[ the happiness in magnus' words does not go unnoticed, and there is no mistaking it for what it is: genuine, whole, and transparent. not the illusion of transparency that magnus sometimes hones, either. he's not letting the worry of what comes later—when eudio is behind them all—dampen the excitement of now, and raphael's... glad of that. he has no doubts that complications will arise then, but he has no desire to speak of that anymore now. there's nothing to be done about those complications now beyond their incentives, and besides, this kind of happiness would not be trifled with anyway. raphael knows the stubbornness magnus is capable of.
he also knows that temporary things seem to mean much more in a long, seemingly endless life of temporary things. most things—most people—will find their end long before magnus or raphael, and so there is reason to cherish those fading things even more, to know them even after they've gone.
it's a bittersweet thought, and not one he'll share at the moment. ]
I'd be very offended if you weren't. [ which might suffice as an agreement to do this for magnus, but just so they're clear: ] Yes, I'll be there. [ a pause, so magnus can take that in. ] But I require fair warning if there will be any kissing involved.
[ what a coincidence! that particular memory comes to raphael's mind as well, and he might just smirk to himself where magnus cannot see it. oh, to be roommates again. what more disasters would they run into while trying helplessly to cohabitate as two people with very different ideas about how to conduct day to day life, from how to style one's hair to whether or not sprinting across consecrated ground as a child of the night is a good or bad idea?
short answer: many. ]
"Old friend" is not the only thing that calls attention to your advanced age. And I assume you have a list of fond memories you pour over constantly.
[ Magnus knows more than he'd care to share about the bittersweet nature of thoughts often entertained by immortals about those whose lives are a temporary thing. There are few things he's spent more time consciously ruminating upon, and it would be a lie to say the thought hasn't been interwoven into more than one of his serious conversations with Alec.
They've talked about it. And they've talked about happier things, about the life they could build together. Is Magnus guilty of blind optimism if he says he enjoys the prospect of having a life with Alec? He's not turning his head so he can't see the reality of the situation. That they are from different worlds and the world looks different through either of their eyes. That people who are aligned with Alec want Magnus out of his life, that people who stand for what Magnus stands for stand opposed to the society that raised Alec. He knows these things.
And he knows there's a war waiting that will make each and every one of them all the more noticeable. But he knows just as well that they are both prepared for that, and whatever they aren't prepared for, they'll face together just as well. He has faith in that thought. ]
I wouldn't want to offend you, now would I?
Really, I'm very grateful. [ He sounds warmer and happier still when Raphael agrees to come. ] I really can't imagine this day ending without you being subject to witnessing at least one or two kisses though. Consider yourself forewarned, my friend.
[ He likes to kiss Alec. A lot. And this is an occasion where a public display of affection or two seems pretty warranted.
On the record: trying to sprint across consecrated ground as a child of the night is and always has been a terrible idea. Magnus will maintain that forever and ever. As he will maintain his sometimes-secret and sometimes not-so-secret affection for Raphael, who would do something like that for the sake of seeing people he loved safe. ]
If you're implying my appearance is anything but youthful, Raphael--! [ He does have a list though. ]
[ at least here in eudio, there is no clave, no limiting rules, no sharp gaze watching their every move. the only politics that exist here are the ones they have brought with them, and raphael has already noticed some of them beginning to go slack. it's different here, even if animosity still lingers. and while magnus would probably hate to hear anything about the political benefits of marriage, raphael can't help but note the significance of this union, even if the rest of the shadow world isn't around to see it. but what's important is that here, there is little to stop magnus and alec from having what they want, if only for a little while.
or perhaps it does not need to be a little while. as things stand now, raphael does not have any intentions of staying longer than necessary, still feeling the itch to repair the damage back home even if all of it has been put on hold. but he wonders how long someone might be allowed to stay. maybe magnus and alec could make a home of eudio. maybe they could build a life that lasts years before finding their way back. it's not raphael's decision to make, though. ]
No, I don't think you would.
[ it's possible raphael's smile is determined to become a more permanent thing on his face because of the joy in magnus' voice, but that will be his secret to keep here in the darkness of his bedroom. he needs to appear annoyed at the idea of kissing at the moment. ] I'll do my best to mentally prepare. I hope you know you'll owe me.
