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Magnus was going to get one angel - okay maybe two. Who knows. He will have to see the options when he gets there, but he will be getting an angel. He has told Ragnor about his decision, and the green skinned man laughed himself hoarse. Magnus wasn’t surprised by his reaction. Ragnor found the angel aspect extremely off putting and something he wouldn’t ever be open to. Magnus wasn’t surprised, but he couldn’t help but be saddened by the tone of his friend. Ragnor was his mentor and one and only friend for a good long time. He wouldn’t have made it without him.
The man is very grouchy and not very loving. Some angels would appreciate his strong desire for independence. Ragnor stays in his shabby house in Idris all by his lonesome. Magnus is positive there are angels who would find this enjoyable. There is a select group of Nephilim who desire to be alone with one owner. Those types are usually adopted by warlocks. Warlocks work alone because they outlive friends and family they gain through life.
That’s not the case every time. Raphael, for example, has one named Simon. Raphael is very introverted and an ass, and he prefers being left alone and ensuring people know how little he cares about anything. Magnus knows better. He’s known him since the day he turned into a vampire. While he appears hateful, he very much does care. He gets along with Ragnor, and there are times he’s willing to admit his fondness for the older man. His way of living made Magnus think he’d get a shy, meek angel with no sense of friendliness. One who would hide in the corner, or in their designated room Raphael made for them.
What he got instead was Simon, who is loud and hectic. His personality bigger than Magnus’s some days. His chirps loud and never ending. He walks around the Hotel Dumort like he owns it. The other vampires can’t do anything about it, since Raphael is the head of their clan, and he is pretty much in love with the angel. A few months in, and Simon no longer slept in his bedroom but instead Raphael’s. Eventually Simon’s chirps have transformed into actual words.
Angels don’t talk - more often than not because they can’t. They’ve lost their ability ever since demons were permanently banned from the mortal world, and Nephilim were no longer needed. They no longer needed to fight or protect mundanes. Over time, Nephilim became angels with actual wings. One day they sprouted wings, and their weapons deteriorated into nothing. Their perfect Institutes returned back into abandoned churches, and they were kicked on the streets with nowhere to go. They were forced to seek help from Downworlders, and their need only increased when they lost the ability to talk. In fact, they often act like birds with their cute chirps.
Magnus had thought Downworlders would take advantage of the angels. He honestly thought they’d be slaughtered and go extinct due to their species being at war since the dawn of time. They were helpless and had nowhere to go. As it turned out, many Nephilim were friends with Downworlders, and those were the ones to take in stray angels. Some Downworlders, mostly vampires, did indeed harm and kill a few, but the angels were saved by others.
Now, angels were seen as pets, and there are angel adoption centers. They’re cute and adorable, and Magnus wanted one - or two or three. Raphael had two! Raphael had gone to the adoption center with a friend and Simon tagged along. Angels are very tactile creatures and hardly ever leave their guardian’s side, so Raphael was alarmed when Simon ran off and left him. Raphael searched high and low for the angel until he eventually found him sitting in front of a cage door. Inside was another angel - a girl with long black hair. Even Raphael will admit she was beautiful. She was tall and chirped at Simon with a gorgeous smile. They had their fingers intertwined through the bars, and they were talking in their secret language.
Isabelle was her name. She was suspicious and careful around Raphael, but he adopted her nonetheless. He’s pretty sure Simon would never forgive him if he didn’t. They slept curled up with each other, and they even groomed each other’s wings. Raphael tried to offer his services, but Isabelle nearly sliced his face, so he backed off. He didn’t mind. He was glad he didn’t have to do it, though it was obvious he was sad to lose that bonding time with Simon.
When Magnus got to the adoption center, he hadn’t known what he was looking for. He thought of Simon and his talkative nature and knew he wouldn’t want one like him. He wouldn’t want one like Isabelle either. She’s mean and avoids everyone but Simon. While he understands completely why angels wouldn’t trust their owners, he also would rather have an angel who appreciates his presence and likes him.
