He glanced up from the book in his lap to the chair across of his place on the couch.

The hazel orbs blinked at the sight.

He lost count on how many times his eyes seemed to stray away – always searching, looking to reassure himself that Magnus was, indeed, here – safe.

With him.

Alec felt his fingers slip away through the pages of the book as his eyes continued to follow Magnus and the little gestures he made while reading his own magical book – the way he flipped the pages while his eyes skimmed through the words, the way he'd unconsciously bite on his lower lip when encountering something of interest, followed by him summoning a piece of paper to write it down. His heart clenched at the thought of how close he was to losing it all.

The sword had been just a breath away from cutting through Magnus…

One wasted second and he wouldn't be sitting here with him right now.

"Anything on your mind?"

The hazel orbs blinked through the haze. "Huh?"

"You keep staring at me," Magnus said with a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

"No, I uh… I wasn't- I mean, I was, it's just I didn't mean… anything," he said, closing his eyes as the awkwardness swept away from him. "I meant nothing."

Magnus chuckled at him.

"Of course," he said and stood up, leaving his book on the glass table. "Would you like anything to drink?" he offered, looking at Alec in a slight amusement while the shadowhunter desperately tried to avoid eye contact.

"Sure," Alec muttered, lips pressed tightly together.

His eyes followed Magnus' retreating form, making him linger, when suddenly his phone went off inside his pocket.

He pulled out the device only to groan internally at the notification.

INBOX: JACE (1)

JACE: IS CLARY WITH YOU?

Frowning, he typed in the reply.

YOU: NO. I'M AT MAGNUS'.

It barely took a moment for another couple of messages to pop in.

JACE: I KNOW.

JACE: I CAN FEEL YOU BUZZING IN JOY.

Alec felt his hand unconsciously move towards the freshly burned rune, before stopping himself and smirking as he typed in.

YOU: DON'T BE JEALOUS.

JACE: I'M NOT.

The phone remained silent for a minute, before a new notification came in.

JACE: I CAN'T FIND HER.

YOU: TRY HER PHONE?

JACE: SHE'S NOT RESPONDING TO MY CALLS.

Alec continued to stare at the screen. Ever since Jace's abrupt confession about his and Clary's not-sibling situation, the strain between the two continued on, making it difficult to plan any group meetings without a mediator in between, which, for some reason, had become Alec's job.

He really wished they left him out of it.

He could feel Magnus' presence, just as he came to stand on Alec's left.

"Any pressing matter?"

"No, it's Jace, he's, uh…" he trailed off as his eyes caught the sight of what Magnus had got him for a drink. His eyebrow rose in question. "That doesn't look like anything out of your glass bar."

The previous smirk reappeared on the warlock's face.

"Sorry, I'm afraid it's only a regular black tea," he said lightly, not appearing all that apologetic. "Stronger drinks will have to wait until you're fully recovered."

He offered the moderate size cup with a black, sleek cat on its surface to Alec.

"Really? Come on, Magnus," Alec couldn't help complaining but still reached out to take the warm cup out of his lover's hand, their fingers brushing against each other's as it was passed down.

With flourish, Magnus situated himself on the couch by Alec, one hand occupied with a cocktail. "That was the deal I made with Robert Lightwood to keep you here until you reach full recovery," he reminded him while absentmindedly swirling his finger inside the liquid. He then pulled it out, only to bring the digit in his mouth, licking around it, before finally taking a sip of his drink.

The simple act being enough to make Alec feel hypnotized.

After the gruesome encounter with Aldertree, they had immediately teleported to the Institute, lead by Robert Lightwood, and though both Magnus and Alec were barely able to stand on their own, they still refused to separate from each other, clutching onto one another for support. It was only when Izzy came rushing into the room and flung herself at them, speaking through tears of how glad she was to see them both, did they let themselves finally relax.

"I feel fine," Alec said, staring Magnus in the eyes as he did so.

"That might be so," Magnus agreed carefully. "But always remember that success comes with little steps. If the other party thinks that you follow their rules now, they're likely to bend in favor to you in the future."

The wink he gave him at the end, made Alec roll his eyes in affectionate exasperation. "So all of this pretense is only a part of your elaborate plan in besting my parents, is that what you're saying?"

"Hm, I'd like to call it me making an effort in trying to tolerate them."

Alec shook his head fondly at the warlock while taking a careful sip of the hot beverage that his hands still occupied.

