Work Text:
*
Magnus is sitting on his balcony, trying not to worry about his Alexander. He knows he’s in the city below them somewhere fighting evil, but he hasn’t had a check in which is needless to say, rare from Alec these days.
His phone rings in his pocket, but it’s not the Lightwood he was hoping for.
“Isabelle, is everything ok with the hunt?”
“No.” She blurts. “Alec got slashed, too deep for us to heal. Jace was trying to get him up, but he’s not doing well either.”
“I’m coming to you, stay put.”
“Will do.”
When he portals to the alley, Izzy has Alec and Jace against the wall. Jace is awake, arm around his unconscious brother. Alec’s pale, his shirt stained with blood in the bottom corner.
“How is he?” Magnus bends down to their level, using magic to get the shirt open.
“Alive. The bleeding has slowed since we stopped moving. I’m in less pain.” Jace responds, not moving an inch.
Magnus nods, touching the wound. He lets the magic flow through his fingers, easing the bleeding.
“Is that it?” Izzy asks.
Magnus shakes his head. “I’ve stopped the bleeding for now, but I’ll get a better look and work on it further at my apartment. It will be more comfortable for all of us. You two are welcome to stay with him.”
Jace nods. “I trust you. I’ll give you space, but I wouldn’t mind borrowing your couch to stay close.”
“Of course, I understand. Isabelle?”
She shakes him off. “I’ll go to the institute. I’ll have to report this. Just keep me posted, I’ll stop by later.”
He nods, drawing up a portal for her. “Go ahead.”
“Thanks.” She smiles, heading through. Once it’s closed, he gets Jace and Alec off the ground, taking Alec’s weight. Then he draws up another, stepping through first.
Jace is right behind him, stopping him from laying Alec down right away.
“Check his back first. It’s been bugging me but we didn’t want to move him much without you being there in case it did more damage. I didn’t really have enough strength and Izzy was trying to keep watch anyway.”
Magnus whisks the jacket onto the chair in the corner, leaving it poking through only Alec’s shirt. “Glass shard.”
“Thought so. I told Izzy he could’ve landed on something. My pain there wasn’t as strong as the waist. Could explain partly why the rune didn’t take.”
Magnus heals the spot and removes the shirt, laying him on the bed.
“No, you were right. This is far too deep for his runes, anyway. I’ll do what I can.”
“I’ll be out there.” Jace motions. “If you need anything-”
“I know.” Magnus softly interrupts him. “Thank you. Do you need anything? I can ease your pain some.”
“It’ll be fine once Alec’s healing. Just focus on him.”
“Of course. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Jace nods, making his exit, leaving Magnus to work. He takes out the temporary stitching he’d made at the scene. Then he continues with his magic to cleanse the wound and slowly seal the gash, leaving a large scabbed wound on Alec’s waist. He adds an antiseptic ointment of his own brewing and summons a bandage and some gauze, sealing them around the wound. When he’s done, he gives Alec a soft kiss, slowly rousing him.
“Magnus.” He whispers. “Am I home?”
“Yes, darling. How do you feel?”
“Sore. Tired. Jace, Izzy, are they ok?”
“They are. Izzy went back to the institute to keep things under control, and Jace is in the other room waiting.”
Alec nods carefully, trying to sit up, but Magnus gently pushes him back down.
“I could only heal you so much, you still need to relax. This isn’t just your arm.”
“Fine.” Alec mumbles, laying his head back down.
“Do you want me to get your brother?”
“You can.” Alec replies and Magnus squeezes his hand, heading back out to the foyer.
“He’s awake if you want to come in.” Magnus tells him. As Jace is getting up, Magnus magically opens the door for Izzy.
“Thanks.” She chuckles. “How is he?”
“Better. I was just getting Jace to visit. You’re welcome to join.”
“I thought you were at the institute.” Alec grumbles to his sister as they walk in.
“Good to see you too.” She laughs. “Lydia is substituting for us for the rest of the week.”
“Oh. That works. Thank her for me.”
“Already done. How are you doing?”
“Magnus took care of most of it, but apparently I still need-” He looks to Magnus for an answer.
“A few days for sure. But if Lydia is in for the week, you can take a few extra no harm, right?”