He’s shown quite a few angels. None of them catch his eye for long. There’s a blond male angel lying on the floor. His gold wings take up half the floor. He’s quite a talker, and his little room is messy with his blankets and pillows ripped up and thrown all over. Surprisingly, there is a shelf full of books that are organized and neat. Angels are more pets than humans, but some do still have human tendencies like reading or painting. Magnus moved on to the next one, and there was a redhead girl painting on a big canvas on the floor. She’s beautiful and short, short even for angels. Angels lost quite a bit of their height during their transformation, but most of them still reach to at least Magnus’s shoulder. This one can hardly be five feet tall.
Magnus waves at her, and she smiles and waves back. Her own gold wings flutter behind her. Though, the moment she does, the blond boy hisses at their interaction and tries to reach the girl through the bars. Magnus looks again and reads that the boy - Jace - is bonded. For when they were Nephilim and became parabatai. He checks the girl’s - Clary - paper, and it doesn’t say bonded. The boy is bonded to someone else, but he was still relentlessly trying to get to Clary. Jealous of her attention to Magnus. Magnus moves on, having no interest to get between them. He loves Raphael, Simon, and Isabelle, but he couldn’t be part of any three person awkward situation like them.
Magnus goes down the hall and finds a cage that looks empty at first. Then he looks closer to find a male sitting in the far corner. He has his knees drawn to his chest with his arms wrapped around himself. His wings are pure white, and they are folded between his back and the wall. They’re at odd angles where they’re being squished and must be uncomfortable, and there’s dirt on the feathers. They don’t look to have been groomed in months with how old feathers poke out every which way.
The flyer says ‘Alexander’ and he’s also bonded.
He’s absolutely adorable. Magnus kneels on the cold floor and tries to get a better look. The angel is watching him through his black bangs, and he doesn’t move a muscle. His hair is disheveled and long. His hands are shaped into fists. The angel is unkempt and closed off.
Magnus agrees to adopt him. He tries to take home his bonded too, but they reject him. Something about being a first time owner. He tries more adamantly, claiming bonded angels should never be separated. They get skittish and depressed, but they tell him to come back later once he’s more settled with Alexander. Apparently ‘Alec’ has never left this place. He doesn’t move from that spot, and he doesn’t socialize with any of the other angels. It breaks Magnus’s heart, and he wants to hug him.
Of course he doesn’t. He’s confident the angel would either snap his neck or have a heart attack.
Alec is very tall, but he slouches so he’s still Magnus’s height. He sits in the back of Magnus’s car, and then he slinks into his apartment without making eye contact. Magnus gives him a tour and shows him his room. He points out clothes in the closet. Angels wear soft clothes, cotton and silk preferably. From working with Nephilim for so many centuries, it still takes him off guard seeing them slightly smaller and covered in soft fabrics rather than leather patrol gear. Alec doesn’t move a muscle, and his wings are crammed behind his back trying to remain unseen. Magnus politely doesn’t look at them and hopes like hell this angel wasn’t abused. There are evil people out there who pluck their feathers and wear them as necklaces and blankets.
It’s so unfortunate. Angels are perfect. In another life they were made to protect the world. To make sacrifices for the common good and never complain. They died young, so they lived their lives as fast as they could. Magnus never thought about them in that way, except for rare vulnerable occasions with certain people - Will - but now they’re no longer soldiers…
They’re here to be loved now, and Magnus wants to make sure this one gets the love he needs.
Alec doesn’t leave his room for the entire next week, but that’s okay. It’s disheartening when he doesn’t sleep in his bed, but instead sleeps far in the corner with his back to the wall. Somehow he’s always awake and watching when Magnus checks in on him. Alec is in no way hostile, nor is he actively glaring. He’s tense and scared, and it breaks Magnus’s heart.
Which is why Magnus is shocked when he’s in his office performing a spell when he turns to find Alec standing in the doorway. His eyes are wide, and they’re very blue. Like the ocean but slightly darker, and they are mesmerizing to look at. The whole angel is gorgeous with his clear skin, plump lips, and long eyelashes. He’s got the same loose gray shirt and sweatpants on from the center, and he smells a little. Magnus chooses his battles, though, so he doesn’t mention it.
Magnus talks whenever he senses Alec nearby. He talks about who the potions are for, what they do, what the ingredients are and do, and so forth. He talks about his friends, the neighbors, and how excited he is for Raphael to bring his angel pets over.
