#Drawing you in fic | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

demy85 · 9 months ago

Text

Drawing you in

This fic was created for the Shadowhunters Reverse Bang 2024: Presented by the @malecdiscordserver

It was inspired by @kasper-tag beautiful art and betaed by the lovely @maplemachiato

If you'd like to read it on Ao3 you can find the first chapter here.

Fandoms: Shadowhunters (TV)

Warnings: Rated E.

Relationships: Alec Lightwood x Magnus Bane

Words: 28,366

Chapters: 8/8

Summary:

Magnus, a student in the theater/dance department, was close friends with Isabelle. He had been infatuated with her older brother Alec ever since he met him at a party. When the art department was looking for nude models for a course, Magnus saw it as an opportunity to get closer to Alec.

Chapter 1 is below. You can find the other chapters here:

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Epilogue

Chapter 1 - First Impressions

Ever since the night Izzy had persuaded Magnus to accompany her to one of her parents' dull parties, he simply couldn't get her older brother out of his head.

Alexander Gideon Lightwood was, inarguably, the most beautiful human being to have ever graced the face of the earth.

But Magnus realized sooner than he would have liked that Alec had no interest in getting to know him better. Even though it was evident that Alec did find him attractive, after that evening Magnus was sure that Alec was struggling with his own sexuality and that he might never follow through on his instincts. Definitely not at his parents' house and certainly not at a party where not only his parents were present, but also many of their business partners.

It was clear to see that Maryse and Robert were extremely unhappy with some of their children's decisions. You could read it in their eyes, gestures and facial expressions when Izzy and Alec introduced themselves to their business partners and told them about their studies.

Magnus couldn't imagine how difficult it must be for them to deal with their parents' apparent disapproval. But he didn't have to wait long to find out what it felt like to be under the scrutinizing gaze of the Lightwoods, which was laced with contempt.

It was by no means a pleasant experience when Izzy introduced him to her parents, and he swore to himself after that evening that he would never accompany Izzy to such an event a second time.

His decision wasn't just due to the fact that Alec had given him the cold shoulder, no, it was rather because of the disdainful look Izzy's parents had given him when she had introduced him and he wanted to avoid meeting them again at all costs.

He knew that the Lightwoods were deeply involved in the history of Idris, the college where he studied. They were descendants of one of the founding families and therefore had great influence. Magnus just hoped that they wouldn't make his life at college more difficult now that they had actually met him.

𒐣

Alec had no idea why he had agreed to attend the annual Christmas party organized by his parent's law firm. He knew he would regret it, as these parties were always strenuous. He always ended up feeling drained.

However, Izzy had mentioned that she was going and that Magnus had agreed to accompany her.

Now that Alec knew Magnus would be there, how could he possibly resist?

Izzy hadn't stopped raving about Magnus since her first day at university and Alec was fascinated by all the things his sister had told him about Magnus.

Magnus was apparently two years older than her, had taken a sabbatical after high school and had been exploring the world.

She had told her brother so much about Magnus that it almost seemed as if Alec himself was friends with him.

However, that wasn't the case. Alec had difficulty making friends, especially with men.

So far he had successfully managed to avoid Izzy and her wonderful fellow student on campus, but that night he would be coming face to face with Magnus Bane and he wasn't sure he was prepared.

𒐣

Magnus was at a loss as to why he had agreed to accompany Isabelle to her parents' party. He was feeling rather nervous, after all he had seldom heard any nice stories about her parents. But at least it gave him the opportunity to visit his father in New York, or rather both his fathers.

Ragnor Fell had adopted him from the orphanage,taken him in, and raised him with much love and affection. Together with two other children, Raphael and Catarina, Magnus spent a wonderful childhood with Ragnor.

He had never felt a desire to find his biological father, even though Ragnor had assured him that he would help him if he wished to do so. But Magnus would prefer to forget his past. Forget finding his mother’s lifeless body and what his stepfather had done to him as a result.

Looking for his biological father at that time would only have created another wound

But the decision was snatched away from him one day when a man suddenly appeared on their doorstep.

Asmodeus Yeung.