For a few moments they both just sat in silence, enjoying the quiet and comfortable atmosphere that being together had created for them. He could feel the side of his calf which was pressed against Magnus' tingle at their shared contact, feeling aware of every involuntary brush against his leg. He kept glancing up towards Magnus until he finally realized that the casual brushes had become intentional, if the knowing smirk on the warlock's lips was anything to go by.

Two pairs of eyes had locked together and it seemed to be enough for the world stop.

Alec would have probably burned himself if Magnus didn't flick his wrist to put the tea cup away with his magic, not forgetting to dismiss his own glass, before leaning in towards Alec with an extended hand just long enough to cup the side of the shadowhunter's neck to bring them both to lie down on the couch, with Alec hovering above Magnus.

They shared a chaste kiss first, Alec's eyes fluttering closed before their lips even touched. Magnus opened his mouth more widely to take Alec's mouth for a more passionate embrace, fingers tangling themselves inside the dark locks of the shadowhunter, provoking small noises to come out of that mouth.

They continued to share the lazy exploring of their mouths, occasionally daring to go more deeper before coming back to the small nips and brushes, teasing each other more than having any real intent behind the intimacy.

Just as Magnus' fingers started to trail down the path across Alec's clothed back, the inside of his pocket emitted a buzz, followed by a few more tremors. It somehow made Magnus burst out laughing, while Alec could only groan, burying his face in the crook of Magnus' neck.

Alec pushed himself away from Magnus, sitting down straight on the couch as he dug inside the pocket to fish out his phone.

Magnus still had a way-too-embarrassing smitten grin on his face, casually leaning on the side of the couch's arm, before he noticed the familiar frown on the shadowhunter's face.

"Are they expecting you?" he asked, while his eyes scanned over Alec's concerned face.

Alec bit his lip then shook his head.

"No, it's, uh, it's fine," he said, continuing after a short pause. "It's my mother."

Seeing as their shared moment had ended, Magnus adjusted his position on the couch for a more comfortable one, giving his full undivided attention to Alec. "Have you spoken to her at all after coming back?"

He shrugged. "A little, I guess."

His back was tense, while his eyes stubbornly stared at the distance, without acknowledging anything else, without saying anything. Magnus let them sit in silence, waiting for Alec to gather his thoughts at his own pace, if he even wished to elaborate.

A heavy sigh escaped Alec's mouth.

"She apologized," he suddenly said, his jaw clenched.

"Oh?"

"I don't know if I believe her," he then admitted, darting his eyes downwards.

He remembered waking up in the Institute, his first thought being Magnus, finding Magnus - he was so sure that waking up without him meant he probably failed and had lost him - until he was forcefully brought back to the bed and was told that Magnus got taken by Catarina, since, apparently, the Institute didn't have the right kind of equipment to treat an ailing warlock.

It was only when he had settled down did he notice his mother's presence by his bed – looking like she hadn't gotten a night's sleep for days.

Alec was reluctant to share her company but felt too tired to make an effort in throwing her out. In the end he learned that his mother was appalled to learn of all the things that had happened to him, swearing she had no idea and that she had never meant for anything to hurt him like that.

Alec wasn't sure if he believed her.

"Well, I probably can't find many positive things that would describe Maryse," Magnus said, bringing Alec back out of his thoughts. "But she is your mother. Who, despite her frustrating character, does care deeply about her children. You included, Alec."

A ringed hand reached out to squeeze Alec's fist, brushing against his closed fingers until the shadowhunter relented with a sigh, interlocking their fingers together.

"I know, it's just…" He stopped, bringing a free hand to run through his hair. "I can't believe she let it all happen," he said in frustration. "Why, just because she didn't like you? B-because of her outdated prejudice against the downworlders? Or because she thought you were the same as my dad? She just…"

He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment.

"I hope you know… that I'd never hurt you like that."

Something very raw and vulnerable could be heard in the warlock's voice, and when he looked up, he saw an unsure smile and eyes that shouted loudly of the painful experiences in the past. It made Alec realize how important it was for Magnus that he knew of this. "I know," he said confidently, squeezing onto their still joined hands.

The brighter smile on the warlock's face put him more at ease.

"I might not be Maryse's biggest fan but I'd still not wish her that fate," Magnus continued in a soft voice, the words bearing a lonely tune as he spoke. "Being betrayed by someone you trust the most can really hurt you in ways you never thought another person capable."

Alec stared at Magnus in silence, nodding, unsure what would be the proper answer to that. "Yeah… That's why I didn't want to stay in the Institute, you know. I just couldn't… bare to look at him without punching his face. I mean, I'm grateful to him for saving you but what he did to mom…"

"Is inexcuseable," Magnus finished for him.

