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1. Jace
There are too many people in the building, and Jace is fighting every instinct from throwing his brother over his shoulder and running. There’s a frisky seelie swinging his hips with no shirt, black shorts that might as well have been painted on, and patches of glitter throughout his body. His eyes are shining in the neon light, and there’s a shady seductive grin on his face and looking Alec up and down. Jace pulls Alec closer by his sweater.
He doesn’t need to admit to anyone when he hisses at the seelie for good measure. Alec must be too nervous or too caught up in his own head to yell at him for his brash behavior. Jace continues his job of steadying Alec as he walks up the stairs of the Pandemonium.
There is a werewolf bouncer at the top who greets them. He straightens up and goes to block Alec, ready to tell him to leave or kick him out. Shadowhunters aren’t allowed on the second level, strict access only for the club owner’s close friends. They’re hardly allowed in the club at all, but that’s due to everyone glaring at them and fights are easily initiated.
So Jace is ready to cut in if the bouncer doesn’t submit to Alec and let them in. He will be first to jump between them if necessary, especially with his brother being in the state that he is.
Imagine the surprise on Jace’s face when Alec goes on guard, jaw clenching and chin tilting down to magnify the thunderstorm clouding his eyes. Slithers of omega gold glow in hazel. He stares at the man dead on, and there is an unsettling shift in the air.
The werewolf blanches, backing away with his hands up. Alec steps right past him and into the VIP section, and Jace stands frozen in his spot in shock.
“Jace.”
“Right here!” Jace calls out and hurries after him. When did Alec get so terrifying?
Jace follows his brother, making sure no one gets too close. They walk the floor to where a group of people sit on a divine purple couch. Glasses and ashtrays litter the table in front of them. Magnus Bane sits in the middle with his legs splayed open and makeup lining his eyelids and cheeks. He looks like a king on his throne with his servants sitting on both sides.
Then it all comes crashing down when Magnus’s cat eyes land on Alec, and he’s waving everyone out. All his goons rush out like their lives depend on how fast they can make their way downstairs, and maybe it does.
“Alexander,” Magnus greets with awe, and the corners of his mouth twitch. His eyes are gentle, as if his charismatic, hypnotic facade was cut like scissors to a string. His gaze trails down the shadowhunter’s frigid form and travels back to his face. He shifts closer to the edge of his seat, and Jace wonders if he knows he’s doing it. “Darling.”
Alec brings his hands behind his back, and Jace notices how tight he’s holding onto his wrists. “I need you to get the Book of the White from Camille,” he orders roughly. “Clary’s mother is still in her coma, and that’s our best lead to break the spell.”
A bomb going off wouldn’t even break the intense eye contact Magnus is giving Alec. He’s an oasis in the middle of a desert, and Magnus is dehydrated and on his deathbed mere feet from his salvation.
Magnus tilts his head, nodding slowly as he thinks, “She’s…I have to find her. It might take a little time-“
“Okay,” Alec cuts him off. The authoritative tone is wavering slightly, and his left leg is bouncing. “Drop off the book at the Institute when you get your hands on it.”
“Wait!” the warlock exclaims when Alec turns to leave. He stands from the couch in a hurry, halting when Alec raises a brow at him. “I’ll do it on one condition.”
“Excuse me?” Alec growls with his teeth bare. He folds his arms on his chest, folding his shirt down to reveal the subtle bump in his midsection. No one would notice or think much of it if they didn't already know. Alec made it his mission to either have baggy clothes or multiple layers on at all times. The fact he’s letting it show must mean he’s slipping.
By the way Magnus shrinks into himself like he’s a dog disciplined with a newspaper makes it obvious he sees the bump. “I’m not asking for much, I promise. Ten minutes of your time. Alone. Please?”
Alec exhales loudly, rolling his neck in annoyance. “Five minutes.”
Magnus smiles, as if he’s been just given the world. He steers them onto the side, and Jace follows them. He ignores Magnus glaring at him, and the warlock closes their small area with a hanging curtain. Jace can still hear them, but he lets them be illusioned into believing they’re alone. He does make sure to stand where he can easily peek through the small opening, because he physically can’t allow his pregnant brother to be alone in a place like this.
