my waves meet your shores (ever and evermore) - a CLAOC extra
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“The first time Alec met Magnus,” Jace said. “Or saw Magnus, I should say,” he corrected, “he told me he was going to drown himself.” Their friends laughed, and Alec felt his cheeks turn a burning red for not the first time that night. “Now, we’d just gotten out of a rough practice, so I wasn’t a hundred percent sure if it was because he was too tired to go on or if he just wanted a reason to talk to the hot new lifeguard.”
“It was both,” Alec called, earning a smattering of laughter from the crowd of their friends and family.
Magnus nudged his shoulder gently. “You never told me that,” he said with an amused smile.
“For good reason,” Alec muttered under his breath, but he was smiling.
Magnus reached over and took Alec’s hand in his own. “I, for one, think it’s sweet. Though I am glad you didn’t resort to drowning yourself. It was only my first day.”
“Would’ve been a memorable one,” Alec pointed it out.
Magnus huffed a laugh. “It already was. I met you.”
“I’m sure it’s a surprise to absolutely no one who knows them,” Jace continued, loud enough to draw Alec’s attention back to his speech before he could call Magnus the sap that he was, “that they are too busy mooning over each other to pay attention to their own party at all.”
Alec felt himself blush again, and he turned a sheepish smile to his brother.
“I would apologize,” Magnus said, “but I’m not at all sorry.” Alec laughed, giving Magnus’s hand a squeeze.
Jace rolled his eyes. “I’d better make this quick while I still have their attention,” he said. “It took them a little while to get there, but I think I speak for all of our friends and family when I say we knew Alec and Magnus are meant for each other from the beginning.”
Magnus squeezed his hand, and Alec squeezed back, looking over at his very-soon-to-be husband. They’d been together two years now, and some days Alec still couldn’t believe he got to have this.
“Alec,” Jace said, “you’re my brother, and my best friend. You’ve always had my back, even when I’m an idiot, which I know has been quite a lot over the years.” Alec snorted, but didn’t interrupt. “All I’ve ever wanted for you, was to see you happy. You’ve done so much for me, Iz, and Max, and all of our friends, too, and I don’t know a single person more deserving of love and happiness. And I know you’ve found that with Magnus.”
Jace turned his gaze to Magnus. “Magnus, I know you and I aren’t that close, but I want you to know that I think of you as a brother, too. You’ve been good for Alec from the very beginning, and I know you’ll love him and stand by him. As Alec’s brother, it’s my duty to look out for him the way he’s always looked out for us, but I know I don’t need to do that when it comes to you. I know my brother will be safe and happy and loved with you. And I know you’ll be all of that with him, too.”
Alec glanced over and saw Magnus smiling with wet eyes. He squeezed his hand, mouthing I love you, when Magnus met his eyes.
I love you, too.
“And we’re losing them again,” Jace teased. “So, all of that being said: Alec, Magnus, I love you both, and I cannot wait to see the life you build together.”
Alec stood as Jace made his way back to the table and pulled his brother into a hug. He felt Magnus’s hand on his waist behind him.
“Thank you,” Alec said. “I love you, too. Even when you are an idiot.”
Jace laughed. “I know.”
Alec stepped back so Magnus could hug him as well, watching with a smile as he and Jace exchanged a few words.
They sat back down, enjoying the dinner as a few more of their friends gave speeches. Later in the evening, Magnus nudged his shoulder.
“I’m all into parties,” he whispered, “but what do you say we get out of here.”
“Yeah,” Alec breathed. “Yes.”
They stood, Magnus gracefully tapping a champagne glass with a spoon to get everyone’s attention. “Thank you, everyone, for tonight. We’re so happy you all could be here today and tomorrow to celebrate with us,” Magnus said.
“But,” Alec said with a grin, “the sooner Magnus and I go to sleep, the sooner we get to wake up and say ‘I do.’ So, please, forgive us for bowing out early.” That got a couple of laughs from their friends (and what sounded a bit like a gagging noise from Jace, though when Alec glanced at him, his brother was smiling wide).
“Please, feel free to stay and enjoy the evening.” Magnus grinned. “We’ll see you all tomorrow.”
Before they left, Alec pulled his mom and siblings into a quick hug. He saved Izzy for last, feeling the determined stare she’d fixed on him.
“You two better not be sneaking off together tonight,” she said when Alec finally approached her. “It’s tradition—”
“It’s tradition not to see each other the night before the wedding, I know,” he placated. “I think we’re just going to spend a little more time together before we say goodnight.”
“We’ll follow tradition, Isabelle,” Magnus said, hand resting on the small of Alec’s back. “Scout’s honor.”
