After looking around the abandoned factory, everyone decided to recommune and discuss a plan once everyone got some rest. In other words, Raphael and Magnus decided to go home.

"So," Raphael glanced at his long time friend, "you want to take a walk or go our separate ways now?"

Magnus gave Raphael a light smile, "A walk doesn't sound too bad." Raphael hummed and started leading the way. "Are you sure you're not in a hurry to see the love of your life?"

"Of course I am. I would leave you in a heartbeat for mi amor." Raphael chuckled, "But sometimes, being a good friend takes precedence over being a great lover."

Magnus laughed, "I guess I'll feel honored."

"You should." Raphael grinned.

They continued to walk quietly side by side. Knowing both had a lot to think about, reflection on what had happened in the past few weeks. "Can I ask you a question?" Magnus broke the quiet atmosphere and Raphael nodded his head, "You've...you've known about Alexander for so long. Why haven't you said anything?"

Raphael didn't respond too quickly, he thought about his response for a few minutes. After all, for a long time, he also asked himself that question. "You know… when we first met, I saved his life." Raphael scoffed at the memory, "If I remember correctly, he was seven or eight. He was, from what I assumed, coming back from a case or some training. I was never too sure, all I remember was the fact that he was too tired to notice a werewolf following him and me tailing the werewolf."

"Why were you following a werewolf?" Magnus asked.

"The werewolf had caused some damage to some of my brothers. So, I was following its tracks and found him already following the little shadowhunter. I let the werewolf attack first and then I swooped in and took the werewolf out."

"Like Superman." Magnus chuckled.

Raphael had a smile on his face, "Once I got rid of the werewolf, I scolded him."

flashback…

The werewolf was dead on the side of an alleyway. Alec was on the floor, eyes wide from the events that had occurred. He kept his eyes on the dead werewolf and slowly looked up at the vampire, glaring down at him with the werewolf's blood dripping down his lips.

"I thought Shadowhunters were better equipped at this." Raphael stared down at a young Alec. Alec didn't respond but stared back at Raphael with a little ounce of fear and sleep in his eyes. "I'm not going to kill you just because our species don't like each other. We have a sense of justice, not that I can actually say the same for your kind." Alec blinked his fears away and observed the Vampire before him. Raphael sighed, thinking that all Shadowhunters are the same, no matter the age. "Why do I even try, you don't trust vampires. You should be a little grateful shadowhunter, I saved your life."

Alec looked back at the werewolf and back up at Raphael. Raphael rolled his eyes and was about to leave the kid alone in the alley alone. After all, it was none of his business what happened to Alec. "I'm sorry." Raphael stopped in his tracks and turned back to face Alec on the ground. "I should've known the werewolf was following me." Alec stood up from his spot and walked up to Raphael. "I'm sorry for the trouble, next time I'll be ready for it. So, thank you for saving my life." Alec gave him a small smile and took the first step to take his leave.

Raphael was a bit shocked from this interaction. He never thought that a shadowhunter would appreciate the help of a downworlder. "W-wait." Raphael stopped Alec from leaving, "You're heading back to the institute right? I'm headed in that direction, let's go together."

Alec's eyes slightly widened from the offer but thought that it wouldn't hurt. So he nodded his head and agreed, "Sure, why not?"

As they walked towards the Institute, Alec started a conversation. "Why were you following that werewolf?"

Raphael hummed, "He had hurt some of my brothers and I was ordered to track him down."

Alec nodded in understanding, "Did you want to kill him?"

Raphael glanced down at Alec and gave him a curious look. "Well he hurt one of my own. People who I consider family. For a shadowhunter, I thought killing was pretty normal for all of you. Why are you so curious?"

Alec grimaced at that sentence, "Just wondering why."

"Why?" Raphael asked curiously.

Alec nodded his head, "Why we're ordered to kill."

Raphael scrunched his eyebrows at that response. He looked back down at the young shadowhunter and gave him a proper scan. He noticed the bags under the kid's eyes, the scars scattered around what skin is exposed, and the dry blood on his clothes. He then observed Alec's eyes and noticed the life and sparkle of a child's energy did not exist. All he could see was dread and a distant look in his eyes. Making him wonder, what exactly the little shadowhunter has been through and what he has seen to produce such a look. Raphael pitied him and felt the need to help him.

Alec suddenly stopped walking, "I guess we'll part here."

