Jae lounged in front of the fireplace, eyes focused on the book in his hand, the whole apartment quiet save for the gentle rustle of pages turning. It might be a boring way to spend a Friday night but the warlock had felt lazy. Getting all dolled up and heading over to a crowded club seemed like such a drag. It wasn’t even like Brian was going to be there to dance with him.

At the thought of his boyfriend, Jae couldn’t help but sigh. The Institute had been absolutely swamped this week, reports of demon activities coming in almost every hour. Brian barely had time to rest, let alone text Jae. And the warlock would have felt neglected, even just a bit, if he wasn’t so worried about his Shadowhunter boyfriend. Jae could only hope that Sungjin was keeping his best friend in check.

Jae was in such deep thoughts about his boyfriend that he failed to notice someone heading up to his place, only becoming aware when he heard the familiar thumping of boots against the wooden floor. Grinning to himself, the warlock quickly got up from his couch, teleporting his book back to the shelf while dashing across the hall to open the door.

The sight that welcomed him made the smile drop from his face. Brian was leaning against the banister, leather jacket clinging to his skin as blood caked it. The young Shadowhunter had a small smile on his face, hand pressed against his side where more blood was.

“Hey, love.” Brian greeted, pushing himself away from the banister.

“Don’t ‘hey, love’ me, Kang! What the hell happened?!” Jae demanded as he pulled the younger against his side. His eyes searched across Brian’s body, frowning even deeper. “Why the hell are you bleeding this much?! Why the heck didn’t Sungjin draw an iratze on you?! I swear to the Angel, I am going the charge the Institute four times more than normal the next time you ask my help!”

Brian chuckled, albeit weakly. “What’s an iratze compared to the most handsome warlock’s magic?”

Jae paused mid-rant, hating himself because how could he just blush like this? And of course, Brian, being the little that he was despite being injured, smirked up at the warlock, clearly pleased at the blonde’s reaction.

“Did I just make the High Warlock of Seoul blush?” Brian teased.

Jae huffed, rolling his eyes. “I’m the only guy warlock you know, shut up.” Hitting Brian’s shoulder when the younger just smirked even more, Jae gently pushed the Shadowhunter away, waving his fingers to levitate his boyfriend. “I’m still charging Sungjin accountable for this.”

Brian chuckled, stopping with a wince as he clutched his side once more. Jae followed after his boyfriend somberly. The warlock’s eyes were trained on the blood that was trailing after Brian and he couldn’t help but feel like someone was gripping his heart. Snapping his fingers, the warlock let his magic clean up the mess as the two of them headed to the couch. Lowering Brian onto the leather material, Jae kept on frowning as he assessed the damage.

“Not all of this blood is mine, love. Stop frowning, Jae.” Brian whispered, forcing a smile on his face.

“I haven’t seen my boyfriend for a week and when he does come visit, he’s covered in blood, excuse me if I’m not Mr. Sunshine!” Jae snapped, voice rising in octaves.

That shut Brian up. Jae hated the tense atmosphere between them and he could feel some of his magic getting sidetracked. Taking a deep breath, the blonde warlock tried to detach himself from what he was feeling and focus on the task on hand. He was obviously failing if the shaking of his shoulders were any indication. Despite the waterworks, Jae continued on healing the young Shadowhunter, letting himself relax once Brian’s breathing evened out. When he was done, the warlock sat down by the couch, content to just be here. Jae jolted when a hand suddenly reached out for his face, wiping the tears that had fallen on his cheeks.

“Jae…” Brian started.

“Don’t.” Jae interrupted.

“Hyung, please. I-“

“I said don’t, Younghyun.” Jae said, voice coming out sharper than he intended. “You should get some rest. I’m going to find you some clothes to change into.” Jae said quietly, getting up from his spot on the floor.

“Hyung, Jaehyung please.” Brian pleaded, reaching for his boyfriend’s hand. The younger waited until the blonde faced him again before continuing. “I’m so sorry for making you worry, love.” Brian said sincerely, eyes bright as they stared at Jae.

The genuine emotion from Brian’s face softened Jae’s eyes. Lacing their fingers together, the warlock realized that he was being dumb. It wasn’t his boyfriend’s fault after all. Jae knew full well what he was getting into when he had accepted the Shadowhunter’s invitation for dinner. Okay, maybe that was a lie. Jae had no idea that he would fall for this giant cat of a Shadowhunter who changed hair colors as often as Jae changed clothes. Meeting and being with Brian made Jae wonder how he survived three centuries without the younger in his life. Brian had brought out the different colors that the warlock hadn’t even known he needed.

