3 dAYS UNTIL SHADOWHUNTERS RETURNS IM! FREAKING! OUT!

Also: This chapter includes a heavy discussion and explanation of Dissociative Identity Disorder. If this is something you'd like to skip/not read, stop reading from 'it took him a couple of minutes' onwards. It's the last section of this chapter.

Enjoy!

When they arrived at the pier, Alec led them straight through the many rows of shipping containers, searching relentlessly for Jonas. In the end, Alec rounded a corner and bumped right into the man.

"Jonas!" Alec exclaimed, relief coursing through him like a tidal wave. He grabbed the man by the shoulders and looked him up and down. "Are you alright? What happened? Where's that 'ally' of yours?"

"Ally?" Jonas repeated, sounding bewildered. He looked flushed, panicked. "I don't know, but I was lost and I didn't know where I was and I just tried to hide but then I heard you guys coming and–"

"It's okay," Alec soothed him, rubbing his thumb against the man's right shoulder. "You're safe now, we're here." Jonas sighed and sank into Alec's touch. Alec, remembering that they had an audience, turned to look back at his sister and parabatai. Jace looked impatient, but not suspicious. Izzy had a knowing glint in her eye, but seemed to be happy to let him have his moment without interruption.

Alec waited until it seemed that Jonas had calmed down. He then pulled back and said, "It's not safe here, we have to go."

Jonas nodded. "Yeah– Yeah, of course. Lead the way, hotshot."

Alec bowed his head and turned on his heel. He nodded to Jace and Izzy.

The four of them made their way through the maze of shipping containers and came out in front of the restaurant. They started to make their way down the path, but then a chorus of growls filled the air, low and threatening.

"Whatever you do," Izzy warned. "Do not make any fast moves."

Jace reached for his seraph blade. "This can't be good."

The Shadowhunters tightened ranks, and began to draw their weapons. Jonas, who was unarmed, positioned himself between Alec and Jace.

"We're surrounded," Alec said, taking in the ranks of werewolves closing in on them. "Everyone, stay together."

"You won't hear any complaining from me," Jonas replied.

Alec was going to be pissed if they'd finally managed to find Jonas, only to lose him again.

The door to the restaurant swung open, revealing a tall, imposing man. Jace whirled to examine him. "Everyone, get back, that's the alpha leader."

As the alpha charged at them, there was a howl from behind and another werewolf appeared. It leapt over their heads and collided with the alpha. The four of them listened to the sounds of a fight as the two werewolves battled it out.

Alec glanced over at the group from the werewolf he was aiming his bow at. "He's challenging the alpha," he observed.

"Remind me to put this new wolf on speed dial," Jonas commented.

The palettes that the wolves were fighting behind tipped over. There was a pained whimper and then a flash of bright light. The four of them crept closer and found a dead body, looking torn to shreds.

"The alpha's dead," Izzy said, sounding shocked.

A moment later, the victorious werewolf emerged and shifted. Standing before them was a man Alec didn't recognise. The werewolf was muscled, fierce, strong.

Alec felt Jonas tense beside him.

The werewolves around them howled and shifted. They then knelt on one knee and bowed to their new leader.

"Let me guess," Jonas said. "He's the alpha now?"

Alec inclined his head, "Yep."

"Jonas," the new alpha leader called. "I'm sorry."

Alec, suffice to say, was confused.

"I don't want your apology," Jonas spat back.

The alpha flinched. "Jonas…" He started to speak, but then his eyes fell shut and he collapsed forward.

Alec saw Jonas hesitate, but then the auburn haired Shadowhunter walked forward to check on the alpha. Jace moved to help, but Alec stopped him with a hand on his elbow. "Hey," Alec began. "We need to get Jonas back to the Institute and stay out of Downworlder business."

"Why don't you stay out of it?" Jace countered. "I'm going to help Jonas."

Alec again stopped him from walking away. "We have to report back to our mother."

"You and Isabelle can do that," Jace said. He tucked his seraph blade away and continued, "I'll be fine on my own."

Alec glared at him. "You seriously think I'm going to leave Jonas so quickly after finally getting him back? Please." Alec walked with Jace over to the Downworlder. "But I still think Jonas should come back to the Institute as soon as possible."

Jace didn't deign him with a response. The blonde Shadowhunter knelt down to support the alpha, and Alec pulled Jonas aside to talk to him. Once they were out of earshot, Alec began, "His wounds are deep. Only a warlock's magic can cure an alpha's bite."

