Authors Note:

Okay, so I'm putting the authors note up here because I want you all to know that this one shot has a lot of Alec, Magnus, Rafe and Max moments. Someone requested that I do one where they are just living their lives are normal shadowhunters, and I really wanted to do that because I realize that I don't do them as often, and than someone also asked if I'd include the other ships as well, and I did that a lot with Malec and I absolutely love this one shot. I understand that this isn't everyone's cup of tea, so I thought I'd warn you in the beginning instead of getting to the end and feeling like you've wasted your time. So if you have no interest in Malec and their family, this one shot might not be for you. Clace is mentioned a lot, but most of the conflict deals with Malec, and even if you all don't enjoy it, I do and I'm proud of this piece! Let me know what you think and leave a review! Although, if you're going to leave a nasty comment, I'd prefer you kept it to yourself! Let me know how you all feel! I promise my other one shots will be Clace centric but i felt like this one was needed! :)

Seventy Fourth One Shot:

Life

Clary POV:

I was walking around the Institute making sure everything was running smoothly when I heard grunting coming from the training room. I made my way over there and when I opened the door Jace and our daughter Whitney sparring. I stood in the doorway and just watched them. She was a truly gifted shadowhunter, but I expected nothing less from a girl who had more angel blood than normal and Jace as a father.

"Come on Whit, you can't get distracted." Jace said.

"I wouldn't get distracted if you were a little tougher to spar with." Whitney said and I could see even from where I was that it fueled Jace even more. She knew exactly what to say to get him to push her past her limits. Jace lunged at her and took her down in a heartbeat.

"Mamma!" I heard behind me and my little baby boy ran into my legs.

"What's up baby?" I asked.

"I want to play with daddy and Whitney." He said and I picked him up.

"They aren't playing baby. They're training." I explained.

"When do I get to train?" He asked.

"You can officially start training when you're 5." I said and he smiled.

"That's next week!" He cheered and I laughed.

"Yes it is." I said. Whitney and Kyle were almost 10 years apart, and he was unexpected, but Jace and I loved him more than anything and couldn't picture life without him or Whitney.

"Distractions don't train warriors!" I heard Jace yell and I looked over at him.

"You've been sparring for like 5 hours. You both need a break." I said as I set Kyle down.

"Breaks don't train warriors either mom." Whitney said and I rolled my eyes while Jace gave her a proud smile.

"Yea, well not eating doesn't train warriors either. Dinner is in the kitchen." I said and Whitney nodded.

"Come on Kyle, let's go eat." Whitney said as she grabbed Kyle's hand and they walked out of the training room.

"You two are going to ware yourselves out before you even take her on a hunt." I said and Jace laughed.

"She needs to be prepared." Jace said and I snaked my arms around his incredibly sweaty waist.

"She's a Herondale baby, she's prepared enough for like 6 shadowhunters." I said and he laughed.

"Doesn't mean I don't want her to be as prepared as possible." He said and I nodded. "I want her to be safe, I can't let anything happen to her."

"I know, but next week you're going to have to split your time between Kyle and Whitney." I reminded him.

"I can't believe he's almost 5." Jace said and I laughed. "It seems like yesterday we found out you were pregnant and having another child."

"I know what you mean. He's growing up so fast, and now he can start training. Its so weird." I said and Jace and I made our way out of the training room and down to the kitchen. Kyle and Whitney were sitting at the table eating when Jace and I joined them.

"When can you take me out dad?" Whitney asked.

"Uncle Alec and I have a patrol tomorrow night, you up for it?" Jace asked and I instantly got nervous.

"Hell yea." Whitney said.

"Young lady." I said and she blushed.

"Sorry mom, but this is my first hunt. I'm pumped!" Whitney said and I laughed.

"I know you are sweetie." I said. "But you have to listen to everything Uncle Alec and your father say. You will not come back to the Institute injured, dead or covered in demon blood." I said and she nodded. "You listen and watch your back."

"You honestly think dad would let anything happen to me mom? Plus if Uncle Alec is bringing Rafe I'll have two incredibly over protective parents watching my back as well." Whitney said.

"I know, I just worry." I said and she smiled.

"I'll be smart, just like you and dad taught me." Whitney said and it calmed my nerves a little. We finished dinner and Whitney cleared the table while Kyle ran into the other room to play. Once Whitney was done her job, Jace and I began to clean the dishes. Our lives would never be normal, and sometimes that sucks because the risk that comes with the job we were given, but I loved this life because it led me to Jace and for that I would always be grateful.

Time Jump – Tomorrow Night

Jace POV:

"Remember Whit, listen to me or Alec." I said and she nodded. "We might not encounter any demons tonight, but that doesn't mean you should relax. Always be on your toes, and keep an eye open for anything remotely suspicious."

"You got it dad." She said and at that moment the Institute doors opened and in walked Alec and Rafe.

"You two ready?" Alec asked.

"Born ready." Whitney said and Rafe laughed.

"You are so right prima." Rafe said and Whitney smiled.

"Come on, lets go." I said and we headed towards the club. Tonight was going to be interesting but it would be a good learning experience for Whitney and Rafe.

Time Jump – A Couple Hours Later

Clary POV:

"Mommy, when are daddy and Whitney coming back?" Kyle asked as I tucked him into bed.

"I don't know baby." I said. "But it won't be until late."

"I wanted to say goodnight." Kyle said and I kissed his forehead.

"I'll have daddy come in here when he gets back." I said and he nodded. "I love you."

"I love you too mommy." Kyle said. I walked out and turned his light off and made it to my room. I would by lying if I said that I wasn't worried about Jace and Whitney, but she'd been training for years for this moment, and I knew Jace and Alec would protect Whitney and Rafe, but that didn't mean I didn't like them being gone until all hours of the night.

Time Jump – A Couple Hours Later

Jace POV:

"That was awesome." Whitney said as we made our way back to the Institute.

"You kicked some serious demon ass Whit." Rafe said and I laughed.

"You two were great." Alec said. "Practically pros."

"But you still have some things to learn." I said as we got to the front of the institute.

"Yea we do, but this was fun, and I can't wait to do it again." Whitney said and I pulled her into a hug.

