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1.
Magnus giggled softly. He loved to read, and that particular collection of old comic books was too funny. Many pages were falling apart, and that’s why the kind man from the bookstore was about to throw everything in the garbage if Magnus didn’t notice and asked to keep them instead. It was a good distraction, and he would read them until his candle snuffed out for the night.
Not that it was really safe to keep a candle lit inside a treehouse, and if his Mama knew about it, she would be disappointed at him. Well, at least Magnus expected her to be. He couldn’t remember the last time he saw her smile. Her smile had always been the most beautiful thing in the whole world for him. It soothed him even when he wasn’t feeling well. Her kisses too. When he fell and got hurt, she would always kiss his forehead and say funny words as if it were some healing spell.
It always made Magnus feel safe and happy.
After his Papa began to drink and the colorful pills became a steady presence in their home, everything changed. His Mama barely ate, barely showered, or changed her clothes. She didn’t put on makeup anymore or brush her long, beautiful dark hair. Sometimes she didn’t leave her room, sometimes not even her bed.
His Mama was there, but Magnus missed her all the same.
When he said ‘I love you’, there was no answer.
His home was always cold and didn’t really feel like home anymore.
Oddly, this small candle was the warmest he has ever felt lately.
This treehouse was his safe haven. His Papa built it for him two years ago, when things were still good and happy in their home. Now, there was only pain and the stink of whiskey. Here, at least he had comic books, snacks, and blankets to snuggle into when it was too cold. He would go back into his house when his Papa was already asleep or was clear he wasn’t going to come back for the day. Magnus hated the screams and bad words. Hated how his Papa would break things and shake his Mama. He learned pretty early to lock his Mama’s room and then his to avoid fights and pain. Only when he was sure his Mama was safe, he would come to the treehouse and forget the bad things to not end up crying.
Crying only made his Papa more furious.
Magnus was laying down on the floorboards wrapped in his blanket when he heard a soft shuffle of leaves outside and a low sob. Peeking outside, he saw another boy curling into himself, making himself small enough to disappear in-between the many branches and leaves from the closest tree. That tree’s trunk was on the other side of the fence, owned by his neighbors, but its branches were long enough to brush the ones from the one hosting Magnus’ treehouse.
Magnus didn’t know the boy’s name, but he knew he was new to the neighborhood. The Lightwoods? Yes, Magnus was certain that was the name of this family who moved in next door last week. He also knew there were two kids there, but Magnus never tried to approach them.
For some reason, their parents looked as terrifying as his own Papa.
“Hey,” Magnus called softly, not wanting to scare the poor boy and make him fall by accident.
Still, the boy flinched a little, but didn’t move – except to turn his face and look at Magnus.
His eyes were bloodshot and there were tears rolling down his cheeks.
Magnus’ heart broke a little at that sight.
“My name is Magnus, I’m eight. And you?”
The boy sniffed but eventually replied.
“Alec. I’m eight, too.”
Magnus smiled with kindness and offered a hand for him. “I have comic books and cookies here. Do you want to share with me?”
Alec’s eyes widened for a moment, surprised by that invitation. He seemed torn between accepting or not, so Magnus coaxed him a bit more.
“I promise nobody will know you’re here. You’ll be safe.”
This seemed enough for Alec. Even if his lips still trembled, he took a leap of faith in Magnus and, with his help, jumped from one tree to the other and entered the small wooden cabin. He was frozen for a moment, not knowing how to act, until Magnus covered his body with a blanket and gave him a package of caramel cookies.
“Thank you,” Alec mumbled, nibbling at the cookie. Then, with wet eyes and a low growl of his belly, he started eating more voraciously, almost choking on his third cookie.
Magnus patted his back and offered a spare bottle of water from his stash. “Haven’t you had dinner yet?”
Alec’s cheeks turned crimson and he looked away. “No. Izzy, my little sister, accidentally broke this stupid, super expensive vase of our parents earlier. Since she’s four, mother punished me for not keeping an eye on her and preventing this. So, no lunch, dinner, or snacks until tomorrow.”
“Oh no…” Magnus whispered. He knew what it was like to skip meals. He was about to offer something else when Alec got up abruptly.
“I– I– I shouldn’t have eaten. If they know, I–… It’s better to go back and–”
“Stay!” Magnus grabbed his wrist, holding him before Alec could climb out of the window by the way he was vibrating with fear. “At least for one hour, please? I can go and get more food in my kitchen. I have some chocolate bars hidden under my bed. We can read something, or I can take my Mama’s phone and we can watch cat videos.”
Alec blinked slowly, twisting the hem of his dark green sweater in a nervous fidgeting.
“Won’t she be mad with you?”
“No, she won’t even notice.” Magnus’ lips curled up in a sad smile. It was true. His Mama… didn’t care about anything anymore.
Not even him.
Alec opened his mouth to reply when a loud voice snapped him into attention, his whole body ramrod in tension.
“ALEXANDER GIDEON LIGHTWOOD! COME OUT FROM WHERE YOU’RE HIDING RIGHT NOW!”
