A/N: Wow, you guys are keeping me on my toes with your reviews! I wrote the Thanksgiving chapters all at once, and then decided how I wanted to bust them up, so I think I have most of your questions answered at some point in the three chapters, but if not, let me know! You guys ask GREAT questions! I absolutely LOVE your reviews!

The one I can't answer via the story is "What is Thanksgiving?" So here goes. Thanksgiving is a sugar-coated American holiday that was designed to celebrate the 'bond' between American settlers and Native Americans. In reality, the settlers learned how to farm the land from the natives, then took the land, and killed the natives or drove them out with their superior weapons. But I digress...It is a lovely non-commercialized holiday where people get together with their families and eat a ridiculous feast and watch the Macy's parade and football. Many families actually do say what they are thankful for that year, which is a nice sentiment...BTA I sound cynical...(Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it's not commercialized, FWIW).

So, without further ado...


As it turned out, the snow began accumulating throughout the evening, so everyone decided to stay the night at Magnus's. There were three comfortable downstairs bedrooms, one each for Jace and Clary, Izzy and Simon, and the Will/Tessa/Jem threesome. They stayed up late into the evening, catching up and playing cards. Will, Jem, and Tessa got a cursory look into the Shadowhunter world as Isabelle and Simon fielded questions about the Academy, and were then sworn to secrecy. Magnus even broke out a few bottles of wine to accommodate his guests and everyone had a great time.

As the evening wound down, Magnus took Alec's hand and announced they were going to bed. With a knowing look at his guests, he said, "I don't care what you do in your rooms, just make sure the sheets are in the washing machine down the hall before you leave tomorrow. I don't want to touch anything icky."

The effect of those words was astounding. Jace and Will snorted simultaneously. Clary blushed and slid behind Jace. Tessa hid her grin behind her hand. Jem looked slightly amused, as usual. Isabelle grinned, unabashed. Alec shot daggers with his eyes at Simon, who hid behind Isabelle, looking for all the world like he wanted to get as far away from Alec as possible. Then Jace slid his arm around Clary and whispered something in her ear before ushering her toward the bedroom where they had staked their claim. The party broke up after that, and Magnus led Alec to their room.

Magnus closed the door behind him and immediately dragged Alec into his arms and kissed him. He drew Alec to the bed and climbed in next to him. After they settled in, Magnus continued kissing Alec's lips, then drawing a path along his jaw to his ear. He did not fail to notice that Alec wasn't very responsive. Magnus sucked Alec's earlobe into his mouth, something that would normally have Alec melting into a puddle in his hands, but received minimal response.

"If you're not into this we can stop," he whispered into Alec's ear, and felt Alec sigh.

"I'm sorry, Magnus. I just can't seem to concentrate right now."

Disappointed, knowing that every other person in his home would be having sex tonight, he withdrew and looked at Alec. "Spill."

Alec quirked a grin at him. "It's Isabelle. I'm worried about her."

Magnus raised an eyebrow. "You're thinking about your sister while I'm trying to get into your pants. Ew."

"Shut up. That's sick!" Alec said, but chuckled at the goofy expression on Magnus's face.

"That's better," Magnus said. "I like to see you smile. Now, tell me what's bothering you."

Alec sighed. "I guess I just don't like the idea of her being a Shadowhunter without me or Jace there to protect her."

Magnus gave him a skeptical look. "We are talking about the tall, cute, sassy wildcat that's downstairs letting Simon do unspeakable things to her, right?"

Alec narrowed his eyes. "Thanks for that. Like I need to be reminded."

Magnus grinned. "I'm just saying that I think she can take care of herself," he said reasonably.

Alec nodded. "I know she can take care of herself. I just never thought she would have to. I'm so glad to see her, but I'm worried that she will do something stupid and get hurt."

"She doesn't seem very stupid. I think you worry too much." Magnus leaned over and kissed Alec's neck again, getting a little better response this time. He grinned against his skin.

"Probably. But I'm her big brother. I'm supposed to worry about her. I'm supposed to take care of her. She shouldn't be out there alone."