“Sure.” Alec smiles softly. “You guys should really go back though. We don’t need them being too many men down.”
“We will, relax.” Jace smirks. “I was going to take the rest of the night, maybe tomorrow but then I’ll jump back in.”
“I’ll go back in the morning.” Izzy adds. “If Magnus is ok with us crashing here.”
“Spare bed and a couch, you two can fight over it. I’ll get breakfast in the morning.” Magnus replies.
“We’ll get ourselves sorted.” Izzy smiles. “Take it easy, big brother. We’ll talk in the morning.”
“Love you.”
“We love you, too, parabatai. Glad you’re on the mend.” Jace smiles.
“You too. I know how it is.”
Jace shakes his head. “We know we’ll be fine if the other is. Focus on yourself.”
“I’ll make sure of it.” Magnus quips. “Good night.”
Izzy gives them a little wave, ushering Jace out of the room.
“Do you need anything?” Magnus asks, sitting on the bed.
“Water?”
Magnus snaps it into existence, giving Alec a chuckle. “Thanks.”
Magnus nods once. “Anything else?”
“Just you.”
“That’s easy.” Magnus smiles, crawling into the bed beside him. He gently curls into Alec’s side, being careful not to aggravate the wound. He settles his head next to Alec’s, kissing his neck.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t do more.”
“You’ve done more than enough.” Alec assures him, taking his hand. “And I’ll have you here the whole time.”
**
Magnus is getting his drink mix ready for Alec’s arrival home when he opens the door. He’s slouched, eyes heavy, Magnus immediately knows something is wrong. Alec turns, softly latching the door behind him.
“Hey.” He says quietly, giving Magnus a lazy kiss.
“Hi.” Magnus gives him a small smile. “Are you alright?”
“Rough day.”
“Need to talk about it?”
“Not yet.” Alec sighs, head hanging.
“Dinner?”
Alec shakes his head.
“Drink?”
Alec lifts his head back up. “Do you still have that whiskey?”
Magnus gives him a worried frown, but gets them both a glass, softening Alec’s to his taste. Alec takes a small sip, sitting in the chair beside the couch. Magnus sits in the corner seat beside him, sitting in silence as they both nurse their drinks. Alec finishes his first, prompting Magnus to drain what little he has left in his.
“Another round?” Magnus asks cautiously.
“No, thank you.” Alec replies. Magnus nods, taking the empty glasses back to the bar before returning to his spot near Alec.
Alec shifts in his seat a minute later, facing Magnus.
“We lost a kid today. A young wolf, she wasn’t even officially in the pack yet.”
“I’m so sorry, Alexander.” Magnus says softly, taking his hand and stroking his thumb over it.
“She was very eager, about the same age as Max was.” He stops, taking a shaky breath. “As Max was when Jonathan got to him. We were going after a demon. It wasn’t supposed to be that serious. But he was clever, and he got to her. She was a great fighter, Izzy sparred with her a couple times. We thought she was ready. We thought it would be a simple mission to get her feet wet. We shouldn’t have taken-”
“You didn’t know.”
“We still shouldn’t have.” Alec returns defiantly. “It was my call. After what happened to Max, I should’ve been more cautious.”
“Max was in the institute. He should’ve been safe there. This was different. The streets are less safe, but they’re still necessary to learn. You went out at that age, didn’t you?”
“True.” Alec smiles weakly. “Doesn’t make it easier. We didn’t have to lose her. We wanted to call you, but it was already too late.”
“I wish I could’ve helped.” Magnus squeezes his hand. “Have you talked to Maia?”
Alec nods. “She was with us. Avenged the death herself right away. She’ll be ok. She’s going to hold the funeral the day after tomorrow.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“Thanks.”
Magnus stands, getting Alec up. “Are you going to be ok?”
“Eventually.” Alec sighs, wincing as Magnus reaches around his shoulder. Magnus pulls back in an instant.
“Are you hurt?”
“No, no. Just got scratched. My iratze can handle it, I was just busy.”
Magnus nods, taking the stele from Alec’s belt, placing it in his palm. “Physical pain won’t help, remember?”
Alec gives him a tired soft smile, tracing the rune with Magnus’ hand over his. He slides the stele back into its place, kissing Magnus.