"We're going to head home. Max and Magnus are probably wondering where we are." Alec said and I nodded.

"Catch you on the next hunt." I said and they nodded before walking off. "Let's get to bed, I'm exhausted."

"You were amazing dad." Whitney said and I laughed. "I'm serious, I want to be that good one day."

"You'll get there Whit, but don't waste your life training either. I didn't have much of a choice the way I was raised, but you can be a normal girl too." I said as we walked through the halls.

"Being normal is so boring." She said and I laughed.

"Maybe so, but some of the most boring mundane things are my favorite things to do with mom." I said and she smiled. "Get washed off, and get to bed. Grandma and grandpa are coming over tomorrow."

"Night dad." Whitney said as she hugged.

"Night sweetheart." I said as I kissed her forehead. She walked into her room and I made it to Kyle's room. I opened the door and he was fast asleep. I walked over and kissed his forehead. Once I got to my room, I walked in and Clary was peacefully sleeping in our bed. I smiled to myself. I went into the bathroom and washed all the demon blood off me and just let the hot water relax me. When I finally got out, I changed into sweats and crawled into bed. I didn't realize how exhausted I was until I felt the comfiness of my bed. Clary rolled over and opened her eyes slightly.

"How'd it go?" She asked in a sleepy voice.

"Whitney and Rafe did amazing." I said. "Both killed at least 3 demons tonight."

"That's my girl." Clary said and I leaned over and kissed her head. "Night babe." She said as she rolled over and went back to sleep which caused me to laugh.

"Night." I said and I shut my eyes. Tonight was a long night, and tomorrow was going to be just as long, and I was in desperate need of sleep.

Time Jump – Next Day

Clary POV:

I woke up and Jace was passed out next to me. I rubbed my eyes and sat up and smiled knowing that the hunt was a success and that my husband and my girl were safe inside the institute. I got out of bed and got in the shower and mentally prepared myself for the day. Maryse and Robert were coming today, and they try their hardest to be civil while in the same room as the kids, but I could still tell that it was tense when they were together. When I got out of the shower and walked back into my room, Jace was up and getting dressed.

"Hey, how'd you sleep?" I asked as he turned around.

"Wonderful. I didn't realize how exhausted I was after the hunt." He said and I smiled. I walked into the closet and grabbed my clothes.

"When are your parents coming exactly?" I yelled out into the main room.

"They said they would be here between 11 and 11:30." Jace called back.

"And what time is it now?" I yelled back.

"Almost 10:45." Jace called back. When I was dressed I made my way back into the bedroom and Jace was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Today should be interesting." I said and he laughed.

"I just hope they can pull it together and leave their issues behind so that Whitney and Kyle don't have to see that." Jace said.

"I hope so too." I said.

"And if it starts getting too awkward, I'll give Alec a call and they can come over." Jace said with a laugh.

"Oh, they already are." I said and he looked at me. "I talked to Magnus last night. Maryse and Robert haven't seen Rafe and Max in months, and I figured if they were here, they might as well see all their grandchildren." I said and than I thought about the other. "Except Izzy and Simon's." I said.

"It's not my fault they travel a lot." Jace said.

"I miss them." I said honestly. "I wish that they weren't so into the recruiting process, than maybe they'd come home and stay." I said and Jace laughed.

"It's very educational for their kids." Jace said. "Getting to see all the other institutes and mingling with other shadowhunters and meeting new downworlders. I personally think they do it mostly for that educational piece."

"I know, but that doesn't make me miss them any less." I said and Jace kissed my temple.

"Come on, let's get the kids up." He said and I smiled. We walked out of our room just as Whitney walked out of hers. "I thought I was going to have to pry you out of bed." Jace said and she looked over and smiled.

"I was so excited after I got home that falling asleep was tough, and I woke up at like 7 this morning just as excited." She said and I laughed.

"I'm going to go out on a limb and say that your first hunt was pretty fun?" I said and she laughed.

"I was the best mom. I can't believe you stopped hunting, cause I could never give it up." Whitney said.

"Someone had to raise you." I said and she smiled. "And once Kyle is ready to go on his first hunt, I'll get back in the game."

"Really?" Whitney asked excitedly.

"Of course. It's what we do, we can't just shut it off." I said.

"I just figured you slumped back into your mundane ways." Whitney said.

"I don't think that's even possible at this point. I've been around this world for far too long." I said and she nodded. "Come on, grandma and grandpa should be here soon, and I have to get Kyle ready."

"I'll get him. He wasn't awake when I went in last night, and I'd like to see him." Jace said and I nodded. He walked to his room and opened his door and Whitney and I made our way downstairs.

"How did it feel to kill your first demon?" I asked after a few moments.

"Awesome mom! It was so exciting, and thrilling." Whitney said with the biggest smile on her face. "I can't wait to do it again."

"You're growing up too fast." I said as I put my arm around her. "I wish you were 3 years old again." I said and she laughed.

"You knew this day was coming." Whitney said and I laughed.

"I know, but time really flies when you're a parent. I mean, Kyle is going to be 5 next week, I don't even know where those 5 years went." I said.

"He did grow fast, and by the time he's ten, he'll probably be taller than both of us." She said and I laughed.

"I wouldn't be surprised. He is your fathers son." I said as we made it to the kitchen when I heard the Institute doors open. I walked out into the foyer and there stood Alec, Magnus, Rafe and Max. "Glad you guys could make it."

"We wouldn't miss Maryse or Robert's visit for the world." Magnus said sarcastically and Alec elbowed him.

"It may not be pleasant, but it's beneficial to the kids." Alec reminded him and Magnus nodded.

"Whitney is in the kitchen boys." I said and Rafe and Max left the room. "They'll only be here for a day. I think we can all survive."

"Easy for you to say, they approve of your marriage. Robert still refuses to believe that Alexander and I are married with two children." Magnus said and I could hear the hurt in his voice. "And I know he loves his grandsons, but he doesn't like me, and that kinda sucks."

"He likes you Magnus." Alec tried to reassure him.

"No he doesn't Alec." Magnus said and Alec looked sad. "And I've come to terms with it, but that doesn't mean it doesn't suck when we're in the same room and he ignores my existence."

