On the last day of Izzy's stay with them, Alec and Magnus sat down in the morning, while Izzy was still asleep, to discuss the possibility of Alec taking a day off. Or, Magnus sat Alec down and forced him to acknowledge that it was not possible to be in two places at once, and if he wanted to spend some time at home without bringing Magnus along - which Alec had very quickly indicated was the very last thing he wanted - he'd have to take some time off. Alec was reluctant, but also rational and was persuaded to try half a day off on Saturday next in the afternoon, when he knew all his siblings to be home and Magnus would not have to go anywhere.
When Izzy got up she was informed of this decision, but also pressed upon that if she needed help she could call Alec or Magnus at anytime and they would be happy to receive her. The earnesty of not just Alec's but also Magnus' insistence on it being no trouble warmed her heart. Even more because she had started to suspect that the motivations on Magnus' side had, aside from his general goodwill, something ado with a growing admiration of her brother on his part.
Izzy herself was doing a lot better. In the second week they had retrieved her study materials and Alec had dropped her off and picked her up from her exam. Afterwards she had received many a text from her friends that they were glad to see she was okay and questions on where she had been hiding her hot boyfriend from everyone. It was her pleasure to say that her gay older brother was currently sort of seeing someone.
She hadn't done as well on the exam as she normally would have, but there was still a fair chance she had passed. So she had to wait on the results and then it was only a short stretch to summer holiday with Max. Getting Meliorn's phone number had also done her good, because for the first time she felt like she had found someone who truly understood her addiction.
Meliorn had gotten into hallucinogens shortly before college to aid his creative process and had quickly spiralled to much worse. They both had found it difficult to relate to general support systems due to their ages and the fact that they had been addicted to such entirely different drugs with entirely different triggers made that they were no danger to each other.
They had only really talked twice, but Izzy couldn't deny that she was very much drawn to the man. Alec was clearly worried, but trying not to be too protective of her, and honestly she was very grateful to her brother for it. Possibly it had something ado with the fact that it had been Meliorn who had convinced her to try going to meetings again.
Alec was in the gym on one of the lower floors with Izzy when Catarina and Madzie showed up to the apartment. Magnus had been working through some of the approvals for the science division when they arrived and quickly dropped everything to go and greet them. Madzie was improving tremendously since meeting Alec and his approval of Magnus had gotten the little girl to very quickly warm up to Magnus at last.
'Magnus!'
'Sweet Pea,' he kneeled down to catch her running into his open arms as she had taken to doing whenever she and Catarina came over. Alec would generally be charged next, but he was not here.
'Your shadow out for a bit?' Catarina questioned upon noticing this.
'Alexander is just a couple of floors down training with Isabelle. They should be back very soon.'
'You're doing pretty well on your own here these days,' Catarina smiled. 'Pretty soon you won't be needing him anymore.'
'I employed bodyguards before Alec as well,' Magnus stood up again, a hand on Madzie's head.
'Yeah, but that was merely during the day, when going out in public.'
'What are you trying to say, Catarina?' Magnus spoke a bit more firmly this time.
'I think it is time that you started to admit that you don't need Alec anymore.' This took Magnus aback.
'I thought you liked Alec?' A frown formed on his face.
'Magnus,' Catarina stepped forward, her voice placating, but Magnus wasn't having it.
'No, you should be as grateful as I am for what that man has done for. What he has done for Madzie.'
'Magnus, listen-.'
'Look, I know you want what is best for me, but-.'
'Magnus!' Catarina interrupted him. 'I do like Alec. I'm incredibly grateful to him for what he has done for Madzie and for you. But here you are, alone in your apartment, not entirely sure when he's coming back and opening the door without a second thought despite me not even calling up.' Magnus simply stared at her.
'You don't need Alec anymore,' Catarina once again stated. 'That is a fact. But that doesn't mean you can't still want him around. Just think about it.'
'Catarina?' Madzie moved away from Magnus to tug at Catarina's sleeve, also breaking the tension. Catarina bent down and let Madzie whisper in her ear.
A smile pulled at Catarina's mouth: 'Don't you want to wait for Alec to get back?' Madzie looked pensive for a moment, but then nodded.
'Do you have the time?' Magnus inquired. 'I don't know when he gets back, I could send them a message.'
'I'm in no rush, Magnus.'
'Then how about a cup of coffee?'
'I will never say no to that.'
The three of them were sitting in the living room, Madzie occupied with drawing the cup of hot chocolate she had just finished, when Alec and Izzy returned.