“It’s part of the job description. You go out and risk your life while I stay here, waiting for you to come back.” Jae said in a light tone.

“What a ty job.” Brian replied, gripping the warlock’s hand tighter.

Jae nodded, agreeing with that wholeheartedly. “Well, as long as I get to call you my boyfriend, I’ll learn how to deal with it.”

Jae laughed when Brian stared at him wide eyed, color rising to his cheeks. Leaving his boyfriend with his flailing, the warlock headed to his room to get the change of clothes that he had promised.  When Jae returned, Brian was smiling up at him dopily, looking very pleased himself. The warlock snorted, throwing the clothes at his boyfriend, who of course managed to catch them easily, before taking a seat on the other couch.

“Get up and shower. I’ve healed you but a shower would help relax your body even more.” Jae said, making the book he was reading earlier reappear.

Brian nodded, getting up slowly. “Join me?”

“No.”

“But, I’m hurt. What if I slip in the bathroom?” Brian whined, reaching for the book his boyfriend was reading. “Love, you’ve probably memorized this by now.”

“Yes, I have but I still love reading it.” Jae replied, pulling his book to his chest. “If you do slip in the bathroom, I’m going to lord it over you for a long time. Brian Kang Younghyun, infamous Shadowhunter, terror among delinquent Downworlders, defeated by a bathroom floor.” He snickered. “I can imagine the demons laughing already.”

Brian frowned at him, flicking Jae’s forehead as he got up. “ you. Why am I dating you again?”

Jae rubbed his forehead, kicking Brian’s thigh in retaliation. “Must be my dashing good looks? Or the fact that I can change your hair color in an instant? Or maybe cause you love me?”

Brian grinned, bending down. “All three.” He whispered before capturing Jae’s lips in gentle kiss. “Though there’s something wrong with the third option. There’s no maybe in my feelings for you.”

“Sap.” Jae murmured against the other’s lips before pulling away. “Go and shower. I missed having you in my bed.”

Brian pulled away, wriggling his eyebrows suggestively causing Jae to snort. The warlock couldn’t help it when his fingers traced his lips once his boyfriend was out of sight. Even after almost a year of dating Brian, Jae still felt that jolt, that spark whenever they touched and it was the best feeling ever. Getting up from the couch, the warlock made a mental note to enjoy it while he could.

--

One thing that Jae hated about dating Brian was that they were always chasing time. Brian couldn’t stay long because he was needed in the Institute. Brian only had a few minutes because they were going to portal to Idris. Brian couldn’t come over because he had to train the new assignees to the Institute. Or the worst: Brian didn’t have time to make out with him because the demons were banging at the door. Jae hated all the rush that they had to undergo; it felt like he never had the time to just sit and appreciate being with his boyfriend.

Those same thoughts were running through Jae’s head as he watched his boyfriend sleep. Jae had gotten up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and when he came back, Brian had already taken over the entire bed, limbs spread out across the mattress. And Jae didn’t have the heart to wake him so he had teleported the couch from the living room to his room and just sat there.

Brian was beautiful. If there was any doubt on Jae’s mind about Shadowhunters having Angel blood, that thought disappeared when he met his boyfriend. Brian had always been handsome, charisma practically oozing out of him during battles but Jae’s favorite sight of his boyfriend was the one on his bed right now. Being a Shadowhunter, one had to grow up fast to be prepared of the responsibilities that came along with the name. It was only when Brian was asleep that Jae could see his guard down, mask of confidence fading into the softness that belied his age. The warlock could spend hours on hours just watching the gentle rise and fall of his boyfriend’s chest, smiling to himself whenever a small smile would make its way to the younger’s face, letting Jae know that he was dreaming.

It was in these moments that Jae wanted to stop time, wanted to just stop and stare at Brian. His boyfriend had when he saw the blonde’s wallpaper had been of Brian sleeping but Jae supposed it was hard to understand. Jae was an immortal; he had all the time in the world for anything but somehow it felt like he was grasping at straws with Brian. And the warlock would have stopped time, would have used his magic selfishly this time if it didn’t have bad effects on those that weren’t immortal.

Brushing those thoughts aside, Jae let out a sigh as he got off the couch, teleporting it back to its original place. He only had a few hours left before Sungjin would call Brian back to the Institute and Jae wasn’t going to give up the chance to cuddle his boyfriend to sleep.