"I thought our conversation at Jocelyn's wedding was his turning point, and I'm sorry that it wasn't." Alec said. Magnus smiled and kissed his cheek.

"I'll be on my best behavior, but if he diminishes me or our family at any moment, I am not responsible for the magic that flies out of these hands." Magnus said as he raised his hands and Alec laughed.

"I'll look the other way." Alec said and Magnus smiled. The institute doors opened again and in walked Maryse and Robert, and it felt like the atmosphere dropped a few degrees.

"Glad you two could make it." I said and Maryse smiled.

"I would never miss the opportunity to see my grandkids." Maryse said.

"Well, prepare to have your ears talked off by Whitney and Rafe." Magnus said. "They went on their first hunt last night and it's all Rafe has been able to talk about."

"Whitney too." I said and Magnus smiled.

"Where are the kids?" Robert asked.

"Rafe, Max, and Whitney are in the kitchen. Kyle and Jace are still upstairs. Getting that boy out of bed is impossible." I said and they laughed and Robert left the room. "How have you been Maryse?" I asked after a moment.

"I've been okay. I've been spending a lot of time at the Paris Institute. I can't believe they were even functioning properly. They were a mess when I got there." She said and I nodded.

"Which Institute are you going to next?" Alec asked.

"I'll be heading to the Institute in LA actually." Maryse and I nodded.

"Let's head into the kitchen and wait for Jace and Kyle." I said and we made our way into the kitchen where the kids were talking to Robert with animated gestured.

"Seriously grandpa, it was so cool." Rafe said. "Dad and Uncle Jace let us take on our own demons, and Whit and I kicked ass."

"Language Rafe." Magnus said and Rafe nodded.

"It was awesome." Whitney added.

"What time did you get in?" Robert asked.

"At like 2 this morning." Rafe said. "Dad and I got home and Pops and Max were brewing a potion in the living room." He said with a laugh but Robert's face was stoic. "I didn't get to bed until around 4."

"Was the potion really that necessary?" Robert asked sounding uninterested, but you couldn't miss the judgmental tone he used.

"Of course grandpa." Max said. "Pops is teaching me a bunch of different healing potions. Like the ones he's uses on dad when he comes home injured." Max said and I could see Magnus smiling. "They are pretty tough, and the one we were working on last night was incredibly difficult. We had to restart it like 3 times before we got it right. That's why it took so long." Max explained and Robert simply nodded.

"Grandma!" We heard and we all turned and Kyle came running into the kitchen. Maryse bent down and scooped him into her arms and gave him a huge hug.

"You've gotten so big since the last time I saw you." Maryse said.

"I'll be 5 next week grandma! I'll be a whole hand!" He said as he held up his hand and everyone laughed. "And I get to train with Whitney and daddy!" He said.

"You're going to be an amazing shadowhunter. Just like your dad, your mom, your sister, you uncle and your cousin." Maryse said.

"Although Rafe would be better if he had two shadowhunter parents." Robert said and I saw Magnus take a deep breath.

"Kids, why don't you go into the living room and wait for us." Alec said. The kids nodded and left the kitchen. Alec walked over to the door and put a soundless rune on it before turning back to his father. "I've had enough of this passive aggressive attitude you have towards my family." Alec said and you could tell he was upset. "You don't agree with my lifestyle, fine, but keep your bigoted opinions to yourself because guess what dad, Magnus and I are MARRIED." He said as he put emphasis on the word. "We have been married for almost 18 years father, and unlike you, I don't plan on getting divorced any time soon."

"Alexander." Robert said.

"No, you don't get to try and berate me." Alec said. "You're barely around, and when you are, all you do is attack Magnus and Max."

"I would never attack Max." Robert said seemly offended that Alec would even think he would.

"Maybe not out loud." Alec said. "But you have no problem pointing out that Magnus is a warlock whenever we're together." Alec pointed out. "Well guess what? Magnus is a warlock, and so is Max, the blue skin is kind of a dead give away father, and the sooner you realize that we're a family. A real family that love each other, and would do absolutely anything for each other, than maybe we'd invite you around more often but I'm sick and tired of you disrespecting Magnus. He's my husband, and I'm always going to take his side."

"Seriously Robert, get over yourself." Maryse said. "The world is changing, and sooner you realize that same sex marriage, and marriage between shadowhunters and downworlders is more and more prevalent, the sooner maybe you'll fully accept your son and your grandson."

"I love Max." Robert simply said.

"We know you do." Magnus said. "We know you love all your grandchildren, but if this is how every family get together is going to be, I won't bring my children around." Magnus said. "You are Alec's father, and of course I would love for you to be in my sons lives. They love you, and they wish they could see you more, but I'm not going to subject them to your unfair treatment. Rafe is an amazing shadowhunter with a shadowhunter parent and a warlock parent, just like Max is an amazing warlock with a shadowhunter parent and a warlock parent." Magnus explained. "We're a family, and that is never going to change." Suddenly a portal opened up in the kitchen and in walked Max. "How many time have I told you not to open up random portals?" Magnus said and Max laughed.

"We're all super hungry, and this family argument is never going to be solved. Grandpa will never be happy with us, and Rafe and I accepted that a long time ago." Max said.

"Max." Alec said.

"I just thought I'd come let you know we're ready for lunch." Max said as he walked back through the portal and it closed.

"Does that make you happy dad?" Alec asked Robert. "They know you don't approve of us, and yet they still love you. Why can't you do the same?"

"Alexander." Robert said.

"The kids are hungry." Alec cut him off. "We should head to lunch." Alec said as he walked out of the kitchen. Magnus followed and so did Maryse, and all that were left were Jace, Robert and I.

"Get your shit together Robert." Jace said. "Those kids are amazing, and they don't deserve to feel that way about their own family." Jace grabbed my hand and led me out of the kitchen.

Lunch wasn't as awkward as I thought it was going to be since Robert pretty much stayed quiet unless he was asked a question. When we left the restaurant, Magnus, Alec, Rafe, and Max immediately left to go home, I didn't blame them though, being around Robert was frustrating, so I can't even imagine what it must be like for them. We got back to the institute and Robert stopped at the step.

"You coming?" Jace asked.

