Chapter Text
As Alec got closer to the restaurant, his nerves started to get the best of him. Out of habit, he went to adjust his quiver, only to remember he hadn’t brought it with him. He had his Stele, and a Seraph blade if he needed it. Being prepared had been hardwired into his being from a young age.
The morning had warmed considerably and he’d already unbuttoned the end of his sleeves, rolled them a bit and shoved them over his elbows. Upon catching a glimpse of his own reflection in a shop window, he paused briefly. Clary, and Isabelle had done a good job ensuring he still looked like himself, yet his appearance showed he’d he’d actually put work into it for Magnus. Back on his way, he shoved his hands into the pockets of his jeans, the Stele in one pocket, the grip for his blade in the other. The familiar objects brought him comfort.
He rounded the corner, and found Magnus had beaten him. For a second, Alec froze, just to take the sight in. The warlock stood, inspecting his nails, which were either a glittery black, or deep blue. His hair stood at attention, deep purple streaking throughout. The magenta button up (could it really be called that, when it was practically unbuttoned?) had a busy pattern of blues, whites, and golds. Charms dangled on the golden chains of his necklaces. Trousers fit in all the right places, and the dark blue dress shoes with the white gold laces finished off the look. All in all, this was likely as close to casual as Magnus ever got.
A slight smiled tugged at the warlock’s lips, and his eyes flicked over to Alec, who realized that Magnus had known he’d been standing there all along. The Shadowhunter forced himself forward, finding each step easier than the last till he was within the gravity of Magnus Bane. “Hey.”
Magnus practically beamed. “Hey.”
Alec rubbed the back of his neck, unable to stop the nervous gesture. “So, should we…?” he motioned to the door.
“Go inside?” Magnus, bless him, took the lead, and opened the door. “After you.”
Alec thanked him, and took a quick look around once they were inside. He’d been there before, with Isabelle, and Jace. The little mundane run breakfast nook doubled as a bakery. While they didn’t frequent there, (after hunts, it was always easier to go to a Downworlder establishment. No need for glamour, and as gross as demon ichor and/or blood was, sometimes a ‘we didn’t die’ meal was called for,) he still knew the place well enough.
In a few seconds, he recalled the layout, which was quite simple. The aisle from the door shot straight out the back door, (which lead into an alleyway that was blocked off by a eight foot chainlink fence on the west side.) To the left of this aisle was a glass case full of wonderful freshly baked goods, the till, and further back was the kitchen, which has a secondary exit. To the right of the aisle were small tables with two chairs, and slightly larger tables with four alternating down the row, pressed against the wall were booths that could fit four to six people, and there were a few tables right up at the window which were naturally the first ones taken.
Next, he glanced over the people. A few elderly couples. A man eating alone with a newspaper in hand. A couple of parents trying to reign in their young children’s excitement. A woman sitting with her son stared at them, her nose wrinkled slightly. Alec vaguely wondered what it was that bothered her; his permanent runes, or the fact that Magnus was guiding him with a hand on the small of his back toward the table by hers, one of the few left. In his head, they would have gotten a nice seat by the window, or something more private like the back booth. Being in the middle of it all bothered him, made him feel exposed, vulnerable.
Magnus pulled out the chair for him, and he couldn’t help but smile widely, even if he felt uncomfortable with it. “Thanks.”
Magnus’s hand grazed over his shoulder, before he went to the other side of the table to sit down. “I must admit, I’ve never been here before. What would you recommend?”
Alec noticed the little boy turn in his seat, following the burning glare of his mother. The boy stared a minute before he settled back in his seat. “Uh,” Alec shook his head, praying to the Angel that he could just make a full sentence without sounding like an idiot. “The waffles are amazing. I find I get sick of pancakes after the first one, but Jace he’ll…” The parabatai rune burned and he let out an audible gasp.
The pain on his face must have been apparent, because Magnus was immediately leaning over the table, grabbing his hand. “Alexander?”
“I’m okay,” he said quickly, the pain already subsiding. “The rune just-“
“But I don’t get it!” The boy said loudly, and Alec stopped at the outburst. “Why can’t boys hold hands?”
At the question, Magnus glanced over his shoulder, a mischievous smirk on his face. “They can.”
The boy quickly turned in his seat, big green eyes staring at Magnus in awe. The kid appeared frozen, save for his eyes that darted over the hair, the glittery eyeliner, and bold fashion of the man. Finally, he frowned, and with great sorrow said; “Mom says they can’t.”
Magnus held tight to Alec’s hand, thumb brushing over the Lightwood ring, and lifted it. “Can so.”
By the Angel, all I wanted was breakfast. “Magnus,” Alec hissed, feeling his face heat up. His eyes looked down at the table, not wanting to see the accusing look in the woman’s eyes that would remind him so much of his own mother.
“See mom,” the boy turned back, and returned to his chocolate chip pancakes. “They can so.”
“Brian, sit down and eat your breakfast,” his mother scolded.