Alec opened his mouth to point out that Magnus had not been a Boy Scout, but his very-soon-to-be husband nudged him with his elbow, and Alec’s mouth snapped shut again.
“Fine,” Izzy said. “But if I find you in bed together tomorrow morning, there will be hell to pay.”
“Noted,” Alec said, turning to steer Magnus out the door before his sister could change her mind.
“I love your sister,” Magnus said in a low voice, “but she terrifies me.”
Alec snorted. “You were friends with her before you even met me.”
“I stand by what I said.”
***
They walked hand in hand for a while, neither sure where they were going. The moon was full and bright, and Magnus found himself staring up at it more than once. More than that, he found himself staring up at the way its light reflected off Alec’s cheeks.
So many years later, and he still couldn’t believe this was his—that Alec was his.
They drew near Maryse’s home before Magnus even realized they’d reached her street. A knot equal parts dread and anticipation settled in his stomach—dread that they’d have to part soon and anticipation that when he next saw him, they would both be saying “I do.”
“Come on,” Alec whispered, tugging Magnus’s hand. He led them around to the back of the house, settling onto the bench swing and making room for Magnus to settle in his arms. Magnus relaxed against him, warm as he laid his head on Alec’s shoulder and felt his arms slip around his waist. “I know you’re going to be just down the hall,” Alec said softly into the night air, “but being away from you tonight is going to be hard.”
“Sleeping without you next to me is going to be harder than finishing my thesis,” Magnus murmured, and Alec chuckled, the feeling warm against Magnus’s side.
“We could call each other,” Alec said. “Stay on the phone until we fall asleep.”
“See,” Magnus said. “That’s why I’m marrying you. You’re brilliant.”
“Is that the only reason?” Alec asked, lightly pinching Magnus’s side.
Magnus hummed. “I could probably think of a few more,” he said, “if I really put my mind to it.”
“That’s good,” Alec whispered. “I’ve got at least seventeen thousand reasons to marry you.”
Magnus swallowed, the warm feeling that had lit in his chest earlier that evening growing. “That’s a very specific number.” Alec only shrugged, and when Magnus craned his neck to look up at him, he was smiling brighter than the moonlight. “I love you,” Magnus said, a small thrill running through him when Alec’s smile grew.
“I love you, too,” he said, “so much.” They settled into a comfortable silence, holding each other close as they swung gently on the bench.
Soon, they heard the sound of a car on the street, and moments later, they saw the kitchen light turn on through the window. Magnus sighed. “I suppose our time is up.”
Alec made a disapproving noise. “Not yet. If we’re really quiet, they might not notice us out here.” Magnus let out a quiet laugh, laughing more when Alec made a shushing sound.
His theory was quickly proved wrong when Isabelle stepped out the back door. “Time for bed, boys,” she called teasingly. “If you fall asleep out here together, I will personally kill both of you.”
Alec sighed, letting Magnus take his hand and pull them off the bench. “I’ll remember this when it’s your turn,” he called out to his sister. Her face was dark, backlit by the kitchen light, but Magnus still saw the rosy shade taking over Izzy’s face.
“Goodnight, Isabelle,” Magnus said, kissing her cheek as they stepped past her into the house. He followed Alec up the stairs, both of them pausing outside of the guest room that was to be Magnus’s for the night. He leaned back against the wall, one of Alec’s hands on his hip and the other caressing his cheek. His own hands rested on Alec’s waist. Alec’s stared at him with a fond sort of awe in his hazel eyes. “What?” Magnus asked, suddenly breathless.
“Nothing,” Alec murmured, shaking his head. “Just, I can’t wait to be your husband.”
Magnus smiled, feeling like his whole body was alive with champagne bubbles. “I can’t wait to be yours.”
Alec kissed him then, soft and tender as a promise he had every intention of keeping until the day he died, and even longer after that. He leaned his forehead against Magnus’s, their breath mingling. “I’ll call you in a few minutes,” he said, and Magnus gave a slight nod, stealing his lips for another brief kiss.
“I don’t want to let you go just yet,” Magnus whispered, “but if I don’t let you go now, I won’t be able to at all.”
Alec breathed a laugh. “I don’t want to yet, either, but I’ll go,” he said, dropping a kiss onto Magnus’s forehead before pulling away and disappearing into his own room.
True to his word, Alec called only a minute after Magnus had settled himself into the very empty bed. It truly had been a brilliant idea, he thought, because just hearing Alec’s voice as he whispered “Hi, baby,” made him feel instantly more at ease.
“Hi,” Magnus whispered. He pulled the covers tighter around himself even though he wasn’t cold. “Who’s responsible for this tradition?” he asked. “I have some choice words for them.”
Alec laughed, the sound just as beautiful through the phone speaker as in person. “I feel like a kid trying to fall asleep on Christmas Eve,” he said.