Jonas nodded, gaze determined. "Then let's get him to Magnus."

Alec went to help Jace carry the alpha to his car. "I'll drive," Jonas declared. "The last thing we need is to crash and die in a horrible fire."

Alec shot Jonas a look, but the man ignored it in favor of opening the door for the three of them. Jace and Alec helped the werewolf into the backseat, and then Jace sat in with the Downworlder and Alec went to sit in the passenger seat.

"Hey," Alec said as he watched Jonas fumble with his seatbelt. "Are you okay?"

The auburn haired man paused, and glanced in the rearview mirror before facing Alec. "No, but I will be."

Alec stared at him, and then gently reached out and pried the seatbelt from the man's tense grip, buckling him in with ease.

"Thanks," Jonas said, voice barely more than a whisper.

Alec nodded his head slightly, and Jonas shot him a small, sheepish smile. The sight of it made Alec feel all kinds of things that he would never admit to feeling.

At least… Not out loud.

Magnus Bane was not even remotely expecting a knock on his door so late in the evening. What surprised him even further was the sight that greeted him. Two Shadowhunters, and a bleeding werewolf. Lovely.

"Come in," Magnus said and hurried into his apartment. He threw the doors open to the lounge, and asked those following behind him, "What happened?"

"He was attacked," Jonas explained. "He needs a warlock. You're the best one we've got… The only one we've got– Take that how you will."

Magnus felt amusement flourish within him, but he ignored it to focus on the problem at hand. He stopped in front of his couch and laid a sheet over it just as Jonas and Alec neared. "Put him here," he said.

"Where are you?" Luke muttered and Magnus pressed a hand against the man's neck to steady him. "I can't find you." Magnus shushed him, wanting to calm his friend down, but his attempt didn't seem to make a difference. "Where are... where are you? Where are you?"

After a few seconds of incoherent muttering, the werewolf began to yell again, "Jocelyn! Jocelyn…"

"Not Jocelyn," Jonas said. "Jonas" —he emphasised— "not Jocelyn. Jonas. Do you understand?"

Jonas' attempts garnered a reaction from the werewolf. "Jonas, listen to me. Listen... You have to listen to me." The man gazed intently at Jonas. "I have to tell you, just in case–"

"Don't be so morbid," Jonas interrupted, sounding torn.

"No, listen to me. You need to know! Listen–"

"Was he bitten by an alpha?" Magnus inquired, cutting in.

"Yeah, why?" Alec asked.

Magnus began to count down. "Three, two, one…"

Right on cue, Luke shot upward with a roar, his eyes blazing a vibrant green.

As he began to writhe in agony, Magnus dashed off to grab something to stop the R.W.J. He yelled back at the two Shadowhunters, "Hold him down."

He heard Jonas' reply. "Easier said than done!"

Only seconds later, Magnus returned, warning them, "We don't have a lot of time." He then jammed the bark into Luke's mouth, pressing the man's jaw closed so he would bite down on it. "It'll take a few moments to take effect."

"Is this supposed to happen?" Jonas asked, working along with Alec to hold the werewolf still.

"Random werewolf transformation," Magnus explained. "It's a side effect of the poison in the alpha bite."

Luke continued to struggle for a few more minutes before he finally calmed down enough that the two Shadowhunters could relax.

"That was…" Jonas swallowed. "Whatever. I'm glad it's over, I'm really not cut out to restrain a buff werewolf."

Magnus, seeing the opportunity for what it was, spoke up. "You both fared quite well," he told Jonas and Alec, a leisurely smile spreading across his face. "I'm impressed."

His compliment was rewarded with two bashful looking Shadowhunters. Jonas ducked his gaze, but looked up when Alec got to his feet.

"I need to go and sort things out at the Institute," Alec explained. "I can't leave my sister to handle things on her own."

Jonas stood as well. "I'll see you out," he said.

Magnus watched the two as they walked to the door. He took in their lack of personal space and the intimate way they walked side by side. He examined the way that they said goodbye to each other, and how reluctant they both seemed to part.

With a thoughtful expression on his face, Magnus turned away from the two of them and went into his storage to get some supplies. He had an antidote to brew, and a proposition to plan.

It took him a couple of minutes of searching to track down what he needed. He carried it all out into the lounge, telling Jonas as he passed, "The bark will stop the transformation for now, but Luke needs an antidote to stop the poison in his system." He placed what he had on a table. "And I don't have all the ingredients here."

