Beautiful Birthday Boy

by Takara Phoenix

Magnus and Alec were trying to court Jace, spoiling him with casual gifts and care. Jace doesn't really understand it. Even less when the two get more secretive because they're planning a surprise birthday party for him. To Jace, all of this doesn't make much sense... Magnus/Alec/Jace slash Malace

Malace || Shadowhunters || Malace || Beautiful Birthday Boy || Malace || Shadowhunters || Malace

Title: Beautiful Birthday Boy – Jace's Surprise Birthday

Fandom: Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments

Disclaimer: All rights to the Shadowhunters show reserved to Ed Decter, the books the show is based off and its characters belong to Cassandra Clare. This fanfiction on the other hand is entirely mine. No money is made with this, though reviews are more than welcomed.

Tags: polyamory (m/m/m), past child abuse, hurt/comfort, mutual pining

Main Pairing: Magnus/Alec/Jace

Shadowhunters Characters: Jonathan 'Jace' Herondale, Magnus Bane, Alexander 'Alec' Lightwood, Isabelle Lightwood, Maxwell Lightwood, Clarissa 'Clary' Fray, Simon Lewis, Luke Garroway, Imogen Herondale

Summary: Magnus and Alec were trying to court Jace, spoiling him with casual gifts and care. Jace doesn't really understand it. Even less when the two get more secretive because they're planning a surprise birthday party for him. To Jace, all of this doesn't make much sense...

Beautiful Birthday Boy

Jace's Surprise Birthday

It all started to change when Jace moved into the loft.

Which in itself was a huge change in his life that gave him a certain sense of anxiety. He had lived in total isolation at home, with only Michael and no one else. And then Michael had died and Jace had moved to New York. The change had terrified him, yes he had mourned his father and been traumatized by the loss, but the mere fact that he was now living in this new city, with these new people – and so many people – it had made it hard to breath at first. Alec had quickly become his anchor, the socially awkward boy didn't like being among many people either so he understood and he stuck with Jace, patiently. Even after Jace grew comfortable enough at the New York Institute to make friends, become popular, he always cherished Alec above all else. Which was why they had become parabatai. Things stabilized and Jace found his own normal, a normal that made Jace happy.

And then the war had hit, Michael returned, revealed himself to be Valentine and after about a week of captivity and torture, first at the hands of his father and then at the hands of Victor Aldertree, the new head of the New York Institute, his normal was all gone. The Institute was no longer safe, his own people had imprisoned him, people he had considered friends, or at least as trusted co-workers, were whispering behind his back, staring at him with contempt just because his father was Valentine Morgenstern. Rooms that fell silent when he entered, sneers thrown his way.

For the first time since he had moved there, he felt anxious, unsafe and overwhelmed by the Institute. He had lived here for a decade, it had been his home and now he felt like it had been ripped away from him and he was in this strange, unsafe place. So he left the Institute behind.

He'd gathered all of his courage and asked for help. Something that completely went against his very nature. But Alec was his parabatai, Alec loved him and always helped him with everything. He'd helped Jace feel safe in the Institute the first time around. Instinctively, he came to Alec for safety once more. More precisely, he came to Alec's boyfriend.

It had taken so much for Jace to ask for help, to ask Magnus if he could stay with the warlock. And Magnus had simply opened his doors to Jace, given him a guest-room to sleep in, not even asking or questioning. He just accepted Jace into his space, his home and Jace was so grateful for that.

However, something fundamentally changed when Jace moved into the loft. The most obvious was that he spent much more time with Magnus, alone. Something he hadn't done before. All their interactions had been about the war, with everyone else involved too. Part of him had honestly feared that Magnus would scoff and send him away. The reason he hadn't, Jace guessed, was Alec. Magnus knew how important parabatai were, he knew how much Jace meant to Alec.

"I bought something for you, little Shadowhunter," chimed Magnus.

Jace frowned as Magnus dropped a paper bag in his lap. The warlock had been out meeting with Catarina and some other warlock friends. Which meant Jace got to enjoy the loft all to himself and relax. The thing was that despite living at the Institute for so long and there being so many people, he still had his own room, his privacy. Yes, he had his own room at the loft too, but the kitchen, living room, there was so much shared space here.

"What's that...?" Jace slowly opened the bag to look inside.

"Oh, we met at this lovely little café and I thought I'd bring you a little something. I know you have a sweet tooth, Trouble," Magnus winked at him. "What are you reading there?"

All three of those things were part of what had changed, what was really driving Jace up the wall. Because it had changed. The dynamic between Magnus and Jace had somehow fundamentally changed. And while Jace had expected that to be the case – they were sharing a living space now, would be spending time alone in a manner they never had before – but it was different than anything Jace could have anticipated. It had started small enough, with pillows and candles. Useful things for Jace's room, since Jace had only come with one duffle bag filled with his clothes, weapons and what few cherished possessions he had. Unnecessary things like bedding or candles hadn't made the cut. But somehow, and Jace suspected Alec here, Magnus figured out how much Jace loved candlelight so there were suddenly candles in his room. Magic, he assumed. But on occasion, Magnus would just hand him a candle that he'd bought at some warlock's store while visiting. He'd say he had liked the scent or color or thought of Jace and all of it was weird. Same with shampoo, soap and bubble baths; things he hadn't brought with himself but were practical. And, much like the candles, things Magnus brought back from clients, or even... made himself. Comments about how that soap was better for getting the stench of ichor off his skin, or how that shampoo would be better for his hair to keep it shiny and soft. Practical things.

Or so Jace told himself. But lately, it's also been things like this. A piece of chocolate cake, just because Magnus had thought of him. He didn't have to pay money on something like that for him. The second thing was the fact that Magnus was showing interest in him. Jace had always expected for the warlock to steer clear of him, but often times Magnus would just join him, sit with him. They'd watch TV together, share meals with each other, talk about their days. On top of that, Magnus was crowding into his space, just like right now. The warlock was leaning over the backrest, so close that Jace could feel his warmth, Magnus' arm was touching Jace's shoulder.

"I got bored and saw this on the shelf, it... looked interesting..." Jace turned it over to show the cover. "Hope that's alright? We never really talked about... that."

"You're free to read any book you want, Jace," assured Magnus gently. "As long as you use actual bookmarks and don't fold in the corners of the pages, because I will not stand for that."

"I'd never hurt a book like that," Jace huffed offended. "Alec does that! He's the culprit!"

"He does!" exclaimed Magnus, throwing his hands up. "Tha—ank you. He keeps claiming that it's not him, but I have actually seen him do it."

"Yeah, because he thinks this is 'easier', since bookmarks can fall out."

Jace felt a small smile forming on his lips. He liked this, talking about his parabatai with someone who got it. Not the parabatai bond, but... loving Alec. Magnus understood what loving Alec was like. How frustrating Alec could be, but also lovable and adorable and kind and irritating.

"Well, when you're done with that, you could join me on the balcony for a glass of wine."

Before he left, Magnus rested a hand between Jace's shoulder and neck, squeezing ever so gently. That. That was one of the suspicious and confusing behaviors. Little touches. Patting him on the back or shoulder or even thigh when they were both sitting, gracing his hand, deliberately placing his hands on Jace's body when trying to move past him. They'd been fleeting touches at first, barely even registering with Jace. Now, they lingered and Jace became more acutely aware of them.

Sighing, Jace put his book aside after putting the bookmark in, and decided to follow Magnus. Now his concentration was gone anyway. All his thoughts were swirling about Magnus and Magnus' strange behavior once more. It confused Jace, but he also didn't feel like he could just ask.

"How did your meeting go?" asked Jace when he sat down next to Magnus.

The balcony was Jace's favorite place. The view over all of New York was absolutely gorgeous, the couches and Hollywood swing he had set up were so comfortable for reading or napping and there were always cats out here too. Ever since Jace had moved in, there were way more plants on the balcony than at first. There'd been like one palm tree or something, in the corner. Now, the walls were lined with potted plants, bushes and flowers. That too hadn't been a sudden change, but a gradual one. One by one, more plants started to pop up until it actually started to look more like a beautiful garden than a balcony. Once again, Alec came to mind as the reason behind this. Because Alec knew that the winter garden at the Institute had been Jace's favorite place, his sanctum.

"Exhausting. Irritating. Yet another warlock who criticizes me for working too closely with 'the enemy' – that's you and your people, blondie-bear," replied Magnus with a heavy sigh.

Right. Sometimes, Jace forgot how much Magnus put himself out there by working with them. After all, all of this was the Shadowhunters' fault. Not even just because Valentine and his men were Shadowhunters, but also because all of this, right now, wouldn't be happening if the Clave had actually properly punished the former Circle members instead of letting them roam free.

Maryse. Robert. Hodge – the very person who had stolen the Mortal Cup right from under their noses. Every single Circle member now working with Valentine. Valentine himself. Because he had escaped by posing as Michael Wayland, another known Circle member. Had the Clave actually arrested Michael instead of letting him live just completely free without any supervision, they wouldn't be here right now.

