#lightwoodbanemlm
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Merry Christmas, @lightwoodbanemlm!
Have a very happy and Malec-y Holidays! Hope you like the gift!
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*****
Can't Live Without You, It Takes Me All The Way, I Want You To Stay
Magnus is pretty sure if he has to listen to Lorenzo explain the spell one more time in his pretentious, snobby, over the top Gaelic accent, he would personally summon his father to kill himself. It is hard enough that he had to leave behind a soft, sleep-rumpled, cuddly, and extremely clingy Alexander behind in the morning, on his boyfriend’s only day off in the next two weeks. The Spiral Labyrinth sent a fire-message this morning asking for his help to figure out a very complicated spell created by a talented Gaelic warlock who died at the hands of the Circle members. He is not the High Warlock anymore, but even Lorenzo Rey knows better than to refuse his extensive knowledge of magic and spells. But the random magic use throughout the day to find the perfect ingredients, and perfecting the spell, especially inside the Spiral Labyrinth, has left Magnus somehow magically exhausted, and having Lorenzo talk down on him, while displaying his massive ego is not helping the situation.
The current High Warlock of Brooklyn, as Lorenzo loves reminding him, repeats a portion of the spell for the fifth time, butchering the meaning, Magnus finally snaps, fed up with the Warlock.
“Lorenzo, you are over 200 years old right?” Magnus puts two fingers on each side of his temple, barely masking the frustration written all over his face.
“I turned 249 this year,” Lorenzo straightens his sleek ponytail for what it seems the hundredth time today. It’s only centuries of Tai Chi, and the thought of Alec’s pouty face this morning keep him from snapping his fingers and burning Lorenzo’s eyebrows off. He’d hate it if he has to stay away from his beloved Alexander simply due to paperwork.
“Well in your long, long life,” Magnus replies, sarcasm dripping from his voice, “Have you never had the desire to actually learn to speak Gaelic? It is, after all, a beautiful language.”
Lorenzo scowls, clearly soured by Magnus’ words. He looks more like a lizard when he's scowling, Magnus thinks, wonder if anyone has ever told him that before.
“Well, Bane ,” Lorenzo spits out his name like a curse, “Not all of us have the luck of living in luxury for years that we would have learnt every language in the world. Not all of us are you.”
Magnus would’ve pointed out exactly how much of pain and struggles there is in being him, but Catarina’s stern gaze makes him close his mouth before he starts to speak.
“Gentlemen, as much as I would love to go on with this lovely banter you both seem to share around each other, I do believe it is quite late, and I would like to go home to my daughter now if you please,” Catarina gives Magnus a pleading look, and Magnus decides to speed things along.
He quickly conjures up his personal stationary to put down the correct translation of the spell, complete with the pronunciation guide, and the necessary ingredients needed for performing it. It’s a long list, and he doesn’t want to keep Cat away from Madzie any longer needed.
“Cat, you go home, I can manage everything here.”
“Magnus, you sure?”
“Yes, of course, I’m sure,” Magnus assures her, kissing her cheek, “Go and get some rest, I know you had a long shift at the hospital today. And do give Sweet Pea my best regards, and an extra scoop of ice cream on my behalf.”
Catarina smiles in return, and starts creating a Portal. “You are spoiling her,” she shakes her head fondly.
“I’m her Godfather! Of course I am,” Magnus waves his hand with a casual flourish, “Besides, she deserves to be spoiled.”
“Please don’t tell her that,” Catarina says before stepping through the Portal, amusement thinly veiled behind her words.
“No promises!” Magnus speaks into the Portal as she steps through, and then turns to attend to the task at hand.
Alright, let’s do this.
Magnus notes the time after handing away the list to the warlocks in the Labyrinth, it’s been almost an hour since he sent Cat home and started working on writing it down. It would’ve been finished much faster if Lorenzo didn’t keep interrupting Magnus with his mostly useless inputs and comments.
But, now it is done, and Magnus is itching to go home and curl up with his boyfriend. The thought of going home to Alec makes Magnus smile. The mere flash of those lovely hazel eyes in his mind makes his heart beat faster.
Well, Magnus is sure that if he looks into it, there is so much of Alec in his heart, it is barely his own anymore. He smiles absently, and decides to pay a visit his wine cellar before going home. He picks up a Châteaux Margaux, the one he has been saving for a special occasion. And well, just the mere fact that Alec Lightwood exists, and more than that, that he loves Magnus, and that Magnus gets to go home to him, needs proper celebration.
Magnus’ Portal materializes in the loft, it’s almost 11pm, he notes as he steps through. He arches his neck, and stretches, trying to work out the sore muscles from sitting down all day. Conjuring up two wine glasses, he glances around to see if Alec has decided to wait for him in the drawing room.
The first time Magnus had been late from a warlock meeting, he found Alec sprawled on the sofa, his arms dangling from the edges, drooling into the material, as he had been trying to wait up for Magnus, but clearly, the day’s exhaustion caught up with him.
Magnus still remembers how his heart ached seeing the beautiful gesture. He had stood there, staring at the sleeping Shadowhunter, trying, in vain, to remember the last time anyone had done that for him.
Of course, no one had. Magnus had really been in a true relationship with two people, and Camille never took their relationship seriously enough to do that, or maybe she just didn’t want to. Then again, Alexander Lightwood is not just anyone.
All the more reason why Magnus goes over to the sofa in front of the TV to check for random dangling Nephilim limbs. But the sofa is empty, so is the armchair.
He checks in the balcony. His Shadowhunter has taken a keen liking to that particular part of the loft, sometimes choosing to spend his evening reading by the witchlight, with Magnus curled up on his chest, unless either of them decides for an impromptu date.
No sign of Alec there either. Magnus decides to check the bedroom next. Maybe he went to sleep , he thinks.
But the satin amethyst sheet is perfectly made, no sign of anyone sleeping in before Magnus came in. Worry coils low in his stomach, it isn’t like Alec to leave without telling Magnus. Even if there is an emergency at the Institute, Alec always remembers to text him dutifully.
Which is exactly what makes Magnus check the loft for Alec’s magical traces. A quick sweep tells him that he hasn’t been home since this afternoon.
Maybe something came up? Maybe he had to leave? Maybe-
If their life wasn’t a big roulette wheel of life and death, Magnus would’ve simply chalked it up to a walk outside. But, his boyfriend is a Shadowhunter , more than that, his boyfriend is the most protective Shadowhunter of his generation, one who would gladly stand in front of the fire, if it meant protecting the ones he loves, which now entails the entire Institute and the Downworld. Magnus loves him for it, for this, for how clear, determined he is, how he would lay down his life without a second thought to save an innocent, but it also means that every mission, every patrol, every battle he goes to, Magnus has to remind himself of his mortality. This also means that sudden unexplained disappearances are causes of extreme worry, which now clouds Magnus’ face like a shroud of death. He tries Alec’s cell, but the number only beeps out.
He puts the wine and glasses down on the nightstand, a calm night-in long forgotten, and decides to call Isabelle. The Lightwood sister has been one of the biggest sources of comfort for Magnus whenever Alec goes on a mission, knowing that his love is fiercely protected by her and his Parabatai almost as much as he protects them.
Isabelle’s number connects, one ring, two, and she doesn’t pick up. Magnus starts pacing the loft, his steps fast and erratic, worry and concern lining his brows. He calls Clary, but her phone doesn’t connect at all. After that, there’s only one person left, and probably the one who can best ascertain whether Alec is safe or not.
Jace picks up after the third ring, and Magnus exhales a little of the long breath he doesn’t even realize he’s holding. The blonde answers, sounding an odd mix of annoyance and concern, and Magnus decides to cut to the chase, and ask him about Alec.
“No, I haven’t seen him all day,” Jace answers, and the stomach in Magnus’ stomach tightens, “Why? Today is his day off, isn’t he supposed to be home? Or wherever you two go for dates?” Jace sounds confused, and Magnus decides not to waste any precious seconds, now that Alec is surely in some kind of disturbance, if not worse. He hangs up, after telling Jace to inform him if he gets any information about Alec, and decides to track Alec using the spare bow hanging from the bowrack beside the door, the newest addition to the loft’s quirky decor, little ways that show how Alec has fit into Magnus’ life like two pieces of a puzzle.
Magnus’ heart tightens at that, but he pushes that feeling aside, right now Alec needs him, he can’t let emotions cloud his judgement. He grabs the bow with both his hands, curling his ring-clad fingers around the middle, and closes his eyes, concentrating, pushing his magic to curl around it, to pick up the traces Alec’s use left on it through the years. Blue sparkles completely cover the bow, and Magnus sees a blue thread visible in the dark of the void, eyes still closed. He grasps at it with all the willpower and love he can muster, and he gets a faint salty and earthy taste in his mouth, just before he feels cold all over, and his skin feels heavy. He gasps out, eyes slam open, and he realizes exactly where Alec is.
Brooklyn River.
A Portal whooshes in just under the bridge, glamoured from Mundane eyes, and Magnus steps through, red battle magic crackling in his palms, ready to strike down anyone who dares to stand between him and Alexander. But Magnus is immediately thrown off by the eerie calm around him. Cars zoom past above him on the bridge, their noise fading as they go further away from where Magnus is standing. Magnus decides to try tracking again, in case he was wrong, but he hears faint muffled noises coming from the river side, and he rushes to find the source.
It only takes twenty steps or so, before he finds himself face to face with a humanoid, dark silhouette against the lights from the Manhattan skyline, jerking their hands around, covered in unrecognizable substances.
The figure mutters something under their breath, and Magnus would’ve missed it if he hadn’t been actively trying to listen.
“By the Angel...”
Magnus catches the words and his eyes widen, he can recognize that voice even in his sleep.
“Alexander?!” Magnus blurts out, half-questioning, half-incredulous, and the figure looks up, registering his presence for the first time.
