alec_lightwood | Being kidnapped is not the best way to see the world (for his Magnus)

Alec woke to the sound of arguing and the feeling that his skull would split in two if he did anything more strenuous than breathing too deeply. Something that he doubted he could do judging by the way his chest ached with each inhalation, his body aching as if he'd been thoroughly beaten. Which, Alec realized was true. His memory was hazy but he remembered being attacked, outnumbered and separated from his siblings. He'd fought hard, but he'd been overwhelmed, taking a blow to the head that had caused the world to fade to a terrifying black.

But it seemed that someone had rescued him. Or more than one someone from the voices that argued nearby. Cracking open one eye, he immediately regretted the movement as the flat surface beneath him rocked, almost causing him to be ill. Then, he realized that the surface was moving in a way that meant that he had to be on a boat.

Getting control of his stomach, Alec opened both eyes this time to see that he was on a bed and near the foot three people argued. One had green skin. Another had blue. The other's complexion was a shade that mundanes would have considered normal, if darker than what was socially acceptable.

Their words washed over him but without true context, almost lulling him to sleep despite the harsh tones. Alec began to drift out of consciousness when someone mentioned throwing him off the boat. Since he assumed that they most likely weren't near land and even if they were, he was in no shape to swim to shore, that meant that one of them wanted to kill him. He began to sit up, biting his lip to silence sound that caught in his throat as his body protested the movement. "Killing me would be a bad idea."

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Even if the flush stayed true on her cheeks, she smiled. Hearing him say that she wasn't horrible for wanting to be close to him let her breath easier. Something whispered in her mind one simple truth. She was falling for her nephilim guest. Being told she was important didn't help her stop it either.

It had been a very long time since that happened to her.

Breathing in slowly, she rubbed at his back idly as he complained about being called lovely. "Scars tell stories, Alec. They aren't ugly. They speak of sacrifice and strength. Honor. Valor." She idly touched a scar before meeting his eyes and sending him an adoring smile. "In my eyes... you are lovely. No arguments. I have impeccable vision."

Carefully helping with his shirt, she smoothed it down before letting go for a moment to grab the soft pants. "You're going to have to hold on to me. Whether my head or shoulders." Guiding his hands to her shoulders again, she made sure he was steady first. With that she dipped down and held the pants out for him.

"All right, last thing then we put you to bed. Deal?"

When he saw the blush that brightened her cheeks, Alec couldn't help thinking of how beautiful she was even if that thought was improper considering his lack of clothing. But she was beautiful, the color making her eyes seem brighter and reminding him that she seemed just as nervous about this as he was.

His scars weren't something he hated but they weren't something he was proud of either. They were part of his life, part of who and what he was. Every Nephilim who hunted had them. Magnus made them seem like they were medals instead of just remnants of fights and training. Not that he really deserved to be thought of as a hero since the first time he'd killed a demon was the night Magnus found him. "They don't tell much of a story. I'm not a great hunter. I don't like to kill."

Slowly, he returned that smile, reassured even though he knew the other Shadowhunters thought less of him because of his ideals. "I think you're the only one who sees me."

Which reminded him of how much she could see she pulled down the shirt. For a moment, his hands hovered near her shoulders, eyes wide as he stared at her nervously. It was ridiculous to be shy after she had helped him with his bath, but in ways this seemed more intimate.

Telling himself that there was no reason to be embarrassed, he moved as quickly as he could, stepping into the pants before he lost his equilibrium. As soon as he was sure he wouldn't stumble, he brushed his fingers over her cheek. "Thank you for saving me, Magnus."

Magna reeled at his words. Saying that he didn't like to kill like it was something to be ashamed of... But to her, it had to be the most amazing thing she'd ever heard. Gold eyes brightened and everything seemed to surge forward in one motion. Both hands rose and cupped his face as she lifted up on her toes. Sweetly brushing her lips to his, she smiled as she kissed him.

Without backing too far away, she spoke softly, in a tone that poured out her heart. "Why does a Nephilim's worth lie in how many are killed? Shouldn't it lie in how many lives are saved? The Angel given duty of keeping balance and protecting? Not mindlessly killing." Opening her eyes, she pressed a kiss to the corner of his lips. "Alec... you are the most beautiful angel I've ever met. And I'm sure... I will never meet another like you."