Magnus chuckled. “Me, too.”
“What should we talk about?”
Magnus hummed. “We could talk about the future. What we want it to look like.”
He could practically feel Alec’s smile through the phone. “I like that idea,” Alec said. “Step one, we get married tomorrow.”
“And after that?”
“After that,” Alec continued, “we go on our luxurious honeymoon in Indonesia and spend the entire week in bed.”
“What about the beach?” Magnus asked.
Alec thought for a moment. “I suppose we can make time in our busy schedule for the beach.”
“How generous,” Magnus teased.
“Okay, your turn,” Alec said. “I can’t be the only one with ideas here.”
“Oh, I have ideas, Alexander,” he murmured suggestively, grinning when Alec groaned.
“I love you,” Alec said, “but if you tell me those ideas when I can’t do anything about them, I will divorce you.”
Magnus clicked his tongue. “We aren’t even married yet. But fine,” he said. “After our honeymoon, we move into a beautiful loft in the city, and you aren’t allowed to touch the kitchen at all--”
“I’m not that bad,” Alec argued.
“—And I finish my PhD while you continue coaching at ungodly hours and write your debut, bestselling novel in your free time.”
“Bestselling, huh?” Alec asked.
Magnus hummed in affirmation. “It gets adapted into a movie franchise, too. The next Twilight, everyone says.” That earned a laugh, and Magnus grinned in satisfaction.
“And while I’m doing that,” Alec said, “you finish your PhD and start helping millions of kids who are struggling with the same things we did.”
“Millions might be a bit ambitious, darling,” Magnus said. “But I appreciate your faith in me.”
“Hush,” Alec said. “If I can write the next Twilight, you can change the lives of millions of children.”
Magnus laughed. “Deal.”
“And,” Alec said, his voice taking on a careful edge. “One day maybe we have a child of our own.”
The champagne bubble feeling was back. They hadn’t talked about it before, not really, and Magnus could hear the nervous edge in Alec’s voice. “Boy or girl?” he asked softly.
“Both,” Alec said automatically, and Magnus smiled.
“What would we name them?”
“I think I’d have to meet them first,” Alec said. “But for a girl, I’ve always liked the name Chloe.”
“I like that, too,” Magnus murmured. “What about for a boy?”
“David?” Alec suggested.
Magnus snorted. “You picked that because of Schitt’s Creek, didn’t you?”
“I plead the fifth.”
“That’s a yes.” They continued throwing out names and ideas for the future, each more perfect sounding than the last. Finally, Magnus felt himself growing tired. “I think I’m falling asleep,” he said around a yawn.
“Good,” Alec said. “Go to sleep, baby.”
“What about you?”
“I’m good,” he said softly. “Promise.”
“Okay,” Magnus murmured. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” Alec said. “Goodnight.”
“Wait!” Magnus said before Alec could hang up the phone. “Can you stay? I like hearing you breathe.”
“Okay,” Alec whispered, and before long, Magnus managed to drift off, content to dream of the future that would start tomorrow.
***
Much to his surprise, Alec woke the next morning feeling refreshed. He’d been joking the night before, but he did feel like a kid waking up on Christmas morning eager to see what Santa had brought for him.
It wasn’t Christmas, and there wasn’t a tree, but Alec knew the day would still be magic, regardless.
He jumped out of bed as someone knocked on his bedroom door. “Are you decent?” Jace called. “I brought coffee.”
Alec grinned, opening the door to let his brother in. “Thanks,” he said, taking the steaming mug.
Jace clapped his shoulder. “You ready for today?”
“Yes,” Alec said. “I’ve been ready for a long time.”
“Then let’s get you hitched,” Jace said. “You want anything to eat? I can bring something up.”
Alec shook his head. “I’m good with the coffee. Thanks.”
Jace grinned. “Well, I’m gonna go get some bacon before Max snatches it all. If you change your mind, text me.” He shut the door behind him as he left.
The window in his bedroom overlooked the backyard, and Alec perched on the bed with his coffee, watching as his mom and Clary worked to get everything set up. The altar looked beautiful already, a simple arch of flowers that she and Izzy had helped Magnus pick out a few months ago.
Clary and his mother were setting out the chairs, and he breathed a laugh at their frowns as they tried to get them evenly spaced. There weren’t many chairs; they’d opted for a small wedding. Just them, their family, and their friends. Needless to say, Alec’s father had not received an invitation, and he was relieved to find that he didn’t regret the choice now that the day had arrived. He hadn’t thought he would, really, but family could be a tricky thing.
Jace returned later as Alec finished his coffee. “Coast is clear if you want to take a shower.”