“Magnus? Is that you?” Alec asks, taking a step forward to him, and Magnus uses his magic to create an orb of light in his palm. Alec’s face is more clearly visible now, though he is still covered from head to toe, by what seems like seaweed, and twigs, and garbage. He is dripping wet, his legs, arms caked with mud, and hair is sticking to his forehead, his face dirty.
“Alec, what happened? Are you okay?” Magnus asks, touching his face, checking him over for injuries, but there’s nothing more than some minor cuts and bruises. Magnus lets out a long breath he has been holding for the last hour, and he hugs Alec, worry bleeding out of him as Alec wraps his hands around him.
The strong stench of garbage hits Magnus, and he scrunches up his nose. “How? What? Why?” he asks Alec, who opens his mouth to answer. The cold December wind blows, and Alec shivers in Magnus’ arms, the wetness increasing the chill down his spine tenfold.
Magnus decides to continue the conversation later when neither of them look like they just got dumped into a wet garbage bin. He reopens the Portal, and drags Alec through it, this time stepping straight into their bathroom. Magnus wastes no time trying to undress Alec by hand, instead snaps his fingers, and Alec’s dirty clothes end up in the hamper kept by the bathroom door for Alec to put his usually ichor-ridden clothes in, after patrols. Alec shivers his sudden nakedness, and Magnus pushes him into the shower, making sure the water is scalding hot, just the way Alec prefers.
He thinks about joining him in the shower, to let the weariness of the day that he feels deep in his bones melt away surrounded by warmth of the water, and his Alexander , but Magnus immediately shakes his head, as if trying to shake the thought off like that.
A warm shower sounds great, yes, but it can wait till tomorrow.
Conjuring up the coziest one from the Alec’s endless supply of black sweaters, and similar black sweats, he puts them on the bed for Alec to find, and decides to change into something comfortable himself. He chooses one of his sweatpants, and decides against his usual flashy tank tops for one of his boyfriend’s blue henleys. He cannot wrap himself in Alec’s arms in the shower, so this would have to do.
He goes to get the two glasses and the bottle of wine, sure that Alec wouldn’t object to a glass or two after all this. He conjures up takeout from the Ethiopian restaurant nearby, making sure to leave a generous tip for them in turn.
Just then, two strong arms encircle his waist, pulling him backwards until his back rests against a rune marked chest. Soft, damp hair tickle his jaw as Alec burrows his head in the crook of his neck, Magnus sags against the comfortable and familiar warmth now engulfing him.
“Missed you,” Alec mumbles into Magnus’ neck, and pulls him closer. The smoky smell of sandalwood hits Magnus, and he inhales deeper, trying to breathe Alec in. He turns around, and finds Alec, standing with water still dripping from his damp hair, a soft smile on his face that never fails to take Magnus’ breathe away. Before Magnus even realizes, he’s kissing Alec, soft and slow, both of them simply revelling in the embrace of one another. Time melts away, and it’s only Alec’s lips entangled with his own, Alec’s arms holding him, Alec’s damp forehead resting upon his own as they pant for air. Alec Alec Alec. It’s like his entire life he has been waiting for this big bad Shadowhunter with a heart softer than butter to come by and make his heart swoon.
They kiss again, this time it’s softer, sweeter, taking time, finding each other, exploring their whole existence under the other’s gentlest of touches. After a while, when it’s only foreheads resting against each other, Magnus decides to retire to the bedroom for the rest of the ‘activities’. It’s only when he drags Alec by his shirtfront into the bedroom, that he notices the hamper with the dirty clothes.
Well, they do say that curiosity killed the cat, and Magnus can’t believe that he’s about to say this in the middle of this , but oh hell...
“Um.. Alexander... I um.. Damn I can’t believe I’m saying this right now... But,” Magnus swallows thickly, flushed, because yes, Alec Lightwood can make even the great Magnus Bane flush, “What were we doing in the Brooklyn River tonight?”
Alec has such a look on his face that if Magnus wasn’t so damn tuned with his emotions, then he would’ve thought that Alec is insulted by his question. But that look isn’t insult, it’s thinly veiled embarrassment, with a hint of panic.
“You.. don’t need to.. it’s not really important...” Alec starts to stammer, but Magnus’ curiosity only peaks.
“Alec? What is it? You know you can tell me anything, right?” Magnus assures Alec, but the Shadowhunter only looks more panicked.
“It’s stupid, you’re gonna think I’m stupid,” Alec mumbles, trying to hide his face in the crook of Magnus’ neck.
“Oh Alexander,” Magnus coos, holding Alec’s face in his palms, “Do you have the not-so-rare moments of gay panic? Of course. Do you turn the most beautiful shade of red every time I flirt with you? Without a doubt,” Magnus pointedly ignores Alec’s glare at that, “But, I can never think you’re stupid. You are the most brilliant person I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet.”
Alec pouts for a moment, before deciding to concede, and sits back on the edge of the bed, folding his legs. “You remember how you told me that both you and Catarina would be in the Labyrinth all day?” Magnus nods, urging him to continue. “Well, around afternoon, I got bored, but I couldn’t just ask you to abandon work, so I decided to head to Catarina’s, to play with Madzie. I know she was with her sitter the whole day, and I figured maybe she’d like a new face, after all.”
Magnus’ heart soars at how fond Alec has gotten of his goddaughter. Between being a warlock with a mark that most people may find abhorrent and the entire situation with Iris Rouse, Madzie has gotten dealt a bad hand very young in her life. To know that there are people, especially someone as caring as Alec, to take care of her, warms Magnus’ heart.
“So, I got there at about 6, and then we played games. And watched Power Rangers. She loves the Red Ranger, though I really prefer the Blue one. She drew a picture of me by the way! She so talented,” Alec carries on, his eyes gleaming talking about his ‘little sorceress’ , “And after Catarina got in, it was almost a quarter to ten. She told me you’d be home soon, so I said good-bye.”
“Cat asked if I wanted to portal home, but I wanted to walk, because you know how rarely I walk home, without thinking that there’s a demon emergency that needs my attention, so I just wanted to walk without too much worry.” Magnus can relate to that thought, but he doesn’t say anything, letting Alec continue instead.
“So, near the bridge, there’s this flower shop, you know, the one where the florist is the nicest lady, and who always gives me a discount on the yellow roses, you know the ones that remind me of your eyes?” Alec turns red as soon as he realizes what he just said out loud, but Magnus snuggles closer to him, touched by the gesture, and Alec carries on, still red, “So I wanted to get some for you, um..because um.. I thought maybe you’d like them, but it was closed, so- so, I thought maybe I’d go home, but then there he was.” Alec’s face throws Magnus off the loop.
“He? A demon? Alec did you encounter a demon on your way?” Magnus grows concerned, but Alec looks ...wait, is that embarrassment?
“It wasn’t a demon, per say....” Alec waves his hand around, and then mumbles something that doesn’t quite seems clear to Magnus. “Alexander, you’re gonna have to speak up. What was it?”
“Itwasakitten,” Alec says, his ears red, and his voice low. Magnus looks at him incredulously, pretty sure that he misheard, because there’s no way that Alec just said what he thought he just said.
“Wait, did you just say ‘a kitten’?” Magnus says, and Alec turns redder.
“Yeah...” Alec drawls, and if the entire situation wasn’t so hilarious, Magnus would’ve jumped him right then and there with how adorable his pout looks.
“I just saw this black kitten, and I saw that you always miss Chairman so much, so I thought I’d bring him home, but then that devil-spawn decided to give me hell,” there’s absolute outrage written on Alec’s face, and Magnus bites his lip to make sure he doesn’t laugh.
“First I tried to coo and ask him to come to me, you know, like you do with the strays that visit the balcony sometimes,” Alec tries to explain, and Magnus almost melts from the cute puppy eyes Alec seems to be making right now. “And he came to me, but then, that little devil, decided to snatch my phone instead!” Alec whines, and Magnus can truly relate to Elsa, trying to conceal his laughter.
“That little demon!” Magnus agrees to Alec, amusement thinly veiled, but Alec doesn’t seem to notice,.
“So, I tried to follow him, but then he got up to the ledge of the bridge, and I was worried that if he jumped from there, he might hurt himself, so....”
“So?”
“So, I jumped after him. Turns out, he only threw the phone in, and moved away at the last moment. But I ended up in the river.” Alec’s pout intensifies, and Magnus cannot keep his laughter in anymore. His shoulders shake with the effort of trying to keep it in.
“See, I knew you’d think it’s stupid!” Alec stabs an accusatory finger at Magnus’s chest playfully, and Magnus’ laugh gets louder.
“I’m sorry it’s just- it’s just- I can’t believe that you got defeated by a- oh my God- I can’t believe you got defeated by a kitten!” Magnus topples over with laughter.
“It’s not funny, Magnus!” Alec grumbles.
“It’s a little funny,” the waves of laughter subside, but a grin is still plastered on Magnus’ face. There’s still a pout on Alec’s face, and Magnus kisses it off.
“Okay, Grumpy Cat Lightwood, let’s finish the food, I’m starving, and I’m sure so are you,” Magnus summons the food from the kitchen, then smirks, “I mean, battling vicious creatures like kittens must have left you famished.”
Alec glares at him, and Magnus smiles. They finish the dinner in companionable silence, and soon Magnus is yawning, and Alec cleans up, before snuggling close to Magnus on the bed, and kisses him.
“I love you,” Alec mumbles against Magnus’ lips.
“I love you too, Alexander,” Magnus replies, smiling, before adding, “Defeated by a kitten and all.”
“Magnus!” Alec shrieks, before glaring at him, without any actual heat behind it. Magnus giggles, and snuggles closer, and Alec wraps his arms around Magnus’ waist, pulling him towards himself.
It’s so domestic, and sappy, and frankly, overwhelmingly blissful. Magnus can feel himself drift into sleep, the day’s exhaustion finally catching up, but Alec’s face is right there, and it’s smiling, and it’s all for Magnus. Magnus can feel a very strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. It’s happiness, the type that Magnus hasn’t felt in a long, long time. If ever. It feels unfamiliar.
