Title: Eternally Bound

Summary: Alexander Lightwood was only three when his parents died. Now he's a servant of the Morgensterns, bound to their secrets more tightly than any could imagine. Now he must free himself and experience life before his runs out.

Note: Ah! What a long wait! I am so sorry, guys - school is a priority for me, and things got in the way. Add in a new job, severe writer's block on this chapter, and my original characters beckoning for my return during any and all free time, I had to sit down, lock my own characters up, lure the MI ones out of hiding, and force them to let me finish this chapter. I'm glad that so many of you were open to the idea of Tobias being a bit prejudiced. Magnus and Tobias are a whole new basket of fun that I'll be having. This is the last chapter of really introductions and easing you (and Alexander) into this world - things begin to pick up at the end! Enjoy!

This note is quick, but I'd just like to say thank you to harmonized insanity, my new beta! (Everyone, give a round of applause, please!)

Disclaimer: I do not own MI. Cassandra Clare does.

Chapter Five

Alexander would lying if he said that the warlock hadn't frightened him.

First of all, he didn't think he had ever seen anyone wear so many colors at once. He wasn't sure he had ever seen that many colors, period. The closest thing he could think of was when flipping through an art book in the library during free time. He liked to look at the different illustrations and sometimes practiced reading with the captions and histories on the paintings.

And the sparkles! Alexander didn't think that the gleam of crystals and silver could be on someone's skin. And his nails were black. That wasn't natural, was it? Now that Alexander thought back, he supposed he was wrong in calling the warlocknormal. He was anything but. The fact that his eyes were his Devil's mark, not his skin or nails or impossibly white and straight teeth, was astonishing.

And he didn't even want to think about the way he held his hand. It was terror inducing, in a way. Alexander's heart began to beat a million miles a minute and something unknown surged through his entire body, rendering him immobile. The sudden grab and shout scared Alexander out of his skin and then his own willingness to reach out shocked him.

Alexander didn't even realize he had that kind of courage.

He was glad to have Tobias sitting beside him again. However grateful he was for Magnus's prickling magic that let his bruises simply fade, Tobias was familiar and comfortable. Alexander couldn't remember having that feeling often, and he clung to it with all his might.

Tobias was oddly silent when he returned to the cell. The only thing he had done besides sit down was ask if he was enjoying his meal. Alexander had nodded and tried to stop shovelling the food into his mouth like an animal.

"What did you think?" Tobias asked as Alexander finished nibbling on his bread.

Alexander frowned and swallowed his small bite. "What did I think of what, sir?"

Tobias's hands balled into fists. "Magnus Bane. That warlock."

Alexander pushed the tray away and drew his knees to his chest. "He seemed kind, sir," he said honestly. "He healed the bruises on my wrists." He held them up as proof, though the inky runes still marred the white skin.

Tobias narrowed his eyes and leaned closer. "Did he heal everything?" His gaze clearly travelled to Alexander's torso and the boy blushed.

"Um… some of it, sir. He said too much magic is bad for a person, though. If they're not warlocks, I mean." He experimentally pressed a spot on his stomach and winced. "Like there's still something there, sir."

"Don't poke your bruises," Tobias said absently and turned away. He seemed utterly distracted.

Alexander nodded and folded his hands on his lap, though the curious, sadistic part of him wanted to try again. He knew that it would still hurt the same, but he could never help just checking. "Yes, sir."

Tobias took a sharp breath. "You don't have to listen to every order you're given. In fact, if you don't want to do something, you shouldn't."

Alexander cocked his head to the side and stared at Tobias inquisitively. Did he have short term memory loss? "Sir, I have to follow orders, it's –"

"The runes, the runes, I know." Tobias waved his hand dismissively. He still wouldn't look at Alexander. "But that only applies to Morgensterns. You don't have to follow my orders, or the Inquisitor's orders, and especially not Magnus Bane's orders."

"But, sir –"

Tobias snapped his head around so quickly that Alexander's voice faltered. He could see something blazing in the boy's light eyes and leaned back instinctively from his rage. "He told me that you undressed for him. After he told me that you were sexually abused. You didn't have to do that, Alexander. He's a Downworlder, he's got no authority, he's got no right to tell you to do something like that."

Alexander hugged his knees tighter, even though his right one was throbbing. Magnus had tried to help it, but claimed it was almost too far gone to fix with magic safely. He had re-wrapped it tightly and swore to get him something to help him walk. "He was just fixing my injuries," Alexander said in a small voice. "He didn't hurt me, sir. He wasn't like –" He looked down. "Never mind, sir."

Tobias didn't look satisfied, but his posture did relax a little and the fire vanished from his eyes. His face was drawn and tight. "He was right then. You were sexually abused."

Alexander blinked a few times. He knew that Tobias had said the phrase before, and Magnus had mentioned it several times during his examination. "What does that mean, sir?"

Tobias tilted his head to the ceiling with a pleading expression on his face. "I'll give you the Talk later."

"What –"

"I'll explain later."

Alexander nodded and started to poke his fingers through a hole in his shirt. If he was careful, it wouldn't rip too much more. He just couldn't figure out where the holes had come from in the first place.