[ though in reality, raphael expects no repayment for this. it's enough to offer what he can when magnus needs him, just as magnus has offered so much when their roles have been reversed. raphael is not likely to forget any of the kindness magnus has offered him over the long years anytime soon. ]
[ Different is the word that comes into Magnus' head every single day when he thinks about Eudio. Things grow differently here and they change in ways he doesn't anticipate. That goes for his relationship with Alec, but other things too. It's hard for someone with a timeline as long as Magnus' to really change, so he would hesitate to say Eudio has changed him, but being with Alec has. And that's made his experience here... different.
As for the politics, Magnus is aware. Given how their relationship began, it would be hard not to be, even if they've spent the majority of it away from those politics.
He doesn't plan to keep this hidden when he and Alec return home (because it's been a foregone conclusion that they will return, from day one until now). It's something that some will have to swallow or acclimate to or take their time trying to decide what it makes them feel. But that won't stop it from being. And being something important. It represents something.
Magnus thinks it's something good. ] If I have to put "kissing Alexander on the day we get married" on a list of things that I owe you for, then I'll do so happily, Raphael.
[ He could be teasing, except he still sounds so jubilant. ] You are startlingly innocent, my friend.
[ raphael is well aware of how different the dynamics of those that have come from their shared world could become, and much of it is because eudio offers a freedom that is unobtainable back home. it's not even quite the freedom they have from the waging of wars, though that lack of tension certainly plays it's part. instead, it's more the freedom to exist. the limitations placed on them by their respective societies and clans and families have been temporarily lifted, and in their place there is an overwhelming acceptance, no matter their history, no matter their runes or their teeth or their eyes. there is a chance to examine themselves apart from all of those things.
raphael is still trying to decide if that particular change will leave too much exposed, but that doesn't quite hold relevance here. what's important at this moment is what that freedom has brought magnus.
he shrugs, and if magnus knows him at all, he can probably hear it in his voice when he speaks. ] Well, as long as we're clear on that. [ a brief pause. ] Would you mind showing me that list?
[ That freedom is important. Granted, it's made it so there will doubtless be a period of re-acclimating when they return, but that same period of time existed when they first arrived.
It existed for Magnus in the form of knowing that he could open his club here and run it more openly than he could have at home. And in the fact that he has the option of revealing or not revealing his history. He's not a part of urban legends or everyone's back alley gossip here, there's no Clave file detailing everything he's done in the last few centuries. Also, when he and Alec wanted to go on a date, it wasn't a national event to arrange a time when they were both free.
He doesn't expect that to be the case when they return to New York. There will be changes and there will be adaptations and there's going to no doubt be discomfort. But how Magnus feels for Alec is the same in this world or any other and so is the promise he intends to make. ]
I apparently owe you a lot of things, my friend. [ Raphael can probably hear the raise of Magnus' brow in his words. ] Lists being the least among them, I'm sure. But since we've said it now, I'm going to tell you that you'd better be prepared to avert your eyes if you really don't want to see a kiss or two!
[ Deal with it, world. There's a lot of love there. And a great deal of affection from Magnus to Raphael too, while we're at it. He chuckles softly. ]
[ since he was turned, raphael never felt like he didn't have enough time. he's had his doubts about his abilities, about his strengths, about how to exert his power, but he's never feared having too little time to perfect all of those things. still, being in eudio, having this assured pocket of time apart from the flow of time back home has managed to give raphael some piece of mind.
his biggest concerns may always be about political growth, but he's not so ignorant that he thinks there is no room for personal growth. that's something this break from the norm can offer. the only problem is personal growth is a much more daunting task.
having a never-ending life stretch out in front of you can actually be the exact opposite of humbling, but raphael is far from being old enough to believe he cannot or should not do any more changing. though some changes he'll need convincing on. ]
I could have told you that. [ he sounds fairly confident on this point, but it's probably more teasing than actual fact. he scoffs. ] I will be. Trust me.
[ yes, you're allowed to kiss your husband on your wedding day, magnus, but raphael doesn't necessarily have to witness that part, right? he needs to play the role of disgusted adoptive brother sometimes, seeing as the specifics of his and magnus' relationship are so hard to pin down. they always seem to be morphing slightly to fit the setting. ]
[ Magnus huffs, as if offended. Which probably fools no one in existence, or at the very least, it's not likely to fool Raphael at all. ] I suppose after knowing one another all this time, it's a given we'd get tangled up in one another's love lives.
I tried to keep this from happening, you know! [ Oh, he tried.