After all these centuries, all this time, all that search, he has finally found it.
Right there, in Alec Lightwood’s arms.
It finally feels like home.
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You are making me want to watch this shadowhunters show SO BAD WHO IS MAGNUS AND ALEC they look so good?? Queer Asian representation too?? Gasp
@vivisextion OMG please watch it!! There are two seasons so far and the third will start in April. FYI, the writing in the first season is very not good, but Magnus and Alec make literally everything worth it! Magnus is an incredible character and he is the bi poc rep the world needs. Also Alec’s coming out storyline is so well done and it’s really great to see him come into himself and gain confidence in his identity and his relationship. They’re also by far the most functional relationship on the show. They are so important to me, like as a queer man it’s so nice to see such a quality mlm relationship shown on TV.
#shadowhunters#malec#also i have a sideblog for them!#lightwoodbanemlm if you're interested :)#vivisextion
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Two Princes
Beautiful cover art by the talented @lightwoodbanemlm! <3
Magnus Bane and Lorenzo Rey are both high-ranking Princes of Edom, sent by Asmodeus and Lilith on a mission topside to take over neighboring kingdoms and spread their rule and influence over the mortals. They didn't expect Alexander Lightwood and Andrew Underhill, the princes of their respective mundane kingdoms, to be anything other than easy marks.
Show up, fall in love, rule the kingdom. Only two of those things were what Asmodeus and Lilith planned for when they sent their sons topside to rule over mortals, and the one they didn't anticipate could turn this simple mission on its head.
Read on AO3 - 5 Chapters, 36.5k Words, Complete
#magnus bane#alec lightwood#lorenzo rey#andrew underhill#shadowhunters#malec#reyhill#I adored the concept for this artwork so much that I just had to commission it even though the Bang didn't happen#and I AM IN LOVE it's perfect and I hope you all love it too!#show the artist some love <3#elle writes a few deadbeat lines
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(Credit for this beautiful cover art goes to @lightwoodbanemlm. Thank you so much for making it!)
Title: 12 Days of Malec Christmas
Chapter 1/12: It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas
Author: @malecbane-wood
Summary: Take a trip through the Christmas season with Magnus and Alec
AKA
A 12 Days of Christmas countdown fic.
Read it on Ao3 | Read it on FF | my fanfiction blog
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, ev’rywhere you go; take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again with candy canes a silver lanes aglow…
- It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas
Magnus’s POV
Magnus and Alec were walking down the street, hand in hand, to a shop that sold pre-cut Christmas trees. They would have gone to an actual tree farm, but there weren’t very many places like that in the city. Magnus was looking at his phone, reading over some emails from clients about special potions and whatnot.
“Hey, Magnus?” Alec asked, pulling Magnus away from his email.
“Yes, love?” Magnus responded.
“So, uh, mundanes really do things like this? Pick out pine trees, and decorate them?”
Magnus chuckled, despite himself. “They sure do, Alexander! Don’t Shadowhunters celebrate Christmas?”
“Hmm, not really. Some big Institutes throw Christmas parties; mostly, small Institutes have winter celebrations, and in Idris they throw big winter festivals,” Alec said, a smile blooming on his face.
“Oh yeah? What’s that like?” Magnus asked, intrigued.
“Well, I haven't been to one since I was little, but what I do remember of it was really nice. The streets would be decorated with lights, and families would give each other small gifts.”
“The gift giving aspect of Christmas would be very familiar to you, then. What the mundanes do is wrap up gifts in colorful wrapping paper, and they place them under the Christmas tree,” Magnus explained.
“Huh,” Alec said, thoughtful. “That actually sounds kind of fun.” The beginnings of a cheerful smile were blooming across his features.
Magnus leaned his head up to kiss him on the cheek. “It does, doesn’t it? Oh! Do you know what else we could do after we pick out our tree? We can go to the store to pick out some ornaments.”
“But...I thought you said that you already had ornaments?” Alec questioned, confused.
“Yes, I do have some, but I want you to pick out some for our tree because it’s your first Christmas, and I want you to pick out something that is special to you.”
“What about you? Don't you want an ornament that’s special to you, too?”
“Oh, well I have many ornaments that I’ve collected over the centuries that have special meanings to me, Alexander. It’s fine, really,” Magnus reassured.
“Okay. If you’re sure,” Alec responded, a small smile on his face.
“I’m sure,” Magnus said, pausing his steps to pull Alec in for a short kiss.
****
After about three more minutes of walking, they finally made it to the shop that sold the Christmas trees. It was a cozy, little shop that smelled strongly of pine; despite the fact that they sold more than just trees there. As well as Christmas trees, they sold wreaths, homemade ornaments, books, and baking supplies.
The shop was owned by an old Warlock friend of Magnus’s named Charlotte Throw. She’s always been a very crafty women, and she decided to start a shop to make a business out of it with the mundanes.
“Good afternoon, Magnus!” Charlotte exclaimed as he walked by the front desk.
“Good afternoon to you too, Charlotte. I see the shop’s holding out well,” Magnus observed.
“Oh, yes. Ever since I’ve decided to sell Christmas trees, my business has been booming, if you can believe it!” Magnus saw Charlotte look around the corner at Alec who was looking at the various trees. “Is that the Shadowhunter boy you’ve told me so much about?” Charlotte asked him, smirking. “He’s quite handsome, I’ll give you that.”
Magnus hummed in agreement. “Yes, he sure is,” he said lovingly. “How about you, Charlotte? Is there anyone special in your life?”
“Magnus, you know that I’ve never been interested in relationships. It’s never gonna change,” she said, jokingly punching his arm.
Magnus chuckled, and reached over to pat her arm. “It was great chatting with you, Charlotte. Are there any trees that you recommend?”
“The ones on the side over there are the more fuller ones, and they tend hold up better. And no problem! It’s always great catching up with old friends,” she said, smiling at him.
“Thank you,” Magnus said, then walked off towards Alec. He was in the middle of the store, checking out the more smaller, thinner trees. “Hey there, love. Have you seen anything that catches your eye?”
“Not really. These seem kind of small,” Alec responded, pouting a bit.
“Well, here. My friend over there just told me these more full trees in the corner hold up the best out of the rest of the trees. How about we go check those out?” He suggested.
“Sure. Let’s go,” Alec said.
They walked over to the corner where Charlotte suggested. Those were some big trees. The apartment had tall ceilings, so the height wasn't so bad. It was just that Magnus had never seen one that was so big.
“What do you think of these, Alexander? Do any of them catch your eye?”
“Hmm...I kinda like this one,” he said, pointing out a tree that wasn’t too tall, or too short. It had a nice shape, but wasn't overly bushy.
“Nice choice. I’m impressed, Alexander! This is your first time picking out a Christmas tree, and you already have a good eye for them,” Magnus declared.
Alec laughed at that. “Well, I don’t know about that. Maybe I’m just getting better at doing things like this.”
Magnus felt his face light up. You’re getting so much better at things in your life that you don’t even know, he thought to himself. Alec has become so much more confident with himself, and Magnus can’t help but feel so proud of him.
“Charlotte! I think we’re gonna get this one,” Magnus said, smiling at Alec who look so thrilled to be doing this. Charlotte brought over this special covering to bit on the tree so that the branches won’t poke out all over the place while they try to transport it.
They paid for the tree, and Magnus made a portal to send them back to the apartment.
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Snowball Effect
[Fluff] [Action] [Angst] [Hurt/Comfort] [Domestic]
« Between missions, reports piling up and being in charge of keeping everybody in the Institute in check, Alec rarely has any time for himself, yet alone time to spend with Magnus. So when the Institute unexpectedly gives him a whole week off work, he intends to make the best of it.
Spending time with his boyfriend was a blessing, but with Max tagging along and Madzie coming for a visit, Alec was convinced today was going to be the highlight of the week! Alec couldn't have been more right, even if he definitely didn't expect his day to turn out the way it did. »
Read on AO3
This is the complete version of this work, written for the Malec Secret Santa 2017! :)
I initially decided to cut it short since the story was getting out of hand... But I kept on writing anyway! So, essentially, this is the continuation of Lightwoodbanemlm's gift!
English isn't my first language, so I requested the help of the wonderful Yami to beta read this fic (Thank you again for your patience and kindness)!
I hope you all enjoy reading this fic as much as I did writing it!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this first fic!
I wish to write some more, so constructive criticism is very welcome! ❤
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Merry Christmas, @lightwoodbanemlm!
Happy holidays to you Lightwoodbanemlm! :) I decided to go with a fic because the prompts you gave me were all so great I had to utilize them all (somehow), and what better way than a fic to do that?
The only problem is, I had too much fun with the writing and ended up way past the words limit, so your gift is the self-contained first-half of a bigger story! I'll post the whole thing in a few days if you wish to check it out!
I hope you enjoy reading this fic as much as I did writing it!
Read on AO3
*****
Snowball Effect
Alec woke up slowly, lazily blinking the sleep out of his eyes. He furrowed his brow when a particularly strong ray of sunshine assaulted him. Not only was he waking up gradually and not in a startle like he often did, thanks to his phone going off at ungodly hours, the sun was already up which was an accomplishment all in itself. Alec, never the morning person, groaned and turned his face away from the window that chose to irk him this morning by displaying how sunny it already was. The brightness outside was made even worse, thanks to the snow that kept on falling the days prior and draped the city in a white coat.