Jonas sighed. "Well I guess it's on me to go shopping."

"No, you stay here." Magnus walked outside to pick some fresh herbs from his balcony. "Luke will need you if he wakes up."

Jonas pulled a face. "I'd really rather not…"

"I'll go," the Wayland boy declared as he entered the room.

Jonas turned around the Shadowhunter's arrival, and then gaped.

"Jace," Magnus greeted as he stepped back inside. He drifted over to Jace and tilted the man's chin in examination. There were cuts marring his skin, fresh and still bleeding. "What happened to you?"

"Luke's car may have found its way into a pole while I was stashing it," Jace explained. His expression shifted into one of exasperation as he walked forward to grab a tissue. "I don't do mundane driving."

Jonas quirked a brow. "Remind me not to let you try my bike," he commented under his breath.

"What do you need for the antidote?" Jace asked, ignoring Jonas' jab as he dabbed a tissue at his bloody nose.

Magnus listed the items as he hurried back over to the table to get started. "Phoenix eyes, moon salt, and Idris fulgurite."

Jace nodded. "I'll be right back."

"One more thing," Magnus called out. "I need Alexander."

Jace frowned and stuttered out, "Uh, why do you need Alec?"

"Virgin Shadowhunter energy," Magnus said. His gaze flickered over to Jonas to gage his reaction, amused to see the man had blushed and ducked his head.

Jace cleared his throat. "Um, Alec, yeah… I can't."

"Worst case scenario, tell him it's a favor for me," Jonas told the blonde. "But you guys need to hash it out. You've been skirting around each other like miserable, lonely puppies."

Magnus huffed in amusement at Jonas' description, and then stopped by Jace's shoulder to murmur, "Trouble in paradise?"

Jace's lips thinned into a tight line and he spun on his heel, heading off in a rush of angry Shadowhunter.

"Well," Magnus inclined his head. "That could've gone better."

"I don't know." Jonas pursed his lips in a considering expression. "This might be a step in the right direction. Though, considering my luck lately, it's probably going to end badly."

Magnus offered the man an empathetic look before he returned to his brewing stand. He began preparing and measuring out ingredients, trying to show off a little because he felt Jonas' gaze on his back.

He threw off unnecessary sparks every now and then. His actions rewarded him by attracting Jonas over to stand next to him. "So…" Magnus began as he chopped up some herbs. "You and Alec."

"What?"

Magnus elaborated, "Are you… together?"

Jonas frowned. "We only met a few days ago."

"Nobody should have to wait for happiness," Magnus said, measuring out some liquid. "Besides, I've been around for a while. I have an eye for these kind of things."

"'Things'?" Jonas quoted back.

"Couples that would and would not work." Magnus began to pour ingredients into the cauldron, glancing at Jonas every now and then. So far it didn't seem like he'd upset the man, so he continued, "He cares about you. Anyone can see that."

Jonas blinked, seeming surprised by Magnus' words. "You think so?"

"I'm sure of it." Magnus stirred the mixture. "And you care about him too, correct?"

"It's kind of hard not to," Jonas replied, for once sounding confident in his words. "Alec is like a really grumpy, basset hound puppy. What's not to like?"

Magnus nodded. He had something he wanted to ask, but he worried it would only serve to upset Jonas. Magnus decided to just say it anyway. "I have to admit something to you, Jonas."

Jonas eyed Magnus carefully. "What's up?" he asked.

"When I was asked to take your memories," Magnus began. "I had… difficulties."

The Warlock paused, taking a moment to prepare himself for what he was about to say.

Jonas continued to watch Magnus, not making a move to interrupt or rush him.

"It was like–" Magnus hesitated a moment before continuing. "It was like there were memories from other people— nearly a dozen of them."

Jonas… froze.

He just completely locked up like Magnus had just cast some kind of binding spell on him.

Magnus immediately began to backpedal, "Jonas, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to–"

"Do you know what it means?" Jonas interrupted. "The… different memories?"

Magnus swallowed and admitted, "I have a few ideas."

Jonas nodded. "And what are they?"

"Jonas," Magnus said, taking a step towards the man. "We don't have to talk about this if you don't want to."

"It's okay," Jonas said. His green gaze seemed far too perceptive in that moment. "I think… I think I can trust you. At least with this."

Magnus inclined his head in agreement. "If you wish to explain it to me, then I won't betray your trust. Not with this, and— I hope— not with anything else either."