“Thanks,” Alec said, stretching as he stood and made his way towards the bathroom at the end of the hall. He slowed as he passed Magnus’s door, but he resisted the urge to duck inside. He’d been waiting his whole life for this day with Magnus; he could wait a few more hours. Or he hoped he could, at least. Only his sister’s empty threats kept him moving.
He took his time in the shower, willing the time before the ceremony to pass quickly. He couldn’t wait to see Magnus walking down the aisle on his mother’s arm. They’d both been surprised when Maryse offered. Alec knew she’d approved of their relationship and treated Magnus as her own since that first Christmas they spend together, but this gesture meant even more to him.
Alec was grateful for her support, for her love, especially after everything he’d been through with his father. He’d cried in Magnus’s arms that night after their dinner with her, for a moment unable to stop the tears flowing in relief and joy to know that his mom loved him unconditionally. And more than that, that she loved the man he loved just as much.
A knock on the bathroom door startled him out of the memory. “Hurry up in there!” Izzy yelled through the door.
“Sorry,” Alec called, shutting off the water. “Be out in a minute.” He toweled off quickly, throwing on the clean t-shirt and sweatpants he’d brought in with him.
Izzy was leaning against the wall, waiting, when he stepped out. “Good morning,” she said cheerfully, pushing away from the wall. “How did you sleep?” she asked, her real question thinly veiled.
“Alone,” Alec said, rolling his eyes.
Izzy smirked. “Glad to hear it.” She patted his cheek, slipping into the bathroom behind him.
Once he was back in his room, he flopped down onto the bed, grabbing his phone off the nightstand. He smiled when he saw a text from Magnus flash on the screen. Good morning xx, it read. He didn’t hesitate to type a reply.
TO: Magnus - Sent 10:32 A.M.
-- You know, it’s not too late to run off and elope.
Magnus’s reply came a few moments later. Scared of your sister, remember?
Alec laughed.
TO: Magnus - Sent 10:41 A.M.
— Guess we’ll just have to go through with this then.
FROM: Magnus - Received 10:43 A.M.
-- What a shame.
-- Biscuit is here. Time to start getting ready. See you soon xx
Alec smiled, returning the sentiment before dropping his phone on the bed. He turned to the closet, grabbing the garment bag that held his suit. His suit was nicer than anything he’d ever worn, courtesy of Magnus and Clary’s impeccable taste. He’d helped pick it, of course, but he’d been far more interested in what Magnus thought he would look good in than anything else. He couldn’t deny they picked a good one, though. From the first time he’d tried it on, he’d been blown away by how nice it looked and how comfortable it was on. When he’d told Magnus that later, he’d only winked and said he couldn’t wait to see it on him.
He had just finished buttoning up the shirt when someone knocked on the door. Jace poked his head in, and this time Max stood behind him. Both of their suits were a navy to match Alec’s, and Alec felt a pang in his chest seeing his youngest brother looking so mature and adult. He was starting his senior year of high school in the fall, and Alec couldn’t believe he was nearly all grown up already. “Need any help?”
“Yeah, actually,” Alec said. “You know how to tie a bow tie?”
“Not a clue,” Jace said.
“I do,” Max said, raising his hand. Alec and Jace both turned to him with raised eyebrows. “What? I learned when I volunteered with costuming for the musical last year.”
“I knew there was a reason you’re my favorite brother,” Alec said, ignoring Jace’s sound of protest.
“If he’s your favorite, how come I’m the best man?” Jace asked.
“I’ve known you longer,” Alec deadpanned. “It was only fair.”
***
Magnus was anxious. He knew it wasn’t the runaway groom sort of anxious, but the he was about to get everything he’d ever wanted in life sort of anxious. It was wanting to see Alec so badly and knowing he couldn’t for another hour or so despite the fact that he was just down the hall.
It was a good sort of anxious, but a maddening one, too.
His heart felt too fast and his fingers too unsteady as he buttoned his shirt.
“You okay?” Clary asked, and Magnus nearly jumped. “I’ll take that as a no,” she said with a frown.
“I’m fine,” Magnus said, but he knew he had no chance of persuading anyone. He felt like he looked a wreck despite the careful attention he’d paid his hair and makeup an hour earlier. A quick glance in the mirror reassured him that he looked far more put together than he felt, at least.
“You wanna try that again?”
He sighed. “I’m just—anxious.” Magnus resisted the urge to run his hand through his hair the way Alec did when he was nervous. “I don’t even know why. I’ve been waiting for today for so long.”
Clary gave him a soft smile. “It’s normal to be nervous. This is a big thing, regardless of how long you’ve wanted it.” She stepped closer, reaching up to fix a button he’d missed. “Is there anything I can do?”
