “Funny from you though who took me onto your dance floor and touched me”
Magnus rolled his eyes, “You know what touching I meant” he uttered, shaking his head, “and you enjoyed it”
“You enjoyed yourself more than me” Alec shot back.
“You’re brave and bold tonight, Alexander. Apparently kneeling is giving you more freedom, not less. What a brat” he barbed and got to his feet.
“Anna, be a dear and get us two martinis” Magnus instructed the girl next him, she went immediately to the bar, and then he leaned into Alec, “If you would rather return to your stool, you can”
“You’re going soft, Mr Bane” Alec said provokingly.
“Oh you salacious little thing” Magnus tuttered, however before they could say more, Anna was back and handing a drink to Magnus and after a small gesture, handed the other down to Alec.
“Thanks” Alec murmured and waited for permission to drink.
“You may drink, Alexander” and Alec brought the drink to his lips, he was starting to relish the taste of a martini now. The sensory overload of the bitterness and the burn had given way to the light haze of alcohol that danced in his head and the burn felt like a welcome distraction from thinking too hard about his outfit. Unfortunately, since becoming more aware of his surroundings, he had noticed more eyes on him tonight, more people whispering. Alec couldn’t help but wonder if they recognised him, but he was also aware that the Clave and Downworlders rarely interacted. Plus, if rumours got back to the Clave, Alec would brush them off as Downworlders trying to get under the skin of Shadowhunters. When he had finished his drink, Magnus asked for the time, someone shouted it back. Magnus deemed it was club closing time, and was giving orders out and saying goodbye to his friends, and then he turned to Alec, “You can go get changed and head back to the Institute. I’ll see you tomorrow”
“Goodbye, Magnus” Alec whispered so no one else could hear, and he earned a genuine smile from Magnus that made his heart beat flutter. Only a little, but it was enough to astonish him as he went to Magnus’ office to get his clothes.
***
The next day dragged, Alec was almost relieved to take himself away from the political minefield he had spent hours in when it was time to head to Pandemonium. As he arrived he waved to the security team and went directly to Magnus’ office as he always did. He was whistling to himself as he walked in and began pulling his top off when he stuttered and tripped, only just catching himself on the arm of the sofa. Magnus was sat at the desk.
“Sorry to scare you, little Nephilim, I wanted to inform you that we’re having a little field trip today. I have some Seelie business to attend to, and I’ve been invited to a small soirée to discuss a few things with the Seelie Queen. You are going to be my delicious date!” He chimed.
Alec cracked up a little, “Delicious?”
“Well you’re pretty enough for the Seelies to be interested. That’s very big in the fair folk world… I guess I did say I wanted a pretty assistant, I just didn’t expect everyone to be trying to steal you away from me….” Alec raised an eyebrow, so Magnus explained, “I’ve been offered money and countless priceless items for you, but I don’t do exchanges” his voice was light but his eyes sparked with a possessiveness that had Alec’s stomach clenching and the end of his spine tingling.
Alec got the clothing out to distract himself from Magnus’ words, and smiled lopsidedly, “A suit?”
“Yes, you must look your best” Magnus said as Alec examined it closer, it was a rust coloured suit that hinted gold as it moved under the light, “It will bring out your eyes. A very good colour for that” Magnus explained.
Alec grinned and started getting changed without thinking, and when he buttoning up his black shirt he looked to Magnus who was sat, a grin on his face, “I knew Shadowhunters were part angel, but you are beyond angelic, Alexander Lightwood”
With a blush, Alec dipped his head and shrugged on the suit jacket, tugging at it a couple of times to get comfortable.
Magnus was next to him then, loosening the top three buttons that Alec had done on autopilot and Alec took that moment to review Magnus’ suit. It was a sky blue suit with a royal blue shirt underneath that was completely unbuttoned. The shirt was tucked into Magnus’ trousers and was making a pleasing v shape that revealed his cluster of necklaces hanging against his bare chest. Alec averted his gaze, trying to distract himself by the walls of Magnus’ office, as if he hadn’t already been in this room multiple times.
“Right, let’s get to the party” Magnus beamed at him, and for a moment Alec forgot about Magnus being a warlock, forgot about himself being a Shadowhunter. Magnus looked his age, gorgeous and enthusiastically waiting for Alec to go to the party as his date . Alec cleared his thoughts before he went any further, because they are what they are, and he was painfully aware that Magnus only had him around because of a contract. A contract that would be over in 3 weeks, and it was with a mild alarm that Alec realised the 11 days they had left didn’t feel like enough. A contract that Alec signed because the warlock would never have helped on his own accord, would never have cared about the rift or the mundanes in danger without a deal.
They had made their way to the party with Alec in near silence while Magnus reeled off fact after fact about the Seelies and the party they would be attending. Alec was blown away when they arrived, it was a large manor estate, the white exterior expanding further back than the eye could see. Music and lights filtered out from the building and a few fair folk were dancing with ribbons on the grass outside, laughter filling the air. Alec smiled nervously in Magnus’ direction as Magnus pulled him inside, and Alec suddenly realised that not only had he not attended a party before, but he had also never been around this many Downworlders before, especially not unarmed. He quelled his fears, focusing on the feeling of Magnus’ arm linked with his as they walked through the large double doors.
Everyone they passed squealed in excitement, throwing themselves at Magnus in big hugs, stroking his face, letting him pat their upper arm affectionately. All the party guests seemed enamoured by Magnus, completely at ease in his presence. Magnus accepted the various affections like they were a regular occurrence, as he guided Alec to a refreshments table. Plucking up two glasses of champagne after letting go of Alec’s arm, Magnus turned to speak to a warlock stood next to him who had called his name. Alec was left nervously fidgeting, placing his hands firmly behind his back to avoid reaching out to Magnus. He told himself that he was only feeling this way because it wasn’t his usual environment, and he certainly wasn’t missing Magnus’ attention.
After ten minutes of conversation, where Alec wasn’t acknowledged once, Magnus bid farewell to the other warlock and turned back around, “Sorry, he just kept going on and on! Couldn’t get rid of him”
Alec hummed, and then looked around at the crowded manor, “Is this really your definition of a small soirée?”
“No, that’s just one of my delightful little Magnus-isms”
Alec coughed into a laugh, “Should you really be calling yourself delightful? Shouldn’t someone else be the one the determine that?”
“Well if they would like to say it, they’re more than welcome, but I’m not waiting around for someone else to say it first!” Magnus exclaimed.
Alec, amused, took the glass that Magnus finally handed to him, and took a drink, “Oh! This is really good” Alec smiled.
“Well it should be, it’s very expensive champagne that the Seelies have managed to procure” Magnus said with interest as he looked into his own glass. With a nod, Alec continued to sip his drink and faced the crowd to start people watching, seeing the different magical and none magical creatures that were floating around the room, some quite literally floating. When Alec had finished his drink, Magnus smirked, “First important call of business, we must dance”
Alec tried to look amused, mortified, disgusted even, anything other than the grin that was spreading across his face without his permission. Magnus took Alec’s hand and tugged him towards the dance floor, “I must say, Alexander, you do seem to be enjoying this assistants role very much. Maybe you should retire your career as one of the political powers of the Shadowhunter world, and permanently be a fixture at Pandemonium” the voice was teasing but it made Alec frown.
“I would never surrender my duty like that” Alec said defensively.
“Oh little Nephilim, you are so sensitive at times” Magnus sneered and pulled Alec in close, both his hands firmly gripping Alec’s waist. He leaned in against the side of Alec’s neck, almost touching his ear as he whispered, “I was joking, like I’d wanna keep you around.” When Magnus drew back, Alec had set his face into stony annoyance and went to throw an insult at Magnus but was suddenly distracted by the room spinning, or he was spinning. Then he noticed Magnus was gripping his hand, holding his arm up in the air and twirling him like he was a ballerina toy for his amusement. Embarrassment flushed Alec’s cheeks, even though he didn’t want to quit his career, didn’t want to stop being a Shadowhunter, even though he could never think of doing anything like that for Magnus Bane; there was a whisper in his brain. A voice so small he almost didn’t hear it spoke to him: What if someone wanted you so much, so desperately that they would ask you to give up your life to be by their side? Wouldn’t that actually be poetic? Romantic even? Alec tried not to laugh at his own internal monologue, tried to drown out the sound of his disappointment that nobody wanted him enough to ask anything of him. He was simply alone, and lonely, and while he was now still in Magnus arms as they swayed, he felt the dread of this nearly being over. Magnus’ singular attention on him would fade out in time, the memory nothing more than a shuddering breath in a stadium of screaming voices. Magnus’ life would roll on, and he would forget the young Shadowhunter that sat by his side for a mere 8 weeks. Nobody would ever want him enough to ask him to be their home, to offer to be his home. Alec’s chest tightened as he felt Magnus’ body lead him around in circles across the dance floor, he couldn’t move could hardly breathe. Suddenly there was a sort of confetti on him and Magnus quickly pushed him away, his arm bent over them, shielding them.
“No no no, they said they wouldn’t tonight, they assured me. Okay, right I need to - you need to come with me, I’ve got to fix this” Magnus was saying to Alec but as Alec looked at Magnus and tried to follow him, he noticed that Magnus was a rainbow. A beautiful, shining kaleidoscope of swirling colours and shapes, it felt like he was seeing pure magic. As if he was seeing Magnus’ true magic for the first time, and as he reached out to touch, Magnus started in a fit of giggles.
“Wha’… is… this?” Alec slurred, trying to find the centre of the earth again, but his brain kept spinning in place. He felt unanchored, although, he pondered for a moment, maybe that was what he needed right now.
“Fairy drugs, I couldn’t-” and then Magnus hiccuped, “I couldn’t stop it in time and my magic feels all tingly” he chuckled, his hands now on Alec’s face, cupping it tightly.
“Wow” Alec replied, long and slow, dragging out each letter as they looked at each other. The music was more rhythmic now, a sound that beat across Alec’s entire body and thrummed through the room. Then Alec’s fingers were tangled in Magnus’ hair, giggling, “Your hair is incredible. How is it so incredible?” Magnus laughed, unencumbered, his head titled backwards, gleeful sounds passing his lips as he took both of Alec’s hands out of his hair and started spinning Alec around in a circle. When they parted, panting, cackling wildly, they stared at each other, an intense look between them that they hadn’t shared before.
“Magnus Bane, you are quite magical” Alec suddenly declared, and it was possibly the most sincere words he had ever spoken in his life.
“Indeed” Magnus said releasing a new, blue magic bubble in both of his hands in front of Alec, holding it outwards like a child showing their parent a new drawing.
“Oh cool” Alec said, bending at the waist to look closer at the balls of magic dancing on Magnus’ skin, “Can I touch?” Magnus didn’t speak, just nodded and Alec reached out to gently palm the magical sphere in Magnus’ left hand. As he did, the magic began vibrating, leaping up his arm, gentle licks of magic strands making their way across his body. An overjoyed squeal left Alec’s lips and he felt Magnus’ gaze on him, when he turned back to meet the eye contact, Magnus looked bewildered, “It seems to really like you”
“Well, I really like it” Alec replied, gently holding his index finger out to one of the tendrils of magic. Then the room moved faster, more violently. A spiral of bodies and nauseating shrieks filled Alec’s senses before everything went black.
“Hey, Alec? Alec are you okay?” He heard someone tentatively whispering above him, a hand on his shoulder, the smell of warm jasmine floating into his nostrils.
“I need to sleep” Alec groaned.
“You’ve been asleep, you need to wake up now, you need to get some food in you. Plus you need to tell your Institute where you are” he realised Magnus was speaking then and sat bolt upright. A dizziness waved over him but he grabbed his phone from his pocket regardless and immediately texted his group chat with Izzy and Jace.
“I’m so sorry, Mr Bane, I didn’t realise I’d fallen asleep here” Alec said with a yawn and winced as he stretched his aching muscles out.
“It’s Magnus when we are alone, don’t forget that… and well technically you passed out before I got you back to the loft” Magnus replied, a hint of amusement, “But I just left you in here”
Alec looked at his surroundings then, realising that he was in the spare room, the rumpled pink sheets beneath him, “Oh, thank you. Wh-what happened?”
“It was fairy drugs, the Queen expressly said that there wouldn’t be drugs present, but she must have somehow ensured there was a loophole in the way our conversation happened. I’m sorry, I didn’t want this to happen to you, I didn’t mean for us to end up in this position. But I-“ Magnus rambled until he was interrupted by his phone ringing, “Please stay here. I want to monitor you for the day to make sure there’s no lasting side effects” he said and briskly exited the room. Alec could still hear him as he answered the phone, “Hi… How do you know?…Well gossip certainly does get around quick between friends… I only just managed to portal… I couldn’t heal myself of the high, they shouldn’t have an affect… I didn’t get to talk to her, I fear she’s plotting against us… Yes on his side, it’s always on his bloody side… I know… I don’t want him involved, he’s not aware of the whole situation. He’s involved enough on the outskirts. Well Raphael shouldn’t be reporting back to you anyways. Well, if you’re going to be like that I’ll hang up.” Laughter followed then before Magnus spoke again, “I can never stay mad at you for too long old cabbage, but this situation is not that. I’m feeling it again… I know, after Camille everything was a mess, and this is possibly messier” Alec couldn’t make sense of the half conversation that Magnus was having. Who is the old cabbage? And which Camille was Magnus referring to? It couldn’t be the Leader of the New York vampire clan. Before he could piece any of the intel together, the conversation continued, “Of course I’m being careful, he’s a Shadowhunter for Lilith’s sake. What did you think I’d done, immediately knelt before him?” Then Magnus paused again, “Ragnor, my dear friend, I promise I will let you know if I do anything stupid… I can’t tell you before, you can’t preempt stupid decisions… How am I supposed to tell what’s going to be stupid or not?” At that, Magnus let out an exasperated sigh but it sounded exceedingly fond, and then Magnus spoke in an almost whisper then, “He’s just so innocent ”
After that, Alec didn’t hear any more of the conversation, Magnus’ voice was quieter and he could hear the footsteps getting further away. He frowned, trying to tie all of the loose cords into a logical conversation, but he couldn’t fathom what any of it had meant, too many vague acknowledgements and seemingly at least five people referenced in a short space of time. While Alec was lost in thought, a cat had appeared on the bed next to him and he chuckled and lightly carded his fingers through the fur, “Hey you, you’re a sweetheart” he cooed and stroked the cat. The collar tag flashed the name, ‘Chairman Meow’.
“Well aren’t you fancy” Alec commented, “A very distinguished name for a very distinguished gentleman. Aren’t you-“
A snort of laughter jolted Alec from his praise of the cat, and the words that followed made his face heat, “If you’re quite done flirting with my cat, may I see you in the living room?” Magnus asked, raising his eyebrow when Alec turned to look at him.
Alec stood from the bed and glowered, “I wasn’t flirting with your cat. I was being friendly”
“Well the Chairman doesn’t like just anyone, so count yourself lucky either way” Magnus said flippantly as he led them into the open space of the living room, “Now I need to do a magic check-up on you, so stand still”
Alec dutifully followed instructions, but couldn’t resist the question burning on his tongue, “Why do you have a cat?” As Magnus’ newly blue magic shimmered over Alec’s body, Magnus gave him an incredulous look, but before he could speak, Alec interjected with another question, “And why is your magic now blue?”
Magnus’ laugh caught in his throat, as if the two questions had completely caught him off guard, “I have a cat because I like the company. And my magic is naturally blue”
“No it’s not, it’s red, and how come an evil warlock needs a cat’s company?” Alec questioned.
Magnus rolled his eyes, “It’s usually red because I want it to be. Red is a colour of power and death” he said confidently, before his next admission came out in a whisper, “Also, everyone needs company, even evil warlocks ”
Alec’s features softened, “You seem to have a lot of friends too”
“Only my core people who I’ve told you about… everyone else is peripheral… I don’t know why I’m telling you this” Magnus admitted with a chuckle, “I also don’t know why you asked. I wonder if the drugs are still wreaking a little havoc. Although your questions are better than your compliments at least”
With a frown, Alec opened and closed his mouth a couple of times before venturing, “Compliments?”
“You don’t remember?” Magnus asked, concern etched on his face.
“The last thing I remember is you telling me you weren’t sure what was happening and trying to get us out of the crowds” Alec was trying to desperately recall anything else after that.
“Do you want to see?” Magnus offered, an unreadable expression coming over his features.
“See? How?”
“Well I remember, so I can show you my memories” Magnus shrugged as if it was nothing, and it was odd for Alec to see Magnus with such little ego.
“I’d like that” Alec whispered, almost nervous, and then watched as Magnus pressed his finger tips into his own forehead and seemingly manifested an image into the air in between them. With astonishment, Alec watched the memories of Magnus’, blurred with the haze of fairy drugs. The memory version of Alec danced in front of him, touching him and speaking overtly about the warlock, Alec blushed ferociously now. The images froze and dissipated as the memory version of Alec collapsed to the floor, but this Alec was still stuck on the touches and words he had spoken. “Well that’s embarrassing” Alec muttered, “Not very Head of the New York Institute of me”
“I think we’re well past that at this point, Alexander” Magnus said
Alec glared, “And what is that supposed to mean?”
“Well you’re not exactly filing my taxes three times a week. I have you dressed up on display and sometimes on your knees. Which is particularly delightful, I might add” Magnus smirked at Alec.
“True, very true. Not true as in I agree I’m delightful, just true that-“ Alec struggled to get the final words out, the world spinning and his eyes fading backwards again.
When his eyes reopened, he was on the sofa, his head resting in Magnus’ lap while the warlock’s fingers threaded through his hair, “Oh, hi little Nephilim” Magnus greeted gently, and Alec, in his woozy state, thought Nephilim was said with more kindness than Magnus had ever spoken that word, “I think you’re just exhausted and dehydrated. There’s no trace of magic. Can you sit for a drink?” Magnus continued, breaking Alec’s thoughts. Alec immediately sat up but Magnus kept him close, holding the water up to his mouth. After the drink, the two didn’t move, and Alec was hyper aware of the steadying arm around his waist and the feeling of Magnus’ torso behind him. He knew he was meant to despise the warlock, knew the horrors that he’d witnessed first hand and couldn’t even imagine the actions behind closed doors, but he liked Magnus. It felt like an impossible task to keep disliking him, especially wrapped in his arm on the sofa, so casually. As he sat there, the words of his brother came back to him from three weeks ago, “It’s been two weeks, how has he managed to manipulate you so quickly?”
With a startled realisation, Alec shot up off the sofa and spun the face the warlock with wide eyes, “I’ve just remembered I have some urgent work to do, I’ll see you Tuesday?”
Magnus checked the time, “Look you’ve been with me since yesterday evening and it’s past 3pm, so pretty much your length of time for a Tuesday anyway. Plus I have Madzie again on Monday night, so it would probably be best to not have guests first thing in the morning. I’ll see you next Friday. Focus on your work and get some rest, I want you at your best when you come to the club”
Alec nodded, “Okay, goodbye Magnus” he said as he walked to the apartment door and opened it.
As Alec walked out, the warlock called after him, “Goodbye, Alexander” and then the door clicked closed.
Chapter 9: It’s probably your little outfit
Summary:
Poor choices lead to conflict, Alec goes to Izzy for help and maybe we have a hint of communication from our rollercoaster boys.
Notes:
I’ve officially wrote Chapters 10 & 11, I just need to final draft and proofread them! It’s crazy to think I only have 3 chapters left to write!
Also cannot stop laughing at myself because originally this was going to be 6 chapters. It was going to be a prologue and epilogue, and 4 chapters that each spanned two weeks of their time together. However, the more I wrote, the more it felt impossible to condense their time to anymore than a chapter per week and THEN I ended up being compelled to write in between their time together. So I accidentally tripled their time together - oops🙈I hope you enjoy this chapter, it’s up there with one of my favourite chapters🥹🩷 (although welcome to the theme park and prep for emotional roller coasters - content warnings in the end notes, already in tags but wanted to note it in the chapter too)
As always, kudos are the soup that warms my soul and comments are the croutons that bring joy to my heart🫶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Sunday until Friday had felt like an eternity, and Alec was embarrassed that he had sent over three dozen fire messages to the warlock throughout the week. They had been returned in kind, and yet somehow that was more embarrassing for him to admit to himself. All the messages had been small anecdotes from their week, Magnus told a few stories of clients and had updated him on antics from Madzie’s sleepover. It had completely humanised the warlock and Alec could barely recall the distant feeling of fear and disgust, no matter how hard he tried to focus on the evil that Magnus had inflicted. The investigation from Izzy’s side was seemingly proving his innocence in all the murders and demon summonings, and while Magnus’ grander plans hadn’t been revealed, Alec was struggling to worry about it. Even Jace’s words that had panicked him on Sunday seemed like a distant memory now, he would surely be able to tell if Magnus was trying to manipulate him. Alec had always viewed himself as a good judge of character, and he wasn’t about to doubt his own intuition. It was no doubt that Magnus was hiding something, but the details seemed buried behind the kind of man he was at the club or in front of clients. And as some as they were one on one? Magnus seemed increasingly sweet and almost affectionate in his care for Alec, and it was making Alec’s skin tingle at the thought. But there was also a part of him that had began craving the power he handed over to Magnus on Fridays and Saturdays. The submission had given way to a quiet peace that settled in his stomach when he was at Pandemonium.