His mother.
“S-Sorry, I ha-have to go,” Alec stuttered, this time leaving without giving Magnus a chance to grab him again. However, he did hear what Magnus told him in a rush.
“I’m here every day after sunset. You’re always welcome. Please, come again!”
Stopping on his tracks, a foot already stepping on a sturdy branch, Alec twisted his upper body a bit to look at Magnus, hopeless eyes meeting hopeful ones.
“Why?” He whispered as if afraid of breaking any spell they suddenly fell in.
Magnus just smiled brightly.
“I’m your friend now, and friends help each other.”
It was a simple statement, and yet…
For the first time that day, Alec also smiled.
He returned the next day.
And all the following ones.
~*~
2.
“I smell potatoes.”
Alec stopped pouring the freshly-made raspberry juice into a jar and turned his head towards the kitchen’s back door – which led to the backyard and where the newcomer just came from.
Magnus, now fifteen like Alec, was leaning against the threshold, his arms folded on his chest and his hip slightly tilted to the side. He was wearing glittery black yoga pants and a short top with the lettering ‘OH NO EVERYONE IS SO HOT’ in hot pink, purple and blue. His hair was still wet from a recent shower, some red streaks two shades darker, and the carefully applied makeup on his face only reinforced what Alec already knew.
Magnus Bane was the most beautiful boy in the world.
Alec grinned, his entire body losing a bit of the lingering tension at seeing his best friend.
“New eyeliner?” He asked instead, basking on the look of pure joy and delight on Magnus’ face.
“You noticed!”
“Of course! You’ve been enamored of this bright lilac since last month. I’m happy you were finally able to buy it.” Alec smiled at him, turning to cut more tomatoes for the salad. “It’s very pretty on you.”
Alec missed the bashful smile and slightly red-tinted cheeks on Magnus’ face with those sincere words. It was true that Magnus loved when people complimented him, but there was something special when it came from Alec.
Magnus felt… truly seen.
“So, whatcha making as the main dish?” He changed the topic before starting to make a fool of himself. His classmate and dear friend Ragnor loved to remind him how his brain was useless whenever Alec was involved.
While Alec was always tripping and falling from stairs - for some reason Magnus hasn’t figured out yet - Magnus tripped over words at the simple sight of Alec.
It was ridiculous, honestly. But Magnus wouldn’t change that for the world.
“Cheesy Potato Gratin. Mr. Garroway gave me twenty dollars and this huge sack of potatoes for helping him at the bookstore again. I only needed to carry some boxes, so it was a good deal.”
Magnus narrowed his eyes. “How many?”
“Uh… I didn’t count? He got in a new shipment and I carried everything into the stockroom. I also helped to catalog and stock some shelves. It wasn’t much.” Alec shrugged, but Magnus knew better than to believe him. He knew Mr. Garroway was a good man and would never exploit Alec’s kindness like so many others have done in the past, but sometimes Magnus couldn’t help but worry.
Alec was the kind of person who would work himself into the ground if it meant helping someone or for the good of his family. Especially when it was both at the same time.
“I put a lot of cheese, just like the way you love.” Alec crouched to peek briefly inside the oven. “I also made it extra creamy for Max, and put in double the amount of bacon for Izzy and Jace.”
“What about you?” Magnus cocked an eyebrow, already knowing the answer.
“About me… what?” Alec said distractedly, checking to make sure the cheese hadn’t burned at the top.
Magnus tsked. Heaven forbid Alec Lightwood of doing something for himself for once, apparently.
“Did you have enough time to finish that History project?” Magnus asked instead, already following the motions and going to set the table. “It was something about Gothic Cathedrals and Churches from 800 years ago, right?”
“Yes and yes. I finished it after everyone went to sleep. I didn’t sleep much, but the extra caffeine this morning helped me through the classes.”
Magnus shook his head, a small smile on his lips, fondness softening his face. Alexander was such an overachiever.
It has always been like that since they first met seven years ago at the treehouse.
Maryse and Robert Lightwood were entrepreneurs – though, with what they dealt, not even Alec was sure. They were rarely at home, always traveling to somewhere far away for days or even weeks at a time. Once or twice a week, one of them would come to get a change of clothes or some sleep, and then leave after giving Alec some money. His parents didn’t even bother to hire a babysitter. Being the oldest son, they expected Alec to take care of all his siblings – Jace and Izzy who were currently eleven, and little Max who was only two. So, Alec did absolutely everything by himself – cooking, laundry, cleaning, helping with his siblings’ homework, and putting them to bed. He would also take Max to daycare before going to school with Jace and Izzy.
Meanwhile, Magnus had his own demons to deal with. His mother was depressed, spent more time in bed than doing anything else, and his stepfather was an abusive and violent man that spent too much time and money on drinks and horse racing. Magnus didn’t know which was emptier – their house or their fridge. They almost never had food.