“Jae?” Brian’s voice surprised the warlock, causing the blonde to jump.

“Seriously?” Jae said, putting a hand on his chest. “You scared me, idiot.”

Brian frowned at him, tugging on Jae’s hand weakly. “Sleep with me, babe. Come on.”

“You’re so whiny at 3 in the morning.” Jae chuckled, slipping in beside Brian. “Besides, it’s not my fault you hogged all the space.”

Brian ignored him, arms wounding tightly around the warlock’s waist as he laid his head on the older’s chest. “Missed you.” Brian mumbled, pressing light kisses by Jae’s collarbone. “Missed you too damn much.”

 Jae smiled softly, pressing a kiss on the crown of his boyfriend’s currently rose colored hair before melting against the pillows. “Missed you too, baby.”

“”M sorry I hadn’t been over the entire week.”

“That’s fine. I understand. Besides, Mathew was here for a few days so we hung out for a bit.”

At the name, Brian raised his head, scowling at the warlock. “I was out there, fighting demons while you were chilling with that dog?”

“It’s rude to call others dogs, Younghyun, even if they’re wolves.” Jae said, tapping Brian’s nose. “Besides, I haven’t seen him for a long time.”

“He was here last Christmas.” Brian deadpanned.

“And he left quickly because you kept glaring at him.”

“He kept touching you! If he had a tail, it would’ve been wagging every time you so much as looked at him!”

Jae blushed, shaking his head. “I can’t believe you’re jealous of Mathew. What about Seunghoon?”

“Don’t remind me.” Brian frowned again.

“Vampires are such flirts. You know he didn’t mean anything by it.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t like it. Why do you have to be so charming anyway?”

“Says the guy that gets girls’ and guys’ number even without saying anything.” Jae pointed out.

“I don’t have centuries worth of history with them.” Brian retorted.

Jae rolled his eyes. “I’ve only known Seunghoon for one century and Mathew for half of that, excuse me.”

“That doesn’t really help comfort me, you know.” Brian sighed, tracing Jae’s chest.

The warlock rolled his eyes again, carding his fingers through the younger’s hair. “Dowoon.”

Brian’s hand stilled, eyes slowly raising to meet Jae’s. “Babe…”

“It’s fine. I’m fine.” Jae shrugged, trying to keep his voice nonchalant. “You can’t help it if your ex got assigned to the same Institute as you. I understand.”

“Jae, seriously, you don’t have to pretend it’s okay when it’s not.” Brian said, lifting himself up on his elbows. “You’re a lousy liar and I love it. That just means you have to be honest with me, even when you don’t think you should be.”

“Is this the part where I admit I had a crush on Sungjin before or what?” Jae joked, huffing when Brian just stared at him flatly. “Okay, fine, I’m not happy that Dowoon gets to spend time with you in that Institute while I have to stay here in the apartment all alone. If-no, when- you get injured, he’s there for you. He knows things immediately but I have to wait until one of you remembers you have a phone and should message me with it. Or fire message. Honestly, I’m not picky on what method I want to know that you’re bleeding somewhere again.”

“It’s too bad my heart can’t send out a message to you, huh.” Brian covered Jae’s mouth when the warlock groaned. “Shut up. I’m not just being cheesy; I mean it. Whenever I get injured and start bleeding. I’d always go ‘, Jae’s gonna get mad at me for that’. And whenever I faint, my last thought before blacking out is how I wish Sungjin would call you to heal me. Oh and that you’re going to get mad at me for that too.”

Pushing Brian’s hand away, Jae rolled them over until he was the one curled up against the younger’s chest. “Well, you’re not wrong. I don’t even know how you could bleed half to death while Wonpil doesn’t even get a scratch.” He sighed. “You should stop babying him, by the way. He doesn’t like it and makes him feel insecure.”

“Speaking of Wonpil, did he really sneak in here Tuesday night?”

“Yeah!” Jae chirped happily, sitting up a bit. “It was great. We binge watched Goblin and he started throwing knives at my TV so I had to magic the screen. Plus, I had to soundproof the unit when we both started crying.”

“Well, that explains the puffy eyes.” Brian commented, caressing Jae’s cheek. “How’d you like Goblin?”

“I loved Reaper! His face, his personality, his history, it was really great.” Jae commented. “Who knew all black outfits would look so good?”