“Of course this is your home too,” Magnus adds. “They won’t come if you don’t want them to.”
Alec doesn’t say anything. He just keeps on looking at Magnus like he’s been. Curious and neutral. Magnus wishes he could talk, or at least chirp, but as long as he’s not too scared to leave his room anymore then they must be making progress. If Alec is content with watching Magnus and studying everything his office has to offer, then that’s fine with him.
Magnus decides to show how the shower works, and Alec watches quietly as ever. He stares entranced when Magnus changes the temperature of the water. He must’ve been eager because Magnus turns to find him standing inches from him. He’s not looking at Magnus, and he’s got a sort of innocent excitement on his face. Magnus is too caught up by their closeness, and how beautiful Alec is to notice the angel taking off his clothes. When Magnus sees the top of his cheeks, he’s out of there.
While he would happily throw this stunning man onto the closest bed and ravish him, he’s confident this angel is not feeling the same. He’s naive and innocent, and this is the first time he’s shown trust in Magnus. He’s not going to throw their progress away.
Sexual relations with an angel is not exactly taboo. It’s common, though, and he knows quite a few people who have. When they first stopped being soldiers and became what they are now, Downworlders got off on having what they shouldn’t. Nephilim suddenly smaller and fragile and in their grasp. They didn’t know better anymore, and they’re eager to please and be loved. Now that they’ve been like this for a couple years, anyone can fall prey to the beauty of the angels. They’re sweet and obedient, and people everywhere just want to love on them. Whether that’s in the bedroom or simply feeding them their favorite meals and grooming their wings. Angels are to be admired and loved, and it’s concerning how much Magnus wants to see Alec smile.
The opportunity comes along two months later when Magnus gets a small nod from Alec when he mentions inviting Raphael and his angels over. He’s wrapped in a warm blanket with a cup of hot chocolate in his hands. His wings are still ungroomed and messy. The sight makes him want to kiss his forehead.
Magnus is nervous when Raphael knocks on the door. Suddenly he’s remembering Alec hasn’t socialized with any angel for who knows how long. He’s not sure what’s going to happen. He can’t imagine Alec harming anyone. He may be big and tall, but he hasn’t hurt a fly. If anything, he may just seclude himself in the corner. Not ideal but it’s better than a fight.
Simon hugs Magnus as soon as he opens the door. As full of glee as he normally is. He rubs his cheek along Magnus’s before entering his home. Isabelle slinks in like a cat, offering Magnus a small smile. They’ve gotten closer over the past few months. He finds their evenings together with her head on his lap, and him combing her hair and wings if she allows. She can change her mind in a blink of an eye, but she’s relaxed and nice when Simon is in her vicinity.
The moment she walks in this time, though, she freezes and stares straight ahead. Magnus turns around and finds Alec in the same state. A trance of some sort, and his full focus on Isabelle.
“Alexander?” Magnus calls worriedly. Raphael shrugs when he looks at him. He’s never entirely understood Isabelle, and neither has he.
Then Isabelle chirps and races into Alec’s arms. For the first time ever, Alec chirps in response. He grabs her, pulling her close and wrapping his wings around her. He has tears in his eyes as he kisses her head and holds on tight.
Magnus gapes at them, along with Raphael. Simon doesn’t appear to notice, and he walks into the kitchen and pours himself a glass of water. Raphael breaks through the silence. “Are they…”
“They’re siblings,” Magnus guesses. There’s no doubt with how much they look alike. Black hair and the same facial features. The way they cling to each other. They’re both crying and smiling, and it’s heartwarming to watch.
Isabelle grooms Alec’s wings, and Magnus is not jealous at all. He’s happy he has someone he trusts to do it. His discomfort was really worrying Magnus, and he was almost going to call the center and ask for advice. Alec sits relaxed and content as Izzy grooms him, plucking old feathers and rubbing oil into the new ones. She makes quite a pile of lifeless feathers, and Alec seems to be dozing off.
Then, Simon crawls from his spot between Raphael and Magnus to be in front of Alec. Alec slowly opens his eyes, but he’s far too cozy to move away.
“Simon!” Simon shouts in excitement. Alec slowly blinks at him and doesn’t respond. Instead, he reaches over and pushes Simon to the ground.