The middle-aged waitress came over, note pad in hand, pencils sticking out of her messy bun. “What can I get for you gentlemen?”
Alec ordered the waffles with coffee, and Magnus, trusting his judgement, ordered the same. Alec gave the warlock a small smile. “I don’t know why, but it’s hard to picture you drinking coffee.”
Magnus draped his arm over the back of his chair, clearly a man who was comfortable in his skin. “I don’t indulge in mimosas until at least noon.”
“Your self-control is noted,” Alec said, as his fingers busied around the napkin creating small rips around the edges.
“Are you teasing me?” His long, delicate hands went to the skin of his chest, and toyed with the necklaces. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”
Alec swallowed hard as his eyes followed the man’s fingers over the expanse of skin. It was so distracting that he didn’t even notice the woman return with their coffees, nor set down the little bowl of milk and creamers.
Magnus hands returned to the table, and as he shifted forward, their little table in the middle of a crowded room felt private. “Are you sure you’re alright?”
“Yeah, I think it’s just… we’re Parabatai, and we’re so far from one another. Physically.” Alec grimaced. “Emotionally. Sometimes when I think of him it burns. Maybe it’s because the bond is so stretched, maybe it’s still open somehow from when I last tried to track him.” He ran his hand over the rune. “There isn’t a lot to go on,” he admitted trying to swallow down the fear. “I’ve asked around. I’ve looked into what data the Clave has on computer. I’ve scoured the libraries. There is nothing on a bond fraying like this. Either the bond is solid, or it breaks.” He shrugged. “Sorry. I didn’t intend on talking about him on our first date.”
“He’s a big part of your life, Alec, it would be a gaping hole if you avoided every story involving him. He’s your best friend. He is your Parabatai.” Magnus looked like he was about to say more, but instead sat back as their meals arrived.
The plates of crisp, golden waffles were set before them. A little bowl of fresh butter, and a jar of maple syrup were also placed upon the table. “Would either of you like jam for your waffles. We make both strawberry, and raspberry here.”
Magnus’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh, strawberry sounds lovely.”
“I’m fine, thanks,” Alec replied.
The waitress gave a nod, and hurried off.
“How is Jocelyn?” Magnus asked.
“She’s good. I think, anyway. I don’t spend a lot of time with her to be honest. She spent a couple days being ‘asked questions,’ by Clave officials.” Alec rolled his eyes. “They said it like she had a choice, when we all knew she didn’t. I think it’s hard on Clary, to have her mother back, but… not really.”
Magnus nodded. “That does sound like the Clave.” His eyes drifted away as the waitress returned with a little bowl of jam. “Thank you.”
The woman smiled. “You’re welcome, enjoy!”
Now that Magnus had everything, Alec felt okay eating, and started cutting into his waffles. “Are you sure you don’t want any jam?” Magnus asked, as he slathered some on his waffles.
Alec waited until he was done chewing the first bite. “I’m sure.”
“Don’t tell me you don’t like strawberries.”
“I do.” Alec gave a half-hearted shrug. “I just don’t like sweet things in the morning.”
Magnus pouted. “Are you saying I’m not sweet?”
Alec nearly dropped his fork, and looked over at Magnus, who seemed to delight in his dear-stuck-in-headlights look. Alec chewed the inside of his cheek for a minute. “Well,” he drawled out. “There are exceptions to every rule.”
Magnus beamed. His eyes widened, and seemed brighter than before. Finally, he broke his gaze from Alec, and started cutting into his own stack of waffles. Alec watched, hoping that Magnus enjoyed them, since he had basically chosen the place and the order. He had the joy of seeing the immediate smile that followed the first bite, and the little moan of pleasure that came with it.
“Good?” Alec asked.
“Amazing,” Magnus corrected. “Are you sure you don’t want to break that ‘no sweets in the morning’ rule?” His fork held another square, filled with strawberry jam.
The thought of Magnus feeding him managed to seem both silly, and romantic. Alec glanced around, wishing now that he’d chosen somewhere less busy- however, this was the place for breakfast.
“I’m not pushing,” Magnus whispered, eyes locked on to Alec’s. “Just offering.”
“I-I know,” Alec breathed. “Just… just a bite.”
Alec leaned forward and opened his mouth. The feeling of silliness left under the intensity of Magnus’s stare, especially since he too had leaned forward. With the sweet taste of strawberry on his tongue, his lips closed against the fork as Magnus pulled it back, and before Alec could so much as take a breath, Magnus’s lips were against his. Just a quick peck, and yet Alec swore his IQ dropped by twenty points for a few seconds as he stared dumbly with a closed lip smile.
“How does it taste?” Magnus asked, only then did Alec remember to chew.
He swallowed hard, realizing that if he were to kiss Magnus later, he’d likely find the taste of that strawberry jam on his tongue. “It’s good,” he managed, wincing. “It’s really good.” Still didn’t manage to convey what he wanted. “I liked your lips more,” he blurted- and immediately wanted to die.
