Work Text:
Rose Quartz
A stone of unconditional love and peace.
——
Magnus stared at Avengers Tower with wide eyes. He couldn’t quite believe that he was there. He should be back at his apartment with his roommate T.J., but instead he was there with Percy Jackson, the one and only Iron Man. He had met Percy before, since his cousin Annabeth was in a relationship with the billionaire, but it was still a bit of a shock whenever he saw the hero himself.
“I’ll find someone to give you the grand tour, I’ve got some meeting with Annabeth to attend in-” Percy checked his watch. “-six minutes.”
Magnus tilted his head to the side. “Why do I need a whole tour? I thought I was just here to pick up some experimental web fluid?” He asked in confusion.
Percy looked at him as if he had grown an extra head. “You mean you’re not moving in?” He sputtered.
“Nah, I can’t just abandon my roommate!” The blonde laughed. “Although, I’ll still take the tour if it’ll make you feel better.”
The billionaire sighed, muttering something about Annabeth lying to him under his breath. He gestured for Magnus to follow him inside the tower. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his trousers as they entered the elevator.
“JARVIS, is anyone free right now?” Percy asked as the floor numbers grew higher and higher.
“Ms. McLean is in the kitchen, sir.” The AI system responded almost immediately. “Shall I ask her to give Mr. Chase a tour?”
“Sure.”
“How does it know my name?” Magnus whispered, eyeing Percy curiously.
“JARVIS knows everything...well, sort of. He doesn’t know anything personal. The moment you stepped into the tower he did a quick scan of you, mostly to make sure you weren’t a threat.” Percy explained, glancing out the glass walls of the elevator.
“Oh, okay.” Magnus nodded slowly.
“Ms. McLean has agreed to give the tour, sir.” The AI system said just as the elevator stopped.
“Wonderful!” Percy said as they stepped out of the elevator. “Piper!” He called out.
Magnus looked around with wide eyes. They were seemingly on the living floor of the tower. The living room was huge, so much larger than the one his apartment had, and the kitchen...he had no words to describe the kitchen. There was a brief moment of panic when he noticed a woman walking towards them. He sent a silent prayer to god that he didn’t look stupid.
“You must be Magnus.” She said, a warm smile gracing her features. “Piper McLean.” She held out her hand for him to shake.
“Y-Yeah, I’m Magnus.” He laughed awkwardly, feeling his face heat up as he shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Now that you two are acquainted, I have business to attend to.” Percy said. He gave Piper a pat on the shoulder before he headed towards the elevator.
Piper rolled her eyes as Percy left. “Asshole.” She muttered lightheartedly under her breath. “Here, let me give you the “grand” tour.” She said, enunciating “grand” with finger quotes.
——
“Usually, we don’t go down here much, we just send Jackson’s interns down here, but it’s good to let you know so you don’t get curious and sneak down here.” Piper explained as the elevator dived into the depths under the tower.
Magnus frowned in confusion, looking around. He didn’t even know there was anything under the tower. Should he be concerned? Most likely. “What’s down here?” He asked, shoving his hands into the pockets of his green hoodie.
The elevator dinged, then the doors slid open. The pair stepped out into the warehouse-looking underground.
“It’s mostly used for storage, but we also keep high-level threats down here.” Piper said slowly, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Follow me.” She nodded her head to their right, then began to walk.
“What kind of high-level threats? Like missiles and stuff?” He asked, his brows furrowing.
“No, well- yes we keep weapons down here, but those aren’t what I’m referring to. Think more...intergalactic.”
Piper led him to a large steel door, accompanied by a keycard lock. She reached into the pocket of her jacket, taking out a keycard. She swiped it across the lock, a small light turning green before the doors slid open. She took slow steps into the room, the short heels of her combat boots thumping against the floor.
Magnus followed her inside. He flinched when the doors shut and locked behind them. He swallowed thickly, trying to ease his nerves. The further he followed Piper, the more he realized what he was looking at-
Holding cells.
“Piper, what on earth-” He began.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
“Hey, pretty! What’re you doing down here?”
Magnus was quick to catch up to Piper, who was staring at another...Man? Woman? Being? Through the glass of one of the cells. His heart leaped to his throat. Oh shit, he probably shouldn’t be attracted to someone who was in “superhero prison”. But...he was pretty. The being’s black and gold outfit complimented nicely with the deep green of his hair and the duo-tones of his eyes.