Raphael noticed that they were two blocks away from the institute, "Too embarrassed to be seen escorted by a vampire." he commented, hoping to get rid of the pity he felt for Alec, otherwise, he knew he would get attached.

"I know how downworlders get with shadowhunters. I just thought you would be uncomfortable if you got any closer." Raphael wasn't sure if he should comment or to simply let the kid leave. "Thank you for walking me this far." Alec smiled.

"I didn't do it for you niño."

"I know, but I liked the company."

Raphael returned a smile to Alec, "Raphael Santiago." He stuck his hand out to Alec, "If you ever need anything, ask."

Alec stared at the hand for a second and returned the handshake, "Alexander Lightwood."

"See you around Alexander." Alec nodded and then parted ways with the vampire, but Raphael quickly shouted out with a response to Alec's comment earlier. "Hey!" Alec stopped and turned, "You don't have to." Alec gave Raphael a confused look. "To kill." he clarified. "There's always a choice. It's your choice."

Alec seemed to be shocked with that advice. No one had ever told him that he had a choice. He was always ordered around and he never asked questions. And to hear that gave him a sense of comfort. He looked up at the vampire who was observing him and gave him a genuine smile, "I'll see you later Raphael."

Magnus smiled at Raphael's memory, "He was always kind."

Raphael hummed in agreement, "And already broken."

"But he was strong." Magnus nudged his friend playfully, "Didn't know you had a soft spot for children."

Raphael chuckled, "I cared for him like family."

"What happened?"

Raphael looked up into the distance, recalling the memory. "Alec didn't feel like going home that day. He had always had problems with his father and knew that it was one of those days where he would throw one of his anger outbursts. I've always told him if there were any problems, that my place was always open to him."

Flashback…

"Magnus, what happened?" Raphael asked. It's normal to see Magnus visit Raphael but it's not normal for Magnus to find Raphael outside ... in the middle of the night.

"I don't know what you mean." Magnus walked over to his friend, leaning against the wall of the closest building.

"It's a Friday night, your face is flushed, and you're here with me. You should be at your club, partying your senses away, with a drink in your hand. But you're here, no drink in hand, on the verge of getting drunk." Raphael pointed out.

Magnus groaned, annoyed at how well Raphael knows him. "What about you? Where's that child you have following around?"

"Alexander." Raphael corrected.

Magnus waved his hand at him, "Yeah him."

Raphael sighed, "Seriously, what happened?" he walked over to his friend, he was always worried for the Warlock. He had his ups and downs and Raphael made sure that his friend was always cared for. Because they both know loneliness.

Magnus scoffed, "Saw an ex."

"What, did he come crawling back to you? Did he beg for your love like the other one?" Raphael teased.

Magnus rolled his eyes and laughed, at the joke or at himself. He wasn't too sure. "No, more like he came to rub it in." Magnus looked up towards the moon and Raphael followed the look. Both deep in thought. "He brought his soulmate to the club."

"What an ass." Raphael commented. Magnus nodded. "So, what did you do?"

"What I always do. Drown a few glasses of tequila and rubbed it in his face. In other words, grabbed the closest hunk and proceeded to have a makeout session on the middle of the dance floor."

Raphael laughed at the picture, "Of course you did." They both got quiet, just taking in each other's presence. "How do you feel?"

Magnus sighed and leaned on Raphael's shoulder, "Like trash."

Raphael hummed, "I bet."

Magnus chuckled and lightly hit Raphael on the shoulder, "Are you trying to cheer me up?"

"Why should I?" Raphael laughed, "But, don't feel too down about it Magnus. He was a real prick to rub his soulmate in your face. That just proves, he wasn't meant for you."

"Because he brought his soulmate." Magnus stated grimly.

"No, because he's a prick. Your soulmate will treat you right and drown you with love."

"If I find one." Magnus sighed.

"You'll find yours Magnus. Maybe not in this century, but they're somewhere. Waiting for you too."

"When did you turn into a sap?" Magnus chuckled, lightening the mood.

"When you turned into a party pooper."

Magnus gasped, "That's just rude." Raphael laughed with him, "Do you think he'll moan louder with her than he did with me?" Magnus asked seriously.

Raphael choked on his spit, "His soulmate is a girl?"

"Yeah, I'm probably the best sex he ever had." Magnus commented.

Raphael continued laughing, "Get out of here."

"But, I just got here." Magnus whined.