Magnus is quick to begin talking, “H-How is she? How are you?”
Alec sighs, “We’re both fine.”
“Can I get you anything?” the warlock asks carefully. “I have very fine cashmere sweaters that I think you would like. They would hide it better, and a bunch of cotton shirts softer than the fluffiest of clouds. I make them myself.”
Alec doesn’t respond right away, and Jace peeks through the curtain. His brother has deflated since he first walked into the club. He’s no longer reserved and guarded, but rather relaxed and softening the more Magnus talks. Alec would never admit it, but Magnus is one of the few people who can get on his good side without even trying.
Of course, Magnus is adamant on getting on Alec’s good side.
“I ran out of shampoo,” Alec starts, rubbing his shoulder. “Maybe, uh, you could brew me some. Some of yours. Along with the clothes.”
The sun shines on Magnus’s face when he smiles fondly, “Of course, darling. One bottle at your wish.”
A faint pink hue creeps on Alec’s cheeks and neck as he nods, “I’m going to go.”
“Portal?” Magnus offers thoughtfully. His hand twitches at his side, probably begging to touch but knowing he shouldn’t.
Alec nods appreciatively and calls Jace over. Jace mumbles goodbye but doesn’t get an answer, since Magnus is too preoccupied with watching Alec like a hawk.
The portal is closing when Jace sees one last glimpse of Magnus’s face. He’s never seen such heartbreak on another’s face.
*******
2. Clary
The revolting sound of relentless puking catches Clary’s attention as she walks past Alec’s bedroom. She warily knocks on the door. She and Alec had a rough start, and they’re definitely not friends by any means yet but she can’t help but worry. She doesn’t get an answer, so she lets herself in and hopes not to get yelled at.
The bedroom is as neat and organized as she expects for a guy like him. The room is empty, and the bathroom door is slightly open with light shining through. Another round of puking encourages her closer. She doesn’t knock this time and calls Alec’s name. There’s no response and she walks in.
She finds Alec curled over the porcelain toilet seat puking his guts out. His hands shake trying to hold himself up, and his black hair is soaked in sweat.
“Alec!” Clary rushes over and tries to sweep his hair out of his eyes. His whole body is trembling, and he tries to catch his breath. She coaches him through it and gets a clean cloth to wipe his face when he finally stops.
She’s shocked when suddenly he curls up onto her. He wraps his arms around her and leans his head on her shoulder. His labored breathing starts to even out the longer they sit. His scent had been sour, but now it’s stabilizing to something sweeter. Sweeter than it normally is. She thinks of cotton candy.
“Alec?” she asks patiently. “Are you okay?”
“Clary,” he exhales unsteadily. His voice is weak and hoarse, and Clary looks around for a glass to give him some water. “I need you to get me something.”
“Yea, I’ll get you some water. I’ll be right back,” Clary confirms and goes to stand. A hand grabs her wrist, pulling her back down. There’s a faraway expression on his face, and it’s unnerving to see him this way. “Alec?”
“No,” he stops her. He swallows hard like glass chips filled his throat. “I need you to get a pregnancy test.”
Clary gapes at him, words not processing right. “You mean…”
Alec leans back against the bathtub. Eyes glassy and pale cheeks. He wraps his arms around his knees making him appear small. Clary has never seen him so vulnerable. She didn’t think she ever would. He was a man of confidence and authority. She’s never seen one omega trait in him. He made orders easy and smoothly around the Institute. He was a born leader and seeing him like this startles her.
The way he oozes terror makes her realize she can’t let her own panic show. She can’t let him see her worry. He needs her right now, and she needs him to know she’s there.
“Okay,” she whispers. It’s instinct to reach out and pet his hair. Pheromones perhaps? Making her instinctively want to soothe him. Either way, he doesn’t complain. He closes his eyes.
“I’ll be right back.”
******
3. Izzy
Izzy kicks the vending machine again, successfully winning the almond joy and chocolate cookies. She rips open the baggage and pops a cookie in her mouth. She moans at the rich taste and starts walking to the elevators. She presses the upward arrow and gets on when the bell rings.