When Alec and Magnus first met, they both were too bone-deep tired, barely holding themselves. They bonded inexplicably, becoming very protective of the other, and then a couple of years later their little routine started. Magnus would eat every day with the Lightwood siblings when their parents weren’t present and then take the leftovers for his mom (luckily his stepfather never ate at home). He tried to learn how to cook once but almost put his whole kitchen on fire, so Alec was really his lifesaver. Alec would also help Magnus with laundry and cleaning while Magnus tried to coax his mother to shower and eat something. In exchange, Magnus helped with chores in Alec’s house and also looked after Alec’s troublemaker siblings.
During rare moments of peace, they would cuddle together on a couch or Alec’s bed and just sleep, trying to ease the other’s burdens and scare the nightmares away.
Not that their lives weren’t already a constant nightmare. They lived in fear of being discovered by social workers – after all, both were minors without any adult’s watchful gaze. Magnus and Alec danced around questions and possible social workers.
Alec was terrified for his siblings. He knew that if they were put in the system, they all would be separated. Max, being so young still, would be easily adopted. Izzy and Jace had fewer chances, but they were both beautiful kids – sometimes that counted for something. But Alec? Nobody would want to foster him. Hell, someone could pick his three siblings but not him. And being from a different family, Magnus was certain he wasn’t going to be so lucky and put at the same place as the Lightwoods.
“I would flee,” Magnus always said while holding Alec. “You’re my best friend. My home. I can’t stay away from you.”
Alec only nodded, but he knew better.
He was never supposed to have good things in his life.
“Stay for tonight?” They were cuddled together on the couch, a movie playing – though neither of them was paying attention, too lost inside their own heads to make sense of anything else. It was almost midnight, and Alec’s siblings were already sleeping in their rooms.
Magnus nodded, absentmindedly caressing Alec’s hair, when his cellphone rang. He disentangled himself from Alec as soon as he saw the caller ID, an exasperated expression on his face.
Alec watched Magnus talk, his whole demeanor becoming somber and exhausted by whatever the other person was saying. When the call disconnected, Magnus was disheartened.
“What happened? Who was it?” Alec asked while getting up and pulling Magnus for a hug.
“Auntie Lilith,” Magnus sighed, resting his head on Alec’s shoulder. “Dad is at Edom again. She wants me to go there and drag his drunken ass home.” Then, he mumbled after a short pause. “I hate that bar. It would be safer to be with demons than those people.”
“Can’t she just put him inside a cab?”
“You know it’s not enough.” Magnus stepped back and tried to offer a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Sorry, Alexander, I have to go.”
Alec nodded, wishing he could go with Magnus to support him, but he couldn’t leave his siblings alone.
“Call me if you need me?”
This time, Magnus’ smile was more genuine.
I always need you, Alexander. You’re my anchor.
~*~
3.
Alec wasn’t a violent person, always preferring to direct his anger towards something else – like archery. But sometimes, the urge to stab Magnus’ stepfather with one of his arrows was strong. The old man was slowly losing his sanity, and Alec feared every day for Magnus’ and Mrs. Bane’s life.
He wasn’t one to pray, but sometimes… Sometimes he couldn’t help but ask the angels to protect his best friend.
If he lost Magnus, he would certainly crumble into pieces.
Magnus whimpered, snapping Alec’s attention back to the present.
“Sorry, I got distracted for a moment…” Alec mumbled, resuming his work of stitching Magnus’ left forearm. Mr. Bane got drunk again and came back earlier than usual. Magnus didn’t have time to lock himself in his bedroom. They got into another argument and the man attacked Magnus with a half-empty bottle.
Attempting to protect himself, Magnus lifted his arm and the glass crashed some inches below his elbow. Luckily, it wasn’t too deep nor did it cause any nerve damage. Unfortunately, there were still all the punches and kicks Magnus received.
The hard part is that neither Magnus nor Alec could call the police or go to a hospital. They would ask questions. Ask for the guardians of the two sixteen-year-old boys. An investigation would be opened.
No, they couldn’t risk that.
So, they did the only thing they could – remained quiet and treated their injuries with a strong façade. Both became very good at first aid, even knowing how to stitch deep cuts.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Magnus asked, trying to soften the deep, worried lines on Alec’s face.
“I hate this. I hate that you get hurt and we can’t do anything about it. I hate that I can’t protect you.” Alec’s lips trembled and his eyes became wet with unshed tears while glancing again at Magnus’ bruises. His warm, sun-kissed skin was marred with different shapes of purple, blue and green.
“I know. I hate how your parents treat you when they are here. They may not hurt you physically, but Alexander, the things they call you, I–”
“I don’t care! I would rather hear them calling me the worst things a hundred, a thousand, a million times over if the Universe would pay me back by making you safe from your Dad.”
Magnus snapped his mouth shut, not knowing how to answer that. Alec was always so… blunt. In a way that never failed to take his breath away.
“Will you stay here today? Your dad left again and your mom is already asleep. You can stay with me and I can make sure you take the pain medicine correctly.”
Magnus gave a small smile, considering Alec’s invitation. It would be nice to sleep with his hug-monster of a best friend. Even better than in his cold bedroom, alone with himself and his inner demons.
