Malec Moments

The City of Love

Paris was the most ancient city Alec had ever visit and the most beautiful aside from Alicante. After three days, he was finally starting to get his bearings but was still overwhelmed by the elegance and grace of the city. He now knew exactly where their hotel was located and had a vague sense of what he would find if he walked in any direction from the hotel.

Magnus knew Alec had never been to Paris, or anywhere other than New York and Idris, due to his parent's punishment for their association with Valentine many years ago. As a result, Magnus had shown him all his favorite things about Paris over the last three days.

They spent their mornings eating crepes and sipping coffee in cafes along the streets. They watched the Parisians walking hurriedly to their destinations. They were easy to spot as they had a sense of purpose to their strides. The city's visitors seemed to meander, stopping to look at interesting architecture and historical buildings.

They spent an afternoon at the Louvre. Magnus showed Alec his favorite paintings and sculptures, many of which he claimed to have witnessed their creation. Alec could never tell if Magnus was being honest or just making conversation, but knowing Magnus, he likely was around when at least a few of the artworks were made.

Alec was completely overwhelmed by the Louvre. The sheer size of the museum was staggering, and the architecture of the building was a work of art itself. Walking through a doorway was like stepping back in time. Though art was not necessarily his thing- he was sure Jace and Clary would have appreciated it much more than he did- he was still in awe of the number of famous and magnificent art he saw there.

On the second day, Magnus took him on a riverboat cruise of the River Seine. The river snakes through the city and offers views of many of the most well-known sites in Paris. Alec got his first view of the Eiffel Tower, saw the Orsay and Louvre Museums, and many splendid churches and cathedrals, including Notre Dame. Crossing the river were numerous grand bridges. Alec was sure their river cruise lasted longer than the brochure said it should, and had a suspicion that Magnus's magic had something to do with the extended length. But he was grateful for it. The cruise was one of the most romantic things he'd ever done.

Everywhere he looked there seemed to be coupled in various positions of love. Some were simply holding hands, others kissing along the riverbank, and still others in positions that would make Isabelle tell them to 'get a room.' Alec glanced down at his hand, entwined in Magnus's, and smiled. He wasn't sure if he would ever get used to holding hands with Magnus in public, but at least here in Paris, he was starting to become more comfortable with it.

When their cruise finally ended, they strolled the banks of the river, hand in hand just like so many other couples they had seen that day. In the shadow of a magnificent bridge, Magnus pushed Alec up against the wall, gently stroked Alec's cheek and jawline with his thumb, and whispered 'I love you' before leaning in and kissing him breathless.

They returned to their hotel, a grand, old-fashioned hotel, with an enormous open lobby full of antique furniture and décor. A two-story chandelier hung from the center of the lobby, conjuring images of grand ballrooms, expensive gowns and suits, and fine dining. Alec didn't know if any of these things existed at the hotel, but his imagination was working overtime.

Their room was a large, open suite with a king-size bed draped in silk sheets and plush bedding. Alec had never slept on something so comfortable. Though they had shared a bed the last two nights, they had still not slept together. Magnus seemed to be willing to let Alec have as much time as he needed, and Alec still wasn't sure he was ready.

On the third day in Paris, they did a little shopping, much to Alec's chagrin. He hated shopping and didn't enjoy being Magnus's dress-up doll, being made to adorn numerous outfits that weren't his style. Of course, if you asked Magnus, Alec didn't have a style. Alec was a good sport about it all, though. He finally relented and allowed Magnus to purchase (at least he thought Magnus purchased it) an expensive suit for him.

"I want you to wear that tonight, Alexander," Magnus said as they left the store. "I have something special planned for us." Magnus's eyes were twinkling, and Alec felt an inexplicable sense of dread.

Alec's fears turned out to be completely unfounded. What he had thought Magnus was going to do that would be so awful, he really couldn't say, and now he felt stupid for ever fearing Magnus's intentions.

As the sunset, the temperature dropped. A cool breeze wafted off the Seine. Alec was thankful Magnus had requested he wears the suit. The added layers of clothing offered protection from the wind.

They were standing on the balcony at the top of the Eiffel Tower, and they were alone. Alec had no idea how Magnus had arranged this, or if any of the tower guards even knew they were there. He knew Magnus was fully capable of creating strong glamours and could easily hide them from mundane sight if he wished.

The Eiffel Tower was glowing a brilliant blue against the night sky. Magnus led him around the tower, giving him a full 360-degree view of the city in lights, which was spectacular. The ancient buildings with their faces aglow were breathtaking. The city lights reflected off the glass top riverboats on the Seine, twinkling like earthbound stars. The pyramid at the Louvre was lit up like a prism.

Alec noticed a small table that he was sure had been there a moment ago. Upon the table were two glasses of champagne. Alec sipped from his glass, the bubbles tingling his nose, as he watched Magnus. Magnus appeared deep in thought and Alec wondered where his mind had gone.

"Have you done this before?" he asked Magnus, pulling him from whatever reverie had held him.

"What?" Magnus asked, confused momentarily. "Oh, well, that would be in the past, wouldn't it? We live in the present, Alexander. There is no need to dredge up the past." His tone was offhanded, a reminder that Alec had promised not to ask him about his past.

Alec shrugged and finished his champagne. Magnus pulled him close, downing his drink and setting their glasses aside. Between the champagne, the dizzying height of the Eiffel Tower itself, and the pounding of his heart as Magnus held him, Alec felt his knees weaken. Magnus's hand gently traced the curves of Alec's cheek, sending a thrill through his body.

"I love you, Alexander Lightwood," Magnus whispered, his lips barely brushing Alec's. Magnus wrapped him in his arms, pressing his body to Alec's and kissed him.

Alec had no recollection of anything but Magnus's touch, his kisses until they were sitting on the bed in their hotel room, their coats haphazardly discarded onto chairs in the corner. On the bedside table were an empty bottle of champagne and a bowl of strawberry greens that had recently been attached to chocolate-covered strawberries, which they had taken turns feeding each other. Magnus placed the last one between Alec's teeth, and kissed him, sensually biting the strawberry in half in the process.

Magnus caressed Alec's back and shoulders, kissing him thoroughly. His hands slid to the front of Alec's shirt and started unbuttoning it. He paused, searching for Alec's face, trying to determine how his advances were being received. Without hesitation, Alec clasped the back of Magnus's neck and kissed him. Within moments, Magnus slipped Alec's shirt from his body and tossed it onto the floor.

"Alec?" he said, questioningly, looking for reassurance. He knew Magnus's reservations. Magnus was concerned Alec was not in control of his faculties. The champagne had not made him intoxicated but had helped to settle his nerves. He wasn't afraid of taking the next step with Magnus. He wanted the warlock more than he'd ever wanted anything.

Alec trained his eyes on Magnus's, blue on green-gold. "I don't want you to stop, Magnus. I'm ready," he said in a breathless whisper.

"Are you sure?" Magnus asked.

Alec nodded. "I'm sure. I love you."