Alec felt himself relax at those words. He should have known that Jace would say something to make him feel better and he was glad of it. He closed his eyes as he leaned into Jace’s touch. “You know the right things to say, don’t you?” He opened his eyes to look at him as a smile curled up his lips. One of his hands reached out to curl around Jace’s shirt and pull him just the tiniest bit closer, or at least he felt like he’d done that. “No, never. I’m here with you, for you; always.” Alec kissed him back tenderly as his other hand reached up to caress Jace’s face. “You’ve already said enough, Jace. And I’m sorry I’m being so insecure. It’s just…I’ve never really had anything this good, something that I truly wanted and I don’t want it all to slip away.” And if anyone found out, then he would fight. He wouldn’t let the Clave or their parents or anyone pull them away. “I will fight for you, Jace. I will always be by your side. You don’t have to fear losing me either. I’m here to stay and I love you.” Alec leaned in again, mouth just barely kissing at the corner of Jace’s. “You are my sun and moon,” he whispered. “My sky and stars.” And his whole world, Alec thought. His thumb brushed over a cheek and he kissed him fully on the mouth then. He hoped to convey all the feelings that he felt for Jace in that one kiss.

Jace smiled as he felt Alec relax, leaning to steal another kiss. “I try to. You know I’m not the best with words and feelings.” He laughed softly and adjusted closer as Alec tugged at his shirt, tilting his head to kiss at Alec’s jaw. Sometimes he wished things had been different, maybe if they were mundane it would be easier, but he didn’t regret choosing Alec for a moment. “Always us.” he promised, nodding as he leaned into the hand on his cheek. He wished he could just take away every doubt his boyfriend had, but in their line of work it was hard. “No one is taking me anywhere without a fight, anyway.” The confident grin on Jace’s lips was also loving and he moved to lay on his side so he could lay an arm over Alec’s waist. “We’ll fight anything that ever happens, together. Okay? No matter what, we’re gonna fight for each other.” he promised, hand brushing up Alec’s chest so he could run his hand through dark hair. “I love you, too.” Bicolored eyes closed as he was kissed, tugging Alec closer and nipping at his lower lip gently. “I love you so much.”

Different Place in Time | bowstrung

Alec

“It sounds like they are good teachers,” Alec replied with a smile. He noticed her frown and wondered what that was about. If she wanted to talk to him about it then he knew that she would. He was still curious about where this girl came from, but had a feeling that it was a long story that they wouldn’t have the time for. “Thank you. That really means a lot. And I hope it’s true.” He wanted to marry Magnus, to have children with him and a long life together. Max and Raf, Alec wondered at the names. Was she someone he might know, but didn’t remember? Because Max was the name of his little brother and he supposed it was common enough, but Raf was short for Raphael, right? “You know, sometimes people take the role of big brother even when they don’t have to. It sounds like Tara looks out for you well. I’d hold onto that if I were you. And it does sound like that. Family is important. Don’t ever forget that. I’m sure that all of your brothers and your fathers care a lot about you too.” Then, thinking of something else, he added, “You might like to meet my sister Isabelle. She’s the only girl in a family surrounded by boys too. Well, there’s our mom, our parents are in Idris a lot. And anyway, my sister is tough like you too. You two would probably get along if you’d like me to introduce you to her.”

The hybrid smiled at him. “I know it is.” Ana said confidently. Each day was getting harder to hide who she was and she knew it that, but it wasn’t like she could figure out a way back either. Dark eyes watched him before she laughed. “Papa says that all the time. Since I’m the only girl, they all have to look out for me.” she laughed a little as she hopped down, moving her arm to make sure it was alright before her eyes lit up. “You mean Isabelle?” she asked, fighting to contain her excitement. She had loved the stories of her aunt when Izzy had been younger, listening to the laughter and comments as the family had told stories. “I’d love to meet her.” she said, nodding.

Accidental Love | bowstrung

Ragnor had started to yell as they’d entered their dressing room, but upon seeing both food and a little box indicating another gift, the man was placated and settled for reminding the two that they had a tour to finish. Magnus rolled his eyes and nodded, going to pick his makeup for the night and going over the set list with Alec calmly. As soon as Ragnor left, Magnus laughed. “I told you, the man can easily be calmed if you have something for him when you’re late.” he replied, pausing before leaning over to kiss his boyfriend’s cheek. “Are you ready for this?” he asked. “It’s our first show as an official couple.” He was a little nervous himself, but he knew Alec was going to be right beside him the whole time. He smiled as he reached to take Alec’s hand and lace their fingers. “Let’s go get rehearsal done so we can get ready for a lot of excited screaming.”

