The closet had scared him most of all. Though there had been nothing but dust in it earlier that day—dust he’d giddily swept away and replaced with coats and sweaters and boxes full of summer clothes, eager to hurry up and give a home to all the things he owned—he somehow knew that was no longer true.
Something was hiding in the dark, and be it tonight or tomorrow or a week from now, that something was going to move, and when it did—well, Finn wasn’t sure.
But there was something.
₊˚｡⋆❆⋆｡˚₊
or, a quiet study of finney blake navigating life after the basement.
Merry Christmas! I hope you will enjoy this little something I wrote for you. I poured my heart into it. And also, because it is Malec, this is a gift that will keep on giving. I was at roughly 8,000 words when I realized the limit was 5,000 so I had to edit it. But, after Boxing Day, it will be uploaded to my AO3 and I will of course link you. What you are reading as part of your gift is about one half of what I have written (don't worry, it makes sense as it is and was stopped where I originally wanted to but Malec wouldn't stop being adorable!)
If I were on A03 these would be some of the tags: #Human AU #SingleDad AU #Christmas cheer all around #One Meet Cute #Two Meet Cutes #Three Meet Cutes #Baby #DOG #fluff fluff fluff
Read on AO3
*****
The Dog, the Toddler, and their Parents.
There's nothing better to become acquainted with a new city than going on runs to explore and Magnus has been doing just that for a couple of months. From regular parks to dog parks to running along the river or on the beach. From quiet greens to chasing squirrels -not him, his dog- to catching his breath while walking back to his apartment. Perfect to find quaint coffee shops and to wander the streets. One hand buried in the thick fur of the massive Newfoundland dog treading by his side, loyal, his tongue hanging out. Tail wagging whenever people coo because he's adorable.
It's a hot summer morning and Magnus has it in mind to get some iced coffee before going home. He deserves it. The bell jingles as he opens the door of the coffee shop, Buddy on his heels. Just before his eyes catch the No dogs allowed sign and he scowls, takes a step back, already cursing under his breath. Cursing even more when his back hits something sturdy. Yet warm.
He turns around to meet all 6 feet or perhaps even more of a very fitted, very smartly-dressed frame. Complete with a clean shaved face and fluffy hair and thick eyelashes. And dark eyes snapping from a phone to Magnus' studying gaze.
“Sorry,” the man mumbles, oblivious and he pockets his phone, lets Magnus step out. “Nice dog.”
“Thanks. He's not allowed inside, though.”
“I know. Most stupid rule.” He lets Buddy sniff his hand before the dog decides the stranger is friendly and lets him pet his head. “He's the most gorgeous thing.”
Magnus nods, well aware that his dog is a crowd-pleaser. Still very much thirsty.
“I better get going. Find a place where he's welcome and I can buy a drink.”
“I'll get it for you,” the stranger offers matter-of-factly, smiling at the dog then up at Magnus. Broad smile of white teeth and Magnus believes his swooning and racing heartbeat are largely due to the bright sunshine. Yes.
“You would?”
“Sure. It's not like it'll make me late. I'm already here.”
He shrugs and Magnus fishes change in his pocket, gives his order and watches from the street as the tall, handsome stranger waits in line for their drinks.
Buddy's head rests on his lap and he's drooling on Magnus' sweatpants when the bell jingles again and a much appreciated iced coffee appears on the small wooden table.
“You're an angel,” Magnus praises and maybe it's the sun, maybe it's not, but the man's cheeks turn a shade pinker.
“I gotta go now. Have a good one!” He balances his bag, his own coffee and strides down the street, his pace slowing just a tiny bit when Magnus shouts back.
“Maybe we'll see each other around! Wasn't he a work of art?” he asks more quietly to the dog, scratching his head and Buddy licks his hand. “Yes, I thought so, too.”
Magnus knows how to recognize art when he sees it, it is his job after all. The new art gallery is small but it fits the funky, free-spirited college district and it's not like he could refuse when Ragnor asked him to temporary come help while he was in Europe. Besides, Magnus enjoys it. The calm and people smiling. Not like a small town where everybody knows everyone yet not as hectic as New York.