“I-” Magnus opened his mouth.
“Huh?” The being slammed their fists against the glass again, making the blonde jump. “I can’t hear you! Speak up, Blondie!”
“Shut your mouth, Alex. Magnus needs nothing to do with you.” Piper spat, glaring at the being- Alex. She grabbed Magnus’ arm, turning him so their backs were to the cell. “I just wanted you to know that he’s down here, just in case anything were to ever happen.
Magnus glanced over his shoulder, scowling when Alex waved at him. “That’s Frank’s brother, he’s the one who tried to destroy New York City.” He said in a hushed noise, looking back at Piper. “Why do you still have him here?”
“Frank’s been busy, he hasn’t had time to go back to Asgard.” She sighed. “Mostly I think Frank wants to see Alex suffer.” Piper pat the blonde’s shoulder. “Let’s go back upstairs. You have to see Will right?”
Magnus nodded, he still needed to get the web fluid the scientist had made. He hadn’t asked for it, but Doctor Solace claimed to be curious and wanted to see what he could come up with.
As they left the room, there was more pounding on the glass from the forsaken prince.
“Bye, Pretty! Bye, Blondie!”
Piper sighed, guiding Magnus far, far away from the holding cells.
——
The next time Magnus visited the tower, he had plans to get down to where Alex was kept in solitude. It had only been a few days since his first encounter with the disowned son of Odin, but he couldn’t get him out of his mind. There was something in Alex’s eyes, something...pained, something broken, something that was being shoved down to never re-emerge.
He stepped into the elevator, praying to every known god that he wasn’t caught. He knew he probably wouldn’t get in trouble, but he wasn’t looking to be lectured and sent back to his apartment.
“JARVIS?” He asked, shifting awkwardly. Has anyone ever mentioned how weird it is to talk to an AI system? Super weird.
“Yes, Mr. Chase?” The AI responded.
“Don’t tell anyone where I am.” Magnus said, pressing the button to the furthest floor down.
“Certainly, Sir.”
Magnus sighed deeply, rocking back and forth on his heels. He shoved his hands into the pockets of his jean jacket, fiddling with a keycard he had swiped from one of the workers. Years of pick pocketing had yet to fail him.
Don’t tell anyone he stole.
When the doors opened, he slowly shuffled out, looking around cautiously. He all but tiptoed through the warehouse, not wanting to bring any attention to himself if he was heard.
“I’m fine, this is fine, everything will be fine.” He muttered to himself, taking the card from his pocket and swiping it across the lock.
Magnus held his breath as the armored doors opened, biting his lip nervously. He walked inside slowly, approaching the holding cell of the extra terrestrial.
“Hello?” He called out, closing in on the cell.
“Hello, Blondie.” Alex purred from where he was laying on the floor of the cell, his arms folded behind his head. “Did you bring me food?”
Magnus shook his head slowly, picking at his cuticles nervously. “Uh, no I didn’t bring any food.” He said softly. “And my name is Magnus.”
“Magnus,” Alex echoed, rolling onto his stomach and propping his chin in his hands while kicking his legs back and forth. “What do you want, Stringbean? Huh? Here to mock me, pretty boy?”
The blonde stumbled back as the Asgardian stood up and rushed towards the glass, slamming his fists against it.
“Are you here to mock me?!” Alex screamed, pounding his fists repeatedly against the glass.
“No! No, of course not!” Magnus said in a panic, his heart rate picking up. “I- I’m just here to talk! I couldn’t get you off my mind!”
That seemed to confuse the god. Alex stumbled back from the glass, his eyes narrowing.
“I tried to destroy your home, why would you want to talk with me? I am a prisoner on this worthless planet!”
Magnus took a deep breath, stepping closer to the glass of the cell. “I actually don’t live in New York City, I live in Queens, the destruction never reached my College.” He sighed softly. “Listen...I uh, I think everyone deserves a second chance. We’re all stupid sometimes. We can all change, we can all become better people.” He said, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans.
He pulled a granola bar out of his pocket and slid open the small door, placing the bar in the compartment for Alex. He stepped back, smiling softly.
“You can have that.”
Alex arched a brow, slowly inching closer to the food hatch. He slid open his side and took the granola bar. He exams it, turning it over in his hands.