How hard did he try? That is a good question. ] But now that we're firmly entangled, we might as well make the best of it. Say the word and I'll give you some suggestions for good date spots. [ He will not reuse dates that he has been on with Alec, that is a solemn promise. ]
More seriously, Raphael, I do hope you'll find some time for relaxation. There's a lot to take advantage of here. [ Which Magnus is illustrating pretty spectacularly right now, right? Oh, and by the way, he will do the responsible thing and warn Raphael before there's any threat of kissing. Or any sort of affectionate display that goes beyond hand-holding.
Maybe, just maybe, he likes the idea of having a disgusted adoptive brother. It's just possible, mind you, that it's nice to think about Raphael as something akin to family. Of course, that means Raphael is - in a sense - going to be part of Alec's family now. They might have to spend some time together. Think on that. ]
[ but seriously, it does seem a little inevitable. at least this kind of entanglement, i.e. the harmless, good-natured kind, is preferable to the kind that involves trouble with bloodthirsty and power-hungry exes. weddings are inherently more cheerful even if they do involve shadowhunters, and raphael's sure that magnus would have a ridiculous amount of fun offering dating advice. he's not one hundred percent keen on the idea, but in all honesty, if he's going to take advice from anyone, it will be from magnus. he's already proven that. ]
I don't think I've done a terrible job so far. [ he's allowed himself to take advantage of the local shops, made his apartment into something that does not feel so alien, tried his very best to convert old habits into new albeit similar ones so the days don't feel so long and useless (crosswords are a godsend). he's met people, which is more complicated, but at least he's found paths to take even if he hasn't started the walk down them as of yet.
magnus will most likely be hearing about it when he does. ]
Give me one date spot. [ don't get too excited, magnus. ] While I'm in a good mood. [ and he is.
so let's not spoil it with the thought of alec being a part of his family, shall we? he'll need a little time to process something like that. ]
[ It speaks to a certain sense of permanence. Raphael is a constant in his life, or has been long enough that it would be terribly difficult to imagine him not being there. However close they've been over time, it's still comforting to think that he's there. And Magnus certainly considers him a friend. It might sometimes be a somewhat antagonistic friendship, but he values it very highly.
There's a level of trust. And it has to be acknowledged, because they both worked very hard to get to this point.
Where joking around about dating advice, not to mention actually giving it, is possible. Magnus isn't recanting on that! ] Oh, you never do a terrible job at anything, amigo. Well, except maybe supporting my obviously unimpeachable fashion choices!
Only one, hm? I'll have to think on that. [ Since it'll have to be the best possible suggestion. Only the best for Raphael.
We'll put off the family discussion for another time then too.
[ raphael makes a very non-committal sound in response. fine, magnus. use whatever word you deem appropriate. there's no real way to deny that their lives are completely entangled, and are likely never to change.
even when they'd first found themselves separate after long months of existing almost solely in each other's space, having nearly driven each other somewhat batty, raphael did feel a small spark of vulnerability at not having magnus' steady presence nearby. he's not likely to admit to it, but it was there as he'd been adopted into the clan, and remained there until he'd found his place. there was always some level of comfort in seeing magnus afterwards, though if it was business, raphael was nothing but diplomatic.
they each have their own way in the world and the know-how to navigate it alone, but they're not likely to ever stop finding ways to invite the other in once and a while. the world would feel wrong otherwise. ]
What do you expect when you ask impossible things of me? I mean, sé razonable. [ you and your fashion choices, magnus. imagine the chaos that would ensue if they were to swap wardrobes. ]
My good mood won't last forever. [ but he says so lightly.
there will be time to talk about alec and family later, of course. ]
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he also knows that temporary things seem to mean much more in a long, seemingly endless life of temporary things. most things—most people—will find their end long before magnus or raphael, and so there is reason to cherish those fading things even more, to know them even after they've gone.
it's a bittersweet thought, and not one he'll share at the moment. ]
I'd be very offended if you weren't. [ which might suffice as an agreement to do this for magnus, but just so they're clear: ] Yes, I'll be there. [ a pause, so magnus can take that in. ] But I require fair warning if there will be any kissing involved.
[ what a coincidence! that particular memory comes to raphael's mind as well, and he might just smirk to himself where magnus cannot see it. oh, to be roommates again. what more disasters would they run into while trying helplessly to cohabitate as two people with very different ideas about how to conduct day to day life, from how to style one's hair to whether or not sprinting across consecrated ground as a child of the night is a good or bad idea?
short answer: many. ]
"Old friend" is not the only thing that calls attention to your advanced age. And I assume you have a list of fond memories you pour over constantly.