Jace understood why Downworlders didn't trust them. Jace didn't trust them anymore. After every lie he had learned recently. All the bad things the Shadowhunters had done in the name of justice but really only for their own gain, for their own power trips.

"Mh... this is good," mumbled Jace around a mouth full of chocolate cake.

Magnus seemed downright pleased by that, turning toward Jace. They were in each other's space, even though the couch wasn't that narrow. Jace knew he could just lean away, scoot over some, or sit somewhere entirely different. But there was something about Magnus, something magnetic, that made it hard to tear himself away from the warlock. The confidence, the smirk, the way Magnus just radiated power and dominance. That last part, that did things to Jace. Things that weren't good for Jace, because this wasn't a random stranger he was picking up for a hook-up. This was Magnus Bane. His landlord and roommate and, most importantly, Alec's boyfriend. The man his parabatai loved. The problem was less the attraction itself, because Jace had no intention of acting on it and Magnus was clearly not interested, seeing as he had Alec. No, Jace's problem was that it was more than just physical attraction and he felt so guilty for these feelings, even if he had no control over how he felt. After all, this was Alec's boyfriend.

"How was your day, little Shadowhunter?" asked Magnus, fully facing him.

He stretched his left arm out over the backrest so it was gently touching Jace's shoulder, his other arm folded on top of his left so he could rest his chin on them. He was looking at Jace, eyes so deep and intense. Having Magnus Bane's undivided attention was unnerving but also thrilling.

"I played a little with the cats until I spotted the book on the shelf. I've been reading since then," Jace shrugged a bit. "I was half-tempted to go to the Institute though..."

"No work on your day off," chided Magnus, swatting at Jace's shoulder. "You know that."

"Not to work," grumbled Jace with a small pout, pausing for a moment. "I... miss the music room. I wanted to go and play some. But then the thought of going to the Institute for anything but work felt... off to me. I'm not keen on running into anyone, like say Aldertree..."

"Play some?" echoed Magnus intrigued.

"The piano," Jace shrugged, his eyes wandering over to watch one of the cats instead. "My father taught me how to play as a child. Well. He had his own methods. If I made a mistake, he'd break the finger that made the mistake, then iratze it and make me do it all over, until it was perfect."

"...And you still play?" Magnus looked mortified but also angry.

Jace drew his eyebrows together in confusion. "Yeah? I mean, Magnus... you do realize that my father has taught me everything. How to fight hand to hand, how to wield a blade, how to play the piano, how to cook... If I would stop doing everything that he taught me, I... would have nothing left. And he taught me everything the same way. Playing the piano, when I did good, when he had no reason to punish me, was one of the... few serene moments I had. I found joy in it. I can't let him take the things I enjoy away from me, because I'd have nothing left."

The look on Magnus' face softened and the hand on Jace's shoulder reached out to cup Jace's face. A thumb ran gentle circles over Jace's cheek, a strangely soothing motion. Slowly, Jace closed his eyes, enjoying the gentleness and warmth of the touch. It was comforting.

"You're very strong, Jace," whispered Magnus. "You've been very strong for a long time. I'm glad you had Alexander in the past years, Jace. You don't have to be strong all the time."

The words made Jace melt into his touch. Kind words, gentle words, they had always been his weakness. Usually, he only got them from Alec. Because his parabatai knew how to read him, knew exactly what Jace needed. Somehow, over the past few weeks, Magnus had gotten incredibly good at reading him too. This time, Jace couldn't blame it all on Alec. Sure, Jace assumed that Alec had his part to play in the plants and the candles, but this? This was all Magnus. Somehow, and Jace had a very good hunch why, Magnus knew exactly what to say or do when it came to Jace's abuse. When Jace needed space, or company. Touch, like right now, reassurance.

"If you ever want to talk about it, you know I can... listen too," offered Jace after a minute or two.

For a moment, Magnus looked surprised, before the look on his face turned softer. "I'm good. It's been... many centuries and I'm not very keen on talkig about it. But thank you for the offer."

The hand on his cheek wandered toward his neck and rested in it. Just holding it. Grounding him.

"I'm home? Are you... either of you... here?" Alec's voice rang through the loft.

"Balcony, my love," called Magnus out.

Jace considered looking up to watch his parabatai join them, but that would have dislodged Magnus' hand in his neck and he relished in that contact too much to give it up just yet. He could hear the steps though, getting closer. And then the couch dipped where Alec sat down on Jace's other side. With a groan did the archer collapse forward, leaning against Jace's back and pushing the blonde into Magnus. Alec adjusted, nudging Jace over a little more to sit more comfortably, burying his nose between Jace's shoulder-blades. That itself wasn't new; Alec and Jace had always been very physical and especially when one had a hard day, he'd find the other. What was new was Alec's boyfriend beneath Jace, Jace's face against Magnus' chest.

"You're squishing me, parabatai," commented Jace unimpressed.

"Sh," Alec grumbled, wrapping his arms around Jace's waist. "I'm tired. Just five more minutes."

Jace heaved a long-suffering sigh at that but he decided to relax into this. Magnus was comfortable and Jace was very used to having Alec snuggled up to him. Slowly, his eyes closed. This was nice, relaxing. Safe. Alec, his parabatai, was the definition of safety to Jace. Lately, however, so was Magnus. His loft, his wards, his strong, protective magic. Safety.

/break\

The next morning, when Jace was up and showered and made his way toward the kitchen, he noticed a door that hadn't been there before. The first room one entered when coming into the loft was the living room, to its left was the kitchen, through the large window-front and glass-door was the balcony and to the right led a hall down to the other rooms. Magnus' bedroom at the end of the hall, there was also Magnus' bathroom but that could only be accessed through Magnus' bedroom, Magnus' office to the right, Jace's bedroom opposite the office, the guest bathroom next to Jace's room, a closet with all the cleaning supplies opposite it, and a training room that Magnus had created for Alec and Jace (Magnus himself preferred to do his magic thai chi on the balcony). However, there was now another door, opposite the training room. Jace backtracked and counted doors again twice. It was still one more door than there should be rooms

"Ma—ag," called Jace out slowly. "Did you take in another stray...?"

"Mh?" Magnus stuck his head out of his own bedroom, looking sleepy. "Oh, no. That's for you."

Well, that was somehow even more confusing. Jace already had a room. Furrowing his brows, Jace reached for the door-handle and opened it to go inside. Magnus had said this room was for him, which meant he got to enter it, right? The door opened and so did Jace's mouth. He gaped stunned as he entered the room. It was flooded with light, a glass-wall and a glass-door leading out onto the balcony. Which meant that he had a beautiful view onto the balcony, onto the flowers out there. Connecting to the garden sanctuary Magnus had created for him outside. But the big deal was standing in the middle of the room. A beautiful, old piano. Slowly, Jace sat down.

"Do you... like it?" asked Alec as he entered the room.

"I don't... understand," admitted Jace, running his fingers over the keys.

"Magnus told me last night in bed that you talked... That you mentioned missing the music room at the Institute but not feeling comfortable about going to the Institute for it," Alec approached him to stand behind Jace. "He asked me first. Because he thought this might be too much for you to accept. The training room, it's for the both of us, together. That's one thing. But this..."

"And you... told him it's a good idea?" asked Jace surprised.

"Your music always calmed you. Right now, there is a lot of upsetting stuff happening. I think it's a good idea if you had this for yourself. So yes, I weighed your discomfort about accepting gifts against the long-term gain of you having this and decided it would be the right call."

Alec rested a hand on Jace's shoulder, squeezing it tightly in reassurance. Mh, Alec was right. Jace was uncomfortable with the idea of accepting gifts, large ones at least, small things like the candles confused him but he could accept them. But Jace also... needed that. His music did calm him, it helped him focus his thoughts, distract him from what was going on around him.

"Will you play for me, parabatai?" Alec's voice was gentle. "You know I love your music."

Praise made the hair at his neck stand up and feel all tingly. At least some. Genuine praise. And he only got that from Alec, because Alec actually praised him. Others, they praised him like a thing, a good functioning weapon. Valentine, Maryse, Robert. As a Shadowhunter, in his field of work, he was seen and treated like a living weapon and the praise, it didn't feel like it was truly aimed at him. With Alec, it always did. Because Alec saw him, fully. Always.

"Sit down," Jace sighed as he warmed up.

Alec made a pleased noise and sat down next to Jace on the bench, watching his fingers. Jace's eyes closed as he really got into it, the music coming naturally to him, memorized by heart. His favorite piece, the Moonlight Sonata. He smiled faintly as he played and got lost in the music.

/break\

"By the way, I now consider the music room no longer a selfless gift to you," commented Magnus as he walked in, holding a coffee with both hands. "Very selfish of me, wanting live music all to myself, being serenaded by someone so talented. And the view is also much appreciated."