Asmodeus got along well with Ragnor from the start which allowed Magnus to open up to him more quickly than he would have thought possible.

Even though he had decided to keep his name and continue to live with Ragnor, he was still in regular contact with his biological father and the relationship between the two of them created many opportunities for Magnus and his siblings.

Magnus was well aware that without Asmodeus, he would probably never have been accepted into Idris.

He was pulled from his thoughts when he heard someone say, "You look quite handsome, son." Magnus turned to see Asmodeus standing in the doorway with a wide grin on his face.

"I hope you have a wonderful evening with Isabelle Lightwood. I'm sure you'll enchant them all with your good looks and charm," Asmodeus said, giving his son a hug before bidding him farewell and retreating back to his study.

After that, Magnus was convinced that the evening would be a good one. After all, Izzy would finally introduce him to Alexander. He had been waiting for this ever since he had first seen him on campus.

So he made his way to the venue in high spirits.

𒐣

For Alec, being introduced to Magnus by Izzy was a truly life-changing experience. It made him wish for the floor to open up and swallow him as he noticed the heat creeping into his cheeks.

Magnus seemed to be enjoying the sight, which only made Alec all the more nervous.

Izzy was beaming brightly at him as she began to address him, "Hey, Alec. I want you to meet Magnus, my dance partner."

Magnus gulped as he let his eyes roam over Alec unfiltered for the first time. Of course, he had seen him in passing on campus, but never up close.

He was tall and had dusky brown hair that seemed to fall over his forehead as if he'd been running his hands through it. His pale skin stood out against the dark clothes he wore, and when Magnus looked at him, it was almost as if his brain blanked out.

As he finally lifted his gaze to lock eyes with him, he saw beautiful hazel colored eyes staring straight back at him, making his stomach twist with excitement, and a smile that made Magnus weak in the knees.

Alec couldn't help but stare at Magnus. He exuded so much confidence and appeared to be comfortable in his own skin. Alec admired and envied him at the same time.

He held out his hand and when they made contact, it was almost as if an electric shock shot through his arm.

Alec hoped they wouldn't notice what was transpiring in his head as he literally squeezed out the words, "Nice to finally be able to meet you, Magnus."

It was a mystery to him how he had managed not to make a complete fool out of himself and to be able to utter a full sentence. The elation didn't last long, however, and when he saw Magnus' smug grin, he knew that he had revealed more of his inner turmoil than he would have liked.

𒐣

He had no intention of appearing rude, but Alec was well aware that there was a good chance that if he remained in Magnus' immediate vicinity for much longer, he would be unable to hide his feelings.

Instead of speaking to his sister and Magnus, Alec excused himself and proceeded to find the only friend he had made among his parents' fellow attorneys.

Jem Carstairs was a young, sympathetic man who was very different from all the other attornies that worked for Alec's parents. Alec could talk to him about anything without fear of condemnation or disapproval.

But that evening, as Alec made his way through the crowd in search of Jem, he found him in a heated discussion with some of the older partners at the law firm. Alec didn't want to intrude, so he decided to back off and get through the event alone.

He found a quiet corner, away from the noise and the stares of the other guests. Leaningagainst the wall and watching the crowd, his gaze constantly drifted to Magnus and Izzy. He couldn't deny that Magnus had an intriguing personality. He was charismatic, charming and had a special way of moving, as if he was dancing to a tune that only he could hear.

Alec couldn't help but to wish that he could be a part of that melody.

Yet , he was aware it was impossible. He just knew there was no way he could come out, not in front of his family and certainly not in such a public setting.

𒐣

Jem caught a glimpse of Alec walking towards him out of the corner of his eye and immediately reversing his direction when he noticed the person Jem was deep in conversation with.

If he was honest, he could hardly blame Alec for not wanting to be part of their conversation. A talk with Valentine Morgenstern was certainly not a pleasant experience. That being said, he was a very close friend of Robert Lightwood's and therefore it was best not to offend him.

However, Jem was more than relieved when Morgenstern finally dismissed him after a few more minutes and turned his attention elsewhere.

He didn't hesitate and set off in search of Alec.