"This is not a conversation a child should be listening to." Magnus gave him a confused look. Raphael gestured to the corner of the building and Magnus understood what he meant. Alexander was waiting for Raphael.

"You're lucky." Magnus smiled at his friend. "You're loved."

"You're loved too, Magnus."

"Oh yeah? You love me?" Magnus teased.

"Like a brother." They laughed, "Now go, I have a little one to attend to."

Magnus hummed, "Okay~" Magnus left Raphael with a chipper mood than before.

Once Magnus had disappeared from Raphael's view, he saw Alexander walking over to Raphael, eyes still fixated on the area that Magnus left. "A little too old for you, don't you think?" Raphael teased.

Alexander looked over at Raphael, "Yeah, but sometimes you have to appreciate beauty."

Raphael hummed, "You've always watched him from afar, why don't you ever greet him?"

"That would be embarrassing."

Raphael grinned, "If I knew any better, I would say you're in love."

Alexander blushed, "Y-yeah right. Besides, he probably has someone and I'm not really worth the attention."

Raphael frowned, "Out of all Shadowhunters, you're the most honorable one I've met. You're worth everyone's attention. You're built to be a leader Alexander, don't look down on yourself hermano."

Alexander smiled up at his friend, "Thanks."

Raphael nodded, "So, what are you doing out here so late? Shouldn't you go home?"

Alexander's smile fell and he looked down at the ground, kicking some rocks, "It's a Friday night. My mom and Isabelle stay up a little late to watch some movies."

Raphael glared daggers at the building in front of them. He knows about the Vampire incident with Isabelle a couple of weeks ago. That caused a lot of tension between a few relationships between Alexander and his family which had forced Alexander to stay a few steps behind his family. When Alexander had told Raphael about this, he assumed that Alexander had done nothing wrong. From what seemed to happen, everything he did was done for his sister and even took the proper procedure when the Vampire had taken a bite. Plus, after Alexander had left that day and told Raphael about the incident Raphael quickly went and hunted down the Vampire and made sure they paid for what they did. "And your dad?"

"I don't know, he's usually up waiting for my report and leaves to sleep after I've done so."

"So you do all the dirty work and he stays home and sleeps." Raphael summarized.

"I don't think that's how you would put it. Lot's of Shadowhunters go out in the field and report it back to the authorities."

"Shadowhunters of your age?"

"There are some Shadowhunters that start training at my age."

"Name one that goes out on the field and as much as you do." Alexander buffered for a little bit, trying to think of one on the spot. "See."

"It's kind of hard to think of a name on the spot." Alexander glared at his friend.

"It wouldn't be hard to think of a name if there really was a shadowhunter that does as much work as you do." Alexander didn't say anything, and just reflected with his friend. Checking the time from time to time. "I don't understand why you defend him. He's done nothing for you." Raphael continued to frown, since he's gotten to know Alexander all he's wanted to do was take him away from the institute and have him live a free life.

"He's my dad Raphael. I can't abandon family." Alexander had a sad smile on his face when he responded.

"It looks as though your family has abandoned you."

"I disagree." Raphael looked down at his young friend. "Mom left me pancakes this morning." Alexander smiled at the memory of the food he ate this morning.

Raphael couldn't help but smile at Alexander. He was always amazed at how happy he could be from just a small gesture. Makes him want to hide him away from the world even more.

Raphael was about to say something but someone interrupted their friendly atmosphere. "Alexander!"

Alexander's eyes went wide. "Dad."

"I thought I told you both to stay away from each other." Robert tsked.

"I was just about to take him home." Raphael defended.

"Oh" Robert scoffed, "You were?" Robert walked over to the two, "Alexander, I thought you coming home late for these past couple of weeks was because of what you did to Isabelle so I was letting you off the hook. But these night excursions were getting longer. Especially with the one a few days ago, it shouldn't take you that long to finish a simple case of werewolves. So, I decided to come out and keep an eye on today's case. And to think, you'd come out here to see this vampire and try to plot against me."

"You stalked your son?" Raphael growled.

"Of course, for his safety. Because I'm his father." Robert glared.

"You're a sorry excuse of a father. Overworking your only son, brainwashing him to believe that what you're doing is for his benefit. I only wish Alexander could see that." Raphael was in a defensive stance.

"Raphael." Alexander tried to stop Raphael from continuing, knowing Robert's tendencies.