The club was busy outside that night, a queue around the corner and additional security, Alec was amazed that it could get any busier given how packed it was most nights anyway. He made his way straight to Magnus’ office and stripped down, taking out the sheer blue shirt with glitter threaded in, and black shorts that he was already growing accustomed to. Once changed, he collected Magnus’ martini and went to present it to Magnus, Magnus took it graciously and clicked his fingers for Alec’s cushion to appear, “Kneel, Nephilim”
Alec followed the order and felt the familiar haziness of peace come over him, mixed with a confusion that he tried to push aside given he was finally relaxed. He sighed contentedly and then looked over at Magnus, “Am I on drinks duty?”
“Indeed you are, but I’d like you to take my guests drink orders when you’re going, hourly rounds is fine, my drink can just come when everyone’s drinks are made” Magnus confirmed and Alec nodded, returning his gaze to the clock. About 10 minutes later, Alec was surprised but not entirely mortified to feel the warlock’s fingers carding through his hair gently. It took all of his willpower not to lean into the touch, he didn’t want to be seen to enjoying the moment but it was difficult to not enjoy the ringed fingers.
After an hour, Alec went around the dais and memorised each person’s drink order, and fetched them accordingly. He took the tray to Magnus first, handing Magnus the cocktail that he had ordered, before handing out the rest of the drinks. When he returned to his place, kneeling next to Magnus, the soft touches continued, and Alec glanced up towards him. Magnus’ eyes were already on him, and he smiled, “You look delicious down there, little Nephilim”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re about to eat me, Warlock” Alec joked, thinking about the mundane book ‘Hansel and Gretel’ that Max had become obsessed with recently.
“Don’t tempt me, Alexander” Magnus smirked. Alec bit his lip in response and looked back to the clock to try and hide the effect that the innuendo had on him. He hadn’t meant it in that way, and the flush that spread across his chest was too much for him to bear.
When the next order of drinks had been served, Alec came back to his position at Magnus’ feet and settled himself down again on the plus cushion.
“You’d look sinful on the dance floor tonight in that outfit” Magnus mused, appraising the outfit.
“You just want to touch me again” Alec said with an eye roll.
“Maybe I do” Magnus said, his eyes meeting Alec’s. The Shadowhunter swallowed sharply and his lips parted slightly, feeling hot all over at the certainty in Magnus’ words. “You know what, fuck it” Magnus declared and grabbed Alec by the jaw suddenly. Before Alec knew what was happening, Magnus was leaning down from his chair and his lips were crushed against Alec’s. In his shock, Alec didn’t move, he stayed frozen, unsure what to do with himself. With a frown, Magnus drew back, letting him go, clearly confused as to why Alec wasn’t kissing him back, but Alec could hear Magnus’ promises that he wouldn’t do that to him.
“You promised” was all Alec could say in response, his face was furious.
Magnus momentarily looked worried but it was quickly replaced by a cold expression, “Yeah well, a warlock’s word doesn’t actually mean much, the contracts are the binding part.” With that, Magnus turned away from Alec to face the group and started up a cheerful conversation with two women next to him. Alec continued to glare at the warlock, unsure how he had felt about the moment, he still couldn’t believe Magnus had just grabbed him like that. He shouldn’t be surprised, he knew what Magnus had been like in the past, and what everyone’s opinion was of him, and yet he felt disappointed.
Lost in his thoughts, the only thing that jolted him out of it was a click of fingers in front of his face, and he snapped up to the source, Magnus, “Nephilim. Drinks. You’re late”
“S-sorry, Mr Bane” Alec stuttered and stumbled to get to his feet ready to take everyone’s drink orders. This time around they seemed more complex and he wondered if this was some sort of punishment for not kissing Magnus back, or maybe just for being late. He tried to push the thoughts to the side to focus on the drinks orders, his memory was usually good enough to retain complex mission strategies and floor plans, this was nothing in comparison. His legs managed to be stable as he made his way to and back from the bar, and he handed Magnus his drink before walking around everyone else. Alec was bluntly dismissed and sent home at the end of the night with barely a glance from Magnus. That specific way of sending him off made Alec’s skin crawl and the anxiety of… of something he couldn’t place. Was it fear? Was it disappointment? He wasn’t sure, he just focused on changing and getting back to the Institute.
***
The next night, Alec quickly got changed into a similar outfit to the night before and went to serve Magnus his drink.
“I don’t need you tonight. Go ask the bar about joining the shot girls, that should keep you busy” Magnus dismissed as soon as Alec gave him his martini. Alec blinked at him blankly for a moment, his eyes fell on the spot where his stool used to be, and then they trailed to wear the cushion usually sat. They were empty. Reluctantly he left the platform, realising that Magnus wasn’t going to speak or even look at him if he continued to stand there.
As he checked the clock again, he realised he had been serving shots for 3 hours and he was becoming sick of the attention. Naively, he had thought he would avoid too much trouble given he wasn’t one of the girls, but apparently most people in the club seemed to appreciate him too. In his frustration and need to get away from the crowds, Alec made his way back to the platform to offer Magnus a shot. Despite not understanding his own motivations, he put his best smile on, “Would you like a shot, Mr Bane?”
“No, my friends might though” Magnus said, without looking up from his phone that he was typing on. Alec frowned hovered for a moment, “Is there something wrong, Nephilim?” Magnus said, looking up at him finally.
“There’s just a lot of touching happening… out there” Alec swallowed and tilted his head out at the crowd.
Magnus’ eyes made their way over Alec’s body, slowly raking him in, “It’s probably your little outfit.” When Alec had nothing to say, Magnus tutted, “Don’t keep my friends waiting. Get serving those shots, and then get back out on the floor. I’d hope my assistant wouldn’t want to question my authority” Magnus kept his voice even, but somehow that made Alec’s stomach clench tighter. He nodded at Magnus and then went back to his task. His eyes kept drifting back to Magnus every so often, he was so sure he could feel the other man’s eyes on him, but every time he looked, Magnus was distracted elsewhere.
Eventually, the bar manager came over to tell him he his shift was finished, and Alec felt an odd sense of displacement at someone other than Magnus releasing him of his duties. On his way back to the Institute, Alec met Izzy at Taki’s, she was waving at him from the booth she had secured, a grin on her face.
“What’s got you so cheery?” Alec asked.
“Disbanded a whole hoard of demons with Jace, and we’ve had some leads on who summoned them, it’s a warlock no one has heard of at the Institute and we’re yet to find a body, might need to ask Catarina… or you could ask Magnus?”
“We’re not exactly on speaking terms right now” Alec grumbled, resting his face on his fist.
Izzy made a face, “I’ve never seen a man contracted to a warlock look more like a disappointed and grumpy husband in my life”
“When have you ever seen that?” Alec raised his eyebrow incredulously at his sister.
“Well up until you, the count was zero. You’re the first, congratulations" she said with a shrug, which only served to make Alec roll his eyes.
Their food arrived and they were temporarily distracted until Alec broke the silence with a quiet admittance, “It’s just… Different with Magnus”
“What do you mean?” Izzy questioned cautiously.
“He is all the makings of an evil warlock and he’s too powerful for the Clave to acknowledge or control, but when we’re by ourselves, he is so human, Iz… he’s likeable”
“Is he maybe a little more than likeable?” his sister ventured then, her facial features moving into a look of understanding.
“Maybe? He… well, he kissed me tonight, and what’s worse is I wanted to kiss him back. I just froze, it felt like he had broken my trust, but also before he did it, all I could think about was grabbing him and kissing him. So really, me not kissing him back was just, what? Petulance?” Alec rambled, almost more to himself than Izzy.
Clearing her throat, Izzy placed her hand on top the arm Alec had resting flat on the table, “He did promise you he wouldn’t do anything because it wasn’t part of the contract. You had said you were grateful about that, and you told him that directly. He did let you down technically… he should have at least asked first” she said honestly. Alec merely nodded in response and continued eating the burger he had ordered. They remained in comfortable silence until they finished, and then strolled back to the Institute arm in arm. Izzy had moved the conversation back to her patrol and the connection to the wider mission, and Alec was grateful that his sister had dropped the earlier conversation.
***
Sunday was set to be busy and his few hours of sleep had Alec placing his head firmly on his desk with frustration, his only saving grace was the coffee one of the trainee recruits had brought him. He flicked through the patrol reports from Friday and Saturday, reviewing any links to the Greater Demon and the Warlock murders. With a fire message sent to Catarina about the latest demon swarm, Alec moved onto combing through archived missions of a similar nature, slowly building a list of notable things to research later. Another coffee was delivered to him and he was grateful for the attentiveness of the younger Shadowhunters currently making their way up the ranks. However, he felt himself constantly being dragged back to one thing, and one thing only: Magnus’ lips. The attempted kiss had plagued him while he tried to sleep for a few hours after leaving Taki’s, and then when he’d found his way to his office, every report somehow led his thoughts back to it. His fingertips were pressed firmly on his lips, feeling the ghost of the kiss when a fire message flew into his eye-line. Grabbing and unfolding it, he saw Catarina offering her time tomorrow to locate the warlock and investigate further. Alec fired off a quick reply to note they could hopefully locate the one responsible alive, he was hopeful they could help the warlock escape the clutches of the Greater Demon. Plus any information they had would be a help to the mission as a whole.
As the day creeped onwards, Izzy had joined him on the sofas of the office after her morning check-ins with the leaders of the Downworld of New York. She was casually laid back on the sofa, twirling a seraph blade as she gave her update. Alec was always astounded by Izzy’s ability to find out the small details and the way she was able to track down the sources of major issues.
“I just don’t think they’re protecting him. It seems more that they’re afraid he’ll not be able to protect them if he gets taken into Clave custody. Nobody has said it explicitly but it’s obvious, they respect him and feel safe with him. Plus, you know, you’re one of the best judges of characters I know, and you’re… fond”
Alec stuttered, his coffee spluttered onto his face, and he glared at Izzy as he wiped himself down, “I’m not sure fond is the word”
“So what do you feel towards your totally hot dangerous warlock?" Izzy asked, unperturbed by Alec’s flare of annoyance.
“I feel too much for a simple political alliance built on a manipulative contract. That’s what. I just need to get over it”
Izzy looked concerned then, “Oh big brother, I think you’re in too deep for that. Tuesdays always seem the easiest, right? Why don’t you lay it all out to him?”
“Maybe, I don’t know. I would still have 6 days left where I’d have to see him. Plus he was so angry and distant when I didn’t kiss him back. It was like being around the Magnus I met right at the start. Maybe that’s who he is deep down, maybe he was just nicer when he thought he could get something out of me” he said with a shrug.
“Or, maybe he was hurt? Anyway, this is a lot of what ifs and maybes, so we should focus on planning what to do with my update, and then tomorrow you can focus on Catarina. Before you can blink, it will be Tuesday and you can figure out what to do when you see him in person.” Begrudgingly, Alec agreed and they went back to planning tomorrow’s strategy and where Izzy’s information could be pulled into it. They had made the decision to transfer Underhill back to New York, as the Los Angeles Downworld seemed to be hiding something, or getting the wrong information.
However, every blink came with the thought of Magnus’ lips on his, and every time he realised, he noticed how the minutes were not going by quick enough. He refused to go to see Magnus outside of their contracted hours, because the thought of being rejected when he didn’t have to be there was worse than the waiting. At some point, Izzy had gone to eat dinner, Alec had promised to join them soon but he had lost himself in the investigation and the swirling thoughts of Magnus. Magnus who babysat Catarina’s child, Magnus who noticed his preference for coffee, Magnus who let him nap on his sofa, Magnus who cooked him a traditional dish from his home country. Alec’s heart thudded at the gentleness of it all, while Magnus was harsh and cruel at times, he wondered if it was all a show? Maybe the people Magnus had tortured or injured had deserved it even? His head swam with it all, unsure whether Jace was right about how easily manipulated he had been, or if Izzy’s reconnaissance and her opinion on his judgement were correct. Somewhere deep down, where he had been repressing any reaction to Magnus, he knew he liked the dominance and possessiveness that Magnus exuded. Part of him craved it, and for some reason that had been the worst part of Friday and Saturday, the not having it. There had been no kneeling with fingers in his hair, no fetching drinks with that warm bubble of pride when he got it right, no Magnus telling people not to touch him.
With a gasp, a sharp moment of clarity came to him.
He had missed their dynamic.
He had missed Magnus.
***
Monday saw Catarina and Alec making a formal arrest of the unallied warlock, catching him while drawing his summoning circle. They had decided, alongside the other high ranking officials of the New York Institute, that they would let him stew. Alec informed the team to leave him there and only bring him food and drinks, hoping the isolation to think would make him more willing to comply during Wednesday’s interrogation. It had all passed by in such a blur and Alec had been relieved when his head finally hit the pillow that night, especially as it got him closer to seeing Magnus again.
As soon as Alec was through the door on Tuesday, Magnus gave him a cursory glance and waved absently towards his apothecary, “Go sit on your seat in there, little Nephilim. I hope you can be a good boy and just be silent today. No nonsense”
Alec had been expecting to have a conversation about their fraught weekend. He wanted to tell the Magnus how much he had been thinking about their kiss, but it appeared like the warlock had other plans entirely. With a sigh and no verbal response, he took off his coat and hung it up to go get settled in the apothecary. With Izzy’s help, Alec had chosen a light blue shirt, that he had buttoned half way and tucked into black jeans. He was hoping it might draw the warlock’s attention, which at that moment seemed like such a silly and trivial thing.
Magnus walked into the room then and Alec heard his footsteps falter as he noticed Alec, cross legged on the seat, hands laid in his lap, and dressed up in a way he never was on a Tuesday. It almost made him sigh with relief as the warlock eyed him hungrily, Alec smiled softly, “Hi, Sir. Is this okay for you?” He asked breathily. Even he had surprised himself with the sound of his own voice, and Magnus looked equally stunned.
“Uh, yes, good boy. Now you just need to be silent and no glaring at clients” Magnus responded, “Do you think you can manage that for me, little Nephilim?” He asked the question with his eyes slightly narrowed, like he was trying to gauge Alec’s reaction. Alec bit his lip and nodded, he had never leaned into this dynamic before and he wasn’t sure what would actually interest Magnus. Magnus seemed to swallow slowly, eyes glancing down to Alec’s lip between his teeth, “If not, I will have to -“ his sentence was cut off as his attention turned to the door. He reminded Alec to be silent and then whirled into the entryway to greet the guest.
Alec could hear the muted discussions between the two men, and as they got closer, Alec dropped his eyes to his hands. Without looking up, he felt Magnus’ appraising gaze on him, and his body heated up at how intense it felt, even if he couldn’t look up.
“You’ve broken him in so well” the man praised.
“An easy one to break, especially for a Nephilim” Magnus said dismissively and they sat down across from each other at Magnus’ desk. Alec allowed his eyes to trail up from his legs and glance around the room, not focusing too heavily on the client. He knew if he looked at the man for too long, he would inevitably begin to glower - Magnus clearly knew him too well.
“Word travels fast, everyone in LA has been speaking of the once great Head of the New York Institute now a toy at the feet of the Prince of Edom” the man said, his eyes now on Alec, although Alec’s stare rested fixedly on Magnus who looked surprised by the attention.
“Hmm” Magnus started, his eyes darkening as they remained on Alec now, “I only have him 3 days a week. He still is the Head of the New York Institute, although he is quite desperate, probably would be grateful if I dragged him by his hair from that place any other day of the week” the two men laughed as they focused back on each other and away from Alec. They spoke about him as if he wasn’t there for a short time and Alec squirmed in his seat, unsure how to react to it all.
Client after client came throughout the morning, and Alec was getting impatient with the deep need to talk about everything that had happened. When the last client of the morning left around 12:30, Magnus stepped back into the apothecary, “We’re having lunch. Don’t make me wait” and with that, he was out of the door. Alec scrambled to get up from his seat and padded across the apartment to locate Magnus who was at the dining table, “If you want to eat, you will have to kneel next to me”
After a few slow blinks, Alec nodded and sank to his knees next to Magnus where a cushion had been placed, and a feeling coiled inside him. Magnus started speaking of his clients for the afternoon as he ate his sandwich, and Alec began to wonder if he was going to eat. That was until Magnus tore off a piece of his sandwich and held it out to Alec on the flat palm of his hand as he continued talking about his afternoon schedule. Alec edged forward slightly and took the food from the warlock’s outstretched palm, eyes flicking up to him as he did. He wasn’t truly sure how to feel, he was elated at being allowed to be close to Magnus again after their incident, but he wasn’t sure if it meant anything. Was Magnus trying to humiliate him, or was this Magnus falling back into their club dynamic?
A few afternoon clients went by with no real mention of Alec who sat in the corner quietly, listening to the conversations and trying to take mental notes. In the evening, a blonde woman stepped through into the apothecary without knocking on the apartment door, who Alec assumed was the last client of the day.
“Camille” Magnus bristled, “How did you get in and past my wards?”
“I still have something of yours that allows me to do so” she smirked and then held up his front door key.
“I need that back and clearly I need to recalibrate my wards” he said in a low tone.
Camille simply laughed, icy and impassive before her eyes landed on Alec and she gasped, leaning forward with her hands on her thighs like she was looking at a dog, “Your new pet! Oh well isn’t he so pretty, can I pet him?”
“No” Magnus snapped, “He’s mine” at the words, Alec felt his heart clench.
“I’ve heard you don’t even bother to touch him. What a waste. Especially that sweet little stamina rune, imagine all the fun we could have with him, my love”
Magnus let out an exasperated sound as he spoke, “I’m not your love, we are not doing anything to him, especially you. Plus I don’t need to touch him to claim him” Magnus continued, a possessive hint to his words now.
“You really should make him your whore, otherwise people are going to start to think you’ve gone soft. You don’t want people thinking you’re weak, do you Magnus?” Camille sneered, and while Alec’s body went cold at her tone, he found himself lingering on whether Magnus would finally cave. Would Magnus exploit the vague agreements in the contract and demand it from him? A thrill ran through Alec’s body at the thought and then he shook himself out of it, slightly mortified that he might like the idea of it.
“Alexander isn’t mine or anyone’s whore. I’m not interested in discussing what I do with my pets, especially this one and especially with you. What did you want from me? Why did you ask to see me?”
“Well this is a bit awkward” she said, flashing a grin at Alec that was decidedly not awkward, “But the Clave are after me and I need help evading them”
“Camille, I am not letting you drag me down to the depths of wherever you crawled out of. I’m not helping you avoid the law”
“Oh pfft, Magnus! Didn’t you always used to taunt the Shadowhunters about their ‘the law is the lawwww’” she did an imitation of Magnus, which he assumed was Magnus when he was as taunting Clave law. He didn’t really appreciate the sentiment but he understood it.
“I don’t agree with all of it, that doesn’t mean I help others avoid consequences”
Alec remembered Catarina’s words about Magnus always following the rules then and smiled to himself. This was a glimpse of the real Magnus, one who followed the rules and cared. He felt a hope fall over him, maybe they could discuss this whole situation. His attention was brought back when Magnus stood over the top of him, powerful and eyes blazing, “Leave. Go wait in the living room” he demanded. Alec didn’t say a word, just nodded and made his way into the living room to sit and wait.
Lips against his was his first thought in the silence, it seemed that Magnus was consuming his every thought recently. Tracing his own lips with his fingers, he wondered how he was going to find the words to speak to Magnus once Camille left. Or would it be better to simply show Magnus he wanted the kiss, should he just kiss him?
After a few minutes, Magnus and Camille left the apothecary, Camille seething and Magnus looking disgusted. “Do not return to try and involve me in any more of your schemes, Camille” he said as way of goodbye as he held the door open for her.
The door slammed closed behind her and Alec strode across the room to close the distance between himself and Magnus. Without a breath, he flung his arms around Magnus’ neck and pulled him in fiercely for a kiss that set his whole body on fire. Magnus was kissing him back without hesitation, his hands sliding to Alec’s waist with a firm grip, and Alec felt a small noise catch in his throat. While Magnus’ grip tightened at the noise, it also seemed to break him out of his daze; his hold on Alec remained as his head retreated from the kiss to look at Alec’s face, “That was unexpected. What happened to being annoyed at me?”
With that, Alec moved his body away, and Magnus’ hand dropped from his waist. Alec began pacing in front of the warlock, “You confuse me. You’re meant to be evil, everyone says you are but you don’t act evil without an audience. You seem to have this big grand plan but there’s no evidence of it, and I like you. You seem genuine and kind. And the more you say I’m not anyone’s whore and especially when you say I’m not your whore, the more I want to be-” Alec stopped speaking abruptly, his eyes going wide as an aggressive blush washed over his whole body. Had he just said that?
Magnus’ reaction wasn’t much better, he was eying Alec with a startled concern, and slowly stepped closer to him, “You do? You would want to be that for me?”
