Archive of Our Own

Alexander Lightwood knew that something was happening.

His parents, two of the best Shadowhunters of their generation, were clearly interested in whatever was about to happen.

Even at just twelve years old, Alec could sense their suspense. He could sense their anticipation .

Even their trainer, Hodge, was eagerly awaiting.

With his bow and arrows in hand, ready for his daily training, Alec passed one of the rooms, stopping when he heard the voice coming from inside.

“…the Wayland boy is coming this afternoon, isn't he?”

That was his mother's voice.

Alec was not a disobedient so;, on the contrary, he lived to make his parents proud of him. Yet, his curiosity was piqued. 

Never in his entire life had he heard his mother sound so impatient about something.

Never.

Not even once.

"Yes." This time, it was Alec's father speaking, his voice also trembling with excitement. “From what I heard from Jia Penhallow, he is extremely good with all types of weapons. But he excels in swords .”

The pride in his father's voice made Alec jump.

He knew that a Shadowhunter could not choose his weapon. It had always been the weapon that called the right Shadowhunter for taking it.

Yet, Alec couldn't bear his father's disappointed look when he took up the bow and arrows.

His mother had warned him to put his heart and soul into his training, at least so he could, in some way, bring some consolation to that mistake.

Because the bow and arrows were not the weapons of the immediate fight.

No, his father had repeatedly called them the weapons of cowards . Of those who attacked from afar, too scared to get closer.

And Alec had disappointed him that day.

Even being in the top three of his class, of all his classes, hadn't helped.

Because everyone else had swords, or daggers, or other weapons like those.

Isabelle had been chosen by a whip, and their father had hugged her, smiling.

Alec shook his head. It wasn't Isabelle's fault that Alec wasn't good enough. Being angry at his sister would lead to nothing but pain.

And, besides, it was Alec 's job to protect his younger brothers.

"Yes." His mother's voice was so proud. “I was happy when we were asked to educate and raise the boy. I was sad when I heard about Michael.” Hismother's voice became painful to listen to. “He was such a good person.”

“It doesn't surprise me that he raised Jonathan so excellently.” The father's voice returned. “I wonder where I went wrong .”

Alec gasped, quickly moving away from the door and walking quickly towards the training room.

He knew he had to work harder to repair the mistake his weapon was, yet he had hoped he had been on the right track.

Hodge had told him he had done well.

And Aline had sent him all their test scores, and Alec had almost always been first.

But it was never enough.

***

Alec was shooting arrows when an approaching noise made him jump and the arrow went off before he had aimed.

Luckily, he didn't hurt the boy who had just entered.

Alec immediately felt disappointed in himself.

He should have sensed the arrival of that child, and not let himself be distracted from his practice.

The demons would not wait until he was focused to attack him or the Mundanes.

Mistakes like that were why his parents were, rightfully , disappointed in him.

“Same side, remember?” the boy asked, advancing towards him.

He had blond hair. His skin was amber. But it was his eyes that struck Alec. The boy had golden eyes.

“I'm Jace.” Jace, Jonathan , introduced himself, holding out his hand.

"Alec." Alec replied.

It wasn't Jace's fault, just as it wasn't Izzy's fault, that Alec wasn't enough.

He wouldn't turn him away just because of his own incompetence.

***

Jace had been educated by his father.

He knew that many Shadowhunters went to the Institute in their city or to Idris for their education, but his father had admitted that their methods were primitive and not suited to the times that were approaching.

Jace had never asked what his father meant.

It wasn't his place to ask for explanations.

He just had to train and make his father proud.

His father had insisted that Jace learn how to behave in a new place, a new dynamic, a new situation.

And Jace had done it, as he did every time his father left him a task to do.

The falcon had been a wonderful prize.

But also a warning that was not to be forgotten, ever .

The first thing to do when arriving in a new place was to analyze it.

