stardustly | general memes

[ The entire ordeal left them drained and Alec knew there would be more to come and they were not at all in the clear with the constantly rising tensions. The darkness surrounding Valentine only made things worse along with the threat of the mortal instruments. What would they do if he found the last one? Clary supposedly deactivated the soul sword but what if Valentine found a way to fix it?

There were too many unknown variables and what if it ended up dividing them? Plenty of the downworld didn't trust the shadowhunters and changing that would take time.

Smiling softly at Magnus, he stole a kiss before he nodded his head. They both needed the chance to breathe outside of everything. ]

Let's do it. Let's go before someone drops by.

Okay. [ somehow, magnus felt like a child skipping school. even odder of a sentiment when you considered that wasn't something he'd quite experienced in the typical sense. but he may have skipped some lessons here and there, felt the thrill of choosing to be elsewhere, the thrill of the freedom that came with an open schedule and no one to tell you where to go or what to do.

he smiles, easing away from alec to stand, holding out his hand for him to take. with the other, he waved, and a portal wooshed open. ]

My place in Paris, or should we get a nice hotel?

[ Not at all surprising but in the past Alec never went against expectations or what needed to be done. Usually, he arrived early to every meeting, lesson or whatever else and tended to leave last. He never tried to duck out and how fitting for Magnus to acquire another first for him.

With a grin, he squeezed Magnus's hand and moved closer to the portal. ]

Let's go to your place. They're always better than any hotel.

[ a smile matches alec's grin, and magnus squeezed alec's hand tightly before nodding. ]

Alright, Alexander. [ the portal was set to land them in his living room of his paris townhouse already. alec didn't have anything packed, but magnus figured he could get a few things from the institute with magic; the wards were his own, after all, so he would have no trouble breaking through them to get alec a few of his things. ] Let's go.

[ with that, he tugged alec through with him. the portal closed behind them as they landed on lush carpet in a brightly lit living room, windows from floor to ceiling. the view was of the city, and the eiffel tower in the distance. ]

Bienvenue à Paris, [ magnus said with a grin, twirling a hand toward the view. ]

I'm ready.

[ As ready as he could ever be for the slight disorientation portal travel invoked but Magnus always helped by giving him something to focus on. Excitement bubbled up within him as he steadied himself and when he opened his eyes again, the view nearly took his breath away. They weren't in New York anymore and it felt like weights were lifted from his shoulders because of it.

Flashing a smile over at Magnus, he pressed a kiss on the back of his hand. ] I can't believe we really did it. Do a lot of people know you around here or will we be able to do the tourist thing?

[ Magnus still needed rest and Alec would make sure he got it soon. Maybe a bath. ]

[ magnus' expression softens at the kiss on his hand, and he pulls alec toward him, taking a step to face him. he wants to look into his boyfriend's face.

he's a little awed they did this, too. the two of them are not the type to do this at all, so this marks something really special. and they're in need of this, taking it easy together, spending time together. it's exactly what magnus needs and wants. ]

We can do the tourist thing. And I know all the best little corners of Paris. [ his other hand reaches for alec's, so he's now holding both of them. ]

We can go to the Eiffel Tower, too. [ he steps closer, head tilted toward alec. ] Would you like that?

[ A wider smile filled his face as he looked at Magnus, and he even felt his breath hitch at both the beauty before him along with the realization they managed to sneak away. He would hear about it later but it would be worth every second of the lecture, especially with how much happier Magnus looked. Anytime he made Magnus look like that he felt happier than he ever thought possible.

He understood now how love should really be and how his parents never actually experienced it.

Eyes drifting over to the window, he gave a nod of his head. ]

I can't be here and not go. That'd be like not drinking wine and eating pasta. But can you handle the romance of this? It might be more than you've ever had.

[ With a grin, he leaned forward to kiss Magnus, lingering and deeply, enjoying the grip on his hands. ]

[ before magnus can even retort, alec's lips are on his, making him inhale loudly. the words fade away, replaced only with the feeling of his boyfriend's mouth on his own. it's just what he wanted, and sometimes it's amazing how easily alec seems to read him. or just know what to say, what to do.

he lets go of one of alec's hands to place it against his neck, head tilted so he can press back into the kiss. his heart pounds a little, and he's almost embarrassed by the reaction. he's centuries old, he shouldn't be getting flutters.

but he is. when he pulls away from the kiss, it's just enough to speak. his smile is soft but his tone playful. ]

Bring it on, Alexander.

[ Watching and picking up on cues just so happened to be one of Alec's top talents because he often kept on the sidelines of things. Evaluating more than indulging but with Magnus he did both in equal measures, making sure to not miss a moment. Things were often out of his comfort zone but he enjoyed how they pushed and supported each other. They were two halves of one whole; something sappier than he ever thought he'd believe in.

Returning the kiss happily, he ran his free hand down Magnus' back to keep him close. He looked a little dazed when they pulled back. Just a single kiss could make him so breathless. ]

I'll bring it. I just need to make a few secret stops first. Solo. To surprise you. If that's alright with you.