She checks her text messages for the location and finds the door easily enough. She knocks politely, opening the door when her brother shouts for her.
She drops her almond joy on the floor when she finds her brother lying on a hospital bed with a blue skinned warlock standing over him. Her blue hands glow from where they’re splayed over his stomach.
“What’s going on?” she interrogates worriedly. Many different plausible scenarios pop in her head. “Did you hurt yourself?”
Alec sits up quickly, “Izzy, I’m fine. Relax, okay?” He flickers to the warlock nervously, which doesn’t help Izzy relax. “I, uh, have something to tell you. You can’t tell anybody.”
“Of course, big brother,” Izzy promises. She goes to Alec’s side and takes his hand in hers. She can sense his anxiety now, and it sours his smell. “What’s going on?”
Alec doesn’t respond immediately, and he doesn’t meet her eye. His face is pale and sweaty, and his whole body is tense. She looks at the warlock for answers. She has kind eyes and long braided hair, and she speaks clearly, “Mr. Lightwood, do I have your permission to explain your situation?”
“What situation?” Izzy asks hurriedly. Her patience is running thin.
Alec murmurs his permission and the warlock turns to her, “My name is Catarina. I’m a nurse and a warlock. Your brother came to me with symptoms and asked me to take a look at him.”
Dread sinks in her belly. “What’s wrong with my brother?”
A wry laugh slips through Alec’s lips, “I’m pregnant.”
Every possible scenario except for that one. Her jaw goes slack, completely dumbfounded at the news. Shock raids her body, ricocheting down her spine. Her brother was pregnant? How? He’s never gone on a date before. He’s never shown any interest in anyone, and now he’s pregnant? She comes back to reality when Alec squeezes her hand.
Izzy focuses back on her brother, who lies there completely silent and lost in thought. It unsettles her and for once she has no idea what to say. How to comfort him. She squeezes his hand back, “It’s okay, big brother. I’m here for you. I’ll help you every step of the way.”
He nods distantly, and she comforts him in the only way she knows how. She runs her fingers through his hair, smiling a little when he leans into it. She wonders who the father is. If he knows he is a father. She thinks back on everyone she’s seen her brother interact with. A thought occurs to her, and she looks at the warlock in front of her.
“It’s a warlock’s, isn’t it?” she asks gently. “That’s why you asked her.”
He nods slowly again, and Catarina speaks up, “A very powerful one. The baby’s magic won’t let me penetrate his skin. I was just telling Alec he should have the father inspect him. The baby may allow him to do it rather than me. Just to make sure everything is alright.”
“I thought warlocks are infertile,” she comments, confused.
She smiles in understanding, “Most of the time they are, but there are rumors that omega nephilim can procreate with warlocks. Something in their blood makes it possible. I urge Alec to talk to the father so maybe I can do some research.”
“Is that possible?” Izzy asks hopefully. Dread overwhelms at a thought, “Alec, tell me you weren’t-“
“No!” Alec exclaims, shaking his head. “No, it was consensual. I promise. I just…I didn’t plan on talking to him again.”
“Did he hurt you?” Izzy asks with a clipped tone.
“No,” Alec says simply. His eyes downcast, and he bites a fingernail. Something he hasn’t done since they were little. Izzy wants to ask for more information, but she doesn’t want to add to the already huge weight on her brother’s shoulders. She has to trust him to tell her what she needs to know.
It’s strange, though, because she always believed her brother would want to get to know someone before becoming intimate. He’s so quiet and reserved, she didn’t imagine he would jump into bed with someone he hardly knows. There has to be more to it, but she’ll let him decide when to tell her.
Catarina orders him to come back in a week for another check up. She may not be able to check the baby, but she can take Alec’s vitals and that’s enough for now. She brings up again to have the baby’s father inspect it. Maybe it’ll be willing to let magic it’s familiar with to touch Alec.
Alec checks something on his phone before they head back to the Institute. She leaves him in his room to get something to eat for them both. She comes back with two trays in her hands when she turns a corner and finds Magnus Bane in the hallway.