“What is it?” The god asked, looking at Magnus in confusion.
“It’s a granola bar, it’s a kind of snack. They’re healthy-ish and pretty good.” Magnus explained, his smile growing.
Alex nodded slowly. “Thank you, Blondie.” He said, the aggression leaving his voice for the first time.
Magnus watched the green-haired god sit back down on the floor of the cell. He waited for a moment before sitting down on the concrete floor.
“So, you’re Frank’s brother?” He asked.
The god scowled, ripping open the granola bar. “I’m his brother sometimes . Other times I’m his sister. Get it right.” Alex spat, taking a small bite of the bar.
Magnus arched his brow, tilting his head to the side like a curious puppy. “What do you mean?” He asked.
“You midgardians are so dimwitted.” Alex muttered, rolling his eyes. “It fluctuates from male to female. Gender is a spectrum, dumbass.”
“So...what are you now?”
“I am a girl.” Alex said immediately.
“Okay.” Magnus nodded. “Well, that’s neat. I’ve never met someone whose gender changed. Does your uh-“ Blush spread from his face to his ears and down his neck. “Does-“ he vaguely gestured to his crotch. “Does that change?”
Alex’s heterochromic eyes widened. She choked on a laugh, but kept her composer. “If I want it to.” She said, crossing her arms over her chest. “But I much prefer my current appearance, it feels like a snug boot.”
The blonde nodded. “I like this appearance too.” He blurted, quick to cover his mouth with his hands.
The god seemed taken back by the statement. “Thank you, Midgardian.” She said, her voice soft and unlike anything Magnus had ever heard before.
Magnus’ phone ringing disturbed the atmosphere. He sighed, pulling the device from his pocket. Oh, T.J..
“Hello?” He asked when he answered the call. “Yeah, I’m out right now.” He said, making eye-contact with the being on the other side of the glass. His brows suddenly pinched together. “Shit! I totally forgot about that. I’m on my way home now.” He said, quickly getting to his feet and hanging up.
“You’re leaving?” The green-haired goddess asked
Magnus sighed, nodding as he pocketed his phone. “I promised I’d help my roommate with his chemistry work, I can’t flake on him.” He pushed his hands through his long hair.
Alex rose to her feet, brushing off her clothing as if there was any dust there at all. “But you will return to me, right, Blondie?” She purred, strutting closer to the glass separating them. She pressed her palms against the glass, a smirk gracing her features.
He contemplated it for a moment, then nodded. “I’ll come back, yeah. Oh! Here.” Magnus reached around to the back of his neck and unclasped the necklace he had on. “Consider this a guarantee.” He placed the necklace inside the little compartment to deliver food.
Alex took the necklace, admiring it in her hands. On the chain hung a beautiful pale pink crystal. She brushed her thumb over the gem slowly.
“It’s rose quartz.” Magnus said with a smile. He shifted from foot to foot. “Okay, uh, I’ll see you soon!” He said quickly, rushing towards the exit.
“Goodbye, Blondie!” Alex called back.
Oh god, he shouldn’t be in love with an intergalactical war criminal, but he was. She was beautiful, and he knew there was something kind beyond her irritable exterior. Magnus was whipped.
Shit.
——
It became a weekly excursion.
Magnus would go to the tower, sometimes people knew he was there, and other times they didn’t.
On particularly cold days, he would make a quick detour to Doctor Solace’s lab and get a mug of hot chocolate from the scientist.
This was one of those days.
Magnus ran through the corridor leading to the doctor’s lab, a wide smile on his face.
“Doc!” He called as he burst into the room, panting from running so much.
“Yes, Magnus?” Will replied with the arch of his brow.
Magnus looked between the doctor and Nico di Angelo, a god damn supersoldier, whom he had just realized was in the room. “If it’s not too much trouble, could you make me two mugs of hot cocoa?” He asked with an innocent smile as he stepped further into the lab.
“If you don’t mind me using water instead of milk.” The scientist said with a shrug. “May I ask why you need two mugs when you’re just one guy?”
”Water is fine.” He said immediately, then fell into a small panic.
Oh god, oh no. Make up a lie, quick. Will can’t know he’s visiting Alex.
“I, uh, I’m taking one to Annabeth.” Nice save, Magnus.
He watched as the doctor made the two mugs of hot chocolate without another word. He rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet as he waited for the drinks.