He adores the architecture and taking Buddy on long walks in the historical neighborhood to look at the colonial houses, red bricks and adorable front yards. Students milling around the steep streets. Students coming to check out the new art on display.
Not the same crowd as the one they're expecting for the unveiling of a new series of photographs. A European artist Ragnor has found in Sweden that he simply adores. Magnus has to agree while he puts the final touches to the frames and the black bowties and the flowing gowns enjoying their evening in the building on this particular evening seem to agree.
Isabelle is almost set on buying a particularly gorgeous photograph portraying a frozen lake and a family of ducks waddling in the snow. It's captivating and radiates peace and it will be perfect in her practice.
She links her arm with Alec's, eager to hear what he thinks.
“You'd buy all of them if you could,” he teases and it's so true she can't argue with it. She could, though, buy them all. Except then she'd run out of room.
She reaches for another glass of champagne, offers one to Alec and her eyes sparkle.
“Aren't you glad you came tonight? This is so much fun!”
“I was going to have fun at home, too.”
“But not with your favorite sister!”
He can't help smiling down at her, at how she's not so subtly hinting at perfect Christmas presents even though it's only August. It's nice to mingle and to be out among adults outside of work, Izzy's right. And he's also mesmerized by the composition of some pictures. Art is beautiful and Clary will have to come check out the exhibition next time she's in town.
He snaps a picture to send to her later. He checks his texts to be reassured that everything is well at home and when he finds his sister again, she's in deep conversation with a somewhat familiar face. As he comes closer, Alec recognizes the hair from the red hightlights in it. It's more stylish than the last time they've met and the loose tank top has been replaced by a shirt with an intricate pattern and a velvet jacket but it's still the same handsome face, with less sweat and more make-up than that morning a few days ago.
Magnus' sentence trails off, unfinished when Alec stops by Izzy's side. He smiles, surprised.
“I did tell you we'd see each other again!”
“You did,” Alec laughs and shakes the extended hand. “Alec Lightwood.”
“Magnus Bane. I'm filling in for Ragnor Fell.”
“Do you know each other?” Izzy asks, confused. Intrigued. No longer interested in what Magnus was telling her about the artist's background.
“Your boyfriend was of very valuable help to me a couple of days ago.”
Izzy makes a face.
“My brother, thank you very much.”
“A real life saver, your brother,” Magnus grins and Alec shakes his head, finishes his champagne. It's warm in the room, people chatting all around.
“Magnus here has the most beautiful dog I have ever seen.”
“You do?”
“I like to think so, yes,” he beams.
“What is it?”
He shows her pictures of the Newfoundland on his phone and Izzy has truly forgotten about the art, gushing at the screen.
“Izzy's a vet,” Alec supplies.
“If you ever need something for...”
“Buddy.”
“...for Buddy, I'll be happy to assist.”
“I'll keep it in mind, thank you. No wonder you were interested in Winter Family, then.”
Satisfied that he has sidetracked his sister from growing too invested in Magnus as a person or to start poking at the fact that he obviously finds him to his liking, Alec relaxes and listens to their excited conversation. All the terms Magnus uses as he describes the photographs, the rhythm of his voice and the singing words. A very nice melody indeed.
Until his phone buzzes with Aline's number and he has to pick up.
“Sorry, home,” he apologizes to Izzy.
She waves him off and Magnus is distracted for a moment, watching Alec stop in an empty corner, phone at his ear, a worried look in his eyes.
“Is everything all right?” he can't help asking but Izzy doesn't look troubled.
“I'm sure everything's splendid. He's too tense sometimes. Family and all. But he's great fun when he lets his hair down!”
“I'm sure,” Magnus chuckles at the cheery tone and the not-so-innocent, pointed look she gives him.
Nonetheless, Alec doesn't re-appear for the rest of the evening and Izzy eventually excuses herself to join her brother. After she's made an appointment with Magnus to further discuss potential acquisitions.
Large dogs have plenty of energy to spend and Magnus is grateful for it because it means he goes outside a lot. He doesn't know many people in town yet, doesn't have many friends around. The most social he gets is thanks to Buddy. Running for miles in late September when it's still nice weather. Playing fetch, terrifying geese.