'They have no right to ask about your medical history or to speak to your father. I'm your legal guardian, Izzy, there is no grounds on which they are allowed to fight that.'
'I know, Herondale is just such a-.'
'Language!' Alec called as he spotted Madzie over by the table and a wide grin spread over his face. 'Madzie!'
'Alec!' Pencils were dropped and Madzie scooped up into Alec's arms.
'You excited to spend the afternoon with us?' Alec asked to which she nodded. 'Good, now, do you remember Izzy?' Alec turned to it would be easier for Madzie to see Izzy.
'Pretty.' Alec couldn't help but laugh at Madzie's words. Since seeing Izzy dressed in a cocktail dress Madzie had been convinced that Izzy was a princess and whenever she saw his sister would tell her that she was pretty, no matter if Izzy was dressed up to go out, or clad in sweats as she was now.
'You say the sweetest things, little sorceress,' Izzy smiled. Alec put Madzie down and ran over to Catarina to once again tug at her sleeve.
'Presents.'
Catarina smiled and moved her hand into her pocket: 'Madzie went to play with a friend two days ago for the first time. The other girl was doing a father's day arts and crafts with her mother and Madzie was asked if she also wanted to make one. And what did you tell them, sweetie?'
Madzie was a bit hesitant and shy, but actually did reply: 'I have no dad. I have Alec and Magnus and Will.'
'Oh, Sweet Pea,' Madzie let herself be pulled into Magnus' lap and cuddled with a bright smile. Catarina pulled two bead bracelets from her pocket and gave them to Madzie. They were very simple, a set of rather large painted wooden beads on an elastic band. As she was already sitting in Magnus lap she handed the first one to him. A combination of chocolate brown and glittery purple beads.
'Is that one for me?' Madzie nodded at Magnus question. 'I love it, Sweet Pea. Thank you.' His fingers already covered in rings and a collection of bracelets on both his arms, the simple child's creation stood out in sharp contrast, but Magnus' soft look of adoration showed that he didn't care in the slightest. Madzie hopped off to hand the other one to Alec who was struggling to take his eyes of Magnus. If anyone had as much claim on his attention it was Madzie, possibly Izzy, but right now Madzie.
Madzie was familiar with father's day, but she had never had a father. She'd had fosters and was smart enough knew that she wouldn't stay with them forever. Yet, in the eyes of schools she would have been taught to treat Will as a father. She herself had put Alec and Magnus in a similar position in her heart. Two men in her life who would love her unconditionally and take care of her if she ever needed it.
Alec couldn't help but think on that as he slipped the bracelet of black and silver beads on his wrist. One look at Magnus and it was clear that Magnus had realised the exact same thing and was just as much in awe as he was. Maybe even more, because Magnus had really thought he had only endeared himself to Madzie as a side character to Alec.
'Those are beautiful, Madzie,' Isabelle broke the moment. 'Was it fun to make those with your friend?' Madzie nodded before dragging Alec over to the coffee table to draw with her. Alec protested that he needed to grab a shower first, but Madzie was having none of it, so Izzy went first.
By the time Izzy was back, Catarina had left for work and Madzie had roped both Alec and Magnus into a game she instantly recognised as Alec having previously set it up for Max. Alec was the master of cheap and safe games and airplane darts had been Max' absolute favourite game to play with his brother. Alec was guiding Madzie through folding a paper airplane as Magnus sat and watched them.
She leant against the doorframe as she watched them for a moment. Alec was sitting on the floor next to Madzie. The little girl herself was resting her back against Magnus' legs as he sat on the couch looking at the interaction. The paper and pencils on the table along with the half finished target transformed the three of them into such a domestic picture.
Izzy was terrible with kids and she knew it. Especially with such an exemplary figure as Alec for her brother it was abundantly clear. She could love her little brother and Madzie, but she was never going to be a really good parent, unlike Alec. The thought brought a little twang to her heart as she considered her brother's current situation.
When their parents had died Alec had dropped out of high school to take care of them. He had worked several parttime jobs of all kinds to pay the bills and still take care of all of his siblings. He had given up his social life, his career, everything for his family.
There was a reason she had stopped teasing Alec about his potential interest in guys two years ago. It was rare for Alec to be flirted with, even rarer for him to be flirted with by men. Somehow her brother always seemed to disappear with her or Jace nearby. Izzy and Max had walked a little bit ahead of Alec as they had come to pick her up from school and a man, probably also someone's older brother, had approached Alec. Her brother had looked so lost as the man had asked Alec about his tattoo and if he was currently seeing someone.
