As time goes by
It had been a nice party. They had all gathered at the loft and it had been one of the best parties that their guests could remember. Everyone had actually joined the event: Clary and Jace, and Izzy and Simon, both couples with their children and grandchildren, Catarina, Raphael, and also Maryse, now old and still not recovering from Luke’s loss, but still wanting to be there, for his son's sixtieth birthday. Max and Rafael in turn had come from the countries where they served - after all, they all were only a portal away - also accompanied by their families. Because of course, even Malec, as they were known by now in the Shadow World, as if they were the main characters of a fanfiction, they had now become grandparents.
Therefore, it had been a crowded party: almost a banquet, ending with a huge cake, many toasts, hugs, kisses, gifts, and even a few tears.
Because inexorably time was going by.
Not many shadowhunters usually reached seniority, yet they still were all alive and together; despite all the missions and the danger they had run into, even with a few more scars, they could celebrate not only Alec crossing that line, but also themselves, as warriors, Nephilims and Downworlders, which by now had almost become a legend.
Little by little, the guests had left. Only the boys were still there and Alec heaved a sigh of relief. Over the years, his social skills had improved, but old Alec, that introverted boy, a bit grumpy and loving quiet evenings spent on the sofa, still existed. He had been absolutely happy to seize the opportunity to hug his siblings and friends, but now a small quiet was everything he wanted. Moreover, his grandchildren had taken him away; he had been playing with them the whole afternoon and now he was almost exhausted. Well, he was sixty now.…
“Dad, we're leaving too - Max said - children are tired, and I suppose you are either. So goodbye, see you soon ”. He and his husband picked up one child each and Max opened a portal to his home. “Yes, Max is right - said Rafael, taking his wife Helena and their child by the hand - let's go home, you should rest now. Max, would you mind opening a portal for us too? " "Sure". Everyone hugged their fathers and grandparents one last time. “Happy birthday one more time, dad. Papa, thank you for everything, it’s been a great party ” “ See you soon, sweethearts”.
And they all disappeared through the two portals.
Alec sighed again. "Well, it was nice, but frankly now I just need to stay with you" and approached Magnus intending to hug him. “Don’t, my dear nephilim - Magnus said smiling - tidies up first. Isn't that something like 'duty first pleasure afterward' in your shadowhunter mode? " Alec laughed. "Yeah, sure, luckily my husband is a warlock!"
And as a matter of fact, with a single wave of his hand, Magnus quickly tidied up the living room, transferring the leftovers to the fridge and the dishes to the dishwasher which, obediently, set in motion instantly.
"Well. May I have my husband for myself now? " Alec asked. Soon they were ready for sleeping and lay down on their bed.
Alec curled up against Magnus, resting his head on his shoulder and hugging him. Magnus started to stroke his hair - once raven black, now gray-sprayed - then his face and the small wrinkles around his eyes, hint of a thousand shared laughs. He looked at his man just like staring at a work of art, fascinated and amazed, and grateful to life that had given him this gift. Alec returned that tender gaze, running his eyes over that loved face and body, still unchanged over the years, astounded as always that such beauty belonged to him, although he couldn’t know for how long yet.
“Penny for your thoughts?" he asked Magnus. He had a look like someone who had been living for such a long time and seeing a lot.
“I was thinking about how lucky I was. Since I didn't know that life, even for a warlock, could save some surprises, when it looked so unrealistic. I look at you, and after so many years I still can't believe that you chose me that day. Hold me, please ".
Alec smiled. "Well, maybe now you could really believe it." Silence fell between them. "You're also thinking how long we'll be able to stay together still, right?"
Magnus didn't answer but tightened his grip. Then he started again to caress Alec’s face, neck, chest, leaving a trail of small wet kisses along his way.
"You're beautiful." "Not anymore, I'm old now," Alec smiled.
"Shut up. I look at you and I always see that eighteen-year-old clumsy boy back then, to my eye you haven't changed at all" " By the Angel! - Alec exclaimed - I wished I had learned something in the meantime! ".
They both burst out laughing, throwing their heads back. Then Alec kissed the hollow between Magnus’ neck and shoulder, inhaling his smell. "I've always loved cuddles - he said - but now ... make love to me. I'm yours, forever, whatever that means ” he whispered. “Forever” Magnus answered softly.