Archive of Our Own ^beta

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a warm golden glow across the room. The gentle hum of the city outside was still distant, muffled by the walls of Magnus' apartment. Inside, the air smelled faintly of incense, and the bed was a cocoon of warmth and comfort.

Alec lay on his stomach, one arm stretched out lazily across the pillow while the other rested on Magnus' chest. His head was nestled into the crook of Magnus' shoulder, his hair tousled from sleep, eyes half-closed as he lazily blinked at the soft morning light.

Magnus, on the other hand, was wide awake. His fingers idly traced the lines of Alec's bare arm, following the curve of muscle with a slow, careful touch. His other hand was lightly cradling Alec's head, his thumb gently brushing over Alec's cheek in tender strokes. There was an intimacy in the gesture, a silent affection that passed between them every morning, a quiet ritual.

Alec shifted slightly, letting out a low groan as he stretched, his body naturally leaning closer to Magnus in search of more warmth. His breath was warm against Magnus' skin, sending a ripple of fondness through the warlock's chest.

"Morning," Alec mumbled, his voice thick with sleep.

"Good morning, Alexander," Magnus replied, his voice soft but laced with affection. His fingers continued to dance along Alec's arm, drawing small patterns over his skin.

Alec sighed, a contented sound that rumbled in his throat. He loved these quiet mornings, loved the feeling of Magnus' steady heartbeat under his cheek and the warmth of his arms around him. For a moment, everything felt perfect, as if the world beyond the walls of this little apartment didn’t exist. It was just the two of them, tangled together in a rare moment of peace.

"Why do you have to leave so early?" Magnus asked, his voice a little more pleading than usual. He nuzzled Alec's hair, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. His fingers, still drawing soft patterns, came to rest against the back of Alec's neck, gently massaging the tension there.

Alec chuckled softly, even as he melted further into the touch. "You know how it is," he murmured, his hand sliding to rest over Magnus' chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath. "I’ve got to get to the Institute before the others start their day. It’s the only time I can get a few moments of quiet."

Magnus groaned, a little more dramatic than necessary, his voice almost whiny. "Alec," he said, tightening his grip on him, "just a little longer. Please? I swear I can make your day better if you stay here with me."

Alec chuckled, lifting his head just enough to meet Magnus' eyes, his own eyes still heavy with sleep. "I wish I could, Magnus. But you know I have responsibilities."

"I know, I know," Magnus replied, though the reluctance in his voice was unmistakable. He pulled Alec closer, pressing his lips against the side of Alec’s forehead. "But… just a little longer, please. I’ll make it worth your while."

Alec laughed softly at that, shaking his head, but his body seemed to betray him, relaxing further into the embrace. He never could resist Magnus when he got that look in his eyes—the soft, pleading look that always made Alec's heart do that little flutter.

"How about five more minutes?" Alec suggested, his voice barely above a whisper.

Magnus brightened at that, as if Alec had agreed to stay the whole day. "Five minutes? That sounds fair." He pulled Alec closer, wrapping his arms around him tighter, burying his face in Alec's hair once more. "Five minutes of perfect peace," Magnus murmured, his lips brushing against the soft strands of Alec's dark hair. "Just the two of us."

Alec smiled, his eyes fluttering closed again as he let himself be enfolded in Magnus’ warmth. It was rare to have these moments—moments when the world outside didn’t exist, and it was just them, tangled in the soft sheets of Magnus’ bed. It was moments like this that made all the battles, the fighting, and the dangers of being a Shadowhunter feel a little less weighty. For just a little while, Alec could forget about everything but the comforting presence of the warlock beside him.

Magnus, of course, wasn’t one to simply let things be. He kissed the top of Alec's head again, his lips lingering there for a moment. "You’re so warm," he said quietly, his fingers brushing lightly over Alec’s shoulders, tracing the muscles there. "It’s a good thing you’re so strong, Alec Lightwood. Makes it easy for me to hold you."

Alec's smile deepened, and he shifted just slightly, nestling his head more comfortably against Magnus' chest. "I’m not that strong," he said, his voice soft and sleepy. "You just like to think I am."

Magnus gave a small, fond laugh. "No," he said, his hand sliding down to Alec’s waist, his fingers splaying across the smooth skin there. "I’m not just thinking it. You really are strong. You carry a lot more than anyone knows. And still, you’re always here with me, always making time for us." His voice softened, growing more serious for a moment. "I don’t know how you do it."

Alec was quiet for a long moment, feeling the weight of Magnus' words settle in his chest. "I don’t always know how I do it either," Alec admitted. "But having you here makes it easier. Knowing you’re there when I get back from a mission, knowing you’re… here, with me. That makes it worth it."

Magnus smiled, the soft curve of his lips lighting up his entire face. "You’re not the only one who needs you," he said gently, brushing a thumb over Alec’s jaw. "I need you, too. Every day. Even on the days when you feel like you don’t have anything left to give, I need you. Just like this."

Alec’s heart warmed at the honesty in Magnus’ voice. He lifted his hand to cup Magnus’ cheek, his thumb brushing across the high cheekbone there. "You’ve got me," Alec whispered. "Always."

Magnus’ eyes softened, his gaze full of affection as he leaned into Alec's touch. "I know," he said, his voice a quiet promise. "I know."

The two of them lay there in silence for a long while, the quiet hum of the city outside the only sound that filled the room. The five minutes stretched into ten, and then twenty, and neither of them seemed to mind in the slightest. It felt too good to be like this, too good to pull away.

Finally, after a long, peaceful silence, Alec sighed. "I really should get up," he said reluctantly, his voice heavy with sleep and reluctance. "I can't keep making excuses. Isabelle will kill me if I don't show up on time."

Magnus huffed dramatically, though he didn’t let go of Alec. "Fine," he said, his voice mock-petty. "But just know that I’ll miss you terribly. And I’ll be counting down the minutes until I can have you back here with me."

Alec laughed softly and pulled himself up just enough to look at Magnus. "I’ll miss you too," he said, his fingers brushing through the soft strands of Magnus' hair before he pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. "But you’re right. I’ve got to go."

Magnus grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Promise you’ll come back as soon as you can?"

Alec smiled, his hand lingering on Magnus' cheek. "I promise."

As Alec slipped out of bed and began to pull on his clothes, Magnus watched him, a soft smile still on his lips. Even when the day called him away, Alec always managed to leave a piece of himself behind. And that was more than enough for Magnus—at least until the next time they could steal a little more time, just the two of them, tangled together in the quiet of a peaceful morning.