It was now Saturday evening.

Alex and Magnus had gotten back to the hotel safely at noon where they put up gear and took showers. Afterward, Magnus went to help Sam while Alex went to the Chase Space.

Later that evening, Magnus went to check the manor, making sure Hearth and Blitz didn't burn the place down too bad. Maybe also because Magnus already wanted to see Alex again. They were going to meet each other anyway for Pottery 101.

As soon as Magnus walked in, he was greeted by loud music and flashy streamers.

"What the heck is going on?"

"MAGNUS!" A voice screamed his name. It was Blitzen standing on a chair across the room full of partying adolescent kids and a deaf elf dancing like no one was watching. "WELCOME, WE'RE JUST GETTING THE PARTY STARTED!"

Magnus walked over to Blitz, dodging dancers with drinks and tripping on party balloons. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" He inquired.

"JUST TRYING TO HAVE SOME FUN ON A BEAUTIFUL SATURDAY NIGHT! COME ON, LETS GO IN ANOTHER ROOM!"

The trio went upstairs to an empty bedroom, a quieter place to have a conversation even though they'd be using sign language with Hearth.

"So what happened during the trip Magnus? Did our advice come in handy?" Hearth signed.

"Well, the trip was great in many ways. But I haven't used your advice yet. It might actually be useful tonight though. I think Alex is ready." Magnus replied.

For a split second, he got lost in thought, thinking back to the conversation he had with Hearth and Blitz before the camping trip.

'No matter what, use protection because being safe is better than being sorry. No. Matter. What. You never know what can happen, and being einherjar, no one really knows what will happen if – '

'Okay, okay, thank you Hearth. Listen Magnus,' Blitz cut in. 'You guys love each other. It's obvious. You'll both have a great time. Once things get going, it'll start to feel natural. And accept Alex's feelings and consent,' He poked Magnus in the chest. 'And accept your own if you really aren't ready.'

Magnus snapped back to reality.

"Oh gods," he covered his face with his hands.

Hearth uncovered Magnus's eyes, making him listen to his signs. "Everything is going to be fine, seriously. Once you start, you'll lose your anxiety. This party is basically celebrating a new experience of your life Magnus!" Hearth hesitated with a thoughtful look. "Should it be called life?"

Magnus ignored that last question. "That's why you threw this party? What if nothing even happens?"

"Well, a party is a party. They're just fun." Blitz's face got serious. "Just be happy Magnus. Do what makes you happy."

Magnus smiled, grateful for the advice from his friends. "Thanks guys."

They walked out to rejoin the party. Magnus looked around for Alex because it was almost time for the pottery class. He found him sitting on a couch, talking with a girl.

"Alex, I'm glad I found you! Pottery class starts soon if you still want to go." He still had to talk loud enough to be heard over the music.

Before Alex could reply, the girl spoke up. "Pottery class? That sounds fun, where is it at?"

"Uuh–" Alex came up with an answer before Magnus could.

"It's just down the street a ways. A small little place. But you're right, Magnus, we need to get going. The party's been fun. I'm glad I got to know you better, Em. Bye!"

They walked outside after saying bye to Hearth and Blitz, who each gave a very conspicuous wink at Magnus in front of Alex. He waved back, embarrassedly.

The sun was starting to set, but it was still warm. The couple walked side by side, headed to the secret entrance of the hotel. The closest one was next to a picket fence and a garden gnome safeguarding a house. How the entrances came to be and how they were found were beyond Magnus. They got into the hotel and headed straight for Pottery 101.

The class lasted for about two hours. Alex could tell that Magnus was trying his best to follow the instructions and make a simple, pretty, and functional bowl. His face was set in concentration, he would often humph when something failed, and he was nearly covered head-to-toe with clay.

In the end, his bowl didn't quite turn out so pretty or functional. But Alex was so amused and happy that Magnus tried out one of his passions. And he had to admit it was hilarious to hear Magnus use simple pottery jargon.

"Ugh, this glaze is not spreading smooth enough. I'm afraid the clay will heat up faster and it will crack." He huffed, again, and dropped his brush onto the table.

Alex got up from his table. He leaned over Magnus, inspecting the lopsided, flat bowl.

"Hmm," he grabbed the brush and put it in Magnus's hand, then used his own hand to guide Magnus. "If you just brush over the glaze slowly, it'll cover more area and smooth out. Next time though, try starting with less so that it doesn't clump together."

Alex, still holding his hand, looked at Magnus whose face was pink and he was trying to subdue a smile. Of course, he's blushing with me close by and holding his hand,Alex thought amusedly.

"You arecoming again, right?" Alex continued.

"Yeah, of course. I have to get this down, or else not being able to do it right will kill me." He paused. "Huh. Is that why they call it Pottery 101 to the death?"

"Maybe so, Maggie. That's one of artists' major peeves: perfection."