@bowstrung

Fresh Start | bowstrung

Alec [ @bowstrung ]

“You don’t have to,” Alec replied. “I have already forgiven you.” And he could put it past him. There was no need to dwell on such a past when they would have a much brighter future together. “You should’ve said so sooner. I was so worried about ruining our friendship, but if I’d known it would lead to this…,” well, he might have been the one to say something sooner too. He chuckled and nodded and he pulled out his phone from his pocket and sent Izzy a quick text. He got a reply back saying, ‘Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,’ and there was a winking face that made him roll his eyes. “Izzy approve,” he told him with a slight grin. He tucked the phone safely away, but knew the pants would likely end up tossed to the floor.

“It’s about time you noticed,” he told him, not at all shying away from his beauty. Alec knew that he was handsome enough, but he didn’t often flaunt it. Now, with someone that he cared about like he did Jace, he had no problem with doing that. “We have all the time in the world right now to do that,” Alec encouraged. “I want to be with you in every way possible.” He gently guided Jace toward the bed and pushed him down on it as he’d pried away from him. “You don’t know how many times I’ve dreamt about doing that.” He moved to straddle Jace and wrapped his legs around his waist. “Is this okay?” He asked as he lifted a hand to caress the blonde’s face. Jace was beautiful and he could hardly believe that they were actually going to do this.

Jace knew Alec was going to say something like that. “I know you have, but it doesn’t make me not regret it.” He’d been an idiot in younger days, trying to be what everyone around him thought he should be. “I was a terrible high school kid.” he laughed, leaning to kiss Alec softly. He bit his lower lip as Alec spoke, a blush on his cheeks. “I didn’t want you to think you had to do anything.” he replied. “I know I didn’t act like it back then, and I know I was the worst, but I loved you then and I loved you when we talked at the party and every single day since.” he explained. “I wanted you to take the step that put us here, Alec.” He watched as Alec messaged his sister, hands wandering over the other’s sides as they waited for a response. Hearing the words, he smiled and leaned in to kiss Alec again, laughing at the comment.

“I noticed a long time ago, baby.” he assured, hands sliding beneath the top of his now boyfriend’s pants, teasing along his hips. As Alec pulled away, he followed helplessly, not wanting to lose the contact. “You’ll have me until the day you tell me to go.” he assured, letting himself fall back onto his bed with a laugh. He propped himself up with one arm as Alec straddled him, free hand lifting to rest at the back of Alec’s neck. “It’s perfect, I promise. I’m not going anywhere.” he swore, pulling Alec down for a heated kiss. “I love you.”

Camera Flash | bowstrung

Alexander [ @bowstrung ]

Alec hadn’t thought he would be a model, far from it actually. His father wanted him to take over the family business, which happened to be tech and his mother wanted him to do something that would get him a high ranking in society. He felt like he achieved that somewhat on his own anyway since he was rather well known and even had quite a few offers for acting work. He was considering taking up a show now, but first he had to meet with the famous Magnus Bane. He wondered what the man was truly like. He’d read up on him and knew that he’d gotten around, but he wasn’t one to judge solely based on rumors.

He was guided into Magnus’s main office as went to the building for the first meeting and was given a coffee while he was told to wait for the man. This photoshoot was one he was looking forward to. Alec didn’t mind much if he had fantastic fashion, but he knew that this man had it and he could appreciate a good taste in clothing anyway. That and the man would be taking his photos too. Alec sipped as he waited for Magnus to arrive. When he did, he glanced over to see the door open and he stood with a smile. “You must be Mr. Bane. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He was quite honored to have been chosen for this mans next photoshoot. “I’m Alec Lightwood.”

Magnus was setting up for his newest shoot, gathering his lenses and making sure he had the filters and backdrops he needed. He paused when his assistant came to let him know his model had arrived and neutral painted lips curved up into a grin. He gave a nod, grabbing his camera. “Thank you, Cat, my dear.” he told her, letting her leave before heading to his main office. He moved to open the door, but he stopped short as he saw the full effect of the young man. HE hadn’t been prepared for how beautiful Alexander Lightwood was up close and personal, and he had to take a moment before shaking his head minutely. “Sorry, I’m back. I wasn’t expecting you to be more handsome in person.” he chuckled, reaching to offer his hand. “Magnus Bane.”

