We arrive at Simon's house around 7 and I see Jace's car in the drive. I had gone home after work to change and Magnus had done the same. His outfit had shocked me when he'd picked me up. It was so toned down I wondered where he managed to find it in his wardrobe; ripped maroon jeans with loose suspenders hanging from them, a loose fitting black muscle shirt and leather coat with black glittery converse. There was no glitter in his hair and his makeup was toned down a bit. He chuckled at my shocked expression and placed a light kiss on the corner of my mouth as I'd crawled into the limo beside him.
"I do know how to dress normally to some extent, Alexander." I wore my usual type of clothes, black jeans, and a gray v-neck t-shirt with my own scuffed converse and worn leather coat. He'd called me beautiful anyways.
I don't bother to knock, having always let myself into Simon's house, and I feel so normal yet like a whole new person as we make our way through the entrance and down to the living room. The moment she sees me, Izzy is up and I find myself engulfed in her tight embrace, the smell of her familiar perfume intoxicating me. I pull her close, tight to my chest like a big brother should and she relaxes before pulling back. I notice her hair is longer and remember it's been quite a while since I've seen her.
"Alec, it's so good to have you back around. Jace and Simon were telling me all about this new guy you've been-" Jace cuts her off, coughing into his hand as he stands beside her and gestures vaguely with his head behind me where Magnus is waiting. Her eyes widen and she giggles into her palm. "Oops." With that, she moves briskly passed me and pulls Magnus into her arms. I watch, mortified at first by her forwardness until Magnus lets out a light chuckle and hugs her back, winking at me over her shoulder to let me know it's okay.
"You must be Isabelle. Alexander's told me about his great little sister." Izzy smiles brightly, brighter than any light bulb you'd ever see and throws me a glance over her shoulder.
"All good things, I hope." Magnus laughs lightly again and the sound melts my heart.
"Only good things pass through that boys' lips." They share a laugh and Jace thumps my back a couple of times in greeting. Simon walks over and strikes up a conversation with Magnus as Jace leads me into the familiar living room. In a hushed tone, he speaks.
"You look happier than I've ever seen you. It's good, Alec. I'm really happy for you." I smile a bit and grasp his shoulder in thank you before we walk over to where Clary is seated.
"Hi!" She chirps, standing up to greet me. I smile a little at her.
"Hey, you must be Clary." She nods and before we can say anything else, I feel a warm, reassuring hand on my lower back. Subconsciously, I feel my body angle back towards Magnus, as if we're magnets and I'm just drawn to him. Jace seems to notice but says nothing as Magnus introduces himself to Clary. In such a short time, I've completely wrapped my life around the man next to me, but I find that I wouldn't be content any other way. We all take our seats, Jace and Clary on the love seat, Simon sitting in the arm chair with Izzy perched in front of him, back resting on his knees. Magnus and I take it upon ourselves to stretch out on the couch, my back against the armrest, he lounged out in front of me, a pillow on my lap for his head to rest. The lights are low and Simon starts the first movie as we wait for the pizza to arrive. Some cliche horror movie starts to play and I find myself paying more attention to Magnus than the screen. His eyes capture even the smallest glimpses of light from the screen, and I watch the scene reflect in them. Slowly, I card my fingers through his hair, hoping he doesn't mind and getting my answer as I feel him relax, watch his lips curl up faintly in the corners. Constantly, I find myself enamored by the many sides of Magnus Bane there are. It seems in every situation we're in, I learn more and more about him. He's far more than the businessman he's portrayed as, layered in levels of comfort, contentment, and love that I'm slowly starting to become accustomed to. About halfway through the movie, the doorbell rings. Izzy stands up and offers to get it, Clary hiding her face in Jace's chest as someone gets hacked up on the screen. Simon watches with a sarcastic smile on his face, making snide remarks about the obviously fake gore. Magnus and I chip in every once in awhile, but I mostly keep my focus on the important person in the room.
"Eat up!" Izzy calls as she places a few boxes on the coffee table. Simon and Jace waste no time, popping one open and putting pieces on plates. I glance down at Magnus as he stretches, his arms arching up close to my face. With a sigh, he lets the back of his hand dust across my jaw bone, smiling up at me before propping himself up. The simple touch sends sheer fire through my veins and I take a moment to collect myself before grabbing my own food. We finish the movie, stuffing our faces and making snarky comments. I find myself content here, surrounded by family, friends, and Magnus.