Magnus pulled away and stared hard at Alec, studying him. "What are you saying? Do you want to be a Shadowhunter like her?"

"No," Alec said hastily. "I don't. And it wouldn't matter if I did, because I can't...I don't want to talk about it anymore."

"Talking is not what I want to do right now either," Magnus said huskily as he descended on Alec, sliding his tongue into his mouth and his hand into his pants simultaneously.

This time Alec responded. He wrapped his arms around Magnus and pulled him close, accepting his advances without question. "Be quick," he growled between kisses. "It's been a long day and I'm exhausted."

Magnus looked into his eyes and nodded his agreement. Within minutes they were both naked, and Magnus was planted firmly within Alec, sucking on his neck and leaving a livid mark. He didn't bother with the foreplay or the niceties. This was just down-and-dirty fucking. Alec gripped his hips roughly, greedily encouraging him to go faster. Magnus didn't hesitate to comply with this demand. He jerked his hips sharply, slamming into Alec with force, and nearly coming undone when Alec's eyes rolled back in his head and he emitted a low, wanton moan.

Their hands and lips were a flurry of movement as they did everything in their power to get the other one off, to bring them to the height of ecstasy. The sounds of panting and groaning and skin slapping skin filled the air and brought them closer to the edge. Magnus rose to his knees for a better angle and wrapped Alec's legs around his waist, locking them together as Magnus thrust deeper into him, battering his prostate and sending him into a tailspin.

Within minutes, it was over. Neither could last long like that. Alec's senses were overloaded as his nervous system was assaulted and he released with Magnus's name falling from his lips. The sight of Alec coming undone did it for Magnus, and he released into Alec, continuing to thrust as he rode his orgasm, and spilled every last drop into his lover. Then he collapsed on Alec, kissing him gently for several long moments before cleaning them up and snuggling in next to him.

They were sound asleep moments later.


Alec's mind was on his sister when he entered the kitchen the following morning. He was still worried about her and was hoping to get a chance to talk to her privately today. He wasn't paying attention to what he was doing and nearly ran straight into Isabelle before he realized she was there. Izzy was snooping through the cabinets, likely looking for a plate to heat up some Thanksgiving leftovers, as she had every year for as long as he could remember. She wore short pajama bottoms and a faded gray t-shirt, and her tall, thin frame was stretched against the counter as she reached for something over her head.

"What are you doing?" Alec asked, a comical expression on his face. He was thrust into his past, into watching a much younger Izzy trying to get to the top cabinets where their parents always hid the candy.

She turned around sheepishly. "Old habits…?" She shrugged, and resumed her search.

"You won't find anything up there," he said. "Magnus doesn't eat a lot of junk food."

Her shoulders fell. "Damn it. Why did you have to hook up with a health nut?" she grumbled.

Alec laughed. "I wouldn't call him a health nut. He just doesn't eat a lot of crap. He prefers to make his own food."

"Oooh," she said, wiggling her eyebrows, "does he have some homemade candy then?"

Alec shook his head. "Nope. I'm afraid the best I can do is offer you a peppermint." He laughed at the scowl on her face. He was reminded, again, how nice it was to have her here. He wished she could stay longer than a few days.

"It's really great to have you here, Iz," he said, pulling her into a hug and kissing her temple.

Her arms wrapped around him and squeezed him hard. She was a lot stronger than she had been three years ago, not that she was weak then. The Academy must have been working her hard, getting her into even better shape than she was before. There didn't seem to be an inch of fat on her body, just lean, lithe sinew, and devastating good looks.

She pulled away and looked up at him. Her deep brown eyes studied him, reading him. He was familiar with the technique. It had been bored into him as a kid. She was sizing him up.

"How are you?" she asked.

"I'm good. Really good, actually." He grinned as he thought about just how good his life was.

"Magnus seems great," she said. "He seems to really care about you."

Alec could feel the blush creeping onto his face, but he smiled happily at her observation. "He does."

"You're really in love with him aren't you?" said Izzy, as she planted her butt up on the countertop and continued watching him.

"Head over heels," he agreed.

