Alec let out a shaky breath as he leaned against his closed door and pressed the heels of his hands to his eyes so hard he saw stars. He couldn't believe how badly he had fucked up at training. It was bad enough Jace beat him on a regular basis, but it was another thing altogether when he beat him that badly in front of his father.
"Sorry 'bout that." Jace chuckled as he held his hand out to help Alec up from the ground. Jace had just flipped Alec squarely onto his back, knocking all the wind out of his lungs. Alec blushed slightly as he took the offered hand and let himself be pulled to his feet. Robert laughed and clapped his hand on Jaces' shoulder and turned him away. "At least one Lightwood can handle themselves!" Robert laughed loudly. Jace chuckled uncomfortably as he glances back at Alec who was rubbing his neck. "And at least I still have someone to carry on the family name!" Robert boomed, his voice echoing around the training room. "Well, I mean technically that's Alec's job. I'm not really a Lightwood by blood." Jace said as he ducked out from under the arm around his shoulders. "Alec's not going to be able to carry on the name. Didn't you notice? My only remaining son is gay! And in love with a demon at that!" Robert stage-whispered to Jace. Alec felt his eyes sting with tears but busied himself with getting his weapons put away and cleaning up the room. "Magnus is only part demon. And they could still adopt." Jace said, sounding more angered the more Robert talked. "Ha! Adopt what? Another dirty little downworlder?" Robert laughed. Alec flinched which caused two daggers to hit each other and clink loudly. "Oh, sorry forgot you were there Alec." Robert laughed as he glanced behind him. He clapped Jace on the shoulder again and then walked out of the room. "Dude…" Jace said as he took a step towards Alec. "It's fine Jace. I'm used to it." Alec said, his voice and chin shaking. He sniffled and turned his back to Jace under the disguise of straightening the daggers laid out before him. "Alec, you know Izzy and I love and support you no matter what, right?" Jace asked gently as he walked over and placed his hand on his brother's shoulder. "Yeah, of course." Alec chuckled as he turned to smile at his best friend. Jace slid his hand down to it was resting on Alec's forearm and studied Alec's face. He was smiling but it didn't quite reach his eyes which were red. He glanced down at his hand and noticed something shining lightly near Alec's wrist. "What's that from?" Jace asked as he ran his thumb over the scar. It was relatively new by the look and feel of it. "Oh nothing, just a cut I got from an arrow. I forgot to put a guard on when I was practicing." Alec said smoothly as he pulled his shirt sleeve down to cover it. "You know you can talk to me, right? If anything is wrong?" Jace asked gently. "Yeah of course! It's all good, Robert is just having trouble accepting everything." Alec chuckled. Jace looked hesitant. "Don't you have a date with Clary soon? You should go shower and change, I doubt she would be pleased if you showed up like that." Alec chuckled, changing the subject as he motioned to Jace's sweaty and disheveled appearance. "Oh, shit you're right. See you later bro!" Jace called as he spun and ran from the room. Alec watched him go and felt the smile he'd been forcing fall from his face. He turned back to the display of daggers and carefully picked one up. He pressed his finger very lightly against the tip, feeling it puncture his skin with the slightest pressure. He smiled grimly as he slipped it into his pocket and left the room.