“Well - I just - Well, I guess” Alec stuttered out before realising there wasn’t an explanation or a way to retreat from this subject now, “I find it easier when you’re in control of what I do, it’s peaceful and it’s simple. Then the outfits and your commands, they make my body feel on fire, and I can’t stop any of it. Plus until Friday, I thought I knew you wouldn’t push any boundaries, so I felt safe to let my guard down when I was around you…”
“But” Magnus interrupted, a nervous edge to his voice before he gained control of the shake to his words, “You would like to be mine?”
Alec mustered all his courage and fought through the layers of repression that had been placed on him by the Clave over the years, all to let out a shaky, whispered “Yes”.
Magnus grabbed him by his open shirt and dragged him closer, starting up a deep and desperate kiss that Alec sunk wholly into.
“My my little Nephilim, I never thought I’d see you so needy” Magnus cooed as he moved his lips across to Alec’s jaw and down his neck in the exact spot of his deflect rune. Alec whined, arching his body into Magnus’ with an urgency he wasn’t used to, usually the part of being Magnus’ assistant that had always seemed most horrifying, was submitting without knowing what was next. Now though, he was pliant and willing to obey whatever command Magnus would give him. Pulling Alec backwards into Magnus’ bedroom, the place Alec had never been allowed to enter, Magnus continued to kiss Alec, never breaking their lips. His fingers traced Alec’s chest where the shirt was unbuttoned and groaned slightly, pulling back, “Do you know the red/yellow/greens - the traffic light system, Alexander? I’m not doing anything severe to you, but I do want want to be rough with you, and I want to ensure none of your boundaries are crossed again.” Alec shook his head, and Magnus continued speaking, “Okay, it’s red to stop, yellow to pause or slow if anything is getting too much and green is that you’re all okay. Would you like to try that, little Nephilim?” Magnus asked, stroking Alec’s hair back from his face. It was so gentle that Alec keened into the feeling, and he wanted this, he wanted Magnus, whatever that looked like.
“Yes” he said breathily, “I trust you” Alec said, and the sincerity in those three words shocked himself.
“Well, then kneel” Magnus commanded and Alec dropped immediately, caught by a cushion on the floor, “See? I knew you liked being on your knees for me. I don’t know why you denied yourself this for so long” Magnus cooed, and Alec finally let himself get lost in the words.
“I - I don’t know, Sir. I should have knelt for you that first day” Alec confessed, looking up at Magnus through his eyelashes.
“I think you need to show me how sorry you are for that” Magnus said, his finger trailing along bare skin as he circled Alec. Confusion furrowed Alec’s brow, until the Warlock was back in front of him and unzipping his pants, pulling his hardened cock out and holding it firmly, “I’m going to fuck your mouth until I come down your throat. If you need me to stop, tap your fingers against my legs, otherwise, keep them on your thighs as they are now. Colour?”
Alec blinked away his desire for a minute to respond, “Green, Sir.” With that, Magnus smirked and grabbed Alec by the hair, pulling him onto his cock with force. Almost immediately he set up a brutal pace that shocked Alec but he couldn’t deny the excitement coursing through him at the very feeling of it. Allowing his mouth to go slack, he let the warlock use his mouth and throat without reprieve.
“No gag reflex Alexander, I’m very pleased” Magnus said between moans. Each moan was getting louder and less controlled as he continued fucking into Alec’s throat until Alec moaned around his length. Alec felt the stuttering of Magnus’ hips then and he held Alec with both hands as he buried himself to the hilt and came violently down his throat. Gulping down every last drop, Alec felt Magnus’ grip loosen and a pride flourished inside him that he had done it, and seemingly well. Magnus pulled back and clicked his fingers to clean up, before putting himself away but Alec was confused.
“Wait aren’t we were going to… I thought you were going to - to fuck me?” Alec managed to get out, a whole body flush immediately taking hold of him.
“Oh little Nephilim, if I could I would” Magnus said and crouched in front of him, seizing his jaw in his grip, making Alec swallow harshly at the sudden contact, “I’m not doing too much to you, not on your first time. Plus I wanted to be rough with you, and this was most certainly the best way to do that… And well, I don’t want you to regret this” Magnus took his hands then and pulled him to his feet before guiding him onto the bed, and laying him down on the pillows. Humming with satisfaction, Magnus smirked down at Alec, “I’m going to remove your clothes with magic now and make you feel good. Colour?”
“Green” Alec exclaimed, his need overwhelming him. With a swish of Magnus’ fingers, the clothes were gone and he was laid bare in front of someone he had loathed only a few weeks ago. Now, Alec was gazing up at Magnus with a sense of longing he didn’t know he was capable of having. Magnus stared down at Alec as he kneeled above him at the bottom of the bed, Alec’s hips gave an involuntary jerk with his body’s need for contact.
“You are heaven sent, my little Nephilim… and if you’re not a gift to me from heaven, then maybe someone in Hell is looking out for me” a dark laugh escaped his lips, but the look in his eyes was the same nonetheless, a yearning that Alec could easily become obsessed with witnessing.
Before he could say anything in response, Magnus’ mouth was on him, pressing his lips with slow and long kisses that made the hairs on Alec’s skin stand alert.
“Alexander, I don’t think you realise how perfect you are” Magnus said, sincerity lacing every word, placing soft kisses along his abdomen. Alec couldn’t breathe, he was overwhelmed by the sensation, by the gentleness and care Magnus was showing to him, “I have wanted to just enjoy you with no pretences for so long, you are a literal angel.” Alec allowed himself to sink further into the pleasure that Magnus offered him, getting lost in his own moans and the touch of Magnus.
Afterwards, they laid next to each other, Magnus looking more vulnerable than Alec had ever seen him. He almost felt honoured to see this side of the warlock that was clearly so often hidden from the world.
“After everything I’ve done… Alexander, I just don’t understand you wanting this” Magnus said as a sincere expression of confusion swept his features.
“I obviously despise the torture and the murder and the horrors I’ve seen, but… but I do like you, here” and Alec touched Magnus’ chest above his heart, “I don’t know what is happening with you, but I feel like I know who you are deep down”
Magnus placed his hand over Alec’s own, “I promise I’ll explain soon, there’s just… There’s too much at stake right now.” Alec nodded but didn’t respond, “Are you ready to shower and go home, Alexander?” Magnus asked, turning to face the Shadowhunter who had been quiet for some time. Before he could stop the words, Alec looked down at their intertwined fingers and huffed, “I already feel like I’m home”
Magnus swallowed and Alec wondered what emotion he was feeling behind the mostly closed off plains of his face, “That’s a big statement, Shadowhunter”
“Total honesty is all I have at this point. I used to think home would come if I climbed the political ladder high enough, but being by your side feels like home” Alec said with a shrug as if he was simply discussing the weather, not confessing the home he had found in Magnus’ presence, “But yeah, I should get back to the Institute, it’s late”
He didn’t move for a long while, his eyes solely focused on Magnus’ hand as he played with his fingers in peaceful silence, the sound of Magnus’ relaxed breaths at his ear.
Notes:
Warning for explicit sexual content / slightly rough oral?
Chapter 10: Mr Lightwood, you’re mine
Summary:
Catarina and Alec talk all things Magnus before interviewing the unallied warlock, Alec finally indulges Izzy in the gossip, and an important next step in the mission has arrived.
Notes:
Thank you for continuing to read, this is so so much fun to write. I finished the first draft of Chapter 12 today and I’m so excited for you guys to read these next few🥹
I hope you enjoy this chapter🫶
As always, kudos and comments make my world go round🩷
Chapter Text
Alec felt lighter than air. His warlock had spent Tuesday evening allowing Alec to see his vulnerability, his softness, to feel his tender touches and kisses. Magnus might have started rough and dominant, but Alec wasn’t going to argue with that, especially when it gave way to sensual touches and soft spoken words. He wanted more of it, more of Magnus, he wanted to understand the actions he took and the way he handled his business at the club. Could he simply ask now? Were they on that level yet? There was a desire in Alec to maintain their dynamic, to publicly remain on his knees for Magnus and then watch Magnus worship his body afterwards.
“Hey, big bro, ready for your big interrogation?” Izzy called, interrupting Alec’s buzzing thoughts.
“Yep, all set” Alec replied without hesitation, “Iz?”
“Yeah, Alec? What is it?”
“Did we figure out anything else about Magnus? About his involvement in this mission or his bigger plans?” Alec was nervous, he didn’t want her to have an update that wasn’t a complete exoneration of all possible involvement.
“No, nothing additional. I still think there’s more good than bad in him though”
Alec nodded, “Thanks, Iz. I’ll maybe ask Cat? Also I want to talk to you tonight, can we get dinner out of the Institute?”
“Yeah sounds good, I’ll message you an address and we can meet there around 7?”
"That sounds great, Iz! I’ll catch you later” he said, bidding goodbye to his sister and turning to locate Catarina in the Ops centre they had walked into. She was stood glamour free, with a group of the younger Shadowhunters inspecting some reports up on a large screen. His heart fluttered at the sight, this was what he wanted, he wanted more casual and easy conversations between Shadowhunters and Downworlders, he wanted this peace.
“Cat!” He called as he approached.
She looked up from her conversation and beamed at him, “Hi Alec, I was just looking through some of the recent demon activity with some of your on the ground team. These were apparently spotted last night” Catarina said, potting at the screen.
“I wasn’t around last night… You’ll have to get me up to speed while we head down to speak to this warlock” he said, trying not to stumble over the memories of the night before. Or blush, by the angel, was he blushing?
Catarina intertwined her arm in his and spun him around to walk him to the elevators so they could go down to the cells, “Jesus, Alec. It is all over your face. What happened last night at Magnus’ loft?”
“Y-you don’t know?” Alec faltered, he was almost sad that Magnus hadn’t shared it with her, maybe that meant it didn’t mean much to him.
Before he could lose himself any deeper to his thoughts, Catarina spoke again, “I’m a very busy woman… If I’d have answered any of his four phone calls, listened to the two voicemails or even read any of his ten messages, then maybe I’d know” Alec couldn’t help but let a small smile creep onto his lips, had Magnus been obsessing over him? “Lilith below” Catarina grumbled, “You two are already infuriating separate, I can’t begin to imagine what it will be like seeing you together properly. Brunch is going insufferable” she let out a long suffering sigh but she was shooting a grin at Alec as they stepped into the lift.
“Trust me, as soon as I was back from the Spiral Labyrinth he didn’t shut up about you. I just hadn’t realised that his Alexander was also Alec Lightwood, Head of the New York Institute” and the way Catarina said his had Alec’s stomach tightening. He knew that three days a week he belonged to Magnus as part of the contract, but Cat said it as if Magnus viewed him as his in a much more intimate and endearing way. It wasn’t because he owned him, it was because he knew him, Magnus had seen him in a way no one had seen him before. Maybe no one had ever bothered to look before, but that only made Alec’s heart sing more. Magnus had chosen to look at him, to learn his emotions, to note his preferences down to the simplistic knowledge of how he takes his coffee.
The elevator doors opened and he walked side by side with Cat, “Alec, one final thing about Magnus before it has to be him who tells you any more… He really does care about you, give him the patience and he will be worth it, I promise” she said with a gentle tap against his arm. “Okay, we got slightly distracted here. Magnus will do that to you” she said with a fond laugh, “I didn’t get a chance to give you the rundown of last night, so let me talk to David when we get to addressing last night. One thing you should know, is that he seems terrified and young, I worry he has been manipulated into this, he doesn’t seem to be a willing participant”
Alec nodded, scanned his access card and drew an open rune, then pushed open the cell door. The guards had come in and handcuffed David to the table at some point and also set up chairs in preparation for the interview.
Without Alec getting a chance to properly introduce himself, the young warlock in front of him burst into tears, “Don’t tell Magnus Bane, please don’t tell him. You can’t tell Magnus what happened, please”
A shocked noise that Alec couldn’t stop came from his throat, David’s pleas were like screeching tires burning hot on a road inside his mind. His concerns that had been doused by the water that was his conversation with Catarina, now seemed to have gasoline being poured on them. Doubts about Magnus were one match away from exploding any trust he had in his own judgement. He couldn’t speak, words wouldn’t form on his lips to address the warlock. The silence dragged on as Catarina looked expectantly at him while the younger warlock let out quiet sobs, and then he spoke again, “He’s going to be so disappointed in me. He got me off the streets and into a good home with a kind family and I’ve done this” he cried, “Oh shit, you can’t tell Jem and Tessa either, they will be furious with me for leaving home for so long. I didn’t mean to leave for so long, I didn’t mean to go against Magnus’ wishes to never summon Greater Demons, I swear”
Alec turned to look at Catarina, who looked equally as stunned and shrugged her shoulders at Alec as if to say ‘I didn’t know Magnus did that either’.
“Sorry” Alec interrupted, and quickly looked at the file below him to remind himself of the warlock’s name, hoping it appeared like a pause for dramatic effect, as opposed to a stumble, “David. Just to confirm: Magnus saved you from the streets, placed you in the custody of Jem and Tessa. Then you ran away and started summoning Greater Demons? And Magnus strictly forbade you from doing that?” He added the last question to reassure himself more than anything else.
The young warlock, David, gulped in air and nodded, “Yes, Magnus is going to be so upset. He doesn’t even get angry with me, which is almost worse, he looks at me with these disappointed sad eyes and I feel like I’ve destroyed the world”
Alec heard Cat stifle a giggle and shot her a look and she cleared her throat to speak, “Why did you leave Tessa?”
“She went away for a few weeks, they both did. Apparently they’re looking for something valuable, something lost. Someone came to the door, said they knew where Jem and Tessa were, that they would kill them if I didn’t go with them at once. I ended up in some sort of rundown mansion with a load of warlocks my age or older unallied warlocks-“
Alec couldn’t help but interrupt, he was usually patient and careful but the rollercoaster of his growing feelings and knowledge of Magnus Bane had him off kilter, “How old are you?”
“Sixteen”
Cat made a noise of understanding, “Recruiting before they’re allied, before they’re allowed in the inner circles of the Spiral Labyrinth” she explained to Alec when he raised an eyebrow at her.
“Sorry for interrupting, David. Please tell us about the mansion”
“Are Jem and Tessa okay? I need to know they’re safe”
“I’ll send a fire message” Cat said, already working on it as she spoke, “But we need to understand what is happening. Warlocks and mundanes are dying, David”
David nodded solemnly, “The warlock who trained us, Clarence Thrump, he said that Asmodeus was due to return to power and wanted to be earth side too. He said when he returned, warlocks who disobeyed him or sided with Magnus would perish. Between that and the risk on Jem and Tessa’s life, I didn’t feel like I had a choice. Once I did my summoning circle, I was going to go to Magnus and beg him to get into Asmodeus’ good graces again. Magnus should be alive, and he can be, he just needs to hand the reigns back” David looked like he was pleading with them to understand, but Alec couldn’t understand anything.
“Wait - Magnus is the Prince of Edom, didn’t he destroy Asmodeus for power and glory?”
Catarina sighed, “Honestly, Alec, do you seriously still believe that?”
Alec was stunned, “I - I don’t know”
“You Shadowhunters are so easy to trick as long as we play into the prejudices. You need to speak to Magnus about this as soon as possible” Cat said exasperated and then returned to David, “You do realise that the warlocks who cast the spells get murdered immediately afterwards? You’re lucky we found you first”
“I know, I know and I’m sorry” David said, silent tears still running down his face ceaselessly, “The Seelies murder for Clarence because they think Asmodeus is the winning side”
“David, listen to me. Me, Tessa and Magnus are the winning side. We are going to protect you, and then we’re going to take down Asmodeus. Possibly with the Shadowhunters’ help if they can get their heads out of their asses” Catarina declared with a fierce and passionate belief.
Alec’s jaw slackened in shock, “Catarina!”
“It’s true” she said with a shrug, and in that small gesture and her words, Alec could see how her and Magnus would be friends. The blunt words only she could say to Magnus and no one else, and Alec knew he’d let her, Angel’s, Alec bet he ended up agreeing with her even. Alec had already grown to admire Cat greatly and her brutal honestly only served to increase his admiration. With a turn back to David, her face softened and she reached a hand out to touch his, “Magnus has been working with the Warlock Council at the Spiral Labyrinth. He thinks it’s high time we locate and help warlock children as opposed to remaining the solitary creatures we often are. For the first time ever, Magnus is trying to open the doors of the Spiral Labyrinth to warlocks of all ages. He wants to provide shelter, food and education in a way we haven’t before. I know you’re older, you’re two years from all of this not mattering, and you have Jem and Tessa, but think how vital this is for all the little warlocks you were like once. You could help shape that new world, but in order to do that, you have to believe that being on the presumed winning side is not the answer. It’s about being on the side that will fight for what’s right, for what’s good. You have been around a wealth of good already by living with the Carstairs and meeting Magnus Bane. Let their light guide you” she finished her speech as if she hadn’t said anything at all. Catarina Loss in this moment was soft spoken and reverent, Alec felt as if she was almost glowing with goodness. Plus the words she had spoke of Magnus had Alec’s heart fluttering, a steady giddiness rising in him, threatening to burst out.
In that moment between Catarina’s and David’s words, Alec realised that if everything new that he was learning about Magnus was true, he was in trouble. Mostly because his internal compass that always pointed at duty and his angelic mandate, was starting to flicker towards his heart and protecting a new world that could be built.
Then David spoke again, “Okay. I’m here, I’m on your side. I - I won’t disappoint you guys again”
“Tessa and Jem probably won’t want to risk going home. When they return they are likely to stay in the outer circles of the Labyrinth so they can be with you” Catarina said, patting David’s hand lightly.
“Okay… God, I hope they’re not mad”
Alec smiled warmly then, “No chance. Jem is one of the kindest men I’ve ever meet. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Tessa, but from what Catarina has said, she sounds like she would be more worried than angry. Sometimes we think we’re doing the right thing to protect the ones we love, the most important thing is that when we realise we’re doing the wrong thing, we change course”
David nodded nervously, “I hope so. If - If you guys need anything else, please tell me”
“We’ll need a full statement, I’ll send someone down to you to bring you upstairs and take that statement. Thank you David, your cooperation has been invaluable. Cat would you walk me out, please?” Alec asked, turning to Catarina, she nodded and stood from the table. When they were outside, Alec allowed himself to smile in relief that Magnus was almost completely in the clear now. Catarina smiled back at Alec, seemingly able to read the expression on his face, and he sighed, “Well, that resolves any concerns that were on the table about Magnus’ part in all this… Would you mind staying with David for this next part? I have to draft his release forms and write up my formal report on what’s happened. I’ll send Underhill down, he’s a good guy, he won’t try and pressure for any information other than what David says, but if you could prompt David if he misses any details. Underhill will need to take your statement too, so it works that you’ll both be there”
Catarina patted Alec’s arm softly, “Of course. Thank you for trusting in him and for going gentle, I think he needed that. If you need anything, you know where I am, Alec” she reassured before they said their goodbyes, Catarina returning into the cell and Alec to his office. A genuine affection bloomed in his chest from his interaction with Catarina. He could almost see himself sitting with Cat and Magnus having brunch while Madzie chats happily to them all. He could almost touch that future and it made it impossible for him to regret anything that had happened between himself and Magnus.
When the evening had encroached and Alec had finished his reports, collating everyone’s written statements alongside it, Alec put the address Izzy had sent him into his maps and left the Institute. A short time later, he arrived at a small Italian restaurant that had the telltale signs of being owned by vampires, Alec chuckled, Izzy always did love a Downworlder run business. Pushing the door open, he spotted her in an instant, dressed up as if she hadn’t been on patrol all day, her hair flawless and hanging loose in bouncing, shiny waves.
“Hey, Iz” he said as he got to her table, she looked up from her phone and grinned widely at him.
“Alec!” She exclaimed and jumped up to wrap her long arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. While they waited for the waiter, they discussed Izzy’s patrol, the different demons she had slain and the interview with David. Once the waiter arrived, they quickly placed their orders and then Izzy leaned over the table, her elbows on the table, her chin on her closed fists. A teasing knowing smirk played on her face as she eyed him, “So… Are you ready to play my game now?”
Frowning at her, Alec sighed, “What do you mean?” He asked, unable to decipher the implication of her question.
“Will you tell me whether you think Magnus Bane is hot now?”
Alec laughed, it was a sudden and joyful sound that Izzy almost looked surprised to hear from her brother. The memory hit him, Izzy grilling him about what Magnus Bane was like when they had been in Alec’s office two months ago. He shook his head but a cocky look grew on his face, one that had quite literally never crossed his face before, “He’s very hot”
Izzy gasped with a giggle, “Why are you confessing this now?”
“He, uhm - We, we kissed, properly this time. And maybe more” He confessed, leaving Izzy’s imagination to fill in the rest, although he wasn’t sure if that was the best idea.
His sister was now beaming at him, “About time you got some, big brother”
“I’m not sure what to do from here… We’re so close to something, but I feel like it is all just insane right now. Between what’s happening with the demon summonings and the way everything started between us. It’s… I just can’t imagine how we can go forward between Clave politics and his reputation” Alec stumbled over his words.