Brian raised an eyebrow, eyes straying to where his clothes were. “You didn’t know?”

“Yours is always bloody and sticky so it’s different. Besides, you didn’t cry when you first saw me.” Jae snorted. “Though you were trying that mysterious vibe.”

"You promised not to make fun of that!" Brian huffed. "Don't act like you didn't like it anyway."

"Mhm,it's hot when you're not bleeding to death." 

Brian rolled his eyes but Jae could see the proud smirk on his boyfriend's lips. Pressing one last lingering kiss on the younger's lips, the warlock pulled the covers tightly over the two of them. He wanted to enjoy a few hours of sleep with the Shadowhunter before Brian's responsibilities wash over them again and pull them apart. 

-- 

Jae woke up to an empty bed. Squinting his eyes, the warlock guessed that it was mid morning and he rolled over, stretching his long limbs on the mattress. Suppressing a sigh, the blonde reached for his phone, frowning when there wasn't any messages. How could Brian just leave without saying anything? 

To: Brian Bae 
Not even a goodbye? 
Seriously? 

Jae held his phone, waiting for a reply but when nothing happened, the warlock groaned in frustration. Stomping all the way to the kitchen, Jae sent out another message. 

To: Bobjin 
I am charging you with kidnapping. 
Damn it, Sungjin
Couldn't you have given Brian a day off?? 

From: Bobjin
Idiot. 

Jae frowned at his phone, not really happy with the other's reply but well. At least, Sungjin had replied. Sighing, the warlock pocketed his phone and bumped into something? 

"Watch where you're going, babe." Brian smiled, nudging Jae's hips. "I know you're a zombie without coffee but you're going to hurt yourself." 

Jae nodded dumbly, too busy staring at his boyfriend. His boyfriend who was right in front of him and not on the other side of the city. Holy Angel. "W-what." Jae said weakly. 

"Hm? What?" Brian asked, turning on the coffee maker for Jae, already reaching for the cupboard to bring out two mugs. 

"What are you doing here?" Jae managed to ask, shadowing the younger's movements as if trying to check whether this was real. 

"I'm making you coffee?" Brian laughed, caging Jae against the counter. "No need to look so shocked." 

"You've never stayed this late before." Jae looked out the window. "Won't you get in trouble?" Jae asked because no matter how much he wanted to be with his boyfriend, he didn't want Brian getting scolded. 

A pleased smile spread on the younger's face. "Nope, no trouble." Brian said slowly, as if savoring the moment. "Actually, I'm not going anywhere today. And tomorrow. Well, not without you." When Jae still didn't say anything, the Shadowhunter laughed, pinching the warlock's cheek. "Say something, babe." 

"What do you mean not going anywhere?" Jae asked, eyes widening. "Are they actually letting you rest?!" The warlock howled with laughter when Brian nodded. "Holy . Wow, today and tomorrow huh? I have you all to myself for two days? Oh my." 

"You've always had me, babe." Brian answered, grin widening as he saw how excited Jae was. "So, any plans? Or do we need a few hours to think about it?" 

"What few hours? I've waited for this for a long time! Why didn't you wake me up earlier?! We're wasting time! Oh my God. Where to go first?!" Jae ranted, pushing Brian aside as he paced the kitchen floor, random items appearing out of nowhere as the warlock thought of places for them to go to. 

Jae's pacing was stopped when Brian's hand found his. Allowing himself to get pulled, the warlock found himself against the counter again as the younger smiled at him. Jae smiled back, closing his eyes in anticipation and heart fluttering when Brian finally closed the distance between them, their lips moving gently and slowly against each other. Jae let out a small whimper when he realized that they could take it as slow as they liked and he pulled Brian closer, hands idly tracing his boyfriend's shoulder. 

"So I take it you liked my surprise?" Brian asked, voice a little breathless after pulling away. 

"Loved it!" Jae beamed. He patted Brian's shoulder. "But up and at 'em, Shadowhunter. We're going to be teleporting a lot of places today so better ready your stomach. Oh my God, I can finally show you Paris!" 

Brian didn't look that happy to be teleporting everywhere but one look at Jae's bright expression had all of his hesitation dying down. What was a few seconds of discomfort compared to a weekend's worth of bright smiles from his boyfriend afterall? 

A.N: this turned out angstier than I expected. Oh well. Thought of making this to a two shot  as well? 

What do you think so far? Lemme know~~ ♡♡