“I love you.”
“I love you.” Magnus repeats, cupping Alec’s cheek. “How about pancakes for dinner and then we go to bed early?”
“Sounds perfect.” Alec responds, dropping onto the couch.
Magnus prepares the meal, complete with mimosas, letting Alec eat quietly, leaving any conversation to him. It’s not a lot, but he knows it’s what he needs, and he’ll always be happy to tend to his husband’s specific situations.
Alec’s laying in bed when he turns to Magnus, an arm around his waist.
“You’re perfect. This is exactly what the doctor ordered after today..”
“I know you. I’ve learned what you need. You’re my husband, I always want to be there.”
“Likewise.” Alec smiles. “Breakfast is on me.”
“Doesn’t have to be. We’ll see when we get there.”
“Ok.” Alec smiles. “Good night.”
“Good night. Tomorrow will be better.”
“Thanks to you.”
***
Magnus wakes to the sunlight peeking through his curtains. That’s usually a sign of a good day, alongside having Alec beside him when he wakes. Except Alec’s not there. He hears some footsteps in the apartment, some disgruntled noises he definitely recognizes. He smiles to himself, heading out of the bedroom to find his husband.
“Good morning!” He chimes. He finds Alec laying across the couch, a coffee mug sitting on a coaster on the table. He looks up at Magnus with a soft smile, but quickly turns back to sneeze into his arm.
“Bless you.”
“Thanks.” Alec sits up. “DIdn’t wake you up, did I?”
“Of course not. But you sound terrible.”
“I’m aware.” Alec groans. “Woke up like this. I tried to get up to see if I could tough it out for the day. Didn’t get very far.”
“I see that.”
“I just informed the Consul and institute heads I won’t be in. Unless there’s some world threatening emergency.”
“Mm, well. I think the world will survive the Inquisitor taking a sick day.”
“They still have the High Warlock, after all. You can take care of things for me.”
“And I work from home, so I can take care of you first.” He starts by replacing the coffee mug, a fresh mug of tea appearing in front of Alec instead.
“Lemon?” Alec asks, trying to sniff it.
“With honey.”
Alec smiles softly, sipping the drink. “That’s way better than the coffee.”
“You don’t say that very often.” Magnus chuckles.
“It’s not true very often.” Alec returns, laying back down.
“If you’re in fact staying home, you’d be more comfortable in bed.”
“I know.” Alec breaks off coughing.
“You don’t have to worry about waking me up anymore.”
“I still don’t want to get up.”
Magnus walks around to the front of the couch, sitting him up. “I can help.”
Alec nods tiredly, pushing himself up and walking to the bedroom, Magnus’ hand on the small of his back. He strips from his sweater into a t-shirt and crawls into bed, reaching for Magnus’ hand.
“Stay. Just for a bit.”
“I’ll stay as long as you’d like.”
“Just until I fall asleep is fine.” Alec says quietly.
Magnus nods, curling against Alec’s back. He snaps his fingers and adds a thin pillow under Alec’s normal one to help his breathing. Alec responds with an appreciative grunt and Magnus just pulls himself tighter, wrapping an arm around his husband. It’s a matter of minutes before he can hear the slightly louder than normal snores, but he lays for a while longer anyway, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his back.
He gets up half an hour later, making sure to not rouse Alec. Satisfied that he’s still asleep, he heads out to the apothecary to start a brew. He finds all the ingredients he needs for a medicine, leaving it to simmer. Then he goes back to the kitchen, starting a soup. He leaves that to stew as well, taking care of a quick work request before tending to the pot again. A few minutes later Alec emerges from the bedroom, hair adorably disheveled.
“How are you feeling?”
“Little less exhausted.” Alec replies, clearing his throat. “Looks like you’ve been busy.”
“Even had time for some business.” Magnus beams. “Both your lunch and medicine will be ready in half an hour, what would you like while we wait?”
“More tea would be great.”
Magnus grabs a teabag and fills the mug with hot water, handing it to Alec.
“Thanks.” Alec gives a small chuckle at the dramatic presentation. He walks back out, sitting on the couch. Magnus joins him, flipping through tv channels until his timer goes off.
