Different realities with similar characters. It made sense, in a way that would probably make Alec's head hurt if he tried to puzzle through it. They were Magnus and Alec, just not the ones that the other knew. Different histories but still drawn together from the way Magnus reacted to seeing him.
As soon as he felt Magnus' magic, he knew that there was something slightly different. It was subtle that he probably wouldn't have picked up if they hadn't shared strength so often or if Alec hadn't lived in the same apartment as the High Warlock of Brooklyn. Magnus' magic always seemed to recognize him, welcoming him in a way that said 'home' just as much as small, affectionate gestures they shared now that they were mending their relationship.
Different themes... maybe that was the best way to consider the difference in magic. While his Magnus' magic slid over him whenever he directed it toward Alec, this version was almost sparked along his skin. The way it had when Magnus had healed him months ago.
Even if the memory was of pain and heartbreak, it allowed Alec to relax enough to let Magnus into his mind. Momentarily at least since the first image didn't make sense. Nor the second since Alec had been the one to take the risk, asking Magnus on their first date, never denying his attraction except to hide from his parents and the Clave's scrutiny. He twitched beneath Magnus' hands when he saw a kiss with them both dressed for a wedding. Wedding? Not Jocelyns. Were they were married in the world Magnus was from?
The twitch turned to a shiver and a pained sound when he saw Max. No glasses, but the same face, the same curiosity. The rest was a blur of confusion that he really couldn't absorb since Max was the only thing he could focus on. Max was alive. He was safe. It didn't happen in that world.
Alec felt Magnus' magic slip away, automatically wrapping his arms around Magnus' waist. Pulling him close, he tried to steady him but then realized he was shaking. Pressing his face to Magnus' neck, he let out a shuddering breath. "He's alive in your world."
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As soon as he felt Magnus' magic, he knew that there was something slightly different. It was subtle that he probably wouldn't have picked up if they hadn't shared strength so often or if Alec hadn't lived in the same apartment as the High Warlock of Brooklyn. Magnus' magic always seemed to recognize him, welcoming him in a way that said 'home' just as much as small, affectionate gestures they shared now that they were mending their relationship.
Different themes... maybe that was the best way to consider the difference in magic. While his Magnus' magic slid over him whenever he directed it toward Alec, this version was almost sparked along his skin. The way it had when Magnus had healed him months ago.
Even if the memory was of pain and heartbreak, it allowed Alec to relax enough to let Magnus into his mind. Momentarily at least since the first image didn't make sense. Nor the second since Alec had been the one to take the risk, asking Magnus on their first date, never denying his attraction except to hide from his parents and the Clave's scrutiny. He twitched beneath Magnus' hands when he saw a kiss with them both dressed for a wedding. Wedding? Not Jocelyns. Were they were married in the world Magnus was from?
The twitch turned to a shiver and a pained sound when he saw Max. No glasses, but the same face, the same curiosity. The rest was a blur of confusion that he really couldn't absorb since Max was the only thing he could focus on. Max was alive. He was safe. It didn't happen in that world.
Alec felt Magnus' magic slip away, automatically wrapping his arms around Magnus' waist. Pulling him close, he tried to steady him but then realized he was shaking. Pressing his face to Magnus' neck, he let out a shuddering breath. "He's alive in your world."