Magnus appeared pleased however. “I think the strawberry would taste better off your tongue.”
The fork fell from Alec’s fingers, making a loud clanging sound off the plate. Embarrassed, he glanced around, but no one was paying him any mind. He picked it back up, and risked looking over at the warlock. Magnus was still wearing a confident smile, with just a hint of mischief. Desperate to even the playing field, he stabbed one of his own waffle squares, and dipped it into the bowl of jam. “Maybe you’ll find out later.”
Magnus’s eyes widened, and his jaw slackened just slightly in surprise. Alec felt a bit of personal triumph.
The horrible choking sound brought Alec out of their private conversation, and back to the room. His training had him focusing on the location of the sound. The little boy, Brian, made terrible desperate noises, trying to dislodge what had caught in his throat.
“Brian!” his mother screamed, frantically looking around. “Someone, help!”
Before she’d even gotten out her plea, Alec had already been out of his seat. He pulled the child from the chair, and had to get down to his knees to get to the right height, bracing the child’s back to his chest. His right hand balled into a fist, left draped over it, and found the proper positioning. Three upward thrusts, and the child managed to spit up a chunk of half chewed pancake. The kid sucked in a big breath, and practically sank back against Alec, gasping in air.
“Oh my God!” The mother sunk to her knees, tears making her eyes appear to glitter. She pulled the child from Alec, and into her own chest, clutching the boy’s shirt. “Brian, are you okay.”
The kid sucked in a breath. “Yeah,” he said on a sigh.
There was a spattering of applause from other patrons, and Alec realized they had gathered a bit of an audience. He shifted to get to his feet, only to have the woman grab his wrist. He paused, and stared at her. She sniffled a bit, desperately holding onto her son. “Thank you.”
Brian turned quickly, looking up at him with a shy, embarrassed smile. “Yeah. Thanks.”
He nodded. “No problem,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck, unsure what to do with the praise. To avoid further awkwardness, he got back to his feet and returned to the table- feeling Magnus’s stare every step of the way.
“Very impressive,” Magnus commented.
“Not really,” Alec said, settling back in. “It’s nothing compared to hunting a Du’sien demon.”
The warlock shook his head. “Do not dismiss your heroics.” He shot the Shadowhunter an exaggerated wink. “They’re definitely very sexy.”
Alec raised a brow. “Half chewed pancake, sexy?”
Magnus shot him a dry stare at the comment. “She hadn’t even finished calling for aid, but you were already there, doing something about it.”
“I was trained to,” Alec said dismissively.
“You reacted so fast-“
“Trained,” Alec drawled out, like he was speaking to someone particularly slow-minded.
Magnus huffed out a breath. “You were in your element, you knew what needed to be done, and you took charge, and did it. It was hot. That’s what I’m saying.”
Alec looked down at his plate when he couldn’t stop the wide grin from spreading. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d smiled like this, for so long that his face actually hurt. They made small talk. Alec talked about Isabelle, and Clary, while Magnus spoke of Chairman Meow, and a pain-in-the-ass client.
Their conversation was once again broken up by Brian, who stood by their table, staring at Alec. “I just… I wanted to thank you. That was scary.”
“Just, be careful from now on, okay?” Alec said.
The kid nodded. “I will.” He glanced over at his mother, who was paying at the register. “Bye.” They both waved, and he rejoined his mom, holding her hand as they left the restaurant.
Their conversation returned with a mix of flirtation- mostly from Magnus. He even suggested a walk in the park when they were done. Alec knew that Isabelle or Clary would call him if anything happened at the institute, and since his phone hadn’t gone off yet, he agreed.
They finished their plates, and Alec noticed that Magnus had started staring longingly at the sweets in the glass case. “You ready for that walk?” Alec asked.
“Sounds lovely,” Magnus agreed.
They both stood, making their way over to the register, Alec pulled his wallet out from the back of his jeans. Magnus’s hand draped over his. “I’ll get it,” Magnus said.
“No, I asked you out,” Alec said firmly.
“I asked you out first, you simply changed it from drinks to breakfast,” Magnus argued.
“Actually,” their waitress, who now stood behind the register said. “It’s free. The mother of that kid you saved paid your tab.”
Both of them stood there in shock. “Huh,” Magnus shook his head. “Didn’t see that coming.”
“Then six of the chocolate covered strawberries then,” Alec ordered, pulling out the money. As she boxed them up, he leaned so his lips would be right by Magnus’s ear. “You might like strawberries, but I really like chocolate.” When he leaned back and saw Magnus’s expression, all awestruck wide eyes, jaw dropped; his nerves evaporated.
“Huh,” Magnus managed. “Didn’t see that coming either.”
Maybe it was just being around Magnus, enjoying the company, sharing stories, and flirtation, but Alec felt bold. He tucked the change into his pocket, grabbed the box of chocolates, and placed his hand on the small of Magnus’s back. Even the warlock looked surprised, but more than happy. “Ready?”
“For anything.”