Jace walked into the institute after a long, exhausting day of demon hunting. He walked slowly down the narrow hallway that seemed to stretch on for eternity. He was limping rather badly and was doing his best to ignore the pain that was throbbing in his entire leg. As Jace continued down the hall he noticed that none of the lights were on. He made his way toward his parabatai's bedroom. Alec and Jace had had a pretty bad fight yesterday, but Jace knew he couldn't handle being alone tonight. It was raining hard outside and Jace always had a rough time when it was stormy out. He knew Alec would understand that. When he reached his adoptive brother's room, he hesitated slightly before knocking.

"Alec, come on. Let me in!"

After waiting a minute and not hearing any movement on the other side of the door, Jace carefully turned the doorknob and stepped inside. Not seeing Alec anywhere, he headed back down the hall towards Izzy's room. Jace didn't even bother to knock on her door and instead just barged right in. He frowned slightly when he saw that Isabelle was not home either, even though he didn't really want her company anyway.

Suddenly realizing he was starving (not really a surprise since he hadn't eaten a thing all day) he headed for the kitchen. When he entered the kitchen he made his way to the wall that held the light switch and flicked it on. As soon as his eyes adjusted to the bright fluorescent lights in the kitchen, he spotted a disgruntled looking Magnus sitting hunched over at the dinner table, a bottle of liquor held loosely in his left hand.

"Magnus. What the hell are you doing?"

Magnus turned his head slowly towards Jace, taking notice of the blonde for the first time.

"What does it look like I'm doing, Jace?" Magnus snarled, his speech slightly slurred.

"It looks like you're drinking alone...in the dark. But I actually meant what are you doing here." Ignoring Jace's last comment, Magnus replied, "And they say you're not smart, Blondie."

"Ha. Wait - who says I'm not smart?"

Magnus just laughed at this, causing Jace's frown to deepen.

"You know, for someone with such a big ego, you are extremely insecure."

"I'm not insecure!"

Magnus raised his eyebrows at Jace.

"I just want to know who it was so I can kick their ass."

"Jace your false bravado does not fool me."

Jace opened his mouth as if to say something, but thought better of it and just shook his head instead. After a minute, Jace asked with a slightly irritated tone, "Why are you here Magnus?" Almost as an after thought, Jace added, "Where's Alec?"

"Why do you care where Alec is, Blondie?"

"Well, it isn't like he's my parabatai or anything..." Jace replied sarcastically.

"Right...parabatai."

"What are you trying to say, Magnus?"

"You and Alec are parabatai, right?"

"Uh, yes. I seriously just said that."

"So, you're closer than brothers?"

"That would be the definition, yes."

"So, tell me, Blondie, what exactly does that mean?" Jace simply stared at Magnus for a minute. "Do you love him?" Magnus asked suddenly.

"What?" Jace asked, clearly confused.

"Do. You. Love. Alec?"

Jace paused for a second. "Of course I do."

"I know," Magnus sighed.

Now Jace really was confused. "Then why did you ask?"

Magnus ignored this question. "He loves you too, you know."

Jace had a feeling where this was going now and he knew he needed to stop it. "Magnus - "

"In what way do you love him? I mean, I know how Alec feels about you." With a humorless laugh, Magnus added, "he screamed your name, you know."

At this Jace's face twisted into a look of disgust. He really did not want to hear about Alec's and Magnus' sex life, especially if it involved him. "Well, as flattering as that is, I'm not gay."

Magnus studied Jace, eyeing him up and down. "Whatever you say, Blondie."

"Could you stop calling me Blondie? It's a little creepy."

"Tell me, Jace, why do you care for Alec so much if you aren't gay?"

Jace was getting frustrated and he let it be known. "He's my best friend, my parabatai, my brother. Alec's the one person who's always there for me, no matter what stupid shit I get myself into and I would do anything for him."

"Well, that's all very touching. You love him. I get it. But how does that all work when he's in love with you?" Jace considered this for a moment and before he could reply Magnus added, "Doesn't it freak you out when he's all over you when he's your brother?"

"It - it's not like that. I mean - "

"Of course I don't blame Alec."

"...You don't?" Magnus shook his head a and stood up from his chair, heading over tow here Jace was standing, leaning against the counter. Jace stayed still, wondering if Magnus was going to try and punch him. He hoped not, Magnus was awfully strong when he's had a couple of drinks and Jace was not currently in the best physical condition.

"No, I don't blame him. After all, you're gorgeous."

Jace stood up straight, pushing away from the countertop. "Magnus -"

"Don't deny it, Jace, you know you're beautiful." Magnus slowly brought his hand up and placed it on the side of Jace's face. Jace flinched away, uncomfortable with the small space separating him and Magnus.

"Magnus - "

"Shhh," Magnus whispered softly into Jace's ear, pressing his index finger gently to Jace's lips. Jace took a step away from Magnus, but before he could move very far Magnus had grasped his face between his large hands and forcefully kissed Jace.