"Promise me you won't follow anyone's orders just because." Tobias placed his hand over Alexander's. It was warm and rough, though Alexander was sure his own were more callused.

"Sir," Alexander said and looked up hesitantly. Tobias wasn't moving. He was holding his breath. "I promise," he finally finished, though unsure of how he was going to distinguish what was worth the order and what wasn't.

Tobias exhaled and his shoulders sagged. "Good." He wrapped his arm around Alexander and leaned heavily on the thin boy in what Alexander construed to be an odd, very uncomfortable hug. "Thank you."

Alexander pulled away and bit down on his lip. "You're welcome, sir," he whispered. Tobias was the only person that had ever said that phrase to him, and he said it often. It was jarring. Alexander wasn't used to it yet.

Just as he opened his mouth to ask which orders he should follow, the cell door creaked open and admitted the Inquisitor. Two teenagers followed behind her, a boy and a girl. They weren't in Shadowhunter gear, but the boy had scars running up his arms, which were bare except for swirling black Marks. The girl was short and jittery, bouncing on her heels. She held onto the boy's wrist tightly, but he didn't seem to notice.

Alexander shrunk under his scrutinizing stare. The boy had a predatory glint in his eyes, a dangerous streak that reminded him so much of Jonathan.

"This is Alexander?" He pointed and looked towards the Inquisitor for confirmation. His voice sounded a little amused and a little disgusted.

Just like Jonathan's.

Alexander couldn't help it. He was trembling, shaking so hard that his vision began to quiver, too. He never thought he'd have to see the boy again, never thought he'd have to hear that tone or feel that glare, but here it was. The boy looked so different from Jonathan, but was exactly the same. He was vaguely aware of Tobias murmuring to him, but everything was gone except for the memories that consumed him.

He felt a hand brush his own, rough and soft at the same time, and jumped away as fast as he could. A loud sound filled his ears and snapped him out of the Morgenstern manor.

The room came into focus again. Everyone was staring and he was on the ground. The pain in his knee pulsed and Tobias had a hand outstretched towards him, frozen. Alexander took several shallow breaths before shifting even a centimetre. It occurred to him that the loud noise had come from his mouth – that he had screamed. He covered his mouth with one hand hurriedly and felt his face burn in shame.

"I… I'm sorry, sir," he said hoarsely and hung his head.

Tobias pulled his arm away. "No, no, it's okay, Alexander. That… that was stupid of me, I'm... I'm sorry."

Alexander blinked and the boy from the doorway was next to him. "Let me help you," he said in an authoritative way and bent over, closer, closer each second –

"No!" Alexander tilted his body as far away from him as possible. Blood still pumped through his ears in a thumping beat.

There was pure silence. Alexander didn't understand why, but the boy bent down again, this time at a slightly further distance. He could see Tobias watching them from the corner of his eyes, and the girl had even stopped moving. She was twirling her curls in her fingers nervously.

"Let me help you," he repeated firmly, but Alexander scooted away as quickly as he could.

The boy watched his for a minute then turned to the Inquisitor and shrugged. "Nothing's happening," he said. "Either he's got a better pain threshold than me or there's something wrong with those runes."

Before Alexander could even comprehend what this meant, the room erupted into shouts. He couldn't keep up.

"They're fakes –"

"Maybe it's not –"

"Why won't it work? It should, he's a –"

"What if I'm –"

"What did your father teach you? He taught you how to get around them, didn't he? How do you –"

"My father hasn't taught me anything about the runes, I've never even –"

"You're a liar, aren't you, Alexander? You lied to save your own skin!"

"He hasn't done anything! Leave him alone!"

"Carstairs, you'll stay quiet or –"

"Everybody shut up!"

The new boy, Tobias, and the Inquisitor all snapped their jaws shut in sync. Their faces were red and accusing fingers were pointed everywhere, including at the shell shocked Alexander.

The redheaded girl tore herself away from the entrance to the room and marched into the middle of the scuffle. Everyone towered over her, but she was unaffected. "You, over there!" she ordered and Tobias retreated to the bathroom door where she was pointing. "You, over there!" She pointed towards the far corner.

"What is this, time out?" the boy sneered and crossed his arms. "Are you going to punish me, dear sister of mine?"

The girl turned red, but glared viciously back. "Over there, now. Or I will tell Maryse how you psychologically screwed up her son in less than two minutes!"

The boy sent a withering look towards the Inquisitor but followed the girl's orders. He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms, watching intently.

The girl gave the Inquisitor a look, but said nothing to the woman. Instead, she crouched down beside Alexander. Her skirt rode up slightly and she rolled her eyes before pulling it down. "Isabelle made me wear it," she said in an explanatory way. "It's her skirt, not mine. I don't wear them, really. She said I wasn't allowed to parade around Idris in jeans and a sweatshirt like I wanted to. Annoying, isn't it?"

Alexander nodded, even though he didn't really understand. She kept looking at him with the brightest green eyes he'd ever seen.

Well, besides the warlock's.

"Will you let me help you?" The hand she offered him was small and soft looking, unlike anything Alexander had encountered. It was truly feminine, even with the chipped colors on her bitten nails.