He swallowed tightly. "Yeah."

He remained silent for a long while, Magnus not saying anything in fear of spooking the tensed shadowhunter, when suddenly Alec flopped back on the couch, bringing Magnus with him as their hands were still linked together, eyes closed. Magnus exhaled a short laugh at seeing Alec behaving so uncharacteristically, a warm feeling filling his insides at seeing the shadowhunter comfortable enough in his presence to let himself lose some of that constant weight on his shoulders.

With his head propped against one hand, Magnus kept silently observing the shadowhunter, his thumb brushing unconscious strokes against Alec's skin as he did so. "You do know that I welcome you to stay here as long as you want, right?" he asked, gaining only a vague hum out of Alec in return. Magnus' lips quirked up.

He then let his hand fall from supporting his head, leaning more of his weight on his side as he brought his ringed fingers to play with the thick, dark locks. "But you'd still need to face them one day. You can't run away forever, my dear," he said in a soft whisper, then paused a little before continuing. "Especially now that you're going to be part of the leadership inside the Institute."

Alec blinked at him in surprise.

"How do you even know about that?"

A sheepish smile passed down on Magnus. "Isabelle kept me informed."

"Right." He nodded and turned away, bringing concern in Magnus.

"You don't sound too enthusiastic about it. It was your dream, wasn't it?"

He shrugged. "I'm not suited for the job."

Magnus raised his eyebrow, surprised by Alec's sudden change. "The Clave seems to think that you are," he assured him, thinking he was only being overly self-conscious about the sudden increase in responsibility.

He tried to give Alec a supporting smile.

"The Clave doesn't know anything," Alec bit out harshly, causing Magnus to flinch at the sudden outburst and retract his hand from the shadowhunter's hair.

He wasn't sure if the joined fingers were welcome so proceeded to separate them also before being stopped by a sudden squeeze of the said fingers. Alec's eyes kept darting from his eyes to their joined hands, a lost look on his face, making the flight instinct in Magnus recede. Clearly he didn't mean to take it out on Magnus.

Alec ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

"They – the Clave – they don't know what they're doing. They just can't afford for the Lightwoods name to fall. Otherwise they wouldn't consider me at all. I mean, how does that even make sense? I was labeled a traitor, I acted of my own interest and broken out a prisoner out of jail – that's the farthest from being reasonable as they could get."

"They are not trying to be reasonable here, but smart," Magnus said, gaining a confused frown out of Alec. Magnus hurried to explain. "The strongest warriors of the Institute follow you in the name of justice. The charges has been dropped against both of us so that makes you following the just path. They need that after Aldertree. Someone to unite everyone and make the right choices."

"My choices nearly got you killed!" Alec burst out and then seeing Magnus' shocked expression, stood up, his back facing the couch which still occupied a stunned Magnus.

"Is… that what's been bothering you?" Magnus asked carefully, watching how the shadowhunter's back tensed at the words. "Oh, Alec. That wasn't your fault," he barely managed to get out before Alec turned around, his eyes shinning in the room's lighting.

"I made that choice to go meet the Seelies and that nearly got me watching you die by Aldertree's hand. I-" His voice cracked, forcing him to stop and take a breath.

Images of the silver blade getting close to Magnus' neck kept flashing before his eyes, until he had to dig his nails inside his fists to keep himself from trembling.

He could have lost Magnus.

Forever.

Only because of the choice he had selfishly made.

"I can't make the right choices, Magnus. I… If I can't even protect you, how am I supposed to run the Institute and be responsible for hundreds of other lives? I just can't. I…" The words seemed to die out in his mouth, his throat closing in and he turned back again, covering his face with his one hand.

He felt moving and shuffling until a warm hand was pressed against his shoulder, turning him around. He felt devastated. The guilt of his choice was eating him alive, more than ever, now that he let it out in the open, letting himself speak up about it. Something must have shown in his face judging by Magnus' saddened expression.

Magnus took a shuddering breath before speaking.

"Except you're forgetting something," he started speaking slowly, letting his hands settle on both sides of Alec's shoulders, squeezing as he tried to bring the point across. "I'm not your subordinate, Alec. I stand on equal footing with you. By your side. Not behind you. I made my own choice to go there. I knew the risks."

Alec's fingers clenched around the hem of Magnus' shirt, a stricken expression on his face as he continued to listen to Magnus speak. "It's not your responsibility to bear the weight of the choice that we both made together."