Flushed cheeks and short of breath, but loving the fall and crisp leaves and calling after the dog who's been distracted by a father and toddler on his way from bringing his ball back.
The dog is massive, beyond excited and the little boy is giggling to no end, trying to fend off the wet tongue attempting to lick his face clean.
“Buddy, here! I'm so sorry!” Magnus apologizes profusely, jogging to the blanket just as the man stands up, scooping the child in his arms. “Oh, it's you,” he says flatly when he recognizes Alec.
“Does this mean you're not sorry anymore?” Alec jokes, the dog pushing against his leg in the hope of being petted.
“I am. I truly am. He adores people.”
“We like dogs, too. But we already had a bath this morning, didn't we?”
The little boy squeals, reaches his tiny hands down to touch the big dog. Magnus grabs Buddy by the collar and yanks him back. The dog whines.
“Hello,” he says when the dog has settled down.
Alec gives a laugh. “Hi.”
“Having yourself a picnic, uh?” Magnus surveys the cozy blanket spread on the grass, the backpack with toys and the half finished sandwich that none of the men has time to save before Buddy wolfs it down. Magnus is mortified. He wants to crawl into a hole with his silly dog and disappear forever.
Alec finds his crestfallen face adorable and actually cute but he doesn't say it. He wouldn't want to further embarrass him.
“Bad dog! I am so sorry. Really. I'll buy you another one.”
Magnus spins on his heels looking for a food cart, or anything to save the day. The dog licks his chops, the toddler giggles as Alec bounces him in his arms.
“It's fine, really. I was done.”
“Coffee at least.” This is so embarassing and Magnus needs to repay Alec for that very first iced coffee anyway now that he knows he hadn't given him enough to cover the cost and that the then handsome stranger had paid the difference without telling him.
“Perhaps another time,” Alec declines politely. “Sundays are Max days. I don't see enough of him during the week.”
He makes a silly face at his son, kisses his giggling cheek and Magnus feels like he's intruding. It's the most precious thing he's ever witnessed though. Alec attacking his son with kisses and the boy leaning away from the stubble while still laughing to the point of hicupping. It's so cute it makes his heart swell.
“Have a good Sunday, then,” Magnus starts heading off and Alec's head snaps back in his direction.
“You too!”
“And if I see you again,” which he hopes he will, “you're not getting out of this coffee deal!”
“It's a date!” Alec shouts back, the words out before he can think, the hair on the nape of his neck standing with a shiver. Magnus gives him a thumbs up and a dazzling smile.
Alec doesn't bump into Magnus again. Not for weeks. It's getting darker and colder and the State Capitol is insane, work is overwhelming and socializing is out of the question. There's Halloween and that's it. Max in the evenings and the weekends, cuddling on the couch and playing. It's exhausting and Alec hasn't had a restful night of sleep since his son was born. He can't even remember what it feels like. When Max is sleeping he has to catch up with work and when Max is awake, he demands his father's entire attention.
Cries and screams and nightmares and tears and first steps and a baby crawling everywhere. Working out is overrated when all the exercise you need can happen at home. Besides, Max is clingy because he doesn't see his dad enough during the day and his tiny fist clutches Alec's collar as he attempts to have a normal phone conversation with his mother. Pacing the room.
“What the hell,” he exclaims suddenly, stopping dead. Max's babbles go on.
“That happened once, more than a year ago. Will you ever let it go?”
“Nope!” Maryse laughs in the phone and Alec rolls his eyes, says his goodbyes and hangs up.
He narrows his eyes at the suspicious shape on the wooden deck. It's black, hard to discern in the night outside but as he comes closer to the French doors, two bright eyes stare at him all of a sudden and a large tail starts wagging.
“What the hell,” he repeats, puzzled.
“Hell, Dada? Dada, hell?”
“Yes, no. We don't say that. Bad Dada.”
“Bad Dada. Oooh.”
Max's eyes grow as wide as the dog's when Alec opens the door and their unexpected guest quickly dashes inside. He clasps his hands gleefully and the dog barks, running in circles around Alec who is desperately trying to remember his name.
He knows whose dog it is, would recognize it anywhere. That size and that licking tongue. The dog looks thirsty.