He winked and smiled faintly as he approached Jace. Oh, how beautiful their blonde looked behind the piano, with the pink of the setting sun illuminating him through the windows. Breathtaking. Slowly, Jace came out of his trance from the music, turning toward Magnus.

"Of course is the view good. It's me," countered Jace with a smirk. "Mh. You like classic music. That figures. You're older than it."

"Cheeky brat," Magnus huffed to himself. "Watch out, you're not too old for a spanking, mister."

The Shadowhunter sputtered and flushed. "Keep your kink to your boyfriend."

That beautiful, oblivious boy. Magnus heaved a sigh and took a drink from his coffee. For weeks, him and Alec had now been courting Jace. Fancy pillows, soft blankets, books, candles, shampoos and bubble baths, food of course. It had started out as kindness; the blonde had come here with so few possessions and Magnus was a very material man, so he felt like providing the things Jace might like. The way Jace appreciated even the smallest things though – and the way those things confused him, like a simple sign of kindness toward him was conceptually confusing for Jace. And that was... a painful thought. It only made Magnus want to show his appreciation even more.

He'd been intrigued by Jace from the get go, both him and Alec had their appeal. But then Jace had opened his mouth and that asshole facade that Jace put up in public, it ruined things. So instead, Magnus had focused on Alexander – and had gained a lovely boyfriend. With a blonde add-on. It was the parabatai bond that had allowed Magnus insight into Jace, let him see the other side. Not the public persona, the soldier who needed to be snarky and uncaring to survive, but the soft and vulnerable boy who had been abused and broken in more ways than Magnus could count.

Magnus' interest flared up again, but this time not simply physically. That interest was also fueled by the fact that Alexander was deeply in love with his parabatai. The thought of Alec and Jace together was very appealing. With every week that Jace was living at the loft, Magnus found himself falling harder for the little Shadowhunter. Every week, he became more invested in courting Jace into their relationship. Show Jace that he was appreciated, that he was loved.

"When do you have to leave for work, Trouble?" asked Magnus.

"Evening shift. So... five," replied Jace as he got up from the piano.

"Wonderful, so you'll be able to join me and Alexander for breakfast on the balcony."

He walked over to the balcony door and opened it, ready to summon breakfast. Just to have Jace grasp his wrist and stop him from doing so. Magnus turned to frown at Jace curiously. It was rare for Jace to initiate physical contact with Magnus. Jace was generally not a very physical person, only with Alec. Or rather, he was used to physical contact leading to pain so he avoided it, still, even after all these years. Only with Alec, Isabelle and Max did he feel free to touch. Something Magnus had noticed after Jace had moved in with him. It was Alexander who had suggested small touches, gentle little gestures and then slowly letting them linger longer. To teach Jace that Magnus' touch wouldn't hurt, until Jace would feel comfortable to seek touch himself.

"Don't summon breakfast. I made dough this morning and have rolls in the oven for breakfast right now," explained Jace. "Alec's still in the shower, right? So I can finish breakfast. I wanted to get started when you wake up, so everything doesn't get cold."

Magnus blinked a couple of times as he watched Jace leave the music room out toward the hall. It always surprised Magnus when Jace did that and he did it regularly. On Alec's days off, Jace would make lavish breakfasts for the three of them. When Jace had time, he would cook dinner too, whether Alec was there or not. Home-cooked meals. It made Magnus feel spoiled. He wasn't used to home-cooked meals anymore, to coming home to warmth and someone to talk to. Not to mention, Jace was an incredibly good cook. With a smile on his lips did Magnus decide to trail after Jace so he could watch the blonde cook. It was... mesmerizing. The concentration, precision, it was nearly like a dance to watch. After a few minutes, Alec came to join them. The archer first walked over to the stove, to hug his parabatai from behind and kiss the top of his head.

"Morning, parabatai," Magnus could hear the smile in Jace's voice.

"Morning you two," Alec looked pleased as he headed over to Magnus.

The archer leaned over Magnus and kissed him slowly. A lazy, loving kiss. Magnus smiled into it, resting a hand on Alec's chest. Mornings like these were both their favorites. The ones where all three of them had time. Magnus didn't have any appointments until noon, it was Alec's day off and Jace had the evening shift. These domestic little moments meant the world to Magnus.

"Good morning, darling," whispered Magnus against Alec's lips.

"Stop being cutesy all over each other and start carrying food out onto the balcony so we can eat?"

"Bossy little Shadowhunter," complained Magnus, though he obeyed.

It was getting cold, with it being late December and all, but Magnus had used his magic to turn the balcony into a winter garden, surrounded by glass so they could still enjoy the view. Together, Alec and Magnus started carrying plates, cutlery, juice, coffee and rolls out already while Jace was finishing up the eggs and pancakes. After setting the table, Magnus reached for Alec's hand.

"He was playing the piano this morning," Magnus sighed contently as he leaned against Alec. "That was a wonderful idea, darling. I enjoy his playing. He's... very talented."

"I knew you would enjoy it," Alec grinned a little as he nuzzled into Magnus.

Magnus knew that Alec might enable him in his courting of Jace, but there were still traces of doubt in Alexander. Years of being in the closet, the fear of what could happen if Jace rejected them, losing his parabatai that way. Magnus was very talented in convincing Alexander. With every day that they all lived together, it became easier to convince Alec. They had developed a sense of domesticity with each other, an intimacy only shared between the three of them. It had become a cherished part of their life to both Magnus and Alec. Jace had become an important part of them, of their relationship, even if he wasn't officially a part of their relationship. Something that they needed to change, because Jace should become an official part of their relationship. But much like with the touching, Alec had advised that they should take it slow, gentle Jace into it. Magnus was very okay with that and thus, their plan of slowly courting Jace had formed.

"Okay. Breakfast is ready. Sit down," ordered Jace as he joined them.

He was carrying a plate with a ridiculously high stake of pancakes. Alec quickly walked past Jace to get the rest from the kitchen while Jace took his seat and put three pancakes onto everyone's plate. Magnus smiled pleased as he reached for the blueberry syrup.

"This smells divine, blondie," commented Magnus as he inhaled deeply. "I'm sure it'll taste even better, just like always. Your cooking skills might just surpass your Shadowhunter skills."

As always, the blonde blushed and ducked his head just a little. Praise and compliments had a strong effect on Jace, an effect that Magnus absolutely delighted in. Alexander returned, with the plate of eggs and another plate of bacon. There was a little more bacon than there were eggs, much to Magnus' amusement. As soon as the plate of bacon was on the table, Jace stole a piece. It made Magnus smile just a little before he turned toward Alec, finding a matching smile on his boyfriend's lips. Yes, they were both far too enamored with Jace.

/break\

Alec's head was hurting. Closing his eyes, he slowly rubbed at his forehead, not that it was helping any. Being head of the Institute was a lot of work. Which, he had known from the get-go. He always knew this position came with many responsibilities, but there was a difference between the job he had been primed for and taking over in the middle of a war against a terrorist group. This was so much more exhausting and stressful than he could have ever expected.

"Sit upright," the voice startled him because he hadn't expected it.

Turning a little, he saw that somehow, his parabatai must have snuck in. That showed just how overworked Alec really was, that he hadn't noticed someone entering his office, even if it was his parabatai. Blinking slowly, Alec obeyed Jace's command and sat up straighter. The next moment, he had his parabatai's cunning fingers work his shoulders. With a blissful groan did Alec lean his head back just a little, going lax under the firm touch. Jace was very good at massages.

"You're not used to an office job. Your posture is awful," stated Jace with a disapproving glare. "Stop hunching over, of course you'll get a headache if you ruin your spine and neck like that."

"It's just... easier," complained Alec. "More comfortable."

Jace huffed at that but refrained from commenting. The massage went on for another ten minutes before Jace let go of him. Alec rolled his shoulders and head a little. His headache was better.

"Thank you. You're... incredibly good at that," Alec offered Jace a smile.

As always, there was a flustered look on Jace's face when he received a genuine compliment. That was something Alec would never stop marveling at. Regular, throwaway compliments, especially from people he didn't care about, Jace could be so arrogant about. Fake confidence, as though he knew just how amazing he was. When in reality, Jace didn't. It was a front, trying to project certainty about something he was very self-conscious about. His self-worth had always depended on others and how they perceived him. He put so much value onto what others thought.

"Are you heading home?" asked Alec, regarding his parabatai curiously.

"Well, I came here to ask you if we'll go together," Jace frowned. "It's already late."

"Yeah, I know," Alec heaved a sigh. "I just... have a lot of paperwork to go through."

"And the thing about paperwork is... it'll still be there in the morning. Get up, parabatai."

He pulled the chair back, even under Alec's protests. "No, Jace. I have work-"

Jace ignored him, instead getting his own phone out and dialing. "Hey, Mag. Can you portal us home, since it's already late? Yeah. We're in Alec's office. Thanks."