After finally finding him, he momentarily hesitated as Alec seemed oblivious to the world around him. His gaze was fixed and when Jem followed him, he understood what must be going on in Alec's head.

Alec was staring unashamedly at a flamboyant young man who was engrossed in conversation with Izzy.

Jem could see the longing in Alec's gaze, the conflict going on inside him, and his heart broke a little for Alec, because he could empathize with how Alec must be aching inside.

He wanted to help him, to show him that it was okay to not conform with the established social norms and an idea began to blossom inside him.

𒐣

Christmas had slipped past them in a blink of an eye. Alec had spent most of his time holed up alone in his room and had even avoided his sister. His parents were once again working on an important case, so it wasn't surprising that they were hardly ever seen.

If he was honest, he couldn't even remember the last time his family had spent Christmas together, especially when they had all been living in the same house.

One of his parents was always busy with work, and since Jace had left for California, he hadn't spent Christmas with them either. Jace played for the USC Trojans, the University of Southern California’s football team, and his excuse was that his training schedule wouldn’t allow enough time to come home to New York for the holidays.

Alec and Izzy tried to make the best of it. They usually spent a lot of time wandering around New York, stuffing themselves with all sorts of goodies they found at the various Christmas markets.

Alec had always really enjoyed spending quality time with his sister, as they rarely got to just relax during the semester.

But this year was different, because Izzy was pissed and still hadn't forgiven him for the way he had treated Magnus at the Christmas party. He could hardly blame her. However, he was also unable to tell her the reason why he had been so short with Magnus.

And so, she had given him the cold shoulder until the moment when she had walked into his room on Christmas morning and stared at him with sorrow in her eyes.

𒐣

He had a sheet of paper lying in front of him and had started to sketch a person. And even though the drawing was still in its early stages, it was clear to see which person he was drawing.

Alec observed as Izzy began to open her mouth and he was already expecting the worst. Thinking that she was going to reprimand him again for his behavior towards Magnus, he was surprised when he heard what she said to him instead.

"Hey, Alec. Something's bothering you, hasn't it? You seem unhappy, do you maybe want to talk about what happened at the party when I introduced you to Magnus?" said Izzy as she came into the room and sat down on the bed, commenting casually, "The drawing is beautiful, you know."

Alec turned the paper over, he didn't like people looking at his art before he'd finished it. But obviously he hadn't turned it around fast enough, because Izzy had seen it.

Shyly, he averted his eyes from her. "Nothing's happened. You introduced me to Magnus and I joined the crowd afterwards to socialize like our parents expect me to," he said.

"Alec, I can see that something has happened."

"Nothing has happened, Izzy. You're reading too much into this. Please, just let it go."

Ever since he'd seen Magnus at the party, he hadn't been able to stop thinking about him. And at night, while he slept, his dreams were filled with Magnus. But he couldn't afford to tell his sister about it, because it would mean revealing a part of himself and he wasn't ready for that, not quite yet.

𒐣

He gave his sister a pleading look on his face before pleading with her again, "Just please let me be, Iz. It doesn't matter. Besides, even if something had happened, it really wouldn't be any of your business."

Alec witnessed the exact moment his words stabbed straight through his sister's heart, and he would have wanted to slap himself for the harsh words.

Izzy shook her head, she couldn't believe Alec wasn't able to open up to her, but she knew when it was time to back off and stop bothering him. Still, she was unable to hide the hurt that his words had caused her from her expression.

"I love you, Alec, and I hate seeing you like this. If you don't want to talk to me about it, then maybe you should talk to Jace. You might find it easier to confide in him and I'm sure he can help you," she sighed as she stood up. Izzy walked over to Alec and gave him a kiss on the cheek before leaving the room again.

Relieved, Alec lay down on his bed and wished that the time until the start of the spring semester would pass more quickly.

#shrb2024 #Drawing you in fic #malec fic #malec fanart #alec x magnus #shadowhunters fanfiction

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demy85 · 9 months ago

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Epilogue - Home

Almost three years had passed and Alec was still astounded by everything that had unfolded since. Even now, he could hardly believe his luck.

Magnus had graduated from Idris College with honors in dance and choreography. He now had a promising career with the New York City Ballet, where he had quickly risen to the position of soloist.

