Work Text:
Magnus slides the key into his front door and breathes a sigh before he turns it. It's been a long day at the centre. Birthday or not, he had to stay late. Dot and a few of the teamers – employees and volunteers alike – dropped in for a little surprise party. Alec called in the morning, and he and Rafael sent the sweetest of congratulation videos. It was Magnus who told them to stay away. It's a school night. They will party together at the weekend. Florencia gave her green light for Rafael to come over. It's a small miracle after the year they had.
He pushes the door open and doesn't bother switching on the hallway light. He'll drop dead into his pillows any second. He can pick up his discarded coat and kicked-off boots tomorrow. Chairman won't complain about his temporary messiness.
He nearly misses the opened French windows until the flickering of candlelight pulls his attention.
He walks through the living room on socked feet, more intrigued than worried. What burglar would enjoy the view over Brooklyn so much that they'd risk getting caught?
Magnus chuckles when he sees the intruder smiling at him, dressed in the suit he gifted him for his birthday. Bespoke, of course. Alec looks so damn good in a tux.
"You shouldn't have," Magnus says, heart leaping in his chest.
"I know you love late night dinners," Alec says, the smile in his voice warm and sweet. Magnus can't believe this is the same man who, just a year ago, kissed him for the first time, nearly frantic, thinking it was the only time he'd be allowed to, the only time he'd allow himself to be 'weak'. So much has happened since then. Neither of them is the same man who fell for the other, hard and fast and unstoppable.
"Alexander," Magnus says and cups his boyfriend's cheek, placing a gentle kiss on his lips. "You continue to surprise me."
"In good ways, I hope," Alec says with that lopsided smile that still manages to make Magnus weak in the knees.
"Only good ways," Magnus chuckles. "What is all that?" he asks, looking at the stainless steel food covers.
"A few things from your favourite Turkish restaurant. I didn't know when you would come home, so I ordered cold meze."
Magnus nods and smiles at Alec as he pulls out the chair for him. He hates to remember their time apart, but he can't regret having turned the balcony into a conservatory while trying to ignore his broken heart. The roof terrace still offers open views over the city, and the flowers and plants here can brighten the dullest, greyest New York winter day. Not to forget eating under the stars even on the coldest of nights.
Alec pours him his favourite wine and lifts the covers off the food. Magnus' mouth waters instantly. Alec truly picked all of his favourites.
"This is perfect. Thank you, Alexander."
"It's the least I could do. It's your birthday and our anniversary. How could I not see you? You mean the world to me."
Magnus smiles softly, his heart clenching with the truth of Alec's words. Neither of them is perfect, but they fit perfectly. He's so glad he took a leap of faith.
Magnus reaches for Alec's hand and squeezes it. Alec understands him without words.
"How was your day?" he asks.
Magnus grabs a piece of stuffed vine leaves and bites into it, the slightly bitter taste perfect on his tongue.
"My day was fantastic. But I fear I won't have much energy left for you, Alexander. I'm terribly tired."
"No problem, my love. I'll carry you to bed if need be," Alec says. Magnus has no doubt he would try.
"Where is Rafe?" he asks and takes a sip from his wine glass.
"Jace came over for a boy's night. I fear the worst for tomorrow, but I won't have to wake Rafe, so…" They chuckle. By now, Magnus knows that grumpy Alec doesn't hold a candle to grumpy Rafael.
"It'll be good training for Jace," Magnus muses.
"Yeah. Though a baby is low-maintenance compared to a lovesick teen," Alec quips.
"Has he still not asked her out?" Magnus asks with an amused smile dancing on his lips.
Alec sighs. "He says he'll ask her on Valentine's day."
Magnus chuckles. "Let's hope she'll still be single by then. Two months is an eternity in teenage time."
"Yeah," Alec agrees, smirking over the rim of his glass.
They eat in comfortable silence for a while, never letting go of each other's hand.
"I love you, Alexander," Magnus all but whispers when he's finished. He doesn't want to break the spell lying over this moment.
"I love you, too, Magnus," Alec says and presses a kiss on the back of his boyfriend's hand. "Happy birthday."
Magnus smiles. It is a happy one, indeed.