Alec narrowed his eyes at Jace for getting Magnus involved. Now, there was no getting out of this. When Magnus and Jace teamed up on him, Alec stood no chance. Moments later and a portal opened for them, Magnus standing on the other side. With one last glare aimed at his parabatai did Alec get up to walk through the portal. Jace followed, stretching exhausted.

"I'll get dinner started..." Jace rolled his head a little, his neck cracking.

"Nonsense, little Shadowhunter," Magnus reached an arm out to catch Jace before he could walk past him. "It's late, you are clearly exhausted. I already ordered take-out for us, mh."

While speaking, Magnus steered Jace toward the couch and gave him a little push. With a huff did Jace land on the couch. Alec gladly joined him, sitting down next to his parabatai and pulling Jace closer. The blonde relaxed against him, seamlessly melting into him. Magnus took his seat on Alec's other side, wrapping an arm around Alec's shoulders and leaning in to kiss his temple.

"How was your day, my Shadowhunters?" asked Magnus teasingly.

"Annoying," answered both Jace and Alec at once.

Jace and Alec turned to look at each other before smiling a little. Jace settled back down, curling more against Alec, throwing his legs over Alec's lap to be closer to his parabatai. Magnus was nosing Alec's neck, his fingers playing with Alec's hair. This was genuinely the best thing Alec could imagine, sitting so comfortably and intimately with both men he loved.

"I hate going on missions without Alec," admitted Jace after a moment. "Sure, Clary's... learning. But she is still very untrained. And with everyone else I get paired up with, I just have no... It's not even just our parabatai-bond, it's the years of working with each other. We know how each other's bodies work, how we think. I don't have to say commands out loud, we know what we do. Now, it's... back to square one, it's such a struggle and it's annoying..."

"I... miss going on missions," Alec heaved a tired sigh. "I always wanted to be a leader, head of the Institute, but... it's... It's very different from how I imagined and from what I'm used to. Not to mention the bureaucratic mess left behind by the war."

"My poor little Shadowhunters," whispered Magnus, kissing Alec's cheek.

His arm stretched over the backrest to reach for Jace. Out of the corner of his eyes did Alec watch the way Magnus caressed Jace's hair now. The way Magnus was with Jace warmed Alec's heart. He never thought he'd meet someone who could understand just how important his parabatai was, but here he had fallen in love with a man who knew to cherish Jace, to appreciate all the little things Jace was doing for them, who knew that Jace deserved to be loved.

"How was your day, babe?" asked Alec, leaning his head against Magnus'.

"Also annoying," Magnus chuckled a bit. "Now that the war is over... There is a lot of outfall to deal with. Finding permanent housing for the orphaned warlock children, regaining the trust of those who feel like I spent too much trust and time with you Shadowhunters... Help all of the warlocks who were traumatized by the war."

"Help them... how?" asked Jace, perking up just some.

"Therapy. Group meetings. Things that need to be organized too. There are warlocks who work in all kinds of jobs, including professional psychologists. But we have to match people properly and they also need the time to take on new clients," Magnus heaved a sigh.

"And... you think that helps?" Jace's voice was unsure.

"It helped Izzy," offered Alec, giving Jace a look. "The group meetings. That's how Magnus got the idea. Since Izzy went to these anonymous addicts mundie meetings that Simon suggested. They really helped her deal with everything. Talk to others who understand what she went through because they've been there themselves. And with... just how many warlocks had been victimized by Valentine and the Circle... gathering a group isn't that hard."

Silence stretched on as Jace contemplated what they had said. Something Magnus and Alec had talked about before. Magnus was getting professional help to deal with the trauma of the torture he had endured during the war, when Valentine had stolen his body. Isabelle was going to the mundie meetings once a week to deal with her yin fen addiction – even if vampire-venom had to be replaced with a mundie drug. Jace had gone through so much trauma during these past months.

"I'm seeing someone myself," offered Magnus casually. "The... body-switch had... taken its toll on me. I know both of you noticed my... increased alcohol consume after. You both called me out on it, so I figured... I mean, at first I was simply annoyed and felt patronized. But then I spoke to Catarina and she suggested that perhaps I need help from someone else. Even I can't do everything alone."

Another pause of silence as Jace looked at the warlock doubtfully. "Do... you think one of them would... take a Shadowhunter on as a patient? Maybe?"

"Are you sure? Yes, I can, of course. I simply didn't expect you to ask," Magnus smiled proudly.

"I... thought about it... before," admitted Jace and averted his eyes. "During the possession, when we didn't know what it was... I thought I was... losing my mind. I thought it was because of... whatever I inherited from my mother. But then the war continued and got worse."

Alec reached an arm out to wrap around Jace's shoulders and draw him close. He was so proud of Jace for seeking help. They knew of the mental illness running in the Montclaire family. Alec was the one who had talked to Luke about it, after all.

"I'm proud of you for asking for help, parabatai," whispered Alec softly. "You're so strong."

Jace melted against him more, relishing in his words. Alec could feel Magnus' smile against his neck, the warlock's arm around Alec's waist, his fingers wandering over Alec's stomach.

"I'll make an appointment for you, sweetheart," whispered Magnus gently.

"...Thank you, Mag," Jace tilted his head to look up at them both.

That was one view Alec would never get used to. It always did things to him. Flushing a little, Alec turned to look away. He wanted Jace too much. So much that it physically hurt him at times.

/break\

"Thank you for the meal. You always put so much time and energy into making dinner like that," Magnus' voice was warm and appreciative as he put the plates away. "And you're so talented at it. Mh, the world lost a great chef to the Clave."

They had a Lightwood family dinner today. A new tradition, every Friday, Isabelle and Max came to eat with them. The Lightwoods were too used to living all together, but with Alec and Jace living at the loft now, they spent far less time with their siblings, outside of missions. And the scare of the war, of Jonathan nearly killing Max... They'd finished dinner and Magnus had volunteered to clear the table, just to be trailed by Jace, who couldn't just sit and do nothing.

"...Thank you," whispered Jace, his blush reached all the way down his neck.

He hated how much he loved that they – both Alec and Magnus – noticed these things and praised him for them, thanked him for them. That his efforts weren't taken for granted. He put the bowl he was carrying down next to the sink, decidedly not looking at the warlock.

"You always fluster so easily, little Shadowhunter," noted Magnus, a teasing note to his words as he reached out to rest a hand in Jace's red-flushed neck. "There's no need for it. You should own that with pride, you know. You worked hard to be this good at it."

Magnus' hand in his neck also did things to Jace. He felt himself lean into it, eyes fluttering shut. There was something so grounding about Magnus' touch like that, though Jace couldn't explain it. He just knew that his body was buzzing and calming down at the same time in Magnus' hold.

"Hey. Are you guys coming back? Max demands dessert," Alec interrupted the moment.

Jace flinched away, feeling guilt knot up his stomach as he looked at his parabatai. He shouldn't feel that way about and with Magnus. Alec's Magnus. Quickly, Jace headed over to the fridge to get out the tiramisu he had made. With his back turned to Magnus and Alec, he missed the look they shared; Alec was confused and Magnus shrugged helplessly.

"Jace! We already set up the board," declared Max excited.

"The... board...?" Jace blinked in confusion as he reentered the living room.

"It's a game. Simon has been playing it with Max to pass the time at the infirmary," explained Izzy.

Ah. Jace liked how much time Simon spent with Max. Max had been raised as a child soldier, just like them, so to see him be more carefree with the mundie and play around, it was nice. Curiously, Jace joined them and sat down next to Max, after handing the tiramisu over to Izzy.

"So this is a mundie game then? And you know how to play it?" asked Jace.

"Yes! I'll explain, when Magnus and Alec come back too," Max perked up excitedly.

"Sounds good," Izzy's voice was muffled, mouth full with tiramisu.

"You have no manners, Iz," Jace rolled his eyes. "Wait for Mag and Alec, will you."

"I won't, but thanks for asking," Izzy grinned broadly.

"This is annoying, you know," Max pouted a little.

"What is, Maxie?" Jace ruffled his hair, turning his attention to his little brother.

"Just because Alec has a boyfriend, he moved out. That's stupid," Max grumbled. "And you too. But why have you not moved back? You only moved out because of Aldertree, right? But he's gone! You could come home. And Magnus isn't your boyfriend... right? So...?"

Isabelle choked on her tiramisu, stuck between coughing and laughing. Her eyes were sparkling as she regarded Jace, like she was waiting for his reply. He was too busy feeling embarrassed and confused by the assumption that Magnus might be his boyfriend. Though the majority of his confusion rooted in the fact that... Max was right. Why was he still living here...?

"Hey, I bring coffee. Are... you alright, Iz?" Alec looked confused.

"Y... Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine, perfectly fine," Isabelle was chuckling softly. "How are you, Jace?"