Alec had also excelled in his studies, graduating with a degree in fine art, specializing in figure drawing. The exhibition of his graduation work, for which Magnus had been his muse, received widespread critical acclaim. In the following years, he worked as a freelance artist in New York.

Shortly after graduating, they moved in together. At first, they had shared a small apartment in Soho before buying an old warehouse in Brooklyn with their friends from college and family so that they could renovate it to suit their needs.

The basement was used to store art materials for Alec and Clary and also contained some exercise equipment for Magnus and Izzy, things they used from time to time for their training but didn't need permanently in their dance studio.

The ground floor was divided into two areas. Magnus and Izzy had started to furnish a dance studio according to their wishes. It was not finished yet, but it had taken shape. One of the outer walls was made entirely of glass, the opposite side was a single large mirror with a ballet bar extending from one end of the mirror to the other. All that was missing was the hardwood floor and sound system and Magnus and Izzy would finally be able to train in their own little studio if they didn't want to travel to Manhattan to rehearse at the New York City Ballet's facilities.

The other half of the ground floor served as an art gallery for Alec and Clary. With the help of Clary's mum and her stepfather Luke, they had dared to open their own gallery.

It had been the first room in the old warehouse that they had managed to convert.

The walls were painted white and there was a grey concrete floor. The former metal pillars had also been painted white and white walls had been inserted between some of them to create more space for their artwork. The room was lit by ceiling spotlights and above each place where one of their artworks would later hang, a single spotlight had been installed so that the art would be well lit.

𒐣

Only the façade of the former warehouse remained the same, the interior had been entirely reconstructed. The building consisted of three floors plus a basement. The first floor was occupied by Magnus and Izzy's dance studio and Clary and Alec's art gallery. They had divided the middle floor into three apartments, one of them was the home of Izzy and Simon, the other two each occupied by Clary and Cat.

The top floor belonged entirely to Magnus and Alec.

They had built a wonderful home together, even though two people were missing.

Jace had signed a contract with the 49'ers and stayed in San Francisco and Raphael had decided to live with his sister.

But even those two always had a room in the loft waiting for them.

And Jace's next visit was not far off. He had promised that he would come to New York for the opening of Alec and Clary's art gallery, which would take place in just a few days, to celebrate his brother's success.

𒐣

Alec was standing in the living room of their loft, unpacking the last of the boxes, when he picked up a wooden framed drawing the first he had made of Magnus.

He placed the framed sketch next to the photo of Magnus' first performance with the New York City Ballet on the mantelpiece. And as he looked at the two frames, he was overcome by a warm feeling of contentment.

Their journey together had been full of challenges, but also full of love and growth. He thought back to the day at Idris College when Magnus had modeled for the course Alec had taken - how nervous and unsure he had been, and how Magnus had helped him to come out of his shell.

Now here they were, building a life and pursuing their passions side by side in New York City. Alec couldn't wait to see what the future held for them. At that moment, he heard the door open and Magnus' familiar footsteps.

‘Alexander, I'm back!’ he heard Magnus call out.

Magnus appeared in the doorway, still in his dancing clothes and sweat dripping down his forehead from the rehearsal. His eyes lit up as he took in the newly decorated living room.

‘Oh Alexander, it looks wonderful!’ exclaimed Magnus, crossing the room to pull Alec into a hug.

Alec breathed in Magnus' familiar scent as he returned the hug. ‘I'm glad you like it. I wanted to surprise you.’

Magnus pulled back slightly to look Alec in the eye. ‘You never cease to amaze me,’ he said softly before leaning in for a tender kiss.

‘Welcome home,’ he said softly. Which he meant in the truest sense of the word - this loft, their life together, Magnus himself - all of it made him feel at home.

𒐣

As they were wrapped in each other's arms, Alec couldn't help but marvel at how far they had come. The loft around them was a testament to their shared dreams and hard work.

“How was the rehearsal?” Alec asked as his fingers absently traced patterns on Magnus' back.

Magnus sighed contentedly, his body relaxing into Alec's embrace. “Exhausting, but more exciting. We're working on a new piece right now that's really pushing me to my limits. I can't wait to show you once it's finished.”