Izzy grinned, wide and almost feral, Alec couldn’t help but be amused, this was the exact situation she lived for, “I knew this would happen, you can’t resist a dangerous man”
“When have I ever dated a dangerous man before?”
“So you’re dating him?”
“Well no, I just sucked-“ Alec interrupted before clearing his throat, “We haven’t defined anything, we were kind of busy” he confessed as he blushed, “Plus we haven’t even been on a single date”
“You’ve spent 6 weeks seeing each other 3 times a week - that’s like what 18 times? That’s like 18 dates” she said, quickly adding upon her fingers.
Alec scoffed, “I’d hardly call our time together dates, and plus we haven’t even seen each other the amount of times we were meant to”
“Disappointed are we?” Izzy teased and waggled her eyebrows, and then her face turned serious and she gasped, whacking Alec on the arm.
“Ow! Izzy what the hell?”
“This is why you were so upset that time isn’t it? He sent you packing early from the club and you were desperate to stay with him, weren’t you?”
The dark red blush that spread across Alec’s face confirmed it enough but he nodded tentatively, “Yeah, it might have been. With everything going on, that feels like forever ago”
“Alec, personally, I say go for it, get your man” Izzy patted his forearm, just shy of patronising, which only served to make Alec roll his eyes.
“What about how we met? The dynamic we have?” Alec asked.
“It’s kind of sexy being an assistant isn’t it? Especially Magnus’ assistant” A teasing smile played on her lips.
“Izzy!” He reprimanded but his own returning smile tugging at his lips and he could no longer resist the words falling from them “But yeah, I guess… Especially Magnus’ assistant”
***
Thursday morning’s briefing was focused on small groups going out on patrol, keeping himself, Izzy, Jace and Clary without an assignment. When the teams headed out, Alec gathered their party around, with Simon and Catarina joining them.
“David gave us some good information yesterday, he believes the warlock, Clarence, along with his remaining young unallied warlocks will be meeting some of the higher ranking Seelies at the warehouse. They are possibly going to perform the final ritual tonight and we can’t let that happen. Otherwise, we’ll be not only fighting them but a Greater Demon and a possible hoard of lesser demons. Catarina is going to portal us into an abandoned building nearby, we’ll meet the warlock’s Spiral Council there. From then, they will explain what the next steps are. Everyone ready?” Alec asked, to which there was a murmuring of agreement. Catarina opened the portal, taking hold of Clary, who hooked her arm with Simon before they all stepped through. After scoping out the venue with Catarina earlier, Alec visualising the space and grabbed onto Izzy and Jace to take them through with him. The Spiral Council were already there when they stepped through the portal and Alec’s grip tightened in shock when he saw the person leading the group.
Magnus.
He was in a deep royal purple long tailored coat that cinched in at his waist, a black embroidery swirling along in beautiful detail. The black lapels and collar matched and looking at Magnus, tall and regal, and ready for battle on the right side, the good side, had Alec swallowing audibly. Jace eyed him with worry, Izzy smirked at his visible reaction, but he was too focused on how powerful Magnus looked. Underneath the fitted coat, was a lavender waist coat over a purple shirt and sinfully tight black trousers. His boots were black and slightly heeled, and he held himself like he had only ever known the battlefield, and Alec couldn’t take his eyes off of him.
An elbow to his ribs finally caught his attention and he suddenly realised everyone had turned to look at him, he cleared his throat, “Thank you all for coming today”
“Of course, it is as much a warlock problem as it is a Nephilim concern” Magnus said, a weary expression on his face.
Izzy leaned into Alec, “They were asking what the plan was”
“So now we have the formalities out of the way” Alec said, trying to cover up his obvious blunder, “Our plan is to deal with the arrests first, take in any warlocks with our usual restraints, except the warlocks will be here to assist faster and more effective captures. The Seelies will be more likely to fight, try to focus on clean arrests, but it will be understandable if casualties or injuries occur. Personally, I’d rather avoid them for the sake of the Accords and possible reconciliations. However, the priority is to stop the summoning of a Greater Demon and prevent the larger plan unfolding. Now, I’ll hand over to the Warlock Council for their part of the briefing”
Magnus strode forward, giving a small flourish of the hand as he did, Alec couldn’t resist a grin of his own forming on his face at the sight. That was his warlock, his man. He had seen the eccentricities of the warlock before, but not without the shroud of arrogance or danger. Magnus seemed light, almost effervescent.
“Hello all, as warlock representative for today’s mission, I want to thank everyone for your participation, as this will be vital to ensuring the safety of our world. Myself and Cat have been working on a plan in order for today’s arrests to be carried out effectively. There will be two warlocks per Shadowhunter, one will focus their energy on protection spells, the other will be assisting with the arrest and opening the portals. For warlock arrests, we will send them to the cells of the spiral labyrinth and for Seelie arrests, they will go to the Gard directly to avoid any chance of escape. Cat will be going to Alicante to work with Jia Penhallow to ensure this is done safely. I’ve been informed by Cat that it was yourself Mr Lightwood who arrange that with Consul Penhallow, so thank you for being so attentive ” Alec felt a small shiver run up his spine at Magnus’ praise, and he couldn’t do anything but stare in awe as he nodded. Magnus didn’t seem to miss Alec’s reaction as he gave the usual hand gesture for Alec to get on his knees while he said, “Very good”
It could have been easily brushed off by anyone else as Magnus moving the conversation along, but Alec heard it for what it was. This was Magnus praising him so openly, so clearly and it made the blood in Alec’s veins sing, he grabbed his bow fiercely, ready for battle.
“One more thing, distinguishing one warlock from another might prove complex in the throes of battle. Therefore, to make the arrests easier for the Shadowhunters, I will be using a spell on the Shadowhunters. This will allow them to see a purple aurora around the warlocks of the Spiral Labyrinth, that way you can avoid restraining any warlock who is surrounded by purple.”
After Magnus spoke, he immediately began conducting magic and Alec gasped at the beautiful blue that streamed from his fingers as he worked on the spell to help identify the Spiral Council warlocks. Once the spell was complete, Alec seemed to have regained his command and the control of his vocal cords, “Let’s move out, High Warlock Bane, could we prepare the portal for the south entrance?”
“Of course, Mr Lightwood” Magnus said, winking at Alec while everyone’s eyes were averted at the portal, “Now my warlocks are already in pairs, they will choose their Shadowhunter to accompany to the other side. Mr Lightwood, you’re mine. Since I’m the most powerful here, you’ll be with just me”
The eye rolls were almost as audible as the sighs the other warlocks gave at Magnus’ declaration, and Alec had to disguise his laugh with a gargled cough.
Magnus stood close to Alec and held his hand out, Alec took it without hesitation, “You of all people know I’m the most powerful, don’t you dear Alexander?” Magnus purred quietly in his ear as they stepped through together.
“And I like it” Alec threw back on the other side, a smugness tugging at his lips. Magnus chuckled and let go of his hand as he inspected the quiet alleyway, while he did that, the others arrived behind them. When everyone was assembled, Magnus turned to Alec with a vicious grin, “Are you ready, Nephilim?”
“Always, warlock” he replied, nocking an arrow and preparing himself to enter the building. Alec gave the signal and Jace moved forward to draw an open rune on the warehouse door before they all moved steadily through the entrance.
As soon as they were inside, it all happened quickly, Seelies descended on them immediately and Alec was grateful to see more arrests than violence. Magnus stayed by Alec’s side, covering his back while he restrained Seelies as they got closer to the thrumming magic in the air. They worked as one, moving in time with each other, seemingly a perfect fit, the closest thing he had felt to fighting beside his parabatai.
Magnus cleared his throat, “Alexander, we should get in there, it’s happening now”
Alec’s eyes darted around the group and realised they had cleared the room, Izzy was doing signs of life checks on the few necessary casualties they had incurred, “Everyone, let’s go” he said, signalling to the entrance to the ritual space next door. They all followed him in raptured silence, like a collective holding of breath as they walked.
The main warehouse unit had been transformed into a place of candles and demonic runes, and the floors were covered in summoning symbols. It dragged a gasp from someone behind Alec and he wondered if it was the visual in front of them or the weight of the dark magic that pressed down on them with a brutal force.
Before Alec had time to whisper to Magnus for next steps, the group watched as twenty one pairs of eyes fell on them. Alec let his instincts take over as he quickly did a headcount of the unallied warlocks, and then calculate their numbers: 14. A momentary worry flickered through him as his brain hurried to strategise. But then Magnus’ voice broke through his thought with a commanding, “Now!” That had Alec’s body clamouring to obey despite not knowing what he needed to do. All at once the Spiral Council’s magic was in the air coalescing and then restraining the twenty one surrounding the summoning circle, “Shadowhunter, make the arrests now”
Alec’s legs moved before he had even fully registered what he was being asked to do, and he saw his Shadowhunters join him either side as they spread out to place the magic dousing restraints on the unallied warlocks. Once they were finished, the Spiral Council began portalling them to the Spiral Labyrinth, leaving the warehouse completely. Simon and Izzy were gently touching as they checked on each other, and Jace had his arm around Clary’s waist. They all watched as the final unallied warlock left with a council member.
While the other warlocks had portalled back to the Spiral Labyrinth, Magnus lingered when Jace asked, “When will the unallied warlocks be transported to us or Alicante?”
Alec shook his head, “They won’t be. We must return to the Institute, but I will not be including the warlocks in my report to Consul Penhallow. We can’t report the unallied warlocks involvement to the Clave as it would only cause a declaration of war against the warlocks”
“I mean, no offence but we can’t just hide the truth from the Clave in official documentation” Jace said carefully.
“It’s not like you haven’t done it before for Clary, so we can and we will. I will provide a revised version of events, including the praise of the Spiral Council and their assistance. This is the least we can do after everything they’ve done for us” Alec’s eyes flicked to meet Magnus’ cat eyes, still glowing from the battle, he was stood so close to his side that Alec could feel his warmth.
Magnus beamed at Alec for clearly understanding the risk the Clave posed if informed of tonight’s events. There was an awe on his face at the Shadowhunter’s willingness to protect the warlocks, and Alec’s friends and family looked on in shock as the warlock’s hand reached up and cupped Alec’s face. All except for Izzy, who had the face of someone who had got exactly what she wanted. Alec had to hold back a giggle at her excitement when he turned his full attention back to Magnus who was speaking to him, “I have to go deal with the mess on the other end at the Spiral Labyrinth, but I’ll see you tomorrow, my sweet Nephilim” Magnus said, brushing his fingers over Alec’s cheek before stepping backwards into the portal. Alec stared at the spot where the portal had just closed and smiled softly to himself, suppressing the urge to follow Magnus everywhere and anywhere he went. At least for today.
Chapter 11: You are an artful negotiator, little Nephilim
Summary:
Magnus and Alec’s dynamic moves to the meeting room of the Downworld. Tessa has some things to say, Cat has some things to say. And once the girlies have spoken, Magnus is hardly going to ignore them.
Notes:
I’m having the nicest time writing this ending omg - and my lil fic having 4,000 hits just makes me happy🥹
Hope you’re all enjoying it too!🩷
Posting schedule plan currently is:
Tue 19/08 - Assist & Obey (Ch.12)
Tue 26/08 - Assist & Obey (Ch.13)
Tue 02/09 - Assist & Obey (Ch.14)
Kudos and comments are cherished forever and ever🫶🥰
Chapter Text
*** Alec POV ***
Friday had come around slowly for Alec this time, but it had been speckled with stories of Magnus and fighting side by side with the warlock himself. Now, back in his position at Magnus’ feet, he felt the warm rush of submission, allowing himself to breathe easier than he had done since Tuesday. It was almost beautiful the way he slipped into the role now, and the noise of Pandemonium and his inner thoughts faded into the background as he settled.
A man brought a light shimmering substance on a tray up onto Magnus’ platform and was handing it to the partying guests, Alec assumed it was fairy drugs of some kind. The server was eyeing Alec hungrily, it was an action that Alec rarely noted, yet in this instance, the man’s gaze was so intense, it was hard to not feel stripped bare. Magnus cleared his throat next to him and his head snapped up sharply, however the warlock’s eyes were not on him, they were on the man. He straightened up with the tray and looked at Magnus, “Sorry, Mr Bane. Would you like some also?”
“No” he snarled out, cold and unforgiving, “What I would like is for you to stop eying up what’s mine as if he is on offer to you at a buffet”
At Magnus’ tone, the man’s eyes went wide, “Mr Bane, I did not mean to-“
Magnus waved a dismissive hand, “I don’t care for excuses, they bore me. Leave and don’t return. Your contract at Pandemonium is terminated effective immediately. Get out of my sight”
Without another word, the man ran from the dais and to the bar where he appeared to be hurriedly explaining to the bartender as he removed his apron and badge. Alec turned to Magnus, who had his eyes trained on the man, and he was still visibly seething, he reached a hand to Magnus’ thigh, “Mr Bane”
The warlock looked down and Alec saw his unglamoured eyes soften as they landed on him, but the possessiveness held firm, “Yes, my little Nephilim?”
“I’m all yours, you don’t need to worry” Alec assured him, speaking softly to avoid anyone over hearing him.
Glamour back in place, Magnus’ hand reached out to lightly hold Alec by the jaw, stroking his thumb over the lower half of his face, “You’re too pretty to be looked at like a party favour”
“Am I the whole party, Mr Bane?” Alec teased, feeling more brazen than normal after the events of Tuesday.
Magnus chuckled, rich and deep, “Yes, pretty boy, you’re the whole party” he agreed with a pleased hum, and he patted Alec’s head before he wove his fingers into his hair. Alec’s eyes fluttered closed in delight at the touch, letting himself sink into the peaceful bliss he was experiencing by Magnus’ side.
He felt thoroughly at home, as if nowhere else could compare to being on his knees for Magnus, in any room, in any place. The past six weeks had changed something in Alec so fundamentally that the only creeping concern was that he only had two weeks left. After that, what would they become?
The evening drew out, full of internal speculation, and Alec left the club, eager to return the next day, hoping to sink into a more peaceful state at Magnus’ feet.
***
When Alec reached Magnus’ office the next day, the warlock was sat atop his desk waiting for him, one slender leg draped over the other, “Hey you” Magnus greeted, a warmth in his voice as he looked at Alec, his expression open and welcoming. It sent a bolt of lightning down Alec’s spine and a flutter of fondness in his heart. That was new, something Magnus hadn’t said to him before and especially not in that tone.
“Hi, Magnus” Alec replied with a flush creeping onto his cheeks.
“You are too cute when you get bashful” Magnus chuckled and coaxed him over with his hands. When Alec got to him, he spread his legs and pulled Alec closer in between them, their thighs brushed against each others and Magnus trailed a finger along the Shadowhunter’s bicep.
“I have a favour to ask you for tonight, and I understand if you don’t want to” Magnus said, quieter than normal, a nervousness playing on his features.
“Tell me”
Magnus breathed in slowly, “I want you to come with me to the Downworlder meeting I’m attending, but it has people who believe I’m the Prince of Edom”
“I can do that” Alec said, confused why that would be an issue.
“It’s just - I might need to touch you more, it might be more abrupt or sexual than we would usually be in public. But if you don’t feel comfortable, you can go back to the Institute for tonight. I don’t need you if it’s not going to help display my power”
Alec flinched at the words, it was then that he realised he had never confirmed what he was to Magnus, other than he was newly willing to have sex with him. Maybe that didn’t change much between them, despite what he had naively thought. Magnus seemed to falter then, “I just mean, it would be a waste of your time to be there because it wouldn’t benefit my cause and you would be either at the table or on your knees the whole time” Alec looked up, hopeful at those words, earning a small chuckle from Magnus, “Yes yes, we know how much you love being on your knees but that’s not the point. It’s your choice, you let me know in the next ten minutes” he confirmed and gently pushed Alec’s hair back from his face, “This isn’t contracted. This is a favour I’m asking, one you don’t have to agree to”
“I want to” Alec whispered, eyes gazing into Magnus’ own, and emboldened by the look on Magnus’ face, he continued, “Do I get anything in return?”
Magnus chuckled darkly, “You are an artful negotiator, little Nephilim. What would you like?”
“The softness you gave me earlier this week”
“I think I can manage that, my love” Magnus whispered softly back to him and Alec took a moment to acknowledge the term of endearment he had just received. My love . So simple, and yet it felt like open arms welcoming him home, as if Magnus had allowed Alec into his heart.
“Well then, what are we waiting for” Alec started to ask and then smirked slightly, “Sir” he added. He had a newfound confidence from his and Magnus’ evolving dynamic and he wasn’t going to question it.
“Lilith give me strength, you’re incredible, Alexander. Can I kiss you?” Alec could only nod before Magnus’ fingers were tangled in his hair and he was being dragged forward for their lips to crash together in a flurry of sparking fire and burning passion. The kiss was all hot moans and desperation, only stopping when Magnus pulled them apart, “Okay, okay, more of that later. For now, you need to get changed so we can go”
Magnus made a portal for them once Alec was changed, Magnus’ hand a firm but reassuring grip on Alec’s wrist. They had portalled to the inside of a building that Alec did not recognise, and he was painfully aware of the lack of weapons on him. It wasn’t necessarily fear that was growing inside him, but a keen awareness of being under prepared.
“Mr Bane, they’re waiting for you” a man greeted Magnus as they strode up to the double doors.
“As they should be” Magnus chimed before dropping Alec’s wrist and pushing open the double doors with a flourish, “Gentlemen, how good to see you all again. Thank you for coming when I called this meeting” His voice was sickly sweet but there was a depth to it, a danger that had the hairs on Alec’s arm raised and an odd sort of thrill ran through him, “And this” Magnus cooed, taking Alec by the back of the neck, a thumb stroking circles on his deflect rune, “Is my pet Shadowhunter, Alexander. But you all can call him Alec”
Silence met Magnus’ introductions, “Well I know we’re not exactly pure of blood, but I expect a modicum of politeness.” The edge to the warlock’s voice had people immediately mumbling their greetings to Alec, and Alec gave a soft smile as he surveyed the group. Without weapons, he identified he could probably take each individual with ease, but there were five of them. He hoped this would be civil enough that he didn’t need to defend himself, or at the very least, that Magnus would protect him if something happened. Magnus released Alec’s neck and strolled to the table, taking his seat as the head, lounging in it as if he was a king on a throne. Alec awkwardly towed behind him, noting there wasn’t a chair for him and evaluating the best course of action.
The warlock’s eyes flicked up to him and he pointed to the bar in the corner, “I think a round of martinis is in order. Why don’t you go serve us some drinks, darling? We’re all very thirsty.” Alec could only nod, swallowing down the memories of endless nights at the club presenting Magnus with his drinks and waiting for the praise and attention in return. The bar had a bartender who was already mixing the drinks after Magnus’ request, so Alec waited patiently. He heard a man comment on how pretty he was and he flushed a startling pink when Magnus agreed. Lifting the tray with the martini glasses on, he walked around the table, serving each of the Downworlders at Magnus’ table. Magnus’ eyes were on him the entire time, the gaze felt like a thousand touches and Alec’s skin burned under the weight of it.
Once he was finished, Magnus snapped his fingers to get Alec’s attention, “Come take your seat, pet” Magnus purred, patting his lap. The reassurance of Magnus’ instruction, helped him to relax, as he moved to sit down on the warlock. At the proximity, he suddenly realised that they had never been this close in public, particularly not while being observed so openly. When he was settled, Magnus’ ringed hand grasped his thigh and he drew lazy patterns with his thumb along the inside. Alec tried not to squirm at the contact, trying to focus on the meeting’s conversations and understand what Magnus did here. However, the touch was endlessly distracting. He occasionally acknowledged that the men around the table were asking questions about Alec. Magnus answered each one with a teasing chuckle, while stroking Alec’s bare skin - his shoulders, his neck, his arms, his thighs. It took everything in him not to keen into each touch and get lost in it completely, especially when Magnus had already claimed, “As you can see, I have partial control and influence over the Shadowhunters through my little pet.” He didn’t want to seem completely brainless to the men around the table.
Eventually the meeting was drawn to a close, and Magnus all but dragged Alec through the portal, kissing him feverishly when they were alone. His hands gripped either side of Alec’s face and he shook his head in disbelief as he pulled away, “You drive me wild, you play your role so perfectly, Alexander” as he spoke, Alec’s arms snaked around his waist and pulled him in tightly. Magnus blinked in slight disbelief, before kissing him again, not giving Alec a second to reply to his statement.
With a strength that Alec wasn’t aware of, Magnus picked up the Shadowhunter, and carried him to his bedroom and Alec felt dizzy from how lost he was in Magnus. The golden cat’s eyes were on display and Alec’s thumb stroked across the high points of Magnus’ cheek bones, “You’re beautiful. Do you know that?”
