Hello everyone! This is KiaraBaneTMI! I am so excited to finally share with you my first collection of one-shots surrounding the Lightwood-Bane family! These will mainly be focused on their family after Rafael is adopted by them. These will mostly be in no particular order, and will be updated randomly, whenever I have inspiration! There's really no chronological story I'm going to be following here, though for the first few stories I may try to arrange them in a semi-chronological order. My first official one-shot was in City of Ancients, and it will be revised and included here later!

Speaking of City of Ancients, it is almost finished (or may already be finished by the time you are reading this). For this specific group of one-shots, I will avoid including any of the original characters I created for that story. HOWEVER, I do have some one-shots and random story ideas/concepts that I couldn't include in the final story, but may still publish for the rest of you to read! I already have one about when Magnus and ALec host a little Holiday Party at the Loft with all their family and friends.

Anyways, I've rambled on long enough. Please enjoy!

AND REMEMBER TO COMMENT AND LIKE! THEY MAKE ME HAPPY AND LET ME KNOW YOU GUYS ARE ENJOYING WHAT I POST!

Disclaimer: I do not own ANY of these characters. All rights go to Cassandra Clare

Chapter 1: Big Brother

Rafael had always been alone.

Ever since he could remember, he lived alone in the Shadow Market. None of the other orphaned kids or adults went near him, save for if he needed food. He was the only Shadowhunter there, living amongst the Downworlders made him an outcast. They acted fearful around him, and always gave him unfriendly or fearful looks. Some of them treated him like he was sick and would infect them if they got close. He didn't really blame them, though. The Shadowhunters that lived at the Institute weren't real Shadowhunters, and only caused trouble. And if he was like them, it made sense that they didn't trust him. It still hurt a bit that no one really liked him. When a couple of them caught him crying one time, they laughed at him and called him names. He ended up breaking their noses out of rage. From then on, he changed. Instead of letting them see him hurt again, he built up walls and mastered the art of intimidation. He always was apart from the group, but everyone knew when and if he was near.

Now, it was different.

Ever since Alec arrived and then took him away from the Market, brought him to his new home, Rafael wasn't alone. He was in a warm, safe house. He had plenty of food every night. He had a warm bed and clean clothes and new shoes and had a bath to clean himself in (he didn't like the bath, but he had it). He had toys and weapons he hadn't had to steal or make.

But what he had now that be never knew he really admitted he wanted before were people who loved him. He had Alec, his Shadowhunter dad who saved him, who was a real Shadowhunter and used a bow and arrow and wore the same black clothes every day. He had Magnus, his awesome new warlock dad with really cool cat eyes and magic, who wore sparkly colors and clothes and makeup and performed tricks to make him smile. He had Chairman Meow, the tiny family cat who often slept at his feet nowadays whenever he went to bed. And he also had Max.

Max. Max was so different from any of the children Rafael had known in the Shadow Market. He was navy blue and had horns, which wasn't surprising considering he was a warlock child. When Max first saw Rafael, Rafael gave him the same look that made the other kids in the Market step back. Rafael reacted on basic instinct, preparing for the worst. Most of the other kids would run away when he glared at them like this. He'd practiced it often. It never failed back in Buenos Aires. Max, though, he didn't flinch. Instead, he smiled back. That had never happened before. No Downworlder his age ever smiled at him. Then when Max hugged him and called him his brother, Rafael was even more shocked. Rafael didn't know the last time someone hugged him. He couldn't remember if he'd ever had a hug before Alec came.

A new, warm feeling filled his chest, something he couldn't explain. Later that first night, when they were finished with their training as Max called it, had been time for bed. All four of them were sitting on the mats that Magnus had poofed up for them an hour prior. Rafael sat right next to Magnus, still wearing the sparkly jacket that the warlock had given him, watching as the glitter fountain in his hands returned when he cupped them (A/N: this happened in The Land I Lost). Alec sat across from them, cradling Max in his lap. The blue boy was nestled into his dad's strong and warm torso, like a kitten. His eyes were droopy and he yawned constantly. Alec decided then that it was time for bed. Magnus asked Rafael if he wanted to decorate his room now or tomorrow, but Max mumbled something before the six-ish year old could answer.

"W'h me," the toddler mumbled tiredly. He was trying so very hard to stay awake in Alec's arms, but his eyelids dropped heavily. Alec shifted the toddler in his arms a little so he could look down at the boys horned blue head.

"You want Rafael to sleep with you, Max?" Alec asked quietly. He looked at the boy with such softness in his eyes, like he was the most precious thing in the world. Rafael had only seen that look in a few people in the Market, and it was never towards himself. And never by a Shadowhunter. But Alec was different. He was a different Shadowhunter. He was a real one, a good one.

"M' brother," Max mumbled, reaching his hand out sleepily in Rafe's direction. He opened and closed his little hand, reaching out to his new brother. Rafael felt a strange sensation in his chest. It was warm and tingly.