The New York Institute was protected by a spell to not be seen by Mundanes. To them, it was an ancient Gothic cathedral, as Jace understood. 

There was a Sanctuary , outside the protection of the sacred territory, which allowed meetings with the Downworlders who could not enter the Institute.

There was a library, on two floors. On the first floor there were the books, while on the second there were the important objects, such as the fairy rings or the mechanical angel.

There were several rooms and offices, occupied by Shadowhunters, permanent residents or sent by the Capital for some missions.

There was the training room, with beams twenty feet above the floor that allowed Shadowhunters to be taught to improve their flexibility and balance. Furthermore, Jace had heard that there was training equipment with every possible weapon.

And, as far as Jace understood, there was a greenhouse, with plants used for medical purposes, some of which only grew in Idris.

After understanding the environment, Jace should identify the weakness of the place.

He hadn't been around too long yet, but he knew that the Institute took its protection from some kind of rune. If he ever needed to destroy the fortress, he would have to strike the core of the wards.

And finally, find out who the greatest danger was, and decide whether it would be better to ally with him, or destroy him.

Jace had done his research, once he realized he would be entrusted to the Lightwoods residing in New York, on those who dwelled there.

Hodge and the Lightwood seniors were not powerful Shadowhunters. Hodge had been exiled for his support of Valentine, and Jace had known he had been easy to stop.

And as far as the Lightwoods were concerned, they had been mediocre in their day.

His father had explained to him well that there was a list of Shadowhunters and their abilities kept in Idris. Jace, using the excuse of needing to somehow know these people, had read it.

There had been better Shadowhunters than Maryse and Robert Lightwood. Valentine himself, Jocelyn Fairchild, Lucian Graymark.

The other Shadowhunters present had all been evaluated poorly, and therefore sent to a relatively quiet post. 

Of all those present, only one Shadowhunter stood out.

Alexander Gideon Lightwood, born at Idris in 1989. 

He had obtained perfect scores on all types of tests taken, both physical and mental: perfect performance under pressure, good execution of commands, but with  the ability to improvise when necessary.

Jace had also seen that he had beaten an opponent by breaking the rules and then subjected himself to the necessary discipline for the transgression.

According to the smile on Jia Penhallow's face, neither action was misjudged.

Then, Jace looked at which weapon had called him. 

It was rare to see a Shadowhunter fight with a bow and arrow, but his father had told him that every weapon was important, even in judging what kind of a Shadowhunter one would be.

The sword was for the bravest and most enterprising, and it took enormous talent to properly master the use of that weapon. There was a difference, his father had reminded him, glancing at the sword held in Jace's hand, between courage and idiocy.

Daggers were for the smart ones, but bow and arrows?

His father had seemed ecstatic as he talked about them.

They were once the weapons everyone wanted, he had confessed. He himself would have liked to hield such a weapon, although he was still proud of his blades. 

But the bow and arrow were the weapons of the leaders. Of those who were capable of remaining patient and waiting until they struck at the best moment.

Not many realized it, but the Shadowhunters who were called upon by those types of weapons had a lot of potential.

And, judging by Alexander Lightwood's talent with his bow, the youngest to set the record of hitting a target over 2 kilometers away… His father had been right.

Looking for the boy had therefore been the first thing Jace had done after leaving the Lightwoods.

Their son was way more interesting.

Finding him training had been a positive surprise. Jace didn't like the braggarts he'd seen in Alicante, too proud of their successes to commit to training and improving.

There was always room for improvement. Being lazy was not allowed. Failure was not allowed.

The arrow hitting the wood near him was a good warning. Jace appreciated the fact that the boy had been ready for the intrusion.

Many would not have realized the ambush. This would get them killed, fighting against demons.

“Same side, remember?” he couldn't help but say, reassuring the other of his intentions.

Between destroying and allying with this Shadowhunter, Jace definitely preferred the latter.

Alexander Lightwood had a good heart and a strong mind. Jace was sure that, if absolutely necessary, Alexander would ally himself with the right side in a war.

