Love me in the Shadows of Our Memories (🇬🇧)

Chapter 26 - Shadows of the Night and Morning Kisses

A kiss is a silent gesture of love.

It expresses what we cannot say with words.

It connects two souls in a fraction of a second

And unites their heartbeats.

Alec

Five weeks, since they had decided that they would court each other to see where their path as a couple would lead them, had passed. These were quiet weeks, during which they had taken small steps on their new journey. Together, they had delved into memories of their time before Magnus' sudden disappearance, while also getting to know each other anew. Even though they had a shared past and had once been in a relationship, they had changed. They weren't entirely different people with different habits and characteristics, but twelve years shaped a person, especially when one has experienced difficult and traumatic times.

A few dates were already behind them, and Alec had enjoyed every single one. Today would be their fifth date—however, this time, it would not be at a neutral place like the atrium or in the garden. Today, Alec invited Magnus to his place, and it made him a little nervous.

Alec had spent the past few days tidying up and cleaning his living quarters. He had also gradually removed traces of John and stored the books, pictures, and all the memories associated with him in a large box, which now stood away in one of the storage rooms on the lower floors of the bunker. It wasn't meant to hide all these things from Magnus or to forget about John. No, he had done it to make it easier on himself, to attempt closure. He wanted to concentrate wholly on this new phase in his life.

Alec let his gaze wander contentedly through the small living room. Everything was ready for the date with Magnus.

A knock on the door made him whirl around. He cast a final glance in the mirror and nodded to his reflection. He thought he looked good today. Izzy had helped him put together the outfit for the date. Like most residents, Alec only had a few clothes besides the usual white overalls. Most of them, however, had faded from frequent washing or had holes that needed patching. So his selection had been limited. Alec smoothed out a few wrinkles in his shirt. He still wondered where Izzy had found the green shirt and black pants. Alec tore himself away from his reflection and opened the door.

"Hi, Magnus," he greeted the omega. "You..." Whatever he wanted to say trailed off into nothingness. Magnus was wearing midnight blue trousers and a pitch-black shirt. A few long chains hung around his neck, some of which he recognized. It seemed Izzy had played stylist for Magnus as well. Alec continued to scan Magnus' attire. He had styled his hair perfectly up and was wearing makeup. The last time Alec had seen the omega like this was twelve years ago.

"... look stunning," Alec finished his sentence.

A gentle, rosy glow tinted the omega's features.

"Thank you, Alexander."

"Come in," Alec requested, and Magnus stepped into his living quarters. The omega pressed his lips in a fleeting kiss to Alec's cheek.

"You look stunning as well, darling."

Now it was Alec's turn to blush, and he rubbed his neck with one hand. A hint of a smile tugged at his lips, and butterflies danced in his stomach. He had missed this exciting feeling.

"I brought us something," Magnus announced, placing a bag on the table. Alec stepped closer, trying to peek into the fabric bag.

"What's in there?" he asked with genuine curiosity.

"I thought we could cook something together tonight."

Alec's eyebrows raised. They hadn't discussed what they might want to do on their date today. Cooking together was a good idea, Alec thought. It gave them something to do while they could talk on the side. He voiced his thoughts, and a delighted smile appeared on Magnus' face.