A broken sound escaped Alec then and Magnus, not being able to bear it any longer, gathered the shaking shadowhunter in his arms. He kept clutching at him tightly, whispering soothing words in the side of his neck until the tremors stopped.

"I was just… so afraid that I was going to lose you," Alec admitted after the two separated from their embrace. "I still am. I keep having th- these… dreams, nightmares, with my dad not showing up a- and you…"

"Hey," Magnus interrupted him, reaching out for his cheek, smiling at him a tender smile. "It's okay, Alec. I'm here. I'm right here, with you.

Alec just kept shaking his head, his face falling.

He took a deep breath in before speaking.

"I love you. I've never loved anyone before but I can't imagine parting with you."

The sudden confession took Magnus' breath away, and though he knew of Alec's feelings, the intensity behind the words always surprised him, making him desperate for the shadowhunter. Bringing a hand against the runed neck, Magnus sealed their lips together, swallowing the tiny whimper that escaped Alec.

He knew Alec had his doubts about Magnus not taking enough of the initiative in their shared intimacy but the truth was, Magnus had so much love to share. More often than not, he feared to show it completely, but there were moments of exception when he knew what his shadowhunter desperately needed, and gave it to him.

When the two separated, they rested their foreheads against each other, sharing their breathing space.

"Feeling better?" Magnus asked while running slow circles against the upper back of Alec's spine.

"Yeah, I…" He swallowed, taking a step away from their shared space. And before Magnus could voice his concern, burst out his sudden resolve. "I think I'm going to go talk with Aldertree."

Magnus blinked at him a few times.

Feeling suddenly conscious and in need to explain, Alec brought a hand against the back of his neck as he did so. "They're bringing him back to Idris tomorrow, and I… I need some answers."

While the sudden change surprised Magnus, he could understand the shadowhunter's need for more clarity. "Do you want me to come with you?" he offered, not because he didn't believe Alec was capable of handling it himself but the man was vicious, who knew how much more damage he could do.

"No, I, uh… I need to do this alone," Alec said and something in his voice made Magnus stop. He worried his lip in contemplation before exhaling in defeat.

"I get it. But if anything happens - call me."

Alec smiled at him with a nod.

Alec hesitated outside the doors of the cell.

He wasn't afraid of the man per se, but being close to Aldertree caused him to remember everything that happened, all the heavy thoughts that still haunted him.

With a sigh he pushed the doors open, walking into the room with sure steps.

He didn't know what he expected, being away from the Institute for a few days as he was, maybe for Aldertree to somehow look imposing even in a holding cell, dangerous, but what he knew he didn't expect was what he got – a prisoner behind the glass, shabby in appearance, slumped in the chair.

He looked more a man than a monster he had been in the weeks spent in the Institute.

Alec swallowed and cleared his throat to announce his presence to the guards.

"Sir," the pair greeting him.

"Leave us alone until I ask you back in," Alec told them in dismissal. The guards nodded and closed the doors shut as they left Alec alone with Aldertree, who had his head up now, looking at Alec with dark eyes.

Steeling his gaze, Alec opened the doors to the cell, letting himself in.

Aldertree continued to keep silent while watching his every move and Alec involuntarily risked a glance towards the metal shackles that bound Aldertree to the further part of the room.

Alec situated himself on the other side, by the wall, hands crossed.

"I want you to tell me why you deliberately attacked me and my family," he said without further preamble.

The brown orbs continued to stare at him without making any indication of having heard him. Alec clenched his fists, while trying to reign in his frustration. Even now, the man was still playing with him.

They stayed like that – observing each other silently – for another five minutes before Alec decided it was just not worth it.

He turned his head to the side. "Forget it," he muttered and stalked through the room, towards the doors, before the voice stopped him.

"I was conducting an experiment."

Freezing in his tracks, Alec slowly turned around. "What?"

"I was doing a psychological experiment on your family," Aldertree clarified and took a straighter posture on the seat, linking his hands together in a casual manner.

"You what?" Alec heard himself asking again. He came to stand as close as possible to the man, looking at him with incredulity. "You're telling me you put that blade to Magnus' throat for an experiment?!" he yelled out, finally losing his composure.

Aldertree continued to stare at him, nonplussed.

"For what it's worth, I didn't plan to take it that far."

Alec just shook his head at the insanity of it all. "What are you- what're you even talking about? What was… what was even your goal? What did you expect to gain by playing with our minds like that?"

There was a pause before the man replied.

"I wanted to learn the reason behind Eva's death."

Alec shook his head in confusion.

