Lightwood Lessons

We would sit down one day. I will tell him of my past just to stop his worry and jealousy. But will that not bring on more?

My body was sore. My muscles ached so much today that I had to get a cab back. Bruises and some minor cuts, all healed with Iratzes, but still stung. I hadn't gotten used to the routine again. I guess my mind and body were still in Sao Paulo.

Magnus and I had recently gone on vacation... It was a different world there, where you could wake up only worrying about how to spend your day on the island than how you're going to ambush a demon.

Too bad those blissful days had come to a halt when we flew back to reality. The past week I had been battered in the training room by Isabelle and Jace. I was out of practice from being away for three weeks. I'd been trapped by Isabelle's whip, Jace's headlocks, thrown around the room a few times too many. I wasn't going to stand around and be beaten up by my younger siblings - that is if I could stand anyway after training!

I fumbled for my keys in my pants pocket. The leather gear stuck to my skin with sweat. I really should've taken a shower at the Institute. The keys slid into the lock swiftly and clicked when the door opened.

The apartment was dim as usual with a fiery glow. I stepped in and locked the door behind me. I walked in to the living room to see a happy Magnus holding a cup of coffee and stroking Chairman Meow.

"You're back!" His face lit up and Chairman perked up seeing me, "How was training?"

My mouth twisted. His smile seemed too innocent, he was teasing me again. "I don't want to talk about it." I grumbled, "I'm getting into the shower." Magnus looked amused as I stomped my way to the bathroom.

I downed the coffee. I chuckled to myself as Alexander walked off. He was always grumpy after coming back from the Institute. Poor baby. He was always tackled by his siblings. I knew he was upset about coming home but the situation here was more important.

Alec had been stressed for a while, so I planned an impromptu vacation. I didn't expect him to get so attached to the island. He'd been reluctant to come back, as was I, but Maryse had contacted us. A Clave meeting was due soon and she wanted Alec to be present. The three weeks away had given him the rest and peace he needed but neglected his training. We were too caught up in our own world to be bothered by anything else. Our days were packed with activities-long walks on the beach, morning swims, kissing, et cetera.

We had been back two weeks now. Nearly every day Alec would go to the Institute or demon hunting with Jace and Isabelle. And every day he would come back annoyed and bruised. I missed him when he was out but I had Chairman Meow to keep me company. I sometimes used to wonder if Chairman was jealous of Alec, now that he had to share me with another. I've had many admirers over the centuries. Sometimes in packs also. They would just keep chasing me. Like moths to a flame.

Well, what can I say? I am irresistible.

"Are you mentally complimenting yourself again?" Alec was dressed and out of the shower. He stood barefoot in the front hallway wearing a grey sweater and black jeans. I have to remember to update his wardrobe when he's out.

I grinned. "You know my looks all too well now." Alec walked to the sofa, "And yes, I was."

I pulled his hand till he leaned down to meet my face. His breath hot on my face, the sandalwood scent on his body seeped through my nose.

Alec's lips met mine for a brief kiss. "Would you like some coffee?" I asked. His slightly damp hair fell into his eyes as he nodded, "I'll be back in a minute."

Alec sat down with a thump, like he'd given up; that must've been some training session. I moved Chairman Meow from my lap and into Alec's waiting arms. The coffee could be in Alec's hand now if I wished, but I haven't actually done anything today. Might as well make an effort now and then. I looked over my shoulder when I reached the kitchen. Alec was sprawled on the sofa, cradling Chairman Meow in his arms. The scene reminded me of all those years ago when Jocelyn came to my door, with a bundled up Clary in her arms. Like a parent protecting her cub. I felt a twinge of jealousy towards the cat for being so close to Alec.

The coffee was still hot. I poured the contents into Alec's cup and took it out to him. The two were still sitting in the same position. "You look very comfortable?"

Alec turned his head to give me a lazy smile, "Jealous, are we?"

Maybe. I sat down and passed the coffee over. He was paler than usual today. It was sad to see him look vulnerable and young. He was working himself too hard, and when he did aches and pains plus a side of moodiness would come along. With my coffee finished, I gently pulled his shoulders till he lay comfortably on my thighs. My fingers raked through his silky hair as he did the same to Chairman Meow, who was lying on his chest.

Something was wrong, Alec wasn't usually this quiet. "Is everything ok?"

"Why wouldn't it be?" He said with a slight edge on his voice. Despite the edge he stroked the Chairman with gentleness.

"Ok, what is really behind this mood of yours?" Since he was being like this, I would have to dig deeper.

"Like coming home beaten and bruised isn't obvious enough, you have to ask still?"

Ever since we'd been back, he was acting more like his sister. A thought flashed in my head. It was like seeing an old film strip with photos that had been collected; our memories from our vacations. The joyous laughter and sweet moments flooded me. "India."

"Huh?" He tilted his head back to look at me.

"You loved it there" I thought back on that vacation, "We can go back there again, when Jonathan decides to behave."

He let out a sigh. "Magnus...He will never behave. He's like the reincarnation of Valentine." The rare tone of disgust came out. "He's carrying on what Valentine started."