"I'm happy for you, Alec," she said, and he could hear the honesty in her voice. He couldn't explain why it warmed him to have his sister's approval of his boyfriend, but it certainly did.

"Thanks, Iz," he said warmly. "What about you? You seem to be enjoying the Academy."

"I do! It's even better than I thought it would be," she replied enthusiastically.

"And Simon?" he asked tentatively. He wasn't entirely sure he wanted to know much about her relationship with Simon, though he had to admit that Simon did seem very smitten with her, and had been nothing but a gentleman the previous night...if he didn't think about what may or may not have happened after they all went to bed.

"Simon is...I don't really know how to describe it." She looked away as if searching for the words. "He's not like the other guys I've dated."

Alec snorted. "Yeah, you could say that."

She scowled at him. "He's a good guy. You would like him if you give him a chance."

Alec smiled at her briefly. He didn't want to voice the fact that he only had a couple of days to 'give Simon a chance' before they would be gone from his life again. He didn't want to think about that at all, as a matter of fact.

"How is mom and dad?" he said more somberly. He wasn't sure why he asked but something about having Izzy here made him wonder about his parents.

Izzy smiled sadly. "I haven't seen them much since you...left."

"Left?" Alec ran a hand through his hair. Had they told her he just left?

Izzy shrugged. "You know what I mean. I know you and dad had a fight and he kicked you out. It was stupid and pointless, but you know how he is. Dad is dad. He'll never change."

"Yeah, I guess. I was stupid to think he would accept me for who I am."

Izzy hopped down from the counter and placed her hand on Alec's arm. "You weren't stupid, Alec. Dad's just an asshole. I was so angry with him for kicking you out and not letting me see you. Then he shipped me off to boarding school like he was trying to get rid of me, too. I haven't spoken to him since, not even when he got them to accept me early into the Academy. I just took my good fortune and ran with it."

Alec scooped her into his arms again. "Thanks for having my back," he whispered into her hair.

She pulled back. "You're my big brother. I love you, Alec."

"I love you, too," he said and released her. They both looked a bit awkward for a moment. The Lightwoods were not known for displaying affection, and neither knew quite what to do now. "What about mom?" he said, trying to cover the awkwardness. "How is she doing?"

"Not good. She's still so fucked up over losing Max. I'm not sure she even remembers she has other children. I've talked to her a few times since they sent me away, but I never feel like she's actually there. You know what I mean?"

Alec sighed. He had figured as much. His mom had checked out after Max was murdered. Somehow he doubted that her other two kids leaving a year later and her being trapped with her overbearing, control-freak of a husband would fix anything. He suddenly didn't want to talk about his parents anymore. "I've missed you so much," he said softly.

"You don't have to miss me, you know?" she said, finally.

He looked at her quizzically. "What do you mean?"

She stood just out of arm's reach and studied his reaction as she spoke. "I mean, you could join me."

His eyes narrowed suspiciously. She was not the only one who knew how to read people. He had been through a lot of the same training that she had. But he was confused as to what her words meant. He waited patiently, giving her a look that told her she should continue.

"You could be a Shadowhunter," she said slowly, annunciating each word, spelling it out for him.

Alec shook his head. "No I can't. I was kicked out, remember?"

"You were kicked out by Dad," Izzy clarified. "But Dad is no longer a Shadowhunter. He is running the weapons company full time."

Alec's laugh was harsh. "He would never let me join. Not now." His expression was dark, moody. He knew what he said was true. His father had kicked him out, disowned him, cut all ties with him. No way would he allow his gay son to join his precious Shadowhunter organization.

"Dad has no say in it." Alec gave her a disbelieving look, his jaw set, a smirk on his face. "He doesn't. I was asked to come here and get you to join the Academy. Seriously."

Alec stared at her. Everything about her said she was telling the truth, her posture, the look on her face, the way she held his eyes with her own. He was shocked. He had known the moment he walked out of his parents' house that his life was changed forever, that he would never be a Shadowhunter, the thing he had been training for his entire life. He had been devastated.