Trying to shield himself from the light, Alec turned around and found the perfect hiding spot in the crook of Magnus' neck. The warlock was laying on his side, features soft in his sleep and an arm extended in his direction, welcoming him to draw closer and refill the empty space between them. Careful not to wake Magnus up, Alec slipped back in the place that was rightfully his. They usually fell asleep snuggling and never drifted too far apart during the night. As if on cue, Magnus' hand shoot up and rested lightly on Alec's head, securing him in place and making the Shadowhunter smile ever so slightly. Sighing contently as Warlock’s warmth surrounded him, Alec closed his eyes, only to open them a few minutes later, when he felt agile fingers caressing his hair, untangling knots and slowly massaging his scalp. A smile spread on his lips and he mumbled something in Magnus' neck. The skin under his lips vibrated slightly as a small chuckle escaped the Warlock whose hand let go of his hair to rest upon Alec's shoulder.
"Didn't quite catch all that, Darling."
Alec lifted his head to get a better look at Magnus. Vertical pupils swimming in a golden sea meet his own round ones and Alec blinked. He was getting accustomed to see Magnus' unglamoured eyes and yet there wasn't an instance where he wasn't amazed by the sheer beauty of them. To think that the Warlock felt the need to shield them away from anyone's view but a few people always made his heart ache. Instead of dwelling on the unpleasant feeling for too long, Alec drew back to reposition himself and laid a kiss on the corner of Magnus' lips.
"Did you wake up long ago?" He asked, voice small and raspy, "You should have woken me up."
"Nonsense Alexander, I'm always happy to serve as your pillow. Plus, how could I miss the opportunity to see you drool on such priceless fabrics?" Magnus smiled joyfully, unguarded and at ease "At least you weren't snoring this time."
With a smile to rival the Warlock's, Alec lightly taped Magnus' shoulder. "Don't lie to me. You love it."
"Only because it reminds me of a purring cat."
Alec laughed softly at that and Magnus was reminded of how much the Shadowhunter grew in the last couple of months they spent together, practically living under the same roof. No longer was Alec embarrassed at the mere mention of him doing something slightly inappropriate for the acting head of the New York Institute. Here, in the safety of Magnus' loft, he finally allowed his personality to shine. Magnus smiled fondly at his lover, his hand sliding from his shoulder to rest on his forearm.
"I'm serious Alexander, you're lucky I love them so much." Magnus added, not quite ready to let go of the easy banter. He snorted at the look Alec shoot him and finally gave in "You're so rarely on vacation. I'm not waking you up unless there's an absolute emergency."
"I still can't believe they gave me a whole week off."
"I'm sure they can cope a week on their own. As long as they keep a close eye on Biscuit and your Parabatai, I'm sure everything will be fine." Alec nodded, wholeheartedly agreeing with Magnus. Jace was prone to run right into trouble after all. Magnus waved his free hand, dispelling Alec's worries "Shadowhunter business is always slower in winter. Demons usually prefer terrorizing the city when it's not freezing cold outside. You deserve this Alexander and I'm sure the Inquisitor knows it as well."
That, and Magnus knew from reliable sources that Izzy, closely followed by Jace, got up close and personal with Imogen and demanded her brother to be allowed a break when Magnus texted her that Alec passed out from exhaustion on their couch for the third night in a row. The most fashionable of the Lightwood siblings insisted that no one was to tell Alec about her little confrontation with Imogen, fearing that Alec would feel bad about his siblings basically threatening the Inquisitor just so he could take a few days off. Magnus didn't feel this way and was certain that Alec would beneficiate from knowing just how much his siblings cared about him. It was only a matter of time, fortunately: knowing Jace, he would let it slip soon enough.
"Right..." Alec murmured, unconvinced, before focusing back on Magnus and letting go of his worries. "Well, since I'm not sure this isn't a onetime type of deal, we better make the best of this."
"And how exactly are we going to do that, hum?", Magnus asked, his thumb rubbing small circles on Alec's forearm.
Alec shook his head lightly, a fond smile painted on his lips and reach for the Warlock's hand, tugging slightly at his wrist to draw him in for a kiss. Alec had had months to get accustomed to the feeling of Magnus' lips on his own, yet he couldn't help but marvel at the feeling he experienced every time they kissed. The rightness of it all was overpowering and the Shadowhunter always felt like he could spend hours simply enjoying Magnus' company, hands trailing lightly on his skin in a touch so feather-like it never ceased to amaze him just how quickly fire spread in his whole being.
A knock came from the door, popping the cloud they were currently sitting on.
"Alec! Magnus! Are you guys up yet?"
Both men froze and glanced at each other. Frowning, Alec turned his head towards the door. Mixed emotions were playing on the Shadowhunter's flushed face, fondness winning by far over the slight annoyance that furrowed his brow. Magnus sighed loudly in mock exasperation.
"Doesn't your brother sleep in, like any normal child on vacations? I can't believe you Lightwoods sometimes."
"Max thinks sleep is a waste of time." Alec said slowly, gauging Magnus' reaction before quickly adding "Mom had some business to attend to, and dad is barely home. He would have been alone for the holidays and..."
"Alexander, I was joking. I offered to take him in for the week, didn't I?" Alec merely nodded at that, making the Warlock smile in return. He hated the fact that such a kind soul had grown to always put his needs last. Hell would freeze over before he let Alec think that his sibling was imposing on him. "You don't need to justify yourself. I'm quite fond of Maxwell, remember? Plus, I bet he'll get along brilliantly with Madzie. The girl needs a friend her age."
"Is she still coming today?" Alec asked hurriedly, all trace of doubt gone from his voice at the mention of the young Witch.
"Of course. Catarina said she will bring her for a visit early this afternoon."
Alec didn't have time to reply. Another knock, stronger than the first, interrupted the Shadowhunter.
"Come on, it's past nine already! I'm hungry!"
Magnus snickered when Alec groaned under his breath.
"We'll join you in a minute!" The older Lightwood shouted.
"Please do!" Max shouted right back without missing a beat "If I starve it'll be your fault!"
Light footsteps echoed in the living room, announcing Max' departure. Magnus was frowning, mentally debating if Alec would mind if he conjured a plate full of raw vegetables on the kitchen table right now, just to get back at Max for his comment. He finally decided against it, in fear of Max actually attempting to cook something and setting fire to the kitchen. As brilliant a Shadowhunter as he was, the youngest Lightwood was as bad a cook as his sister.
"What is it with your siblings and the need to interrupt us, anyway?"
Alec snorted at that and kissed Magnus' furrowed brow. "At least this one knows how to knock."
"Don't remind me." The Warlock groaned "One day I'm going to portal right in Jace's room, see how he likes it."
Once properly dressed, the couple emerged from their bedroom, only to be greeted by Max rounding a corner, certainly heading back to investigate what could possibly take them so long. The youngest smiled brightly at his brother when he ruffled his hair and quickly said hello to the Warlock standing beside him. Magnus didn't take it personally. Max hasn't hesitated before accepting his offer of staying with them but the boy was still a bit wary of him. He may be in a stable relationship with Max' older brother, but Warlocks weren't painted in a good light at the best of time and while he might turn a blind eye on the rumors surrounding his love life, he knew Max was a curious kid and must have heard his fair share of stories surrounding the High Warlock of Brooklyn. Magnus hoped this week would help Max get a better picture of who he was and just how much he cared about Alexander.
"What do you say we go out for a drink?" Magnus asked. "Nonsense in staying in now that we're all dressed up."
"Mom doesn't want me to drink alcohol." Max quipped in, throwing a questioning glance at his brother when he curtly said his name.
Magnus to his credit simply smiled, ignoring Alec's intervention in favor of tilting his head to the side. "And she is absolutely right about that, young Shadowhunter. I was thinking more in the lines of hot cocoa with a spoon of whipped crème, and maybe some pastries?"
"Oh... yeah. That would be awesome!" Max nodded, a small smile spreading on his lips.
"Then go get your coat, we're going to Switzerland!"
Max stared wide eyed at the Warlock. "What, really?"
"Well, where are we going to get the best cocoa, if not in Switzerland?" Magnus asked matter-of-fact "Go on, grab your coat, we'll wait for you here."
Magnus watched fondly as the boy rushed to his room. He started heading towards the entrance to grab his own coat but was stopped by Alec's hand on his shoulder. Turning around questioningly, he was met with sorrowful eyes. Of course Alexander was going to take his brother's remark at heart. After all, he knew how vulnerable Magnus felt when one addressed his penchant for drinking. The Warlock might like to joke about it; it was something else entirely when it was thrown in his face.
"Hey. Sorry about that."
"It's quite alright. I agreed to take him in for the vacations, didn't I?" Magnus said "Speaking of which, I really should start charging you Lightwoods with fees, my place is more of a guest house than an office at that point."
Alec shook his head, his hand leaving Magnus' shoulder to gently cup his chin, thumb brushing over his cheek. "Magnus. I'm serious."
"So am I." Magnus replied slowly. "Your brother has no filter, Darling, but he's only a kid. I hear far worse than that from adults on a daily basis, believe me."
"You shouldn't have to."
The Shadowhunter was staring at him with such intensity that Magnus momentarily forgot how to breathe. The devotion he could decipher in his eyes was even more painful than the quick jab Maryse's youngest son took at his bad habit. Alexander wore his heart on his sleeve around him, trusting and tender and oh so loving. Magnus couldn't help but smile at his lover's words. He knew the simple statement wasn't going to change the way Shadowhunters saw his kind, but he appreciated the heat and fervor behind the words nevertheless. Then Alexander managed to surprise him once more, kissing him softly before drawing back and locking his eyes on his.
"I love you. You know that, right?"
"I could use the reminder from time to time." Magnus joked before sobering up. "As could you. I love you too, Alexander. Never doubt that. Annoying siblings and all."
As if on cue, Max came barreling in the hall, a backpack under his arm.
"Speaking of the Devil." Alec sighed, looking over Magnus' shoulder at his little brother. "What have you got here, Max?"
"Sorry, sorry! I was looking for my wallet. Mom loves Swiss chocolate so I thought that, since we are going in Switzerland, I could buy her some." Max explained and looked eagerly at Magnus, waiting to see if the Warlock would grant him his request. He blinked when he saw that neither Alec nor Magnus were wearing their coat. "Wait, you two still aren't ready?"