He moved to pour a cup of fresh tea, going to sit behind his desk and looking at the dark haired model. “I don’t usually request models, Alexander. But this particular shoot is for my personal fashion line and I wanted the best.” he explained, moving to slide a folder of images he’d taken of his completed works. “I also asked for your sister for the feminine line, but her shoot was two weeks ago and she loved the outfit I let her take home.” He smiled a little. “Perks to being a model in my personal line, you get to choose an outfit and take it home free of charge; my gift for your agreeing to be here.” he replied. “But also because my personal photos tend to be done in more open areas. The shoot for the line I want you modeling is set for Venice, just three days and it’s all paid for and everything. You don’t have to worry about a thing except showing up.”

Pour Me Another | bowstrung

Alexander [ @bowstrung ]

“If you’re worried about pay, you’re getting it.” He’d already been leaving the payment on the table. Unless the guy wanted him gone…, “I’m not causing any trouble. I’m just drinking.” It wasn’t like he was fighting with the other customers. That wouldn’t be like him at all if he did. He didn’t understand how a stranger could care about him so much. Why did this stranger care when Jace hadn’t bothered to check if he was okay? Granted, he hadn’t given him the chance to explain himself, but still. He felt his heart ache at the thought of what he’d witnessed.

Alec took the drink with a grateful nod and drowned a half of it in one go. All of this drinking wasn’t like himself either, but it numbed the pain. At least it numbed it a little bit. “My boyfriend cheated on me,” Alec muttered. He still wouldn’t look at him. He felt shame and sadness and anger and a number of other things that he couldn’t quite name. “Left me for a girl with stupid red hair and she’s so short he could use her head as an arm rest.” Alec’s hand tightened around the cup in his hand. He was surprised at himself for telling so much of what had happened to someone he barely knew. “He didn’t even say anything when I saw him there with her. He just….I can’t believe him.”

Magnus shook his head. “Pay is the least of my worries, Alec.” he replied, tilting his head. “You’re fine, I’m just concerned by you drinking so much. You usually don’t drink much at all, even when you’re with your friends.” he replied. A frowned creased full lips down as Magnus watched him, genuinely concerned because Alec was so clearly distraught and Magnus wasn’t sure he could fix it. He could, however, keep an eye on the other man.

Seeing yet another drink almost completely downed, Magnus felt his heart ache. Cheated on? “Who would be foolish enough to cheat on you? That sounds like his loss.” he reached to pick up a glass to dry it. “Well, as much as I’m sure it help you feel better now, alcohol will do more harm than good come the morning.” he said. “But you’re welcome to stay as long as you need to, provided you eat at least something to help. I’m not sure I could hop the counter fast enough to catch you if you pass out,” he teased with a smile.

Don’t Let Go | bowstrung

Alec [ @bowstrung ]

“If someone did ask questions, what would you tell them?” Alec wondered if he would say he wasn’t seeing anyone. He wished more than anything that they didn’t have to hide, but it was the truth of their lives. “I can’t help it, Jace. Our relationship is very complicated. More complicated than most complicated relationships and I can’t help but worry that you’ll get bored of me or want to be in public with someone that you don’t have to hide with.” He ducked his head as he rambled, feeling guilt for feeling these things. Alec knew that he had no reason really to doubt their relationship, but it was something that he did. He looked up quickly at him then when he spoke and gave him an offended sort of look. “Why would I want anyone else? You’re all I’ve ever wanted. You’re the only person who’s every truly understood me. Though don’t tell Isabelle that, she might be upset. But it’s true. I do love you Jace, so much. You’re the perfect man for me too. I just…wish that our situation was different, is all.” Maybe one day it would be, but that wouldn’t be for a very long time. “I’m sorry, I’ll try not to think on it anymore.”

Jace tilted his head. “I would say I have someone special and that’s all they need to know.” he said honestly. “I know that this…us…I know it’s complicated. It’s risky and I would rather have to hide than never know what it’s like to love you.” he explained. He gave a little laugh, running his fingers through Alec’s hair. “I’m not going anywhere, and you clearly aren’t gong anywhere. So obviously, we’re always going to have each other, and no one is going to change that.” he replied, leaning to brush his lips against the other man’s. “Tell me what to do to make those thoughts go away, Alec.”

Drink by Drink | bowstrung

Alec [ @bowstrung ]

“Do you want to talk about it?” Alec asked as he leaned his elbows on the counter. Part of the job was getting to know people and he’d found that he didn’t mind it as much as he thought he would. He was generally a very caring person over being reclusive and it was easy to get lost in someone else’s problems. “I’m sorry, that sucks. No one deserves to go through that.” The guy had been cheated on and he felt terrible for him. Alec made a mental note to not give that redhead anything should she come back there. He didn’t approve of cheaters, that was for sure.