All Jace did was glare at her and thankfully get to hide behind Alec once the archer sat down. A few moments later and Magnus came and sat down on Jace's other side. With Jace... between them. Frowning, Jace turned to look from Alec to Magnus. Was this why Max thought Magnus was his boyfriend too? Jace reached up to cover his mouth, effectively also covering his slowly flushing cheeks at the thought of being Magnus' boyfriend. Instinctively, his eyes wandered back to Alec. Well no, that felt wrong, even though he wanted it. No, it would be missing Alec.

Which was a feeling Jace had been examining for the past couple of weeks now. Ever since he realized how he felt for Magnus, because... the feeling wasn't all that different from how he felt for Alec. Only that he had felt that way for Alec for a long time. He'd simply never questioned it, because he assumed that it was all the parabatai-bond. Partially, it was. He knew the bond heightened the feelings he had for Alec, but the core feeling was the same as what he felt for Magnus. And so he had come to the conclusion that he might be in love with Alec.

A horrifying realization. He was in love with Alec, who was his parabatai and who was also in love with someone else, in a loving relationship with that other person. Made much more frustrating by the fact that Alec's boyfriend was the other person Jace might be in love with. Double the heartbreak for him, mh. Suppose his father had been right after all. Love meant pain.

/break\

Magnus and Alec were keeping something from him. Often times, Jace would enter a room they had been in and the two would fall silent. They'd whisper about something, with small, little smiles, and then stop talking once Jace got closer, or change the topic and start talking about something new, involving Jace in that conversation while brushing off any inquiry about what they had been talking about before. That had started three weeks ago, at first he had dismissed it. They were entitled to some privacy too and not everything they talked about was his business. But the more often it happened, the more he started to feel that it was about him.

And it was starting to make his anxiety raise again. What was going on? Were they tired of him living here? He'd moved in before Alec, after all. And he had moved in out of necessity. A necessity that no longer existed. As Max had pointed out, the war was over and Aldertree was long gone. Meanwhile, Alec had basically moved in with his boyfriend. Jace still being here was unnecessary, awkward even. He... got in the way of them enjoying their relationship, didn't he? He was a bother.

Jace kept that bottled up for about ten days, after the realization hit him first, and the evidence kept piling up. His stomach knotted up and he started to feel less and less at home at the loft. He tried to keep more to himself, so he wouldn't bother them and get in the way. He was already trying to avoid movie nights, but then the three shared meals with each other and that would probably also be something the two would enjoy more without him, right?

It wasn't any particular night that Jace felt his patience snap. They had eaten dinner together and Magnus and Alec had cleaned up – saying that he already cooked for them after all. For a while, Jace just sat on the balcony, staring out the window. Then, he decided to go to the kitchen, get himself something to drink. When he entered the kitchen, both fell silent once more. That was it. It wasn't special, or different than other days, but it was the last straw.

"If you want me to move out, just say so," requested Jace with a tight feeling in his chest.

"...What?" Magnus blinked confused as he turned toward him.

"What are you talking about, parabatai?" Alec put down the towel and approached him.

Jace sidestepped the archer when Alec wanted to reach out for him, which caused Alec to freeze. Hurt flashed over his face and suddenly, Jace felt guilty. Which was stupid, because he was doing this for them. They clearly wanted him out but couldn't put it to words. Probably because Alec would never ask that of him. But Jace couldn't keep going like this anymore. Furrowing his brows, Jace crossed his arms in front of his chest and averted his eyes.

"Jace..." Alec sounded confused and miserable.

"What brought this on, Trouble?" Magnus' voice was firm, pointed.

Though the warlock didn't approach him. And Alec too took a step back, instead going back to standing next to Magnus. It was strange, how lonely this made him feel. Jace shifted, feeling on guard all of a sudden. And lonely, which was so much worse.

"Max... brought it up, before New Year... That I..." Jace paused, making a face as the tried to figure out how to say it properly and he was grateful that both Magnus and Alec waited patiently. "He asked me why I'm still living here, even though I only moved here because of Aldertree, but Aldertree's been gone for... months now. And I'm still here."

"When I invited you to live here, I told you you could stay as long as you wanted," stated Magnus. "So if... you want to move out, we are not stopping you, but... You made it sound less like this is something you want and more like something you feel we want and-"

"How did we give you the impression that we want you to move out?" Alec interrupted his boyfriend tensely. "You're my parabatai, I want you by my side!"

The look Jace offered him was incredulous and stunned. "Are you... Do you really not..."

"Take a moment. Then tell us what we did to make you think we want you gone," said Magnus.

Closing his eyes, Jace took a deep breath, trying to sort his thoughts. "You two... Just before I came in, you were talking. The moment I entered, you stopped. And... this isn't the first time this happened. It's been happening for... weeks now. You're whispering in hushed voices, change topics or stop talking altogether when you notice me and... and that's how it started at the Institute."

He blinked repeatedly, because he felt the wetness on his eyes, but he wasn't going to do something as ridiculous as crying about this. "Everyone started whispering about me, stopped talking when they saw me. I know it's not... malicious from you two. I think it's... it's because you're both too kind to bring it up. So... I'm bringing it up instead. I... moved in with you when things between the two of you weren't that serious yet, but... you're... Alec's living here now and I get it, you want your... couple-space. And there's no room there for me. Maybe it's time I go back to the Institute."

Much to his surprise did Magnus start laughing. The warlock reached over for Alec, holding onto his boyfriend and nearly doubling over as he laughed. Jace liked the sound, he liked the look on Magnus' face when he was laughing. Right now however, Jace was very confused why he was laughing. It put him more on guard, Jace tensing up.

"Magnus," whispered Alec urgently, resting a hand on his hip.

Holding his parabatai-rune. Damn it. So Jace's anxiety was high enough to show through the bond. Magnus sobered up some, looking at Jace with gentle eyes, though there was a frustrated edge.

"Trouble..." Magnus sighed and approached him. "I'm sorry. I didn't laugh at your worries. Your... Your worries are valid. And I'm also sorry that we didn't pick up on that."

"We... both should have," Alec looked so guilty. "I know what that did to you... We didn't... This isn't how it should have gone. We didn't mean to... We thought you wouldn't notice..."

Wouldn't notice meant that there was something they were hiding. Jace held his breath, frowning.

"The entire point of it was to be a positive surprise that he wouldn't see coming," noted Magnus, looking at Alec expectantly. "Clearly, that part backfired. At this point, I think it would be better to ruin the surprise, darling. I don't like him looking at us like that. Like someone locked the cute puppy out onto the balcony during a thunderstorm."

Jace ignored the comparison. He was used to it by now, ever since he had moved into the loft, because Magnus had compared him to a stray Golden Retriever puppy back then. While it annoyed Jace, he also let it slide, for the sake of Magnus' boundless generosity.

"Magnus and I have been planning a surprise birthday party for you, Jace," admitted Alec. "But seeing as you are living with us too, it's hard to plan that without you noticing. That's... That's what all the whispering had been about. We've been organizing it for the past two weeks now."

Jace furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "A... birthday... That's what this was about?"

"Parabatai," Alec sighed and reached out to cup Jace's face with both hands. "You... have been through so much in this past half year and... and I wanted to do something... nice for you. I want to see you happy, remind you that even with all the loss, there are things you have gained. That you are... loved. And I thought that would be more impactful if you didn't see every step of the planning, because you're you and you don't want people to fuss over you, you would just keep telling me not to do this or that because you think it's too much work."

Jace turned to look away. That... was true. Jace already thought that they – the both of them – did much more for him than he deserved. He shifted his weight on the spot when something else caught his attention. Frowning deeply, he looked up again, looked at them.

"That is... very you. But... isn't it a little excessive to plan my birthday now? It's in three months."

At that, Magnus and Alec exchanged a meaningful and sad look. Okay, that wasn't good. Jace braced himself for whatever was coming next. Magnus approached him from one side, wrapping an arm around Jace's back, resting his hand on Jace's lower back as though he was trying to support and stead the blonde. The warmth of that touch made Jace shudder a little. Alec came from the other side, taking Jace's hand into his own, linking their fingers.

"Jace..." Alec drawled a little, struggling with this. "When... Valentine stole you from Céline, he... He gave you his son's name. Jonathan Christopher."

Jace's jaw set tightly at that and he gave Alec's hand a nearly painful squeeze. He knew that. It had made him feel like he didn't... exist. Learning that Michael was Valentine had been one thing, it had wrecked him, but it hadn't changed too much about himself. But learning that the man wasn't his biological father, that Jace was neither Jonathan Wayland nor Jonathan Morgenstern, that... It felt like he didn't exist at all, he was just some stolen little orphan who got put into someone else's life, into the life of Jonathan Morgenstern, for Valentine to play pretend.

It had taken a while – and therapy – for him to come to terms with the fact that he had made his own identity. Jace. That was his. He hadn't gone by Jonathan in many years. He had forged a life of his own here, had quite literally made a name for himself. He was Jace.