Alec fought the urge to roll his eyes and picked his coat, followed by Magnus. The smaller man agreed to Max' plan and the boy thanked him profusely.
"I see the need to bring back gifts to loved ones also run in the family." Magnus mused, securing a scarf around his neck. Alec merely grinned at that.
Once everyone was ready to leave, Magnus created a portal in front of them. Max clutching his brother's hand, and Alexander's hand in his own, they stepped through it for a well-deserved breakfast.
They got back home a few hours later, Max clutching a large bag of Läderach chocolate in his hands and Alec's wallet lighter by quite a few dollars, the older Lightwood insisting on paying for Max' gift. What was originally supposed to be a small breakfast turned into more of an unhealthy brunch when they stopped by the famous chocolatier to pick something for Maryse and Max concluded he should at least sample what he was planning to offer. Alec didn't find it in him to hold his brother and Magnus back, enjoying the way Max would listen intently to Magnus as he patiently translated each label to help Max pick the chocolates he wanted to try and the ones he'd rather avoid. Without Alec's supervision, they ended up eating way too much chocolate for a single day and skipping lunch altogether.
Once their coats were hanged, Max vanished in the kitchen to put his box of chocolates in the fridge, stating that it would be a shame if something so delicious melted. Alec and Magnus went straight to the living room and plopped on the couch, waiting for Max to come back. As soon as their heads hit the backrest, a crackling sound startled them upright. The tension in Magnus' body melted away once he recognized the familiar magic of Catarina and a wide smile broke on his face when a little girl emerged from the freshly made portal. Madzie waved a hand behind her, the magic dissipating, and she ran straight in Magnus' open arms.
"Magnus!" Madzie smiled from ear to ear as she wrapped her tiny arms as well as she could around the Warlock. Magnus smiled back at her, happy to see that her smiles were slowly becoming less rare and more pronounced. He returned the hug so willingly offered and nudged the small girl, prompting her to look up and spot the second occupant of the room. She didn't quite let go of Magnus but she smiled shyly at the Shadowhunter that was looking at her fondly.
"Alec! You're here too!" She looked surprised to see him but not unpleasantly so. Alec was usually working late, so she would only get to see him in passing when she visited Magnus.
"Hi Madzie. How are you?"
The girl pondered the question a moment, tugging at one of her braids. She didn't get the chance to answer however, as Max joined them in the living room, drawing everybody's attention to him. The young Shadowhunter stared blankly at Madzie and the Witch stared right back at him. Max blinked, finally catching up with what was happening, recalling his brother telling him about the visit of one of Magnus' friend and the little girl she was taking care of. He slowly walked up to the group, stopping by Alec's side. The Shadowhunter took it upon himself to introduce the newcomer.
"Mazie, this is Maxwell, my little brother."
Said little brother groaned at that. "Not you too! Call me Max! Only Magnus calls me Maxwell. Or mom, when she's angry."
"Max." Madzie repeated, blinking at Max' runes "You're a Shadowhunter."
"And you're a Witch." Max stated the simple fact with ease, pointing to Madzie's neck. "Cool gills."
Madzie offered Max a crooked smile, her eyes darting from one Lightwood boy to the other. Alec smiled sheepishly, remembering his first encounter with the young Witch.
"So, can you breathe underwater?" Max asked without missing a beat, beaming when Madzie nodded her head "That's so awesome! You know Magnus can't even use his Warlock mark to see in the dark?"
"No...?" Madzie responded, clearly taken aback by Max' eagerness to speak to her.
Magnus and Alec stepped back watching intently as each kid got to know the other.
"Is your brother determined to chew me out today?" Magnus asked Alec under his breathe when Max told Madzie she already was way cooler than Magnus.
The older Lightwood smiled apologetically and brushed his hand to the small of Magnus' back as a way of comforting the smaller man. The Warlock leaned in the touch ever so slightly and hummed quietly, watching the children exchanging quiet words. Max was in dire need of a friend his age and Madzie needed a friend, period. Both were outcast in their own way and would benefit greatly from spending time around another kid. Magnus’ small smile turned wicked when he heard Madzie agree that her Witch's mark was indeed more useful than his, and he clapped his hands, startling both the kids and his lover.
"Okay, that's it. I've had it with you diminishing me today." He said, voice booming and all his attention focused on the kids "I'll have you know that, as the High Warlock of Brooklyn, I can't let such impudence go unpunished."
"Magnus, what..." Alec murmured, confused.
The Warlock waved his hand, conjuring a layer of warm clothes on everyone including himself. Alec's question was cut short as he ended up staring blankly at his now gloved hands.
"That's why I've decided to challenge you both to a snowball fight."
"A snowball fight?" The kids parroted back, looking dumbfounded.
"Yes." Magnus said seriously. " We'll fight on equal ground, no rune and no magic allowed. And since you're both so much cooler than me, I'll be teaming up with Alexander to at least have a small chance of winning. Isn't that right, Darling?"
Alec shook his head fondly at Magnus' antics and nodded his agreement. Max, always one to rise to a challenge, was quick to accept those terms. Madzie looked more reserved, but Max' enthusiasm managed to coax a curt nod out of her.
"It is decided then. Let’s see which team truly is the best."
For the second time today, Magnus created a portal before inviting his guests to follow him into the white wilderness on the other side.
Alec snickered, mouth crooked, as another one of Max' snowball hit Magnus square in the back. The Warlock looked affronted for a second before trailing his gaze on his supposed partner and eying him in disbelieve. It was the second hit in less than five minutes and this was just getting ridiculous. Magnus knew his rich red coat wasn't helping him one bit in staying low, but his boyfriend had assured him there was no way the kids could get to them from that angle. It took all his self-control not to blindly throw the snowball he kept clutched in his hand behind him on the off chance he might catch one of the kids by luck.
"Weren't you supposed to have my back?" Magnus asked, raising his eyebrows.
"I really didn't see him this time." Alec assured, his mirthful eyes betraying the truth.
"Really?" Magnus replied, spotting movement in Alec's back but making no effort to warn the Shadowhunter. "You'd think an archer had a better vision than that."
Distracted as he was, trying really hard not to laugh at Magnus' grumpy remark, Alec didn't sense Madzie tip-toeing her way behind him. The young girl, aiming for his head, managed to hit him in the shoulder, startling the Shadowhunter. Alec turned around quickly enough to see a dash of blue disappearing behind a line of trees and blinked as he realized Madzie was the one to get him. He ducked his head before turning to face Magnus so that the kids wouldn’t see his expression. He grinned at the Warlock, brushing away the remanence of snow on his shoulder. The girl hadn't looked as thrilled as Max when the game had started and only seemed to target Magnus for a good portion of it. It was heartwarming to see that she was getting more daring as time progressed.
"Let's go all out, catch them off guard." Magnus proposed, gesturing to the little flag sitting atop their ridiculous fort. "If we get theirs first, we can still save faces."
They had spent the better part of two hours defending their truly awful construct, a ridiculously small pile of snow that looked more like a melted snowman than an actual fort. The worst part, without a doubt, was that they truly gave it their best, but the small time frame they agreed upon at the beginning of the game wasn't nearly enough to build something big enough for the two of them.
Contrary to the adults hell-bent on stocking up snowballs to make up for their disastrous fort, the kids used their time more wisely, altering between throwing as many snowballs a minute as possible in their general direction and hoping for the best, and consolidating their fort, resulting in a pretty solid hiding spot for them before stepping up their game and actually starting to target them properly, leaving their fortress one at a time to land a hit on either Magnus or Alec.
Motivated by Max' competitiveness and Magnus' will to somehow bring these people together, what had started as an awkward and stilled game had quickly evolved into something more interesting. Magnus and Alec soon discovered that they didn't need to hold back as much as they initially thought and that, without the convenient help of magic and runes, it was more of a fair fight that they anticipated. Both men were big enough targets as it was, but Madzie was pretty light on her feet even in the snow and Max had always been quite fast and a decent shot. It's not to say that it would be an even match if Alec decided to utilize his years of training, but both adults had their fair share of proud moment when the kids managed to truly get them off-guard or do something imaginative and surprise them. Alec still couldn't believe that Max managed to get him square in the face.
What was supposed to last an hour top blew to unconsidered proportions and, had it not been for the spell Magnus casted, keeping them warm, they would be chilled to the bone as of now.
Squeezing Magnus’ gloved hand in his briefly, Alec smiled brightly. His gratitude went unsaid, but Magnus quickly caught on, winking playfully. He really couldn’t have imagined a better way to spend his day off than here, simply enjoying the company of the most precious people in his life.
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The Malec Secret Santa 2019 Big Reveal Post
Ho Ho Ho!
It’s time to conclude the fourth edition of the Malec Secret Santa :)
Hope you’ve all had a lovely Christmas and that you’ve enjoyed all the amazing gifts that were posted!
This year was considerably more difficult to organise than last year, thanks to my unexpected work promotion, and a lot of you leaving making gifts up until the very last minute! Thanks for giving me some pre-mature grey hairs guys ;)
The fantastic @cardiamachina, @miss-shiva-adler, @secretphilosopherwitch, @shipnotised, @vellesian, @actuallyredorchid and @sian265 deserve extra love and gratitude for being wonderful Christmas Angels this year in helping me out to create last minute gifts, making sure no one would be left empty handed this year! Thank you darlings, I really appreciate that you wanted to help me out in a pinch! <333
If you’d like, you can still add your works to the AO3 Collection! Just poke me if you do, and I’ll add the link to the Tumblr gift post as well. You can also repost your gift(s) to your own Tumblrs now, of course :)
That’s all from me in terms of service announcements, see you all again next year! #MalecForever y’all.