In the heavy silence and stillness of his home, the voices inside Magnus’ head were too loud. The shadows and nightmares always at bay.
“Y–”
“Alec, are you still awake?” Maryse’s voice boomed from outside the door.
Both Alec and Magnus’ eyes bulged in terror. Maryse was back?! She was supposed to arrive tomorrow evening!
Suddenly, the doorknob of Alec’s room rattled.
“Alexander Lightwood, since when do you lock doors? Open it right now! I need to speak to you.”
Alec and Magnus exchanged a miserable look, already knowing the drill.
“Be careful to not open your stitches,” Alec whispered, finishing the bandage around Magnus’ forearm. Then, he opened his window and helped Magnus to escape through it.
“See you tomorrow,” Magnus whispered back before climbing down. Alec smiled for a moment, but flinched hard soon after. His mother was banging on the door.
“Alexander!”
Alec breathed heavily, bracing himself to face Maryse.
~*~
4.
People knew how to be cruel.
It wasn’t enough that the school they both went to was strict and conservative. They had to snuff out the light of anything that shone too.
Magnus was one of those rare jewels that were brighter than the sun itself, kind to a fault. He had a sparkle that never failed to warm Alec’s heart and make it soar high. He was always so unapologetic, not caring what the others thought of him or his sexuality or the way he dressed and painted himself.
Magnus Bane was a force to be reckoned with, and Alec was incredibly proud of him.
So, even if they were only seventeen – young and stupid and reckless –, what their classmates did during Homecoming week was definitely unnecessary and cruel.
They wanted a target, and Magnus was chosen.
Magnus, who was luminous and beautiful and happy in his pink sequin suit while dancing with Catarina and Maia. Alec, who was watching him with a besotted smile and a desire to protect that heart forever.
Lily snickered once, saying it was puppy love.
Alec thought it was just a Magnus Bane effect.
Then, it happened.
A bucket full of egg whites, flour, and maple syrup was poured over Magnus’ head.
The music suddenly stopped and a group of students laughed, throwing off biphobic and homophobic comments about Magnus’ life choices , how even his mother hated him, and how he deserved to burn in hell for being an abomination.
Magnus’ face was blank, but Alec could see the cracks behind it. Magnus’ eyes were always so full of emotion, shining as if made of gold, but now they were dull, weighed by the never-ending pain and exhaustion.
And Alec saw red.
He knew he had a temper, which usually led to a terrible coping mechanism in the shape of self-inflicted pain, but that … That was unacceptable.
Not under his watch.
Without thinking twice, Alec punched the guy holding the bucket.
The guy reacted promptly, and suddenly a fight broke out.
Everyone was shouting. It turned into a mess of pushing and shoving and pulling hair. It was only when the teachers dissipated the central fight that all the rest stopped.
Alec and the boy received a suspension for a week, but Alec couldn’t care less. He was much more worried about Magnus, who was nowhere to be seen. At first, Alec thought his best friend went to the bathroom to clean himself up, but then Cat nodded towards the gym’s exit.
Alec’s feet moved before he had any conscious thought. He didn’t care about what the others would think, all the sneers and malicious comments. He heard a few while running to find his best friend, the only person who mattered out of this entire school.
“I knew he was gay too.”
No, dipshits. I am gay, Magnus is bisexual .
“I bet they fuck each other.”
That’s not any of your damn business.
“Do you think they sell their bodies too?”
Oh for God’s fucking sake–
The noise finally fell away behind him and Alec was assaulted by the strong scents of damp grass, sweaty air from too many teenagers in the gym, sandalwood, a faint whiff of alcohol that was probably smuggled into the party–
Sandalwood.
Magnus.
As he passed the school’s gates, Alec saw Magnus crossing the street. His best friend was hugging himself tightly as if to hold the fragments of his body together.
Alec never saw Magnus looking so… small.
“Magnus!”
Magnus trembled, his eyeliner and mascara smeared and smudged, his suit sticking to his skin stained and ruined beyond repair.
“Magnus–” Alec finally reached him and touched his arm, requesting him to stop. Though, Magnus didn’t look at him.
“Don’t go. I think I have some spare clothes in my locker. You love to dance, and you spent the whole week talking about this party. We don’t need to give a shit about what those assholes think. You are the one who taught me that, remember?”
“Alec–”
“Please stay?” Alec pleaded. “You asked me earlier for a dance together.”
“Sorry, Alexander. I can’t. I– I can’t. I’m sorry.” Magnus shook his head hard, then ran as fast as his feet could carry him away from everything and everyone, even his best friend.
Alec thought about following, but he knew enough to not pressure him. Magnus hated to look vulnerable. He knew it was best to wait. To give his friend a half hour to settle in their place, the treehouse, the one place where they could simply be. Alec knew to bring a big tub of salted caramel ice cream, their favorite blanket to cuddle, and to hold Magnus until the next morning.
And then… Then, they would face another day. Perhaps a bit more fragmented, but still together.
~*~
5.
They knew their luck wouldn’t last long, but still, they hoped .