His father would have approved him, Jace couldn't help but think as he shook Alec's hand.

And Jace absolutely did.

****

Alec couldn't help but notice that Jace, as Jonathan insisted on being called, seemed to avoid most of the people at the Institute.

In truth, Alec could count on one hand the people Jace didn't avoid: Alec himself, his sister, their parents and Hodge.

Hodge was in charge of their training, which accounted for Jace's lack of avoidance, even though - from Alec's perspective - Jace didn't need any training. Certainly not what Hodge had to offer him.

Isabelle seemed to be seen by Jace as someone who needed protection, which made Alec smile. Isabelle would soon prove that she needed absolutely no one to protect her.

As for their parents…

Alec wasn't sure what to think.

Jace didn't seem to enjoy their company, keeping their interactions to a minimum.

The point was that, since Jace had joined them, his parents seemed to have moved to the Institute.

Did the Clave need to keep the situation under control? Were they afraid that Jace might be in danger because of what had happened to his father? Did the Clave want to protect him - was that why Alec’s parents had been instructed to stay nearby?

Alec had no doubts about his parents' abilities as Shadowhunters. They may not have been as young as they once were, but their reflexes were still excellent and the envy of any Shadowhunter.

They would provide good protection for Jace, from any demons or rebels seeking his blood.

Alec knew that he too would fight to protect Jace, even if he didn't have the same skills and abilities as his parents to offer.

But now Jace was a Lightwood.

And the Lightwoods stayed together, against everything .

No matter what it might have cost him.

***

Jace wasn't happy with the situation.

His interactions were closely monitored, he knew it. He felt it.

And he didn't understand why .

His father had often said that every person is driven by something , in every situation of his life.

So, something was driving the odd behavior of Mr and Mrs Lightwood.

But what ?

Jace hadn't been given any special missions, and even his training with Hodge was… lacking .

The only positive was the appreciation in Alec's eyes.

Jace could see that the boy had seen Jace's skills. And he knew that Alec would deduce that their fighting styl e was complementary and perfectly compatible.

The long range of Alec's bow and the speed and agility of Jace's sword would have made a powerful foe for anyone. Hardly beatable.

People tended to have a single layer workout.

They wouldn't have been able to react to the fight with Jace's sword and Alec's bow and arrows.

Two such different styles required different training to fight.

And very few Shadowhunters would ever bother to learn how to resist them.

Jace was one of them, he thought proudly.

And, looking at the different workouts Alec had designed for himself, Alec was one of those too.

Jace saw that the person Alec loved most inside the Institute was his younger sister, Isabelle Sophia.

She wasn't on the same level as her brother, Jace had immediately noticed. But she was at a level above many other Shadowhunters their age.

Probably thanks to Alec's training.

Jace had noticed that Hodge was static with his training. He didn't challenge the students.

He let them train in the same things, over and over again , without adding challenges or stimuli.

It wasn't the right way to raise a warrior.

That training was too mundane. It would not save or protect anyone.

Jace could see it in the way Alec helped his sister, noticing her weak points and devising ways to overcome them, overshadowing them with her strengths instead. And he could see that, in the future, Alec could be a great leader.

His father had spoken to him about the importance of the meaning of names.

Jace’s name meant Gift of God, or, in their case, of the Angel.

And Alexander meant the leader . A strong and capable leader, in times of crisis and peace, capable of leading in storms and stopping in the quiet.

Jace could tell it from his posture.

“Jace.”

Jace turned, noticing out of the corner of his eye the way Isabelle smiled and Alec tensed, assuming the stance of a soldier waiting for an order.

Maryse was in front of him.

“We'll have dinner soon.” The woman warned them, though Jace noticed her gaze briefly flicker to Isabelle before returning to Jace, completely ignoring Alec. “Why don't you go and rest for a moment? And settle down for dinner?”