The Shadowhunter's lips twitched ever-so slightly in amusement. Then, his expression sobered and he brought his arms up, crossing them tightly over his chest. "The reason you found multiple sets of memories is probably because I have a mental disorder known as Dissociative Identity Disorder."

"DID," Magnus replied.

"You've heard of it?" Jonas questioned, appearing apprehensive about this news.

Magnus could understand his concern, given the stigma surrounding the disorder. He'd done some research after he'd noticed the multiple memories, and DID had been one of the possible explanations he'd found. In answer, the Warlock merely nodded his head, allowing the other man to continue.

"Well, the primary system of it is dissociation, which is…" Jonas paused. In a softer voice, he explained, "It's like, you don't feel connected to reality anymore, like you're living a dream and you're just…" He then shrugged helplessly. "I'm bad at explaining it."

"I think you're doing pretty well so far," Magnus replied.

"If you want to try and relate it to your own experiences, think of when you zoned out staring at a screen or whatever."

Magnus nodded. "Right."

Jonas nodded too, and then neither said anything for a moment.

Magnus quirked a brow. "Are you going to continue or…?"

Jonas blinked, as though surprised. "You want to know more?"

"If you feel up to talking about it." Magnus waved a hand towards the Shadowhunter. "I'd like to think that, if there was a way for me to make your life easier— even just a little bit— you might let me."

For a moment, Jonas said nothing, and then, "...Really?" he asked.

"Yes."

Jonas let out short laugh of disbelief. "Wow. Okay then. Um…"

Magnus smiled encouragingly at the man. "How can I help?"

Jonas smiled, and Magnus was pleased that he'd asked the right question. In a serious tone, he explained, "The main things is try not to bring up Jocelyn too much. It brings up bad memories and I… yeah."

Magnus' expression shifted to one of understanding. "Of course."

Jonas took a moment to think. Then, he said, "And if I ask you to give me some space, give me some space."

"That's definitely something I can do," Magnus agreed easily.

"I also have difficulty remembering things," Jonas added. "I will sometimes need to have things repeated, not because I'm being rude but just because I literally can forget entire conversations once we're halfway through them."

"Is that because of the… dissociation?"

"Most of the time, yeah. We used to have a lot of problems with amnesia. It's gotten better since we've started sharing memories– my headmates and I." Jonas' hands lifted to gesture as he spoke. (Magnus absently thought it was adorable.) "That's mainly 'cause we've been working on communication for ages."

"Sharing memories?" Magnus repeated, prompting for more information.

"Most of the time I'm co-concious or co-fronting, which basically means I can know what's happening with the body or sometimes share control of it." Jonas waved his hand. "Other times, we can share memories through our memory bank."

"What's a memory bank?"

"It's not really anything concrete?" Jonas replied, but it sounded more like a question. "For us, we can just… share the memories. Some people use visualization, like through a computer or a library."

Magnus nodded. "Would you mind telling me about your… headmates?" He paused. "Is that the right word?"

"It's the one we use," Jonas said. "And sure. What do you want to know?"

"Who are they?" Magnus asked, then suggested, "Start with their names?"

"Well, there's Owl, who's co-con with me right now." Jonas grinned. "He says 'hi', by the way." He continued. "Then there's Gnash, Hoot and Joey. Including me, we're all the main fronters of the system. Owl and I are co-hosts, though, so we're most active— and co-host means we're both the ones that front most frequently."

"And what do you mean by 'fronters'?"

"The alters that front— control the body."

"Wait," Magnus said. "You said that you were a fronter, does that mean that you consider yourself an alter?"

Jonas shrugged. "I like to think of us— the system— as a pizza. We're all slices of the pizza. So, to answer the question, yes. I mean, I guess you could say that I'm the core, or the 'original' identity? The one that's been in the body since birth. But I like to think of myself as an equal member of the system."

"That sounds like a good way to see things," Magnus said.

"It took me a while to get to this point. I had a lot of issues with denial, still do sometimes." Jonas shrugged. "But, no matter what, my system is pretty much my family now."

"Could you tell me more about them?" Magnus asked. He wanted to hear whatever Jonas was willing to share, but the last thing he wanted to do was pressure the man into talking about it.

Jonas didn't seem to mind. "Sure. Um, Owl is co-host, he's twenty-three and has an addiction to puns— most of which are terrible." At this, Magnus chuckled, and Jonas grinned before continuing. "Then there's Hoot, who's twenty-five and is Owl's brother. Hoot's graygender, or at least close to it. He doesn't mind what pronouns you use though, so we just go with he/him.

