Efflorescence (Sequel)

Efflorescence Nineteen

***
Walking into the hotel room, I stretch out my arms and legs, sighing in exhaustion at the day I've had. Part of me wants to curl up in the fluffy looking duvet and become dead to the world. But most of me is so happy to be back homes. I already made plans yesterday to see my mother tomorrow, and other than that, no one really knows I'm here. It's too early, especially with the time difference, to call Jace. And besides, I'm not quite ready to hear the 'I-told-you-so' speech yet.

Changing into a pair of burgundy skinnies and a black dress shirt, I make sure I don't look too messy before sliding my shoes back on and heading down to the lobby. The sun is barely existent in the sky, just hardly breaking the horizon. Having called yesterday, I pick up my rental car keys at the front desk of the lobby and make my way outside.

New York City is like a forest around me, just starting to come alive. I watch the lights of apartment buildings flicker to life in the dusty dawn as I slide behind the wheel of the sleek black Nissan. Starting it, I gradually pull out onto the street, taking my time. As I wind through the streets towards the edge of town, I contemplate how to tell Alexander I'm here.

Part of me knows nothing has changed, but that part hurts me and I decide not to hover on it too much. This, for me, is supposed to be the beginning. But maybe we're still stagnant, two parallel lines that have such different destinations we'll never connect again.

The familiar winding road calms my nerves and I loosen my grip on the steering wheel as I head further up. When I assume I'm close, I cut the engine, sliding out and using the flashlight on my phone to aid the deep morning light. Eventually I find the worn path, dusted with the beginnings of fall, different coloured leaves speckling the path.

It was almost 4 years ago now that Alexander and I broke up for the first time. It's ironic, in a way, that growing up was so much more difficult than anyone warned us of.

Making it to the top of the path, I settle onto the rock on the edge of the lake. It's been years since I've been here, Alec and I just got too busy when we moved to Brooklyn and our visits home were quick and too busy to venture up here. I think, in all honesty, the last time I was here was the night of the winter formal back in senior year.

It holds a piece of me, the brisk sense of complete isolation, the feeling of freedom, of being untouchable washing over me. Closing my eyes, I lose myself for a while as the sun rises around me. Eventually I slide down until I'm on the cool grass, back against the rock and let myself fall asleep for a little while.

The sound of rustling branches wakes me some time later. I can feel the first rays of sunlight warming my skin wherever it touches. Holding my breath, I blink open my eyes and train my ears. It's clear someone is walking and I'm almost afraid. It has been nearly 3 years since I've been here last. How foolish was I to think that someone else wouldn't have found it, claimed its beauty and life for their own?

The walking stops and I feel as if I'll pass out from holding my breath so long. Closing my eyes again, I hope to hear their footsteps go away.

Something blocks the sunlight from resting on my face but I can't bring myself to open my eyes.

Warm, coffee scented breath washes over my face. "Magnus?" The voice wraps around me as if he's physically holding me and I resist the tears that threaten to roll down my face.

Fiercely blinking my eyes open, I try to take in his features, try to decipher what has and hasn't changed in over 3 months. I don't restrain myself as I reach up, taking his face between my hands and letting out a shaky breath. He's crouched in front of my cross-legged form, confusion and something indecipherable in his familiar, heart-wrenching eyes.

"Yeah?" I finally breathe, noticing the small bags beneath his eyes, the texture and tiredness etched into his features.

"What on earth are you doing here?" His voice is so quiet I'm afraid that he's angry with me.

"I-" I swallow and try again. "I couldn't stay away anymore." I shrug and drop my hands, refusing to look away in case he disappears. Letting out a disbelieving laugh, he bumps his forehead against mine, calloused fingers soothing their way through the spaces between mine, linking us together as he begins to stand.

Unfolding my legs, I follow his motions, our foreheads and noses bumping at the close proximity. I close my eyes briefly and breathe in his familiar, homey scent that makes me feel so peaceful as I lean back against the rock, letting him crowd me.

"Mags," Alexander murmurs into the soft morning, squeezing my hands twice. This time it happens, I don't feel the need to run. His hands are just right, the feelings coursing through my veins all perfect.

"Hmm?" I hum in response, brushing our noses together.

"I've missed you so much. I'm so glad you're home." I laugh softly and tug him closer until our bodies are flush.

"I can't believe I ever left. I was stupid." I admit, shaking my head. His lips press firmly against my forehead before his face is nestled in my hair.

"No. This ones on me. I'm sorry." I fold our hands up between us, leaning down and kissing his knuckles.

"This place- it's like the place we always come back to." I murmur for lack of something better to say. I thought I'd have weeks of words to fill the spaces between us, but now that he's here with me, I can't focus on anything but him.

"I don't think it's the place," I look up to find him gazing around us before his eyes meet mine. "I think it's the people. We just happen to prefer beautiful places to come together. I guess you rubbed off on me after all." He bumps his hip against mine and we both laugh, tenor and alto, both warm, relaxed and at ease.

"I told you I'd show you what beautiful means." I remind him playfully, grinning.

"Well it's easy for you to do. You're the definition." I feel the blush flood my cheeks and I grin even wider, shaking my head.

"You smooth bastard," we both laugh again and it feels so good. My chest loosens with every touch, every look and it's as if I've let go a breath I've been holding for 3 months.

"Kiss me," he whispers, the moment shifting like dusk to morning. I don't waste a single second to comply.