“Alexander!” Magnus reprimands.
Izzy slaps Alec at the back of his head, and Alec chirps in what Magnus thinks is laughter. He watches amazed as the angel holds out a hand to Simon, who perks back up as if nothing happened. The three angels pack together on the small couch, and Magnus waves his hand and makes it five inches longer in width. He watches intrigued as Alec is put in the middle with his arms around Isabelle with Simon clinging to his back. It’s a mess with all their wings in the way, but they figure it out. Simon uses Alec’s as pillows, his fall back onto the floor, and Isabelle’s wings lay across the back of the couch. Simon chirps away at them, and his hands placed on Isabelle’s arm and Alec’s back.
An hour passes until they all fall asleep. Magnus takes 50 pictures on his phone. Raphael takes two.
———-
“Alexander, stop!” Magnus shouts. “Please watch out.”
Alec holds his hands up in surprise. His eyes rounded with worry, and a crooked awkward smile. His pearl white wings folded tensely behind his back and lightly shuddering with nerves.
Magnus looks longingly at the fallen bowls and broken glass flasks on the floor. Alec has been very tactile recently, following closely to Magnus everywhere he goes. His hands seek the bottom of his shirt or his sleeves, and Magnus hasn’t bothered to stop him. He grinned to the moon during a walk when Alec stuck to his side comically close and held tightly to his bicep. He’s been showing conflict with allowing himself to touch Magnus, so the fact that he finally did had Magnus’s heart bursting with joy.
Unfortunately, Magnus didn’t realize how touchy Alec has become until Magnus was working on today’s potion. It was a very complex protocol with many dangerous, meticulous steps. He has made the potion a handful of times, and he was used to having around 20 different flasks, pots, and bowls on his altar. It’s a whole system, and he’s been alone and unworrying of anyone dropping by and causing a mess.
Alec with his need to be close to Magnus had not looked where he was going and knocked over a good amount of items. Now the angel stands there in fright with his wings held uncomfortably close to his body like a shield.
He chirps in distress, and Magnus shushes him. He cleans the mess off the floor to keep Alec from hurting his bare feet. He guides the angel to sit on the floor. He runs his fingers through his soft black hair. “It’s okay, darling. You’re okay. I’m okay. That’s all that matters, right?”
Alec nods hesitantly, and the fear there hurts to see. Magnus kisses the top of his head for good measure. He goes to remake the lost ingredients and talks about nonsense while he does. Alec continues to look sad and uncomfortably tense. Magnus clears a spot on the desk and pats the open space. Alec takes a seat there instantly, happiness painted on his face at no longer being on the floor. He’s much closer now, and he’s careful to stay out of the way. He’s tall and takes up quite a bit of space, but the smile on his face is worth it. Plus, Alec is trying so hard to mind his limbs and wings. Though, he does reach out and touch and pull at Magnus’s sleeves and collar whenever he can. He chirps while he does, and Magnus has never been able to say no to the angel.
Magnus has no idea how Raphael is able to have two angels. One takes his whole attention, and angels are needier than he originally thought. Alec has come a long way from the shy angel with messy wings he once was. He now demands attention all day, and he enjoys more than anything to be held and petted. His wings and legs hang over the couch, but he doesn’t seem fazed. He’s just happy to be touching Magnus, especially when he talks about work and clients and whatever else.
Magnus can’t help but wonder about Alec’s bonded mate or friend. He really did plan on going back to get him or her. If they’re important to Alec, then they’re important to Magnus. He makes an appointment for the two of them to go, and Alec chirps in excitement and kisses his cheek.
At the angel adoptions, Magnus watches Alec, hoping to get a hint about who his bonded is. To no surprise, Alec is very quiet and observant of the other angels. His wings drag on the floor submissively, and his arms wrap around Magnus. He observes each caged angel from over Magnus’s shoulder calm and collected. Only when an angel tries to splay his wings out and puff their chest does Alec chirp angrily back with his wings up and proud behind him.
“Very diplomatic,” Magnus teases with a kiss to his cheek. Alec blushes.
To his demise, Alec’s bonded ends up being that blond angel male Magnus saw the day he met Alec. The angel was lying on his stomach reading a very thick book. His gold wings moving up and down, dancing in the room, flexing and showing off. His little caged area is a mess. His clothes and blankets are everywhere except for the bed.