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They've talked about it. And they've talked about happier things, about the life they could build together. Is Magnus guilty of blind optimism if he says he enjoys the prospect of having a life with Alec? He's not turning his head so he can't see the reality of the situation. That they are from different worlds and the world looks different through either of their eyes. That people who are aligned with Alec want Magnus out of his life, that people who stand for what Magnus stands for stand opposed to the society that raised Alec. He knows these things.
And he knows there's a war waiting that will make each and every one of them all the more noticeable. But he knows just as well that they are both prepared for that, and whatever they aren't prepared for, they'll face together just as well. He has faith in that thought. ]
I wouldn't want to offend you, now would I?
Really, I'm very grateful. [ He sounds warmer and happier still when Raphael agrees to come. ] I really can't imagine this day ending without you being subject to witnessing at least one or two kisses though. Consider yourself forewarned, my friend.
[ He likes to kiss Alec. A lot. And this is an occasion where a public display of affection or two seems pretty warranted.
On the record: trying to sprint across consecrated ground as a child of the night is and always has been a terrible idea. Magnus will maintain that forever and ever. As he will maintain his sometimes-secret and sometimes not-so-secret affection for Raphael, who would do something like that for the sake of seeing people he loved safe. ]
If you're implying my appearance is anything but youthful, Raphael--! [ He does have a list though. ]
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or perhaps it does not need to be a little while. as things stand now, raphael does not have any intentions of staying longer than necessary, still feeling the itch to repair the damage back home even if all of it has been put on hold. but he wonders how long someone might be allowed to stay. maybe magnus and alec could make a home of eudio. maybe they could build a life that lasts years before finding their way back. it's not raphael's decision to make, though. ]
No, I don't think you would.
[ it's possible raphael's smile is determined to become a more permanent thing on his face because of the joy in magnus' voice, but that will be his secret to keep here in the darkness of his bedroom. he needs to appear annoyed at the idea of kissing at the moment. ] I'll do my best to mentally prepare. I hope you know you'll owe me.
[ though in reality, raphael expects no repayment for this. it's enough to offer what he can when magnus needs him, just as magnus has offered so much when their roles have been reversed. raphael is not likely to forget any of the kindness magnus has offered him over the long years anytime soon. ]
I'm as innocent as always.
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As for the politics, Magnus is aware. Given how their relationship began, it would be hard not to be, even if they've spent the majority of it away from those politics.
He doesn't plan to keep this hidden when he and Alec return home (because it's been a foregone conclusion that they will return, from day one until now). It's something that some will have to swallow or acclimate to or take their time trying to decide what it makes them feel. But that won't stop it from being. And being something important. It represents something.
Magnus thinks it's something good. ] If I have to put "kissing Alexander on the day we get married" on a list of things that I owe you for, then I'll do so happily, Raphael.
[ He could be teasing, except he still sounds so jubilant. ] You are startlingly innocent, my friend.
[ Startlingly. ]
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raphael is still trying to decide if that particular change will leave too much exposed, but that doesn't quite hold relevance here. what's important at this moment is what that freedom has brought magnus.
he shrugs, and if magnus knows him at all, he can probably hear it in his voice when he speaks. ] Well, as long as we're clear on that. [ a brief pause. ] Would you mind showing me that list?
[ that sounds incredibly interesting. ]
It's a shame most people don't seem to notice.
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It existed for Magnus in the form of knowing that he could open his club here and run it more openly than he could have at home. And in the fact that he has the option of revealing or not revealing his history. He's not a part of urban legends or everyone's back alley gossip here, there's no Clave file detailing everything he's done in the last few centuries. Also, when he and Alec wanted to go on a date, it wasn't a national event to arrange a time when they were both free.
He doesn't expect that to be the case when they return to New York. There will be changes and there will be adaptations and there's going to no doubt be discomfort. But how Magnus feels for Alec is the same in this world or any other and so is the promise he intends to make. ]
I apparently owe you a lot of things, my friend. [ Raphael can probably hear the raise of Magnus' brow in his words. ] Lists being the least among them, I'm sure. But since we've said it now, I'm going to tell you that you'd better be prepared to avert your eyes if you really don't want to see a kiss or two!
[ Deal with it, world. There's a lot of love there. And a great deal of affection from Magnus to Raphael too, while we're at it. He chuckles softly. ]
Invite them a little closer and they might!