Her brows fly up when she sees him sitting on the floor a foot from Alec’s door. He’s transfixed on the door, and Izzy has seen this exact same act in a starving dog in front of a restaurant down the road scratching pitifully at the door.
“Magnus?” she calls quietly to not spook him. She still manages to do so, and Magnus hurries onto his feet.
“Isabelle Lightwood,” he sings adoringly, but she can tell he’s not fully into his own usual charisma. “How lovely to see you again.”
She smiles, flattered before looking between the warlock and the closed door and suddenly it clicks. “You’re the father?”
Magnus’s smile fades immediately, “Yes.”
Izzy has interacted with Magnus a handful of times, and each time he’s been nothing but cheerful and teasing. He is a kind soul with an unlimited amount of friends. He even acted as her lawyer when she needed him most, and she will be forever grateful for that. Sadness doesn’t fit him, and neither does him deliberately hurting her brother. He let his interest be known since they met, and she saw Alec blush under the warlock’s attention.
But she doesn’t know the full picture.
Izzy bites her lip, “Did he let you check on the baby?”
Wonder shines in his eyes at her words, “Yes. The baby didn’t let me intrude too much. Pushed me out the moment I got too curious, but everything is fine. It’s healthy.”
“Thank the angels,” Izzy sighs. Magnus gives her a weak smile, and she’s never seen him so miserable. There is no hint of guilt, only shame and misery. She wonders what her brother said before closing the door on him.
She places her hand on his shoulder, “You just have to be patient. This may be hurting you, but he has it worse. We both have to stick beside him. He'll come to you if he needs you.”
She’s not certain he hears her or comprehends what she’s saying. He’s looking back at the door longingly. His voice is frail when he does speak, “It pains me to put you in a situation like this, but will you update me on anything? Everything I should be aware of?”
She’s already nodding by the time he finishes, “Of course, Magnus.” Her brother can be stubborn at the worst of times, and she’s confident he could be on his deathbed and refuse any help. She’s not going to let him do that anymore.
A portal pops into existence, and she watches him leave.
****
4. Simon
“Are you sure you should be doing this?” Simon asks again. The death glare he gets in response has not lost its severity, and he’s pretty sure one of the arrows will be submerged in his heart the next time he asks.
“Ask me that again, and I’m nailing you to the wall and letting the sun burn you alive.”
“Okay, yeah, absolutely,” Simon stutters, not daring to correct Alec by reminding him the sun doesn’t affect him anymore. Either way, he would be nailed on a wall and people would see. He’d have to wait until Raphael notices him missing and comes searching for him.
Simon jogs to catch up to Alec, making sure to keep some space between them. Alec hates the fact he’s here with him, stating the fact the moment they left the Institute. No one else was able to accompany Alec on a mission to find a rogue werewolf prowling the city and biting people. Izzy and Jace were busy with a bigger demon, and Clary was with Luke on the other side of town also looking for the werewolf. Simon was the last option, and Alec had tried leaving on his own. He’s been on missions alone before, preferring it that way if his parabatai wasn’t available.
Then, his mother of all people told him if he insisted on doing missions five months pregnant, then he’s not allowed to go alone. Hence, Simon plays babysitter tonight and hopes nothing goes wrong. He’s horrified at the idea of Alec even wincing in pain or tripping forward. He’s calling Magnus at the first sign of danger.
Alec is terrifying in his own right, but Magnus? Magnus who has 400 years of experience and talks about Alec like he’s hung the moon itself finding out Simon let him get hurt?
He’d be the ash at the bottom of a fire pit in Edom.
The wind picks up, and Simon smells sandalwood. It comes from Alec, which is interesting because that’s Magnus’s signature scent. “Have you seen Magnus?”
“No,” Alec clips. He scrunches his nose, “Why?”
Simon almost changes the topic to how defensive the shadowhunter gets, but he’s had the same questions since he learned Alec was pregnant. They’re alone out here, and he can make a mad dash at the first sign of aggression.