"Why... are you bringing that up now?" asked Jace in a pained voice. "You know how much I..."

"His name wasn't the only thing that Valentine gave you," interrupted Alec. "He made you out to be Jonathan Morgenstern, including... including Jonathan's birthday. April 4th is the day Jocelyn and Valentine's son was born, not you. I... realized that a while ago..."

Of course. It seemed so obvious now. But... Jace felt his knees weaken and if not for Alec and Magnus holding onto him from either side, he might have sunk down onto the ground. Instead, he gripped both men he loved, holding onto them for support. Just another lie. Another thing about him that wasn't real. His face screwed up as he tried to focus.

"Your birthday, I asked your grandmother, and it's January 18th – next week," continued Alec as he reached out with his free hand to cup Jace's face. "I... should have told you sooner. And not planned a surprise. I just... I thought that being surrounded by those who love you would help soften the blow. I wanted this to be a positive surprise for you... and I failed. I'm sorry."

"So... So you don't want me to move out?" asked Jace instead.

"Sweetheart, did you listen to what Alexander said?" Magnus looked concerned.

"Yeah. Yeah, I did. Fake birthday. One more lie from my father. The usual. And we gotta talk about this surprise, but..." Jace turned to frown at Magnus. "I've been worrying about this for weeks. So what I'm more interested in is..."

"You don't have to move out if you don't want to, Jace," assured Magnus gently. "We both like having you around. You're not just here because of Alexander."

"And... in fact..." Alec's voice wavered and he seemed to be seeking Magnus' approval.

The warlock looked very enthusiastic at that. Honestly, Jace had had quite enough surprises for one day, he would like an uneventful rest of the day. But then his parabatai smiled at him, a pained and doubtful look on his face, the bond buzzing with nervous energy.

"Parabatai," Jace's voice was warm. "Whatever it is, you know you can tell me."

"There is room in our relationship for you too," offered Alec after a moment, his voice as steady as his nervousness allowed. "We wanted to... wait until your birthday present, but... if you already feel like there might not be room in our home for you, then..."

"What... does that even mean?" asked Jace confused, looking at Magnus.

If Alec didn't make sense, maybe Magnus could explain it. "It means exactly what Alexander said, sweetheart. There's... a reason why you're still here, why you don't bother either of us. Because you... are a part of us already. I know you apparently haven't noticed, but it's the three of us. You've been pulling back in this past week and I assume that it was because of this... misunderstanding?"

"I... yeah, I guess," Jace shrugged awkwardly. "But also because looking back at it, I realized just how much it felt as though I was intruding on your... date nights."

"Exactly, sweetheart," Magnus smiled softly. "But that's not a bad thing. You are already a part of our relationship, even if not officially. Because you are a part of those date nights, not intruding on them, just being a part of them. And we are... The little gifts I give you, they mean something."

"...They do?" Jace's voice was soft, nearly breaking.

"They do," confirmed Alec with a small half-smirk. "Magnus shows his affection like that. With little, or bigger, gifts, when things remind him of the one he loves. I've been on the receiving end of that a lot too and it confused me at first too, Jace. But he... He wants to spoil the ones he loves."

"You keep saying love," whispers Jace with furrowed brows.

"Mh, because I do love you, sweetheart," Magnus smiled honestly at him.

"We both do," added Alec and Jace could feel the fear of rejection through the bond. "I... I've been in love with you for so many years, Jace, but I was always afraid... Losing you is the one thing I couldn't bear, so I'd rather kept my feelings to myself... But Magnus, he... is better in tune with his feelings and when he started developing feelings for you too, he... started encouraging me. That maybe, together, we could... have you... So we have been easing you into our relationship? Including you more, giving you gifts, compliments, the flirting..."

"Magnus flirts like he breaths," argued Jace with a frown. "That didn't have to mean much. And the gifts. I thought... Honestly, I kind of thought that Magnus took pity on me, because I came here with one bag. Because everything I own fits into one bag and he's... generous and kind."

The softness in Magnus' eyes at his words. "It wasn't pity. I admit I was a bit disturbed by what little possessions you seem to have. But what I bought you, I didn't buy out of pity. I bought because I thought you deserved nice, pretty things, you deserved to feel home. And because I like you."

Jace groaned and covered his face with his hands just so he wouldn't have to look at them and they couldn't see him. This was... too much. He didn't know how to process it. He had come here, anxious, expecting to move out. Instead, they confessed to having romantic feelings for him? Wanting him in their home, in their relationship? And then the whole birthday thing...

Alec cupped Jace's face, tilting his head so he could kiss his forehead very gently. "You don't owe us an answer right now. I can feel that this is stressing you out, parabatai. Just... take some time, okay? We'll be right here, whatever your answer is."

"And, even if you don't feel the same as we do, you don't have to move out. You can, if we make you uncomfortable or if you want to for any reason, but not reciprocating our feelings doesn't mean we'll force you to move out, you don't have to decide between those two," added Magnus.

The addition was... appreciated. After the turmoil he'd just gone through about fearing he'd have to move out, he was glad to know that whatever happened next, this was still his home. He was also grateful for them giving him time to process. After a shaky breath, he got up.

"...Thank you," whispered Jace. "I'll just... I need... I need a moment."

"We understand that," assured Magnus with a smile, arm around Alec's waist. "Take your time."

Nodding sharply, Jace left the room and instead headed to his music room. Okay. Maybe that one, that one should have made him suspicious. More suspicious. Shaking his head, he took a seat in front of the piano. He needed to think. Music let him think, sort his thoughts.

/break\

"What if he doesn't want us? What if things will be awkward? What if..."

"What if you stop overthinking things?" interrupted Magnus gently.

He reached up to caress Alec's cheek, trying to sooth him. For once, it wasn't working. All Alec could think of was the heartbroken look on Jace's face when he had thought they wanted him to move out. The shattered expression when Jace learned about yet another lie told by Valentine. And then all that overwhelmed confusion when Alec and Magnus confessed to him. He could feel gentle reassurance through the bond, because Jace probably felt Alec's anxiety and tried to ease it. It didn't help too much, not until he could see his parabatai and hear his answer.

"Impossible. All he does is overthink things, it's in his nature."

Magnus and Alec turned surprised toward their bedroom door, where Jace was standing. His sweat-pants were low-riding, shirt riled up just a little, revealing a sliver of stomach – and the parabatai-rune. Jace tended to rub it when he was nervous, so it happened a lot that he'd walk around like this, his rune showing oh-so temptingly. Alec licked his lips, transfixed on it. He'd always been obsessed with the rune, his mark on his parabatai. Him and Magnus both sat up.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" asked Magnus gently.

"I went to bed," started Jace, closing the door behind himself and shifting his weight onto one leg. "But I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking... about you. I still... I still feel very overwhelmed by everything you said. I mean, everything. My birthday, not moving out, your feelings, I..."

"It's a lot, we know. That's why we said you can take your time," Alec frowned at his parabatai.

"I know," Jace sighed, running his fingers through his hair. "But let me finish, Alec. I'm overwhelmed with it and all I could think about was how I wanted to be with you while processing this because I can't... Because you make me feel at ease."

"Whatever you need from us," assured Alec, though he was growing confused.

"I love you," Jace didn't look at them, instead staring at a cat toward the foot-end of the bed. "I might have... loved you for a long time, Alec. But I never realized that I was in love with you, until I developed those... kind of feelings for Magnus. I always thought the intense way I feel about you was because of the parabatai-bond. That it was normal. Because I've never felt about anyone that way. But then I... Magnus... It's not the exact same, I do think a degree of it is the bond, but... at its core, it's the same feeling and... I just... didn't know how to name it..."

Now Alec didn't know how to process. His brain came up blank and he simply stared at Jace.

"Okay," Magnus rested a hand in Alec's neck, massaging it gently. "What's next, Jace?"

"I... don't know," admitted Jace frustrated. "That's why I'm here. I know how I feel. You told me how you feel. But I don't... I've never been in a romantic relationship before and I guess I'm afraid of screwing it up, but right now, I just know that I want to be with you..."

While Alec still sat frozen and lost, Magnus pulled off the blanket and made space. "C'mere."

That was all it took for Jace to crawl into bed with them. The blonde relaxed against Magnus, sighing relieved. Magnus wrapped an arm around him, pulling him closer. Alec turned to look at Jace in awe. As though the blonde was one of the wonders of the world. Which Magnus supposed, right now he was. After confessing his feelings, now sitting in bed with them.

"With... With what are you comfortable, Jace?" asked Alec, holding his breath. "Because you just told me you love me and I don't know how to process it but I... I want to kiss you."

"Kiss. Kissing sounds good," Jace swallowed hard.