As Magnus laid Alec down on the bed, he smiled over him, “Thank you, Alexander” he whispered before leaning down for his lips to meet Alec’s once again. Magnus continued planting soft, reverent kisses down the Shadowhunter’s jaw and chin, and then down his neck along his deflect rune. Alec’s body arched into the touch, desperate for more from Magnus, his fingers grasping at Magnus’ shoulders and hair as he kissed further down Alec’s body, removing pieces of clothing as he went.
Magnus took Alec’s firm cock in his hand and moved back up to kiss Alex’s languidly as if they had all the time in the world to live in this moment. As they exchanged syrupy kisses, Magnus increased the speed of his hand movements along Alec’s length. The build up felt both incandescent and achingly slow, leaving Alec breathless and whining into their kiss. His hips bucked into the movement, thrusting into Magnus’ fist as the warlock whispered into his ear, “Come for me, my love.” With an overwhelming sense of belonging to the warlock, he came in white ribbons over Magnus’ hand, choking on his own ragged breath. Magnus continued, helping him ride out his orgasm, until Alec’s thighs were shaking with being on the verge of overstimulation.
Once cleaned up by Magnus’ magic, they continued to kiss deep and slow until Alec couldn’t delay returning to the Institute any longer.
*** Magnus’ POV ***
Magnus stood in front of the photos of his friends on the shelf and stared at them hard while he took a sip of his martini. The excitement of Alexander’s presence still tingled on his skin, even a day later and he felt his lips tug into a fond smile. His eyes landed on the picture of Tessa, he could have sworn he had seen Tessa on Friday night, but it was unusual for her to be at the club and even stranger to not at least say hello. As he pondered it, he felt a crackle of magic in the air, familiar magic, and a grin spread across his face, “Well, there you are, my sweet Tessa” he crooned as he spun in place to face her.
Before he has a chance to properly greet her, he notices Tessa’s angry features as she launches into her own greeting, “I leave you for a few weeks and you have a Shadowhunter practically on a leash panting after you”
“I can’t help it!” Magnus said throwing his hands up in the air in dramatic surrender, “I was joking when I asked for him, but he accepted. I was shocked but I wasn’t going to deny myself the pleasure of a pretty boy’s company, now was I dear Tess?” Magnus smirked.
“Magnus this whole thing is insane. You’re insane! You do remember this act isn’t actually who you are, don’t you?” Tessa said, worry etched into her features.
“Of course I do, Tessa” Magnus said, his voice smaller now.
“And where is Raphael? Why didn’t he stop you?”
“He thought it was funny” Magnus explained with a shrug.
Tessa sighed with exasperation and rolled her eyes, “and Catarina?”
“Spiral Labyrinth and then immediately working doubles, too busy to be watching over me, and she’s been working with Alec on other things”
“No adults around and you turn into a power hungry sadistic leader of evil”
“Now now Tess, that is a little extreme. You know the people I hurt are the ones threatening the delicate peace I maintain, never innocents. It just isn’t public knowledge that I’m doing it to avoid my father’s reign of terror. Plus I think Alec likes it a little, he plays into it”
Tessa gasped, “You like him”
“Well no… I wouldn’t - I wouldn’t go that far. He’s tolerable” Magnus said with another shrug but it wasn’t as nonchalant as before.
“Have you had sex?”
“Tessa! That’s unbecoming”
“Oh shut up, Magnus. I’ll take your lack of response as a yes”
“Yes, kind of. It was…” Magnus faltered, “I’ve never felt like this before with someone”
“You need to tell him the truth then”
“What if he doesn’t feel how I feel? He could go running to the Clave and ruin my cover. It could put everything and everyone at risk”
Tessa’s face softened, “Oh Magnus. You’ve not only confused this poor boy, you’ve confused yourself” she soothed as she clasped Magnus’ face in both her hands and gazed at him lovingly, “Sometimes I wonder how you’re older than me”
Magnus sighed and looked down, “I am possibly a tad naive at times… The issue is, he doesn’t know much of the real me. He’s seen the parts I can’t hide, but most of what he has seen is the facade I keep. Even if he likes me” he started, pulling away from Tessa’s hands and taking his drink to the sofa where he threw himself down, “He likes a version of me that doesn’t really exist”
“Maybe he’s more switched on than you give him credit for” Tessa offered with a small smile. That smile was a beacon of hope for Magnus as he looked fondly at one of his dearest friends.
“Well, that would be quite wonderful… Maybe” he admitted, “I also actually had a question for you”
“Yes?” Tessa replied, her usual restrained decorum making Magnus wish that he was being interrogated by their other friends during this conversation.
“My magic… the night we met, it - well, it danced on his skin. I’ve never seen it before but I made up an excuse to him… But have you ever seen that?”
“Yes… my magic, with Will… But specifically when he was dying… it was when I was trying not to withdraw my heart but the walls were slowly building up. My magic made the connection instead, I think it was desperate to seek him out when I couldn’t”
Magnus said nothing, he couldn’t bring himself to, he just stood up again and wandered into the spare room, “Are you staying here tonight?” He asked, as if they hadn’t been discussing anything before.
“If you’ll have me” Tessa replied.
“You’re always welcome, my dear” Magnus said without hesitation.
As Tessa continued to explain the importance of telling the truth, Magnus lost himself in the memories of the Mortal war against Valentine, he had been stuck in Edom, but had rallied warlocks across Edom and the mundane world to take their place in the fight. While Lorenzo Ray hadn’t been happy about it, the Spiral Labyrinth had agreed with Magnus and ultimately he believed it had won the war. So now, when everything was stable, he had the deepest sense of fear that Alec would not like what he saw when Magnus showed him the truth. While they discussed back and forth the pros and cons of telling Alec, Magnus eyed the guest book, flipping it open and preparing to chastise Tessa for always forgetting to leave a message. As he reached the closest blank page, he wavered over something new and frowned - there was Alec’s name in the guest book. His fingers lightly traced the writing and he couldn’t control the way his face pulled back into glee. Magnus shook his head in disbelief, and tried to steer the conversation away from the room, ”Now instead of standing there, why don’t we get you a drink, you can sit with me and we’ll talk about everything we’ve missed for the weeks we’ve been apart” Magnus said as he left the room and gestured to the sofa. With a reluctant eye roll, Tessa joined Magnus and once they had a drink in hand, and they updated each other on everything.
***
The next morning when Tessa and Magnus were eating breakfast, they were interrupted by Catarina portalling into the loft, “Sorry to come unannounced, but - oh hi, Tessa! I haven’t seen you in forever”
Magnus watched on as his two friends hugged, and then dove into the hug with Catarina when she stretched her arms out for him, “I wasn’t expecting to see you so soon, Cat. Please join us for breakfast” he offered and they all took their seats at the dining room table.
Almost instantly, Catarina began to explain why she was there, it was as if keeping a secret from him had caused her to swell until she burst at the seams. She described her conversations with Alec, and informed Magnus of the events of the past few weeks, “Don’t be mad at Alec, he was doing what he thought was best for the Mundane world and the unallied warlocks”
Magnus waved his hand, “Of course I’m not mad at either of you. Alec doesn’t exactly know why I do the things I do, so why should he have trusted me? And you, my dearest Catarina, always keep your word, and your promise to Alexander is understandable. Plus you still called on me when we needed to work together, I can’t ask for much more than that”
While Magnus was often a people pleaser with the people he care about, he found himself truly meaning every word he spoke. He couldn’t be angry at either of them, especially when the issue had been resolved by their hard work. Cat seemed to sigh with relief, “Okay, I’m so pleased… Also” she started, looking more mischievous now, “If I didn’t know any better, I would say that Shadowhunter boy is in love”
Magnus groaned but his amusement was thinly veiled, “Cat” he warned.
“Oh come on, I’ve never seen a Shadowhunter who has been caught up thinking about someone else. Even when he was meant to be fulfilling his duty, his thoughts were on you” she waggled her eyebrows at him.
Despite being centuries old, and having no reason to all of a sudden start blushing for the first time, Magnus found his cheeks tinting pink at the thought of Alec loving him. He steadied himself, “He can’t love me, he doesn’t fully know me yet”
“That’s not stopping you” Tessa said matter of factly as she pointed her fork at Magnus, Catarina and Tessa shared a giggle and a knowing look. Magnus narrowed his eyes at them in mock anger, but he couldn’t materialise it into anything genuine because he was struck by the thought.
Alexander Gideon Lightwood had wormed his way into his heart.
He was falling in love with a Shadowhunter, and the Head of the New York Institute no less.
He loved Alexander.
*** Alec’s POV ***
Alec was perplexed by what had happened between Magnus and himself, and it made him infinitely more anxious that the last time he was at Magnus’ loft they had been intimate. And the time before that, come to think of it. As Alec got closer to the front door, he felt the familiar tug of Magnus’ magic, and it eased his nerves instantly. Today, it felt as if the magic was gently licking his skin, almost as if it was an overexcited puppy giddy at his return. He smiled to himself at the thought of Magnus’ wards and magic being so pleased to see him, hoping that the warlock’s feelings were on par with his magic. The door swung open before he could knock, and unlike usual Magnus was already there, he grabbed him by the sleeve into the apartment and slammed the door shut with his magic.
“Did I do something wrong?” Alec asked, his voice high with panic tainting his words.
“Oh my sweet little Nephilim” Magnus cooed, gently stroking his face, “Of course not, you’ve quite literally been an angel. I just… Tuesdays are my favourites because we’re mostly alone… and I have some news. My friend Tessa came by the club and she saw us, and then she visited me on Sunday and was very upset with me. She said I had to come clean, so I will, if we could sit down?” Alec was too stunned to speak, so he nodded and followed Magnus, who took a seat on the sofa, crossing one long leg over the other in his silk emerald green trousers. Magnus handed him a cup of coffee and while he seemingly gathered himself to speak, he took a sip of his own herbal tea, “I need you to know that when you came to me about the rift three months ago, I was already evaluating the source and making plans to fix it. Which is why I managed to do it so quickly”
Magnus was sheepish as he spoke, and he didn’t give Alec time to respond, hastily moving to the next topic, “In terms of my story, I guess I’ll begin from The Mortal War… I was aware of your predicament, of the work you were doing to help Downworlders integrate with Shadowhunters better. I had heard of your siblings, their dalliances with my friends and colleagues, and the prejudice they faced from Shadowhunters at the New York Institute. I heard of the passion Clary had to do right in the world, and I know she tried to find me for her memories. I believe Catarina helped her onto the right path and helped her regain her memories from the memory demon I had fed them to over the years at Jocelyn Fairchild’s request. I need you to know, I never approved of stealing that girl’s memories away, but Jocelyn insisted, and for the protection of the mortal instruments, I understood the necessity. If I could have been there to help, Alexander, I would have been” Magnus said gently as he reached his hand out to place on Alec’s that was now stretched over the top of the sofa back.
Alec smiled reassuringly, tangling his fingers with Magnus’ own to give a loving squeeze, “I know, Magnus. I know you”
With that, Magnus nodded, a sliver of his stiffness easing, but he wasn’t quite ready to relax just yet, “Anyway, while you were doing all that Shadowhunting business topside, I all but disappeared and shirked my duties in the Clave’s eyes. In reality, I was fighting my Father, Asmodeus” Alec fought back his gasp at the admittance, it was something Alec hadn’t known about Magnus. Sure, every warlock had a demon parent, often a father, but a Greater Demon, one of the Princes of Hell? That was a rarity, “The story goes that I fought Asmodeus in an ego fuelled battle for power that I won and then I took the throne as my own. In reality, I confronted my Father about his work with Valentine Morgenstern. I knew him, and I knew whatever he was doing to aid Valentine, would only end in serving himself. And I was right”
Alec tried to brush away his grin, the eccentricity that he had seen in the warlock last week, seemed to be back in full force while he was in his dramatic story telling mode, “He was going to wait until Valentine won the war, rise up and take the cup as his own. Knowing that Valentine was likely to slaughter the majority of Shadowhunters, he knew it would be easy to claim control of the mortal realm. He planned to wipe out the species of Nephilim or enslave them, and allow demons and Downworlders to ravage humanity as they saw fit. It terrified me, to think of the world I love to be reduced to nothing but a demon playground, to picture my own kind turning to darkness and hunting mundanes as if they meant nothing. So, I went to Edom” Magnus said, taking a sip of his tea and seemingly giving Alec a worried and assessing look. Alec hoped he appeared engaged and unaffected, he didn’t want Magnus to think this conversation was scaring him off. Not after everything else.
What ever Magnus saw or didn’t see, it encouraged him onwards with the retelling, “I tried to distract him with the promise of being Prince of Edom, and ruling by his side, but once my Father sets his mind to something, it is a mean feat to pull him away. He was happy of my return after centuries of turning my back to him, but he wished me to focus on corrupting my inner circle topside, he didn’t want to indulge me in tours and explanations of the kingdom of Edom. So, I executed plan two, which was to banish my Father’s ephemeral form to furthest reaches of the depths of the Hell dimensions. While I was planning, I was reaching out to my warlock network to ensure we were participating in the war. I didn’t want only the Shadowhunters to be left battling it all alone. Even though Lorenzo Ray wasn’t happy about it, the Spiral Labyrinth were willing to follow my advice. So, I did it all in secret, slowly building trust with my Father, while going behind his back to catch him by surprise. I wasn’t stronger than him then, so the element of surprise was all I had. His last words to me were “You’ll regret this” but I haven’t since and I never will, no matter what. However, with my Father gone, that left me as the rightful Heir to the throne both in blood and in conquering my predecessor” Magnus took in a shaky breath, “So, I assumed my throne. From then, my power grew, I take it from Edom now, and the destruction of my Father meant I lay claim to parts of his magic too, which I took. The power is brimming in me as we speak, but none of it is dark, it is all still me, still light, still blue ” and Magnus said ‘blue’ so carefully and deliberately, as if to note that Alec had been gifted a window to Magnus’ soul by seeing the blue magic wielded by the warlock. Alec mused to himself that it had indeed felt like a gift, one given with complete vulnerability.
“But then there was the issue of how to act from there. I visit Edom weekly to maintain appearances there and ensure there isn’t insubordination down there. I allow the Clave to see what they want to see and despise me for abandoning them during The Mortal War. They couldn’t strip me of my status of High Warlock of Brooklyn because that is a position granted and governed by the Spiral Council, but they ignored my authority and domain instead. Cat usually attends meetings and assists the New York Institute. The only thing I sneak in to help with is the wards, because they’re mine and I’ll be damned if a Shadowhunter gets hurt due to our facade. Plus Cat finds them eternally boring, so it is only fair that I do the ward checks and repairs… People around me who aren’t in the inner circle believe I maintain the human world because I like the debauchery and deviance that humans bathe in when given the right push. I have let that notion stick so that I can keep peace for the humans” Alec was nodding as Magnus spoke, and he could feel the conclusion drawing. In the wake of Magnus’ sheer honesty, Alec felt compelled to be truthful about his work with Catarina and everything that had been kept from Magnus.
With a sigh, Magnus looked at their clasped hands, “I know of your work with Cat, and I understand completely why you kept it from me. It meant my outward persona was working, but I’m glad you saw past most of it” he admitted, his voice low and tentative, and Alec realised he had no more secrets to divulge to Magnus so let him continue, “No one has seen past it in two years and it has been rather lonely to be hated and feared so drastically. I used to host large parties, and rock up to save the day at the most opportune but ludicrous times, dressed in inappropriate battle clothes, and I… I used to have fun” he said, and Alec didn’t think he should have heard the last part but it just made his heart call out for Magnus more than it already had been. No longer being able to hold back, Alec dove forward and crushed Magnus into him, holding him tightly. His mouth found its way over to kiss the side of Magnus’ head, enjoying the rich scent of sandalwood in the warlock’s hair that he breathed in deeply. Alec felt Magnus melt into his arms, a sigh leaving his body that felt like the end of years of holding the breath of pretence. Magnus could finally be himself here in Alec’s arms and Alec revelled in being that person, the one Magnus had finally let in.
“Magnus…” Alec whispered into Magnus’ hair.
“Yes, Alexander?”
“You’re so brave, my darling” Alec said, and his voice was full of awe and pride, and the endearment had slipped out so naturally that he couldn’t bring himself to be embarrassed by it. He didn’t blush even the slightest pink. It felt too right, more right than anything Alec had experienced throughout his short lifetime. Absently, he wondered if Magnus felt the same, despite him living through multiple lifetimes. The Shadowhunter didn’t allow himself to linger on the thought too long, and instead tugged Magnus down on top of him, his grip still firm. Magnus somehow looked smaller tucked up in his embrace, curling into Alec like the Shadowhunter held all the secrets to his long unanswered questions. He no longer had any room to doubt Magnus’ feelings in his heart and he luxuriated in the moment. Alec carded his fingers through Magnus’ hair, he could feel his eyelids growing heavy with the soothing rhythmic breathing of Magnus above him. The warmth enveloped him and he drifted off to sleep with the possibility of his long awaited home, and his future happiness, snoring softly in his arms.
Chapter 12: In your Shadowhunter mode
Summary:
We enter Magnus and Alec’s final week of their contract. An unexpected meeting interruption leads to confessions. They experience their last official night at the club together and their last contracted day at the loft. What decisions will be made as the end of their time together encroaches?
Notes:
A little week off from posting for editing these last chapters / had a focus on my kinktober fic I’m writing, but can’t wait to see what you think of this one!
Everyone’s comments have been so lovely so far, thank you for continuing to read and comment🫶🥰
Chapter Text
The two men had spoken tirelessly on the phone since the wall had dropped between them, and Alec was drinking it all in, basking in the attention of Magnus Bane. Every night they had curled up in their respective beds, phone tucked beneath them, falling asleep between one whispered word and the next.
Alec was practically shaking with excitement by the time Friday came around, the anticipation of seeing Magnus floored him. He had very quickly become infatuated with Magnus and any lingering fears had been quelled by Magnus’ honesty earlier in the week. Somehow, neither of them had considered that they could see each other in between their allocated days.
A message came through to visualise Magnus’ office, and then a portal opened and Alec grinned, he could get used to this treatment, this version of the warlock. Stepping through the portal, he found himself in the familiar space of Magnus’ club office and smiled brightly at the man waiting for him on the couch. Magnus patted the spot next to him, and ever eager to please, Alec practically bounded to his side of the sofa next to Magnus.
“Hi” Magnus whispered, leaning in close to Alec and resting a hand on Alec’s thigh.
“Hey you” Alec whispered back before closing the gap between them, his hand coming up to rest on Magnus’ face as they kissed. The grip on Alec’s thigh tightened and Alec made a small noise of need that had Magnus leaning back and chuckling, “What a fuss, my goodness.” Alec rolled his eyes but smiled at his warlock softly, keening when Magnus’ hand came up to push his hair back from his face gently, “Are you ready to be a good boy for me, little Nephilim?”
“Yes, Mr Bane” Alec answered trying not to release the grin that spread across his face.
“Eager” he laughed, “I have another meeting I need to attend, so you’ll be accompanying me there” he explained, sorting through the duffle bag, “Here’s your outfit”
Without hesitation, Alec took it from Magnus’ hands and began to strip his own clothes off, Magnus watched, not hiding his heated gaze, “You’re looking at me with that face”
“Which face is that, Alexander?”
“Your Prince of Edom ‘I own you’ face” Alec said, unable to keep the playful smirk from his lips.
“Well technically, it is one of the days that I own you” Magnus retorted with a wink, and Alec’s whole face blushed while an excited thrill ran through his body at being owned by Magnus.
“I’ll happily concede to that” Alec replied back, his voice surprisingly steady despite the dizzying desire that was threatening to pull him under. He focused his attention then on getting dressed in the shorts and the silver silk shirt that Magnus had given to him.
Magnus gave him an assessing once over, “Very nice” he purred and summoned a portal, stretching out his hand to the Shadowhunter with a look which Alec could only describe as fond. There was no hesitation or doubt as Alec took Magnus’ hand and followed him into the unknown.
Once they arrived, they went through a set of doors into a small meeting room where the rest of the men were sat waiting, their eyes turning to them as they entered. Alec didn’t recognise any of the men, they were a different group of Downworlders to last week.
“Thank you for waiting gentlemen. Apologies for my delay, I was getting my pet dressed. You know how it is” Magnus explained airily as he wandered into the room. He turned to Alec with a wry smile and patted his thigh as he walked, “Come along darling, I have business to attend to”
Now that Alec knew Magnus better, this gesture almost made him laugh, and from the expression on Magnus’ face he was containing himself just as much. Alec trotted over obediently nonetheless, pleased to be part of the rouse, part of Magnus’ world in such an intimate way. When they reached Magnus’ chair, Magnus took his seat and eyed Alec, “Down on your knees, little Nephilim” as Alec knelt on the cushion that was usually present at Pandemonium, Magnus watched him carefully, “There’s a good boy” he purred and reached his fingers into Alec’s hair. With a pleased hum, Alec closed his eyes, letting the soft velvet beneath his knees and the gentle touch of Magnus carry him into the hazy headspace he loved so much.