“Stay here, I’ll bring it to you.” He demands lightly. Alec only grins at him, settling back. Magnus returns with a tray with two bowls, two glasses of juice and a small cup of blue liquid, setting it on the table.
“This will help, I promise.” Magnus hands him the small cup.
Alec takes it, tossing it back. “I’ve had worse. Potions, I mean.”
Magnus only shrugs with a smile, vanishing the cup back to his apothecary. Then he settles beside Alec, setting the bowls on a table he spawns in front of them.
“Did you actually cook this?” Alec asks.
“I’ve cooked for you before.” Magnus fakes offence.
“I know.” Alec chuckles. “I was just checking.”
“I made it with love, like everything else, to help you get better.”
“Mm. Like when you helped with the stew I made mom?” He smirks.
“I couldn’t let anybody I remotely care about eat that, sorry. You are a better cook than that, Alexander, I think that recipe was just beyond help.”
“Fair enough.” Alec chuckles. “Probably for the best anyway. You’ve outdone yourself with this one. You have tried it, haven’t you?”
“Of course I did. Again, anyone I care about deserves to eat good food. And I love you.”
Alec smiles. “I love you too.” He leans his head into Magnus’ shoulder. “Best husband I could’ve asked for.”
Magnus turns, giving him a soft kiss. “You’re better.”
Alec gives him a small grin. “Maybe not right now.” He jokes.
“Even now. In sickness and health, remember? I always have you, that’s all that matters.”
“I know.” Alec leans in to kiss him again. “But I think date night is going to look like another round of this and going to sleep early.”
“We need that once in a while.” Magnus muses. “I can put the tv back in the bedroom, we could try to watch a movie.”
Alec thinks on it for a minute, drinking from the bottom of his soup bowl. “No need. I’m sure you could find one of your endless stories to tell me. And if I fall asleep, you can just finish it in the morning.”
Magnus smiles softly. “I could do that.”
When they finally settle down in the evening, Alec barely makes it through Magnus’ setting of his story, but Magnus just relaxes beside him, cuddling against him for the rest of the night, knowing things will be better in the morning.
****
Alec sits over a pile of paperwork on his desk. He won’t tell them, obviously he loves that his sister is happy, but at the moment he hates that he let Simon take her on a vacation. While he loves his parabatai, Jace’s reports he’s sent aren’t nearly as masterful as their sister’s. Not that it says much about him, Izzy writes better reports than anyone he’s seen. Jace’s are still better than most of the ones he’s had on his desk this week, he’ll give him that. He finishes reviewing another one from Toronto, signing it off when his office door opens.
“Am I interrupting?” Magnus asks, closing the door behind him with a flare of magic.
“Kind of, but I don’t mind.” Alec smiles, leaning up to kiss Magnus.
“I know you said you’d be late, but I decided to come to you instead.” Magnus sits on the corner of the desk. “How many more of these do you have?”
“Just a couple. But their missions weren’t as heavy, they shouldn’t take me long.” Alec replies, rubbing at his neck.
Magnus hums, sliding off the desk and around the back of Alec’s chair. He begins to massage the neck, grimacing at the knot he finds.
“Have you done anything else all day?” Magnus leans forward to see his face.
Alec looks up at him. “I had lunch. And a training session.”
“That’s something, I suppose.” Magnus smiles, continuing to work on his neck.
“You really are magic.” Alec muses, leaning his head back.
Magnus chuckles, moving to the other side. “Is there any chance you could leave those until morning? You said they’re small, could be a good warm up.”
“I’m off tomorrow, Magnus. I’d rather not leave these for a full day on top of whatever else will pile up.”
“Right, I’m sorry. I can let you finish up, come back for you in an hour?”
“Just stay here. I know it won’t be very exciting, but you’ll be helpful, trust me.”
“Of course, darling.” Magnus says softly. “Do you want me to keep working?”
“That’ll probably distract me too much.” Alec chuckles. “But it feels better, thank you.”
“Of course. I’ll be right here if you need me.” Magnus replies, conjuring his sofa in the corner.
“Of course.” Alec laughs.
“It was this or the bathtub.” Magnus smirks.
“Well, thank you for not bringing that into my office. That would have been even more distracting.” Alec grins.
“I thought so.”