"My dear, I've been alive for a very long time. And trust me when I say, as much as Valentine thought so highly of himself, he wasn't the one who unleashed destruction."

Alec became rigid. "What do you mean?"

"Well, when I was living in London, some very unfortunate events took place." I quickly stopped. I wasn't about to ruin this night with horrible stories, "But we can talk about that some other time."

"Magnus you can't just-" He protested.

"Alec, you're already tired, I don't want to put you to sleep with my tales. Although, many are fascinated by them."

"Oh, yes. I've heard about your stories." He muttered. I knew he was thinking about Camille and Will. The Lightwood streak was back in his voice.

"No need to be jealous. I guess I'm just a magnet for adoration." It was time to change the subject.

Alec made a very unintelligible sound. His head jerked forward as I was stroking his hair, which made my rings tangle into it.

"Ouch!" His hands grabbed and held the patch of tangled hair tightly. His face pained as I tried to free my fingers from the rings. "Argh! Stop pulling my hair!"

"Sorry, dear," These stupid rings were always creating trouble. I muttered a few words and watched the strands of ebony hair repel the bands of solid metal. My hand moved away to reduce further damage.

"By the angel." The pain on his face was replaced with a relieved expression as he let out an exasperated sigh. Alec's slim, pale fingers still holding his hair, he said, "If you don't mind. The next time you decide to touch my hair, please take off those hundreds of rings that you wear. I don't want my hair falling out, more than it already is."

I smiled, "Must be all the stress. More reason to go to India soon." He snorted and rolled his eyes. I took off the bejewelled rings and set them on the coffee table. He was right. I was wearing quite a few. "You're working yourself very hard. You don't have to train that long every day, do you? I'm sure Isabelle and Jace can handle it themselves."

"That's just it." He shifted the now asleep Chairman further up his chest, "They can handle it themselves. They can do anything. But me? I'm the oldest and I haven't even killed a demon yet. They kill while I stand and supervise like the responsible brother I am." His snarky tone came in and his face twisted at the word 'responsible'.

This wasn't a subject I wanted to discuss either. I should've seen this coming. "Alec, please don't talk about yourself like that. You said it now, you're being responsible. You're watching over them and protecting them."

"Magnus, you don't understand." he said quietly, "Though I help track the demons, I hate being useless when it comes to killing." I knew how Alec felt about this topic. He made himself feel guilty and small.

I could help anyone else with their problems, but when it came to the one person I loved the most, I was weak. I want to help him get over his insecurities. He was about to speak but I beat him to it. "Alec, whether you've killed a demon or not, I couldn't care less. I'd actually rather you didn't because I would hate for something to happen." His head lifted and turned to me, mouth ready to speak. I pushed him down and clamped a hand over his mouth, "I've seen you in action, Alec. Individually, you're strong and you stand ground. You keep a lookout and I saw determination and care on your face. The responsibility of an older sibling is to take care of the younger ones." I stared down into his eyes, "As a group you all are a lethal bunch. A group is only as strong as its individuals."

Alec stared wide eyed at the speech I had given. I knew I was a good speaker; I made jaws hit floors with a smack every time I opened my mouth. His hand reached up to my face. Chairman Meow just had to let out a screech when Alec moved his arm off of him. I removed my hand from his mouth.

He chuckled at the way the Chairman wriggled on his chest. "I guess someone's become attached."

I scowled and muttered, "Traitor."

"Don't worry. I won't steal him from you. He only likes me when he needs somewhere to sleep." Alec's eyes had dark circles under them. I couldn't remember the last time he slept properly or rested during the day.

"Speaking of sleep..."

Alec rolled his eyes. "I'll sleep later. Let's just stay like this. It feels like we're on the island again."

"Alexander, you will listen to what I am saying. When I say sleep, you will sleep. Or else, I'll show Isabelle and Jace our vacation photos."

"They've already seen them." Have they really, Alec? I raised my eyebrow tauntingly.

He scowled, "Fine, fine." His eyes shut and he shifted into a better position. In seconds his breathing became slower.

How thankful I was for Jocelyn for seeking my help. Clary had become curious of her past and also sought help. The young Shadowhunters crash my party, and all that winded into me meeting Alec. The beautiful, black haired, blue eyed Shadowhunter.

Right now he lay on my thighs, his face peaceful and lips parted. I have to say, I have found a liking to touching Alec's lips. They were always soft and accented his delicate features. For the next few minutes, I sat touching his bottom lip with my thumb.

"You don't seem to mind when I'm doing this now." Is he already asleep? "Alec?" I waited for a response but got nothing.

I grinned. "I didn't realise I now had two cats."

A/N: OH MY GOSH! I have written a Malec story! Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed my Raphaelle story 'Blood Confessions'. Your comments meant so much and I want to upload soon but I'm working on a method. This method I am going to use is simple. I'm going to upload one or two chapters for each pairing at a time. After uploading the chapters for a pairing, I will do the same for the next pairing and so on till I get back to my first story.

I will update this story in probably a week. The next story I'm working on is Sizzy. So please look out for it and follow me and my stories. Review and tell me your thoughts. Much appreciated.

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Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters. All rights are to Cassandra Clare.