Magnus closed his eyes, rolling his shoulders. There wasn’t anything Clary could do to calm his nerves. There was only one person who could do that right now, who could settle his rapid heart beat and remind him that everything would be alright. That it would be perfect.
“Maybe,” he said, opening his eyes and staring pleadingly at Clary. “Could you convince your lovely girlfriend to let me see Alec?”
Clary pursed her lips, staring at him for a moment as though assessing him. Magnus held his breath, which did absolutely nothing to steady his heart. “I’ll see what I can do,” she said finally. “But I make no promises.”
As soon as the bedroom door shut behind her, Magnus sat down on the bed. He played gingerly with the rings on his right hand. His left was bare, waiting for the wedding band Alec would slide on his finger in just an hour.
He shot to his feet when Clary returned, eyes wide as he waited.
“Izzy said no. But,” she added as Magnus’s face fell, “she said you could talk to him. I convinced her to let you guys talk from around a corner or something. You can even hold hands.”
Magnus smiled, stepping forward to press a kiss to Clary’s cheek. “Thank you, Biscuit. I knew I could count on you.”
“Always,” Clary said, winking at him. “Just, no funny business. Izzy will have both our heads.”
“I promise to be on my very best behavior.”
***
Alec sat on the floor of the hallway outside of the guest room that had been deemed Magnus’s. He looked up as the door swung open, finding his sister standing in the doorway. She looked beautiful, he thought, even if her hair was only half done.
“Alright,” Izzy said in a stern voice that reminded Alec of their mother. “Here’s the deal. You stay on this side of the door, Magnus stays on his. You can talk, you can hold hands, but no seeing each other before the ceremony. Got it?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Alec said, giving her a quick salute. He huffed a laugh as she stuck her tongue out at him.
“And you?” Izzy asked, looking inside the bedroom.
“I’ve already promised Clary I’d be on my best behavior,” Magnus said, and Alec’s heart quickened at the sound.
“You’d better,” Izzy said. “Okay. We’ll leave you to it, then. But,” she added as she and Clary stepped past Alec into the hall. “We’ll be close by.”
“Noted,” Alec said with a snort.
“Magnus?” Alec asked once they were alone. He reached his right hand around the door frame.
“Hi,” Magnus said as his hand found Alec’s.
“Hi, baby. Are you okay?” he asked. “Clary said you were feeling anxious.”
“I—” Magnus broke off, and Alec squeezed his hand gently. “I was, but I think I’m okay now. I just…I needed you.”
“I’m here,” Alec said. “You have me. Always.”
“I know.” He could hear the smile in Magnus’s voice. “I think I was just overwhelmed. That we’re here. That this is happening. That I’ve never been so happy in my entire life. That I never thought I would have any of this. That I’m still not sure I how I’ve deserved any of it. It hit me all at once this morning.”
Alec traced a circle into Magnus’s palm with his thumb. “Magnus, I know I’m biased, but I can’t think of anyone more deserving of happiness than you. And I know I should save this for the vows, but I promise you, I am going to spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you deserve to be.”
Magnus huffed out a laugh, one that sounded wet, and Alec wished he were on the other side of the door with him. “I think you’re already doing that.”
“Good,” Alec said. “I’m glad.”
“I love you,” Magnus said. “I’ve never been happier than I am with you. I promise I’ll do everything in my power to make you that happy, too, Alexander. It’s the most important thing I’ll ever do.”
“You already do,” Alec told him. “I love you, too. More than I ever thought possible.”
Magnus held his hand tightly. “I can’t wait to see you. I really need to kiss you.”
“If you want me to come in there, I will,” Alec said in the quietest voice he could muster.
“What about your sister?” Magnus whispered back. “It would be a shame if we were both murdered on our wedding day.”
Alec shrugged against the wall. “Some risks are worth taking.”
Magnus let out a ragged breath. “You’d better go now,” he said, “because if you stay any longer, I’m going to let you in, and if I let you in, I’m going to start crying, and we simply do not have enough time for me to fix my makeup before the ceremony.”
“You’d still be beautiful,” Alec said, smiling at Magnus’s groan.
“You’re going to kill me, love.”
“I’m sorry,” he said, not sorry at all. He knew he should go now before he or Magnus changed their minds, but there was one thing he needed to do first. “Magnus?”
“Yes, Alexander?”
“Do me a favor. Close your eyes for a second.”
“What—”
“Trust me,” Alec said. “Mine are closed, too.” He waited until Magnus hummed in agreement. Eyes closed, he turned into the doorway and raised their joined hands, pressing a kiss to the back of Magnus’s. He swallowed around the tightness in his throat as he let Magnus’s hand go. “That will have to do for now. I can’t wait to kiss you for real.”