The descent into hell is easy.
The nightmare began when Mrs. Bane’s condition worsened. Nothing was helping anymore. There were no good days, the pills had become ineffective. Magnus began to fear when the first shoe would drop, but still, he prayed for a miracle. The thought of losing his mother kept him awake for many nights, and most of the time it was Alec’s steady presence that prevented him from spiraling.
Since Maryse and Robert barely visited them anymore, only leaving enough to cover the house’s bills, Alec had to take two different part-time jobs to buy food and toiletries. Magnus always babysat Izzy, Jace and Max then, only leaving them for a few minutes during one of the scheduled times when his mother had to take her medicine.
Therefore, like every night, he left Alec’s siblings for a moment to check on his mother.
Her room was dark as always, and to not hurt her eyes with the strong light of the room’s lamp, he approached the bedside table to turn the lava lamp on. It was a gift from Alec, its beautiful hues of gold and red reminding them of a sunset. However, before reaching the switch, he stepped on something sticky on the floor. Magnus couldn’t see what it was, but he could smell.
It was strong, metalling. Like…
In a quick motion, he turned the lava lamp on, and what he saw made him stumble.
For a brief moment, he had the presence of mind to think how sunsets would be forever tainted as the pool of blood in front of him shone in ominous shades of crimson and black. His eyes slowly moved from the blood to the motionless form of his mother.
And the big knife deep on her chest.
Magnus wanted to scream, but no sound would leave his throat. It was like something was suffocating him. His knees hit the floor hard, and he didn’t know what to do with his own hands. To look for a pulse on his mother? To hug himself? To call Alec?
He didn’t know, didn’t know, didn’t know.
Hours or maybe just minutes might’ve passed, he honestly didn’t know, but when he came back to his senses it was due to his stepfather’s harsh words. He barely registered the slurs and threats until a fist connected to his face, throwing him hard to the floor.
It was pure, hot agony. Not because of the kicks or punches. Magnus’ brain was still stuck on the image of his mother in front of him. On the blood. On the knife. On the lifeless eyes, still open, still haunted by years of depression and misery.
He failed, failed, failed.
“Mama…” he whimpered, trying to crawl to her.
Alec…
Magnus stretched a hand towards the bed, needing to touch his mother. Needing to make sure.
Help me…
Mr. Bane stomped on his hand, ripping out a scream from Magnus. Something cracked.
He didn’t know if it was his hand or his heart.
I can’t breathe.
Something circled his neck and pulled hard. Gasping, his uninjured hand grabbed whatever it was. He felt the texture of leather, realizing too late it was a belt. Mr. Bane yanked Magnus out of the room and dragged him through the hall. Magnus tried to fight, but even in his intoxicated state, his stepfather was still stronger and bigger than him.
In a desperate attempt to get free, with the last of his strength, Magnus used the momentum to throw himself against his stepfather, slamming at him and making both of them fall on the stairs - and how fortunate it was that their bedrooms were all on the second floor.
The landing was hard, but it could’ve been worse. Magnus’ throat and ribs were certainly bruised and his injured hand was throbbing painfully, but nothing more serious happened to him.
The same couldn’t be said about his stepfather.
Because the new angle of the old man’s neck wasn’t natural.
No, no, no, no, no.
I killed him.
He needed to run. He needed to flee. He needed to… to…
Black spots danced on the edges of his vision.
“‘call… Alec…” He mumbled, reaching for his phone, but not finding it in his pants’ pocket. “I… ‘lec...”
He lost consciousness seconds later.
Everything after was a blur for Magnus.
There were sirens, police officers wandering through his house like it was theirs, paramedics.
Child Protective Services. Led by a Social Worker.
Magnus was barely feeling anything. There were questions, a lot of them. He couldn’t understand them, couldn’t hear them properly. It was like being underwater, reviving the same scene again and again and again. His mother’s body. His stepfather’s body. Those images stitched on his retina.
Talking to some neighbors, the social worker also found out how Alec’s parents weren’t very present, leaving their four children to fend for themselves. A report about parental negligence was made.
Alec hadn’t arrived from his work yet, and Magnus still didn’t know where his damn phone was. He needed to call Alec and tell him his siblings were in danger. He needed to tell Alec that he was a murderer and dangerous. He needed to tell Alec to take his siblings and flee .
But he couldn’t move.
Magnus felt paralyzed.
He only snapped out of it when he heard Izzy’s scream. She was yelling and sobbing. Jace bit three officers who tried to grab him. Max didn’t understand what was happening, but was fussing and very stressed.
They were going to be separated.
“Leave them alone!” Magnus finally spoke while trying to get to the little Lightwoods to help them. He had promised Alec to take care of them. It was his duty to protect Izzy, Jace and Max. He couldn’t fail that too.
Two officers grabbed Magnus, threatening to cuff him if he didn’t stay still. But how could he when the kids were crying and calling him?
They were being taken away.
It was too late.
I failed, I failed, I failed.