"Well, let's let Rafael decide," Alec whispered softly, lightly brushing the toddler's hair off his face.

"Where do you want to sleep Rafe? It's your choice," Magnus asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Rafael looked up at his new father. The hand on his shoulder was warm, and it was gentle. His cat eyes were soft and tender, looking right at him. Rafael felt that tingly feeling in his chest again. Then he looked back at Max.

He seemed to be struggling to lift his head up, to look at his new brother. His arm was still raised, his hand still opening and closing. Alec said nothing and just gave Rafe a small smile, warm and open. Max opened his eye a little, so blue and innocent. Rafael knew his answer and whispered it to Magnus.

"He says he'll sleep with Max in his room," Magnus translated with a smile. Alec nodded his head.

"Yay," Max mumbled tiredly, dropping his arm. Rafael crawled towards Alec and Max, and when he could reach, he took the toddler's hand in his own. Their hands were so different, not just in color and size, but texture and the history they represented. Rafael gazed at the blue hand in his own. It was so tiny, so soft, so fragile compared to his. His hands were already hard and rough from all the scrapes and fights he'd had in the Market. Max's hands were free of that. The blue digits contained baby fat, making them a little pudgy, protecting bones so fragile they would break if Rafael squeezed just a little too hard. Rafael's fingers were rough, bones strong and almost skeletal, a result from the hunger and scuffles he had to endure to survive alone at such a young age. Max's hands were so different. They reflected how different their lives had been. This baby warlock lived safe and loved, not having to fend for himself, not knowing loneliness or starvation or hardship. He only knew of love, of full bellies every day, and had no concept of suffering. His soft little hands said all that to Rafael. When Alec stood up, keeping Max pressed to his chest, Rafael never let the little hand go.

"Let's go," Alec said softly, beginning to lead them to Max's bedroom. Radar kept in step with the adult, keeping Max's tiny hand in his own. He didn't want to let go.

It was a short trip down the hall to Max's room. It was pretty big, all blue and bright and messy. His bed was against the wall, under a window. Carefully, Alec stepped over the scattered toys and began placing the blue boy in the bed. Rafael let his hand go as Alec started tucking the other boy in, gently wrapping blankets around him. They would've stayed in Max hadn't started moving a fussing.

"Rafe 'ith me," he mumbled softly. Rafael watched as Alec gave the nearly-asleep toddler another heart melting smile. He heard Magnus give a soft chuckle behind them.

"Rafael is a bit too big for the bed, blueberry," Magnus explained softly. The older warlock then snapped his fingers and a new mattress appeared on the floor, loaded with blankets and pillows. The edge was right against Max's bed frame.

"Is this ok, Rafael?" Magnus asked him in Spanish. Rafael nodded his head, his eyes drawn to the tired, happy smile Max had on his face.

"Alright then," Alec said. "We'll see you in the morning then."

Then, Alec had his arms around Rafael, so soft and gentle. Rafael stiffened for a moment before he let himself melt into the embrace. He could feel Alec's strong muscles, strong enough to break him. But it was so soft and gentle. He was warm and solid and strong and smelled like fire smoke. And Rafael felt safe. He wrapped his arms around the man for a moment before pulling away, still not completely comfortable with opening up. Alec pulled back and looked in his eyes, flooded with understanding and care. He then stepped back and moved towards the door, trading places with Magnus.

The warlock first approached the now snoring baby and placed a gentle kiss on his horned head. Then he turned around and looked at Rafael. His eyes were patient, soft, and asked for permission. Rafael gave a tiny nod, and he was wrapped in the other man's arms. His were different. They weren't muscled or strong like Alec's, but they were firm around him. He smelled like something new, a new scent Rafael had never smelled before, but he liked it. It seemed to fit the cool man. As he pulled back, Magnus snapped his fingers again. Rafael felt something change about his clothes. He looked down and saw his clothes were replaced with new ones. They were soft and light and warm.

"You couldn't sleep in those clothes," Magnus told him in Spanish. "These should be much more comfortable."

"Thank you," Rafael said in careful English. Magnus smiled lovingly and stood again, gesturing towards the bed. Rafael immediately climbed into the mattress and laid down. It was so soft. And so warm. He felt like he was sinking into the ground. As he laid there, he saw Magnus pull a blanket up to cover most of his body, stopping just bellow his arms. Alec had made his way back over too, watching carefully for any signs of discomfort or distress. It felt strange, but it still felt nice. Once the blankets were all wrapped around the boy, Magnus stood. Taking Alec's hand, they walked to the door.

"If you need us, we will be just down the hall," Magnus said, pointing out the door. "Just knock on the big door if you need us."

"Do you need anything else before we go to bed?" Alec asked in English, and Magnus translated. "Water? A light? Bathroom?"

