Magnus isn't a hugger. There's very few people he allows close enough for any kind of physical contact, let alone an embrace. Catarina and Clary are pretty much it at this point. Or rather, they were.
But Alecā¦.
For as restrained as Magnus once thought Alec was, Alec isā¦dangerously affectionate now. Yes, dangerous is exactly the right word. Alecās hand settling on his arm has the same effect as touching a live wire. One of Alecās mere glancesāwhere he dips his chin down, he licks his lips, and his gaze bores through Magnus as if heās in the midst of uncovering the secrets of the universeāis enough to make him believe spontaneous combustion is possible. So a hug? A hug is nearly fatal.
But that doesn't mean Magnus doesn't crave them.
So much so, that he finds himself seeking Alec out for that connection. He's a tactile person. He experiences life in a very different way than others because of the power running through his hands, so why wouldn't he pursue this glorious experience to its fullest extent? And heās always been a bit on the adventurous side, perhaps cavalier at times with his own survival, so if heās going to die, wrapped up in Alecās stellar arms seems like the best way to go.
Therefore, it only makes sense that when he finally wrests himself out of bed, and makes his way into the kitchen, that he slides his hand around Alecās waist and kisses his shoulder, seeking the potentially deadly and very welcome haven of Alecās arms. And of course, as always, even though heās in the middle of spreading butter on thick slices of homemade bread from the bakery down the street, Alec sets everything aside and turns, circling his arms around Magnusā back and holding tight.
Magnus rests his head on Alecās chest and listens to the steady thrum of his heartbeat and Alecās lips tease through his hair, dropping kisses onto his head as he flattens his palms on Magnusā back. Magnus sinks into the warmth of Alecās body and slides his hands along the runed skin of Alecās back, and Alec rests against the counter so he can widen his stance and pull Magnus in even closer.
Magnus smiles.
So maybe hugging Alec is a sheer delight too. Perhaps even more delightful than discovering that Alec may have been a virgin, but he knew his way around the male body like a professionally licensed escort.
Magnus laughs quietly at the thought and Alecās arms tighten around him affectionately.
Okay, maybe hugging Alec isnāt better than sex, but itās close.