45 minutes later, Alec taps the final file on the desk, adding it to the pile. He rises to his feet, stretching his aching limbs. He uses his stele to ease the tension.
“You ok?” Magnus asks.
“Yeah.” Alec yawns. “Ready to go home, finally.”
Magnus stands, snapping the couch away. “Say no more.” He draws up the portal, and they’re back in the apartment a few seconds later.
“You still look tired, Alexander.”
Alec nods. “Long day. I’ll be ok. Could go for that bathtub now, actually.”
“Nope. Dinner first.” Magnus says, two plates of spaghetti in front of them a snap later.
“Italy?” Alec asks.
“Only the best.” Magnus smiles. “You deserve it.”
Alec smiles softly, leaning in to kiss him before digging in. Admittedly, he is starving.
“You still want that bath?” Magnus asks.
“Can you join?”
“That was the plan.” Magnus smiles. “I also brewed up a new batch of shampoo this morning, so you’re in luck.”
“Perfect.” Alec grins, following Magnus to the bathroom. Magnus uses magic and the tub is filled with warm, soapy water.
“You first.”
Alec gives him a half smile, stripping down and slipping into the water. Magnus does the same, waiting until Alec shuffles up to make room for him. He goes back to work on Alec’s neck and shoulders, chuckling softly as his husband sinks further into the water.
“No falling asleep in the water, darling.”
“Feels good.” Alec mumbles, head laying on Magnus’s chest.
“You haven’t been this stiff in a long time.”
“Izzy being away has everyone working a little extra. Me included, apparently.”
“You’re the one that approved the vacation. She is an institute head, after all.”
“I know. I didn’t think it was going that bad. But today was a lot.”
“That’s what I’m here for.” Magnus muses, beginning to lather shampoo in Alec’s hair. “No matter how easy or hard your days are, I’ll be here for you when they end.”
“I know.” Alec tilts up, kissing his cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
By the time Magnus is done with his hair, Alec is actually drifting off, so he quickly uses magic to take care of the rest, kissing Alec’s forehead.
“You can sleep in bed, love.” He whispers.
Alec groans softly, slowly getting to his feet. Magnus also forgoes the towel, drying them both magically and draining the tub the same way. He lets Alec dress himself with shorts he summoned to the room, leading the way to the bedroom. Alec gets in first, curling into his pillow until Magnus slides in. He then shuffles into Magnus, letting him hold him close.
“Thank you.”
“You’re most welcome, Alexander.” He kisses him softly. “Sleep well.”
*****
Magnus has spent most of the day brewing. Restocking shampoo, soaps, his spice rack, helping Catarina catch up with the potions she needs for clients. Alec’s busy at work as far as he knows, expecting a routine day. Until he hears the familiar crackle of a fire message. But it’s from his sister in law, not his husband.
Jace is hurt. Wolf got him. Check on Alec? He didn’t answer his phone
Magnus’s heart sinks, fearing for both of them. He portals to Alec’s office in an instant, finding him sitting on the floor in obvious pain.
“Jace.” Alec strains out, a tear falling down each cheek.
“Your sister sent me a fire message.” He crouches down to Alec’s level, hand on his shoulder. “What do you need?”
“Institute.” Alec spits out.
Magnus nods, helping him to his feet. “Let’s go.”
He portals them directly outside the infirmary, keeping Alec steady as he tries to rush in. He manages to keep him from trying to break the door down, opening it quietly to meet Izzy in the waiting area
Izzy gives him a sympathetic look, hugging him tight. “The doctors have him. He got a nasty werewolf slash, lost a lot of blood. Not a lot of news yet. I tried calling.”
“Heard the phone. Couldn’t get to it. Thanks for thinking about Magnus.”
“Probably should have known to call him first, honestly. You need to sit down.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“Non negotiable, Alec. I know we won’t be able to convince you to rest anywhere else. I’ll be right back.”
Alec nods stiffly, trying to straighten his shoulders. Magnus wraps an arm around him from behind, hand resting over his parabatai rune.
“Can I help?”
Alec shakes his head. “It’s bad, but this way I know he’s still alive.”
Magnus nods, a soft kiss on Alec’s temple. He wraps Alec in his arms, keeping him upright.
Izzy returns, carrying a stack of four chairs with her.