"I'm actually going to head back to Idris." Robert said and my jaw dropped.

"You've been here for 3 hours." I said.

"I'm needed there." Robert said.

"And you aren't needed here?" Whitney asked.

"Kids, go inside." I said.

"No." Whitney said.

"Whitney Celine Herondale. Go inside and take Kyle." I said and she rolled her eyes.

"Come on Kyle." Whitney said as they walked into the institute.

"You're really going to leave?" Jace asked.

"I'm clearly not wanted here." Robert said.

"Because you make Alec and his family feel like shit." Jace said. "Why is it so hard for you to just accept that he's incredibly happy, and those kids are thriving in their training and magic. Just because they aren't the ideal family in your eyes, doesn't make them any less of a family."

"Jace." Robert said but he wasn't finished.

"They are more of a family than we ever were growing up. Alec and Magnus make sure those kids are taken care of and showed that they are loved. Which is more than you ever did." Jace spat as he walked into the institute.

"Our kids love you guys." I said after a moment of silence. "They love telling you what they've learned and they love hearing stories about your fights, and the encounters you've had with demons. They look up to you, or at least they used too." I said as I shook my head. "Maryse, you're more than welcome to drop by whenever you want, but Robert, I'd prefer if you just stayed away until you're ready to treat Max and Magnus as a part of this family like everyone else does." Without another word Robert turned around and walked away. I had no idea where he was going, but he left.

"I can't believe him." Maryse said.

"Some people just can't adjust to new things." I said and she nodded. "Come on, lets just forget about him and you can enjoy your time with Whitney and Kyle." I said and she smiled as we made our way into the institute. Today was a long day, and I couldn't believe Robert, but there was only so much we could do and say before we gave up.

Alec POV:

The walk back to the house was silent, but that was mostly because today had been an exhausting day. When we finally walked inside we all seemed to gravitate towards the living room. Max and Rafe took a seat on the couch and Magnus and I took a seat on the loveseat.

"How long have you known?" I finally asked.

"I was 10." Max said. "Grandpa was in town and we went to the institute to visit. You pulled him aside and I was on my way to the bathroom when I heard you two arguing. I was curious about what the fight was about until I heard him mention me and Pops." Max said. "Rafe noticed that I was acting weird so I told him what I heard, and we've just noticed his behavior around our family ever since."

"We're so sorry." Magnus said. "We've tried to hide it as much as we could."

"You can't do much about it Pops. Grandpa doesn't approve of our family, and that's his loss." Rafe said as he smiled and looked at Max. "Cause we're a pretty awesome family." He said which caused me to smile and Magnus to laugh.

"That we are." Magnus said.

"Don't get me wrong, it sucks that he doesn't approve, but we know that our family is unique and different within our world, and some people just aren't as open about it, but we love each other, and you two are the best parents anyone could ask for." Rafe said. "If grandpa can't see that, than oh well."

"We love you both." I said. "More than anything, and I'm sorry grandpa isn't more open to the idea, but that doesn't change how much you both are loved."

"We know." Max said. I smiled and Magnus put his arm around me and I leaned into him. My father was still stuck in the old ways, and nothing seemed to be able to pull him out, and if he wasn't willing to try, than I was done trying to force him. If he wanted to be in our life, than he'd have to change. Magnus and I have been through hell getting to where we are today, and we deserve to be happy, and that's what we were going to be.

Time Jump – Two Years Later

Jace POV:

Whitney was going through the parabatai ceremony today, and I couldn't be more proud of her for finding someone she wanted to fight with in battle and be bound to for the rest of her life. What was ever more amazing was that Rafe was the one she chose. They have been going through battles since the first hunt together and they really made quite a team. They always had each others backs, and were willing to do everything for each other. They were already parabatai; they just needed the runes to solidify it.

"When do I get to go through the ceremony?" Kyle asked as he stood next to me.

"When and if you find someone who you want to be linked too forever." I said.

"Do you think I'll ever find one?" He asked.

"You're only 7 buddy." I said. "You have plenty of time."

"But what if I don't find one?" He asked.

"Not everyone has a parabatai." I said.

"You have one, and mom has one, and now Whitney has one. I'll be the only one in the family without one." Kyle said.

"Aunt Izzy doesn't have one." I said and he looked at me.

"Really?" He asked and I nodded. "Why not?"

"She never found anyone worthy of her badass talent." I said and he laughed. "Finding a parabatai is a great thing Kyle. It's amazing having that kind of connection with someone you're fighting along side with, but it's not the end of the world. Aunt Izzy kicks demon ass all by herself and she does an amazing job doing it. Don't stress about finding a parabatai. Just focus on your training, and maybe one day you'll find that person and it'll just click." I said and he nodded.

When the ceremony was over everyone made their way back to the institute to celebrate the union between Rafe, and Whitney. Simon, and Izzy even came back for it and it was great to see Pace and Esme. Pace was a year younger than Kyle, and those two boys were inseparable when they were together and Esme was two years younger than Whitney, and they got along, but Esme was totally Izzy through and through and Whitney was more like me. She enjoyed getting down and dirty, but they were good friends and cousins nonetheless.

"Alright, what was your favorite part about the Sydney Institute?" Whitney asked Esme with the biggest smile on her face.

"The hot guys." Esme said.

"I don't need to hear this." Simon said and the room laughed.

"Seriously Whit, they were like gods." Esme said and Whitney laughed.

"You're so lucky you get to travel around to all the different institutes. I'd kill for that opportunity." Whitney said.

"Just say the word Whit, and I'll whip up a portal in a second." Max said as he snapped his fingers and a portal appeared.

"Maxwell, you will not enable her." Magnus said and the portal disappeared. "And if we find you've snuck off to some other country at any point, I'll put a spell on you and your magic will be baby proofed." Magnus said and I couldn't hold my laughter in.

"I'm 20 Pops, don't you think I'm too old to be punished?" Max said and Magnus smiled.

"You're still my kid." Magnus said. "Plus, I still have so many things to teach you."

"Speaking of teaching." I said. "Tell them what you learned last week Kyle." I said and he got the biggest smile on his face.

"I figured out what the extra angel blood did to me." Kyle said.

"And what is that?" Izzy asked.