He might get an arrow in his ass but maybe he will finally get some answers. “You smell like him. I was thinking you guys finally reconciled.”
Alec is silent, and it wouldn’t be the first time Alec completely ignores him. He trudges on, assuming he'd been disregarded.
“He brews his own shampoo,” Alec reluctantly explains. “I got him to make me some. It, uh, reduces nausea.”
Simon bites his tongue before he says the soap isn’t what’s helping but the fact it smells like Magnus. The farther they walk, though, the patience and inhibitions run thin. “What happened exactly? I heard from Izzy you guys hit it off.”
Alec curses, looking over his shoulder at the vampire, “I’m not talking about this with you.”
“Okay! Alright. I just-“ Simon groans in exasperation. Anger threatens to spill over, and he’s lost the willpower to stop it. “Alec, you have to know you’re hurting Magnus every time you push him away.”
Alec clenches the bow in his hand, and Simon half expects him to split the wood in two. According to Clary, Alec has gotten a lot stronger recently. Not Shadowhunter or angelic strength but magic. A subtle yellow mist caresses his fists in a dance, and the omega doesn’t appear to realize he’s doing it.
“Alec,” Simon tries again. “Please just talk to him-“
“He doesn’t even want me!” Alec shouts with deep rooted frustration curling on his pinched face. “He wants the baby. He wants a kid - always had. He wants me because I can provide him with one. He doesn’t… He doesn’t want me.”
“Do you even see the way he looks at you? No, because your head is too far up your ass to see it,” Simon guffaws in disgust. “I haven’t known him for that long, but by the way Raphael speaks about him, he’s a very genuine guy who wants the best for his friends and family. That family being you by the way.”
Alec doesn’t respond, but his clenched jaw and squeezed shut eyelids show he’s seething in copious rage threatening to overtake him. Simon regrets bringing it up, not wanting to stress the already very on edge omega with a kid on the way. Magnus wouldn’t appreciate it. Something tells him he keeps a close eye on Alec, and he wouldn’t like how high his blood pressure is getting.
Something in the distance falls on the ground, and Simon curses. Alec calmly unsheathes an arrow and aims ahead. His body casts a shadow in the alleyway, and his protruding belly is mostly hidden by his clothes. He silently makes his way closer to the entrance, scrutinizing the shadows and corners.
A growl grows menacingly down the way, and Simon sees two red eyes shining right at them. Simon stiffens, readying himself for a fight. He’s about to jump in between them when suddenly the red head of Alec’s arrow illuminates yellow. His eyes glow omega gold when he bares his teeth and lets the arrow fly.
An explosion sparks at immediate contact, effectively knocking the werewolf unconscious and slightly bleeding. Simon’s jaw drops, “Oh.”
Alec slides his bow over his shoulders with a smirk, “As you guys keep repeatedly telling me, I am far too dainty and weak. I can’t possibly carry him all the way to the Jade Wolf by myself, so don’t worry, bloodsucker.” Alec slaps his upper back, “He’s all yours.”
Simon groans. Never playing babysitter again.
******
5. Raphael
Raphael needed to get out of the Institute before Jace activates the sword. As soon as he does, all downworlders close by are going to vanquish. He has no idea where Magnus is, and he yells at all the vampires around them to run as fast as they can and get out of here. None of them listen, and they continue to charge for the sword. Hundreds of downworlders fill the room, desperate to stop Valentine from killing all of them.
He hears an object whip past his head, and he turns to find Alec fighting circle members off with his arrows. His focus is intense, spewing off arrows left and right and landing every time. Raphael is impressed to see him work so precisely, especially with him being far into his pregnancy. His sweaters are no longer doing their job of hiding his bump. He’s too big to fool anyone anymore. Every time he reaches for an arrow, it becomes more prominent and peeks through the bottom of his shirt and his pants.
Raphael blanches, realizing something and cursing himself. He speeds over to the tall shadowhunter and grabs his arm, “Alec, we have to go!”
“Are you kidding?” Alec shoves him off. “I have to protect Jace. We might not have another chance to defeat Valentine.”