Magnus grinned widely when the two mugs were brought over to him.
“If you run into Percy, tell him I have blueprints ready for him.” Will said as he handed over the hot drinks.
“Sure thing. Thanks, Doc!”
Magnus couldn’t wipe the smile off of his face as he left the lab. He had wanted to bring Alex hot cocoa for a while, today felt like the perfect day to actually go through with that plan. She continuously complained to him about the food she was fed, how “it wasn’t fit for the rightful queen of Asgard”. He agreed with her every time, partially because he thought she deserved better treatment and partially because he didn’t want her to get mad.
Over the past three months, Magnus has fallen head over heels in love with the goddess. He knew that wasn’t a good thing, he really did, but he couldn’t help it. She had really softened up since the first time they met.
He hadn’t realized how attached he had become until a night a few weeks ago he woke up, yearning to hold her in his arms and protect her at all costs. She had truly become so important to him. He wanted to hold her hand, to brush those beautiful emerald curls behind her ears and vow to protect her no matter what.
Magnus moved on autopilot. He didn’t even realize he was standing before the locked door, he had been too lost in his head. He managed to hold both mugs in one hand while he unlocked the door with his (stolen) keycard. His smile began to grow as he walked towards Alex’s cell, his heart thumping rapidly in his chest.
“Maggie!” The goddess grinned at the sight of him. She went to press her hands against the glass. “I thought you died or something, I haven’t seen you in weeks.”
“You just saw me a few days ago!” Magnus laughed. “Here, I’ve got something for you.” He put one of the mugs down on the floor and put the other one in the food slot for Alex.
The goddess took the mug, giving it an experimental sniff. She eyed Magnus, a brow arched. “Are you trying to poison me, Midgardian?”
The blonde’s eyes widened. “No! No of course not.” He shook his head quickly. “It’s hot chocolate. People usually drink it when it’s cold outside to warm them up.” He bent down to pick up his mug, then took a sip. “It’s not poisoned, I swear.”
Alex watched him carefully, then took a tiny sip. Her expression neutralized. “Oh, it’s good.” She said before taking a more generous gulp. “Thank you, Maggie.” A small smile curled on her lips.
They stood in silence for a few minutes, enjoying each other’s company and drinking their drinks. Magnus couldn’t take his eyes off of her. He attempted to memorize his favorite things about Alex. Like the way her hair curled against the back of her neck, and how her eyelashes brushed against her cheeks every time she blinked, and how her hands held the mug so carefully, as if she was afraid she would accidentally break it.
She was beautiful.
It was heavy footsteps outside the room that broke Magnus out of his trance. He made eye contact with Alex, who’s expression had grown panicked.
“Hide.” She said, quickly going to put her mug in one of the corners of the cell in an attempt to hide it.
Magnus stared at her for a second more. He downed the rest of his drink before he shot a web up into the air. When it stuck to the high ceiling he pulled himself up. There weren't many places for him to hide, so crouching upside down on the ceiling was his best bet. No one was going to look up there anyway. Right?
When the doors opened, Frank walked in, accompanied by two security guards. The god’s footsteps echoed loudly through the room as he approached the cell.
“Ah, sweet sibling of mine.” Frank began, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “How have you been?”
“Miserable.” Alex answered, folding her arms over her chest. “What do you want, brother? Are you here to gloat? Or make fun of me for failing to take over Midgard? Huh?”
Frank laughed, hearty and full of life. “Why of course not. I’ve come to take you to father. I think it’s about time we pay him a visit.”
Magnus felt his stomach drop. Oh god, they were taking Alex back to Asgard. He clamped a hand over his mouth and nose to try to silence his heavy breathing. He couldn’t fathom never seeing her again, which probably wasn’t healthy. He had grown attached too quickly.
“I’d much rather stay here than face your father.” The goddess said. It was evident in her voice that she was trying to remain calm.
“You don’t have much of a choice.” Frank said with a shrug, gesturing for the two other men to open the cell.
The glass slid open and the two security guards stepped inside. Magnus wanted to stop them, he wanted to help, he couldn’t give up just like this. His breath caught in his throat when Alex began to scream, demanding the guards not touch her.
The goddess was all but thrown out of the cells, her wrists bound by handcuffs. That’s when Magnus decided to strike.