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his biggest concerns may always be about political growth, but he's not so ignorant that he thinks there is no room for personal growth. that's something this break from the norm can offer. the only problem is personal growth is a much more daunting task.
having a never-ending life stretch out in front of you can actually be the exact opposite of humbling, but raphael is far from being old enough to believe he cannot or should not do any more changing. though some changes he'll need convincing on. ]
I could have told you that. [ he sounds fairly confident on this point, but it's probably more teasing than actual fact. he scoffs. ] I will be. Trust me.
[ yes, you're allowed to kiss your husband on your wedding day, magnus, but raphael doesn't necessarily have to witness that part, right? he needs to play the role of disgusted adoptive brother sometimes, seeing as the specifics of his and magnus' relationship are so hard to pin down. they always seem to be morphing slightly to fit the setting. ]
Here we go again.
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I tried to keep this from happening, you know! [ Oh, he tried.
How hard did he try? That is a good question. ] But now that we're firmly entangled, we might as well make the best of it. Say the word and I'll give you some suggestions for good date spots. [ He will not reuse dates that he has been on with Alec, that is a solemn promise. ]
More seriously, Raphael, I do hope you'll find some time for relaxation. There's a lot to take advantage of here. [ Which Magnus is illustrating pretty spectacularly right now, right? Oh, and by the way, he will do the responsible thing and warn Raphael before there's any threat of kissing. Or any sort of affectionate display that goes beyond hand-holding.
Maybe, just maybe, he likes the idea of having a disgusted adoptive brother. It's just possible, mind you, that it's nice to think about Raphael as something akin to family. Of course, that means Raphael is - in a sense - going to be part of Alec's family now. They might have to spend some time together. Think on that. ]
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[ but seriously, it does seem a little inevitable. at least this kind of entanglement, i.e. the harmless, good-natured kind, is preferable to the kind that involves trouble with bloodthirsty and power-hungry exes. weddings are inherently more cheerful even if they do involve shadowhunters, and raphael's sure that magnus would have a ridiculous amount of fun offering dating advice. he's not one hundred percent keen on the idea, but in all honesty, if he's going to take advice from anyone, it will be from magnus. he's already proven that. ]
I don't think I've done a terrible job so far. [ he's allowed himself to take advantage of the local shops, made his apartment into something that does not feel so alien, tried his very best to convert old habits into new albeit similar ones so the days don't feel so long and useless (crosswords are a godsend). he's met people, which is more complicated, but at least he's found paths to take even if he hasn't started the walk down them as of yet.
magnus will most likely be hearing about it when he does. ]
Give me one date spot. [ don't get too excited, magnus. ] While I'm in a good mood. [ and he is.
so let's not spoil it with the thought of alec being a part of his family, shall we? he'll need a little time to process something like that. ]
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[ It speaks to a certain sense of permanence. Raphael is a constant in his life, or has been long enough that it would be terribly difficult to imagine him not being there. However close they've been over time, it's still comforting to think that he's there. And Magnus certainly considers him a friend. It might sometimes be a somewhat antagonistic friendship, but he values it very highly.
There's a level of trust. And it has to be acknowledged, because they both worked very hard to get to this point.
Where joking around about dating advice, not to mention actually giving it, is possible. Magnus isn't recanting on that! ] Oh, you never do a terrible job at anything, amigo. Well, except maybe supporting my obviously unimpeachable fashion choices!
Only one, hm? I'll have to think on that. [ Since it'll have to be the best possible suggestion. Only the best for Raphael.
We'll put off the family discussion for another time then too.
Alas.
Pity. ]
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even when they'd first found themselves separate after long months of existing almost solely in each other's space, having nearly driven each other somewhat batty, raphael did feel a small spark of vulnerability at not having magnus' steady presence nearby. he's not likely to admit to it, but it was there as he'd been adopted into the clan, and remained there until he'd found his place. there was always some level of comfort in seeing magnus afterwards, though if it was business, raphael was nothing but diplomatic.
they each have their own way in the world and the know-how to navigate it alone, but they're not likely to ever stop finding ways to invite the other in once and a while. the world would feel wrong otherwise. ]
What do you expect when you ask impossible things of me? I mean, sé razonable. [ you and your fashion choices, magnus. imagine the chaos that would ensue if they were to swap wardrobes. ]
My good mood won't last forever. [ but he says so lightly.
there will be time to talk about alec and family later, of course. ]