-x- Leonie (leetje)
*****
Are you all ready to find out who your secret santas were? :D
Most of you should know the drill by now. The list is in alphabetical order. The easiest way to find whom your secret santa was, is by hitting Crl+F and then search for your own Tumblr name :D
actuallyredorchid was bloodspeckledraphael's secret santa - gift(s) here
actuallyredorchid was marvelmerlinao3's secret santa - gift(s) here
akai-coat was gyoroandururun's secret santa - gift(s) here
alittlebriton was cardiamachina's secret santa - gift(s) here
aprilgloomisheretostay was redriotted's secret santa - gift(s) here
bloodboneandmuscle was permetstu's secret santa - gift(s) here
bloodspeckledraphael was ilovealeclightwood's secret santa - gift(s) here
cakelanguage was secretphilosopherwitch's secret santa - gift(s) here
cardiamachina was darque-essence's secret santa - gift(s) here
cardiamachina was thelightofthebane's secret santa - gift(s) here
cetacean-content was dark-alice-lilith's secret santa - gift(s) here
chaisspaceboo was thattrainssailed's secret santa - gift(s) here
chefhector was alittlebriton's secret santa - gift(s) here
dark-alice-lilith was demigod-daughter-of-poseidon's secret santa - gift(s) here
darque-essence was magnusandalexander's secret santa - gift(s) here
demigod-daughter-of-poseidon was aprilgloomisheretostay's secret santa - gift(s) here
dreamlikeafangirl was teammalec's secret santa - gift(s) here
ethansxslater was sandalwoodmalecs' secret santa - gift(s) here
fatilightwood was kaijuusandkryptids's secret santa - gift(s) here
floralegia was ohfreckle's secret santa - gift(s) here
forensicsisabelle was rissa's secret santa - gift(s) here
gaywoodandbine was magnuslightwoodbane's secret santa - gift(s) here
gyoroandururun was ladymatt's secret santa - gift(s) here
hanzohoemada was vellesian's secret santa - gift(s) here
hotaruyuki was cetacean-content's secret santa - gift(s) here
hourglassmermaid was sian265's secret santa - gift(s) here
ilovealeclightwood was juus-ess' secret santa - gift(s) here
im-better-than-chocolate was hotaruyuki's secret santa - gift(s) here
just-another-lightwood-bane was lightwoodbanemlm's secret santa - gift(s) here
kaijuusandkryptids was taupefox59's secret santa - gift(s) here
killiarious was dreamlikeafangirl's secret santa - gift(s) here
la-muerta was cakelanguage's secret santa - gift(s) here
ladymatt was forensicsisabelle's secret santa - gift(s) here
ladyoxymoron was lightwormsiblings' secret santa - gift(s) here
leetje was bloodboneandmuscle's secret santa - gift(s) here
lieselfh was hourglassmermaid's secret santa - gift(s) here
lightwoodbanemlm was fatilightwood's secret santa - gift(s) here
lightwormsiblings was shipnotised's secret santa - gift(s) here
lutavero was la-muerta's secret santa - gift(s) here
lynne-monstr was gaywoodandbine's secret santa - gift(s) here
magnus-the-maqnificent was ladyoxymoron's secret santa - gift(s) here
magnusandalexander was sugarandspace's secret santa - gift(s) here
magnuslightwoodbane was skullgirl808's secret santa - gift(s) here
marvelmerlinao3 was ethansxslater's secret santa - gift(s) here
mirrorofliterature was usurix's secret santa - gift(s) here
miss-shiva-adler was alecisgay's secret santa - gift(s) here
miss-shiva-adler was magnus-the-maqnificent's secret santa - gift(s) here
mysteryuntamedmind was chaisspaceboo's secret santa - gift(s) here
ninwrites was nataliafurmann's secret santa - gift(s) here
not-so-harmonious was lynne-monstr's secret santa - gift(s) here
ohfreckle was miss-shiva-adler's secret santa - gift(s) here
permetstu was floralegia's secret santa - gift(s) here
queenyclairey was just-another-lightwood-bane's secret santa - gift(s) here
redriotted was queenyclairey's secret santa - gift(s) here
rissa was hanzohoemada's secret santa - gift(s) here
royaltybane was leetje's secret santa - gift(s) here
sandalwoodmalecs was stupidnephilimlove's secret santa - gift(s) here
sdewan6 was akai-coat's secret santa - gift(s) here
secretphilosopherwitch was ninwrites' secret santa - gift(s) here
secretphilosopherwitch was the-prophet-lemonade's secret santa - gift(s) here
shipnotised was lutavero's secret santa - gift(s) here
shipnotised was shumsstar's secret santa - gift(s) here
shumsstar was lieselfh's secret santa - gift(s) here
sian265 was killiarious's secret santa - gift(s) here
sian265 was royaltybane's secret santa - gift(s) here
stupidnephilimlove was sdewan6's secret santa - gift(s) here
sugarandspace was im-better-than-chocolate's secret santa - gift(s) here
taupefox59 was mysteryuntamedmind's secret santa - gift(s) here
thattrainssailed was lunarosewood23's secret santa - gift(s) here
the-prophet-lemonade was actuallyredorchid's secret santa - gift(s) here
thelightofthebane was mirrorofliterature's secret santa - gift(s) here
usurix was whatanexcitingfewdaysithasbeen's secret santa - gift(s) here
vellesian was chefhector's secret santa - gift(s) here
vellesian was redscrollsofmalec's secret santa - gift(s) here
whatanexcitingfewdaysithasbeen was not-so-harmonious' secret santa - gift(s) here
Let me know if I mucked up any names/html or if you’re missing entirely. I kind of zoned out a few times while coding this list 8-)
Go forth and tacklehug your no-longer-secret santa! They definitely deserve some loving!
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The Malec Secret Santa 2018 Big Reveal Post
Ho Ho Ho!
It’s time to conclude the third edition of the Malec Secret Santa :)
Hope you’ve all had a lovely Christmas and that you’ve enjoyed all the amazing gifts that were posted!
This year was considerably more easy to organise than last year, so thanks for not giving me too much stress, it’s much appreciated haha!
The fantastic @makosmonkey, @sandalwoodmalecs and @lutavero deserve extra love and gratitude for being wonderful Christmas Angels this year in helping me out to create last minute gifts, making sure no one would be left empty handed this year! Thank you darlings, I really appreciate that you wanted to help me out in a pinch! <333
If you’d like, you can still add your works to the AO3 Collection! Just poke me if you do, and I’ll add the link to the Tumblr gift post as well. You can also repost your gift(s) to your own Tumblrs now, of course :)
That’s all from me in terms of service announcements, see you all again next year! #MalecForever y’all.
-x- Leonie (leetje)
*****
Are you all ready to find out who your secret santas were? :D
Most of you should know the drill by now. The list is in alphabetical order. The easiest way to find whom your secret santa was, is by hitting Crl+F and then search for your own Tumblr name :D
134340knj was ninwrites' secret santa - gift(s) here
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Yet another side blog
The Shadowhunters content on here is getting out of hand, so to filter some of that out I’ve made lightwoodbanemlm!
Mainly that blog will get any reblogs of fic, fanart, show meta, rants, things of that nature.
Not at all sorry to say that I’m not going to stop posting malec stuff to my main. Regardless of the nonsense of the fandom they exist within, they are still solid queer representation and therefore very important to me.
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Merry Christmas, @Lightwoodbanemlm!
Read on AO3
*****
Christmas Comes But Once A Year
The quiet of the city settled deep in Magnus’s chest as he walked down the darkened streets. Nearing midnight on Christmas Eve, most people were home with their families and friends, settling in for sleep, or celebrating with drinks and merriment.
Magnus might not have much left in the way of biological family (he rather doubted Asmodeus wanted to share a Christmas dinner with him) but he had a number of friends who would probably have jumped at the chance to celebrate the holiday together. But Magnus always declined, preferring to be on his own for the day. Something about this time of year made him melancholy and the last thing he wished to do was bring down the ones he loved on what should be one of the most joyous holidays.
Besides, there was something comforting about the strange quiet that falls over New York on the night before Christmas. As if the whole city held its breath, waiting. Waiting for what, Magnus didn’t know. But the anticipation danced along Magnus’s skin, pulling him forward at a time when he would normally want to pull away.
His feet carried him down well-known streets, though his eyes hardly watched where he went. With so few people on the street, he didn’t worry about running into someone while lost in his own thoughts. And when he came to a stop, Magnus’s breath caught in his throat, seeing where his feet had taken him.
The Rockefeller tree might be the most famous Christmas tree in the world, a symbol of the holiday the world over, even as it stood tall and proud in the middle of New York. Despite the late hour, a few people milled around, taking photos and enjoying a little bit of Christmas spirit right there in the middle of Manhattan. Magnus moved out of the way of a happy couple who wished to take a photo in front of the tree and bumped into someone else standing behind him.
“Apologies,” he said, turning around to give the person a bright smile and hope it was enough for them to forgive him. Whatever else he was going to say died on his tongue as he took in the tall man, dressed in black from head to toe. The light of the Christmas tree sparkled in his hazel eyes and Magnus would have made a move on him right then and there if not for one thing.
That was most definitely a rune on his neck. And that man was definitely glamoured.
“Shadowhunter,” he mumbled, taking a step back and turning towards the tree. He didn’t say anything more, simply waited for the others around them to move on to wherever they were going before casting a glamour over himself as well. “I haven’t done anything wrong,” he said the moment they were alone and hidden. “So if you are looking for trouble, you need to move on. I just want to look at the tree and then go home.”
Surprise was painted over the Shadowhunter’s features and Magnus smiled despite himself, though he quickly pushed that down. Surprising Shadowhunters was a surefire way to find yourself on the wrong end of a Seraph blade.
The man managed to compose himself a moment later. “I...I’m just here to see the tree too. We don’t really celebrate at the Institute but I’ve always liked the holiday.” Surprise seemed to be the young man’s normal state of being because the look was back the minute the words were out of his mouth as if he couldn’t believe he’d actually said them out loud.