Slipping her fingers away, she sent him a blindingly beautiful smile. "I do see you... and your heart is beautiful." Her skin flushed again, but she didn't back down. Simply lowered off her toes and resumed what she was doing.

Helping him into his pants felt so much easier but more intimate and sweet. It wasn't about sex or the possibility there of... it was about Alec and her so close it meant even more than that sort of intimacy. "You're welcome..." Lifting her head into his touch, she found his eyes as she deftly laced up the back so he'd be fully clothed and more comfortable.

Staying on her knees, she lifted her hand to cover his against her cheek while the other held his hip to keep him steady. "I'm so very glad we met..."

If he hadn't been so surprised by the kiss, Magnus' words would have awed him. They were what he'd always believed in, the ideal Nephilim were supposed to reach for but few bothered with. Later he would think of her words and how important they were, but for now the banished all thoughts of demons and the Clave.

Instead his world was gentle hands on his face and the press of soft lips against his. Bright tingles of warmth ran through him from the kiss, settling in his chest until it felt like he was floating. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the happiness reflected in her golden eyes, dazed by that smile. Trying to remember how to breathe, he looked down at her, giving her a shy, adoring smile. "You're beautiful too, Magnus. I don't... I'm not good with words but I see you as well. I know that you're one of the brightest people I'll ever meet and I wish that I knew how to tell you what I see in you."

It wasn't elegant or witty like Jace or Isabelle would have managed, but it was honest. Maybe Magnus would value that more than eloquence.

As he finished dressing, he tried not to think of how close she was or about how he'd felt when she'd kissed him. Instead, he focused on simple movements, making sure he didn't lose his balance or put too much weight on her shoulders. And the kindness she showed him when so many people would have let him die or let him struggle on his own once he was awake. Still his mind drifted to how intimate this was, like he was the only person who mattered to her and she the only one that mattered to him as well.

Brushing his thumb along the curve of her cheek, he blushed slightly as he smiled. "I'm glad too." Taking the hand she had rested on his hip, he urged her to stand, helping as best he could. "Meeting you was worth the pain it cost to get here."

Since she met Alec, she smiled more than she had in years. Genuine truth and warmth that overflowed inside like a volcano erupting. He sent waves of warmth through him that made her forget all else around her for a blissful moment. Not to mention the lovely taste of Alec's lips after that kiss. It became all too clear to her. She fell and she fell hard for him.

Hearing him say those things made her eyes go out of focus just a moment before she grinned at him lovingly. "Nothing but honesty... it only adds to how amazing I find you. You know that?" Those honest words went further than any pretty flamboyance of language ever could.

Breathing in slowly at the brush of his thumb on her cheek, she carefully rose to her feet. Smiling warmly, she took his hand in hers since he'd pulled her up. "I rather you not be in pain... but you're right, it turned out for the best." The best thing that had ever happened to her possibly. Alec made her dizzy with happiness with the simplest words.

Pulling his arm about her waist, she wrapped her own about his. "Let's get you to bed." Turning them slowly, she guided her young charge back to the bed and helped him lay down. "Mm... yep. I picked the perfect color to bring out your eyes." Smiling at him, she sat on the edge of the bad still holding the one hand. Carefully playing her fingers over his hand, she moved it so they would be intertwined together. It felt almost.... romantic like that.

"They should bring food when the cook is done. You're all right? Should I go dig up something in the meantime?" The hand not in his rose to gently sweep his hair back and out of his eyes. No matter how tired she felt, she would rather run around to get him all that he could possibly need. Tracing the side of his face, she smiled lovingly.

His words might lack eloquence, but when he saw Magnus' expression, he knew that they had been enough. That brightness that caused his breath to catch seemed to light up the entire room. And that look, that smile, was for him. The thought seemed to banish the shadows that lingered in his heart, driving away the hurt and doubt that accompanied his infatuation with his parabtai. Whenever he'd thought of Jace, he'd felt like less, knowing his feelings would never be returned, but Magnus made him feel like more.