"I have super hearing." Kyle said. "I heard dad coming even with a soundless rune on."

"That's dangerous." Alec said and I laughed.

"I'm at a total disadvantage now." I said and he laughed.

"What can Whitney do again?" Magnus asked.

"She can do everything I do. She has way more ability in fighting, and she can jump up at least 25 stories. We're testing it just to see how high she can get." I said and they nodded. The door rang and I looked at Clary. "You expecting anyone else?" I asked and she shook her head and walked out of the room. She came back in a moment later with Robert trailing behind her.

"What are you doing here?" Alec asked clearly not pleased that he was here.

"I heard that Rafe and Whitney had their parabatai ceremony today." Robert said.

"Yea, and you would have known that sooner if you were wanted here." Alec said.

"Alec, can we please talk?" Robert pleaded.

"Fine, but the minute you say something derogatory, or you start fighting with me, you're out of here." Alec said and Robert nodded. They exited the room and Max sighed.

"I just don't get why he won't give up." Max said.

"Robert has a lot of terrible qualities, but I really think he's trying to make things right." Clary said. "Some people just take a little longer to change."

"In my 20 years in this family, grandpa has never once been as interested in my life, or my magic as he is interested in Rafe and his training." Max explained. "I get if you need time, but 20 years is a long ass time."

"I'm not saying its right. I think he should have done this years ago, but sometimes it just takes longer." Clary said. The conversations moved on and I pulled Clary closer to me and kissed her head. I really hope that Robert came here to apologize, or Alec would never forgive him.

Alec POV:

"What do you want?" I asked as soon as we got into the kitchen.

"I thought a lot about what you said the last time we saw each other." Robert said.

"You mean 2 years ago Robert?" I said and he sighed.

"I've been busy." He said.

"That's been your excuse since I was a kid." I said. "You can't keep blaming your duties as a shadowhunter for being absent."

"I know, but I didn't know how to talk to you." Robert confessed. "Everything is so different than I imagined it would be."

"You mean you didn't predict you'd be divorced, your youngest would die, your oldest would be gay and your grandchild would be a downworlder?" I said and Robert sighed.

"As you can see that's a lot to process." He said and I glared at him. "Losing Max was the hardest thing that's ever happened to our family. Divorcing your mother was second, and finally seeing the real you, the you that you worked so hard to hide for so long was shocking." Robert explained.

"I get that you're ashamed of me…"

"I never said I was ashamed." Robert cut me off. "I'm the farthest thing from ashamed."

"Than why do you treat my husband, and my son like the plague?" I asked. "Max has known you haven't approved of our family and him since he was 10 dad. Can you imagine how upsetting that was for him? For his own grandfather to not love him."

"I've always loved Max." Robert said.

"Than why the hell can't you show that?" I nearly yelled.

"I don't know." Robert said in a defeated tone.

"It isn't that hard to show your grandson that you love him, and that you're interested in what he's learning." I said. "Max is an amazing warlock. And he wishes that he could share that with you."

"He does?" Robert asked shocked.

"Of course. Max has always looked up to you." I said. "He's so incredibly proud that he is the grandson of Robert Lightwood, inquisitor of the counsel." I said with a smile. "He brags about it, or at least he used too. Don't push him away just because you don't understand the choices I've made in my life, the choices that have made me incredibly happy, and the father of two incredible boys."

"I have a lot to learn." Robert finally said. "I have a lot to learn about Max and about Rafe, hell even about Magnus." He said and I nodded. "But if you can forgive me, I'd really like to make it up to you. All four of you."

"Okay." I said. "Max and Rafe deserve to know their grandfather, considering you're the only one they have, and Magnus deserves to be accepted my his father-in-law." I said and he nodded.

"Thank you Alec. I promise. I won't disappoint you." Robert said as he pulled me into a hug.

"You better now dad. I don't want my kids to go through that." I said and he nodded. We made our way back out into the living room where everyone was sitting and I cleared my throat and they all looked at me. "Robert has something he would like to say." I said and they nodded. I made my way over to Magnus and sat next to him. Robert took a a deep breath and looked at the room.

"I've been a terrible father, grandfather, husband, in-law, hell I've been a terrible person." Robert said. "I could list so many things that paved the way for my terrible behavior but that would be me just making excuses instead of owning up to my actions." He said as he looked at Magnus. "I didn't understand your relationship with Alec in the beginning. To be honest, I thought it was a huge stunt. I thought Alec wanted to embarrass us and ruin us because of how absent we were when he was growing up." Robert said and I felt Magnus tense beside me. "But you've given my son something that nothing and nobody else could." Robert said and than he smiled. "You've given him a purpose, you've given him a family, you've given him happiness." Robert said with a smile. "It used to be impossible to get Alec to smile as a child. Unless he had a bow in his hands, a smile was almost unheard of." Robert said and I laughed. "But in the small amount of times I've seen you together, it's impossible to get the smile off his face, and I never realized how important that was until recently." He said with a smile. "I've been terrible to you, and so incredibly against your relationship with my son for absolutely no reason. I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me Magnus, because anyone who makes my son happy, and makes my grandsons happy, is worthy enough to carry the Lightwood name."

"Apology accepted Robert." Magnus said almost immediately. "All I've ever wanted was for my kids to have you in their life."

"And I promise to be here more often." Robert said. "Rafe, there isn't much I can say to you, since I've always treated you better because you're a shadowhunter." Robert said and Rafe nodded. "I realize how incredibly immature and petty that was, and I hope that you can forgive me for always favoring you over your brother."

"Just make sure it doesn't happen anymore grandpa, and you're completely forgiven." Rafe said and Robert nodded.