Isabelle approached, while Alec began to arrange the weapons they had used.

“Is dad here yet?”

"Yes." Maryse nodded, a frown on her face. “Go get yourself settled too, Isabelle. Alexander," the woman then called.

Jace saw Alec stop and bow his head towards the woman. “Yes, Mother?”

“Set up here before dinner.” Maryse told him. “We don't need the Clave to think we're incapable.”

“No, mother.” Alec agreed, not pointing out the fact that he was already doing it.

Maryse didn't answer her eldest son, preferring to place a hand on Jace's back. “During dinner, you will be able to tell me and Robert much more about your training. We would be very interested.”

Taking one last look at Alec, Jace was surprised to see no glimpse of jealousy.

They had done the same things , Alec had been even better than Isabelle, yet he had been the one punished the most.

Yet, Alec was looking at him with pride and support.

Jace swallowed.

He wasn't used to receiving those when he hadn't done anything noteworthy.

He didn't know how to meet Alec's standard.

***

Alexander was reading the reports his father had given him.

He knew his father was checking to see if Alec was ready to go on his first mission, and he wanted n othing more than to go and prove himself worthy of his father’s approval.

“Hey, Alec!”

Jace had entered Alec’s room, looking around before jumping up and bouncing on the bed.

“Jace.” Alec smiled at his friend.

In the three months he had been at the Institute, Jace had become very close friends with both Alec and Isabelle. Even little Max knew him as another big brother, aspiring to be like him when he grew up.

Alec could only be proud of how far the other boy had come since he had arrived at the Institute.

“What are you doing?” Jace asked, giving him a curious look.

“Reading some reports.” Alec replied, feeling his cheeks flush.

“Are they finally sending you on a mission?” Jace asked, excited. “I don’t believe it, this is amazing !”

“Do you think I can do it?” Alec finally asked, letting his insecurity show.

He hadn’t dared to show his doubts before , knowing that they wouldn’t be well-received.

But he had needed a little comfort , and he knew that his adoptive brother would be honest with him.

Jace wasn’t the type to lie to make someone else feel better.

Not like Isabelle, who had hugged him and whispered that it was time for Alec to have a mission.

And not like Max, who was still too young to really understand the dynamics of Shadowhunters.

“I think it’s long overdue.” Jace smiled at him. “You’re the best Shadowhunter here, Alec. If they don’t send you on a mission, they shouldn’t send anyone else . Just be careful, okay?” The blond looked at him with mild concern. “I don’t want to go through this without you .”

Alec smiled at him, a warmth in his chest expanding. “Thank you, Jace.”

At that moment, his mother entered the room.

“We gave you a mission of the utmost importance, and you got distracted , Alexander?” She said. His mother never yelled. Her eyes conveyed all the disappointment she felt towards her son.

“Maryse, Alec was working, I distracted him!” Jace started to say, but his mother stopped him.

“You also let your little brother cover you?”

Alec looked down, feeling reprimanded.

Jace shouldn’t have had to come to his defense. His mother was right, he was the eldest.

“Since you can’t even defend yourself, but you let your brother take responsibility for your actions ,” his mother spoke, her eyes narrowing, “maybe we should let Jace go on the mission. The Angel only knows what trouble you’d cause.”

Alec swallowed, fighting the urge to cry.

His mother took the file from under his hand, before smiling gently at Jace and saying, her tone losing all the coldness and harshness of a moment before. “When you’re ready, come and familiarize yourself with this mission. You have time, don’t worry.”

His mother left the room, after giving Jace a gentle pat on the head.

“Alec, I…”

“Don’t worry, Jace.” Alec murmured, fighting back tears. He wasn’t going to cry in front of his little brother. “I’m sure you’ll do a fantastic job. ”

“Alec…”

Alec turned, smiling at Jace and murmuring, under his breath, “Do you mind going out for a bit? I’m tired…”

“I… sure.” Jace nodded, getting up from the bed and walking slowly toward the door.