"I disagree. You're the real problem, Raphael. I heard everything here. You, introducing my only son to some downworlders, confusing him into thinking he likes men. No doubt loving them. Why would you twist someone else's son into this? You have no right to indulge yourself into someone's life when you can't have a life for yourself. A family at that too." Raphael hissed at Robert's comment, "You think I don't know? You think I don't see how you look at my son."

"You're wrong! I see him as my brother."

"So, you're replacing him with the family you lost. You're only using him."

"I treat him like my own flesh and blood." Raphael was about done with this shit and had his fangs out. "You're using him as a tool."

"Because that's what Shadowhunters are. A downworlder wouldn't know our way of life."

Raphael had enough, he ran towards Robert to knock some sense into him. But Alexander got in the way and Raphael unconsciously flung his hand at Alexander, causing him to fly across the area hitting his head against a rock as he slid across the floor.

Raphael froze from shock. He stared at Alexander on the ground and was horrified from his actions. He quickly snapped out of it and ran over to him. "Alexander!" He gently held Alexander in his arms and rested Alexander's head on his shoulder. "Alexander! Are you okay? I'm so sorry hermano I didn't know you were there!" Alexander's head was bleeding and the left side of his body was bleeding here and there as well, from sliding across the floor. Alexander was not responding to Raphael's pleas. Raphael was getting worried that the injury might be too severe, his hand was in his hair from the sudden stress and his eyes still wide from the shock. "How could I have done this?" he whispered.

"Because you're a downworlder." Robert walked over to the duo. "You'll always hurt him. That's why I told you to stay away from him."

"Like you're any better." Raphael glared at the man looking down on them. "He would be better off with me."

"And look at what you did. You know nothing about caring for someone. Which is probably why you're always alone. No family to go back to." Robert took Alexander from his arms and carried him off. "Don't step foot into our territory, or I will send Shadowhunters your way." Raphael didn't retort back. He just stared at the two figures slowly walking away from him. Knowing that that would probably be the last time he would see Alexander. Which left him with guilt and sorrow.

Magnus was shocked at the story, "That would explain the heavy drinking and the hermit life you started living for those four years."

"And during that time, you still never learned how to cheer someone up properly." Raphael teased.

"Hey! I tried! And I was always there for you!" Magnus grineed at the Vampire.

Raphael chuckled, "I guess you were."

Magnus stopped walking, because this is where they both walk their separate ways. "Hey," Raphael hummed, "He never blamed you."

Raphael smiled at the Warlock, "I know. He's too kind to consider his own protection over others." he sighed, "But I still want to talk to him."

Magnus nodded, "Good night Raphael."

"Good night Magnus." Raphael watched his friend disappear before he was completely alone on the streets. Atleast, that's what he thought.

"Raphael, You're a hard man to get alone with." Jonathan came out of the shadows and walked over to the vampire.

"Jonathan!" Raphael sneered at the man.

"Easy there. I just want to talk."

"I thought that was planned for tomorrow."

Jonathan sighed, "Yeah, but I thought I would talk to you first before the others get curious."

"Curious? About what?" Raphael asked.

Jonathan grinned, "Just want to test something on you. Then I'll be on my merry little way."

"I can't let you go that easily."

Jonathan hummed, "Even better." and with a blink of an eye Jonathan had grabbed a hold of Raphael's neck and with the other free hand, he stuck his hand into Raphael's chest. Raphael gasped from the sudden violation. Jonathan's hand wasn't trying to pull an organ out or anything, but feeling around Raphael's spiritual essence: his soul.

Raphael clawed at the hand that had a hold of his neck, trying to gasp for air. "What- are you … doing?" Raphael choked out.

"Testing you." Jonathan smiled sinisterly.

Raphael's nails pierced Jonathan's skin from him playing around with his soul and his need to breathe. And without thinking, Raphael clawed his free hand against Jonathan's chest, which caused Joanthan to hiss from the pain. Letting his strength falter for a split second, using this to Raphael's advantage he kicked Jonathan away from him. Given him a chance to breathe. Raphael fell to the floor, gasping for air. Jonathan got up from the ground after being kicked and looked at the damage done to his chest.

Jonathan chuckled darkly, "I was really hoping it was you."

Jonathan walked over to Raphael. "What do you want?"

Jonathan grabbed Raphael's wrist, forcing him to get up. "You will have to do." he smiled down at the vampire. Jonathan opened up a portal and he disappeared with Raphael in the dead of the night.