“Easy there, buddy.” Buddy? That's his name, Alec thinks. “Buddy?” he tries and the dog's ears stand at attention. “Are you lost?” There's no collar on the dog.
“Dada! Dada! Dada!”
Max is wriggling in his father's arms, desperate to be close to the dog, delighted with the surprise and that's how Alec ends up sitting on the carpet, googling the art gallery to find Magnus' number while keeping a close eye on his son playing with the dog.
“Hello?” Thankfully, Magnus picks up quickly.
“Magnus? Bane? It's Alec. Lightwood? We met a couple of times? I bought your coffee and your dog ate my sandwich?”
As if Magnus wouldn't remember who Alec Ligthwood is. He'd be intrigued as to why he's calling now except he has more pressing matters at hand.
“I know who you are, yes.”
“I'm calling because I happen to have a new lodger who I think belongs to you.”
“What?”
“Your dog? I think your dog escaped and...”
“He did! Two days ago! Ran off during our run. Do you have him?”
Magnus almost strangles himself with his scarf in his haste to leave the art gallery.
“I think? He answered to his name.”
“Hold on. I'll Facetime you.”
He hangs up abruptly, manages to grab his cell phone with shaking hands and has to dial Alec's number twice before he gets it right.
“Show me,” he demands once Alec picks up again and his face appears on the screen.
Alec would scowl but he can understand Magnus' anguish at having lost his pet. So he directs the phone towards the dog intently observing the baby humming while he's stacking colourful cubes.
And just like that, Magnus can breathe again. The last couple of days have been hell and he's never going for runs in the forest ever again. He hasn't slept since he's lost Buddy.
“That's him! Can you...can I...your address...I'll...”
“I'll text you my address.”
“Thank you!” Magnus literally shouts at the screen before he hangs up and Alec has to smile tenderly at the phone.
The dog has been well-fed with leftover chicken and Max has adopted him by the time there's a knock on the front door.
“It's open!” Alec yells out and the dog scrambles on the hardwood floor as soon as he recognizes his owner.
There's a lot of barking ensuing, which leaves Max confused as to why his new friend doesn't want to play anymore. He cries out and Alec picks him up while Magnus calms the dog down. He's still shaking, not quite believing that his dog has been found. Buddy needs a bath and a bit of spoiling (or a lot). There are actual tears of relief in his eyes and that makes Alec a little emotional as well.
“Thank you so much,” Magnus' voice trembles a little. He's crouching to hug the dog, his face half buried in the fur. Yes, definitely a long bath.
“No problem.”
“I owe you more than that coffee now.”
“You remember?”
“I always remember the persons I owe a date to,” Magnus scoffs. “”Especially when they're as kind and handsome as you are.”
Alec scratches the back of his neck, smiling at the flirting.
“What do you say to coffee and dinner? To thank you?”
“You don't have to.”
“I want to.”
“And I never say no to food,” Alec admits, shameless.
Magnus clasps his hands, heart racing.
“Perfect!”
“Do you want a drink or something? After your emotions?”
The front door is still wide open but the dog is lying down by Magnus' legs, head resting on his front paws, calm and content. Magnus looks at the baby, his eyes survey the living room quickly.
“I wouldn't want to intrude on your family.”
Alec gives him a quizzical look as he walks by to close the front door. He gestures to the coat stand and Magnus sheds his jacket off.
“You're flirting with me, asking me out and yet you assume there's more to my family than Max.”
“I was just checking,” Magnus winks as he follows to the kitchen, taking in his surroundings. The messy living room, toys everywhere. The table which apparently doubles as an office desk. Pictures upon pictures on the white walls. Variations of Alec with different versions of Max. Them with his sister. Maybe a brother. His parents. “Now I know there's nobody else.”
“Well...,” Alec looks pointedly down at his son.
“Right. Sure. No husband or wife or girlfriend, I mean.”
“Definitely none of those.”
“Here, I'll take him,” Magnus offers when he sees Alec struggling to juggle his son and the two mugs for coffee. Max goes willingly in the foreign arms, instantly drawn to the shiny ear cuff. Magnus snags the little fingers away. “How old is he?”
“16 months old. He's a handful.”