Alec smiled, imagining Magnus moving gracefully across the stage. “I can't wait to see it. Maybe you could give me a sneak peek as soon as the studio is finished?”

Magnus chuckled and pulled back to meet Alec's gaze with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Only if you agree to let me model for you again. It's been too long since I've been a direct inspiration for your art.”

The suggestion sent a shiver down Alec's spine. Despite their years together, Magnus still had the power to make him blush. “I think that can be arranged,” he replied with a grin.

As they stood there, surrounded by the life they had built together, Alec felt a wave of gratitude. For Magnus, for their friends and family, for the opportunities they had been given and for the love that had led them to this moment.

𒐣

The dream Alec and Clary had of opening an art gallery, a vibrant space where they could showcase their work, had finally come true.

The gallery vibrated with excitement as friends, family and all sorts of other people filled the space and mingled amidst the bright colors, bold textures of the artwork and charcoal drawings.

Looking at his drawings displayed on the walls, Alec felt a surge of pride, but beneath the surface there was also a glimmer of doubt. His drawings were deeply personal to him. They depicted hauntingly beautiful figures and intricate landscapes, reflecting emotions that he often struggled to put into words.

Alongside his work, the vibrant paintings of Clary were bursting with life. Swirls of color dancing across the canvas, representing joy, chaos and all in between. Exuding energy and optimism, her work stood in stark contrast to Alec's slightly more subdued pieces.

As the evening progressed, the initial excitement began to fade. Clary glanced at Alec and a silent request for reassurance flickered between them.

“Are you all right?” she asked quietly, her voice barely rising above the murmur of the crowd.

Alec hesitated, his brow furrowing. “I thought I was fine, but... What if no one can relate to my work?”

Clary's expression softened. She stepped closer and positioned herself so that the audience disappeared into the background. “The work you create is both meaningful and unique. So much of your time has been spent perfecting it. Don't let doubt steal this moment from you.��

He sighed, “I know, but... Seeing it all on display feels different. What if all they see is the mess and not the story I'm trying to tell?”

Clary put her hand on his shoulder to ground him. “Art is subjective. They'll see different things - some might not understand it, but others will. Just like with my paintings.”

The tension in Alec's whole demeanor seemed to ease a little as Clary spoke, but doubt still tingled in his chest. “And what if they connect more with yours?” he murmured, a hint of envy running through his words.

At this, Clary tilted her head and considered him. “That's a risk we take as artists. Remember why we opened the gallery. The reason is that we both believed in each other and our vision. So this moment is for us both.”

Alec nodded slowly, grateful for her unwavering support. The crowd continued to swirl around them, laughing and discussing the pieces, but he felt connected to Clary, as if her confidence fueled his own.

Sharing a smile, Alec felt the anticipation building again. Perhaps this was true - tonight wasn't meant to be a competition, but a celebration of their passions, a platform for stories waiting to be told.

𒐣

The more the evening went on, the more attentively Alec listened to the voices around him. More and more people began to share their thoughts, praising both his charcoal drawings and Clary's exuberant paintings. With each conversation his anxious heart was soothed, realizing that art had a way of making connections and bridging gaps.

Alec dropped his fears and turned his attention to Clary, who was now animatedly discussing her favorite painting with a small group of admirers. He couldn't help but smile.

This gallery was a testament to their growth as artists and as friends.

And then something happened that Alec hadn't been expecting. His parents had turned up uninvited and cast a shadow over the evening's celebrations. Their arrival was met with a mixture of disbelief and concern; they had made it clear in the past that they disapproved of Alec's choices - not just his career choices, but also his sexuality.

The smile on Alec's face faded as he caught sight of them near the entrance, their expressions a mixture of both disdain and condemnation.

Clary, sensing the change in the room, reached for Alec's hand to ground him in the moment. It was a testament to their friendship as well as their individuality, so they would not let bigotry and prejudice get in the way of their celebration.

Magnus was not long in coming either. He had immediately stopped the conversation he was having with a few of his colleagues from the ballet when he saw Alec's parents and stepped up to his boyfriend's side.