But now? So much had changed in his life. He had Magnus, and he was happy. Happier than he had ever been. Ever. Would he even want to return to that lifestyle? A life of secrecy and danger? Hadn't he just been thrilled beyond belief to have Magnus open up to him and reveal all of his secrets? What could that life offer him that is better than what he had now, with Magnus?

And what of Magnus? How would he fit into the picture if Alec chose to go to the Academy? How would their relationship survive that? Could it? Would Magnus want it to? He knew the answer. If he joined the Shadowhunter Academy and was sequestered for three years, his relationship with Magnus would end. Period.

Alec shook his head. "I'm not interested, Iz," he said firmly.

"What do you mean you aren't interested?" she demanded.

Alec turned away from the angry glare of her eyes. "I mean I'm not interested. I don't want that life. I'm happy, here with Magnus, being…normal."

Isabelle was so angry she actually stomped her foot. He turned around to face her again, slightly amused at the childish antics she just resorted to. "How can you say you don't want the life you were born to lead?" she spat, resembling an angry feline.

"Easy. It's not the life I want. I've made my own way in the world since I was disowned, and I'm happy. I'm finally happy. Can't you see that?"

Izzy's hands were on her hips now, and she gave him a deadly look. "Are you telling me you would sacrifice being a Shadowhunter…for a guy?"

Alec shrugged. "I don't really consider it a sacrifice," he said truthfully. "I like my life. I want to be an artist. I want to draw. I want to be free. And I want to be with Magnus."

"But-" Izzy started, but Alec cut her off.

"Look, Iz, I was never comfortable with Shadowhunting. I did it because I had to, because of Dad, and you and Jace. I wanted to be with you guys. I didn't have a choice when I was a kid, but I do now. I've seen what my life can be like, and I want it, so badly. I don't want to be a Shadowhunter, I don't think I ever really did want that."

Izzy's eyes narrowed. "And what about Jace?" she said.

"What about Jace?" he replied.

"Yeah, what about Jace?" Jace said as he entered the kitchen. "What's going on in here?"

Alec and Izzy wheeled around, surprised by Jace's sudden appearance. Jace grinned broadly at the looks on their faces. "Well?" he said.

Alec and Izzy exchanged a glance, trying to decide who would tell Jace what they were talking about. Izzy looked a little hesitant, so Alec said, "Apparently Izzy is not here for a friendly family visit. Apparently she is here to recruit us into the Academy."

He could feel Izzy's angry glare boring into him, but he ignored her and watched as surprise, then wonder chased across Jace's face. Then, his expression darkened. He ran his hand through his hair and shook his head. "No, we walked away from that."

"But they want you, Jace!" Izzy pled.

His eyes made contact with Alec's and he shook his head again. "Not without Alec. No way."

"Ugh!" Izzy stomped her foot again in frustration. "Come on you guys! We need you!"

Alec forced his gaze from Jace. "Look, Iz, I'm not speaking for Jace. I'm simply saying that I am not interested. Jace is an adult. If he wants to do it, I won't stand in his way."

There. He had given Jace an out, left the option open to him. He couldn't look at Jace when he said it, for a part of him didn't want Jace to go and he knew Jace would see that in his features. Losing Izzy had been hard enough, and until recently, Jace had been all the family Alec had. But he wouldn't make this decision for Jace. That wasn't fair. If this was what Jace wanted, he wouldn't stand in the way.

"I'm not doing this, Alec," Jace said firmly.

Isabelle made an unbecoming sound and stormed out of the kitchen. Alec watched her go, wondering why she seemed so much more agitated than the situation called for. He then wondered if this was her real 'recon' mission. Perhaps she had been assigned the task of recruiting him and Jace, and she had just failed at her first ever mission.

He turned his attention back to Jace. "I meant what I said. If you want to go to the Academy, I won't try to stop you."

The corner of Jace's mouth hitched upward. "I know you wouldn't. It's not just about you, I have Clary to think about, too."


