And there, right there, is one reason why thinking of Alec makes something go a little gooey inside Magnus: that unrehearsed, genuine smile. Alec never looks more lovely than when he's being genuine. "Sorry," he says, actually sounding a little sorry as he pads barefoot onto the patio and reaches out a hand to stroke his fingers through Alec's hair. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I didn't want to interrupt your...seminar," he decides, looking at the cats, all of whom are now pretending disinterest. Sheba even hops down and takes up residence on a different couch for a bath.

"I should also apologize for the chair," he says, leaning to one side and examining it critically. To the naked eye, it looks perfectly ordinary, but... "I sat there last night while I was enchanting a truth-telling amulet for someone, and, well...I suppose I got a little sloppy with things."

That doesn't mean he isn't about to turn gracefully and settle into Alec's lap, however, settling his arms around Alec's shoulders. Should he...address any of the things he'd heard? Would it be easier to let this morning slip away unremarked? But that isn't fair, is it? Alec has revealed what's in his heart, after all. "It could be," he says softly, looking at the keys in Alec's hand. "Your second home. I'd never ask...of course I know how important your work is at the Institute, but if you wanted...to stay."