“Same here, darling,” Magnus said and he sounded a little out of breath. “Go. I won’t keep you waiting long.”
***
Magnus didn’t open his eyes until he heard Alec’s footsteps retreat and the door on the other end of the hallway close behind him. He stood up slowly, tracing the spot on his hand that Alec had kissed.
“Hey,” Clary said, appearing in the doorway with a question in her eyes. “Better?”
Magnus smiled at her. “Much. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Clary said, smiling bright. She shut the door behind her, glancing at her phone. “Izzy said she would text me when they make their way outside. Should be soon.”
Magnus nodded, taking a deep breath. “Tell Isabelle I said to please hurry up because I would very much like to kiss her brother soon.”
Clary laughed. “Don’t worry; she knows. I’m pretty sure Alec is in the other room trying just as hard to hurry her schedule.”
“Of course,” Magnus said. “Great minds think alike.”
“Or,” Clary said, “you two are disgustingly in love with each other and have extremely one track minds.”
Magnus raised an eyebrow. “Are you implying you and Isabelle aren’t the same way? Because I recall—”
Her phone buzzed and Magnus’s teasing jab died in his throat. She looked up from the screen with a delighted grin. “They’re heading outside now. It’s almost time.”
It was only a few more minutes before Maryse knocked on the door, but those few minutes felt longer than the night spent without Alec.
Maryse smiled at him when he opened the door, throwing her arms around him. "You look wonderful," Maryse said.
"Thank you," Magnus whispered despite the instinct to shrug off her compliment and say that of course he did. He didn't need to hide today, hadn't truly felt the need to in a long time, but some instincts were harder to shake than others.
“Are you ready to do this?” she asked, with a smile that said she knew he very much was. She offered her arm to link with his.
“Very ready,” Magnus said, linking his arm with hers.
“Good,” Maryse said warmly. “I don’t think my son would forgive me if I kept him waiting even a minute longer.” Magnus laughed, letting his soon to be mother in law lead him outside.
***
Alec had known Magnus would take his breath away the moment he saw him. To be fair, Magnus did that to him on any ordinary day. But this was no ordinary day, and frankly, he should've known the effect his almost-husband would have on him the moment he appeared with Alec's mother. He could barely even think the word "husband" without feeling a swell of love and joy and so much more. Here he was, stood at the end of the makeshift aisle in his mother's backyard, and he still couldn't quite believe they were here.
Magnus looked beautiful, as he always did, but today it was more than that. The day was sunny and bright, and the sunlight caught the gold of Magnus's suit jacket and the deep blue streak in his hair that matched Alec's own suit. He was stunning, looking every bit like the god Magnus used to teasingly accuse Alec of being. Alec's mouth went dry as he watched Magnus and his mother slowly make their way toward him. He was helpless to do anything but look, as if his eyes were magically transfixed.
He didn't mind. He never wanted to look away. He'd never have any reason to.
They were apart a moment longer as his mother pulled both he, and then Magnus, into a tight hug. "I love you, and I'm so proud," his mom had whispered to him, pressing a kiss to his cheek, and Alec's throat had tightened even more.
"Hi," Magnus whispered as he finally joined Alec at the altar.
"Hi," Alec whispered back, hearing the emotion in his voice despite only speaking one syllable. His hands found Magnus's. They held their hands between them, Alec stroking Magnus's knuckles with his thumb.
"You're beautiful," Alec breathed, aware that he hadn't word a single thing Luke had said as the ceremony began.
Magnus smiled, his eyes just as wet as Alec was realizing his own were. "Look who's talking," he returned. "Blue suits you."
Alec flashed him a lopsided smile. "My fiance has impeccable taste."
Magnus grinned. "I'll have to thank him," he teased.
Before Alec could respond, he realized Luke was staring at them both with a raised eyebrow and an amused grin. "If you're both done, it's time for the vows," Luke said.
Alec felt his cheeks redden as Magnus stifled a laugh.
"I understand Alec asked to go first?" Luke asked.
Alec nodded, taking a deep breath and meeting Magnus's eyes.
***
“Magnus,” Alec said softly, squeezing Magnus’s hands in his own.
Magnus felt like his heart was going to break free from his chest. His whole body felt like butterflies, a nervous energy he couldn’t shake, but at the same time, he’d never felt more safe and loved in his life. He knew he was safe here with Alec, with all of the Lightwoods. That he could be vulnerable here, with them, in a way he hadn’t let himself be with anyone else in ages.
He was ready for this. He’d never been more certain of anything.