The endearing blush that developed on the man’s cheeks made Magnus smile, though he looked down at the ground, hoping the other wouldn’t see it. “There is nothing wrong with that. I mean, maybe some people would think so but I’ve always been of the belief that little things like that which make you happy can’t actually be bad.”
“I’m Alec,” the man said extending his hand to shake as if Magnus were an equal and not obviously a Downworlder.
Magnus smiled and shook his head, still a little stunned at the evening’s turn of events. “I’m Magnus. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alexander.”
“Magnus? Magnus Bane?” Alec asked. When Magnus nodded, Alec sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “My parents are going to kill me when they find out I’ve been wasting the time of the High Warlock. I’m so sorry.”
“Darling,” Magnus interrupted, afraid the poor man would apologize himself into an early grave. “I am out here by myself, looking at the tree on Christmas Eve, just like you. I promise you are not wasting my time.” He glanced back at the tree, which lost a little of its sparkle when set against the warm light in Alec’s eyes. “Would you like to go get hot chocolate or something? It is Christmas Eve. It’s a shame to be alone.”
Alec’s eyes went wide at the endearment and even in the dim light cast by both the tree and the streetlights around them, Magnus could see the beautiful blush painting the man’s cheeks. But even before he spoke, Magnus knew Alec would turn him down. They just met. Magnus would never have expected anything different.
“Oh,” the Shadowhunter sighed, looking forlorn. “I want to. I really do. But I need to be back before my family wakes up. If they notice I’m gone, I’ll be on ichor duty for the week.”
“I can’t imagine that’s how anyone wants to ring in the New Year. A rain check, perhaps?”
The smile in relief was all Magnus needed to stay warm for the remainder of the night. “Yeah, I’d like that. Maybe this time next year?”
A whole year to wait. Less than ideal but Magnus could live with that.
“Sounds perfect, Alexander. I’ll meet you here, one year from now.”
“See you then.” Alec turned on his heel and hurried away, throwing one more shy smile over his shoulder before he disappeared into the night.
Magnus pulled his coat tighter around him and smiled to himself. Without thinking, he opened a portal to Hotel duMort. If Alec was going to spend the holiday with his family, Magnus would spend it in the company of his own.
Alec thought about it all year, about how kind the warlock was when they stood in front of the tree last year. Not the warlock. Magnus. The High Warlock of Brooklyn who spoke to him as if he mattered as a person, not just as a Shadowhunter. Who invited him out for coffee but wasn’t offended when Alec ran away instead. Someone who seemed to understand Alec.
Though, it might have been his imagination clinging to what little hope he had.
But all year he thought about those softly spoken words. “I’ll meet you here, one year from now.” Now it was Christmas Eve again and Alec waited impatiently for his family to go to sleep so he could sneak back down to the tree. Magnus might forget, something that worried Alec in the back of his mind, but he hoped the man would show. Spending time with Magnus was better than staying at home, waiting for the inevitable Christmas Day talk about wives and futures.
Alec hated those talks.
When the Institute quieted down, Alec slipped out the side door, ready for the long walk to Rockefeller Center where the tree stood. Even if he didn’t see Magnus, it would be worth it to look at the tree once more.
But if he was being honest, Magnus was his main motivation for going.
He made it all of a block before two sets of footsteps fell in rhythm with his own. “Where do you think you are going, big brother?” Izzy asked, slipping her arm through his. “It isn’t like you to sneak out. That’s what we do, not you.”
Alec knew that which was why he doubted anyone would even notice he was gone. But of course, Jace and Izzy noticed. They always noticed when he was doing something just for him.
“It’s nothing,” he said, shaking his head. “I was just going out for a walk. Going to see the big Christmas Tree. I have too much energy to sleep but I really don’t want to spend Christmas Eve training. You should go home. I’ll see you there.” He hoped they would listen, even as he knew they wouldn’t.
“Ooh, we’re coming, too. Aren’t we Jace? I want to go see the tree with my brothers. Certainly sounds better than staying at home and listening to mom and dad fight again.” Her brown eyes were hopeful and wide and Alec couldn’t find it in him to say no. When he nodded, Izzy squealed happily and Jace grinned. Maybe Magnus wouldn’t be there.
The moment they were in sight of the tree, Alec saw him. The light danced off his hair, made his skin glow, and Alec’s heart clenched. He’d hoped to be able to stand there and talk to him, like they had the year before, but with Izzy and Jace there, he wouldn’t be able. While they knew his secret, no one else did and he didn’t feel comfortable flirting with a man in front of anyone, his siblings included.
As his siblings talked and laughed, taking selfies and pulling him to some of them as well, Alec's eyes drifted back to Magnus. He could see the same longing in the other man's eyes and he hoped that he would be able to spend some time with him. When Jace and Izzy distracted one another in some debate that Alec didn't care much about, he tried to slink over to where Magnus stood, wanting to at least say hi.
"ALEC! Tell Jace that he's wrong! He won't listen to reason!"
Giving Magnus another sad look, he went over to mediate and soon enough, they were ready to leave, telling him about the best place to get food this late at night. They were dragging him along when he made a decision. "I'll meet you there. I forgot to take one picture. I'll catch up, okay?"
Thankful they accepted his excuse, Alec hurried back, just in time to catch Magnus as he turned to go home. "Magnus!" he called, smiling when the man turned to look at him, eyes widening in surprise.
Once standing face to face, however, Alec didn't know what to say. The year before everything flowed so much easier but the presence of his siblings had thrown Alec off.
Instead of saying anything, he bent his head and kissed Magnus's cheek. "Merry Christmas, Magnus. I hope you have a good one tomorrow."
With one last smile, he hurried off to catch up with Jace and Izzy before they got curious and came back looking for him. The rest of the night, a small smile played on his lips, something he told his siblings came from holiday cheer and not the man he'd actually been trying to see.
A year later and Magnus had almost forgotten about the young Shadowhunter he'd met at the tree the last two years. Or that was what he chose to tell himself. Because if he let himself think about it too much, he would feel the cold bite of pain that came from finding yet another person he couldn't have. Another reminder of the truth of his life; that he would live on forever and no one would ever choose him to be by their side.
Magnus didn't even know why he was so thrown off from the previous year. Alec mentioned siblings the first time they spoke so it shouldn't have surprised him when they were there as well. Shadowhunters rarely did anything alone, which was one of the things that drew Magnus to Alec in the first place. He seemed different then the rest of his kind.
And he was. Magnus knew that even with the short amount of time they'd spent together. Because he couldn't think of another Shadowhunter in the world who would have run back and kissed his cheek, risking being spotted by his own siblings. Magnus didn't know anyone like Alexander.
Which was why he needed to stay away. He couldn't let himself fall, particularly for someone he'd only seen twice in two years. A handful of hours over the course of more than seven hundred days was not enough information to base a crush on. Particularly when the person in question belonged to a race of angel warriors who would rather see him dead then in a relationship of any kind with any of them.
“I’m not going this year,” he announced to no one in particular as the sun began to set over the city on Christmas Eve. Chairman wound around his ankles, mewing plaintively and Magnus bent to scratch him behind the ears. “That just means you get to spend more time with me, Chairman. That’s better for everyone, don’t you think?”
Deciding that yes, that was better for everyone, Magnus poured himself a drink and settled onto the couch to read. It would keep his mind off the possibility of Alec being at the Christmas tree, waiting for him.
As the clock approached midnight, Magnus looked out the window with a sigh. The weather had been unseasonably warm that winter and Magnus made his way to his balcony, to look over the city he loved. Tamping down on his disappointment that he wouldn’t be seeing Alec that year, Magnus tried to remind himself that it was his choice. And he could still go.
But no, it was better for everyone if the two of them kept their distance. Nothing could happen between them. Their worlds were too different. They were too different. Even if they knew next to nothing about one another.
“I don’t need to know anything about him,” Magnus argued out loud, earning a pointed look from his cat who sat on the balcony railing watching him. “He’s a Shadowhunter. He’s a Lightwood. He’s going to be Head of the Institute if he isn’t already. He isn’t going to fall in love with a Downworlder and he particularly won’t fall in love with me.”
Chairman looked wholly unimpressed and yawned at Magnus once before jumping off the side of the building, making his way across patios and down to the street below. Magnus watched in horror, afraid the cat would lose his footing and once he was certain Chairman was safe, grabbed his coat and ran for the door.
This wasn’t the first time his cat had done this and Magnus cursed under his breath as he ran through the mostly vacated streets of New York, following a feline who stayed just out of reach.The few people he did pass gave strange looks as he kept muttering, “Chairman Meow get back here!” under his breath.
It didn’t take long to realize where his cat was taking him and Magnus didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Apparently, Chairman was tired of his wallowing, or just thought he knew Magnus better then Magnus knew himself. Either way, he wasn’t surprised when he turned the corner to see the Rockefeller tree in all its glory. With a heavy sigh and a roll of his eyes, Magnus snapped his fingers, making sure he looked refreshed and relaxed; not like a man who ran halfway across the city chasing a cat on a mission.
Strolling as casually as he could, all the while keeping an eye on Chairman, Magnus spotted Alec leaning against the railing, looking at the tree. The lights reflected in his hair, lighting his face in different colors that shouldn’t have looked as attractive as it did. Magnus silently thanked his cat, then laughed as he saw Chairman weaving around Alec’s ankles.
“Where did you come from, pretty baby?” Alec cooed to the cat, who let the man pick him up without complaint. Magnus had owned Chairman for five years and still got hissed at on occasion when he just wanted to give him a cuddle. Even from several feet away, he could hear Chairman purring in Alec’s arms.
Traitor.
“Alexander,” Magnus said softly, stepping up beside him. “I see you have captured my little runaway. Thank you for that. I wasn’t relishing having to chase him all the way to Queens tonight.” He reached out, petting his cat between the ears. Considering how happy Chairman seemed at the moment, Magnus didn’t even attempt to take him away from Alec.
Alec looked at the cat and then back at Magnus with a fond smile. “He’s yours? What’s his name?”