“Looks like it.” Magnus winces when Max tugs on the chain around his neck, fascinated by the shimmers it makes in the artificial light.
“Dada!” Max complains when he's yanked away from the jewelry so he doesn't harm their guest. He forgets all about it once he gets to toddle towards the dog to hug him.
“He's going to make a scene when you leave,” Alec realizes.
“When Buddy leaves, you mean.”
“Right.” Alec isn't looking forward to it.
Magnus sighs with contentment at the first sip of warm coffee on his tongue, estactic at how the day has turned. He doesn't need all the flyers he was going to put up in town anymore.
“This is excellent coffee. I'll have to up my game for when I take you out.”
Alec smiles in his mug, steam in front of his eyes, stomach in actual knots. Close to blushing like a teenager. He hasn't flirted with anyone since Max was born. There's no time for it.
“I haven't been on a date in years,” he admits, shrugging. “We could go to a fast food restaurant and I'd be okay with it.”
Magnus looks appaled, shocked and he sets his mug down with a thud, processing the information.
“That would simply be scandalous, Alexander.”
“Alec.”
Magnus dismisses it with a wave of his hand.
“I will take you out for a night you won't ever forget.”
Alec really can't stop smiling, actually looking forward to it. Having Magnus in his house already feels nice. Comfortable. And Max doesn't mind him. One date might also stop Izzy from pestering him with hints about how dashing and fantastic and single the new manager of the art gallery is.
When Alec comes out of his meeting the next Monday, there are five texts waiting for him on his personal phone. Two from the same number.
Hi. It's Magnus.
My dog ate your sandwich?
Alec chuckles, heart thudding and headache disappearing.
I remember yes, he types, sitting down at his desk, trying to ignore the stack of memos demanding his immediate attention.
Would you be able to find a babysitter for this Saturday evening?
Magnus is so thoughtful already that Alec is suddenly very much aware that he'll do anything to clear this specific night.
Can you watch Max on Saturday night? He texts Izzy and also Jace, and Lydia. First one to reply will call dibs. He doesn't wait before texting Magnus back.
Absolutely. I've been craving coffee and dinner.
And a little something extra.
I'm intrigued.
Good. Dress smartly.
When don't I? Alec types then never sends because his phone buzzes with a call from his sister and he gets caught in a drilling inquisition about him having a date and how of course she volunteers to babysit her nephew and who is he going out with? She screeches in the phone when Alec eventually admits it's Magnus and her squeals of joy might actually reflect how Alec is feeling on the inside, looking forward to the weekend.
So of course the week drags on and Max makes a fuss as soon as he realizes his aunt is here but his dad is leaving and it breaks Alec's heart to have to sneak out while his son is bawling. He's only reassured when Izzy texts to say that Max settled down in a matter of minutes.
Magnus is already waiting in front of the restaurant, looking flamboyant and as attractive as ever. Alec is simply mesmerized, forgetting his words.
“You look...wow,” he manages to stutter and Magnus chuckles. He takes a step forward, feeling silly for wanting to reach out and shake Alec's hand yet not knowing how to greet him.
“You don't look so bad yourself.” He brushes an invisible thread off Alec's coat. Alec feels so stupidly brainless, unable to reply. A mess. He's been out of the game for so long. “Shall we?” Magnus offers and Alec follows him inside the brightly lit restaurant. He nods to several persons, greets a few.
“You're well-known,” Magnus can't help but remark. Their table is at the front and Alec sits so he doesn't have to face the other patrons.
“My family's lived here for generations. And I work for the Governor so yeah. You'll probably be fresh news by morning. I should have mentioned that earlier,” he realizes, eyeing Magnus carefully.
“That's okay. Only jealous people gossip. Are you telling me I'm dating the elite in town, though?” Magnus teases, eyes twinkling and Alec laughs out loud.
“We're scandalous all right.”
“Oh. Do tell me more.” Magnus bats his eyelashes on top of his menu and the gesture alone makes Alec enamoured.
“Well, talking just for myself, I'm gay, living by myself and I have an adopted black child. Is that scandalous enough?”
“Ah. You mean scandalous for old folks. Because I have personally always wanted to date a gay politician with an adopted black son. So you're my perfect match, Alexander.”