"Come by again soon, you guys!" Simon calls as he leads us to the door. I watch Clary, Izzy and Jace slide into Jace's jet black car and wave softly as they drive away. Magnus promises Simon we'll come back very soon before the limo pulls up. I can practically see Simon's jaw hit the floor.
"You ride in style huh?" Simon asks breathlessly, eyes roaming across the sleek black exterior. Magnus chuckles softly and weaves his hand into mine.
"Nothing but the best for my Alexander." My heart nearly stops at his tone and choice of words. Simon smiles brightly and claps Magnus on the shoulder.
"Good. He deserves that." With that, we head down to the limo, the driver opening up the door for us. I thank him and slide in, finding myself exhausted suddenly now that the day is coming to an end. It's a bit of a drive back to my apartment, so I let my head rest against Magnus' shoulder, humming in contentment as his hand rubs soothingly up and down my arm. After a moment of silence, I peek up at him, seeing his face glowing in the neon lights from the various buildings we pass.
"Magnus?" He hums in reply as he turns back to face me. "What are we? I know that sounds so cliche I just-" He cuts me off, his warm lips passing over mine and escaping all too quickly.
"I want to be yours, and you to be mine. If that's alright with you, Alexander." My heart swells and I can feel the resulting heat flush my cheeks. Nuzzling into his chest to hide them, I nod, not even fighting the smile that tugs my cheeks up.
"That's perfect with me, Bane." We arrive at my apartment not long after, my eyes drooping and my heart heavy. I really don't want to go back to this place every night. This drab, dusty, uncomfortable apartment that pales in comparison to the life I seem to have gotten myself into.
Magnus POV
We arrive at Alexander's apartment and I can feel the mood shift. I frown but hide the expression, cupping his chin in the palm of my hand and looking at him.
"Alexander, may I come inside?" His eyes widen and he looks terrified. I furrow my brows and drop my hand, wondering what I've done wrong to entice such a strong reaction.
"I-it's a real mess right now, Magnus, it's just not a good time..." He uses my first name, which in this case, means something's definitely wrong. He fades off and breaks my gaze, looking anywhere but at me.
"Alexander...do you not like your home?" I can always see right through him, can tell when something is bothering him that he doesn't want to share. Normally, I know when to step off and let it go, but this time it really worries me.
"No it's just...yeah I guess. And it's not something I want to share with you. It's not good enough for you, Magnus." I smooth my hand down his shoulder in a feeble attempt to soothe him, knowing very well it's not working. "It's much like I am." He mumbles under his breath and the 5 words are enough to effectively shatter my heart. I pull him to my chest, nuzzling my nose underneath his jaw and shaking my head profusely.
"No, absolutely not Alexander. I won't let you compare yourself to a stupid apartment, I won't let you underestimate your worth to me. Not now, not ever. Come, we'll spend the night at my house again." He shakes his head, I can feel his chin brush over the top of my own head.
"No, it's fine. I don't even have clothes at your house anyways. I'll be okay, Magnus." I sigh and burrow myself deeper against him. Selfishly, I want to keep him with me. I don't want to spend the night alone. One night with him has taught me that much.
"Please?" I whisper out, knowing just how desperate I sound, just how needy, but at this point, I don't care. Anything to get him to stay. I've become far too dependent on him, on his presence. I'm aware it's unhealthy. He's silent for a moment before pressing his warm lips to my forehead reassuringly.
"Let me just grab a few things, I'll be down in a moment." He murmurs against my skin. I nod feebly, feeling weak and guilty that I affect him so strongly, that I have such a pull that with merely a single word I can sway him. He slides out of the limo and into the building swiftly. I stare out the window, glancing at the buildings. This part of the city is dark, despite all the lights, almost abandoned. No one wanders the streets and an eerie silence surrounds me. I find myself nervously gripping at one of the straps of my loose suspenders hanging in my lap to try and ease my tension. I can't help but think about all the scary people who must frequent these streets, so close to my Alexander all the time, so dangerous and- The door opens and I gasp, jumping up a bit. Alec smiles warmly as he slides back in with a small black bag. I burrow myself back into him and feel every ounce of nerves melt out of my system. He runs his long, elegant fingers through my hair delicately as we head back to my house. A thought pops into my head and I jump up a bit from my place on his chest, eyes wide and bright with my new idea. To me, it doesn't seem like a big deal.