Good looking, huh? He was used to the compliments by now. This job led to them all the time. If someone wasn’t trying to get a free drink out of him, they were trying to get into his pants and he didn’t give into either of those thanks. “I didn’t want to take over the family business, so I let my sister have it. My parents also don’t approve of well…me, so I was kicked out and have to make a living somehow. This was the first place that hired me and it’s not so bad. You meet some decent people here.” And pretty ones, he noted as he looked the blonde over. If he wasn’t a customer and wasn’t hurting over being cheated on, he may have asked him out. Though Alec wasn’t always so brave. “You might want to slow down after that one,” Alec suggested with a gesture toward his glass. “You didn’t drive here, did you?”

Jace glanced up. “I guess I should have expected it. They grew up super close and they spent a ton of time together anyway, more than I spend with her.” He shrugged sluggishly, not caring much about anything but getting rid of the ache in his chest. He listened and gave a smile. “Rebel in ya, huh?” he asked, setting his glass down as the other finished. He glanced at his now empty cup and frowned. “Why? Am I somehow causing trouble?” the blonde asked, confused.

He laughed a little as the other asked if he drove. “No, my apartment is like a block from here. I can get home fine if you’re throwing me out.” he said, slouching forward a little. “I’ve always taken care of myself.” his tone was sad and hurt, but he was too drunk by then to care.

Different Place in Time | bowstrung

Alec [ @bowstrung ]

“Yeah? That’s really good of them. I’m glad they want to help train you.” He smiled a little and nodded in understanding. “Yes, the same goes for me as well. I wouldn’t change my job for anything. You keep up an attitude like that and you’ll have a better time with it all.” He nearly reached out, but thought better of it and brought his hand back to his side. “I’m sure you do enough. What you can do is better than nothing at all. And even then, sometimes nothing is okay too, so long as you’ve tried.” He hoped that was good advice, that it would give her enough encouragement to continue trying to be the best Shadowhunter that she could be. “That’s okay. Not everyone likes to use them.” They had healers in case they wanted to do that instead. He lifted a brow, but didn’t question her further. Sometimes he did get questions about his relationship, but never once like that. Alec’s cheeks warmed some and a smile appeared on his face. “Well, thank you. You know I never thought I’d find anyone until he came along and change my mind on a lot of things. I don’t think I’d be where I am now if it weren’t for Magnus. And I now believe that anyone can find love, so long as they’re patient enough and are willing to work for it. We most certainly have had our ups and downs, but it’s been worth it.”

Ana smiled. “Papa and Daddy help, too. Daddy insisted Tara and I learn things hand to hand just in case.” Her smile faded a little as she spoke of her brother, looking down for a moment. She bit her lip a little, not sure she should explain that the iratze worked, it just took longer because she wasn’t all shadowhunter. Not like he was. That conversation didn’t end well in her head and she shook it to clear the idea of it from her mind. Hearing her father – what should have been her father – talk about the other father made her smile. She’d been young during the earlier years of her fathers’ relationship, but she remembered the big events. Like her little brothers – Rafael and Max – being adopted. “You two are inspiring, I promise. I think you’ll have a good life together.” she answered, waiting a moment and gathering some courage before speaking up again. “My dads, they adopted two of my brothers. Tara and I are twins, but he always acted a little older than me. I don’t know ow to explain it, but Max and Raf we took to so easy, it was like we were all meant to be one big family.” She only ever talked about her brothers by name, never her adult family members.

Resting | bowstrung

Alexander [ @bowstrung ]

Alec lifted an eyebrow, clearly not believing him. “Sure and I’m Santa Claus.” Yes, he knew who that was and he could be sarcastic when he wanted to be. “You need to go to bed, Magnus. And if you don’t, then I’ll carry you there myself.” If it wasn’t for the fact that he had a little bit more of paperwork to do, he’d join him. The thought occurred to him that he could always do it tomorrow. “Come on, Mag. Let’s get you up.” He moved over and lifted Magnus into his arms. “I gave you the chance to do this yourself. So don’t complain,” Alec said as he scooped Magnus bridal style into his arms. Magnus was heavier than he would have thought, but he had no complaints as he carried him to his bedroom and laid him down on the bed and tucked him in.

Magnus pouted sleepily as Alec picked him up with ease. “Alexander, I’m fiiiine.” he half whined, tucking his face into his boyfriend’s neck as he was carried to bed. HE huffed as he was tucked in, reaching for Alec’s hand. “If I have to lay down, you have to stay with me.” he tried to tease, grinning sleepily. “Please?”