“A...,” but Alec stops himself from correcting him. Magnus sounds happy and not put-off, not that Alec thought he would be. And dinner is a blast. Up until Magnus stands up after the main course and Alec looks at him, puzzled. They're not having dessert?
“We're coming back later for your coffee.” And dessert, Alec must be thinking so loudly that Magnus corrects himself. “And chocolate lava cake. For now, we're going over there.”
He points to the other side of the street, to the theatre and Alec looks at him, awestruck this time.
“Is that your little extra?”
“It is.”
“I haven't been to a play in ages!”
“So good call?”
“Excellent!”
“Is it okay with your babysitter?” Magnus suddenly worries. He doesn't know what time Alec told them.
“It's Izzy. She'll crash in the guest room if she needs to. Thank you! What are we seeing?”
He distractedly listens to Magnus, feeling blessed with the best date ever. Magnus really delivered. They don't have fantastic seats inside but it truly doesn't matter.
“Thank you,” Alec repeats, more calmly once they're seated and Magnus has been studying the program. Alec doesn't know how to properly thank him. Well, he does but words feel flat and it is only a first date but then he really wants to and he does overthink things and just as the lights deem, Magnus finally speak up.
“You can kiss me if you want.”
Because Alec has been staring at him for a few minutes. So intently that Magnus could feel the gaze burning his skin and Alec was torturing himself so loudly he was literally screaming his thoughts at Magnus.
There's a smile tugging at Magnus' lips when he turns towards Alec and then soft, smooth, warm lips land on his cheek and Alec whispers another quick thank you as the curtain opens and people clap.
Magnus leans over, not letting Alec settle back in his seat. He kisses him again. Properly. On the mouth. Fast because there's no time but Alec is grinning throughout the entire show, Magnus' hand clasped in his after only a few scenes. Sweaty palms but tender fingers and this beats teenage movie dates.
“Tonight was amazing,” Alec professes as they're waiting for cabs after the play. After dessert. After coffee.
Magnus smiles at their locked hands and how Alec is standing so close to him, visibly eager to kiss again, which Magnus gladly obliges to because kissing Alec is as great as he'd imagined, even if it's just a peck on the lips.
“I'll never forget it.”
“Mission accomplished,” Magnus prides himself, beaming. His eyes smile.
Alec is aware of what he should say next, of what he has to say but he's conflicted between ruining everything now or letting Magnus have tonight.
“Magnus, I...you should know that I don't...really have time...with Max and all. To...date,” he decides to go with honesty.
“I'd say you're doing great.”
“That was just one night. What if in the future...”
“Oh. Because there will be future dates?” Magnus teases and Alec looks down at their hands, up at Magnus' face.
“I thought...I mean, it was...”
“I'll tell you what. What if we try not to worry about what could or could not happen? I already know about Max. I don't mind. I'm so admirative of you for being a single dad. Let's take it one date at a time, okay?”
“Okay,” Alec exhales and Magnus grabs the lapels of his coat, foggy breath washing over his face.
“Next one is on you, by the way.”
Alec nods, chuckling and he hasn't been kissed goodbye like this in forever. It's the best feeling. To part but to know they'll see each other soon.
He's positively glowing when he comes back home, thanking his lucky star that Izzy has fallen asleep in front of the TV so he can escape her interrogation until the morning. He wants to keep the memories to himself for a few more hours.
Alec felt boring for suggesting movies for their second date but Magnus sounded delighted to just be able to spend time together. Which is precisely why Alec hated having to cancel on the very day. But he didn't feel comfortable leaving a sick Max at home. Magnus did say he wouldn't mind the implications of dating someone with a toddler.
Friday night in in sweatpants, then. Until there's an unexpected knock on the front door and Alec looks stunned to find Magnus on the other side.
“Hi!”
“What are you doing here?”
“I thought, since we couldn't go to the cinema, the cinema might as well come to you. You have Netflix, right?”
“Yes...”
“Great! I have pizza and beer and wine because I wasn't sure which one you'd prefer.”
“Wow,” is all Alec can say. Magnus is still standing outside on the porch.