After seeing her brother flounder for a moment she had decided to step in and help him, but Max had not picked up on what had been happening and had asked Alec if they were going home now. The judgemental look on the guy had been gutting as he asked if he had a kid. Izzy had wanted to protest, but Alec had been first in firmly stating: "I have three, do you have a problem with that?" His arm had wrapped around Izzy and the guy had replied with a "nevermind then" before leaving. It wouldn't have stuck with her, if she hadn't gotten the glimpse of hurt cross his features. He'd never brought it up.
But it was true. Alec had three kids and as awesome as her brother was, it greatly diminished his chances of one day having a family of his own. But there was nothing Izzy could do about it. Even if she and Jace could have fended on their own, which wasn't the case with his medical costs and her schooling, there was still Max who needed someone to take care of him. Not that Alec would have ever let them let go.
Yet, here he sat with Madzie, a girl who Alec and Izzy had previously talked about taking in, back when she had still been their neighbour. Izzy had innocently brought it up halfway jokingly and Alec had taken her seriously. He had actually thought about it and would have loved to take her in. But with their financial situation it was tough, not to mention the other requirements they needed to meet in order to officially adopt her. Madzie was not related by blood, so he couldn't easily claim guardianship over her, despite the girl having most definitely found the parental figure she needed in Alec.
Magnus, who on closer inspection wasn't just watching Madzie, was definitely not the parental type. Izzy had very quickly determined that. But he had a way with Madzie under Alec's gentle cues. He moved with an attention to Alec and more often than not his eyes turned to Alec before this one look came over his face. And for the first time in years Izzy considered that maybe her brother might have a chance after all.
Suddenly Magnus looked up and caught Izzy's gaze. She merely raised a meaningful eyebrow at the vision in front of her, at which Magnus' eyes widened just slightly. He quickly turned to Madzie to see that she and Alec had just finished the paper airplane.
'Sweet Pea, how about we go and decorate that, while Alec takes his shower?' Magnus leaned forward. At this Alec looked up and spotted his sister. Madzie agreed and started grabbing pencils to draw on the plane. While Alec disappeared in the shower Izzy took a seat on the couch opposite of Magnus.
'Magnus,' he hummed in acknowledgement, but didn't look up at her words. 'Would you ever want to have a family of your own? Have kids?' The suggestion caused Magnus to look up.
'That is the American dream isn't it?'
'Yes, but you don't strike me as someone who does what everyone else does.'
'Very true,' Magnus made another fold in the plane so it was easier for Madzie to draw on. 'To be honest I never really considered myself the type for it. I'm a workaholic with a dangerous tendency to get in trouble; I'd be a terrible parent. I still believe that, but…' He ran a hand over Madzie's hair and Izzy understood.
'I get that. I'd be a terrible mom. I mean, I love Madzie, but I think I'm more suited for the cool aunt role. The having of kids would be up to Jace and Max.'
'Alexander always struck me as the type to want a family.'
'He never said anything to me, but I've seen him with Max and Madzie. But then "want" is the operative word. If my brother ever comes out of his shell and starts having a social life, how do you think people react to a 24-year old with three kids?'
'Wait, Alec has kids?!'
'Yes. Well, no, not literally. I mean, for the last six years, Alec's been pretty much it for us. Even before that, whenever I'd have a problem I'd go to Alec. Alec is still our legal guardian, and though it is different for me and Jace, because we remember mom and dad, for Max it's all he's ever known. He calls Alec a brother, but really… He's gotten into a lot of fights at school over Alec.'
'Some think it is admirable that he would take on such a responsibility.'
'I hope so. I just want Alec to finally get some really good things coming his way, instead of the other way around.'
'What do you mean, the other way around?'
'Good things don't happen to Alec. Alec is the good thing that happens to others.' Magnus let her words sink in for a moment as Madzie quietly switched to a light blue pencil to continue drawing fish on the paper airplane.
After a moment of silence Izzy continued: 'It doesn't mean that things never go well for Alec. It's just that when they do, they either never last long or have this painful consequence. At least, until you showed up.'
'Your brother deserves so much more than this,' Magnus sighed. 'That's looking so good, Sweet Pea. Are you going to draw those on the other side as well?' Madzie put down the blue pencil and picked up a green one, indicating she first needed to draw some green fish.
'You're going to have flying fish,' Magnus smiled. Madzie looked up confused. 'Flying fish?'
'Here,' Izzy pulled out her old model smartphone and quickly looked up a picture of flying fish to show to her. 'If Magnus has some ribbons then we might even make a tail.' Madzie's face lit up at the suggestion.