"And Max." Robert said as he looked at the blue warlock in the corner with his arms crossed over his chest. "When Alec first told me your name I cried." Robert admitted. "Of course not in front of him, but once I got to an empty room I let it out." He said. "It had been years since our little Max had been murdered and to this day whenever I think about him I still get chocked up." Robert said and you could hear the strain in his voice. "But seeing you, and having you in our family felt like that void was semi healed." Robert said and I looked over at Max and he still had his guard up, but I understood why. "I'm ashamed to admit, but I was happy when we'd go out in public and you'd have to glamour your blue skin. For that amount of time I could pretend you were a normal shadowhunter, and I was proud of that." Robert said. "But looking back on that now, I'm incredibly ashamed that you have to hide who you are from the world when we go out." Robert said as he looked at Max. "Because you're an amazing kid. You always have been. When Magnus brought you home, I knew Alec was hesitant because he had no idea what it took to be a parent. Hell, none of us really get it right the first time." Robert said with a laugh. "But I could just tell how much love Magnus and Alec both had for you. Alec was incredibly proud of your magic and your blue skin and I used to think 'what the hell is wrong with Alec? And where did I go wrong?' and looking back at that now, makes me want to punch myself."

"You aren't out of the woods yet." Max muttered and Robert nodded.

"I know you have no reason to forgive me." Robert said. "I have been so cruel and harsh towards you for so many years that I know I deserve the cold shoulder from you." Robert said. "But you are my grandson, and this family wouldn't be the same without you in it." He said and Max lowered his arms. "I don't care how long it takes for me to make up for treating you the way that I did Max, but I will do whatever I can, to show you that you are a Lightwood, and you're a treasure in this family, and you are loved by me."

"I used to tell everyone that I was related to Robert Lightwood." Max said as he pushed himself off the wall. "I would brag because I was so proud and honored to carry that name. I used to get picked on by my downworld friends because I was a traitor to our kind, and I used to get picked on by my shadowhunter friends because 'Lightwood' should be reserved for real shadowhunters." Max said and I could tell Robert felt bad. "When I was little it really bothered me. I didn't really fit in anywhere. I wasn't a 'real' warlock because my dad is a shadowhunter, and I wasn't a shadowhunter." Max said. "I was a misfit everywhere. Everywhere accept when I was with my family. Being with dad, pops, Rafe, and everyone else was where I belonged. Nobody cared that I was blue, or that I was a warlock, or that I wasn't a shadowhunter but had a shadowhunter last name." Max said. "And than you'd show up and random family functions and ignored me. Or passive aggressively insulted me and pops." Max said and I was debating about stepping in but Magnus held me back. "I didn't know what I could do to make you like me, but I did notice when I was glamoured you were more willing to talk to me, to hold my hand when we crossed a street." He said. "I asked pops one night if I could permanently cover my blue skin because I wanted you to like me, but he told me I shouldn't be ashamed of my blue skin because it was who I am, and I should be proud of that." Max said. "I was 8 years old, and I had fully given up on your acceptance, and I don't want it now." Max said as he left the room.

"Max." Robert called but it was too late. He was already gone.

"Give him time Robert. He's had this built up for years." Magnus said.

"I've really screwed up haven't I?" Robert asked.

"Yes." Jace said honestly. "He's 20 years old Robert, were you expecting him to just forgive you for all those years right away?"

"I guess I sort of did." Robert said.

"He just needs time to process." Clary said. "Why don't we all call it a night? It's been a long an emotional day for everyone." She said and everyone nodded.

"Well, it was fun becoming parabatai Whit." Rafe said as he pulled her into a hug.

"Always a pleasure. Be here at 8 am to train." Whitney said and Rafe nodded.

"Come on, let's go home in case Max went there." I said and Magnus and Rafe nodded. "See you all soon." I said and we walked out of the institute. Magnus took my hand in his and I smiled at him. "Do you think I did the right thing? By letting him back into our lives?"

"I think it was." Magnus said honestly. "Max has just been getting a ton of shit for so long from him, I'm impressed he didn't turn him into a toad." He said and I laughed.

"I'm all for forgiving grandpa, but if he reverts back to his old ways, he's done." Rafe said and I nodded.

"I know. This was his last chance, and he knows that." I said and Magnus and Rafe both nodded. I knew Robert meant well, but I couldn't blame Max for reacting the way he did, and if he needed time, than he could take as much time as he needed.

Clary POV:

Everyone got in bed and by the time I finally laid down in my bed I was exhausted. Tonight took an unexpected turn and I'm not entirely sure which direction this family would go in now, but I guess only time will tell. When Jace got into bed I immediately curled into his side.

"Tonight could have gone better." He said and I laughed.

"It also could have gone worse." I said and he nodded. "Max has a lot of pent up anger, I'm impressed he left without causing bodily harm."

"He knows better than to use his magic to cause harm, I just feel bad because all Max has ever wanted was for Robert to accept him, and now that Robert is trying he seems to have given that up, and I can't blame him for that. It's been so long, but doesn't make it suck any less." Jace said.

"They'll work it out eventually. You Lightwoods have a tough exterior, but on the inside you're all soft and mushy." I said as I poked his side and he laughed.

"I'll have you know I'm pretty cold and distant through to my core." Jace said and I smiled.

"Maybe to the rest of the world, but you're a big ol' softy when it comes to family. Especially your girls." I said and he squeezed me tighter.

"You've got that right." Jace said and I smiled as I felt him press his lips to my head. We might have our fair share of family drama, but I wouldn't want to be part of any other family. This one was amazing to the core, and despite how awful Robert has been, every single member knows how much they are loved and cared for, and that's what matters the most.

Time Jump – Next Day

Jace POV:

I woke up relatively early, and made my way to the training room. I knew Rafe and Whitney were working out today. Their first workout as parabatai and they were going to feel a little different. I was getting out my daggers when I heard the door open and in walked Rafe and Whitney laughing about something.

"Welcome to your first training session as parabatai." I said and they smiled. "You two ready?"

"Born ready Uncle Jace." Rafe said and I tossed a seraph blade at him.

"How is Max?" I asked after a moment.

"Didn't come home last night." Rafe said. "I'm worried about him, but pops said that he can sense him and that he's not in any trouble so that makes me feel better." He explained.

"I can't imagine what he's going through." Whitney said. "I mean to not have someone's approval, for that long, and it be a member of our family must be incredibly hard to even process."

"Every family has that loose screw." I said. "Robert happens to be the Lightwood loose screw."

"Who was yours?" Rafe asked.

"Who wasn't mine?" I said and he laughed. "My father was killed, my mother killed herself, Valentine disguised himself as Michael Wayland and raised me for 10 years before shipping me to the Lightwoods." I said. "I don't even know where to start."