Wrapping an arm gently around Alec's waist, he asked him softly, “Is everything all right? Shall I send them away?”

Even though Magnus had only seen the Lightwood parents once since he'd been in a relationship with Alec, he wouldn't hesitate for a moment to show them the door. Alec had told him what had happened during spring break before Magnus had modeled for Professor Frey's class and at their graduation.

It didn't take long for Alec to realize how a fierce protective instinct rose up in him, not only for his relationship with Magnus, but also for the gallery he had built with Clary.

Alec knew he had to face his parents.

𒐣

He was aware of Magnus' hand finding his, a grounding presence in the midst of his emotional turmoil. His boyfriend stood by his side, radiating both assurance and love.

Izzy and Jace flanked the two, their gazes silently promising their support, and Clary had joined them as well. The room buzzed around them, animated voices could be heard, but all Alec was able to focus on was the impending confrontation with his parents - the same people whose narrow-minded views had long cast a shadow over his life.

As they slowly approached, Alec straightened his shoulders, ready to face them. He would defend not only his art, but also his identity, his love for Magnus.

It was at that moment, while standing with his chosen family, that Alec realized that no matter how bitter the confrontation might be, he was finally stepping into his own light - an artist, a partner, a son, and a man who was not ashamed of who he was.

With a racing heart but full of determination, Alec walked towards his parents, who were now just a few more feet away. The air grew thick with tension as he stopped in front of them, his voice calm despite the turmoil inside him.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, with an edge creeping into his tone. He sensed the warmth of Magnus at his side, reassuring him as he was facing his parents.

The icy indifference on their faces struck him more deeply than he had expected.

“Have you come to support me or just to make a scene?” Alec asked defiantly. He glanced at his siblings, Izzy's eyes flashed with concern, and Jace stood by his side, ready to intervene if things got out of hand.

“We thought it was about time we saw what you've been up to,” his mother replied, barely able to hide her disapproval. Alec found Magnus leaning towards him, it was a subtle reminder that he was not alone in this fight.

“You thought you could just come here without invitation to look down on me?” Alec's voice grew louder, spurred on by the love and support around him.

While standing there, accompanied by the people who believed in him, he came to realize that this moment wasn't just about art; in fact, he was making a clear statement about his identity and a resolute stand against the prejudices that had shadowed his life for too long.

𒐣

Robert, who had always kept his head down, was unable to take any more. He simply couldn't watch his wife trample on their bond with their children like that any longer.

Since she had kicked Alec out of the house, Izzy and Jace had also turned their backs on them and Robert's heart ached. Even though the two had never completely broken off contact, showing up at home every now and then, unlike Alec and really, who could blame him, it wasn't the same as it had been before Maryse's tantrum.

He stepped out of Maryse's shadow, cleared his throat and went on to say in a calm tone, “Alec, please. We're not here to criticize your work or your lifestyle.”

Alec snorted and Magnus could be heard grumbling, “Funny way to show it.”

Robert shook his head dejectedly, he understood the reaction and he stopped Maryse with his hand when he noticed she was about to take a step towards Alec and had already started talking.

“That's enough, don't you realize you're pushing our children further and further away from us? I've had enough of this. Our son is gay, so what? Maryse, please. These are our children,' Robert said, turning to his wife, almost pleadingly.

But Maryse just huffed, turned around and left the gallery.

Robert stayed a moment longer, not really surprised by his wife's reaction, and turned back to his children.

“I'm sorry, Alec. I should have spoken up a lot sooner about the way she treated you when you told us you were gay.”

He turned to go after his wife, but then paused for a moment, turned back around and said, pride audible in his voice, “The gallery turned out great. You and Clary sure are talented.”

Without waiting for a response, Robert disappeared, leaving his children speechless.

𒐣

Alec's mood was at rock bottom after his mother's appearance at the gallery and all he wanted to do was disappear. Hide away in the loft and lick his wounds.

Despite only receiving encouragement from the people who really mattered - and his father not being as narrow-minded as he originally thought, the way his mother had looked and talked to him, had once again affected him deeply.

He should know better by now, yet somehow he still yearned for her support. He longed for her encouragement and love.