Then, as if changing his mind, he turned back and hugged Alec. “ I’m sorry. They can’t do this. You were chosen by the Clave itself , not by anyone here. They can’t change their minds at the last minute!”

“Jace…” Alec sighed.

“It’s my fault!” Jace murmured, nudging his head into the crook of Alec’s neck. “Forgive me.”

“You didn’t do anything wrong.” Alec whispered. “Jace, it’s okay. My mother is right; I wonder what I would have done.”

With one last squeeze, Jace forced himself to let go of Alec, leaving the room promptly.

Alec sighed, sitting on the bed.

He really made a huge mess.

***

After a few hours of Alec staring into space, his father entered the room with a serious expression on his face.

Alec could also see a hint of guilt and kindness.

He thought it was the first time he had seen such expressions in his father.

“Alexander.” His father greeted him, sitting next to him on the bed. “Your mother told me what happened with Jace earlier, the incident .”

“We were talking.” Alec whispered, using the pause his father had made as motivation to speak. “He was asking me about the mission, and I… I didn’t think there was anything wrong with answering a few questions.”

“There isn’t.” His father confirmed. “There is a time for that, though. While you’re getting ready, that isn’t t he time.”

Alec nodded, looking down. “I know. I was… I guess, proud that you trusted me with this mission. I’m sorry, father, I didn’t mean to disappoint you.”

“It’s okay.” His father murmured. “We still trust you to go through with this mission. I hope that in the future, when anyone comes asking you about it, you remember that there are better times to talk about it. Like during meals.”

Alec looked up sharply. “Do you still trust me?” He murmured in awe. “Mother said… she said Jace was being sent.”

“No.” His father shook his head. “You can go, if you still feel up to it.”

“I do.” Alec nodded, his posture rising sharply. “I won’t disappoint you again, father.”

“I know you won’t.” His father said, placing the folder with the information on the spot next to him on the bed. “Next time you get taken away from a mission, though, there are more productive ways to spend your time than staring blankly and doing nothing .”

Alec winced, looking down. “My apologies, Father. It will never happen again.”

“Good.”

Alec looked up, his father waiting to meet his son’s eyes before continuing.

“You have until dinner to continue your study,” he said. “I expect to hear your conclusions by then.”

Alec nodded. “Does Jace know that… that I was allowed to try the mission again?”

“Yes.” His father nodded. “He said he was happy for you. He’s very supportive, your brother. And skilled and loyal, too.”

Alec bit his lower lip.

He thought he was supportive and loyal, too, but he hadn’t reacted as Jace had to the news that his brother was going on the mission.

He still had a lot to learn from his brother.

“I’ll thank him, then.” Alec said, noticing his father’s nod of approval.

“See that you do.” His father told him, before striding out of the room.

**

Jace knew it wouldn't be easy to ask for something like that .

He still remembered how the Shadowhunters found him.

After his father's murder, Jace had followed the procedure his father had given him in case of an emergency.

He illegally boarded a ship bound for a city so that he would be able to reach the nearest Institute once he landed..

Only, the same transport Jace had chosen for himself was also the one the Shadowhunters had chosen to deal with some Downworlders that were breaking the Accords. 

Stepping in to save their lives had only been Jace's deeply ingrained instinct to protect other Shadowhunters from those who would harm them, no matter what species they were.

Jace still remembered asking his father, confused and frowning, what he should do in a conflict between Shadowhunters .

His father had looked at him almost proudly, and then told him that he should follow the side that was upholding the Angel's own teachings to the letter. Not the Clave, his father had made it a point to specify, but the Angel who had granted them their powers and duties. Who had blessed them.

After all, his father had finished his impromptu lecture, there was a reason behind the powers they had been given. They had a purpose. They had not been a momentary whim. They were for a higher purpose .

But Jace also remembered what the Silent Brother, Zachariah, had told him in the aftermath of the battle on that transport ship: their discussion about Parabatai, when Zachariah realized how little Jace knew about that.