They were half way through the meeting, when the doors crashed open with force, Alec jolted to his feet, immediately moving to protect Magnus. His face fell, Derek Pangborn was stood, dressed in Shadowhunter gear, seraph blades strapped to his body, two daggers in hand. Derek faltered when he saw Alec, his eyes looking pained as he took in Alec’s outfit and the small cushion he had just been knelt on.
“Pangborn - What are you doing here?” Alec asked, his voice surprisingly commanding despite his state of dress.
“Mr Lightwood, Sir, I heard a report of illegal Downworlder gatherings. I took it upon myself to investigate”
“It’s all under control” Alec said with a shrug.
Pangborn narrowed his eyes in concern, “What have you done to him warlock?” He demanded of Magnus, and Alec saw Magnus in his peripheral rise from his chair and he could feel the power radiating from beside him. Instantly, he knew his participation in this conversation was over, so he took a step back to allow Magnus to move around him.
Magnus sneered, “I do what I want with what’s mine. I will not apologise for ruining your perfect angel boy. Especially because he loved falling from grace.” Alec tried to hide his pleasure in the words, but he was sure he was staring at Magnus like he had hung the moon. Derek’s face was mortified but Magnus spoke again before he had a chance to form a sentence, “If you tell anyone about today, I will find you and I will take you apart piece by piece. Do you understand me, child of the angels?”
For a moment, Derek appeared furious but something changed in him as he and Magnus stared each other down. The temperature dropped in the room and the silence seemed to stretch out as Derek clearly laid out his options in his head. Magnus flashed him an animalistic smile, too sharp to be mistaken for friendliness and Derek took a step backwards, “I will just head back to the Institute then”
“And Pangborn?” Alec called, his tone full of the authority held by the Head of the New York Institute.
“Yes, Sir?”
“Report back to Jace Herondale. Tell him you have seen myself and Magnus, and I have recommended you for leading the next mission. Your intuition was good today and your reports have been flawless… But don’t be mistaken, if you ever speak to Magnus Bane like that again, you will be relocated to Wrangel Island permanently” Alec warned, his voice low and dangerous.
Derek straightened his back and nodded firmly, “Yes, Sir. Thank you for the opportunity, I won’t let you down.” Alec gave a small nod and watched as the man slipped out of the room.
Spinning on the balls of his feet Magnus held his out to his colleagues, “Apologies for the melodrama. As you can see, my dear pet is highly sort after and protected fiercely by his people. We must leave you now to go deal with some business related to the Shadowhunters. I’m sure we can resume this meeting after you have all thought on what I’ve proposed. I will send a fire message of the details.” The group of men bid Magnus goodbye as Magnus summoned a portal and pulled Alec through it by the wrist.
Alec had a spiked moment of fear at the energy that seemed to be radiating from Magnus, but as they entered the loft on the other side, Magnus grabbed his face and kissed him passionately. When he drew back, his eyes were blazing, “You’re so powerful and sexy in your Shadowhunter mode. How men don’t fall at your feet is beyond me. I’ve been around you for two months and it has taken all my strength not to drop to my knees at the sight of you like this”
Alec was floored for a moment, he hadn’t ever seen Magnus impressed with him, he didn’t realise it was something he had been before, “I - I didn’t know you thought of me like that”
“My sweet Nephilim, you are everything, beyond everything even. You are incredible” Magnus whispered to him, stroking his cheek with his thumb, “I just had to get you to myself, Alexander” he murmured, inches away from the Shadowhunter’s lips. Alec’s breath caught at the intimacy and his own need that was pooling inside him and he couldn’t bear for their lips to be this far apart any longer. Both of his hands grabbed Magnus’ waist and crushed Magnus’ body into his own in one sharp tug, and then they were kissing.
It felt like he was coming undone as Magnus’ arms wrapped around his neck, long ringed fingers tugging lightly at his hair. When they parted breathlessly, Magnus’ words came out quiet and yearning, “In all my centuries, I have never met anyone like you, Alexander Gideon Lightwood”
Alec felt an electricity run down his spine at the use of his full name in such a declaration and the weight of sincerity in Magnus’ words, “Magnus I - I love you”
“I love you too, Alexander. Lilith below, we’re crazy aren’t we?” Magnus laughed.
“Quite possibly. I didn’t know I’d find such a deep sense of peace and love by signing myself over to the High Warlock of Brooklyn” Alec looked at Magnus now, the feeling ached in his chest, it was nothing like the trembling fear he had felt the first time he stepped into the loft.
He loved being a Shadowhunter and a leader, but being with Magnus felt truly like home, and so he felt compelled to say it, “I think you’re where I belong. Just as long as I’m by your side, whether I’m standing tall next to you, protecting you from danger or kneeling at your feet. I don’t think I could fully accept it until you told me the whole truth, but somewhere deep down I knew there was something more to you” Alec was speaking softly, his grip so tight on his warlock that it took Magnus’ breath away.
With nothing left to say, Alec pulled Magnus in close and kissed him again, and it was one of heart shattering longing, as if Magnus had been waiting for this for hundreds of years. Alec wondered if anyone had truly seen Magnus for who he was in his long lifetime. Their honeyed kisses were slow and tender, dripping in sweetness and desire as if they hadn’t kissed before this very moment.
“I love you” Magnus uttered into their kiss, not pulling away for a second and Alec could feel Magnus melt into the soft version of himself that he had refrained from for so long. His hands slipped up Magnus’ back to his shoulder blades and he held Magnus to him as tightly as possible, every inch of their bodies pressed together.
“I love you too, let me show you” Alec murmured, and Magnus slowly walked them back to the bedroom, they stumbled their way as they continued to kiss. Giggles escaped their lips as they touched each other, ignoring everything else around them.
When they finally fell backwards onto the bed, Magnus stroked Alec’s hair with deft fingers, “I want you to make love to me, Alexander. I want to feel you inside me”
“H-how?” Alec stuttered, trying to gulp down his nerves.
“Let me guide you, I’ll tell you what to do, you just follow my instructions”
Alec chuckled, “I think we both know I can do that” Magnus grinned at him and shook his head in amusement.
“Indeed, you are very responsive, my darling” and Alec shivered at the tenderness in which the nickname was said as he watched Magnus begin to unbutton his shirt. He pulled Magnus up so they were sitting instead, and then they were both undressing each other, eyes flitting from the task at hand then to the desperate gaze of the other. Over and over again, Alec felt a need to tell the warlock he loved him, but he didn’t want to speak in this quiet moment they were sharing. Once their clothes were off, Magnus lay back on the pile of pillows and cushions, “Come here, my Shadowhunter.” Alec leaned down to him and placed a delicate kiss on his lips, feeling Magnus’ smile as he did so.
Magnus clicked his fingers and Alec’s own fingers were covered in lube, he eyed them with intrigue, and let Magnus’ hand guide his fingers down between his legs. With a soft gasp, Alec felt Magnus’ rim flutter at the contact and his eyes met the warlock’s, seeing his own desire reflected back at him. Keeping his grip on Alec’s wrist, Magnus pushed two of Alec’s fingers deeper inside him and let out a breathy moan before loosening his clutch.
“Lay back and relax now, I’ve got you” Alec assured the other man, who sighed peacefully and let Alec press into him, gently curling with each thrust.
“Yes, yes, perfect, Alexander” despite himself, Alec blushed at the praise and leaned down to kiss Magnus to distract himself. They kissed lazily as Alec’s fingers explored Magnus’ tight warmth, a groan passing his lips at the thought of feeling Magnus around his cock. At Magnus’ encouragement, the Shadowhunter slid a third finger inside Magnus and found that it glided into him with ease. He relished the sensation of stretching Magnus out, preparing him so he could make love to him. Magnus’ little hitched breaths of pleasure were making his whole body tingle with need to be inside him. As he finished stretching him out, he placed sloppy open mouthed kisses to Magnus’ neck which had the warlock bucking his hips desperately.
“I’m ready, I’m ready, Alexander. Please, please, get inside me. I can’t wait any longer for you, I’ve waited so long”
Alec’s heart almost shattered at the yearning in Magnus’ words, “I’m right here, I’m all yours” Alec whispered as he pulled his fingers out and instantly feeling his cock prepared by Magnus’ curling magic. He stayed leaning over Magnus, kissing his neck slower this time as he pushed inside him for the first time. A shuddering breath came from his parted lips as he felt Magnus’ body pull him inwards, then Magnus’ legs came up to encircle Alec’s waist. Completely engulfed in Magnus, Alec took a deep breath in and the scent of sandalwood and cinnamon hit his sense and had him moving till his hips were flush with Magnus’ body.
“Mmm, perfect Alexander. I feel so full, you feel so - so good” Magnus stuttered between moans, rolling his hips, “You can move now, please move now my darling”
At the term of endearment, Alec withdrew almost entirely before pushing back into Magnus, causing them both to moan in the ecstasy of being this intimately connected to each other. Alec continued the slow pace, pulling out almost all the way before driving himself back inside, trying to savour every second of this moment. Magnus’ hands found Alec’s cheeks and he pulled him in for a drawn out affectionate kiss, and Alec could feel their hearts beating in sync as their bodies began to move together.
His hands slid under Magnus’ shoulders and he gripped the top of them, giving him the leverage to pull Magnus’ body down onto his length as he thrust inwards. The new angle changed something in Magnus’ responses and Alec was drinking in every needy moan. Their breathing became shallower as they moaned each other’s names in reverent prayer, Alec had never felt anything this beautiful.
He leaned upwards just enough to see Magnus’ face, the slight tilt backwards, his eyes scrunched closed, their lids covered in glitter, his lips softly parted letting out small whines. Nothing had ever made Alec appreciate art before, but he wanted this moment captured and framed so he could keep it forever. The warlock everyone feared, the one whose magic was more powerful than even a Prince of Hell, and here he was falling apart in Alec’s arms, moaning his name like it was all he knew.
“Right there Alexander, keep going, right there. You’re going to make me - me - I- I love you. Fuck I love you so much, Alexander“ and with a shaky cry of pleasure, Magnus came between their two bodies. Alec whispered his love back into Magnus’ ear and kept moving inside of him, luxuriating in the new clench of Magnus’ hole. The additional thrusts seemed to be keeping Magnus’ orgasm coming in waves, and he relished watching Magnus lost to the pleasure. It was everything he could have wanted from their first time together, from his first time with anyone.
Magnus was perfect, practically an angel as he panted beneath Alec, “Come for me, Alexander” Magnus moaned, clenching the tight ring of muscles around Alec tighter, and Alec was helpless but to obey. He flooded the inside of Magnus with his cum, the warlock’s name on his lips as he gripped fiercely onto his shoulders, riding out the sensation with languid movements.
When he finally came down from the high of it all, he pulled out of Magnus and collapsed next to him, pressing his cheek to Magnus’ shoulder softly, “That was… everything” Alec murmured sleepily.
“You were incredible, my darling” Magnus replied, gently stroking the back of his hand down Alec’s cheek, “Why don’t you tell your family you’re staying here tonight? You seem too tired to travel,” Alec hummed in agreement and felt his phone being pressed into his chest, “I summoned it back from my office”
Alec made another agreeable sound and with some difficult cracked one eye open to send a message to his siblings. As soon as the message was sent, he laid back onto Magnus, feeling his magic swirling around him, cleaning him up and tucking him into cozy bed sheets. Magnus’s arms came around him, holding him tightly, and he drifted to sleep in the arms of the man he loved.
***
With a lazy stretch, Alec blinked his eyes open, feeling the warm light on his skin through the sheer fabric curtains, a contented sigh leaving his lips. A velvety voice came from the doorway and he looked over, “Good morning, Alexander” Magnus smiled at him, “It seems I rather wore you out last night”
Alec chuckled and stretched his arms above his head as he sat up, letting the covers pool around him and enjoying the crack of his shoulders. He saw Magnus’ eyes trail downwards and flushed when he realised he was still naked, it continued to amaze him to see the desire in Magnus’ heated stare. Magnus cleared his throat and his eyes met Alec’s own once more, “Apologies, you’re very distracting” Magnus crooned with a raised eyebrow. A darker red stained Alec’s cheeks as Magnus went on, “I thought seeing you dressed up for me at the club was good, but dishevelled and naked in my bedsheets is other worldly”
“I’m all yours” Alec said with a nonchalant shrug and a smile, then his eyes went wide as Magnus tackled him down onto the bed, kissing him feverishly.
Smirking, Magnus nodded, “Indeed you are” he agreed giving an appraising once over of Alec’s bare body, “I never could have imagined this” he said, the lightness fading slightly to be replaced by awe.
“It changed for me when I was in the infirmary after the unallied warlock attacked me” Alec admitted.
“Because I healed you?” Magnus asked, “You realise the Institute paid for that? Surely you review your own treasury records as the Head of the Institute”
Alec rolled his eyes, “Of course, and we paid a high price indeed” he muttered pointedly, “But no, not that. It was what you said to me”
“When did we speak at the infirmary? I left before you woke up” Magnus frowned.
“When I was fading in and out of consciousness,and you told me you couldn’t lose me” Alec reminded him.
The words floated in the air between them, a shared memory ‘I need you. Having you at the club with me, in my home, you’ve grounded me’.
They stared at each other for a moment and Alec felt himself hold his breath waiting for Magnus’ response, “I never realised you had heard me... I mean, I meant every word I said that day, you had already had an immense impact on me. I felt selfish demanding you live for me, but I needed you then, and I need you now. You more than ever reminded me of my cause, of why I do all this”
Sliding his hands into Magnus’ hair, Alec drew him in for a lingering kiss, “I love you”
Magnus smiled into the kiss, “I love you too” he stood from the bed then, “Now I’m assuming you want to get back to the Institute and do all your fun Shadowhunter paperwork”
Launching a pillow at Magnus’ head, Alec gave Magnus his second eye roll of the morning, “Yes I have responsibilities to attend to, so if you would summon my clothes from yesterday, I’ll get going” Alec said haughtily, making Magnus laugh.
“The self-serving ego of the Nephilim never ceases to amaze me” Magnus taunted and swirled his fingers to dress Alec, who reviewed himself thoughtfully.
“Well, this self-serving Nephilim needs to go serve his Institute” Alec retorted, pressing a hand to Magnus’ chest and giving him a chaste kiss.
“That was very domestic of you” Magnus teased, but nevertheless pulled Alec back in by the collar of his top and kissed him forcefully.
“And that was, that was dizzyingly good” Alec babbled. Magnus drew a portal with his magic and waved a hand to Alec, and Alec beamed, “I’ll see you later at Pandemonium” he said and stepped through the portal, still dazed by the kiss, and if he was being frank with himself, still overwhelmingly dazed by Magnus Bane as a whole.
The rest of his Saturday went by in a blur, mostly of paperwork and follow up meetings about the events of Thursday. He was practically buzzing with excitement as he left the Institute that evening and walked the familiar path he had for the past two months. When he arrived, he greeted security as normal and went to Magnus’ office to get changed. Undressing immediately, he looked down at the outfit, it was the usual shorts but a new mesh crop top, he almost laughed at the size of it - it was tiny. Pulling it on, he rolled his eyes as he came down just below his pecs, his abs on full show, which he was assuming was the point. There was a small box which he opened to reveal a locket with an ‘MB’ engraved on the front and Alec felt his eyes prickle with the start of tears. He held them back as he ensured the clasp was fastened around his neck, looking down at it lovingly.
With a small smile, he left the office and made his way to the bar to get Magnus’ martini, and strode through the crowd to ascend the dais. Magnus’ eyes were on him with an intensity he hadn’t anticipated and he found himself wishing they were at the loft. All he wanted was to do whatever Magnus was imagining in his head while he looked at Alec like that.
“Your drink, Sir” Alec offered the drink out to Magnus, who took it with a smug look.
“I really did train you well, didn’t I, little Nephilim?” Magnus asked as he took Alec’s chin in his hand and examined him closely.
“Yes, Sir. You broke me in very nicely” Alec agreed, enjoying the extra spark of desire that flashed in Magnus’ eyes as the glamour seemed to shudder under the pressure of being maintained.
“Be a good boy, on your knees” Magnus’ tone was harsh and Alec fell to his knees without even having to think about it. From the angle he’d knelt in, he was close to Magnus, and he jutted his chin out to rest on Magnus’ knee. Unable to resist the longing look he gave Magnus, he stayed there as Magnus gazed down at him with intrigue, his long ringed fingers sifting through Alec’s hair.
“I don’t want you leaving my side for a second tonight, my angel. You don’t need to fetch drinks, you’ve already proven how good you can be” Magnus praised, stroking Alec’s hair as he spoke. Alec hummed in delight at the praise, his chin still resting on Magnus and a familiar serenity washed over his body.
After an hour or so, Magnus tugged lightly on Alec’s hair and Alec’s eyes found him at once, “Come sit on my knee, you’re too far away down there”
Alec stood and placed himself on the sofa with the majority of his body draped over Magnus, who wrapped an arm around his waist to secure him. Fingers caressed his waist while the other hand found his thigh, Magnus’ fingers trailing up to the seam of the shorts before making their way back down again, “There’s a good boy” Magnus whispered into his hair as he kissed the side of his head, then down to his face. Keening at the attention, Alec waited patiently for whatever Magnus was willing to offer while they were in the club.
Hours of achingly painful teasing passed, and Alec wanted nothing more than to go back to loft and experience all of Magnus again. However, he knew that he needed to be with his Shadowhunters for a short time to regroup. When the club was winding down, Magnus shooed him off his lap and they both stood up, “Come along, little Nephilim, I need to see you in my office” Magnus said, holding him by the upper arm and guiding him from the stage into the crowd. As soon as they were alone, Magnus kissed him with a burning that Alec felt all over his body, “Are you coming home with me?”
Alec sighed, “Really I need to get back to the Institute, I’ve been either distracted or MIA recently. I think I need to focus my energies on them today and tomorrow, then i’ll be all yours again on Tuesday”
Magnus grinned, “I do enjoy seeing what I own come back to me so eagerly” he murmured as he leaned in to kiss Alec. Immediately, Alec dragged him in by the waist, kissing him hungrily, licking along his lower lip with need. Magnus was putty in his hands and let him in without hesitation, opening his delicious lips and letting Alec’s tongue dance over his own.
“I’ll see you in couple of days” Alec said taking a couple of measured step backs, knowing he wouldn’t be able to resist leaning in for more if he stayed.
“I love you, Alexander. Hurry back to me as quickly as possible” Magnus’ cat’s eyes on display betrayed every ounce of emotion behind them. Alec felt like his heart was cracking open, and he wished he could show Magnus how much this also meant to him.
“I love you too. I will be back as soon as I’ve fulfilled my duty. There’s nothing I want more than to be back by your side, to be back home” as Alec spoke, Magnus’ fingers reached out and grazed Alec’s cheek lovingly. Once the hand pulled away, Magnus snapped his fingers to change Alec’s clothes, and the Shadowhunter reluctantly left.
***
The few days apart felt endless, but finally Alec was taking the stairs two at a time up to Magnus’ Brooklyn loft. As he got closer, the wards seemed to drag him in excitedly, the magic sparking against his skin and the door flew open, crashing backwards. Then Magnus had his arms around Alec’s neck and his legs around Alec’s waist, and the only thing stopping Alec from stumbling backwards was the strength and agility runes he’d drawn earlier that day. Alec wasn’t accustomed to this version of Magnus, but he was willing and hopeful to get to know him more on this level. Gripping him firmly, he walked them into the loft, feeling Magnus’ magic swing the door closed.
“Well if you’re not going to be my assistant anymore after today, maybe I could hire you to carry me everywhere” Magnus flirted as he unwrapped himself from Alec’s body and dropped himself to the floor.
Alec gulped down the lump that formed in his throat at the thought of this being their last week together. Despite their honesty, despite their whispered confessions and most of all, despite the intimacy they had shared, they still hadn’t really discussed what happened after today.
“Alexander” Magnus said softly, his hand coming up to stroke his hair, “You realise this isn’t the end for us? Don’t you?”
Alec blinked back the tears that had welled up from his eyes, “You still want me?”
With a gasp Magnus nodded, “Of course, you’re all I want. This all started out as some ridiculous game I could play to toy with the Shadowhunters, to toy with you. But it turns out my magic knew before I did how special you were, and not because you fetched my drinks or dressed up pretty for” - and oddly Alec founded himself blushing at the mention of the outfits and that Magnus found them pretty - “Or even how strong you are as the Head of the New York Institute, but because of who you are. You are so incredible, Alexander and you truly see me for who I am. People have barely seen me without the mask, and yet you waltzed into my loft demanding my attention and help, and suddenly you’re looking at me in a way no one has before. I can’t be without you Alexander, I am yours”
Alec was shaking lightly at the declaration, his heart thundering in his chest, “I’m yours” he echoed back, and unable to find any other words, he sank to his knees and looked up at Magnus, hoping to convey everything through his eyes.
To his surprise, Magnus dropped to his knees with him and cupped his face, “So we’ll continue this, okay?”
Alec nodded and leaned in to claim Magnus’ lips, his hands clasping firmly at Magnus’ shoulders in a need to get him closer. When they pulled back, Alec grinned, “So, we maintain the public dynamic and enjoy this intimacy in the privacy of the loft?” He asked, more hopeful that he’d been before.