If he wasn’t already having a mental breakdown, everything got worse when Alec finally arrived, minutes after his siblings were driven away. They didn’t let Alec say goodbye to them. They didn’t even give time for Alec to understand and process what was happening. They also grabbed him to prevent an escape.
Alec was a step from hyperventilating. He was exhausted and confused and panicked.
When his eyes finally found Magnus’, something broke inside both of them.
They were visibly shaken and desperate. When the officers tried to separate them to put them into different cars, Magnus finally broke from his trance and tried to reach Alec, silently crying. Alec was no different, his vision blurring all the time due to the tears.
They couldn’t let the other go.
“No, no, no, no, no. Don’t take him away from me. Please. Please !” Magnus begged the officers, but they didn’t loose their hold. “He is the only one I have. Please, please.”
“Magnus!” Alec sobbed when the men started to drag him away. “Let me go! LET ME GO!”
“NO!” Magnus yelled, trashing against his own physical restraint. “Alexander! Stay with me! Please, please, please ! Don’t take him! I want to be with him. Please!”
“MAGNUS!” They tossed Alec inside the car and closed the door. Alec punched the window, still screaming for Magnus, but to no avail.
“ALEXANDER! ALEXANDER! NO!”
Only when Alec’s car disappeared ahead, Magnus finally stopped fighting and let the officers take him.
He had lost everything.
His mom, the house, the treehouse.
Alec.
His Alec.
His home.
~*~
+1 – Twelve years later
“Bye, Mr. Bane! See you tomorrow!”
“Certainly, my dear. Great job today,” Magnus said, taking off his glasses and pocketing them. Exhaling tiredly, he looked around the temporary office – already empty at the late hour – and hummed satisfied. Another successful day, another project going on without a hitch.
Life was kinder.
Magnus had to fight tooth and nail to get where he was today, but it was worth it. He became one of the most sought out art directors for one of the biggest Studios in the world. From television shows to movies, he was slowly making a name for himself despite being so young still. After spending so many years alone, helpless, where everything was out of his control, his career was an opportunity to prove that wasn’t his life anymore.
Sometimes he remembered during daydreams how, when he was a child, he would take one of his mother’s hairbrushes and pretend it was an award. He would give long speeches and Alec would clap in the end.
Alec… Magnus never heard from any of the Lightwoods again since that disastrous day.
He was sent away to some kind of religious institution that sheltered orphans, and stayed there for three weeks until a British couple – Charlotte and Henry Branwell – decided to adopt him, taking him to London with them. It was only recently that Magnus returned to New York.
Magnus stopped praying after the day he lost everything, but sometimes he would look up at the sky and ask whoever was listening if Alec was happy too.
Sighing, he turned off the lights and left the office. Before going home, however, he decided to pass by the studio and see how the new scenarios were coming up. His current project was a television show with supernatural drama and fantasy elements. He was proud of his vision for the sets, the costumes, all of it.
Magnus hummed appreciatively. This new company they hired (if he wasn’t mistaken, it was called Fraywood?) was doing a wonderful job with the painting and assembling of pieces. The last third-party builders were dreadful. They were always late, unprofessional, rude with the staff, and didn’t know how to paint a wall even if their lives depended on it.
However, this new company… The colors were so vivid, so real. They had a curious hue that with the correct light would make them shimmer without the need for special effects. Everything was artfully crafted and put together. The unique furniture was made of good materials, being more than disposable props. Magnus would definitely hire them for future projects and highly recommend their beautiful work.
When Magnus stopped at the last set, one that depicted one of the main characters’ childhood home, something caught his eye.
A treehouse was the last addition for a brief plot point, so it wasn’t completely described, left to be the most ordinary possible.
But this treehouse… It looked so familiar. The same shape, the same height. As if someone had ripped it from Magnus’ own memory. His treehouse.
“Is it okay?” A deep voice called behind him, startling Magnus from his thoughts. He cleared his throat to not let his emotions or surprise be too obvious.
“Yes, it’s so perfect it reminds me of my–” Magnus turned towards that voice, but went quiet as soon as he saw the man in front of him.
A very, very familiar man.
Because Magnus was one hundred percent sure he was seeing his childhood friend in front of him.
He was… taller than Magnus remembered. There was a shadow of stubble on his strong jaw and his hair was the same mess. His shoulders were broad and those biceps… Well, nobody should have biceps that nice. He was wearing work clothes, in full carpenter gear, including a tool belt and a double thigh holster for extra tools.
Apparently, Magnus had a thigh holster kink he didn’t know about. It couldn’t be helped, though.
Alexander was all grown up and hell if time didn’t work wonders for him.
Alec looked at him with a guarded expression at first, but as soon as he also recognized Magnus, his entire demeanor softened, and his eyes – those gorgeous hazel eyes – seemed to sparkle for a moment.
“Magnus?”
“Hello, darling.” Magnus’ lips curled in a warm smile – an Alexander Lightwood effect that was still pretty much active.