“Here, big brothers.” She says quietly, setting them in a row. “I’m going to go call mom.”
“Thanks.” Alec mutters, taking the edge seat as his sister leaves. Magnus takes the one beside him, giving him space. He knows what Alec can be like when his parabatai is in danger. But in a few minutes, Alec wordlessly reaches for his hand, intertwining them over the chair arms between them. He’s still staring down the corridor, but at least Magnus knows he’s helping him in some way.
“Alec.” Clary comes into the hallway, breaking them out of the trance. “Izzy got a hold of you.”
“She got Magnus, who found me.” He says, reaching for a hand. “How are you holding up?”
“Not great, but I should be asking you that. You look terrible.”
Magnus had noticed it too. He’s pale, sinking into the chair, the grip on his hand has been slowly loosening. Magnus had been just about ready to press him about it.
“I feel it. Any chance I can see him?”
Clary nods. “They’ve cleared both of us. I would’ve let you in sooner but I was busy healing my own blade wound.”
“Izzy didn’t mention that, sorry.”
“I’m good to go. Jace was much worse. A claw was stuck in him, so we couldn’t do a lot to heal him until we cleared the possibility of infection. I called in Catarina so Magnus could focus on you. She’s stitched him up and given him a potion, but she says it’ll probably be a few days before either of you feel back to yourselves.”
“Thanks.” Alec nods. “I’m glad you’re ok, too.”
She smiles, steadying on his other side as he gets up. “I know. Let’s go.”
They settle into chairs at Jace’s bedside. He’s unconscious, but even just seeing him helps Alec a bit.
Clary lifts the blanket, showing the bandage on Jace’s side.
“One of us will recover it in the morning. I’ll leave you guys alone for a bit. We’re already a man down and Luke just got back from Idris. Take care.”
“You too.” Alec replies, leaning back in his chair.
“Feeling any better?” Magnus asks, hand wrapping around his shoulder.
Alec nods, taking his other hand. “I can feel whatever she gave Jace working. It’s tolerable now.”
Magnus smiles softly. “Do you want some tea?”
“Actually, that’d be great.”
Magnus snaps and there’s a small stand with two mugs in front of them. He lets Alec take the first one, then takes the other.
An hour later, Alec is very clearly fighting sleep, nodding onto Magnus’ shoulder.
“Sorry.” he mumbles, sitting up.
“It’s fine.” Magnus says softly, stroking his hair. “Why don’t we get you in bed?”
“Don’t want to leave.”
“We can stay in your old room here. It’s not occupied right now, is it? Get some decent sleep, and we can come back here in the morning.”
Alec takes a breath, looking at his brother lying in the bed, asleep. “Fine, you’re right.”
Magnus rises to his feet, whooshing away the tea stand. He helps Alec up, leading him down to the quarters. Izzy spots them on the way, only smiling knowingly and telling him to get rest just as Magnus had.
Alec opens the door to a room he hasn’t been in in over a year. It’s only been guest quarters since he moved permanently in with his husband, nobody taking up residence full time. Magnus flips the covers back to let him settle in, stepping around the other side to join him. Alec winces as he shuffles down, laying his head on the pillow.
“May I?” Magnus asks carefully. “We know he’ll be ok, it will help.”
Alec nods tiredly, letting Magnus lay his hand over his side, easing the ache. It’s still there, but it’s dull, more than enough that it won’t impede Alec’s sleep, but there enough that he can still feel him there.
“Thank you.” Alec whispers, turning on his other side to face Magnus. “And thank you for being so patient with me earlier. I know how hard it can be on you to see me like that.”
“I know how you operate, Alexander. I wanted to help, believe me. I thought about doing what I just did then. But I understand needing to feel the bond too. This will wear off in about 12 hours, we can do it again after that if you want.”
Alec nods slowly. “Maybe. I might stay and help them here if he’ll be down for a while. It just scared the hell out of me, Magnus. I needed to feel him, take some of what he was going through. I know what it feels like to completely lose him, and tonight’s the closest I’ve felt to that since.”
Magnus strokes a hair out of Alec’s face. “I was there. Both nights terrified me, too. I’m just glad you let me stay close.”