The reasoning behind the Silent Brother’s explanation had been that Jace had reminded him of someone he had shared that bond with.

And Jace's curiosity had demanded a more in-depth explanation of the matter.

The Parabatai, Zachariah had told him, were an extension of the Shadowhunters. The brother in battle, in soul and mind, someone to trust with his life.

Jace had not appreciated that implication. Trusting someone so completely. To cultivate such an attachment to someone and then inevitably be disappointed or abandoned by them.

Jace had learned his lesson with his hawk.

But then, Zachariah had continued to talk and Jace had been interested in the subject. Not enough to seek out a Parabatai, of course, but enough to accept such a bond if the right person came to him.

And the right person had appeared in his life, for almost three years now.

Alexander Gideon Lightwood was the perfect Parabatai for Jace.

Not only were their fighting styles both compatible and complementary.

Not only were their values ​​and principles the same.

But also… Alexander saw loyalty the same way Jace did. And Jace knew it would be impossible to find another like him in the entire universe, even if he searched hard.

“Alec?”

His brother looked up.

There were a lot of files in front of him.

Since his first mission had been a success, the Clave had been sending out more and more missions requesting Alexander himself.

“Jace.” Alec smiled. “How urgent is it?”

Jace shrugged. “On a scale of one to ten… I’d say a seven.”

Alec raised an eyebrow.

A part of Jace was afraid that Alec would push him away. He remembered his friend’s crushed expression when Maryse had taken his first mission away from him, years ago. And he knew that, whether Alec or his parents had ever said it, it was Jace ’s fault that had happened in the first place.

But Alec surprised him.

“Sure.” The older boy said, standing up and grabbing his hoodie from the chair. “I might take a walk downstairs. I need to go over the details with Hodge.”

Alec took the folder with him, indicating that he had only agreed to talk to Jace because it was convenient for him at the time.

Any sooner or later, Jace would have missed his chance.

“Then I’m going to take this opportunity to ask you something.” Jace smiled at Alec, pleased when he saw the boy return his expression.

“Tell me, what’s bothering you?” Alec asked as they walked through the halls.

When they reached a place that was sufficiently isolated, Jace announced. “We should be Parabatai.”

Alec froze, staring at Jace in astonishment.

Jace swallowed.

Stunned silence hadn’t been on the list of possible reactions.

But Jace would have preferred it to the next blunt and confident refusal .

He could probably use it to expand his request, too.

“I know it’s sudden, but…” Jace searched for the right words, then gave up and proceeded blindly, “I think we’re compatible. I think you’re the best Shadowhunter here, and I think I can’t trust anyone else like I can trust you.”

Alec stood there looking at him for a while longer.

Jace, panicking, said quickly. “Of course, I mean I can’t trust anyone else like how I trust you. You’re just special and…”

Deflating, realizing how ridiculous he was making himself, Jace added. “And it was stupid of me to even think that you would want to get involved with someone like me .”

As Jace turned to leave, Alec put a hand on his arm.

“Jace, hold on a minute.”

Resigned, Jace turned to Alec, blinking when he saw the emotion lighting up Alec’s eyes.

“You didn’t give me a second to react,” Alec said, speaking slowly and carefully. “I won’t deny that I’m surprised by your request, but…”

Jace held his breath as he waited to hear what Alec would say next.

“I would be honored to be your Parabatai.” Alec finished. “It would be my greatest pleasure.”

Jace smiled.

Maybe not everything had been in vain, then.

***

Finally, the Parabatai ceremony was held.

Alec hadn’t anticipated the flood of emotions that had flooded him during the ceremony, and even now , the knowledge that he could feel  Jace’s emotions made him feel… strange.

He had often seen his younger brother act out insanely, ever since Jace’s first mission.

His previously calm and restrained demeanor, once so attentive to every detail, had gradually morphed into a confidence that he was the most competent Shadowhunter there.