They remained silent for several minutes, neither willing to break the curious, overwhelming but not oppressive quietness around them. Their eyes slowly traveled from head to toe and back upwards, taking in and absorbing the details and just feeling out the other. Neither believed they were ever meant to meet again. They were never that fortunate, even when they tried their hardest.
How over a decade has passed, how everything has changed, and yet it was like not even a day has passed since their last encounter. Because their bodies and minds and everything else may be different, but somehow…
Somehow their hearts weren’t, finding each other easily all over again, reconnecting and stabilizing.
Hello again.
There you are.
Where have you been all this time?
“Uh… Do you work here?” Alec asked tentatively, a timid and adorable blush coloring his cheeks.
“I do. At least for the next few months. Are you with the new company we hired for the sets?”
“Yeah. It’s– It’s actually Jace’s and his wife’s, but I help them when the workload is a lot. I was free anyway.”
Magnus’ lips ticked up, a grin trying to break involuntarily.
Alec was still the same overachiever.
“How about a coffee? There is a very good café near here, and I think we have a lot to catch up on.” Magnus offered with a hopeful heart, only realizing the suddenness of his invitation when Alec made one of his confused puppy’s faces. “I mean, only if you are free now! I don’t want to impose. But if you are busy or… Or…”
Or have someone waiting for you.
Even if his words trailed off, Alec seemed to still be able to read Magnus like an open book.
“I’m very much free in all ways that count. You?” Alec asked back, a hint of fear in his voice.
“My only commitment at the moment is with my cat, and I’m certain he can survive without me for a couple more hours,” Magnus smirked, earning an amused snort from Alec.
“Okay, sure. Just let me– Er, I just need to take all this gear off and change my uniform. Hang on.” Alec turned back and went straight to a side door signaling STAFF ONLY .
Magnus hasn’t felt this excited since he won his first award years ago.
There has always been something thrilling about Alexander Lightwood, and Magnus was happy to feel his heart alive like that once again.
They found a peaceful corner in the almost crowded café, sipping their drinks with a strong contentment, especially after seeing that their favorite orders haven’t changed after all these years – black coffee with a hint of cream and sugar for Alec, and double caramel macchiato with extra white chocolate syrup for Magnus.
They chit-chatted for a while, telling the other ordinary things from their current life and sharing a salted caramel cheesecake, when Alec finally voiced the question weighing their minds.
“What happened after you were taken?”
Magnus poked absentmindedly at the caramel mousse on top, gathering his thoughts. He told Alec how he was put at an institution where he would live until coming of age when a traveling couple took interest in him. Being very rich, somehow they were able to quickly get all the right procedures to obtain Magnus’ custody. He told Alec how he expected to be some kind of trap, especially when they took Magnus to London.
Except, things turned out great. The Branwells gave him a home, food, education, and a comfy bed.
Love.
They were very patient with Magnus, especially during his episodes of anger. They took him to therapy, they put him at a great school. Henry was a scientist and Charlotte was a diplomat, both brilliant people, and they taught him many things. They supported everything he wanted to do and even encouraged him to travel around and meet new people. To explore the vastness of the world. To live. To finally experience life as it could be instead of simple survival.
Thanks to them, later, Magnus studied in Paris and Berlin, and stayed for some time in Oslo and Viena. It was only when he was offered a huge project in the U.S. three years ago, that Magnus finally came back.
“Have you ever found out what happened to your parents?”
For a brief moment, Magnus could see a spark of anger in Alec’s eyes, but it was soon gone. His face did something complicated, lots of feelings warring at the same time until it morphed into a blank mask.
Magnus’ heart broke a little. For a moment, he felt a teenager again, seeing Alec carrying the world on his shoulders and wearing pain as a second skin.
“They really abandoned us. It seems they got a millionaire offer to work for Valentine Morgenstern. You know, that German tycoon? But for that, they had to renounce our existence to not slow them down. I heard recently that they got divorced and each remarried again. They even got new kids.” Alec shrugged but it was too weak, too resigned. “The only time they tried to contact us was for us to sign a contract promising to never disclose our family relations. They also offered a check with more zeros than I can dream of to buy our silence.”
Magnus was speechless. He always knew Maryse and Robert were terrible, but this ? It was atrocious.
But then, Alec snorted. “Izzy and Jace told them they could shove the money up their asses. Max doesn’t remember much, and even though he feigns indifference I know it hurts him.”
“And you?”
Alec exhaled shakily. “I loved them once. I don't know if I feel more disappointed or betrayed to this day. We signed the contract and refused the money. My only request was for them to never contact us again.”
Magnus touched Alec’s hand over the table and squeezed a bit. “I’m sorry, darling.”
“It’s okay. It’s all water under the bridge now.” Alec turned his hand and entwined their fingers together. It was a gesture so natural for both of them when they were younger, that neither questioned doing it now.