He shot a web at the control panel, locking both the guards inside the cell. He dropped down from the ceiling, between the two siblings. He pointed his arm out at Frank, ready to web him too.
“She’s not going anywhere.” The blonde said, trying to make his voice as low and intimidating as possible.
Much to his surprise, Frank only laughed. “You’re a funny one, Chase, Solace should take some lessons from you. Now, quit it with the games and step aside.” He said.
Magnus took a deep breath and stood his ground. “No.” He wouldn’t let them take Alex away without a fight. “You won’t be taking her back to Asgard.”
Frank’s expression hardened. He gripped Mjölnir tightly in his hand. “I said step aside, Midgardian. I do not wish to harm you.”
“You don’t know her like I know her.” The blonde breathed out. “She’s changed. She’s become a better person. She- She’s the woman I love and I will not let you take her away.”
The room went dead silent. Frank’s eyes widened. Magnus’ statement seemed to cut at something deep inside of him. His expression softened and the grip on his hammer relaxed a bit. He looked between his sibling and the spiderling standing in his way.
“Chase,” The god began. “Allow me to make you a deal.” Frank slowly walked over to the cell, aware of Magnus’ gaze following him as he freed the two men stuck beyond the glass. “If my wicked sibling can prove herself worthy of staying on Midgard with you, I won’t take her back to Odin.” His eyes narrowed at Alex. “But one mistake and I will not hesitate to dump her at the foot of our father’s throne.”
Magnus nodded quickly. He was not going to object to anything if it meant Alex staying on Earth. “Deal.”
Frank gave a single nod. “Uncuff her.” He said, gesturing towards his sibling.
Magnus lowered his arm, watching as one of the security guards rushed over to Alex and removed the cuffs from her wrists. With that, Frank left with the two men following him.
“Do you really mean that?” Alex breathed out, rubbing her wrists to get the blood circulating again. She was staring at the ground ahead of them, her eyes shaking slightly.
Magnus turned to her. It was strange to be so close to her without glass separating them. He could so easily reach out to touch fall, but there was something inside of him that was afraid to do so. Like...Like she would disappear upon contact.
“Of course.” He whispered, tugging at the sleeves of his jacket nervously. “I...I’ve loved you since I first laid eyes on you. You- You are the most beautiful person I’ve ever met. And I know you’ve done some really bad things, but you’ve changed, I know you’ve changed, and...and I want to show you a nice life away from- from the battle.” He smiled bashfully. He hesitated for a moment, then held out his hand.
Alex looked at the hand stretched out to her, one of her dark brows arching inquisitively. She carefully placed her hand in Magnus’, her fingers curling in between his.
“Do you want to come back to my apartment with me?”
“I’d love to, Blondie.”
——
Months past. Winter turned to spring, and spring to summer.
Alex had adjusted to what she referred to as “Midgardian life” pretty well, at least Magnus thought so.
She lived in his apartment, despite Magnus knowing it was too small to accommodate three people. T.J. didn’t quite appreciate her presence at first and had spent a week with their neighbors and close friends Mallory and Halfborn, but he came around.
Ever since his junior year ended, Magnus and Alex had taken up a little something called sleeping in.
Now, she wasn’t as much of a snuggler as Magnus was, but if he got her in a good mood he could persuade her into snuggling.
It was one of those mornings.
Magnus woke up to the warm morning sun pouring in through his window. He yawned, slowly blinking his eyes open. He went to rub his eyes, only to notice one of his arms was all pins and needles. He turned his head, only to run into a mop of green hair.
He smiled softly, rubbing his eyes with his free hand. He began to wake up more, realizing that Alex had her back pressed against his side and was using his arm as a pillow.
“No persuasion needed…” he murmured sleepily, slowly rolling onto his side. “Beautiful…” he yawned, settling down with his nose pressed against Alex’s hair.
“Maggie…?” She slurred, beginning to shift in his hold and opening her eyes.
“Go back to sleep, it’s okay.” Magnus whispered, slipping his arm around her stomach.
“...if you tickle me I’m going to cut your dick off.” Alex yawned, her eyes falling shut again.
“You love me too much to do that.” He smiled against her hair and pressed a kiss to the back of her head. “Go back to sleep.”
She nodded, shifting a bit and stretching her legs before curling them back up. It wasn’t long before her breathing evened out again.
Magnus sighed deeply, his smile never leaving his face.
He could do this for the rest of his days.