Perception:

• the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses

• the state of being or process of becoming aware of something through the senses

• a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression

• intuitive understanding and insight

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Everyone just wants to be loved. This concept became very clear to Magnus when he first laid eyes on Alexander Lightwood. With fortified walls built around his feelings, Alec seemed impenetrable. The Berlin Wall of protected hearts. But within these walls was a fragile being that needed all the love in the world and someone to love back. A reason to believe in love, if you will.

But Magnus was in no rush. Neither was Alec, judging from the looks of things. Their relationship was going rather slow (for lack of a better term) and Alec seemed to have his mind occupied with other things that didn't involve any of the cutesy, lovey dovey things such as cuddling or holding hands or giving butterfly kisses (Magnus has yet to give him a butterfly kiss. He heard they were fun and ticklish).

But there was a mutual respect between the two, and by respect that meant keeping it professional when around other Shadowhunters. Magnus hated this rule. It prevented him from wrapping his arms around Alec's slim waist and resting his chin on the Shadowhunter's shoulder while kissing the side of Alec's neck. Rules were meant for those who like order. Not that Magnus didn't like order because he did. He loved a good order as much as the next person, but what was life without a little chaos?

"We're starting the search in the upper east side of New York. There's been several witnesses-mundane witnesses-that the rogue wolves have been terrorizing the homeless in the alleyways. Our job is to take them out before they kill someone. Gear up and gear up as best as you can. I don't want anyone hurt under my watch. Any activity can be reported to me when we come back and I guarantee that everyone will be coming back safe and unharmed. We're moving out at nightfall. Dismissed."

Magnus loved when Alec spoke with such authority. It was a pity that he didn't talk like this in the bedroom; deep but rich authoritative voice that told Magnus what to do and how to do it. If Magnus was told to jump out a window with this voice, he'd probably do it in a heartbeat. With a voice as sexy as that, how could one not listen? Some people don't understand or see the attraction of authority figures, but Magnus did. He could see a difference in Alec from the time they met to even right now as he commanded a squad of Shadowhunters. He was in the process of becoming head of the New York institute, so the role seemed fitting. If the shoe fits, as the mundanes say.

"That was a very uplifting and motivational speech. I'm almost tempted to gear up myself and join the hunt but I'm not wearing my werewolf hunting clothes," Magnus said with a smile. "Well done. You should be proud of yourself."

Alec snorts at this. Even if he did change since they met, he still felt that people undermined his authority and didn't take him seriously. That probably wouldn't change, but he still made sure that people knew he was in charge. "Thanks. I'm just wondering now how many of them will actually gear up like I expect them to. They'll need more than just a single weapon and a stele if they expect to take down a rogue wolf pack."

"They're young, Alec. Of course they're not going to listen. That's how young minds think." Magnus reached down and rubbed Alec's hand with a thumb. He sighed as Alec pulled away. "You know you're going to have to tell me what's on your mind eventually. You can't avoid me forever."

Alec shrugged. "Nothing's on my mind. Just ready to take on this mission. Save some lives. The usual Shadowhunter mission objective."

"You're doing that thing again where you completely avoid my accusatory comment. It's annoying but good thing I'm your boyfriend. I would've fried your gorgeous ass weeks ago for hiding from me."

Alec looked up to see Magnus leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his broad chest. He knew this look all too well. This was his "I'm Not Leaving You Alone Until You Tell Me Everything" look. "Magnus. Please. Not now. I have work to do-and I have to leave in a few hours. Can we talk about this when I get home tonight?"

No, Magnus wanted to say. But he bit his tongue and nodded curtly. "Of course. Can you guarantee that you'll come home safe and unharmed?"

Alec made the few steps over to where Magnus stood and planted the most gentle of kisses on the warlock's forehead. "I'll do you one better. I promise to come home safe and sound. With chocolates."

Magnus purred and beamed. "I can't argue with that. Chocolates do seem to break the mold. Or at least that's what mundanes think, anyway."

Alec kissed him again. "I'll be home before you know it. Don't wait up for me."

Magnus watched as his beautiful Shadowhunter went to get geared up, his stomach sinking. He always got this feeling whenever Alec went out on a mission. It was that sinking feeling that he was never going to see the Lightwood boy ever again. Like every time they parted ways, it was going to be the last time they see each other ever again.

"Get a hold of yourself, Magnus. He'll be fine. He always is," Magnus muttered to himself. "Just go home, cook a steak and drink some wine. That'll shake away the sinking feeling."

He felt a tap to the shoulder and turned to see Isabelle looking at him oddly. "Magnus. Are you talking to yourself?"

"Me? Talking to myself?" Magnus snorted. "Yes. Talking to oneself is the first sign of intelligence. Ask anyone."

Isabelle raised an eyebrow. "My mother always said it was a sign of insanity but then again you're over 600 years old. What do I know about wisdom?"