Alec took another breath, steadying himself, and Magnus squeezed his hands back. “From the moment I saw you up on that lifeguard stand, I knew I wanted to be in your life. Jace told everyone last night that I was ready to drown just to get your attention, and he was telling the truth. I still don’t know how I ever managed to form a coherent sentence around you.” He heard their guests let out a chuckle, but the sound felt distant to both of them. The only thing Alec was focused on was the man in front of him, and Magnus was helpless but to do the same. “But somehow we became friends, and I knew I wanted you in my life forever, even if that meant pining after my best friend for the rest of my life.”
Alec paused and Magnus’s heart clenched. Love you, he mouthed, delight pooling in his chest at the private smile on Alec’s face.
“But,” Alec continued, “you decided to take a chance on me, to open yourself back up to loving and trusting someone despite everything you’ve been through. And, Magnus, I’ll never be more grateful for anything in my entire life. Because you,” he said, giving Magnus’s hand another squeeze, “you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’ve never felt more safe and loved and happy than I do with you. You’re beautiful inside and out. I love your heart and your kindness and the way you protect the people you care about and your sense of humor and fashion and the way you encourage me to to be better. I love you, and I promise to spend everyday showing you how much you mean to me and making you as happy as you make me. You deserve the world, Magnus, and I’ll do everything in my power to give it to you.”
Magnus blinked back tears, already knowing that war was lost as a few escaped down his cheeks. But they didn’t make it far, Alec’s thumb already brushing them away.
Magnus let out wet laugh as Luke turned to him. “I’m regretting letting you go first. How can I compete with that?” he said, earning a quick moment of reprieve as their guests let out another laugh.
“Hey,” Alec whispered. “You got this.” Magnus nodded, taking a deep breath in and exhaling slowly. When he looked up, Alec’s eyes were only on him.
“Alexander,” Magnus said, “before I met you, I’d…closed myself off. I was afraid of love and what it meant because I’d been hurt too many times before. I didn’t think I could ever go through that again. But then I started my new job, and I couldn’t help but notice the Greek god on the swim team. And even worst fears can’t compete with that.” Their friends laughed and Magnus saw Alec roll his eyes affectionately at the old nickname he’d once used in code. “I know,” Magnus continued, “that it took me a while to get there, to let you in. But you were so patient and understanding and you listened to what I needed, and you were there for me. You never pushed, and I don’t know if I ever truly expressed how grateful I am for that.”
He paused, blinking against a fresh onslaught of tears. Alec squeezed his hand, three times quickly, and Magnus could see the words written clear on his face. I love you.
He swallowed around the thick feeling in his throat and took another breath. “You saw me,” Magnus said. “You see me. All of me, and you love me anyways. I’ve never met anyone else like you, Alexander. You’re so patient and dedicated and loyal and so loving. I had closed myself off to love, but that never stopped me from dreaming, and Alexander, you are everything I’ve ever dared to hope for. I love you so much it doesn’t even seem possible. You—you said that I deserve the world, and we can debate that another time,” he added, smiling when Alec lightly pinched the side of his hand. “But Alexander, you are my world. You are the first person I want to call when I have good news, and the first person I need when I have bad. You are the first person I want to see when I wake up in the morning, and the last person I want to see before I fall asleep. I love you, Alexander Lightwood. And I promise to always be there for you, to love you, to support you, to give you whatever you need because I know and I trust that you will always do the same for me.”
“Always,” Alec agreed, the conviction in his voice enough to make Magnus break into a grin.
Magnus barely heard a word of the rest of the ceremony. The only thing he saw was Alec. He’d called him his world in his vows and he’d meant it, but now it was like a whole new meaning of the phrase. His entire world had narrowed into this one moment, here, with Alexander as they declared their love for each other and promised to love each other for their own little version of forever.
If he could pick one moment to live in forever, Magnus thought, he would pick this one. The only thing he might regret about that choice was that he still had not gotten to kiss Alec today.
The universe finally took pity on him because suddenly Luke was pronouncing them one and before Magnus could even process that they’d done it, that they were married, that he could kiss his husband, Alec was already surging forward.
Magnus met him eagerly, feeling like he was breathing for the first time all day as Alec kissed him. Magnus pulled him closer by the lapels of his coat even as the kiss slowed. Alec pulled away first, breathing heavily as he rested his forehead against Magnus’s.
“We did it,” Alec whispered. “We’re married.”
Magnus’s cheeks hurt from smiling but he didn’t think he could stop even if he wanted to. “Yes, we are.”
***
When he woke the next morning, everything was gold: the sunlight filtering in through the hotel window, the suit jacket discarded on the chair in corner of the room, the ring on his left hand and the matching one on his husband’s hand where it was curled against Alec’s bicep.
He took Magnus’s hand in his own, bringing it to his lips to kiss the wedding band, smiling to himself at the memories from the night before.
