( he can, and he hopes alec knows his own is doing the same. quite a feat, to have magnus bane's heart racing, and yet alec can accomplish it with a smile, with some honest words, with a kiss or a touch or even a look. he takes magnus' breath away.

it pains him to hear alec be self deprecating. to him, there's nothing about alec he would ask to change. )

We do. You were right about that. ( it's a soft admission. magnus' hand returns to alec's cheek, drawing his eyes to his own. he wants alec to hear what he's saying very well, to know magnus means it and isn't simply appeasing him. that he's telling alec the truth, and is bearing himself a little further to his boyfriend. )

It's not you, Alexander. You're better at showing me than... ( a small laugh ) anyone I've loved. I'm not used to it. ( he hopes to clarify, because he doesn't want alec to think he isn't showing him his love hard enough. it's perfect. even with the mistakes he's made, magnus has never doubted alec's feelings for him. ) You remember, when you told me this was new for you? I said it was for me too. It's never been like this with anyone, but I think that only makes what would normally be idle fears louder. I don't want to lose you. ( a breath. ) I can't lose you.