“Chairman Meow.”
The silence dragged out between them, to the point that Magnus began to wonder if Alec actually heard him or not. Until he muttered, “Your cat’s name? Is Chairman Meow?”
Every since he adopted the frisky feline, people had laughed at his name. Magnus thought it was a brilliant name and considering what a despot the cat could be, it seemed fitting. So he was prepared for Alec’s laughter when it came.
But instead, Alec grinned at him. “That’s a great name. I don’t think I could have come up with that.”
“I’m sure you could have, Alexander.” His chest loosened as Alec smiled at him, wondering why he ever thought about staying away today in the first place. Seeing Alec brought a lightness to his day that had been missing. “No siblings tonight?”
“No, they thought it was boring and couldn’t understand why I wanted to come back. I couldn’t figure out how to tell them that the tree wasn’t what I wanted to see tonight.” Even in the glow of the massive evergreen, Alec’s blush was visible on his cheeks.
Magnus thought he’d never looked more beautiful.
Before he could do anything about it though, Alec placed Chairman into Magnus’s arms. “I should go but...” His hesitation lasted only a second before Alec blurted out, “I’ll see you next year, okay?”
“It’s a date,” Magnus replied, rewarded when Alec’s cheeks flushed even brighter. He took off at a sprint and Magnus chuckled. Looking down at Chairman, he rolled his eyes. “You’re a devious little bastard. You know that?”
When they got back to the loft, Magnus summoned some salmon for his cat. He deserved a treat in thanks for what he did that night.
The next year Magnus didn’t consider staying home for one minute. He dressed to impress because tonight was the night he was going to ask Alec out. They’d shared something the previous years and even if they only saw each other for a few hours a year, Magnus knew what he felt for Alec was something special. He knew that they could be so much more than two people passing in the night one day out of each year.
And today, he was going to tell Alec exactly that.
With a deep green velvet blazer, perfectly tailored pants, and his best boots, Magnus knew he looked festive and good. It would take Alec’s breath away, he hoped. And maybe he would see that delightful blush.
Practically skipping all the way to the tree, he saw Alec long before Alec saw him. The Shadowhunter seemed to be hunched over himself as if in pain and Magnus hurried to his side, afraid that maybe Alec had come directly here from a mission gone wrong.
“Alexander, are you hurt?” He couldn’t see any injuries but it was dark and maybe he was missing something.
But when Alec met his eyes, Magnus understood. Those eyes he’d come to adore over the last couple years were puffy and red, tear tracks staining his cheeks. “Oh, Alexander.”
Magnus froze when Alec wrapped his arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug, but he relaxed a moment later, returning the embrace. He didn’t know what had happened but if it was enough to bring a battle-hardened Shadowhunter to tears, it had to be bad.
Magnus held tight, letting Alec take whatever comfort he could from the embrace. Only when he felt Alec's arms begin to loosen around him did Magnus take a step back to look at him more closely.
"I know we both enjoy this tree but I think it might be better if we went someplace more private. You could tell me what is going on? Or not, and we can just be together." Not the way Magnus expected the night to go but if it was what Alec needed, he would be happy to provide.
Alec nodded and Magnus held out his hand to him, surprised when the Shadowhunter took it without question. He led them both away from the crowd and to a darkened alley where he opened a portal.
"I'm just taking you to my home, okay, Alexander? You can leave any time you like." While he trusted Alec, the man was still a Shadowhunter first and foremost and Magnus did not want to surprise him and end up on the wrong end of a Seraph blade.
"That's fine." Alec was mumbling, staring intently at his feet. Magnus took Alec's hand and led him through the portal, relaxing once they stepped into his home. Here they could just be themselves without fear of anyone who wouldn't understand their friendship seeing them together.
Alec collapsed onto the couch with a heavy sigh, bent forward with his head in his hands. Magnus took a seat across from him, still not sure what the problem was but wanting to help if he could.
"Alexander, what happened tonight? Can you talk to me about it?"
Alec shook his head, looking down and not reacting in any other way. When he realized that Alec wasn't going to find the words just yet, Magnus sat next to him and took Alec's hand in his own. He didn't say anything, just stayed close and kept that innocent contact with the other. Silent support could often be more powerful than any other, he'd come to realize over his many years of life.
"My parents," Alec finally said, so quiet at first that Magnus wasn't even sure he heard him properly. "They found out I'm gay."
Magnus didn’t realize just how much of a surprise that would be to Alec’s parents. He assumed Alec was out, even if he wasn’t really open about it. But knowing Shadowhunters culture as he did, it wasn’t a surprise that Alec had hidden himself for so long.
“Am I to assume they didn’t take it well?” Magnus already knew the answer but he hoped he was wrong.
“No, apparently being gay doesn’t fall into my parents’ plans for me. I was supposed to marry some Shadowhunters girl and have a lot of kids before dying in battle against demons. They suggest that I just pretend to be straight and marry a girl anyway.” Alec spat the words like something foul he no longer wanted in his mouth. Not that Magnus could blame him. It was horrible for any parent to ask their child to pretend to be something they weren’t, simply to save face with their people.
Magnus’s heart hurt, wishing he could take away Alec’s pain but knowing there was nothing he could offer other than a shoulder to cry on and a safe place where no one would look for him. For the rest of the night, Alec talked, Magnus listened, and eventually Alec fell asleep on the couch in Magnus’s living room. Magnus covered him with a blanket and left him to sleep, taking the other couch so he could help if Alec woke disoriented in the morning.
“Thank you for letting me stay,” Alec said on the way out the door. “You didn’t have to let me and... Well, thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Alexander. Any time. You don’t need to wait until next Christmas, if you don’t wish.” After what Alec went through, Magnus wouldn’t push. He wanted to let the Shadowhunter set the pace. There was interest there, Magnus was sure, but until Alec was ready, he wouldn’t worry do anything about it. Alec would come around eventually. Magnus was certain.
Alec smiled. “Thank you, Magnus. I might do that.”
Angry? No, Magnus wasn’t angry. Disappointed, yes, but he always knew this was a possibility.
Another year passed and he never did hear from Alec. He thought for sure the other man would show up before Christmas rolled around again. But, he vowed not to push and he had kept his vow. Never before had avoiding the Institute been such a hassle.
But a year had passed and Magnus hoped Alec would show at the tree. His mind raced with possibilities. Maybe Alec was sent back to Idris. Maybe Alec found a nice Shadowhunter man to settle down with. Maybe Alec decided just to marry a woman and do his familial duty. Magnus honestly didn’t know, but he hoped beyond hope that he still had a chance. If Alec showed, then he might finally get the opportunity to ask him out.
Magnus arrived first, his heart dropping when he didn’t see Alec immediately. Maybe Alec truly was gone. If Magnus let himself consider this as a possibility, it might not have hurt so bad right now. He leaned against the railing, staring at the tree while ignoring how much it hurt to be there alone. When someone stepped up beside him, Magnus barely glanced over before looking back at the tree. But on a double-take, he smiled when he saw Alec standing there.
“I was beginning to think you stood me up this year.”
Alec blushed, rubbing his hand on the back of his neck. “Sorry about that. They, um, they made me Head of the Institute this year and things have been busy. I had to finish paperwork before I could come here. The Clave doesn’t technically recognize Christmas as a holiday.”
“Their loss. I’m glad that you still came by. I would have missed you.” With Alec standing right there, it was easy to ignore the disappointment of the year prior, of all the days he hoped Alec would stop by.
Alec stood still, staring at Magnus as though considering something. With a nod, he reached out and took Magnus’s hand. “I’ve missed you every day since I left your place last year. I wanted to come see you but first I had to deal with my parents, then the promotion, and then I worried I’d waited too long.”
“You didn’t. I promise. I meant what I said, Alexander. Any time.” Squeezing Alec’s hand, Magnus pulled him a little closer. “I would like it if I could see you more than once a year though. I’ve never known how to ask you that before.”
A blush covered Alec’s cheeks but he didn’t look away. Instead, he leaned forward kissing Magnus gently. When he pulled back, the blush was more pronounced but Magnus could only see the smile lighting up Alec’s face. “Was that okay?”
“Alexander, I’ve been wanting to do that for several years. It was more than okay.” Magnus pulled Alec in for another kiss, wrapping his arms around the man as Alec did the same. A couple people clapped, a couple cleared their throats, but neither Magnus nor Alec heard them. Breaking apart to breathe, they grinned at one another. “So, would you like to go out sometime? Right now, perhaps?”
Alec nodded. “I’d like that.”
“I know a great place in Marrakech.”
“Hurry up! I don’t want to be late!”
In the decade they’d been coming to the tree, including the four years before they got together and the one where they shared the first of a lifetime’s worth of kisses, Magnus and Alec never missed a year. Now they arrived hand in hand, took in the sight in front of them before going to get drinks. Christmas Eve spent at the Rockefeller tree, Christmas morning spent at the loft, and Christmas night with the Lightwoods at the Institute. If Magnus ever thought this would be his life, he would have believed himself to be delusional.
Now?
Now he knew he was blessed.
“Daddy! Faster!” their daughter yelled from her place on Alec’s shoulders, tugging on his hair like the reins on a reindeer. Their son, a year younger, rode on Magnus’s shoulder, giving him the same treatment. They’d adopted them both, a Seelie and a warlock respectively, two years ago and their lives hadn’t been the same since.
“Look, Papa! Look!” Their son leaned forward to point at the giant tree in front of them. Magnus had to use magic to push him back into place.
He smiled, “I know, my sweet. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Both children stared at the tree, fascinated by all the lights, babbling to each other as they looked over the heads of the assembled crowd. But Magnus’s eyes were focused on his husband. Alec met Magnus’s gazed and smiled at him, Magnus’s heart stuttering in his chest. He got to have this. A family with a husband and children who loved him. With all the traditions that came with it.
Magnus couldn’t wait to do this for the rest of forever.
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