“Yes, but that sword is going to kill all downworlders,” Raphael says, taking Alec’s arm again and pulling this time. He tightens his hold when Alec fights him to take a stab at a circle member running by. He lands right in his chest with his seraph blade.
“I am not leaving!” Alec barks. “These are my people, and it’s my job to protect-”
“Your unborn child is part downworlder!” Raphael seethes through his fangs. Alec blinks, dumbfounded as his cheeks lose every ounce of color and leave him ghostly white. “If you don’t get out, they are going to die.”
Raphael knows he’s being harsh, but there is no other way to get through to Alec when he’s in leading mode. Alec is a born leader who takes every loss personally, and it takes a true shock to shove him off his train of thought. Thankfully, Alec finally follows him to the front door.
Then Alec freezes, going more pale and lost. He sucks in a ragged breath, and Raphael fears he’s about to throw up. His hazel eyes are wide and filled with terror, and Raphael is lucky he has his vampire speed to catch the omega’s wrist before he can make a break for it back into the building.
“Alec-”
“MAGNUS!” Alec cries at the top of his lungs. The volume threatens to shake the floor. Tears form in the corners of his eyes. “MAGNUS!”
Raphael pulls the hysteric man out with the help of Meliorn, especially when he uses magic to shovel through the vampire. He doesn’t fight long. His energy depletes quicker in his state, but he gives it his all.
They both freeze when a loud explosion erupts inside, signifying the activation of the sword. Alec tenses in his arms, a low whimper falling from his lips. His knees buckle underneath him, and Raphael and Meliorn hold him up.
Raphael watches in horror as many of his friends die in front of his eyes, and the only thing holding him together is his one goal of making sure Alec is okay.
“Alec?”
Alec is out of Raphael’s arms and into Magnus’s to the utter shock of the vampire. Alec’s fingers dig into the alpha’s vest, clinging onto him and dragging him close. Magnus caresses the omega’s face, soft as a feather, and wipes at the tear-streaked cheeks. “Alexander,” Magnus coos. “I’m here.”
“I thought you were gone,” Alec chokes. “I thought I lost…” Alec doesn’t get the rest of his words out, but Raphael can tell by the look on Magnus’s face he knows he was going to say. “I’ve never been so scared. Magnus, I-”
“Shh,” Magnus shushes him. “I’m here, my darling,” he soothes. He presses a firm kiss to the shadowhunter’s cheek. Alec melts into him, and Raphael decides it’s time for him to go. He has friends to herd together.
******
6. Maryse
Maryse stirs in more creamer in her coffee, blowing on it before taking a small sip. She cringes at the taste but takes what she can get. She usually has someone go to a mundane coffee shop to retrieve her extra hot cappuccino. She has one every morning, which has made her reliant on caffeine. One day without coffee causes a splitting headache, and she can’t afford to have one right now. Not with her eldest son on a hospital bed fighting to stay alive.
He’s awake and fidgety, irritable at being bedridden for the remainder of his pregnancy. He immediately challenged the nurse, Catarina, on the basis that she lacks the proper knowledge of a warlock pregnancy. The first time he’s ever acknowledged the species of the baby inside him at seven months along.
Catarina quickly took hold of the situation, demanding his respect for her as a nurse with the experience of fifty mundane nurses. She was probably the only one to have the faintest clue on keeping Alec safe and healthy, and she’s not afraid of climbing the ranks to force Alec to stay right where he is. She also threatened to handcuff him to the bed for good measure.
Maryse hated having a warlock in the Institute, especially one who is making commands left and right. If she wasn’t completely convinced that she has her son’s best interest in mind, she would’ve tossed her out.
What absolutely convinced her was when Alec fainted from a weak heart three days ago. His health has quickly dwindled since he reached eight months. Not enough blood is circulating to his brain, and he’s strictly off his feet for the remaining time of his pregnancy. Maryse appreciates Catarina’s no play attitude when it comes to her son’s health, and it’s one of her best qualities. She gave Catarina a room in the Institute to be at Alec’s beck and call.
She makes Catarina some coffee and heads back to Alec’s room. She goes to knock on his door when voices catches her by surprise. She peeks in, careful not to make a sound.