"I would say Valentine." Whitney said. "He seems to be you and mom's loose screw."

"Funny how her actual dad, was my pretend dad for so long and managed to mess up both of our lives pretty well." I said and they laughed. "But we're all here now, and we're all doing good, so I can't complain."

"I can't either." Whitney said. "I'm pretty lucky. I got great parents, an okay brother, and an awesome parabatai." She said as she looked at Rafe. "It can only go up from here right?"

"Right you are sweetheart. Now let's get to work." I said and they nodded and we started training. Before I knew it all the kids were in the training room. I looked around at my nieces and nephews and smiled to myself. I couldn't believe that I had a family, a real, loving and amazing family. At one point in my life I thought it was impossible, but looking at these kids now, I couldn't picture it any other way.

Time Jump – Two Days Later

Alec POV:

"Magnus, I'm worried. He's been gone for almost 3 days. Shouldn't be out looking for him?" I asked worriedly.

"I can feel him Alexander. He's not in trouble. He's just sad." Magnus said.

"But we can help him feel better." I said and Magnus shook his head.

"He needs to figure out his feelings towards Robert on his own." Magnus said. "He's an adult darling, if he wants Robert in his life, that's up to him."

"I just want to know he's safe." I said and Magnus walked over and pressed a kiss to my cheek.

"The minute I feel something wrong with him, we'll do something." Magnus said and I nodded. I trusted Magnus, and I knew Max was just trying to figure out his emotions, but I'd rather him do it here, than out in the world where I didn't know where he is.

Max POV:

I felt bad just disappearing on my family, but I was way too angry to be around them. Everything grandpa said made me feel like the way that he treated me was my fault. Being a warlock, having blue skin. Maybe if I had a warlock mark like pops it would be easier for him to accept me, but I can't change my skin, and if grandpa can't accept that than I don't need him in my life anyway.

I was currently sitting on a bench in a glamoured park that only shadowhunters and downworlders can see just watching the little vampire children play. It was currently almost midnight, so prime playtime I guess. They all looked so happy, and I wish that I could just take their happiness and use it to forgive grandpa but it just seemed impossible. I've been angry for so long that I don't even know how not to be.

"You're a new face." I heard. A woman was now sitting next to me. She smiled and her fangs showed.

"Just came to clear my head." I said and she nodded.

"You look like you need a friend to talk too." She said. "My name is Tulip."

"Like the flower?" I asked and she laughed.

"Yea. I'm of Turkish decent." She explained.

"How the hell did you end up in New York?" I asked and she glanced over at the kids on the swings.

"I traveled a lot. I never liked spending more than a couple years in the same place." She said. "But I fell in love." She said with the biggest smile on her face. "He lived here, his sisters were still alive and he wanted to stay close and I decided that I would move for him."

"That's brazen. For a nomad that is." I said and she smiled.

"You do the craziest things for love." She said and I nodded. "So, what species are you?" She asked after a moment. I totally forgot that I had glamoured myself to get here and I never took it away. I snapped my fingers and I was blue again.

"Warlock." I said and she nodded.

"Nice." She said and I gave her a sad smile. "Or not so nice."

"Just a lot of family issues that are really getting to me." I said and she nodded.

"I would kill to have family issues again." She said with a sadness in her voice. "My family has been dead for centuries."

"That must have sucked." I said. "Watching those you love the most get old and die."

"It's tough, but it's the way of our kind. Immortality can be disastrous, and cruel at some points, but we can't change that." Tulip said and I nodded.

"My dad and brother are both shadowhunters." I said randomly, not really knowing why I was opening up to her, but she was willing to listen and I needed that right now. "Every time they go out for a hunt I'm terrified they won't come back."

"Shadowhunters?" She asked and I nodded. "How did you end up in their care?"

"I was left on the stairs of the Shadowhunter Academy in Idris. My pops brought me back and convinced my dad to take care of me until they could place me with a warlock family that could raise me." I explained. "But my dad fell in love with me, and my pops is a warlock so they kept me. Fought The Clave tooth and nail to keep me, but they did it."

"Wait, you're the son of Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood?" She asked seeming shocked.

"You know them?" I asked also a little surprised.

"They paved the way for interspecies relationships, and also same sex relationships." Tulip said. "They are pretty revolutionary."

"Yea. They're amazing, and I'm thankful that pops found me and took me in." I said.

"So what's the problem exactly?" She asked.

"My grandfather hasn't always been the nicest when it comes to having a warlock grandson and son-in-law." I said and she nodded.

"I've heard things about Robert Lightwood." Tulip said. "Some good, others bad."

"Probably mostly bad." I said with a humorless laugh.

"Actually, for the past couple years I've heard he's been doing pretty insane stuff within the counsel." She said and I looked at her. "He's trying to diversify it more, and make it more downworlder friendly."

"That doesn't sound like grandpa at all." I said and she smiled.

"Sometimes people do rotten things, but that doesn't make them rotten people." Tulip said and I nodded. "Listen, you're going to live forever, and Robert Lightwood won't. It would be beneficial for the both of you to reconcile and move forward. It isn't fun when 500 years have passed and you realize how incredibly childish you were to some relative that you can never see again."

"Know that from personal experience?" I asked and she nodded.

"My mother threw me out when I was turned. She didn't want a monster living with her." Tulip said and I laughed.

"Same thing happened to my Uncle Simon when he was a vampire." I said and she looked confused. "That's a story for a different day." I said and she nodded.

"Anyway, I vowed to never speak to her ever again." Tulip said. "When she died, the only thing I felt was relief." She said. "The last couple hundred years I realize that I should have tried to reach out more, and tried to make amends. I regret that I didn't ever single day."

"I've been so angry with him for so long." I admitted.

"Once you let go of that anger, you'll feel so much better, and free." Tulip said and I nodded.

"Mama!" I heard there was a little girl grinning from ear to ear waving at Tulip. "Come play mama!" She called.

"Duty calls." Tulip said and I nodded.

"Thanks for the talk." I said as she stood up.

"I hope I helped." She said and I smiled.