The two leaned over and met in a gentle, slow kiss. Which was a view Magnus could absolutely get used to. He leaned back some to drink it all in. Those two were breathtaking together like that. And when they parted, there was a little blush on both their cheeks. To his pleasant surprise did Jace turn toward him after, looking eager. Smiling, Magnus leaned in some.

"Would you like a kiss from me too, sweetheart?" whispered Magnus teasingly.

"I... figured that was how this would go, yes," Jace nodded slowly, licking his lips.

Magnus reached for Jace's neck and pulled him close until their lips touched. The blonde tasted like Alec and the strawberries that Magnus had bought for Jace. Seemed Jace had been eating his feelings while figuring out what he wanted. Magnus smiled into the kiss.

"How do you feel now?" wanted Magnus to know when they parted.

"Better," admitted Jace, taking a deep breath. "Relieved."

"Would you like to lay in the middle?" offered Magnus with a knowing smile. "More reassurance?"

Jace bit his lips, nodding sharply as he eyed the little spot between Magnus and Alec. A yelp escaped him when Alec grabbed him by the waist and pulled him over, Magnus scooting to the place Jace had been to make room for the blonde. It seemed as though Jace melted in his parabatai's arms when Alec spooned him, buried his face between Jace's shoulder-blades.

"We love you so much," Alec's voice was muffled by Jace.

For a moment, Jace tensed – and Magnus could tell he would, for a while longer. It'd take until it fully sank in with Jace, until he'd be ready to embrace and completely believe them. That was fine. Magnus knew about the blonde's issues and he had the centuries of life-experience to teach him patience. Besides, Jace had been patient with him too, whether the blonde realized that or not. When Magnus needed time, needed company that stayed quiet. As much as Magnus loved Alec, his archer hadn't known what to do with Magnus when he hit rock-bottom – and Alec had also been very busy himself, with being head of the Institute. Jace had been the right kind of company.

"What... did you have planned?" asked Jace in a soft voice. "For my birthday, I mean."

"Nothing big. In big crowds, you still tend to put on your masks, play your part. Your birthday should be a day for you to enjoy," started Magnus, fingers playing with Alec's hair. "A party, here at the loft, just the family. Well, and Simon. He does belong too."

"Maxie, Izzy, Clary, Simon, Luke, your grandmother. Nothing big," confirmed Alec. "Good food, drinks, music, maybe some of these mundie games. Sound okay?"

"Mh... sounds perfect. Unless Izzy is in charge of food," Jace grinned just a bit.

"Of course not. I had no plans of ending the night in a hospital bed," Alec huffed.

"What... kind of plans had you? For where the night would end?" asked Jace curiously.

He turned to look at Alec over his shoulder, batting those long, pale lashes at Alec in that manner that always took Alec's breath away. The archer swallowed and hid behind Jace's back again, resting his forehead against Jace's shoulder. If he looked at Jace on their bed, cuddled up to Magnus like this, for too long, he'd just suffocate from forgetting how to breath.

"You said, earlier, that you had plans on confessing to me during my... present... I'm not sure what that meant. So I was wondering, if my birthday was supposed to end in your bedroom."

"Now isn't that a nice picture?" whispered Magnus pleased, licking his lips.

"Actually, the plan was to steal you away," admitted Alec a bit embarrassed. "That's... your present. The war is over now, we've done... the majority of the clean-up and rebuild. I took a week off for you and me, Magnus asked Catarina to take over as High Warlock. A week long trip, to Magnus' place in the Tuscany, just the three of us. Rest, relaxing, no... missions, no paper work, no clients. Just the three of us, together. That... That's where we wanted to confess to you."

"...Can I still get that vacation even though you already confessed?" asked Jace.

The smile on his lips was just a little cheeky. Magnus huffed out a laugh and pressed a kiss to the top of his head. Alec just rolled his eyes amused, arms around Jace's waist tightening.

"Of course, sweetheart. The vacation is also for us, after all. And we all need it."

"We do," agreed Alec with a small groan, kissing the back of Jace's neck.

Jace hummed contently, snuggling against the two men. Yes, that sounded good.

/break\

"Happy birthday, Jace!"

Jace smiled as he looked at everyone. Simon was grinning broadly, Clary next to him smiling. Luke stood behind them, with Imogen. Max broke away from the group to hug Jace first. January 18th, his new birthday. He'd been tense when he woke up this morning, just to be surprised with breakfast in bed, thanks to Magnus' magic, and more kisses than he could count. Just being with Magnus and Alec was so incredibly calming to Jace, it felt like the first time he could truly breath. He allowed himself to be lured out of the loft by Isabelle so they could decorate and set everything up.

"Oh wow. A surprise party. I didn't see that coming at all," Jace smiled.

"Urgh. They spoiled the surprise, didn't they?" Simon groaned annoyed.

"Of course they did," Clary rolled her eyes. "I knew it the first time I saw Alec and Jace kiss. There's no way Alec would have been able to keep this to himself."

"I'll have you know it was the other way around. First, we spoiled the surprise, then we lured him into our bed," corrected Magnus firmly, giving the redhead a look.

"Ew," Max wiggled his nose at that, still hugging Jace.

Jace flushed and glared Magnus, who looked utterly unapologetic. Once Max let go of him, Jace received hugs from everyone else. His with Imogen lingered a little. He still felt such overwhelming guilt about how the Owl had nearly killed her. If the others hadn't gotten to her in time...

It was only after the cake was cut that Jace found himself alone with his grandmother for a moment. Most others had already moved on to the balcony, marveling at just how beautiful that winter garden was blooming right now. Jace hung back to make coffee and Imogen lingered with him.

"Are you alright, Jace?" asked Imogen gently. "It's been a bit since we last saw each other."

"I'm... sorry. I should visit more often," Jace turned to look at her.

"No," Imogen smiled thinly and covered his hand, squeezing it. "This wasn't meant as an accusation, I'm simply... wondering. Because time has passed and I know how troubled you were when we last saw each other. Are you... in a better place? Are you happy?"

"I... I am," Jace returned her smile. "I'm getting professional help and... I'm getting help from those around me. I do feel better. And... And I'm very happy with... with Alec and Magnus."

His heart was racing as he admitted that. Relationships between parabatai weren't unusual, but a relationship with two other men, that definitely was. Imogen simply looked at him kindly.

"All I want is for you to be happy, Jace," she cupped his cheek. "I might not... understand it, really, but.. if they help you and make you happy, that's all I can ask for."

He felt like a weight had been taken off his shoulders and he pulled her into a tight hug. When they parted, Luke cleared his throat. There was a smile on his lips as he looked at them.

"Came to offer help carrying the coffees," stated Luke.

"Thank you, Lucian," Imogen stepped aside to let him help.

Yet he lingered about after she headed back. It seemed they were taking turns talking to Jace.

"Let me guess, you want to know if I'm alright?" Jace heaved a sigh.

"You've been... drawn back during the last family dinner at my place. I didn't want to say anything, because I couldn't get a moment alone with you and I thought you didn't want to talk in front of Clary and Simon, but... Yes, I would like to know if you're alright," Luke looked at him worried.

Once a month, Jace, Clary and Simon came to Luke for 'family dinner'. Because all three of them were like his children, he said. Even if they had only believed Jace to be Jocelyn's for a month or so, Luke had felt responsible for him, had tried to step up – and he didn't drop Jace afterward. Which had meant the world to Jace, who had been let down by too many parental figures in his life. He clung onto this, onto Luke, taking all the love he could get.

"I... misunderstood some things," offered Jace, sighing softly. "I thought Magnus and Alec wanted me out of the loft, when in reality, they... were setting all of this up. But they were whispering, keeping something from me, and my brain... Experience taught me to expect the worst."

"Ah. I'm... glad it cleared up, then," Luke offered a small, warm smile.

"This... is still weird to me though," admitted Jace after another moment, turning his head to look out toward the balcony. "Having... so many people who... care about me, worry about me."

"You'll get used to it," whispered Luke, resting a hand on Jace's shoulder. "You deserve to be loved. Even if Valentine did his best trying to make you believe you don't."

A crooked smile found its way onto Jace's lips. "You know you do too, right?"

For a moment, Luke looked surprised, before a nearly regretful smile found its way onto his lips. "I... did miss my chance with Jocelyn. Perhaps because I didn't think I deserved it, you're right. Valentine did a number on me too. But I'm trying to pick up the pieces too. You, Clary, Simon..."

Without thinking, Jace reached for Luke to pull him into a hug. "You're doing good, you know."

"Thank you, Jace," Luke's body shook with a soft chuckle. "I came to reassure you."

"I've heard somewhere that you reassure each other in a family," Jace shrugged awkwardly.

"You're right, kiddo", Luke ruffled his hair with a smile. "Now come on, before Max eats all of your cake. He's been eyeing it for half an hour already before you came back."

At that, Jace made his way outside quickly, because he was not missing out on his cake.

/break\

"No—o, you can't win again," complained Simon frustrated. "You cheat."