“That sounds perfect” Magnus agreed.
“So I’ll come to the club as usual on Friday then?” Magnus stuttered through a few attempts to respond, and Alec couldn’t help but worry he’d misinterpreted the situation, “Unless you don’t want that of course”
“No no, it’s not that, I would really appreciate us maintaining parts of the dynamic. I just - well we can see each other outside of Tuesday, Friday and Saturday” he laughed softly, “I think I’d like you to still come to the club on Saturdays, but we can see other more regularly and on the other evenings when I’m not at the club. We can just spend time together once we’re both finished with our work?”
Alec’s smile grew wider, “That does actually sound a lot better” he laughed.
“Perfect, I’m glad. I want to explore this properly, not just as a show for others… Although you do put on quite a show, my little Nephilim” Magnus purred at him, back to the voice that had shivers running down Alec’s spine.
Alec felt his face blush, “Well I’m glad you like it” he said quietly.
Magnus stood up and held a hand out to Alec, “What do you say to being portalled to Paris? We can have our first official date”
Alec took the outstretched hand to let Magnus pull him to his feet and against his chest, he swallowed at their closeness, Magnus against his body still seemed to take his breath. When he steadied himself he smiled, “Sounds perfect, lead the way” and then Magnus’ lips were on his and they were kissing and Alec felt like the world made a little more sense now. Suddenly, his fantasy of a future felt closer to reality than ever had before, with Magnus he could have everything he wanted. In actual fact, he could have more.
Chapter 13: Get ready for tomorrow, my Angel
Summary:
Their contracted time together is over, but unfortunately that doesn’t give way to peace. What will happen when Magnus sends a three word fire message to Alec?
Notes:
The penultimate chapter is here🥹
Posting a little early because tomorrow is super busy.
Thank you all for continuing to read, this has been my favourite fic to write so far! This originally was meant to be a lot darker and less canon, but I accidentally dipped mildly back into canon-compliant Magnus towards the end of this fic😂
Pls give kudos if you like this and comment your thoughts!🩷 They always bring me so much joy🫶
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
‘ Need you loft ’
It was all the message said, but Alec knew instantly it was Magnus, and worry coursed through him. A portal opened next to him, shining and so undeniably Magnus that he knew he could trust it. He grabbed his bow and quiver and send his tracked location to the group chat which always meant to meet him fully armed at the place. Magnus wouldn’t send a message so abrupt if it was anything other than an imminent danger. Then he was taking off through the portal, unaware what he was charging into, but Magnus was too important to not run headfirst into the unknown.
As he burst through, Magnus was on the floor, a tall Indonesian man above him, and when Magnus glanced over at him, relief shone, “Ale-Alexander” he croaked. Alec was already firing off arrow after arrow into the men but Magnus yelled out, “No! No, it’s Asmodeus, it won’t work, here, come here” he was almost begging.
“You children never cease to amuse me, playing your games” Asmodeus cackled, and the sound set Alec’s teeth on edge.
Without hesitation, he dove to Magnus’ side where he took Magnus’ outstretched hand, “I’m here. What do you need?”
“You” Magnus said, and before Alec could question it, Magnus’ hand was outstretched, a golden swirl of luminous magic shooting forth. A force field came up around Asmodeus as his face contorted into confusion and rage at the two of them.
“No, no.. you can’t, no! No warlock has ever been able to use true magic. We’re evil, neutral at a push. You’re not the son I raised. How did you get this - this magic?”
In shock, Magnus looked down at his own hand for a moment, before he motioned his hand again. Sparkling rivets of gold erupted from his fingers again, binding Asmodeus down onto his knees, Magnus let go of Alec’s hand and rose to his feet. Using both hands to keep Asmodeus in place, he glowered down at his father, but before he could speak the door burst open, the room being flooded with Izzy, Jace, Clary, Simon and to Magnus’ surprise, Raphael.
“We couldn’t get the warlocks, we don’t know where they are” Jace said quickly.
Asmodeus laughed, “I preoccupied the Sprial Labyrinth for my visit. Now it’s a Prince of Hell against children” he spat, moving to try and break the strings of magic that Magnus had wrapped around him, pinning his arms.
“We’re not scared of you” Izzy yelled, “Magnus has defeated you once, we can all defeat you now”
Magnus looked surprised, but Alec spoke first, “I told them everything”
“Oh Alexander that’s so sweet, I didn’t expect you-“ Magnus started but was interrupted by a jittery Simon, “Guys, this is very romantic, but can we focus on the Prince of Hell at hand, please?”
Refocusing his attention, Magnus shot the magic out again, binding Asmodeus tighter as he yelled out as the immense power holding him in place. His magic stopped once Asmodeus was secured, he turned to Alec, panic in his face, “I don’t know what to do with him from here, the last banishment was planned for months. This time I - I don’t know what to do from topside. I think we might need a summoning circle. Clary? You have art skills from what I remember of you as a young teenager, yes?” Clary nodded with a small smile, “Good, let’s get to work”
With concentration on his face, he bound Asmodeus to the nearest steel column of his loft and let out a shuddering breath. Magnus moved quickly to his apothecary, bringing a book and chalks back with him, handing the chalks to Clary, “Get to work in the living room” he said flicking his wrist to move the furniture out of her way. Clary moved immediately to follow the instructions in the book Magnus presented her.
Magnus flashed her a grin, “Let me know when you’re finished, Biscuit. Then we-“
“And what exactly are a few teenagers with chalk to do?” A sneering voice asked
Everyone spun on their heels, “Thrump” Magnus exclaimed with disdain, “How did you get here?”
Asmodeus began cackling manically, his head tipped back against the metal post he was magical tied to, “You didn’t think I would just distract the Spiral Labyrinth with puppies did you? Oh my boy, no. I released those who worked hard to help me come back to my power. People who actually respect me, unlike my ungrateful son. Where are the rest, Clarence?”
“The other three are on the way, they were summoning some fun things for us to play with” Clarence smiled, but it was full of a feral disconnect that wasn’t quite human, like he’d been distorted somehow.
“Three? That’s interesting, I remember releasing eighteen of you”
“Some are preoccupied in Edom” Clarence said with a casual shrug.
“Well instead of standing around chatting then, would you get over here and release me?” Asmodeus screeched at Clarence.
Clarence snarled, his teeth turning razor sharp, fins forming on the side of his face as he bent his head down, summoning his magic. His eyes flicked up to Magnus, “Move”
Magnus laughed, but it was cold and distant, the way Alec had experienced at the beginning of their time together, “You have no authority or power over me, Thrump. Leave while I let you have your life”
Thrump’s power crackled a silvery blue as his fingers pulsed with magic, and a demonic grumble started with his throat. Alec immediately moved alongside Magnus, drawing his bow string back, an arrow at the ready. Izzy, Jace, Raphael and Simon formed a semi-circle behind them, ready to defend the mundane world against what ever they were about to face. Clary was still working on the pentagram in a hurry, and Alec just hoped this would be a simple fight, but not too easy, the adrenaline was preparing him for a real battle.
Magnus and Thrump’s magic hurtled forwards, fire balls of magical energy sparking off of the walls as they dodged each other’s effort.
“Gold” snarled Thrump, “What in the hell did you do to get gold magic, Bane?”
“None of your business, but let’s see what it can do, shall we?” With his words, Magnus’ lips turned upwards in a sickening displace of too many teeth and no mercy. Alec shuddered, but he knew that this was the warlock they needed to survive this. This was the Magnus who would always be there fighting by his side and protecting him. His magic continued to ensnare Asmodeus while sparking and flashing from his palms towards Clarence.
The Shadowhunters in the room had drawn runes quickly during this exchange, Jace and Alec drawing each others for the strength of the parabatai bond.
“I’m done” Clary cried out, half desperate, how proud.
“Good” Alec spoke, Head of the New York Institute voice fully wrapping his words now, “Because we have company” he declared as Clary rushed to join them.
The three other warlocks Thrump had said were on their way, now entered the room, and with them, were demons.
“Ravener demons” Izzy called out.
“Warlock controlled assassin, just what we need” Jace muttered before throwing the dagger in his hand and letting it penetrate the body of a demon in front of him. The gang spiralled into action them, the chaos and thrum of the fight echoing through the room. Alec felt everything slow down as he fired arrow after arrow at the demons, injuring them for his companions to stab with seraph blades.
Izzy cracked her whip, wrapping it around one of the warlock’s necks and dragging her to her feet. The woman went to use magic and Izzy shook her head, “No chance” she smirked with a shrug and gave another sharp movement of the whip to separate the warlock’s head from her body. While Alec shot his arrows, he was amazed to see his sister in action, she was always stunningly vicious in her attacks. Now they were one warlock down, three to go.
Alec took a minute to glance back to Magnus, who was landing energy ball after energy ball on Thrump, his face narrowed in concentration. Satisfied that he was safe, his eyes darted to Simon next, who was digging sharp teeth into the neck of one of the warlock’s, his jugular being ripped from him unceremoniously before he dropped to the floor. Well, Alec thought, two down, two warlock’s to go. And then a Greater Demon, of course.
“The flow of Ravener demons is slowing, but Dahaks are coming through” Alec yelled across the room. He watched as Magnus spared some magic to stop a Ravener demon from biting Raphael’s head off and Raphael smile. An actual smile. Wishing he had time to dwell on that, but knowing he really couldn’t, Alec pulled his attention back to the front door
“Magnus” Alec cried out, “They must be coming through somewhere, we need you to patch it up, we’ll deal with everything in here”
Magnus nodded and knocked Thrump out with a bottle that exploded brown dust, he must have summoned it from the apothecary, Alec thought. He gave an amused shrug at Alec then darted out of the front door. One of the other warlock’s tried to chase after him, but Alec wasn’t going to let anyone come close to Magnus tonight. His arrow fired and hit home, sinking deep into the warlock’s chest cavity, he fired three more in a similar vicinity on the man’s torso. He wouldn’t let anyone innocent get hurt because he hadn’t made absolutely sure someone was dead. Three down, one to go.
Magnus came back around the corner, “It’s sealed” he shouted across the room with a smile that took Alec’s breath away. It was a short lived moment of happiness, when Magnus was shot back through the doorway, flying through the air. Alec gasped, seizing his next arrow and firing at Thrump who was now standing up, however when he released it, his arrow bounced off an invisible forcefield. He moved from his vantage point and made his way through the fight, running towards his future to ensure it was safe, to ensure he was safe.
“Magnus” Alec screamed, the terror ripping from his throat felt like nothing he had ever experienced before. As he reached the entranceway, Magnus was fighting Thrump back in a violent display of power and Alec could feel it from where he was standing.
Twisting around he grabbed a seraph blade and slammed it to the hilt into a Dahak demon, grinning fiercely at the close encounter. He nocked an arrow and aimed. Firing it, it sunk deep into a demon that Raphael was fighting, Alec watched as he bit the demon. The vampire’s teeth biting over and over again, ripping at flesh and scales alike, his grip firm, Alec found himself impressed by the display of sheer strength.
Focusing his bow on the demon Clary was facing, he let the arrow whistle through the air and hit between the eyes of the demon. While it was fighting the arrow, Clary slit its throat with her seraph blade, watching as it went up into pieces, disappearing like it never existed.
The battle was winding down and the group was now fighting in pairs, Jace came alongside Alec, “What now, brother?”
“Now, we kill Thrump. The things he’s done. The lives he’s destroyed. The deal he made with practically the Devil. He has to die tonight, Jace”
Jace nodded, “I’m right next to you, my parabatai”
Alec smiled softly at Jace, a fond joy washing over him as they took a few seconds to prepare, “Jace, my Jace” he said proudly.
Then they were running, darting past demons and into the corridor, Magnus had Thrump on his knees, “Let me kill him, my darling” Alec said, his voice not really holding a note of a question, but more like a demand.
“My love, he’s yours” Magnus said, holding the restraints tightly on the other warlock. Their eyes twinkled with love as their gaze met, and Alec was smiling like they wasn’t mid-fight against lesser demons, warlocks and a Greater Demon only a few meters away. As Alec was about to stab through the man’s back, his hand shot out and threw his magic out one last time. Alec drove the dagger through Clarence Thrump, watching his body sag and collapse to the floor.
“Shit” Magnus uttered.
Collectively everyone gasped as the ringing of the exploding shackles moved through the air, “Come face me, son” Asmodeus roared through the loft. Magnus, now more determined than ever, ran towards the source of the sound.
Alec and Jace followed and the rest of the team banded together again, preparing for the worst with the monster in front of them.
Asmodeus immediately jolted his magic towards Magnus, who ducked to avoid it, but the annoyance on his face was clear for Alec to see. Alec wondered if he was more bothered about him and his father battling to the death, or the potential ruin of his new suit. As he watched him, Alec realised, it was definitely the suit.
There was a small back and forth between the two powerful men, both prepared to do whatever it takes to get what they want. Asmodeus thundered his frustration and let his hands fly in front of him to release his anger onto Magnus. To Alec’s own horror, all he does is stand there and watch Asmodeus and Magnus face off against each other. But this was Magnus’ fight, because their magic against each other is irreplaceable in this battle. Alec could only feel proud of Magnus for facing down his own father for the good of the mundane world.
Magnus’ gold was flaring uncontrollably, his hands shaking as he threw his magic towards his father, Alec stood behind him, arrow ready if needed.
“What does it mean?” Magnus screamed, their magic clashing violently, sparks flying from either sides.
“It comes from unconditional, selfless love. It’s disgusting. It’s weak and pathetic. You have let someone infiltrate you, sully your powers. You’ve let someone control your heart and mind to the point it’s warped and disfigured your magic. No son of mine will be weak, I won’t allow it” Asmodeus howled as he pushed his magic harder against Magnus’ own.
“That really is so sweet, it’s like True Love’s magic. Did you know that had happened Alec?”
“Simon, this is not the time for your mundane love stories, shut up” Alec snapped but a warmth fluttered in his heart, and then something clicked in his head, “Shadowhunters, here, now!” He yelled.
Positioning them in a circle near Magnus, all linked by their hands, him and Clary the last to be joined. Placing Clary’s hand on the back of his palm, he looked at Magnus for permission. The warlock’s eyes took him back in a sharp breath inwards, and suddenly he was back at their first meeting.
A magical tendril had licked at his wrist and without the fear or hatred clouding his judgement, the memory of his magic was glorious. The words flowed into his head, “Or someone , it likes,” it may have been flippant at the time, but his magic had liked him from the start. Alec felt the slow trailing of Magnus’ finger against his shoulder, as if it was happening in that moment. He remembered the feeling of Magnus’ fingers along his deflect rune, the desire to move closer despite everything in his training telling him to move away.
Alec’s look in the present moment held all the love and admiration he felt for the warlock, the depth of his feelings from their short three months together.
Three months since his first visit to this loft…
In his first visit, Magnus’ wards had been oppressing, fighting his presence, almost pushing him away with a dark warning. On his first time as an assistant, he’d felt the wards lift for him but they hadn’t been welcoming still. Now he could feel the anxiety that hadn’t been obvious before, Magnus’ fear of being vulnerable. The tingling of magic against his skin was inviting, pulling him into the loft on the next Tuesday, and it had made him feel a lightness. There was the beautiful time he’d gone into the loft and caught Magnus unaware, reading to Madzie in a playful and sweet voice, and Magnus’ magic had flitted along his body. Each venture back to that Brooklyn building had the magic tugging him in, jumping at him like an overexcited puppy, giddy, pleased to finally see him again. It seemed Magnus’ magic had known long before Magnus or Alec that they’d fall in love.
Looking at Magnus now, he waited for Magnus’ to approve his plan, silently asking if he could try this.
Magnus nodded.
Whatever Alec was about to do, he trusted him.
The trust Magnus had in him overwhelmed his heart, he felt like he couldn’t breathe looking at the man he loved in that moment.
They took him back to Magnus’ words when he saved him, “No you can’t leave me now, I can’t lose you, Alexander, please… My actions might not always show it, but I need you. Having you at the club with me, in my home, you’ve grounded me” and he felt sick at the memory. Magnus had needed him more than he could have known and he hadn’t been able to be there for him in the way he deserved, not for a long time. Then Magnus had healed him and his family had reassured him through it all, then left him to fall asleep. When he’d awoke he had still been able to feel Magnus’ magic coursing through his body, like a loving touch from his warlock. Except he hadn’t been in that headspace yet, and the feeling had been so at odds with the man he knew as Magnus Bane. The magic had prickled over his body, left every inch of skin singing in sweet recovery and something special . Something he hadn’t felt from Magnus before and he found he was craving more of it, he’d wondered if it was the power surge through his body. But it was more than that, it was a craving for Magnus to come back, to follow the trail of his magic back to the Shadowhunter.
Alec crashed his hand forward into Magnus’ palm, linking fingers with him and Clary, and a collective gasp escaped the band of Shadowhunters. Simon stared on in shock, bewildered by the circle they’d formed and looking to Raphael, who as usual, looked fairly unmoved by the whole ordeal.
The contact pushed his whole body into a memory of blue magic bubbling in both of the warlock’s hands, the tipsy head spinning feeling blurring his vision. But he was so happy, the giggles bubbling in his throat as he touched the magic, as it leaped over his arm, up his shoulder. Then it had licked its way across his whole body in an all consuming shower of affection. His naturally blue magic was dazzling, and when he’d seen it sober, felt it fully conscious for the first time along his body, he’d been awestruck by it.
And now it was gold, beautiful, glittering gold that matched his cat’s eyes - the colour suited him, more than the red or the blue ever had.
Magnus’ whole body seemed to glow and shake as angelic virtue mixed with his own newfound magic, and then it shot from his fingers in unadulterated power. The magic of the Prince of Hell splintered and cracked as his whole body trembled. In a shattering fragment of blinding light, Asmodeus’ body shook and fell apart, exploding into a million atoms. When the light dimmed, Asmodeus was gone and the gang stood in the empty living room of Magnus’ apartment.
“Magnus! Magnus are you okay?” Alec’s voice was loud and frenzied as he knelt beside Magnus’ fallen body, one had coming behind his head to prop him up.
Magnus groaned in his arms and blinked up at Alec, “I can feel it all” he croaked.
“All of what?” Alec asked in confusion.
Izzy knelt on the other side, “What’s going on? Where did he go?”
“He died” Magnus choked out, his face full of surprise.
“As in he was banished?” Jace tried to clarify. They all knew a Prince of Hell couldn’t be killed.
“No… His magic is all inside me. It’s been transferred entirely into my body. I can feel it, Alexander” Magnus gulped looking up at Alec desperately.
“But that’s good isn’t it?” Alec asked.
“It - I just don’t know how” Magnus gasped, “The magic before. The gold. It was like nothing I’ve ever felt before”
“Because you’ve never felt like this about anyone before?” Simon questioned with a raised eyebrow.
Alec huffed with exasperation and gave a small glare at Simon, but Magnus spoke before anyone else could chastise Simon, “No, no, that’s exactly it. I’ve never been in love with anyone like you before, Alexander” he said, stroking his face gently.
“According to Asmodeus, no warlock has ever loved like that” Clary pointed out.
“Well I don’t think he said never” Alec mumbled.
Magnus held up a finger, “He definitely said no warlock ever”
“Could you not encourage this? They’re already going to be teasing me” he whispered to Magnus so only he could hear, and Magnus chuckled and kissed him, taking Alec by surprise. Alec relaxed into the kiss, his free hand coming to clutch Magnus’ cheek. The kiss immediately started to heat up, Magnus pulling Alec down till he tumbled on top of him and they both laughed softly into it.
“Guys, I’m not saying this isn’t a wonderful moment and everything isn’t resolved… But shouldn’t we discuss what just actually happened? And also, I’m not really in the mood to watch a live sex show, especially one that includes my parabatai” Jace bemoaned.
Still slightly dazed, Alec withdrew from the kiss and blushed brightly at their public display of affection, and Magnus rolled his eyes, “Oh dear, we may have got carried away”
Alec rolled his eyes and helped Magnus to his feet, “That fight made quite a mess of your loft, Magnus” he observed, scanning the destroyed living room.
“Nothing my magic can’t fix it once I’m healed and fully restored” Magnus dismissed and smiled at the group, “Thank you Nephilim and children of the night, Alexander summoning you definitely changed the tides of tonight”
With a swallow, Magnus frowned, “I better get a fire message to Tessa, Cat and Ragnor. Hopefully they can rally the warlocks to arrest the other fourteen warlocks again, and figure out if Asmodeus did anything else while he was releasing the prisoners.” Magnus took a few minutes to scrawl a few messages and send them off.
In the pause, Clary cleared her throat, “Well before tonight, no one had told me anything. I thought you were still evil, I didn’t realise you were good” she said, throwing a disgruntled look at Jace.
“I didn’t really know what was going on either” Jace shrugged.
“Also no one is pure good or pure evil” Magnus declared.
“I’d say wielding the magic of true love is as close as being pure good as you get” Izzy beamed.