Alec races to the cage door and falls to his knees with a loud cry. Jace perks up at the sound and immediately rushes over with as much desperation. They wrap their arms around each other to the best of their ability through the bars. Their happiness and relief glow as they reconcile and exchange touches and pecks on the cheeks.
Clary notices the exchange and rushes over. Her arms are too short to reach them, and Alec moves to meet her grasp. He holds her just as tightly and kisses her cheek.
As it turns out, Jace and Clary are a set. If he’s going to get Jace, he will have to get Clary which wasn’t going to happen. He’s only one warlock, and Jace was going to wreck his loft. Three angels in one loft? As well as Raphael and his two angels who come visit once a week. Isabelle has a weekly schedule to comb and groom Alec’s wings.
Too many angels in one place, and Magnus knows his limits. He makes a few calls and finds another way. Alec’s heartbroken face when he rejects adopting Jace nearly kills him. He immediately promises Jace and Clary will be taken by a friend of his - Tessa. Tessa and Jem. They’re sweet people. Jem was a Silent Brother rather than just a normal Shadowhunter. He was around 200 years old, so he wasn’t affected like them. He still has wings, but he can talk and work like anyone else. Him and Tessa immediately say yes, delighted at the addition to their little family.
Magnus winces when the first thing Jace does is swing on the chandelier with his wings flapping around and knocking things to the ground. Clary tries to pull him off, but in the end she laughs and chirps in amazement. She even tries to join him, but she's too short to jump on. At one point Alec picks her up to help her, but Magnus stops him from doing so.
Magnus tries to apologize for thrusting the two angels on his friends, but Tessa laughs with her head thrown back and claps her hands. Jem looks vaguely worried, but ultimately joins in on his wife and laughs with a shrug. It helps that Tessa and Jem have a soft spot for Herondales and Fairchilds. Tessa saw the star tattoos on them and refused to let them go.
Alec thanks Magnus with cuddles and kisses to his cheeks. A week later Raphael cancels their plans to come over. That meant Alec’s wings were not groomed, and Magnus felt terrible because he looked uncomfortable and was fidgety. Maybe he can get Jace or Clary to do it. However, Tessa told him she needs a wing grooming kit for him because he’s useless at it. That only left Clary, but Alec will have to wait until tomorrow.
Magnus is taken by surprise when Alec settles down in front of him and spreads his wings like it’s an everyday thing. Alec looks up at him when he doesn’t immediately start grooming his wings. He lightly chirps curiously at him, and Magnus stares at him in shock. His heart pounds in his chest, a little harsher when Alec scoots deeper into the V of his legs. Alec extends his wings and settles in the spot, returning his attention to the tv and drinks his soup. He looks effortlessly adorable with his freshly washed hair.
Magnus takes a deep, shaky breath and studies the wings in front of him. They’re not too bad with the weekly grooming, but there are a few feathers that need to be removed and a bundle needs to be straightened. Magnus has never done this in his very long life, but he’s watched Isabelle as she does it. First step is stimulating the oil gland, which is just what he does. The oil comes out smelling like rich gold and flowers. Sweeter than chocolate mousse with buttermilk whipped cream. He spreads the oil all over the appendages, soothing and rubbing into the feathers and plucks the loose ones. He straightens them until they’re perfect and smelling like a garden. Magnus kisses the back of Alec’s head when he’s satisfied.
Alec spreads his wings, scrutinizing them and smiling at the results. He rolls his shoulders and his joints pop. He turns around, rising to his knees, and moves impossibly closer. Magnus freezes, not daring to move as Alec presses his body against his. His blue eyes sparkle, and his smile makes them crinkle. He’s beautiful and soft and open, and Magnus shudders when wings surround them both. They’re in their own little world.
Alec presses his lips to Magnus’s, and the warlock is motionless. He counts the seconds Alec takes memorizing his lips and feeling him out. He goes in for one, two, three kisses and smiles in between them like he can’t contain his own excitement. This must be his first kiss, and he’s beautiful as he gets more and more into it.
Magnus caresses his face and runs his thumbs along his sharp cheekbones. His skin is soft and delicate, and all he wants to do is lavish him in kisses.