She finds Alec relaxing for the very first time on his bed. His eyes are closed with his arms folded on top of the blanket on his bump. His breathing is steady and calm, which is a relief to see. Her son isn’t prone to relaxation, and she can’t help but blame herself.
Maryse looks deeper into the room to find Magnus perched on the end of the hospital bed. He has one of Alec’s barefeet in his lap, massaging his swollen ankle.
“This feeling okay, darling?” he asks softly. His eyes are full of affection as he scrutinizes the shadowhunter’s face for any discomfort.
“You kidding? I could fall asleep,” Alec yawns.
“That’s a good thing, isn’t it? You’ve had a hard time getting comfortable enough to fall asleep,” Magnus says worriedly.
“Speaking of sleeping,” Alec squints his eyes. “When’s the last time you slept?”
The corner of the warlock’s lips quirk up, “You’re more important than sleeping. I just want you to be comfortable and healthy.”
Maryse can’t fight the smile from growing on her lips. She wanted nothing more than happiness for her children. She will do anything for Alec, and it’s obvious Magnus would do anything for him too. It took a lot of time for Maryse to see that Magnus's intentions are pure, but he hasn’t once left Alec’s bedside. He respected Alec’s boundaries this entire time, even though he must have been tearing up inside with the mother of his child yelling at him to stay away. Izzy told her he refused to let Magnus around him, and they didn’t see each other for months at a time.
Maryse hates to admit she felt bad for the alpha, who very much cared for her son. Love gleams on his face now, and she can confidently say her son’s heart is safe in his hands.
She backs out of the doorway and looks for Catarina elsewhere.
******
7. Catarina
Catarina finishes cleaning the newborn baby and places the baby gently in Alec’s arms. She makes sure he’s holding her steady. He’s groggy from the pain meds from surgery, but he holds her attentively with both arms.
“Magnus,” he whispers in pure awe, transfixed on the baby. His baby. He can’t hold her close enough. “She’s perfect.”
Magnus coos, softly running a finger along his daughter’s cheek. The skin is unbelievably soft, and he’s enraptured thoroughly. He kisses Alec on the top of his sweaty head, “You did such a great job, sweet pea.”
Alec blinks slowly like a cat, too out of it to think. A goofy smile plays on his lips. He tilts back to get Magnus’s attention, “You owe me now.”
“I owe you everything, my darling, but do let me know what has you thinking that,” he teases.
Alec doesn’t say anything for a moment, and Magnus looks at him from the bundle in his lover’s arms. “Alexander?” he asks, alarmed. Catarina checks his vitals and finds them normal.
“A trade,” he giggles. He bites his lip when Magnus raises a curious brow. “From my sister’s trial. You wanted me in return for representing her.”
“A date,” Magnus hurries to correct. His cheeks are pink from either embarrassment or worry. Catarina guesses both. “A PG or perhaps PG13 rated date with you.” He’s sweating now, and Catarina wants to laugh. “A one night stand was not the plan at all.”
Alec shrugs, and Catarina wonders how often he does that. How often the devoted Head of the Institute is relaxed enough to shrug things off. The toothy grin is already odd enough, and her fingers fidget to reach for a camera.
“I didn’t want it to be a one night stand,” Alec sobers up with his focus back on his daughter. She giggles where she lies on his bare chest, and Catarina sees hazel cat eyes looking back at him.
Magnus has told her drunkenly many times he hadn’t wanted that night to be a one night stand. He genuinely felt drawn to the shadowhunter like a moth to a flame. He liked Alec, explained to her how he made him want to open himself up again to love. He would’ve backed off if Alec called him out on blackmailing him for a date. She knew that because Magnus would never do that. He only wanted to make it abundantly clear that he was truly interested in Alec. Something about the boy lacking the confidence to realize on his own.
Alec may have left the next morning without a note, but that’s something for him to explain to Magnus. All Catarina knows is that Alec is looking at her friend like he’s finally opened his eyes, and Magnus is smiling right back with tears in his eyes.
Catarina adjusts the morphine and finds her way out.