“So, were you able to stay with your siblings or…”
Alec managed a small, genuine yet sad smile. “For the first few weeks, no. They took me to another foster home for older teenagers. You have no idea how many times I tried to run away, but I always failed. I…” He breathed shakily. “I was desperate, Magnus. I failed. I couldn’t protect the people I loved the most in the world. I had lost my siblings. I had lost you. I didn’t want… not anymore… I couldn’t see a way out and...” His eyes flicked downwards briefly to his left wrist where a thick white scar was. “Anyway. Three days after I got discharged from the hospital, a couple reached out to me. Theresa and James Carstairs, but they like to be called Tessa and Jem. They told me they were fostering my siblings, and the three of them wouldn’t stop crying and calling for me. After some calls and cashed favors, they found me and got my custody, too.”
“I’m relieved, I can’t tell you how many times I looked up at the night sky and wished for all of you to find happiness.”
Alec nodded, now grinning. “They are very kind, and also helped us a lot. Even when I was finally out of age, they didn’t kick me out. I stayed with them until I found my footing. Izzy and Jace too. Max is the only one still living with them because of his age, but he loves it. Tessa and Jem have their own biological daughter now, sweet Mina, but also foster another boy who is Max’s roommate. Can you believe his name is Christopher Jonathan? To differ from Jace, they call him Kit.”
Magnus laughed and Alec’s whole face softened.
He missed that sound more than anything in the world.
“I’m glad you all were able to stay together. How are Isabelle, Jace and Max? What are they doing now?”
“Izzy currently works at a jewelry shop. She studied design and is trying to get an internship at a high-end fashion company. Jace co-owns Fraywood and also is a manager at a gym. Max is a Senior in High School, and keeps saying he wants to be a professional gamer. He even has a YouTube channel.”
“They really grew up, huh?”
“Yeah, I’m proud of them.” Alec smiled softly, his whole face lighting up. “And of you. I’m very proud of you. When I first saw your name in the credits of a movie six years ago, I… somehow I knew it was you. And when you became a big name in the industry… I was so happy for you, Magnus.”
“If you knew, why haven't you contacted me? Didn’t you want to see me?” There was that hint of fear and insecurity in his voice that Alec knew pretty well, and it was surprising to recognize even after so many years.
“I wanted to. Desperately.” Alec smiled ruefully. “But every time I thought I’d mustered enough courage for that, I would also talk myself out of it, certain that it was too late. That you didn’t even remember me anymore. That maybe you would think that the only reason I was reaching you was because of your fame. I… I don’t know, Magnus. I was terrified.”
Magnus’ lips curved up for a brief moment. “You still overthink, I see.”
Alec nodded, his eyes never leaving his cup of coffee. “Sometime later, Izzy and Jace found out too. We argued a lot about it because they wanted to talk to you, they also missed you. But again, I’d give all the reasons for them not to. Until… Until one Christmas.”
“Yes?”
“I decided to finally bite and call you. I still don’t know how, but Izzy got ahold of your private number. I called and…” Alec stopped for a moment to recollect his thoughts, breathing heavily. “A woman picked up. Camille, I think? When I introduced myself to her, she started to say some strange things about you and her, and… And it was too much. I… I hung up and deleted your number.”
Magnus’ expression fell. He had told Camille – and pretty much everyone who he held dearly – about Alec. They dated for almost two years, already drifting away during Christmas time. Of course she tried to destroy one of the few good things Magnus had in his life.
“I’m sorry,” Magnus muttered. “That woman was horrible.”
Magnus told him about how he met Camille while studying for a Master's program in France. How he stupidly gave his heart to her and she destroyed it without so much as a thought.
So, Alec told him about his few attempts of dating until he gave up and decided to throw himself only at work.
They talked and talked and talked.
Eventually, they left the café. Between one story and another, they ended up at Magnus’ loft, cuddled on his couch and sharing another round of coffee.
Once, a long time ago, Magnus thought about what he felt about Alec. How he now knew it was love, but they were just kids at the time, therefore not having a label for their relationship. They never had a chance to explore what they shared, too busy trying to avoid disaster. Magnus knew that if there was someone he could easily love for the rest of his life, that person was Alexander Gideon Lightwood.
Magnus feared that the years weakened their bond, making things awkward between them, but it was like they continued from the exact same point where they stopped.
It felt natural to do so, both attracted to the other like two different polar magnets, as if they haven't spent so long away from the other.
When he bought this loft three years ago, it was just a loft. For a long time, it was still a loft.
For the first time since the purchase, it felt like home .
Resting his head on Alec’s shoulder, their fingers entwined, Magnus whispered.
“Stay?”
Alec’s breathing hitched for a second, and Magnus’ free hand twitched. He feared that if Alexander left now, if he went through that door, he would disappear again.
Magnus didn’t want to wait for another twelve years.
“Stay?” He repeated, softly, insecurity bleeding from his words.
Alec’s hold on him tightened, and what he saw in those hazel eyes spoke volumes of what his own heart so-oh desperately felt and yearned all these years.
There was fear in them.
And so, so much hope.
First times.
Genuine feelings.
Understanding.
For their history, for their shared pain, for all the time they were robbed.
Love.
For there was only one stable, certain thing in their lives.
Each other.
Alec smiled, his eyes crinkling on the corners. “I’m not going anywhere.”