"No," Rafael said quietly, slightly annoyed but amused by Alec's questions. Magnus smiled fondly at Alec as he gave an embarrassed smile.

"Your concern is adorable, darling," Magnus said, kissing Alec's cheek, before turning back to Rafael. "Goodnight, Rafael. Sweet dreams."

"...goodnight." With a small smile and a nod, the warlock closed the door quietly. Rafael listened as their footsteps reversed from the room and down the hall. Another door creaked open and then closed. Then it was silent.

Rafael wasn't used to silence. The Shadow Market was always noisy, even at night. There was always something happening. Rafael had never been in such a quiet place before. Well, there were new noises outside, and they were loud, but they were new and strange. There was honking, and some "woop-woop" noise-a siren?-and some other noises Rafael didn't know that well. The mundane world sounded much different than the Shadow Market did, but this part of the mundane world sounded different from the mundane world back in Buenos Aires. The boy laid there for a bit, trying to fall asleep, but it escaped him. His mind was too awake.

His body was tired, sure to be sore tomorrow, he knew. However, his mind was wide awake. Usually when sleep escaped him, it was because Rafael felt unsafe. His senses would be on high alert, and he would go scouting on his own. Most of the time they were right, and he'd move to a new spot to sleep until he was safe. Here, though…Rafael was supposed to be safe. There was Alec and Magnus. Alec saved him before. Rafael could also feel the wards around the apartment, like a big glass wall between them and danger. Despite thinking this, Rafael just couldn't seem to shut his body down. On those rare occasions that his instincts were wrong, Rafael would typically wander around the Market until he tired himself out. But he wasn't in the Market now, and he didn't want to leave the room. So, he decided to focus his mind on something else.

Turning his head, he looked to Max sleeping in his little bed. He had already turned over and some of the covers were already kicked off his body. His mouth was wide open, and a tiny trail of drool was leaking out. Rafael turned his body fully to watch the warlock, his new baby brother. He marveled again on how small and fragile he was, especially now that he was asleep. He admired how openly, how unguarded Max seemed as he slept, just like when he was awake. In the Shadow Market, most kids as young has him slept curled up, trying to keep warm or move easily if there was danger. Some kids slept in groups of two or three, conserving body heat, blankets, and occasional pillows between them. Rafael had never had anyone to share with, and often found himself alone in one of the corners of the Market, huddling in on himself to try and stay warm. It was basic instinct, not just to conserve warmth, but to also protect himself in case something dangerous happened. All the Shadow Market kids had learned to protect themselves, even in their sleep. Even though the Shadow Market was their home, and there were many people there who helped look after them, it was still dangerous for little kids, especially ones who didn't have families to watch out for them.

Silently, Rafael pushed the carefully tucked in blankets off himself and sat up. He turned his body completely and sat on his mattress, until he was completely facing Max's bed. Looking closer, Rafael could see the tiny curls his hair made, the way his nose twitched as he snored. His little blue hand was reaching out again, inches from Rafael's face. His palm was up and open, as if waiting for someone to take it.

Rafael continued watching Max as he slept, and his mind raced. This little boy was so innocent, so loving, and so kind. He was so pure and innocent. None of the kids in the Shadow Market had been pure and innocent, not to any major extent. They had been orphans too, had learned to live on street like himself. But Max, Max didn't need to have that hardness. He hadn't had to have it. He'd had love, and a bed, and food, and parents, and family. It was something so new, so amazing to Rafael. Something that amazing him to no end.

Slowly, Rafael reached up and took the little boy's hand in his own once more. He was gentle and slow, not wanting to disturb the sleeping boy. With tiny, calculated movements, Rafael wrapped his palm around the little blue one, careful not to squeeze it too tight or move it. Max made a little noise in his sleep, and Rafael stiffened, afraid he had awoken the toddler. Instead, Max's hand tightened a bit and he smiled in his sleep. Rafael felt another tingle in his chest.

Perhaps this was love, Rafael thought to himself as he looked at their clasped hands. Carefully, Rafael reached with his other hand and pulled the blanket back onto the blue boy, still careful not to disturb him. Then, he gingerly brushed the boy's navy-blue hair, careful to avoid the horns. It was as soft as it looked.

Though he didn't know at the time, Rafael made himself a promise then. He promised to become a good, strong man like Alec. He would be strong and tough, he would train and learn and fight. He would learn to make potions and learn magic if he could. He would be smart and fast and good. He would do whatever it took to make himself strong.

He wanted to be strong, to protect his baby brother.

The next morning, when Magnus came to wake the boys up, he grinned at the sight before him. Rafael was asleep on top of his covers, Max under his, and they were facing each other.

Their hands were still connected.

And there it is! I hope you enjoyed it! I tried to write this as if I was thinking in the mind of a child Rafael's age. SO if it seemed repetitive, that's the idea. Anywho, hope you enjoyed! I'll see you all next time!

Love,

KiaraBaneTMI