"You accuse me of cheating? On my birthday? How dare you," Jace huffed.

Alec smiled just the slightest bit as he watched his parabatai so carefree. So... admittedly, drunk. But the night's been going on for a while now. Many bottles were empty already, tongues were looser and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Max was asleep, Alec had just carried him over into Jace's bedroom so the noise of the party wouldn't wake him. Of course had Max insisted on staying and on not being tired. And then fallen asleep a few minutes later.

"I mean, he's right though," argued Isabelle with a soft laugh.

A whine came from Jace and the blonde turned toward Magnus next to him, hugging the warlock. "They're being mean to me. Make them stop, Mag. Is my birthday. You said it's my day."

"Aw, you are being a cute drunk today," chuckled Magnus as he wrapped his arms around Jace.

Alec made his way over to sit on the arm-rest on Magnus' other side, reaching around Magnus' neck to play with Jace's hair and gain the blonde's attention. Immediately did Jace offer him a beaming smile and reach out for him with one hand, crawling half on top of Magnus' lap to reach him.

"Parabatai," Jace sounded content. "Hello. Where were you?"

"I was just bringing Max to your bed so he could sleep in peace. Because you drunkards are very loud," replied Alec amused. "I like when you're happy like this, parabatai."

In the past months, the only drunk Jace him and Magnus had gotten to see was the sad, angry, quiet Jace. The Jace who got drunk to drown his sorrows. This? This was Jace having a good time. And Alec loved to see that. He slowly slipped off the arm-rest, squeezing in next to Magnus, who scooted over as much as he could – which was more now that he had Jace on his lap.

"How about we play a different game then, mh?" suggested Luke.

"Good idea," agreed Clary and started clearing the table. "Something I'm good at."

"Well, that narrows it down," commented Simon, just to be elbowed by her.

Jace laughed softly, then yawned. His eyelids closed slowly as he snuggled more up against Magnus' chest. Seemed Max wasn't the only one tired but unwilling to admit it.

"Or we could call it a night," suggested Imogen gently as she looked at him. "It seems our birthday boy is quite tired and if I remember correctly, you had plans tomorrow."

"We did," confirmed Magnus. "It might be a good idea to head to bed so we'll have more of tomorrow and someone has less of a hang-over."

"Mh not tired," mumbled Jace in defiance.

"Not convinced," chuckled Alec fondly. "Let's call it a night."

"I'll show our guests out, you bring our sweetheart to bed?" suggested Magnus.

He leaned in to kiss Alec softly and the Shadowhunter hummed in confirmation. Reaching for his parabatai, he carefully scooped the blonde up in his arms. The fact that Jace didn't argue with him and just clung onto him sleepily was a dead giveaway.

"Good night, Jace," chorused Izzy, Simon and Clary.

"Night, guys," Jace waved a little. "Thanks for coming. It was... nice."

"It was," confirmed Luke. "Okay. I'll drop the kids off."

"We're not kids anymore," complained Clary.

"I could also just portal you all home," suggested Magnus amused. "That's why I suggested that Alec should bring Jace to bed. But also, someone bring Max home too."

"I can use my strength-rune and carry him, no need for anyone to take a detour," assured Izzy.

"Thank you for the offer, Magnus. That's very kind of you. It has gotten late," said Imogen.

That was the last thing Alec heard before he entered the master bedroom and, with some difficulty, put Jace down onto the bed. The blonde complained about it, until Alec started undoing his belt.

"What are you doing?" asked Jace with a grin, stretching wide.

"Trying to get you comfortable, love," whispered Alec. "You'll only be even more cranky if you fall asleep in your jeans. C'mon, hips up. Be a bit cooperative."

"...You called me love," whispered Jace in awe. "I like that. That sounds pretty."

"Yeah?" Alec grinned a bit. "Well then, will you be cooperative, love?"

Jace bit his lower lip but did as he was told, allowing Alec to strip him down to his boxers. Making a displeased noise, Jace curled together, shuddering a little. After Alec also got changed, he crawled into bed and pulled the blanket over the both of them.

"Where's our Magnus?" asked Jace with a displeased frown.

"Our Magnus," Alec smiled lovingly at that. "Is saying goodbye to your guests."

"Oh. I should say goodbye too," Jace started getting out of bed.

"You're only wearing your boxers, love," interrupted Alec, holding Jace. "And you said goodbye."

"Is he still being adorably drunk?" asked Magnus when he entered the bedroom.

"Very," confirmed Alec amused. "Everyone got home safely?"

"Yes, they did. I magicked the clean-up so we won't have to worry about that tomorrow. All we do have to worry about is whether or not we should take Jace's swim-shorts out of the suitcase..."

"But I thought there was water?" asked Jace confused. "You said you had your own beach."

"Exactly. Emphasis on my own beach," Magnus smiled mischievously. "Which means I could enjoy the view of you in all of your glory...? Mh, yes, I just made a decision, Alexander."

Alec rolled his eyes, though fondly so. He wouldn't be against that view either, after all.

/break\

One of the perks of no longer drinking was that Magnus no longer had hangovers. He stretched lazily and turned onto his side to look at Alec, who was sprawled out in the middle of the bed, one arm leisurely around Jace's waist. The parabatai were both still sleeping.

"Li—ights," groaned Jace as he pulled up the blanket over his head.

Or not. With a bit of magic did Magnus pull the curtains closed. Jace sighed relieved and relaxed in Alec's arms. How adorable. Magnus propped his head up with his hand, looking at them.

"If you peek out from your hiding-place, I do have a good hangover cure for you, sweetheart."

"You are very magical, Magnus," Jace slowly sat up. "My head's killing me."

"But hangover aside, did you have fun, love?" asked Alec, voice rough with sleep.

"It was great," Jace smiled at them both. "It... really was. Intimate, but... with the right people. Even the games were fun. Even when Simon was winning. Thank you, it was exactly what I needed."

"That's great," Alec leaned over to press a kiss to Jace's shoulder.

"And I can guarantee you, this vacation is also going to be exactly what you need," Magnus' eyes flashed. "The beach, good food, no worries..."

"No clothes, if I remember last night right," Jace raised one eyebrow.

Magnus looked at him like a cat at a prime piece of salmon. "If I get my way, yes."

"I'm sure you'll get your way... in many ways," promised Jace in a low, teasing voice.

He leaned over Alec so he could kiss Magnus and after, turned his attention toward Alec to also steal a kiss from his parabatai. It was nice to see Jace this at ease and Magnus was grateful that they had taken their time with Jace. Waiting for him to be better, making him comfortable here first. Sometimes, patience did pay off. Magnus smiled to himself as he laid down on Alec's chest.

"We could be cuddling in my bed in the Tuscany right now," suggested Magnus.

Jace emptied the glass Magnus had given him and then fell back onto the bed. "Bed sounds good, whatever continent it is in. As long as it contains the two of you."

Magnus hummed pleased and summoned them a portal. "Grab your bags, my Shadowhunters."

The three got up – Jace more reluctantly than his lovers – and took the already packed bags and suitcases that stood in the corner before going through the portal. The room was easily cleaned up with a bit of magic, because it had been unused for years, but Magnus pulled the curtains open manually, opening the windows and taking a deep breath. Ah, that fresh ocean-side air.

"That's a pretty view," commented Alec as he stepped up to Magnus.

With a sigh did Magnus lean back against Alec's bare chest, enjoying the warmth. Alec rested his chin on Magnus' shoulder. For a while, the two just stood there and watched the ocean. At least until they could hear a displeased noise from the bed. Both turned around at once, finding Jace curled together and staring at them with that cute little puppy-pout. Like a puppy who was begging for a treat. Magnus and Alec were both weak for that pout.

"I said this was fine if there was a bed involved with both of you in it," Jace vocalized the reason for his pout. "Yet here I am, all alone in this big, empty bed..."

Alec and Magnus shared a fond, amused look before they walked over to join their lover. Not without closing the curtain again, because Jace was already squinting displeased. Even Magnus' hangover cure took a bit to kick in fully. Magnus laid down in the middle of the bed, pulling Jace up against himself. Only moments later did Alec lay down on Magnus' other side, resting his head on the warlock's shoulder and getting more comfortable. The archer pulled a blanket over the three.

"Is this better for you, sweetheart?" asked Magnus.

"Ye—es, this is perfect," Jace sighed contently. "This is... all I wanna do today. Is that okay?"

"Well, this is your birthday present, so you get to call the shots. And I think that one day of lazying about and not doing anything sounds good to start the vacation," replied Alec.

"We can start doing stuff tomorrow," Jace nodded pleased.

"But not too much stuff. This is supposed to be relaxing," warned Magnus playfully.

Jace turned to smile at him, getting comfortable. This was perfect.

~*~ The End ~*~

---

Author's note: Based on a tumblr post I made a few months ago. And then I realized the day AFTER Jace's birthday is a Wednesday and then I felt kinda obligated to write it after all xD