If he wasn't so caught up in her happiness and his own, he might have been shocked by the idea that he was falling for her but instead he only wanted to stay near her and make her smile again. Laughing softly, he squeezed her hand as Magnus stood. "I'd prefer not being in pain too. I don't enjoy getting hurt." Not like Jace seemed to. His parabatai seemed to enjoy getting beaten up on a regular basis.

With his arm around Magnus, whatever embarrassment he might have felt over needing help to move to the bed was completely forgotten. He felt lighter when she was near, his feet seeming to barely touch the floor despite how carefully they moved. Alec couldn't remember when he'd been so happy simply from being close to someone. Even during the worst of his crush on Jace, he'd never felt such happiness.

Before he climbed into bed, he pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head in silent thanks for her help. Once he was settled, he finally noticed the color of the bedding and what she said about her choice. "You picked the sheets to match my eyes?" Thought caused his blush to return. Izzy talked about coordinating colors when trying to get him out of his 'drab' wardrobe but he'd never heard of color discussed in such a way for bedding.

He wanted to ask why but the answer might force him to think of all those rules of propriety that they were ignoring. Then Alec might be forced to pull his hand away when he wanted Magnus to stay at his side for as long as she could before her duties forced her to leave. "I'm all right. I can wait to eat." And even if he was starving, he doubted he'd tell her since that would mean she'd leave him.

Smiling as she brushed his hair away from his face, he began to notice how tired she looked, thinking of how much energy it must have cost her to heal him. Magnus wouldn't allow him to rest on the couch and it was unfair that she would be uncomfortable while watching over him. "You can lie down with me if you want." It was improper, but after helping him bathe and letting her see him naked, it seemed foolish to follow those rules.

"Any sane person wouldn't enjoy pain. And considering I don't feel myself all the way on the sane side of the line, it's not even something I think insane people always like." Winking at him playfully, she knew it was a stretch. Some of the mentally disturbed liked pain. But not the majority. Of that she was pretty certain.

"Silly topics aside..." She winked at him playfully while settling him in. Her smile stayed warm and please as she felt him kiss into her hair. "You really do need to rest." Her grin broadened at the mention of the sheets before she tipped her head. "Not just your eyes... it looks amazing with your hair and skin tone." Which instantly drew up memories of his naked form splayed over the silk sheets and causing her face to heat up instantly. Breathing in through parted lips, gold darkened just a little. "It's a lovely sight..."

Settling on the edge of the bed, she leaned close, dark raven's wing hair sliding forward as she kissed his forehead. It brushed his cheek even as she lifted away. "All right. If you're sure... I don't want you to get hungry..."

What she'd not really thought he'd ask was to join him. Her mind flicked back to the pretty image of him in the sheets bare and quickly got shoved back into her mind so she could think clearly. Not out... no... she had a feeling she'd treasure every memory of him. Even if they were more like fantasies. Moving slowly, she took her belt off and dropped it on the floor. Shifting to slip into hollow of his form on the bed, she caught his hand and softly traced her fingertips over it. "You're okay with this? Me being this close?"

The comment about insanity had him momentarily wondering about Jace and his need to pick fights with demons that were 'mostly extinct.' It would explain so much about his parabatai's behavior and his confusion when Alec didn't think it was fun to almost be eaten by things that shouldn't exist. "I think it depends on the type of insanity."

Not that that it said much about his sanity since he followed Jace into those crazy situation and ended up getting beat up regularly. His mental state might be in question, but he knew that Magnus was sane, even if some people might think risking her life for someone she'd never met was a sign that she should be in an asylum. "I don't think you're crazy, Magnus, but you do crazy things. Like rescuing me."

As he relaxed into the mattress, he closed his eyes for a moment, surprised that he didn't instantly fall asleep. "I know I do. Moving around was more tiring than I expected." At least physically tiring. Being near Magnus seemed to energize his thoughts, making him hate the idea of sleeping since that would mean she'd leave him even if he knew that she had to.

Blinking up at her, he ignored his exhaustion, blushing brighter at how Magnus wanted to match his coloration with the bedding, thinking of her comment about wanting to touch him. Alec was inexperienced but he knew enough from Jace's stories to have an idea of some of the things she might be thinking of. Things that he'd never thought he'd consider but couldn't help thinking of when he saw her eyes go dark before she kissed his forehead.

