Concrete Angel

A tiny cough woke him. He opened his eyes and looked down at the boy in his arms. Alec's head rested against his arm. His body was flush with his. He was huddled in a loose ball, face half-hidden by the covers, as if he were trying to bury himself there.

The young Shadowhunter coughed again, shaking a little, groaning very softly. Magnus frowned, pressing his lips to his forehead, the back of his hand to his cheeks.

His face was hot, very hot. He sighed, shutting his eyes. Alec had made himself sick. "Alec," he whispered, touching his face. "Alec, darling, wake up."

The boy opened his eyes, coughing harder, eyes bloodshot. "Shh, shh, shh, easy, sweetheart." He gently sat him up, letting him cough, allowing his lungs the oxygen they needed.

"Oh God," he croaked. "I feel like I got hit by a truck." Magnus smiled gently, concern in his eyes.

"Figuratively, you did. Where's your stele?" He asked.

Alec shook his head. "Don't have one with me."

"Alright, I'll be right back. I have something I can give you."

"No," Alec coughed. "No, I need to be sick, it's okay. It helps if we build up an immune system." Magnus pursed his lips, agitated that he couldn't help him right then and there.

"Alright," he sighed. He snapped his fingers, putting clothes on himself and a pile of sweats in his lap.

Alec took them with creaky joints and painstakingly pulled on the boxers and sweatpants. Magnus carefully eased the sweatshirt over his head, kissing him when he came out on the other side.

"I'll be okay," he assured. "I just need to sleep it off."

"Would you rather be at home?" Magnus asked. He shook his head.

"No, I want to be here…with you." He broke into another coughing fit. Magnus stood from the bed, waving his hand.

Slowly, a bed frame came up from the floor, the wood almost melting out of the floor, making a grand four-poster that fit Magnus perfectly.

Alec looked at him, confused.

"It'll be easier to take care of you if you're not on the floor," he said simply. Alec blushed.

"Take care of me?" He said softly. Magnus nodded.

"Well of course take care of you. I'm not going to let you lay there in misery without doing everything I can to make you better. What kind of boyfriend would I be?" He scoffed. Alec blushed deeper.

"Boyfriend?"

Magnus didn't reply. He smiled knowingly and kissed his fevered forehead, hugging him close. "I'll make you some soup, okay?"

He walked out of the room. Alec leaned back against the pillows, sighing a little.

God, I don't deserve him.

Alec took the soup graciously, eating slowly as Magnus instructed.

"This is great," he rasped. Magnus smiled.

"Old family recipe."

Alec froze, staring at him. He swallowed. "What's in this?"

"Chicken stock, chicken, cream, salt, pepper and some onion and other herbs that make it taste better and should clear up those sinuses," he said, looking at him expectantly. "Come now, Alexander, you don't honestly think I would drug you without your permission, do you?"

"Sorry," he mumbled, coughing again. Magnus helped steady the bowl, his other hand on his back.

"Shh, easy, easy, love," he soothed. Alec calmed, taking deep, shaky breaths. He continued eating, looking frail and miserable. He rubbed the back of his head, smiling softly. He pulled a thermometer out of thin air, taking the bowl from him. "Under your tongue," he said, easing it into his mouth.

Alec winced at the cold plastic with the bitter metal tip that had invaded his lips.

"I know, darling, just wait until it beeps." They both waited for the noise. Magnus held his hand, thumbing it softly. The device sounded that its course was over and Magnus looked at the tiny screen, sighing and shaking his head.

"102.3. Not good. As long as you don't get to 105 we'll be alright," he withdrew two large, green gel-like pills.

"What's that?" Alec croaked.

"Mundane medicine. Ny-Quil, also known as heaven on earth." Alec frowned, confused. Magnus smiled at his naivety. "It's medicine that will make you feel much better for at least twelve hours. You won't be conscious for it, but it'll make you feel better."

He handed him a glass of water and watched him down the pills. He looked at the warlock expectantly. "Now what?"

"You wait about half an hour," he squeezed his leg. "I'll be right back."

He stood, going to his bathroom. Alec shut his eyes, snuggling down into the covers, freezing. Magnus came back with a blue container and a washcloth. He sat down beside him. Touching his cheek.

"Alright, I have to put this stuff on your chest." Alec frowned.

"Why?" He said, stuffy and sniffing. Magnus pecked his cheek.

"So you can breathe, darling," he assured. "Now, it'll be cold, but it'll help, okay?" Alec looked up at him with those chaste eyes of his, trusting him. Magnus's heart twisted a little. "Shh…" He lifted his sweater, dabbing a little of the Vicks on his chest.

Alec could instantly feel the menthol work through his clogged nose and right into his lungs. He coughed softly, deep and heavy in his chest. "Shh," Magnus soothed. "I want you to close your eyes and try to sleep, baby."

"But I want to see you," he croaked. Magnus carefully dabbed his face with the cool cloth.

"Shh, I know, I know baby. But I'll be here when you wake up," he promised, smiling and nodding.

"Wi-will you lay with me 'til I fall asleep?" He asked, yawning. Magnus nodded.

He climbed beside him, getting under the comforters and hugged him close. He kissed his forehead, squeezing him tight. He rested his cheek on the top of his head.

"Shh…" he caressed his neck. "Go to sleep, darling. Shh, sleep, sleep…"

"Thank you, Magnus. I love you…"

Magnus looked down at him, watching those beautiful eyes close, sleep coming to his alabaster face. He smiled a little, kissing his unconscious lips.

"I love you too, darling. Forever."

END

-Thank you all very much. I'm glad you enjoyed this and I hope to see you all again soon! God Bless!-