Maybe his relationship with Robert could at least get better. But Alec didn't hold out too much hope.

Then he was torn from his thoughts when he noticed a warm hand on his cheek followed quickly by Magnus appearing in his field of vision.

“Hey, are you okay?” he whispered to him quietly, concern evident in his expression.

Alec closed his eyes and shook his head. How could anything be okay after that whole scene? His mother had once again managed to crush him.

He took Magnus' hand in his, squeezed it briefly and let it go again before turning away from him and disappearing into the back of the gallery where the art studio was located, that had a door leading to the stairwell.

Alec needed some time alone to clear his head, even though he felt bad leaving Clary alone on opening night. He knew she would understand.

𒐣

Magnus lingered a while longer at the gallery. He tried to put on a brave face and not let his inner turmoil show. He knew only too well that Alec needed some time to himself.

Not sure how much time had passed when he said goodbye to Alec's siblings and Clary to go upstairs to their shared loft and check on Alec, Magnus only hoped that he hadn't waited too long to go after Alec.

When he arrived at the loft, he saw that everything was covered in darkness. Alec hadn't switched on a single light, only here and there the room was illuminated by the city lights coming in.

He made his way through the living room intending to head for the bedroom when he noticed that the patio door was ajar.

Pushing it open further, Magnus moved out onto the spacious terrace, overlooking the East River and the New York skyline. And there, at the edge of the terrace, bathed in the evening light of the city, stood Alec, his back to Magnus.

It was a quiet moment. A beautiful sight and a revelation, yet not really. He was overcome with a feeling of love as he looked at Alec and then heard him muttering quietly to himself. Getting upset and ranting about his parents just showing up for the gallery opening.

All Magnus could think as he stared at Alec, his heart beating happily, was that he loved this man with all his heart; that he wanted to spend the rest of his days listening to him rant and draw and laugh and fight about whatever and love.

And then he was overcome with the thought that he really, really wanted to marry him and spend the rest of his life with him.

It shouldn't have been a surprise, because obviously he'd known this for a long time, but the thing was, it wasn't a distant thought in his mind. No, he was already thinking about proposing and his mind was racing.

His heart was pounding as he came to the realization that he didn't want to propose to Alec some day, but at that very moment.

𒐣

Magnus approached Alec, being careful to not make a sound, and then he wrapped his arms around Alec's middle, causing him to sink straight into the embrace and take a deep breath.

He turned around in Magnus' arms and looked at him. At that moment, all his worries and all his dark thoughts seemed to vanish into thin air.

Magnus' face bathed in moonlight and the city lights of the night was a breathtaking sight.

Just then he felt Magnus' warm breath on his face as he started to speak.

“'I am the least difficult of men. All I want is boundless love',” Magnus quoted the words from the bottom of his heart and slightly hesitated before continuing, ”I think I've found my boundless love with you.”

With that, he loosened the embrace and instead took one of Alec's hands in his as he settled down on one knee.

Alec didn't know how to breathe when Magnus sank to his knee in front of him and looked at him with a smile on his face. His breath caught in his throat as he heard the words he had been dreaming of for months.

“Alexander Gideon Lightwood, will you marry me?”

The question hung in the air, delicate and electric, and Magnus Bane felt his heart race in that heartbeat of silence. He looked at Alec, his lover, framed by the soft glow of the moon.

Magnus looked at him from under his lashes, his dark eyes sparkling with a mixture of hope and nervousness, waiting with bated breath for Alec's response.

The silence stretched out, thick and heavy, broken only by the distant sounds of the city below. He could see the flicker of emotion on Alec's face - surprise, disbelief, and then the unmistakable softness of love that made Magnus' heart swell. He felt the anticipation build and each second became an eternity as he silently prayed that this moment would strengthen the bond they had forged as partners navigating the complexities of life together.

Finally, the corners of Alec's mouth tugged upwards, a smile breaking through the tension like dawn on a long, dark night.

“You are my boundless love too, Magnus. So yes, yes, I want to marry you,” Alec almost whispered.

#shrb2024 #Drawing you in fic #malec fic #malec fanart

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