"What? Your werewolf girlfriend that you killed?"

Aldertree's eyes darkened at Alec's words.

"Yes. The one that died by my hand." He took a breath, something flickering in his eyes. "That painful experience taught me that a Shadowhunter can never be with a Downworlder. I had made my peace with that." He gritted his teeth together. "But then you came – the Lightwoods – one of the most prestigious families in the Shadow world," he said the last words with contempt. "Drowning yourself in the affairs of the downworlders."

Alec squinted his eyes as the man continued to talk.

"The adoptive brother – with demon blood running through his veins, the precious daughter – dancing under the sheets with the Seelies, and the eldest son – running away with a downworlder at his own wedding. With the High Warlock of Brooklyn of all people." He laughed like the mere thought was unimaginable and ridiculous.

"You always interested me the most, Alec. I saw a lot of my younger self in you."

"We're nothing alike," Alec bit out, feeling his skin prickle at the mere suggestion.

"Oh we are," Aldertree disagreed. "Both taking a Downworlder as a lifetime partner. Except I knew when to stop." Before Alec could interrupt him, the dark skinned man continued. "For a long time I believed that Eva died because I had no choice. That it was her nature's fault. But perhaps that was not her nature, but mine. Watching you, how you kept standing up for the warlock no matter how much I pushed you, made me realize, that I never had that. I have never thought her above myself. Never thought of sacrificing myself for her sake. It made me realize that Eva died that day not because she lost control, but because it was my instinct, as a Shadowhunter, to put down the rogue werewolf."

Alec shifted on his feet, not sure what he was supposed to say to that.

A deep sigh escaped Aldertree then, making Alec flicker his eyes towards him.

"I can see that you love Magnus Bane deeply, Alec," he said. "But that love is going to bring the end of this world. And it's going to be all your fault."

"What?" Alec asked, feeling something jump inside his throat.

"Don't misunderstand me. My initial goal might have been my own agenda but using Magnus Bane as a means of settlement was a smart choice. The only choice that kept peace between the two worlds. With you breaking that contract, you let the whole Downworld loose - once again thinking that the Shadowhunters have betrayed them, not keeping their word."

"Magnus was innocent," Alec said. "There's no point in peace if it's based on falsehood."

Aldertree chuckled darkly at him, shaking his head. "Clearly you have no experience in this field. How naïve can you be?" he yelled out, making Alec flinch at the sudden outburst. "With this war, you have saved no one. When the two sides will collide, the first thing you're going to be asked to do is to choose a side. And then, after half of each population is gone, with or without Magnus Bane as one of the casualties, then you'll have to ask yourself – was one life really worth hundreds'?"

Unable to hear any more, Alec closed his eyes. "I don't have to hear any more of this," he said abruptly and made for the door, Aldertree's voice following him as he went.

"I was trying to stop the war, Alec. You added fuel to the fire."

The slam of the doors echoed throughout the prison as Alec rushed to get away from that place. He hoped it was the last he would see of Victor Aldertree.

He felt the blood rushing in his ears as he walked through the walls of the Institute.

Aldertree's words kept ringing in his ears.

Could his choice really bring the destruction of the worlds?

He refused to believe that.

But he couldn't deny the fact that the choice he made, he made it with his heart, and not his head.

He found himself leaning onto the cold wall, breathing deeply.

With shaking fingers, he took out his phone and found the contact number on the device.

After a few rings, it clicked.

"Alec? Everything all right?"

Hearing Magnus' voice brought a smile on the shadowhunter's face and he couldn't find it in himself to blame this feeling. This warmth that settled deep into his stomach at just hearing his lover's voice. How could it be wrong? Magnus was so precious to him. Alec was pretty sure he was the love of his life. And if this feeling was wrong, something he had to refrain from, then wouldn't he lose the reason to fight?

His family, his friends and Magnus – they were the people Alec continued to fight for.

Having a scapegoat to stop the war might have been an easier way out, but it was not any less false.

He might be choosing the harder road, and maybe ultimately not everyone would be coming out of it alive, but at least it was a just choice.

He was ready.

Clenching the phone between his fingers, Alec spoke into the phone. "Get ready for war."

Fin. To be continued on Freeform 5th June at 8/7c (lol).

Thank you guys for joining me on this journey. I'm proud to have finished it. How did you like the ending? Were you satisfied? Any else coming up regarding the story? Leave me your thoughts below, if you can, and hopefully we'll see each other in future project of mine. Cheers.

P.s. Sooo excited for 2B!