'Ribbons it is,' immediately Magnus went to fetch them as Madzie continued drawing the fish. He returned very quickly with some green, blue and purple ribbon that he carefully helped Madzie attach it to the plane.
'I think you'd make a great dad, someday,' Izzy said as she watched them work.
'While the sentiment is appreciated, I think what you're seeing is fun uncle. I can entertain, not take care.'
'I wouldn't be so sure about that. With the right person by your side. Someone with caretaking in their blood.'
'Alec!' Madzie's sudden exclamation startled them. For a moment a blush threatened to find its way onto Magnus' cheeks, but then he laid eyes on the man himself stepping into the living room, still straightening out his shirt.
'That's one good looking paper airplane,' Alec said as he padded over. His feet were bare, his hair still damp and Magnus could catch a glimpse of several of the usually covered tattoos sticking out from under the still rumpled shirt. He sat down next to Magnus, their knees accidentally brushing together as he leaned over to pick his airplane and a blue marker of the table. 'I guess I should decorate mine as well.'
Madzie smiled up to him and neither Izzy nor Magnus could find words. Their previous conversation still ringing in both their heads, reinforced by the visual in front of them. Alec looked up from drawing stripes on the paper airplane and caught Magnus eyes. Magnus was still not recovered and Alec instantly noticed. Carefully and subtly he leaned over to whisper the question if Magnus was okay.
Feeling Alec's breath on his cheek startled Magnus out of his stupor: 'Yes, of course. I should probably do the same. Are you joining in as well, Isabelle?' It took mere moments for the casual atmosphere to return. But Magnus couldn't shake the rather intrusive thought that had entered his head and he was quite sure that Isabelle had seen it take root. Magnus couldn't imagine himself having a family, unless it was with Alec by his side.
The tails on Madzie's airplane made sure hers flew the best and she won a lot in the game. They went out to do grocery shopping altogether. Izzy's help was enlisted to get ingredients for Madzie's favourite dessert; ice cream sunday. It was quite necessary as Alec's sweet tooth was non-existent and Magnus strongly preferred fruit over candy. Madzie and Alec were extraordinarily chatty in the kitchen as she told of what she had been up to on her playdate and in the past week with Catarina and Will at Alec's questions.
During dinner Catarina let them know that she was running late, so afterwards Magnus was left alone in the apartment with Madzie for a little while as Alec brought his sister home. Madzie helped with cleaning up by putting the arts and crafts away while Magnus cleaned up from dinner. Then she retrieved a book slightly above her reading level that Alec had been reading to her and silently asked Magnus to read it to her. With Madzie tucked under his arm he continued where Alec left off.
They hadn't gotten far when she squirmed out from under his arm and sat in his lap looking at him so he couldn't continue reading. 'Is there something you want to ask, Sweet Pea?' Madzie nodded quietly. By now Magnus had learned that setting out the situation helped Madzie a lot in gaining confidence, so he followed the pattern he had seen Alec set several times before.
'Okay, then you will ask me a question and I will try to answer it fully and honestly and if you have another question or a reply afterwards you will tell me.' She nodded in response and took another moment as Magnus closed the book and put it aside.
'Is this Alec's forever home?'
Magnus looked confused: 'I don't understand what you mean, Sweet Pea. What is a forever home?'
'Catarina said that she is a temp'rary home and one day I'll be adopted into a forever home. You took in Alec. Is this his forever home?'
Magnus let out a deep sigh: 'I don't know, Sweet Pea. That is up to Alec to decide. Unlike you, Alec is a grown up, he can choose where and with who he wants to live. When grown ups decide who they want to live with forever, it is usually someone they get married to. Like Catarina and Will.'
'Then will Alec and Magnus get married?'
'I don't know, Sweet Pea. I like Alec a lot. He is a wonderful man and I would love for him to want to stay with me forever, but he also has to chose me.' Madzie looked a bit pensive, but nodded.
'Can I ask you a question and get an answer, Madzie?' Madzie nodded in response. 'Have you been thinking about where you want to have your forever home?'
'Yes,' she responded softly.
'And where, or with who would you want that to be?'
A set of big eyes turned up to him before he received the answer he knew he was going to get: 'With Alec.' Magnus nodded, but to his surprise she continued. 'And maybe also Magnus.' Magnus breath got stuck in his throat for a second before a soft expression fell over his face.
'I love you too, Sweet Pea.'
When Alec returned later he found Magnus and Madzie curled up together laughing over the silly voices that Magnus did for the different characters in the book.