Alec wouldn’t call it arrogance.

You’re only arrogant if you don’t have anything to brag about. Jace was the best Shadowhunter there, and he was just showing it.

“So, what do we have?” Jace asked, leaning forward to get a better look at the screen.

Alec shifted, sensing Jace’s impatience long before he heard his voice.

Part of him wondered if Jace was realizing the mistake he’d made, asking Alec to be his Parabatai.

If he felt as if his insecurity was a parasite, sapping away his abilities.

“Demons, in a nightclub.” Alec snorted. “Hodge’s not sure what they are, but they seem lower class.”

“Do you suspect anything?” Jace asked, looking at Alec.

Alec was silent, before speaking. “They’re not too smart, just violent. And lacking in strategy. I think they’re a prank by some smarter demon.”

“Goons, then.” Jace nodded, looking thoughtful. “Backup?”

“They’re not too smart, like I said.” Alec muttered, distracted by Jace’s proximity.

“Then you and I will do it.” Jace said, satisfied with the answer. “Come on, let’s move! We don’t have time to waste.”

Alec snorted, amused by Jace’s attitude, and worried about the mission.

Just because it was easy, didn’t mean they could do it.

Sure, Jace could, of course.

But Alec ?

Alec just hoped Jace wouldn’t mistake his anxiety for unpreparedness.

It was unusual, but if there was a case where one Parabatai left the other behind, it would be the two of them.

***

Jace was excited.

He had been on missions with Alec before, but this one felt different, somehow. More important .

Their first mission as Parabatai.

Jace couldn’t wait to see how their fighting style would change now that they could sense each other’s emotions and intentions.

And because of his excitement, Jace had ruined the start of the mission.

Alec was busy trying to figure out who they were dealing with, finding out more than Hodge ever could, and Jace had interrupted him with his questions and the way he had forced himself, again , into Alec’s mission preparation.

Jace really should have learned his lesson after that first time, and yet he kept showing up while Alec was studying for a mission and demanding his attention .

But now he could feel Alec’s emotions, and he could see that every time Jace spoke, Alec felt anxious .

Had he realized the mistake he had made, choosing Jace as his Parabatai?

Had he realized that Jace’s attitude would only cause problems in the future? Was he regretting it?

Would he start going on missions on his own, without consulting Jace first, disappearing and coming back every now and then, without explanations or anything?

Had Jace really managed to ruin their bond before it had even really begun?

Jace shook his head, watching Alec's expression of concentration as he looked around for signs of their enemy.

Jace might have ruined their relationship for now, but he would make up for it.

He just had to prove to Alec that he was worth it.

***

Alec hated this whole situation.

Downworlders were allies to Shadowhunters the way a lion and a tiger were allies: they got along well separately. When they needed to work together - well.  

And of course, Jace had to break all their laws, written and unwritten, just for a girl .

At the time, they had followed Magnus Bane, the High Warlock of Brooklyn, to his lair, knowing that the Circle was after him.

As Alec moved through the house, he heard the sounds of a fight coming from the next room.

He rounded the corner and, without hesitation, let loose an arrow, hitting the other Shadowhunter in his calf, thus stopping the attack he was preparing; Alec watched as the warlock - who was behind the other Shadowhunter - finished him off with his own magic, knocking him backwards.

“Well done.” Alec couldn’t help but comment.

They might both be Shadowhunters, but Alec had taken a vow to protect the innocent.

He might not enjoy the company of Downworlders, knowing full well what his parents thought of them, but he would never see them hurt or killed.

“More like medium rare.” Was the reply Alec received, before the warlock turned and saw him.

“I’m Magnus. I don’t think we’re formally introduced”

Alec felt himself smile. He didn’t think he’d ever met someone so… happy to see him . “Alec” He introduced himself.

Under Magnus’ intense gaze, Alec found himself unable to speak properly.