“Too much?” Magnus worries all of a sudden, and he takes an actual step back, bracing himself for rejection.
“What? No. No! Absolutely not. I didn't...I wasn't...This is nice. You're nice.”
“Why, thank you. May I come in?”
“Yes. Sorry.”
Alec motions him inside, relieves him of the warm pizza boxes, his stomach growling at the smells.
“Hi, “Alec eventually says, realizing he hasn't said it yet.
“Hi,” Magnus says back and then they're kissing again and Alec decides that's all he wants to do for the rest of the evening. Kiss Magnus. In between pizza slices and sips of beer. In the kitchen and on the couch. Cuddling by themselves or when Alec has to soothe a fussing Max who ends up dozing on the couch with them.
“I promise he won't crash our next date,” Alec whispers while he's heating up a bottle.
Magnus is rocking Max gently, the toddler's head lolling on his shoulder, a small hand weakly clutching his arm.
“Don't make promises you might not be able to keep.”
“True.”
“I don't mind him, though. It's not like he can help it, the poor thing.”
It makes Alec hopeful to see Magnus with Max. That maybe he can have both. That Magnus won't be jealous. Alec wouldn't be able to handle it. He couldn't. That's a worry for later he supposes but it's so important for him. Because Max is his future and he needs to do everything to protect him.
“Okay. Ready.”
“Hey, Max. Daddy's got you something to drink,” Magnus says gently, nudging the little boy who makes to grab the bottle.
He ends up drinking it snuggled against his father's chest on the couch. The movie is still on but Alec has no clue what it's actually about.
“Hey, Magnus?”
“Yes?”
“When is Ragnor coming back?” He's aware he might ruin the night, even everything, but it will ruin any chance they have if he doesn't have an answer to those questions soon.
Magnus smiles faintly, understanding very well what Alec is actually asking.
“Early spring, he thinks. I may actually settle here and partner with him long term. Regardless of how my personal life evolves. I like it here.”
“Oh.”
“Good answer?” He throws his head back and it lands on Alec's spread arm on the back of the couch. Alec is staring at him, not blinking and then his shoulders relax noticeably.
“Yes. I'm sorry. I know we said we wouldn't worry about later and...is this a date?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. This is only our second date and God knows what might happen but...”
“But Max. I understand, Alec.”
“No Alexander?”
“I thought you didn't like Alexander.”
Magnus shuffles closer on the couch. Their shoulders touch. Alec's arm wraps around Magnus' shoulder and his hand gives a tentative squeeze.
“I like it when it's you,” Alec admits.
“I understand, Alexander,” Magnus corrects. He kisses Alec above Max's head. “He's your top priority and I respect that.”
Max burps then, decides he's done with his milk and throws the bottle on the carpet.
“Perfectly dignified. Thank you very much. Time for bed, mister.”
By the time Alec comes back downstairs, Magnus has cleaned the mess, paused the movie and Alec only has to come cuddle with him under the blanket. Cozy and homey and Magnus' arms are strong and Alec is sure he gives the human equivalent of a purr.
He wakes up in the same position, daylight in his face, groggy. To Max babbling on the baby phone and to no more Magnus. His phone flashes with a text sent around midnight that he checks as he jogs up the stairs.
You looked like you needed rest so I didn't wake you up. Thank you for tonight.
You could have stayed. You should have stayed, Alec adds, unapologetic. He likes Magnus and Magnus likes him.
Magnus replies almost at once, with a happy emoji and Buddy would have made a mess.
Alec would facepalm if he wasn't currently holding his son. Looking no longer as sick as the previous days.
Do you want to come for breakfast? You can bring him.
Are you sure?
Yep. Unless you have work?
Dot will open. What are we having?
I cook a mean omelette.
You cook? I'll be there in five!
Alec laughs at his phone, kisses his son's nose. Max giggles.
“Magnus is coming back. You remember Magnus from last night? He's Dada's boyfriend now so you'll likely see him a lot. He has that big fluffly dog you like. You get to play with the dog today. Isn't that fantastic? Big, big dog.”
“Woof?” Max answers because he knows his animals. He has a book with all the sounds.
“Yes. Woof is coming.”