"Alexander? Move in with me."
Alec POV
"Alexander? Move in with me." The look in his eyes is sparkling, light with this question he poses. I open my mouth a few times, unsure how to respond. My own eyes are wide with wonder and bewilderment. He cocks his head to the side as the limo pulls up to his house. "Well?" He asks impatiently. I shake my head a few times to clear it and run a hand nervously through my hair.
"Magnus we only just met 2 weeks ago. And we just officially decided we're a thing like half an hour ago. What do you expect me to say?" I ask, my voice breathless and a bit higher in pitch. He smiles and opens the door, sliding out and waiting for me to follow.
"Well, I kind of expect you to say 'yes', Alexander. It's not a big deal. There is more than enough room. Hell, my cat has his own room for heaven's sakes. And besides, you hate where you're living, we both know my house is pretty much the best around. And it's too big for just me anyways. It's just logical." He explains as I pull my bag up over my shoulder and follow him.
"Your sense of logical is strange, Bane. Very strange." I laugh anxiously as he unlocks the door. We step inside and head into the living room.
"If I'm being completely honest with you, Alec, your presence makes me happier. Having you in my bed last night allowed me to have the best sleep I think I've ever had, and waking up with you was better than I could've ever imagined. When you're not with me, I'm lonelier than I've ever felt, but when you're here... when you're around me, I feel like I don't even know the definition of being alone." I listen to him open up as he unties his shoes and leaves them by the door, sliding his coat off and hanging it up. He goes about this as if he's not asking me to move in as if we're discussing the weather. I begin to think they both hold the same amount of importance to him. He turns to look at me once he's finished. With a consoling smile, he comes over, sliding my bag off my shoulder and kissing my cheek.
"I'll put this in the bedroom, give you a minute to think about it." I nod numbly as I watch him walk away. Once he's out of ear shot, I whip my phone out and call the only person I want to confide in right now. Jace picks up on the second ring.
"Alec? Everything okay?" I tug on my hair a bit as I wonder how to answer that. Is everything okay?
"I guess? I'm kind of freaking out right now. Magnus saw where I live and he knows I hate it and he...he asked me to move in." The words sound crazy coming out of my mouth. I worry Jace will freak out, but he surprises me.
"That's awesome. Why are you freaking out about that?" I laugh into the phone, a high-pitched, nervous sound.
"Awesome? We've only properly known each other for 2 weeks, Jace. 2 weeks and he wants me to move in!" I shake my head quickly to try and center myself. I need to think rationally here.
"Look, Alec. I know it sounds crazy, but I've never seen any two people more in love than the two of you. You revolve around him, Alec, without even noticing. You respond immediately to his touch as if it's all you're waiting for. I've never seen you look so relaxed and content, or even happy. But with him, it's like you've finally found where you want to be. I think you should be spontaneous for once in your life. I think you need to just go for this and see where it goes." I relax as he speaks, thinking it over, noting how much better I've felt over the past 2 weeks since the first dinner with Magnus.
"Yeah. Okay, you're right. I'll call you tomorrow, Jace. And thanks." I hang up and watch Magnus walk back into the room, sipping on a cocktail.
"You look better already." I smile and walk over, taking his drink and setting it on the counter behind him. The perplexed look in his eyes brings a small bubble of laughter to my lips. I wrap my arms around him, sure and steady as I pull him as close as I possibly can to my body, kissing him with earnest and love because I'm sure now that's what this is, even if I can't bring myself to say it quite yet. He responds instantly, his lips curving deliciously to mine, his hands winding their way into my already messy hair. I pull back when I can't find any air and take a deep breath.
"Yes," I whisper, the word buzzing in the air between us. And I know right in that moment that I've made the right decision as the smile that graces his lips is so beautiful that I fill with pride at being the reason it's there. I want to wake up to that smile every day for the rest of my life.