“Uh… We should really… You know… probably get…”

Magnus nodded. “Yeah. We should join the party.” Finally, he winked at Alec, making him blush.

“Yeah.” Alec nodded, before turning and quickly walking out of the room.

He had never felt so strange in his entire life.

And for once, he felt enough .

***

Jace didn’t know what to think.

He had broken the Law often, but only because he was sure it would solve the situation faster and objectively better.

And, usually, Alec was by his side.

But now ?

Because of his behavior, he had almost lost Alec altogether , only finding him again thanks to a comment from Clary Fairchild.

“You have a strange effect on people,” Jace had said to her.

But he wasn’t just talking about Alec.

Jace was talking about himself .

For the first time in years , Jace had felt like he had to break the Law not to prove he was enough, but just because he was asked to.

Clary had looked at him and seen him.

Jace knew that Alec and Izzy cared about him, but Clary ?

She had no reason to give him a chance, and yet she had.

And Jace had felt, for the first time in a long time, that he was enough .

****

It was a quiet evening.

The threat of Valentine had been dealt with, and the Shadowhunters and Downworlders were celebrating their victory.

Alec had just returned from Magnus’ house when he saw Jace walking through the halls of the Institute, looking thoughtful.

“So, Clary was very brave,” Alec said, making Jace jump in surprise.

“She was.” Jace nodded, clearly proud of the young woman. “I can’t think of a better way to reward her than by finally giving her the Rune Ceremony.”

“She has done an extraordinary thing, and no one can stop the Ceremony now,” Alec nodded. “The Clave would lose face if they didn’t reward her now, after they failed to stop Valentine and nearly lost the Wish because of him.”

Jace hummed. 

Alec continued, “And I’m glad you two found each other. You… well, you’ve never been more composed , and that’s saying something.”

Jace laughed before saying.:“You… when I first came here, I only remembered Valentine ’s teachings-” Alec noticed the way Jace said the name, firmly, as if to remind himself that it wasn’t his father or who he thought he was, but a madman who had killed his parents and then stolen a baby to raise him as he wished, “-and then, your parents, they were so happy and proud of my accomplishments. It got to my head.”

Jace glanced at Alec. He could see now how his increasingly arrogant attitude had taken a toll on his brother. It had made Alec his shadow, someone who had to follow him around and take care of his messes.

That wasn’t how Parabatai were supposed to be.

“Yeah, we can say that.” Alec snorted in amusement. “Honestly, though, you really are that good. I never thought you were arrogant, just very self-aware.”

“You know you’re just as good as me, if not better ,” Jace said, seeing Alec smile back. “I always knew. That’s why I first approached you. Valentine told me to find the best and strongest in each place and form an alliance. And the best one here was you .”

Alec blushed slightly, before saying. “Thanks, Jace.” Then, sighing, he added. “And… I never blamed you, nor Izzy of course, but… well, I felt like I was lacking compared to you. My parents clearly preferred you, and no matter what I did, I was always less.”

“But you don’t feel that way anymore.” Jace noted. “You took over the leadership role quite easily.”

“ Magnus .” Alec smiled gratefully. “Clary made you aware of your attitude, Magnus saw me and didn’t let me hide anymore. It didn’t hurt that he hated my parents and that it wasn’t a way to get close to them through me.”

“Yes.” Jace laughed.

Alec paused, glancing at Jace. “For what it’s worth, Jace, I’m glad you feel more like yourself now.”

“I feel the same way for you,” Jace said. “No one deserves to feel like they’re wrong.”

“Or not enough.” Alec nodded. Then, with a sigh, he added, “Although I can’t really tell Magnus that . Do you have any idea how much he’ll brag?”

Jace laughed, grateful for the playful remark his brother had just made. “Yeah, I can definitely imagine.”

And, in that moment, they could both be sure that no matter what future hardships they faced, they would never be alone again.

And that they could handle it, no matter how much effort it took.