Magnus pat her on the arm and smiled. "What do you know, indeed."

~~~~~~~~~~

After finishing his steak that evening, Magnus poured himself up a glass of wine before heading to bed. He usually had a drink and flipped through a book before lights out but that night was different. He couldn't stop worrying about Alec and the dangerous mission. He didn't text to say he was okay or that he was on his way home or anything. Normally, he did that.

His phone buzzed on the bedside table. The caller was Jace. Magnus answered with a groan. "What? I'm busy reading Paradise Lost. Limited edition. Make it fast."

"What's the difference between the regular edition and yours?" Jace snapped. "Don't answer that. I'm just calling to give you bad news. It's about Alec."

Magnus dropped his wine glass. It hit the floor with a loud shatter. "What about Alec? Is he okay? Is he hurt? Spit it out Jace or I'll Portal over there and strangle you with objects that you'd never think would be able to choke you."

Jace sighed. "It's Alec. He's.....he's at the supermarket and he can't find your favorite chocolates and wanted to know if you'd settle for a Kit Kat bar instead."

Magnus blinked. "You've got to be joking."

"I don't joke about matters like this. Chocolate is a very serious topic-"

"Jace. You had me thinking Alec was injured. Or worse. What in god's name is wrong with you?"

Jace paused for a moment. "I didn't mean to make you think that. He had called me to say that the mission was a success and he'd be back shortly to drop off his gear. Then his phone died."

Magnus angrily scrunched his face. "You scared the living shit out of me, Jace Herondale. For that I should cast a spell on you that makes certain parts of your body shrivel up and fall off."

Magnus heard a clatter in the other end of the line. Jace must've dropped something. "And what parts of my body are you referring to? I need every part. I seriously do."

Magnus never had a chance to answer when the bedroom door opened and Alec waltzed in. He looked like he'd been in a fight with a comb and the comb won. His hair was a mess and his clothes were stained with blood and grime from God knows where. "I have to go now, Jace. Just remember what I said. It's an actual spell. I've seen it used before." He hung up just as Jace was saying something. "Where have you been? Your idiot brother had me worried sick that you were hurt or dead."

"What? Why? I was only out getting chocolate. They didn't have your favorite chocolate covered raisins so I got you a Kit Kat instead. Hope that's okay with you," Alec stripped off his dirty clothes and tossed them into the hamper. "I'm exhausted. Werewolves are a lot to handle when they're young pups."

Magnus looked Alec over in a frantic gaze. "So you're not hurt? Bit? Scratched? Didn't trip and fall down the stairs again?"

Alec blushed. "That was one time. One time! And it was during our first kiss. I was caught off guard."

Magnus beamed proudly. "I am a good kisser."

Alec smirked. "You really are."

Taking Alec's hand, Magnus pulled the Shadowhunter down into his bed. "I'm glad you're okay. Remind me to kick your brother's ass the next time I see him. Had me worried sick over nothing."

Alec kissed the warlock's cheek. "Relax. I'm home and I'm unharmed. Plus I brought you chocolate," he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a bar. "Oh. It must've melted in my pocket on the way home. Sorry...."

Magnus couldn't help but laugh. "It's fine. Really. Having you home safe is way better than any chocolately goodness."

Alec chuckled as his neck was kissed multiple times. "So does this mean I don't have to bring gifts on dates anymore?"

Magnus' reply was muffled. "Just show up so I don't look like an idiot. Although I do love a nice bouquet of carnations. Can't say no to them."

"Noted. Show up to date and bring carnations," Alec laughed and kissed Magnus again. "You're so easy to love. I didn't think it would be this way."

Magnus raised an eyebrow. "And how did you expect to be?"

Alec sat on the bed beside him. He was getting flustered the longer he tried to find the right words to say, his hands going along with the words that came out of his mouth. "It's like.....I keep expecting you to open your eyes one day and realize that you don't want this. With me, I mean. Us. You don't want us."

Magnus snorted. "Don't be stupid. Of course I want us and of course I want you. There's no other way I'd rather have it."

Alec sighed. "Magnus. Sometimes I think that what I'm doing isn't enough. Like I can't be enough for you-"

"I'm stopping you right there. You are enough, Alexander. You are more than enough. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and I think 'Gee Alec is more than I can handle sometimes but I feel damn good about the fact that I can handle him'. It's me that should be feeling this way. Not you."

Alec's eyebrows rose up slowly. "You? Not enough? Is that supposed to be a joke?"

"Well no but I'm glad you find me amusing."

Alec shook his head, smiling. "You shoot sparks and fire from your hands. Your eyes are like a cat's. Your wardrobe is filled with clothes that I can't even imagine myself wearing because that's how much of a wimp I am. You are so more than enough, Magnus."

Magnus slid his hand down Alec's arm until their fingers were entwined on the bedsheets. "So we're both in agreement that we think we are enough for each other?"

Alec shrugged. "Yeah. I suppose. I mean if-"

He was interrupted by a slim finger being placed over his lips. Magnus shook his head. "Zip it. You're going to kill the vibe. And quite frankly, I was looking for dessert anyway so this melted bar will have to do." He ripped the wrapper open with his teeth. "Wanna share? That's how much I love you. I'm willing to share my precious chocolate."

Alec laughed. "Sure. Why not. I heard chocolate is supposed to raise your sex drive anyway-" He quickly slapped a hand over his mouth in surprise.

"Alexander. What are you trying to say? Is someone a little...." Magnus winked and brought up a stick of bar to his mouth, slowly sucking off the chocolate.

Alec moaned. "I hate you."

"Lies. You love me. Otherwise you wouldn't have bought this delicious chocolate to tease you with. Good thing it's not a Popsicle...."

Alec bit his lip. "You and I have a very different perception of what love is, don't we?"

Magnus shrugged. "That keeps it interesting. We'd be dull and boring if we shared the same everything. Now...." He unzipped Alec's pants and winked. "Prepare yourself. I'm going in for a second dessert."

Alec smirked. "What, the chocolate bar wasn't enough?"

Magnus kissed him to shut him up. "No. It's never enough."