"He's a protector of the system; his role is to protect the host or sometimes the system as a whole. The only TV shows he watches are procedural cop dramas, and it's only so he can guess the entire plot before the episode is even halfway through."

"That's an impressive talent," Magnus commented.

Jonas sighed. "It can get kind of annoying at times, but that might just be because I'm kinda-sorta jealous of how smart he is." He then said, "And then Gnash, who's also a protector, is a badass twenty-two year old woman that can often come across as an asshole, but she's really just a cinnamon-roll on the inside."

"I'll keep that in mind," Magnus said with an amused smile.

Jonas laughed, and then replied, "Just don't tell her I said that."

"My lips are sealed."

Magnus mimed zipping his lips and then throwing away the key.

Jonas grinned at that. "Thanks," he said. "And it's important to note that Gnash is married to Casey— She's a real sweetheart, and she's kind of like the mom of the system. She doesn't front, though she pretty much always knows what's going on with the body."

"How can they be married?"

"It's not official out here," Jonas said. "But in the inner world they've been married for… three years? And they've been together for longer than that."

"That's so sweet," Magnus said.

"I know right? They're so perfect for each other, it's ridiculous." Jonas then said, "Which brings me to the last of the fronters, Joey. He's actually the son of Casey and Gnash. We sort of consider him a little as he's only twelve years old. Little's just a term for a child in a system."

Magnus nodded. "And what's Joey like?"

"He's precocious, a better artist than I am and he loves red pandas. He also likes baking."

"Baking?"

"Yeah. He's got a real sweet tooth."

"And you?"

"Nah," Jonas said. "Not as much as him."

Magnus nodded. "I'll be sure to remember that."

After a moment of silence, Jonas ducked his gaze. "Look… I— Uh… Thanks. It's nice to have someone here who knows about it and is willing to help."

Once Jonas finished speaking, Magnus reached out, offering his hand. After a moment, Jonas took it. Magnus smiled at him. "Thank you for explaining it all to me, and for putting up for my questions."

"No, thank you for wanting to listen, and being a great listener." Jonas grinned at Magnus, and the Warlock's heart warmed at the sight. "If you think of anything else you want to ask, just let me know. Also, I can send you some more info on DID to read— If you want."

"Please, that would be great!" Magnus replied, and then paused. "Actually, I do have… one more question."

"Yeah?"

"If I were to… say—" Magnus stepped closer to Jonas, smiling to the man with unbidden desire in his gaze. "Pursue a relationship with you and Alec… Would you be okay with that?"

For a moment, Jonas seemed stunned. Then, finally, he managed to ask, "Like a three way?" Jonas' cheeks pinked adorably in embarrassment at the word.

"Exactly," Magnus grinned, pleased. "But not just one night of passion, a relationship. Between the three of us."

"Well... I suppose I'm not completely against the idea."

Magnus grinned and elaborated. "Of course, I'll ask the same of Alec."

"Yes," Jonas said, then faltered. "I mean, only if you want. We are kinda… out of your league."

At Jonas' joke, Magnus chuckled and shook his head fondly.

He had definitely made the right decision in trying to woo this amazing, brave, wonderful man.

"Owl has expressed interest in Alec," Jonas said when Magnus remained silent. "He'll probably want to hear about this threesome thing you're suggesting."

"Have I met Owl?" Magnus asked.

"No idea," Jonas replied.

Magnus cocked his head. "Describe him for me?"

"He's confident and bubbly…" Jonas offered. "Might've had a bit of a southern accent?"

Magnus mouth dropped into an 'o' shape. "When we first met," he explained at Jonas' curious look. "Your accent might have been southern?"

"Then maybe that was him," Jonas said. "I'll ask him about it, but I'd be okay if you chose either one of us for your three way idea."

"Or both," Magnus suggested. "We could make it a four way."

Even though it was a genuine suggestion, he would've said it no matter what just to see the crimson blush that spread across Jonas' cheeks.

I hope this answers some of your questions about DID!

In celebration of only having 3 days left until Shadowhunters return: I am going to upload a chapter each day until the episode airs!

What are you guys most excited about? I am so hyped for the Magnus' dancing scene. I'm also excited for more malec (obv)

Minho'sgirl15: Thanks for such kind words, I feel blessed!