Magnus inspected Alex's work as he walked back to his own pottery wheel. He saw a symmetrical, tall hourglass shaped hollow vase with a glaze of contrasting colors, like purple and orange, yet it somehow was appealing to the eye.

Magnus was amazed. "Woah. You did a great job at making that shape so symmetrical. And the colors are actually mesmerizing to look at."

That made Alex smile. "You think so? I've been having trouble with the symmetry so I've been working on that. I still think the bottom is a bit skinnier and taller than the top. But I'm close to getting it right. Just need more practice."

"Tell me 'bout it. I can barely make a functional bowl."

"Hey, it's your first piece. You should be proud!"

"I am. I guess I thought it would be easier, though."

"Ha, right!" Alex set his vase on a shelf. "Okay Magnus, put up your bowl. We can come get these when they're set and dry." He turned to Magnus's wheel. "And clean up that horrendous mess of a pottery wheel. Yikes."

After cleaning up, they walked together to floor 19. They stopped next to their rooms. Magnus got nervous, wanting to invite Alex in. He thought back to what Blitz said, do what makes you happy.

They started talking at the same time.

"Mag-"

"Al-"

"You first, Magnus."

"Alex." He took a deep breath. "Do you want to join me in my room?"

Alex chuckled.

Magnus face palmed.

"Gah, that came out weird. This is dumb, never mi-"

Alex kissed Magnus and pushed him against his door. Still kissing, Magnus opened his door and they went in.

"Wai-, wait, I have to make sure." Magnus pulled back. "Are you ready for this Alex?"

"Yes, Magnus. I really am." Alex pulled back further, looking concerned. "Are you ready?"

"Yeah, just nervous." He smiled and laughed. Alex did the same.

"Then let's just do it."

"I need to wash off all this clay, though."

"Me too." Alex smirked.

Then something magical happened. But it was nothing that required rune-stones or enchantments.

Alex

Took

Off

His

Shirt.

Magnus's head exploded.

"Woah..."

Alex started to lift up Magnus's shirt. "Your turn. You can't leave me hanging."

Hands on skin made Magnus's stomach tingle as his shirt came off. Magnus has always been a bit self-conscious about his looks, but having inherited abs and some other muscle when becoming an einherji made this a better experience.

Alex seemed to be perfectly fine with all this closeness, but Magnus was more hesitant when touching Alex's body, and he still hadn't touched him and he didn't want to cross boundaries.

First, Magnus just put his hands on Alex's arms. Alex's thin frame was also toned with muscle thanks to Valhalla's magic, but Magnus could really tell just how petite Alex was without clothes on.

Alex continued to move his hands across Magnus's torso, generating electric tendrils that spread throughout his body.

Having kissed Alex already, Magnus felt more comfortable with his hands cupping Alex's face. He slid his own hands up to Alex's chin, and they kissed again.

When his lungs begged for air, Magnus took in a deep breath, let it out and said "I can't take any more of this. My brain has already exploded and I think my body is melting."

Alex pushed Magnus towards the bathroom. "Then get in there and wash off that clay. I'll be waiting."

Alex closed the door, leaving Magnus alone in a stupor. "why does Alex have to be so sexy?" He asked the universe.

While he showered, he prepared himself for what was to come.

—

He finished toweling his hair, letting the rest of it air dry. He didn't bother to put a shirt or pants on because he knew they'd just be coming right back off, but he was donning his best pair of boxers. His anxiety was through the roof. Looking at the bathroom door, he took a deep breath and opened it. The hallway was empty and quiet.

I guess I'll just go to my room. He slowly walked towards it, excited about what was coming, yet extremely nervous too. Why am I so nervous? I love Alex. Whatever happens tonight will be the best time of my life. He tried reassuring himself, but he was still slightly shaking.

He approached the bedroom door and opened it slowly.

"I was beginning to worry Maggie, it took you a while."

Alex was sitting on his bed also with wet hair, a nude torso, and the other half under the covers. Seeing that green hair and sly smirk already made Magnus feel better, but his inexperience still worried him.

"To think that when we were in the tent, you got mad at me for not leaving when you were changing. And now here we are, basically naked in front of each other"

"Just get in the bed, Magnus."

He crawled in next to Alex. The next few hours were spent cuddling and loving each other. They both got over their nerves quickly, just like Hearth and Blitzen said, because being with the one you love is nothing to be nervous about.

A/N: :O oh my gods, I am sooo sorrryyyyyyy! Please enjoy this last chapter! I spent time throughout the semester to write it and I think it turned out okay. Just so it's clear, I don't do pottery and I've never written anything like this before, so I'm sorry if anything was off or weird, BUT I enjoyed writing this and imagining ;) what was happening. Again, I'm sorry about the long wait, but you guys are awesome for reading this far, THANK YOU!