"You did." I said and she made her way over to her daughter. I sighed and stood up. I snapped my fingers and a portal appeared. I stepped through and a moment later I was back at my house. Dad and pops were in the living room, and Rafe wasn't there at all.

"Max." I heard my dad say. "Are you okay?" He asked.

"I'm fine. I just needed some time." I said and they both nodded. "I'm sorry I didn't call."

"We understood why you needed time." Pops said. "Although, that didn't stop your father from worrying about you all day and night." He said with a laugh and I smiled.

"I want to talk to grandpa." I said and they both nodded.

"He's still at the institute. We'll go over tomorrow." Dad said and I nodded.

"Where is Rafe?" I asked noticing that he wasn't here.

"Uncle Jace, Whitney and him went out on a hunt." Dad said.

"And you stayed behind?" I asked.

"I knew Rafe was safe with Jace, I had another son to worry about in the mean time." Dad said and I smiled.

"I think I'm going to go to bed. It's been a long three days." I said and they nodded.

"We're glad you're home blueberry." Pops said and I laughed.

"Me too." I said.

"We love you." Dad said.

"I love you guys too." I said and I went to my room. I laid on my bed and thought back to what Tulip said and realized that I might not fully forgive him now, but I could get there, and all I've ever wanted was for him to be proud of me, and this was the first step to having that dream come true, and I would be foolish not to accept it.

Time Jump – Next Day

Jace POV:

Everyone was in the kitchen eating breakfast when Alec, Magnus and Max walked in. Everything seemed to stop, and I could just see Robert tense, but I couldn't blame him, he knew he messed up and he didn't know how to act around Max.

"Good morning." Alec said and I smiled.

"Missed you hunting last night man." I said trying to break the tension. "It was wild."

"How did Rafe do?" Magnus asked and I looked over at an exhausted looking Rafe and laughed.

"Kids got a lot to learn, but he held his own." I said and they nodded.

"I'm so tired." Rafe said as he put his head on the table.

"Suck it up sport." I said as I ruffled his hair.

"It only gets worse form here." Clary said and I smiled. "Jace woke me up at 5 am every morning when I was training, even if we got back from a hunt at 4 am."

"Dad, that's torture." Whitney said and I laughed.

"But your mother is an amazing shadowhunter. It all paid off." I said.

"Mom could make a rune that could destroy anyone within a hundred feet. She doesn't even need to use a seraph blade." Whitney said and I laughed.

"Yes, but when she loses her stele, which happens more often than you'd think, she'll need to fight. And I refuse to lose my wife to a demon." I said and Whitney laughed and shook her head. "How are you three?" I asked as I looked back at Magnus, Alec, and Max.

"We're good." Alec said.

"Grandpa, can we talk?" Max said. "Alone."

"Of course." Robert said as he got up from the table. The both exited the kitchen and Magnus and Alec took a seat.

"What are the chances that Robert comes back with an missing limb?" Rafe asked and we all laughed.

"Slim considering he would than lose a limb for using his magic inappropriately." Magnus said.

"But you'd be doing the same thing!" Rafe said.

"But I'm the High Warlock of Brooklyn, I have that right." Magnus said and Rafe simply nodded and continued to eat.

The rest of breakfast went by normally. Clary and I were cleaning up and Max was still talking to Robert. I wish I could be a fly on the wall in that conversation.

"How long do you think they'll be?" Clary asked after a moment.

"Who knows. Max as a lot to work through, and I bet Robert will sit there and explain everything to him, no matter how long it takes." I said and she nodded.

"When does training start?" Clary asked.

"15 minutes. I figured I'd give them time to digest breakfast." I said and Clary laughed.

"So much nicer with the kids than you were with me." She said and I pulled her into me.

"Truthfully I did it so I could spend as much time as possible with you." I said as I pressed my lips to hers.

"Why didn't you just ask?" She said when we broke apart.

"You really think Jocelyn would have been okay with you coming over at ungodly hours of the morning if you weren't training?" I said and she laughed.

"I guess not." She said and I nodded. "It was still cruel of you to do." She said and I smiled.

"But effective." I said and she smiled.

"Come on, the kids are probably in the training room already." Clary said and I nodded. I grabbed her hand and we made our way to the training room where everyone was already waiting.

"About time you got here old man." Whitney said and I laughed and shook my head.

"I was just giving you all time to get ready for a total ass kicking." I said and everyone laughed.

"Please, we can take you." Rafe said.

"You've done it now." Alec said. "You all just signed your death wish kid."

"I have my parabatai, therefore we're stronger. "Whitney said.

"And I have mine." I said as I looked at Alec and he smiled.

"And I have mine." Clary said as her and Simon smiled at each other.

"Whoa, when did this become parents vs. kids?" Rafe asked.

"Since you declared war son." Alec said and he hung his head.

"Than we get the warlock." Whitney said.

"I'm staying out of this. Lightwood family wars never turn out well, trust me." Magnus said as he held his hands up in protest.

"Fine, we can take on the old folks." Rafe said and I laughed.

"Bring it on Raphael." I said and he glared at me. He hated his first name as much as I hated mine. The training room doors opened and in walked Max and Robert, both smiling and seeming to be in light conversation.

"I take it the talk went well." Alec said and Max and Robert both looked at him.

"We have a long way to go, but I think we can get there." Robert said and Max nodded in agreement.

"Good." Alec said and Max smiled.

"What going on here?" Max asked.

"Adults vs. kids. We need a warlock. You in?" Whitney asked and he held his hands up in the same manner as Magnus.

"I think I'll pass." Max said and everyone laughed.

"Smart move son." Magnus said. They slowly backed away from the ground and Pace and Kyle both backed away as well.

"This is so unfair." Whitney said. "Mom, dad, Uncle Simon, Aunt Izzy, and Uncle Alec against just Esme, Rafe and me."

"You aren't always going to have a fair fight sweetheart." Clary said. "Think of this as character building."

"How is this character building?" Rafe asked.

"No one ever challenges me and wins." I said and everyone laughed. "On the count of three." I said and everyone nodded. "One…..two…..three." I said and the training session began. Family might take a lot of practice and there will always be mistakes and feuds, but knowing that we were all making an effort to move past it and have a fresh start, shows that family might fight, but we're always willing to make amends and move on.