They’d spent much of the night dancing, at Magnus’s insistence. Alec had never been much for dancing, but Magnus and Izzy had spent the months leading up to the wedding making sure Alec was skilled enough to avoid stepping on anyone’s toes.
Maryse had taken turns dancing with each of them. Alec had stood leaning against the house, watching his mom and his husband dance under the string lights Clary and Isabelle had managed to hang while they’d been hiding away for a few brief moments upstairs.
Magnus had tipped his head back laughing at something his mom had said, and that had been enough to make Alec’s eyes tear up. This was something he once thought he would never get to have. A husband. A family that loved and accepted him for who he was. It was everything he’d ever dreamed of, and more, because Magnus was his husband.
Alec closed his eyes against the morning light and tucked himself into Magnus’s side, letting the sound of his heartbeat lull him back to sleep.
***
When he woke again, Magnus was already awake, carding his fingers gently through Alec’s hair. Alec hummed in content, curling closer as Magnus chuckled. “Can we stay here all day?”
“Our flight isn’t until 3,” Magnus murmured, “so we have a few more hours.”
“Only a few?” Alec pulled back so Magnus could see his pout, causing his new husband to chuckle again.
“After the plane lands, you can have me in bed all you want.”
“I like the sound of that,” he said, smiling. Truthfully, he didn’t care where they were as long as he was at Magnus’s side.
Magnus grinned. “I thought you might.” Suddenly it was unbearable to Alec that he hadn’t kissed Magnus yet that morning. He wasted no time righting that wrong, sighing almost in relief as their lips touched.
“God, I love you,” he said, the words falling out like he was simply exhaling. In a way that made sense, he thought, because Magnus Bane was as essential to him as oxygen. Lightwood-Bane, he mentally corrected himself.
“I love you, too,” Magnus whispered, and if Alec didn’t know better, he would swear his eyes were liquid gold. “Thank you for saying yes.”
He didn’t have to ask what Magnus meant. “Thank you for asking,” he whispered back. “Thank you for letting me love you despite everything you’ve been through.”
Magnus laughed, the sound somewhere between happy and disbelieving. “I think I should be the one thanking you for that.” He snorted. “I will never say this again, but Jace was right about something.”
Alec raised an eyebrow. “There’s a first for everything. What was he right about?”
“At the rehearsal dinner,” Magnus said. “He said we were good for each other from the beginning.”
Alec shifted to press a kiss to Magnus’s bare shoulder. “We were. We are,” he added, slipping an arm around his waist.
“Sometimes I feel guilty,” Magnus said after a long moment.
“About what?” Alec asked, eyebrows furrowed as he pulled back to meet his eyes.
Magnus’s smile had turned a little sad and Alec frowned. “All those months I was too scared to try.” He sighed. “You were always so understanding about it, but I know that wasn’t easy for you.”
“Hey,” Alec said, cupping Magnus’s cheek. “You’re right. It wasn’t easy,” he said honestly. “But you needed that time, and I never once blamed you for that, and I still don’t.” Alec kissed him again, stroking his cheek gently with his thumb. “I would go through all of that again a thousand times because at the end of it all, I’m here with you. Every second I spent waiting and hoping was worth it. You are worth it.”
Magnus blinked, and a single tear slipped out onto his cheek. “I think you’re supposed to make me cry during the vows, Alexander. Not during the honeymoon.”
Alec huffed a laugh. “It’s true,” he said. “I would’ve waited forever if you asked me to, and I wouldn’t have regretted it.”
“Alexander,” Magnus started, but Alec held up a hand.
“I know you never would have asked that of me,” Alec said. “My point is that there is very little I wouldn’t do for you, especially if it meant I got to love you and show you how you deserve to be loved for the rest of my life.”
Before he knew what was happening, Magnus had surged forward, kissing Alec hard and leaving him breathless and his lips bruised when they finally pulled away for air. “I would do the same for you,” Magnus said fiercely. “You know that, right?”
“Of course, I do,” Alec said, voice just as fierce because he needed Magnus to know, needed him to understand. “I see it in your eyes every time you look at me. I hear it in your voice every time you say my name. I’ve felt it every single day since you showed up at my hotel room after I kissed you at that party.”
Magnus’s smile softened, and to Alec’s relief, he looked convinced. “How do you always know what to say to make me feel better?”
“Because I know you,” Alec said. “And because I love you.”
Magnus kissed him again. They stayed like that for the rest of the morning, trading kisses and smiles until the pull of food and coffee was too strong to ignore, and even then, they ended up back in bed before too long. In the end, it was nothing short of magic that they managed to make their flight in time, but then, every second with Magnus felt like magic to Alec. And now, with his husband’s hand in his as they boarded their flight, Alec knew he had an entire lifetime of magic to look forward to.