[ magnus is equally dazed, standing close to alec and leaning into the touch of his hand at his back. that feels nice. he thinks he'd like to be held a little more, but that can come later. once they've taken in the city, maybe gone out a bit, or —

oh, well. magnus' eyebrows raise, looking pleasantly surprised. ]

Secret stops? To surprise me? [ he has no idea what that could even be about, and it's... exciting. most of all, it makes his heart skip a beat that alec is thinking about him and wants to do something for him. his face takes on that soft look of disbelief again, like he can't believe someone cares enough, like alec's small gestures are so rare to him they're absolutely precious. ]

I don't mind at all. I can get some fresh air into this place while you're out. Maybe order us some food, if you'd like?

[ he pauses, his hand on alec's arm, running up and down over the soundless rune there. ] You don't have to do anything special, you know.

[ The surprise on Magnus' face always panged his heart because the man should have experienced so much affection and tenderness over the years. How had so many not seen what he so easily took in every time their eyes locked onto one another? It also ached because he felt the very same way, feeling shocked when someone even noticed him at all. Throughout most of his life, he existed in the shadows of Jace and Izzy. Usually, he preferred it but sometimes he really did long for something more so really he understood. He really did but wished he didn't. ]

Food would be great while I get some things here.

[ Cupping Magnus' cheek, he pressed another kiss to his lips. ] I always want to do special things for you. I know I'm not that great at it but I try.

[ Looking around, something occurred to him that he wanted to test out. A sort of alluring type of thing because he wanted to learn everything Magnus enjoyed. ]

Do you have a scarf I could borrow?

[ magnus shakes his head softly in wonder. how does alec not see the effect he has on him? that a simple gift from a shrine in japan has stuck with him to the point he carries it with him everywhere? alec's gestures are not small by any measure of the imagination to magnus. they're big. ]

You're great at it, Alexander. [ just by virtue of wanting to do these things for him at all, really. just the thought is enough for him. ] I think I might have that somewhere, yes.

[ he lets his hand run along alec's arm as he steps away, heading toward one of the paneled walls by what seems to be the front doors. there's a small handle there, and it opens to a close that looks a little bigger on the inside than it normally should. he throws alec a wink, and tugs a scarf off a hook, returning to him with it. ] Will this do? [ as he holds it out, his fingers spark. if alec wears it, he'll find it'll keep him pleasantly warm, whether he's outside or indoors. ]

[ Apprehension filled him as he waited for Magnus to return with the scarf, making sure to gauge his reactions for future references. He always wanted to know everything Magnus enjoyed to be able to indulge in it with him. Smiling, he reached out to take the scarf to wrap it around his neck. The warmth flooding him felt really good and unexpected. ]

You're always full of surprises. Thank you, Magnus. I'll be back soon.

[ Giving Magnus a lingering kiss, he left soon after to grab the items he thought about to give his boyfriend something else to focus on. A few hours later, he returned with bags in hand, placing them all on the counter. The scarf kept him warm the entire time but now he could keep body heat another way. ]

Magnus! I'm back.

[ he was incredibly curious about what it was alec was off to fetch. especially in paris, of all places. what was he planning? it was hard to know, when alec consistently surprised him with thoughtful gestures and honest words. the omamori alone, he treasures. he can't remember the last time someone gave him a gift with no motive regarding lowering his fees or wooing him into bed or requesting a favor. that was just a gift, a little token of protection from his boyfriend.

he ordered food from a nearby place, the chef being an old friend of his. it was delivered rapidly, so magnus set about spelling the containers so the food would remain warm while alec was out.

magnus was a little lost in thought when he heard alec return, but his eagerness and curiosity had him appearing at alec's side as if by magic. it was like he'd been waiting for it, immediately at the counter and looking at what alec had brought back with curiosity. ]

Welcome back. [ he pressed a kiss to alec's cheek, cool from the outside air, then eased back with an expectant look on his face, eyebrows raised, very clearly saying: so? what have you brought back? what's my surprise? though, of course, he said: ] Are we eating first?

[ being in Paris felt like being in another world, which they currently needed given their world happened to be in a complete state of chaos and pain. They would have to return, of course, and figure out what to do next but for now at least they could pretend they didn't have anything waiting on them, potentially tearing them apart at the seams. The downworld and shadowhunters would never see eye to eye, no matter how much he tried to make of otherwise. Would there come a time they would have to choose duty over love?

When the man on his mind appeared, Alec looked over at him with a small grin playing on his lips. No one could ever attributed subtly to Magnus. ]

Does that mean you want to wait to see what I picked up? Odd. I thought you'd have been more excited at the possibility of a present. [ he could not help himself with teasing his boyfriend it seemed. ]

[ magnus laughed at the easy way alec teased him and the simple way he read him, like an open book. it felt so nice, after so many years of keeping himself shut off from others, to be with someone who seemed to understand him without even trying. well, sometimes it did take some trying. but instead of those moments being a sign that they weren't compatible, alec took them as a sign to keep trying.

he loved that a lot. most people he'd loved in the last two centuries came to a point where he was too much for them to handle. but alec had crossed that threshold already. ]

I'm trying to be patient, [ he said, but then ran a hand over alec's chest, flattening his shirt. ] I am excited.