“Simon said that, not my father. He said it was true magic that came from unconditional love” Magnus reiterated, “Anyway, just to clarify. Yes, I’m not evil. Yes, I’m in love with Alexander. Yes, Asmodeus is dead. And yes, I think it’s all actually over now. But, no, I don’t know what we can tell people about what happened”
“Magnus” Alec exclaimed suddenly, “What if- what if this time we told the truth?”
“Alexander, have you-“
“No, no, Magnus, you don’t understand. This resolves all the issues, it puts you in the clear with the Clave and explains everything that happened in your history. Plus it resolves some of the questions the Inquisitor had about the Seelies and how they got Warlocks, because now we have Thrump and the other warlocks’ bodies. We just won’t mention the magic change or the transference of magic from Asmodeus to you. We have witnesses as well” Alec gestured around the room.
Magnus nodded, “Okay, okay. That’s what we’ll do then, but for tonight will you just stay with me? While I heal?”
“Of course I will” Alec smiled and stroked through the warlock’s hair, “Anything you need.” He turned his attention to his family, “Could you handle the Inquisitor today? Tell them I’m helping the recovery of the warlock who saved the mundane world, I’ll go to Alicante to give my full statement to the Clave when they require it”
“Of course, brother” Jace clapped him on the shoulder, “I’m just glad you called us in today” he paused and leaned closer to Alec, “It’s good to see you happy, Alec”
They hugged tightly, Jace kissing Alec’s hair before parting, and Alec went around and hugged the group, except for Raphael, who gave him the smallest of nods.
Everyone left the loft and once the space was quiet and peaceful, Alec’s gaze fell back to where it always did, to Magnus.
“Now everyone’s gone, truthfully, are you okay?” the concern behind his words made his voice shake as it came out.
“I’m good. I felt the overwhelming hatred and evil flowing through me when Asmodeus’ power went into me, but then you were beside me. I was reminded of how much I love humanity, the power that comes with protecting the world and my desire to help those in need. You were like my anchor” he said sincerely.
His hand came up to thread through Alec’s hair in loving strokes, “I spent so long feigning being evil and for a moment I thought it was becoming a reality, I was scared until I looked into your eyes”
“You don’t have to be scared anymore, and the facade can be removed in front of the mundane world. The only place that requires your control is Edom, and you have enough power now to not worry about being overthrown” Alec paused, unable to hide the smirk on his lips, “But you can take me down there with you as your assistant… If that interests you”
Magnus laughed, astonished and joyous, “That sounds like an offer I can’t refuse”
Alec’s lips quirked upwards, “Do you need anything else, my darling?”
“No, I think I’m good now” he nodded at Alec, “Now, go clean yourself up, my love. I have a wonderful surprise for you tomorrow, but for now you need to rest”
Gulping down the air, Alec suddenly felt exhausted, “Yeah, I… I… think… I need… that”
“Alexander, what’s wrong?” Magnus asked, worry in his voice.
“I think… I didn’t realise how tired I was… I am” Alec said and then gasped out in pain as Magnus touched his side, “Damn” he huffed.
Magnus pulled back and watched him as he shrugged off his jacket and peeled off his bloody top, “That looks deep”
“I didn’t notice it before… I think… I mean, it has demon venom in it” Alec hissed as Magnus touched the wound.
“I have enough magic to take the demon venom out and then we’ll use this” he Magnus clicked his fingers and Alec’s steele in his hand. Alec nodded and watched as Magnus’ fingers trailed over the wound, gold encircling it, then he handed the steele to Alec.
Taking it, Alec began drawing healing wounds and blood replacement wounds on his arm and torso, “So, the gold magic thing? You never knew?”
Magnus seemed to watch him closely, observing his reaction, “I knew warlocks couldn’t possess gold magic, but no one I ever met knew why. I tried once, I think everyone had tried, it’s almost a novelty among warlocks. We can exhibit our magic in every colour except for gold, yet here I am” he said, holding his hands up in disbelief, “I’ll need to make sure it remains blue in public though, I don’t think it’d be safe for others to realise what I possess”
“I think that’s a good idea, Magnus. I’m all healed, so I’m going to get in the shower now” Alec leaned in and gave Magnus a chaste kiss.
Tugging him back in for a kiss, Magnus smiled, “Clean up nice and get ready for tomorrow, my Angel” he murmured against Alec’s lips.
And Alec felt a weight lifting from his shoulders that he hadn’t realised was there before, and Magnus was the catalyst.
Notes:
The reason in my head none of our core warlocks have true magic are:
> Ragnor is our sweet grouch and yes he is willing to help but I do think he is very closed off
> Tessa, in my head, could possess true magic once she’s with Jem. But her heart isn’t whole in my mind until she’s got the opportunity to truly love Will and Jem
> Cat is too focused on helping others, she won’t put her affections into a romantic love
Chapter 14: I love you, Alexander
Summary:
The pair go up in front of the Clave, and then Magnus has a surprise for Alec.
Notes:
Hope you enjoy the final chapter, I’ve loved writing this fic and so glad to have seen people enjoy it🫶🩷
I do feel like this mildly fell off the rails but my dog had a sarcoma and I just needed an ultra happy / fluffy ending😭 (she’s okay now, recovering from her surgery and in remission)
Final kudos and comments would be v appreciated🥰
Chapter Text
“What is it?” Magnus asked, looking over at Alec.
“A fire message requesting our presence in front of the Consul this morning” Alec swallowed.
“What if I’ve got you in trouble?” Magnus asked, “I can fight them, I can, but I don’t want to have to, Alexander”
Choking on his surprise, “Maybe let’s go and see why they say first, we don’t need to jump to violence”
“Old habits die hard” Magnus chuckled wagging his fingers that flared with red magic. Rolling his eyes, Alec turned his body to him and kissed him, pressing his hand against Magnus’ cheek.
“Let’s get ready” he said, “I’m going to call Jace and find out what happened”
Jace answered quickly, “ Hey, bro ”
“What happened yesterday?”
“ Wow, no niceties, no ‘Good morning favourite sibling’ no ‘how are you, Jace?’ ”
“Jace” Alec warned in a low tone.
“ It went well. They want to talk to you in person but they seemed pleased ”
Letting out a breath of relief, Alec smiled at Magnus who was already fully ready, makeup included, “So they probably just want Magnus’ statement and my official report?”
“ That’s what it seemed like to- Wait is this why we’re having a Clave meeting? ” Jace asked.
“It’s a Clave meeting? I thought it was just the Consul”
“ She may have invited you, but it’s for everyone ” he explained.
“Okay, we’ll see you there” Alec said, ending the phone call. “Come on, my darling. Let’s go see what they want.” He held his hand out to Magnus who took it with a grin.
“I’m not used holding your hand somewhere”
With a wink, Alec spoke again, “Well, you’ll have to get used to it”
A hum of appreciation came from Magnus as he created a portal, “I’m sure I can get accustomed to showing you off in every way possible, my little Nephilim” the possessive tone made Alec’s spine tingle.
“Come show me off then” he retorted and pulled Magnus through the portal.
A gasped laugh came from Magnus as he followed him into the Gard of Alicante and Alec grinned back at him. When they were through, Alec looked around and noticed the guards watching them, a slight hesitation but a respect he wasn’t expecting to find.
“They’re waiting for you” one of the guards said and pointed through to the door.
Nodding, Alec kept his grip on Magnus’ hand as he guided him through into the hall, and then there were hundreds of eyes on them.
Magnus made an almost inaudible noise of surprise and Alec realised Magnus had never been to Alicante, and especially not in the Gard’s meeting halls. Everyone watched as they made their way in, and Jia Penhallow was stood waiting, “Shadowhunters, these are two of our heroes from yesterday’s battle. As many of you know this fight was against Asmodeus and some warlocks who had turned their back on the mundane world and the Spiral Labyrinth alike. Gentlemen, come and take a seat” and she gestured to two seats they’d prepared next to the council’s bench.
They quickly ascended and seated themselves, silence drawing out as they did, eyes across the whole room watching them closely.
Consul Penhallow smiled brightly at them then, “Unfortunately you were not invited to the meeting earlier today as it concerned yourselves. However, I’m able to tell you the outcome of that meeting” at the words, Alec held his breath, he felt Magnus do the same next to him, “On behalf of the Nephilim, we want to thank you for your actions yesterday. Magnus Bane, High Warlock of Brooklyn, we want to commend you on your long history in protecting the mundane world in silence. We wish to formally acknowledge your position and status, and we hope that in this acknowledgment you can forgo the pretence and we can work closely with you in the future” she nodded at Magnus, who gave her a warm smile and a nod in return.
There were surprised murmurs among Clave members, which Alec assumed were related to the gesture more than the words, since they had decided this already. Alec squeezed Magnus’ hand reassuringly, delighting in feeling comfortable openly doing this, even if others were silently judging.
Once she had taken a breath, she continued, “Alec Lightwood, Head of the New York Institute, the work you have done in the past few months as the youngest Head of an Institute, and in uniting the Shadow world has been vital. If it wasn’t for you working closely with the Downworld on the investigations you’ve been conducting, we may have never known of Asmodeus’ attempted return. We offer you commendations and wish to inform you that this morning your request for a Downworlder-Shadowhunter Alliance has been approved. However, yours will just be a trial Institute, for now the other Institutes will not be required to accommodate this, and Alicante won’t be enacting it yet”
Alec nodded at Jia, grateful for the opportunity to at least start something.
Whispers of Magnus’ voice came from next to him, “Thank you, Alexander. You really do continue to surprise me.” Alec smiled back at him.
After the meeting had finished they left through the council member’s exit, and Magnus moved to begin making a portal as he thanked Jia.
“Of course gentlemen, thanks for coming in today. Alec, I expect to have a written report in the next couple of days from you. Please know, I’m personally grateful to both of you… But Alec” Consul Penhallow said, taking his forearm within the circling of her fingers, holding him out of Magnus’ earshot and interrupting Magnus’ flow as he watched with concern.
“Your inappropriate public appearances with the warlock must end”
“What I do in my spare time doesn’t impact you” Alec’s voice was causal.
“Shadowhunters don’t have spare time”
“And yet, Consul Penhallow, I have carved that time out for myself. The impact I’ve had on the New York Institute has been invaluable in the last quarter, demon slay rates are the highest they’ve been, trainee success rates and test scores are the highest they’ve been in at least 50 years, and our death rates are the lowest they’ve been since the demon drought in the 1600s. Plus I actually introduced a satisfaction survey at the Institute, and the first round of results were going to be with you by the end of the week. I’m sure I can pull that together sooner, if that’s not enough for you?” Alec’s tone was cool and precise, all the strength of the Head of the New York Institute. He felt the soft strokes of Magnus’ magic and fought the urge to smile at the touch that so clearly was proud of him.
“Could you at least keep it lowkey?” Jia seemed to concede.
“I mean people will only see us together if they come to Pandemonium or attend Magnus’ meetings… Or if they come to his loft, but honestly if you’re coming to someone’s home, what do you expect?” Alec asked, trying to keep the smug smile off of his face. It was only a few months ago that the council were complaining at him about a rift that felt like it was fixed so long ago, that it didn’t even matter anymore. He wouldn’t fool himself into think he’s irreplaceable, because that wasn’t the way of the Nephilim, but he had certainly fast become an asset. An asset they wouldn’t want to lose, even if it meant allowing him to continue their dynamic without mention or disciplinary actions being taken against him.
Jia softened, “It’s nice to know you’ve found someone though, Alec. My Aline has also found someone and that has been a learning curve for me, but it has been wonderful”
Alec smiled, “Yes, me and Helen are good friends, so I know your daughter well”
“You’ll have to come for dinner sometime… You and Magnus” she offered, and Alec was taken aback momentarily.
“That would be lovely, thanks Consul Penhallow. I look forward to that” he said shaking her hand in way of goodbye.
Then he turned and beamed at Magnus who was leaning against a wall nearby, his hair its usual perfectly quaffed style with gold streaking through it. Which had made Alec nearly laugh when Magnus had got ready this morning, because of course he was still secretly showing off his new golden status, even if he couldn’t show anyone his magic.
His black leather pants clung to every sinful fall and rise of his lower body, in a way that seemed to alter Alec’s brain chemistry - not that he was complaining. There was a gold belt shining around his waist, and Alec’s eyes trailed up to the sheer black top, buttoned a lot more modestly than usual. He assumed that was because they had been summoned by the Clave and he had been worried about Alec’s position as Head of the New York Institute. That thought alone had Alec falling more in love with Magnus, because he’d never expected him to genuinely care and want to protect him until recently. Plus, the top was beautiful, it had golden sparkles and stars embroidered onto it and they shimmered underneath the witch lights that lined the corridor. Instead of the mixed metals that Magnus usually opted for, everything adorning his neck, ears and fingers were strikingly gold. The only colour that broke it up were the blue gems that were set within the pieces. They were suspiciously close to the colour of Alec’s eyes, so close that even Alec wasn’t too fashion-challenged to notice.
His heart skipped a beat when his eyes found Magnus’ face again and realised the other man was looking at him with equal intensity. He strode the distance between them and grinned at Magnus, “Let’s go home?” he asked before he could stop that one word leaving his lips. Magnus tilted his head with intrigue but simply took Alec’s hand in his and silently prepared a portal for them.
They landed on the other side back at the loft and Magnus was decidedly quiet, and it unnerved Alec. Sure when they’d first met he’d been dark and calculating, quiet in a mysterious bordering on malicious kind of way, but not now. Now, Alec struggled to get Magnus to shut up most of the time, he was a ball of energy and had constant thoughts to share. So this, this silent and brooding Magnus was at completely odds with both of the versions of Magnus he had experienced. He traipsed behind Magnus into the kitchen.
Alec eyed Magnus wearily, “Are you okay?”
“Yes quite alright, Alexander” he replied monotonously and it sent a cold shiver down Alec’s spine.
It somehow scared him in a way he’d never experienced before with Magnus, and he wasn’t sure what was the right next step. Accepting the mug of coffee that Magnus handed to him, he followed Magnus into the living room, watching the warlock take a sip of his tea. He worried his lip for a moment, making a few failed starts at sentences as he continued to follow Magnus to the centre of the room like a lost puppy. They were still stood up, Magnus facing away from Alec and looking out towards the balcony.
Eventually, Alec let out an exaggerated sigh and put down his coffee to ask “What’s wrong?” and Magnus spun around at those words, but Alec’s growing panic didn’t allow Magnus a moment to speak, “Have you finally realised that you’re stuck with a Nephilim? I realise you say the word all the time but maybe you hadn’t thought about it. Like how I’m sort of accountable to the Clave and I guess you’ve only seen me mostly as your assistant and maybe this is really different to that. So I do understand if you’re just-“
Magnus held a finger up to his lips, and as always, any word or gesture, or even a simple look, had Alec obeying whatever Magnus wanted. Apparently right now that was silence, although Alec wasn’t sure whether that was a good thing or bad thing.
“Alexander, I very much want to be with you. Just to dispel any spiralling that seems to be happening in your head” Magnus started, which - Alec thought - was a good start, “I just… It’s ridiculous but technically now that the Clave have absolved me as well, there really is no need for you to be on your knees for me anywhere. The pretence isn’t really required”
Alec faltered, surprised that this was the issue Magnus was having. Not having the words quite yet forming in his head, he sank to his knees on the living room floor of Magnus’ loft. Looking up at Magnus through his eye lashes, the words suddenly came to him, “There is nothing in this world that could stop me from falling to my knees for you whenever you need me to. Whether it’s to assist you for two months by really doing nothing of actual value, or obeying your orders at the club, I am completely yours. It may have started as pretence and a contract, but the feelings between us are real. The dynamic between us is real. Whether we’re being soft and sweet with each other at the loft or you’re giving me commands at Pandemonium, I’m happy with us as we are” he explained, running his hands up the front of Magnus’ thighs.
Magnus gripped Alec’s jaw and tilted his face up and in a voice too small and worried for the words he was speaking, said, “You’re just so pretty on your knees”
Alec let out a surprised snort of laughter, and when he looked back at Magnus shook his head, “Sorry that’s just not what I was expecting”
Rolling his eyes, Magnus took Alec’s hands from his thighs and hauled him up onto his feet again, smiling softly at him, “I love you, Alexander”
“I love you too, Magnus” he murmured and wrapped his arms around his waist to pull him closer, their lips meeting, it was slow and sensual. The movement was full of intention and longing to the point that Alec felt like his whole body would shatter if they didn’t stay in their embrace forever.
“Now, little Nephilim” Magnus said, pulling back from their kiss, but at least not out of Alec’s arms. “I have dinner to cook, so are you going to come sit and keep me company?”
Alec nodded, unable to form words as he let Magnus guide him into the kitchen.
A few hours later, dinner was laid out on the table, along with an array of wine bottles and candles and flowers. It seems to be set up for a dinner party, one Alec hadn’t realised was happening. The knock at the door prevented him from asking Magnus what was happening, and then Magnus was at the double doors, swinging them wide open, “Welcome all!” He exclaimed, gesturing wildly inside the loft. Alec stifled a chuckle, he had become both accustomed to the warlock’s eccentricity and completely enamoured by it.
It was then that Alec realised who the guest were, too wrapped up Magnus to notice before. His sister, his brother, Clary, Simon and Magnus’ friends were all piling in, including Madzie who did a flying leap at Alec to hug him. Scooping her up into his arms, Alec grinned, “Hi Madzie” he greeted, hiding his surprise at her willingness to be held by him when they hadn’t met many times before.
“Hi Alec, Uncle Magnus promised you’d visit again!”
“Did he now?” He asked, raising an eyebrow at Magnus, “Well Uncle Magnus does always keep his promises” he added, voice full of adoration as he lowered her to the floor.
Everyone hugged in greetings and Alec wrapped his arms around Izzy tighter than anyone else he’d said hi to, “This is crazy” he whispered.
“It’s exactly what you deserve” she whispered back fondly.
“I deserve crazy?” He asked incredulously.
“You know what I mean, this” she said, stepping back and raising a wildly moving hand to the loft.
“I hope you’re not trying to do magic, Isabelle. I fear the Nephilim do not have those capabilities” Magnus interrupted.
Izzy chuckled and threw her arms around him, “It’s nice to properly get to meet you” she said and Alec felt his heart clench at the sight as Magnus weaved an arm around her waist and held her tightly.
“It’s wonderful to meet you too… properly” Magnus replied and Alec was stunned by the ease at which everything had seemed to settle into place. The Downworlders and Shadowhunters seemed to be mixing just fine and he felt entirely peaceful.
“Right everyone” Magnus called out, clapping his hands together, “Let’s go sit down and eat. I cooked a special meal for tonight” and then he held his hand out to Alec, who swallowed down the lump in his throat. It was only growing larger by every small event that seemed to be happening tonight.
He took Magnus’ outstretched hand in his and their fingers laced together as Magnus tugged him to the dining room table, pulling his chair out for him. Alec looked up at the warlock, his eyes sparkling with love and found that Magnus was looking right back at him with the same feeling etched into his features. Everyone took their seats around them and Alec threw a smile at Jace who’d sat next to him, patting him lightly on the shoulder.
“So” Clary asked, “Tell us how this actually all came about. Jace had been less than useless at explaining the whole thing”
While Jace tried to look offended at the statement, it came out dopey and lovesick and Alec wondered if that’s how he looked when he was with Magnus.
At the same time, Raphael groaned, “I already had to witness this first hand, do I have to listen to the extended love story?”
“Yes” Ragnor said, “I had to have hundreds of lengthy, pining phone calls with the idiot, you only were there for one short visit, you have to endure this with me”
“It was not hundreds” Magnus protested, “It was a handful, and I wasn’t pining... I was simply asking for advice”
Alec noticed the faint blush on Magnus’ cheeks and beamed, very pleased that he wasn’t the only one who got flustered by his family and friends.
Suddenly jumping in, Izzy turned to Magnus, “Oh speaking of pining! Magnus, did you know about the time when you sent Alec home early and he came back to the Institute all furious-“
“Izzy” Alec hissed, “As Head of the New York Institute, I implore you to stop”
Izzy let out a loud, short laugh, “Like you putting on your high and mighty voice has ever stopped me before” she scoffed, before continuing to humiliate Alec about his evident feelings before he’d even truly confessed them to himself.
The night had been nothing short of perfect, Alec was sat listening to the joyous laughter of the group as everyone chattered happily. His brother to his left, his boyfriend at his other side, and everything felt right in the world. There was a sensation of shock that ran through him at the thought of the word ‘boyfriend’, his boyfriend was sat next to him. They were holding hands on top of the table, and as Alec drew gentle circles on the back of Magnus’ hand with his thumb, he took a moment to take the warlock in.
It was surreal to be here when he recalled the fear he felt for Magnus to begin with, and starting it all with a contract to assist and obey him without question. And now they owned and obeyed each other, not Asmodeus, not the Clave, only each other wholly. Alec had known they were equals in the relationship but there had been something so beautifully reassuring to see Magnus’ love manifested in his magic itself.
Alec was home now.
Magnus was his home.