Will, Jem, and Tessa left in the early afternoon, but everyone else stayed. Jace and Clary sat huddled together most of the day, whispering to each other and looking very cozy. Occasionally, they would ask Izzy questions about the Academy, and Izzy's face would light up. It was clear that she loved being in the Academy and training. He couldn't really say he was surprised. She and Jace had always seemed like naturals when it came to their training. He was the one who had struggled to please his father. He felt a sharp pang of guilt over what Jace had given up for him.

As the evening drew to a close, Magnus led Alec up to their bedroom. After brushing his teeth and slipping out of his clothes, leaving only his black boxers in place, he climbed into bed beside Magnus.

Magnus propped his head on one hand, laying on his side so he could see Alec better. He tenderly ran his finger along Alec's cheek, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear, then trailing it down his neck, over his shoulder, down his arm. The touch made Alec shiver.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Magnus prompted.

"Talk about what?" Alec said evasively. He hadn't told Magnus about Izzy's offer. He didn't really know what to say, and he was afraid that Magnus would want him to do it. He didn't see any place for Magnus if he went to the Academy. There were strict guidelines about talking to people outside the Academy. He wouldn't be allowed to see or talk to Magnus for a least a year, probably longer. He would be somewhere in Europe, while Magnus finished his schooling and got a fabulous job, and that would be the end of their relationship. No matter what he told Isabelle, his relationship with Magnus was factoring in to his decision. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized how much more he liked his life now, and that wasn't just because of Magnus.

"About what has kept you so quiet all day," Magnus said, still gently gliding his fingers up and down Alec's arm.

Alec sighed. "Izzy's recon mission is more of a recruiting mission. Apparently they want Jace and me to join the Academy."

Magnus's eyes widened. "Who wants you to join? Your dad?"

Alec laughed harshly. "No. He would probably lose his shit if he knew they even offered. Apparently Izzy's instructors, or maybe even higher up than that, have requested this."

Magnus nodded. "So what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to stay here. I'm going to live the life I've created…with you." There was no hesitation, no reservation in his voice. His words were final.

"I don't want to be the reason you didn't follow your dreams, Alec," Magnus said placatingly. "It will just lead to resentment down the road."

Alec laid his hand on Magnus's cheek. "That's not my dream. My dream is to be an artist…and now, it's to be with you." Magnus started to protest but Alec interrupted. "Look, Magnus. You don't understand that lifestyle. It's all secrecy and danger, knowing you could get killed at any moment. It's for thrill-seekers like Izzy, and Jace, but not me. I never fit into that life very well, even when it was forced on me. I honestly don't want it."

Magnus turned his face and kissed Alec's palm. "Okay. As long as you have thought it through. I just don't want to be an obstacle, for your career or your family."

"You're not. Trust me. I'm happy, happier than I've ever been. I want to be with you."

"I'm not going to ditch you because you decided to do a different job, Alec."

Alec smiled sadly. "You don't understand. I wouldn't be allowed to have any contact with you for at least a year. Then, it would be minimal until I graduated the program. Once I became a full-fledged Shadowhunter, I would spend so much time away from home, it would be like dating a ghost. It's not what I want."

"What if I joined with you?"

Alec snorted. "Please, Magnus. You freaked out when I got in a fight. You don't want that lifestyle any more than I do." Magnus looked away, embarrassed. Alec touched his chin, gently guiding his face back to look at him. "Hey. I appreciate your offer. You have no idea what it means to me that you would offer something like that, something I know you would hate, just to be with me."

Magnus smiled. "I love you, Alec. There's nothing I wouldn't do to be with you."

A lump of emotion formed in Alec's throat. He leaned in and kissed Magnus, scooting his body closer so that their chests were touching. His arm slid around Magnus's body, holding him close, as Magnus's hand slid up around his neck, cupping the back of his head and holding him steady for their kiss.

This was what Alec wanted. A life where he could go to work doing something he loved, and come home to the man he loved. A life where he wouldn't have to keep his missions secret from his boyfriend, or risk losing everything with one false step. He didn't want the rigidity of the Shadowhunter's life. He didn't want to be harsh and cruel and demanding of his children, if he ever had any. He didn't want to be his father.

This was where he belonged.