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“Salut, jubirea mea”
This is the first sentence Alec Lightwood hears from Samael fucking Hawkstorm while he's standing on the steps outside the Institute to welcome his childhood hero. He still can't believe that: a shadowhunter who's famous all over the Shadow World for his incredible feats, for being the youngest shadowhunter ever able to kill a great demon, a man everyone would be honored to serve UNDER, is here, in New York, ready to serve UNDER ALEC LIGHTWOOD, youngest HOTI and an openly gay man. After several requests of out transfers he has received lately from people not agreeing with his new policy - well, also a few transfer requests in, if he's being honest - Sam's arrival could represent an unexpected support and he can't wait to show him how grateful he is. Alec swears to himself he'll be worth Sam's trust.
When Noah Underhill announced him that Sam had asked to join the New York Institute staff, Alec’s enthusiasm had gone haywire. Noah had talked about sharing ideals and opinions, but something in his look – in his smile, in his shining eyes – had suggested something else, something personal. Alec had been aware of Noah’s sexuality since the beginning, despite him being totally discreet about that, so who knew? Alec could admit he was being curious, and in case very happy for Noah.
And it happens that the sweet, intimate greeting is exactly addressed to a strangely emotional Underhill standing next to him, in his position as Head of Security. Alec turns to look at him and understands. Because Noah's eyes are welling with unshed tears, his cheeks are pink and he's slightly trembling. So, Noah truly had someone close to his heart. It's clear now who he is.
Samael climbs up the few steps and offers a strong handshake to his new boss.
"Sir..."
By the angel, Sam Hawkstorm calling him sir, the world is going to fall down!
Alec returns the handshake grinning and gestures his new fellow to come in.
**
It's been a long day, and Noah is anxiously waiting for Sam to be free. He's been shown the whole Institute, introduced to his new fellows, he's had a long conversation with Alec about his possible duties and position, he's been asked to train recruits...hell, Noah hasn't even been able to talk to him after those few loving words Sam offered him, and he can't wait to spend some time with him. They have so much to catch up for!
Finally, Sam comes out of Alec's office, and a tired smile blooms on his lips watching Noah patiently waiting for him just outside. They move closer to each other with mutually agree and join hands.
"Hey..." Sam whispers. He leans to leave a kiss on Noah's cheek, and Noah could cry from happiness and from how incredible it is to have the man he loves here, with him. No more texts at ungodly hours, between different time and schedules, no more endlessly long lasting requests for a portal transfer, no more unfulfilled desire for a closeness that's not only physical - that too, though. They're going to work together, to see each other every day, to exchange soft gentle kisses, and brief touches, and intimate smiles, just like Alec and Magnus do. The quiet familiarity of a couple, out in the open, at last, after so many years. They're going to live together. To sleep together. Without hiding, without fear, their love open and safe within this family.
"You're here," Noah whispers in return, "you're really here and you're not going lo leave, ever...I still wonder if it's true..."
"It is, my love. I'm not going anywhere, ever. Acesta este acum casa mea. This is my home now. Te iubesc. Îți spuneam să mă lași să rămân atunci.. Now I’m here to stay."
"Are you sure you won't miss Bucarest and your family? I couldn't wait for you to be here and I feel bad for making you wait so much, just because I've been a coward and yet I can’t help but think of your father and of your uncles and aunts and cousins…"
Samael caresses Noah’s cheek and traces his nose and his lips with his finger.
"I spent fifteen years waiting to be with you, jubirea mea”, he says softly, “because I knew you weren’t ready. Now this is my family, and it's my home not because I'm going to live here but because my home is where you are. You are my home, Noah. Will always be."
There's something so endearing in Sam's eyes, love pouring out of him in a wave that gently engulfs Noah, making him feel almost dizzy. He squeezes Sam's hand and kisses him softly on his mouth without looking around to check if someone is staring in disapproval or disgust, and isn't it great and exciting?
"Let's go get some sleep," he says. Together. And for the first time since they were teenagers, Noah thinks of rings and a proposal as something real, something he could do, Sam deserves that. Noah too.