Alec smiles and brings their faces together. “Mags.”
Magnus’s breath is whipped right out of him. His name has never sounded so marvelous coming from someone’s lips. “Alexander,” he chokes. “Darling.”
From then on, Alexander says his name more. He says it like it’s a gift. He says it so much, and sometimes he gets frustrated because all he can say is “Mags.” He must be determined because he finally stutters it out a month later when they’re kissing on the couch. The way his face lights up completely, and he was so proud of himself. Magnus kisses him until they’re both giggling.
A week later, Catarina asks him to watch a baby warlock. While demons have become extinct on earth, leading towards the end of Shadowhunters, there are rare occasions of warlocks being conceived. One of the rare occasions being the baby blue warlock, Max, Catarina takes care of.
Magnus puts the baby in the small crib. Max falls asleep quickly, which is good because Magnus has a bunch of clients today. He’s busy, but the baby monitor in his office keeps him aware of any trouble.
Three hours in, and Magnus goes to check on Max. It’s been awfully quiet, and Alec left his side about 30 minutes ago. He goes into the living room and freezes.
Alec sits kneeled by the crib, observing the baby warlock. He was mesmerized with the gurgling baby. His head tilted like a bird, and his fingers fidgeted as if he wished to reach out. His wings are laying on the carpet, and they rise with him when he gets a closer look. The sunlight washes over his white wings, and they shine even more than they usually do.
Alec smiles wide. “Baby.”
Thus starts Alec’s obsession with Max, and the baby starts staying at their loft more often than not. Catarina doesn’t mind with her being a nurse and too busy to properly take care of the poor thing. Max now stays permanently in Alec’s arms at their loft or in public on errands. His wings cocoon them in a safe little circle where no harm can reach Max. Max giggles when Alec chirps at him, and he grabs Alec’s lips and nose with his chubby blue fingers. Alec kisses his palms and thumbs. He even lets Max play with his wings, even though he winces when Max occasionally pulls out a feather not quite ready to fall.
Alec talks much more now. He makes full sentences, but it’s exclusively for Max. He teaches him colors, shapes, and animals, and his eyes shine when Max gets something right. Magnus wants to take pictures of everything, but his storage would get full within a day.
One evening Tessa and Jem watch over Max. It must be an angel thing because Jace and Clary can’t get enough of the baby warlock either. It’s a battle between the angels over who gets Max, and the whole thing is entertaining.
Magnus takes advantage of being alone with Alec. He cooks him his favorite meal and puts on his favorite movie. He wraps them both in a blanket, while being careful with Alec’s wings. It’s the middle of the movie when he gets distracted by the sight of disorderly feathers. He’s moving before he realizes what he’s doing, and he runs his fingers along Alec’s back and collects oil to soothe down the messy feathers.
Alec is laying on his chest, and he looks up at him darkly through his long eyelashes. He bites his lip with his eyes fluttering closed at the feel of Magnus’s fingers on his wings.
Magnus yelps when teeth nip at his bare chest. “Alexander!”
A devilish smile shouldn’t work on an angel’s face, but somehow it works. His wings flex and spread over them, and they catch the light beautifully. Magnus runs a finger along the arch, and Alec shivers at the touch. “Magnus,” he gasps.
Magnus pulls the angel by the back of his knees. He kisses his collarbone up to right below his chin. His moans are almost as sweet as the taste of his skin. He swears he can taste the heavenly energy thrumming under his skin. He is Hades’ pomegranate seeds to his Persephone, and he will fall for it everytime.
Alec squirms in his lap and with his little noises, Magnus has enough and gathers him in his arms. He stands up, secures his hold and walks swiftly to his - their - bedroom. Wings knock things over on the way, followed by laughter. He sets him gently on the bed and crawls over him, effectively caging him in. His wings land gracefully over the bed, opening up like a gift. Alec arches up into him, “Magnus.”
The angel moans his name like a prayer, over and over as if obsessed with saying it. Magnus isn’t too sure who loves what more - whether Alec loves saying his name or Magnus loves hearing it. Whichever the answer is, Magnus spends the rest of the night making Alec say his name. Inducing it at different octaves and different speeds. It’s all music to his ears.