"I think we need to train more frequently, Alec." Jace mused as he stopped by Magnus' apartment door. "Having kids has made you lose your edge."
Alec rolled his eyes. "I was fine today and you know it." He inserted his key into the lock, turning it once. "It's you that has the problem. You kept drifting off on me. That's how I sliced the tip of your ear." Alec looked over his shoulder as he pushed open the door. "Babies are loud enough, but one with both yours AND Clary's DNA? That child must scream constantly. Hope you know what it feels like now, being around someone who doesn't know when to shut up."
Jace shoved past him into the open apartment. "Bite me."
As Alec walked into his house, the strong smell of herbs and meat hit him like a wall. His mouth watered. He was so happy that Magnus loved to cook, especially after training.
"Hey!" A child screamed from across the room. Alec knew it was Staria before she ran over, rainbow ribbons braided into her green hair. He smiled and reached out an arm to catch her in a hug, but she shot past him, right to Jace.
"Uncle Jace!" Staria wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly. Jace reached down and hugged her shoulders.
"Your hair is crazy, wild child. Where'd you get all the rainbow?"
Staria tossed her head back to look at him, making the ribbons shine. "Papa did it."
"Ah," Jace looked up at Alec, a smirk playing across his face. "Bro, I think your life partner has been influencing your daughter in more ways than one."
Rolling his eyes, Alec crossed his arms. "What? No recognition for your dad, Star? Am I not as cool as your Uncle Jace?"
"Nope." She said, her arms still wrapped around Jace's waist. Alec caught her smile and he ruffled her hair.
Turning towards the hall, he walked towards the twins bedroom. Once at their door, he peered silently into the room, incase they were asleep. He saw Alessandra laying in her crib, her rhythmic breaths showing her dreams. Alec silently walked over and gently brushed her hair out of her face. He heard stirring to his right and turned to see Max hanging onto the edge of his crib.
"Hey, little man," Alec walked over and grabbed his son, who was now grinning and reaching for him. Max wrapped his arms around Alec's neck as he lifted him and hugged him tight. Alec kissed his head and chuckled softly. "At least I get a hug from one of you, today." Shifting Max to sit on his hip, Alec took in his bed-matted hair and dark eyes that were blinking at him sleepily.
He furrowed his eye brows as he noticed something dark around his sons eyes. Anyone else would have thought that it was just the shadows playing ticks on the toddlers face, but Alec knew better. Still holding only Max, he stormed out of the room, towards the kitchen where he knew Magnus would be. Sure enough, the Warlock as standing in front of the stove, some meat sizzling in a pan.
"What did you do to him?"
Magnus turned, eyebrows raised. "Hello to you, too."
"Magnus…" Alec said through gritted teeth as he tilted his towards Max.
Magnus looked at him, obviously bored. "Staria and Alessandra were playing dress up and wanted Max to play, too,"
"You can't put eyeliner on our NEPHILIM SON, Magnus!" Alec heard Jace snickering. "He's not even three years old, yet!"
"What?" Magnus smirked, placing his hands on his hips. "He looks fabulous and the color works on him."
Alec frowned. "Well that's all nice and dandy, but how are we going to get it off of him?"
Magnus frowned and snapped his fingers. Instantly, the eyeliner was gone. Max didn't seem to notice.
"You know, you're a real buzzkill sometimes," said Magnus as he turned back to the stove. Alec sneered as Jace walked into the kitchen, smacking his back.
"He's not wrong, darling."