Carefully scooting over to give her more room he squeezed her hand when she curled up beside him. Wrapping his arm around her, he sighed softly, the aches that had been bothering him seeming to fade away with Magnus near. For a moment, he considered her question, trying to understand why she'd think he wouldn't want her near. His protests about her reputation had been to protect her, not because he didn't want her close. "I'm okay with it, Magnus. Why wouldn't I be?"

Looking at him thoughtfully, she tipped her head and gently gathered his hand. Pulling it up, she kissed his palm sweetly. "Sometimes people want physical pain to drown out the pain inside. I have seen that." She saw it in Will. The poor boy tortured himself nonstop. Hopefully that wouldn't be the case with Alec even if he was part of Will's family.

Shifting, she slowly lowered herself onto the bed. "Thank you for your vote of confidence in my sanity." Laughing softly, she scooted back into his body and closed her eyes as Alec wrapped his arm about her waist. Continuing to gently trace his fingers and his hand, she felt the purr rising in her chest. Part of her said don't... but she still began to purr quietly.

Pulling his hand to her chest, she knew it likely wasn't the best idea. Trying not to upset him, she went higher than planned to keep him from dying from blushing. Pressing his palm against soft bare skin over the rise of her breasts, she breathed in to sigh softly. "I wanted to be sure... I'm happy you want me close.." More than she could even begin to explain. Her heart skipped a few beats as she covered his hand with her own.

"Mm... if they come looking for me... and I'm asleep... it'd better be an emergency or I'm turning them all into newts. You can tell them that too." Not only because she was tired... but because he made her feel warm and safe in his arms. Part of her whispered 'bad idea' but most of her told that part to 'stuff it'.

"I think my parabatai is like that. He thinks we shouldn't love him so he does things to try to push us away or hurt himself." It wasn't a subject that he wanted to think about. Not when his thoughts of Jace were blurring around the edges, turning dim as he spent more time with Magnus.

As he snuggled closer to her, he paused when he heard a sound that sounded suspiciously like a purr. He began to ask, then reconsidered, unsure of how she might react to his curiosity. Then the question was answered as Magnus placed his palm against her chest, the purr vibrating gently along his fingers.

It was easier to pretend that the tingling against his palm was because of the purr and not because he was touching bare skin, feeling the steady rhythm of her heart fluttering beneath his hand. "I want to keep you near." He couldn't be selfish about it - her crew needed her - but he could wish to be, pretending for awhile that no one would disturb them.

"Ducks." The suggestion was slightly slurred with sleep as exhaustion finally began to tug him under. "Used to scare my foster brother with them." Not often, just those few times when Jace was being particularly obnoxious and Alec knew there was no other way to teach his parabatai a lesson. He began to explain about Jace's strange fear of ducks, but as he spoke the sound of Magnus' purr and his weariness got the better of him. His voice slowly trailed off until his breathing steadied to a quiet snore as he held Magnus close, afraid to let her go.

"Oh? Reminds me of Will then..." It was an offhanded tired comment. She really didn't think it through. Nor did she think through the next words. "Sometimes... maybe all the time... I'm loud and obnoxious to cover my fear." And pain. All one bright and fast burning to cover the fear and pain that simmered in the core of her being. But it did't matter.

And with the way he felt curled around her, it was unlikely that Magnus would leave that room without being threatened. When he said he wanted her close, she had a feeling that likely wouldn't help motivate her to peel away from him even with threats. Smiling beautifully, she tipped her head to touch her forehead to the underside of his chin. Eyes closed, she hummed a happy sound and purred a little more noticebly. "Then keep me near as long as you want me."

His parabatai sounded more and more like Will Herondale. It puzzled her completely. But she really didn't want to think about it. "I'm not that fond of guinea pigs anymore so I can sympathize with him. A little I suppose?" Reaching up slowly, she slid her fingers along the sign of his face and smiled as he seemed to just drift off. Shifting closer and settling comfortably in his arms, she let her eyes close again and let his warmth and feeling of his heart against her back slowly lull her to sleep.

She didn't even move when the sound of a knock landed on the door a little over an hour later when they brought the food.