[ his tone softened. ]

It means a lot, that you think of me.

[ for most of his life, alec played the part attributed to him and tried to be a certain level of perfect. It ended up falling into pieces and from the ashes something else morphed together. He still had more to figure out but Magnus helped him feel less broken and more solid.

He wanted to do the same for him, of course, and so much more.

Leaning into the touch, he couldn't help the smile returning to his lips. ]

I think you've been patient enough and I'm always - thinking about you.

[ shrugging slightly, he motioned for Magnus to open the bags. He got things to make up for the last few weeks. Luxury bubble bath, fancy chocolates and some apparently sexy candies. The lady had sworn they were worth every cent spent. There was a new soft scarf - rainbow colored for the symbol of it and finally a keychain that said I'm yours written on it. ]

It's nothing, really.

[ magnus looks through this with an expression of near disbelief. maybe they're small items individually, but just like the omamori, it's the gesture that has magnus' heart in his throat. alec thinks of him and knows him. alec went out to get him gifts, because he wanted to, because he cares about magnus and wanted to make him happy.

it means the world. ]

Alexander... [ he shakes his head softly, clutching this these things against his chest. ] It's more than nothing. [ he smiles, looking into alec's eyes. ] You're spoiling me!

[ that smile grows softer, more of that fond awe and love and affection. ]

Thank you. [ he kisses alec's cheek, lips lingering against his skin a moment. he's soaking it in. every little thing just now given to him is now something precious. a treasure. he'll be wearing that scarf every time he goes anywhere remotely cold, and that keychain will be on his person with the omamori everyday from now on. as for the rest... ]

We should make use of some of these tonight... What do you say?

[ before Magnus, Alec never opened up and kept to the image his parents demanded of him time and time again. For awhile, he kept to it but with Magnus he wanted to be more and different. It could be scary to be so open but worth it when Magnus looked at him in such a way. Such a simple thing but they both knew the weight of such gestures. They both went so long without it, after all. It wouldn't always be easy and he messed up sometimes but he kept trying. Magnus would always be worth it.

Smiling in his own fond way, he gave a shrug of his shoulder as if it didn't actually matter that much. Someone else might do more but he wanted to show he cared and thought of Magnus. Things were pressured lately and a lot of people looked to Magnus to keep it all together. They both had a similar issue there.

Reaching out to squeeze Magnus' hand, he gestured to the bubble bath and chocolates. ]

[ magnus would make sure alec knew these things were more than small by displaying them as often as possible. that keychain and his scarf... now two of his favorite possessions of all time. alec understands, he's sure, how strange and new this is to him as well. that neither of them had known a love like this before each other.

he squeezes alec's hand right back, letting out a pleased sigh. ]

You read my mind. [ sharing a bath and maybe feeding each other chocolates? the dream!! magnus' own personal heaven, even. ]

Let's eat first? We can make it quick.

[ unable to hold it back, alec laughed at the eagerness and the almost childlike wonder Magnus always had when presents entered the mix. It made him always question how others treated him in the past.

How could they not see what he saw?

Smile remaining on his face, he led them over to the table and food. ]

Magnus -- good things come to those who wait. This all smells so good.

[ he was not looking at the food when he said that. Unlocked: coy level! ]

[ oooh, mr ligthwood! someone's been learning. magnus looks pleased as punch, ducking his head and grinning while giving alec's arm a little squeeze. ]

Don't start making me swoon.

[ they have food to eat! speaking of, he's already placed everything, so they just need to sit down and get to eating. ]

I know all about good things come to those who wait. [ his turn to be coy, as he looks meaningfully over at alec when saying that. it had taken centuries to find him, but he'd found him. his good thing. the most good thing in his life. ]

[ he learned from the best, picking up a thing or two along the way. Making it somewhat work through his awkwardness.

Moving to pull out magnus' chair, he gave a shy smile. ]

Now who is doing the swoon thing. Getting sappy on me, Magnus. [ even with the tease, the flush in his cheeks said far more. He ran his hand over magnus' shoulder as if he found it difficult to move away from him at the moment. ]

[ magnus sat down and looked up at alec with the fondest love in his face at the hand over his shoulders. he understood. he, too, didn't want to be too far from alec at all right now.

but their food was still hot, and they'd be more able to focus on each other once they'll have eaten. it'll give magnus a boost of energy from all the emotion from earlier. ]

I can't help it, with someone like you eating dinner with me in Paris!

[ to think he nearly denied himself the pleasure and life changing affirmations of being with Magnus in the first place. He nearly married Lydia but had luckily found a way back to not only Magnus but himself too.

It meant everything.

Shaking his head, he moved to sit in his own chair. No use depriving Magnus of much needed food and rest. ]

Eat up, Magnus. And no more using magic for the night. Everything the normal way from here on out.

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