“I need you. You keep me grounded.” Alec smiles tiredly, leaning in to kiss him. “You did exactly what I needed you to. It means the world to me.”
“I love you, too.” He kisses him again, cupping his face. “Now rest. You need that too.”
Alec gives a small nod again. “I do. I’ll see you in the morning.”
*
Alec slowly walks up to the loft, arm around Magnus’ shoulder. His love is weak, having used all his magic to help them take out a hoard of demons and close the rift they came from. Alec hasn’t seen him this drained since he was completely without his magic, before they were married. And those are times he’s not fond of reliving.
“Your wards are up.” Alec sighs, loosening his grip on Magnus.
“They won’t be as strong, either.” He flicks his hand and lets them in, wobbling in Alec’s arm.
“Still too much?” Alec asks, setting him on the couch.
“I’ll be fine.” Magnus waves him off.
“Eventually, sure.” Alec replies, massaging his shoulders. “Want me to get you a bath ready?”
“You remember.” Magnus smiles, kissing Alec’s cheek.
“I could never forget, Magnus. Bath, Steak, lots of martinis. Can’t guarantee I’ll get it all right, but I can guarantee you’re not doing it yourself this time.”
“That will work wonders, believe me.” He sits down on the couch. “Steak first? With one of the martinis?”
“I’m on it.”
Alec, of course, has to actually cook for them, leaving Magnus to vegetate on the couch while he does so.
“You want it out there?” He calls out when he’s done.
“No, I’ll come to you.” Magnus replies, walking in to sit at the dining table. Alec serves him the steak and a freshly poured martini, setting the table for himself as well. Magnus slices his first bite.
“How is it? Good?” Alec asks hopefully.
“You’ve outdone yourself. You might have to cook the steaks from now on.”
“Ok.” Alec scoffs.
Magnus grins, taking a sip of the drink. “That’s my mix. Hits the spot.”
“Yeah, I’m not quite the bartender that you are.”
“It’s perfect, Alexander. Thank you. It’s lovely not having to take care of myself.”
“I’ll always do what I can for you, Magnus.” Alec reaches for his hand.
Magnus squeezes it back, finishing the rest of his plate without a word.
Alec doesn’t bother asking, just takes Magnus’ glass and refills it.
“You know me so well.” He beams.
“You relax with that, I’ll get the water ready.”
“Yes, sir.” Magnus quips, leaning back in his chair.
Alec returns a few minutes later, putting out a hand for Magnus. Magnus drains the rest of his drink, taking Alec’s hand and letting him lead him to the bathroom. Alec motions to the full tub, waiting as Magnus undresses and lets himself in.
“You want company?” Alec asks. “I can leave you to it if you’d rather be alone. Mix up another drink.”
“You can definitely do that, but you can also join me.”
“I’ll be right back.”
He returns with two full glasses, handing them to Magnus. “Hold those, please. Save one for me if you don’t mind.”
“I’ll try.” Magnus jokes, waiting until Alec slides in across from him to hand him the second glass. They both take a sip, sinking further into the water.
“How are you feeling?” Magnus asks.
“Don’t worry about me, I’m fine.”
“I always worry about you.”
“I know. I love you. But I’m fine, it was nothing an iratze couldn’t handle. I”m just worried about you.”
“I’ll be fine, this is my cure all. And there’s no sign of the world threatening to end again any time soon, so I’ll have plenty of time to recover.”
“Hey.” Alec scolds. “Be careful what you say, some demon might hear you.”
Magnus quirks his lip. “You don’t believe in that kind of stuff.”
“You being endangered changes things.” Alec says softly.
Magnus meets his eyes, smiling softly. “I knew what I was getting into. And I have you to help me get better.”
Alec nods, opening an arm for Magnus. Magnus shifts around until he’s curled into Alec, legs stretched alongside Alec’s, both drinks half empty on the ledge of the tub. Alec strokes down Magnus’s back. Magnus can feel his wedding band gliding along. Magnus sinks further against him.
“I definitely knew what I was getting into when I married you.” He wraps an arm over Alec’s torso. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Alec kisses his forehead, wrapping his arms around him. “I’ve got you. Always. We have each other.”
Magnus pulls himself up enough to meet Alec’s lips. “That we do.”