Max is playing more than eating with his fruit when their guests arrive, Buddy sniffing around, ready to catch any food available. Max squeals so loudly his father winces. Magnus leans over the counter to see what Alec is doing. Sweat shines on his forehead despite the cold.
“Did you jog all the way here?”
“I was already running when you texted. And I figured you'd already seen me without make-up so it wouldn't scare you.”
Alec barks out a dry laugh.
“I like your face no matter what,” he mutters and Magnus is smirking at him when he looks up from his frying pan. “Although I liked your... last night,” Alec points roughly at Magnus' face, making a vague gesture, “...brought out your eyes.”
Magnus rounds the counter to come lean by Alec's side, elbows resting on the cold marble. He watches in comfortable silence, the oil sizzling and how effortless it is for Alec to cook. It's domestic and feels natural, nothing awkward about it. No one would believe they've only been dating for a week. Magnus shakes his head. This is crazy. Better not think about it. Better to think about how secretly thrilled he was that Alec invited him again so soon.
He sighs and Alec looks away from his preparation.
“What is it?”
“Thank you,” Magnus simply says, standing up straight to kiss him.
“By the way, I told Max you were my boyfriend,” Alec mention matter-of-factly, cheeks heating up nonetheless.
“Did you now? Does he approve?”
The little boy keeps throwing pieces of brioche on the floor for the dog to eat and Buddy has perfetly understood what the game is about. Alec points at the scene and Magnus glances over his shoulder.
“He approves of the dog,” Alec says, “so I suppose that's a yes?”
“Good for me.”
Alec hums in agreement, Magnus' warming palms resting on his chest, sliding up to his shoulders and he forgets about breakfast for a short while.
“I think being your boyfriend sounds terrific,” Magnus decides against Alec's lips, hot hand on his hips as they share a smiling kiss.
Hi!! Your fic for the flufftober family prompt made me weak aksjsj (for the ask meme:26, Story you’re most proud of?)
Hi!
thank you so much, it means a lot asdfghjklñ
The story I’m most proud of is “the lost empire”, my malec Atlantis AU :) it has 4,722 words, making it the very first long one-shot I’ve ever written and even had a friend to make some fanart for it<3
Warm light chased the shadows from the room when he turned his bedside lamp on. Directly in his line of sight was the closet door.
There was nothing structurally foreboding about this closet; other than some chipped blue paint and a janky knob, it was pretty much like any other in the house.
It was, however, possibly still haunted.
Whoever they were, they’d been tall and skeletal-thin, like a Lodgepole Pine in the winter time. They didn’t talk, perhaps couldn’t, but Finn had never stayed long enough to find out. He’d always gone running.
Finn walked as though in a dream, dazed and drifting, past the living room that had once housed his almost-savior, past the kitchen that had been a trap begging to be sprung, down the dim hall and into the unknown. Here he found a narrow storage closet with a washer-dryer unit, a bathroom with an opaque shower curtain, and a carpeted bedroom that smelled of sour mold.
This, he thought, feeling strangely outside himself, this is where he lived.
A waft of perfumed heat hit him face-first. People crowded the entryway, the stairs, the halls, anywhere there was space to claim. Coats, jackets, and scarves sloughed off the skinny metal coat-rack, under which an assortment of heels, sneakers and boots dripped melted slush onto the polished wood floors. Someone had let loose a cloud of black and gold balloons, which hovered and squeaked and spun on their way to the ceiling. Confetti of the same color littered the floor.
As it turned out, wasp repellent wasn't very good for the eyes.
(in which Finney pretends everything's fine, until it very much isn't.)
⚬─✧─⚬⚬─✧─⚬⚬─✧─⚬⚬─✧─⚬⚬─✧─⚬⚬─✧─⚬⚬─✧─⚬⚬─✧─⚬
Finn used to look for constellations everywhere.
In ink blots made by bleeding pens, wood-grain table tops, spilled salt, his sister’s cheeks—and, of course, the night sky. He’d look for all the easy ones, like Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, with their mirrored pot-and-handle shapes, but if he was lucky, sometimes he’d find the rarer, too.
As the door to his hard-fought freedom finally swung open, the open bike lock dangling from its hook, Finn saw but one—the sun.