Alexander gulped. "No."

She frowned. "Let me help."

Why wouldn't it get through their heads? "No."

It ripped him apart without warning.

He gasped and fell onto his back, unable to control the spasms that jolted through his muscles. He clenched his jaw. He would not scream, not this time, no, he would not let himself scream, screaming was weak, he would not be weak…

The pain travelled across his front, down his back, split his head into two. He writhed helplessly on the cold stone and only half remembered the others existed.

"What do I do, what do I do?" The girl was panicky and Alexander felt pressure on his arm that held him still.

"Take back the order!" someone shouted. Alexander thought it might be Tobias, but he couldn't be certain through the haze that engulfed him. His body jerked, completely out of his control, and the only thing that existed was the indescribable agony.

"How? Reword it, say never mind, what do I do?"

"Oh, for the Angels' sake – Alexander, follow the god damn order! Clary, help him!"

The pressure moved from his arm to behind his head and pushed up gently. Alexander gave up even more control and allowed himself to be pushed into an upright position. The pain didn't alleviate like last time.

"Please let me help you," the girl – Clary – pleaded. It sounded like she was crying.

Still trying not to sound weak, Alexander croaked out the only thing his scrambled brain would allow. "Yes, miss, please!"

The agony was gone, but tingles lingered. Alexander still couldn't move, his limbs were still twitching, but slowly, very slowly, they went under control. He sucked in deep breaths and put his head between his knees like Jonathan had told him to do once when he almost fainted. It had helped then, and it was helping now.

A smug voice broke the silence. "I screwed him up?"

"Shut up, Jace," Clary snapped. Alexander peeked up. She was kneeling beside Alexander, her skirt all uneven and rising up in various places. He caught Jace, the boy in the corner, trying not to look at those places determinedly. Clary looked completely dishevelled now with her hair flying in a million directions and tears streaking down her face. He wondered how long the punishment had lasted. "Are you all right?"

"Of course he's not all right," Tobias said, no longer in his designated spot. He was also kneeling beside him, not touching but near. "He was just tortured because you couldn't figure out how to unsay something. I'd just keep your mouth shut from now on if I were you."

"Leave her alone," Jace demanded and stalked away from his corner. "She didn't know anything was going to happen, it didn't work for me!" He swivelled his head toward Alexander. "I'm Jace Morgenstern. This is my sister, Clary. You said that the runes made you follow orders from Morgensterns. Why didn't it work when I gave an order?"

The name clicked in Alexander's mind. When Clary first said it, the tickle of recognition had been too far to grasp, but now… How could he tell without revealing Jonathan? The Other One was standing in front of him, but there was nothing he could do. Then it hit him.

He smiled weakly, an elated sort of feeling sweeping through him. Valentine hadn't foreseen this. Alexander didn't have to do anything! The fact that the runes weren't working was enough! He didn't know how much of Valentine's plan this spoiled, but it had to be significant in some way! "Maybe," he said slowly, thinking it over, "Maybe the runes only work for female Morgensterns, sir?"

They all stared again.

Tobias frowned but laughed at the same time. "Who'd have thought you had a sense of humour? Valentine Morgenstern as a woman… What a picture…"

Alexander's grin widened shyly and he shook out one of his arms. It still felt remnants of the shudders. "Nobody seems to think a lot, really. I…" He chose his words carefully. "I can't tell you anything, but… If you can figure it out… Valentine didn't think the runes through completely." He felt a huge weight dissipate as he was able to give information against Valentine, as he couldhelp.

Clary stood gradually, not bothering to fix her skirt. Standing next to Jace, she looked absolutely tiny. She turned to him with bright eyes. "Jace, do you know what this means?" she asked in a low voice. "The runes – the runes that make him obedient to Morgensterns – they don't work for you."

Jace's eyes were almost as exhilarated. "I'm not a Morgenstern." The words, spoken in monotone, rang through the cell.

Clary threw herself against him and, more excitedly, echoed him. "You're not a Morgenstern!"

He laughed and hugged tightly while he buried his face in her curls. "Not a Morgenstern," he whispered. "Not your brother…" Spontaneously, he tilted her chin back and kissed her on the lips. "I'm not your brother." It – whatever it was - seemed to really strike him then, because he grabbed Clary's hands and twirled her around until she stumbled, dizzy and giggling. "I'm not your brother!" They kissed again, more deeply.

Alexander watched, severely unnerved by the physicality of the two. Hadn't Tobias and Magnus inferred that doing that wasbad? That what Jonathan did to him was wrong? What were they doing?

"I'm not sure what's going on, but I think this is sort of incestuous," Tobias commented quietly.

They broke apart, Clary's face pink and happy. "No, it's not, that's the point!"

"Ask Isabelle," Jace said shortly before he swept Clary into another embrace.

"I suggest we let them be." The Inquisitor turned away from the couple and locked her disapproving gaze onto Alexander. "I see we've solved one mystery concerning you. We'll be careful to ensure that you never have to go through that pain again." Her voice was stiff and restrained, a clear contrast from Clary and Jace. "We will allow you to leave the Gard by the end of the week. You will likely arrive at the Institute in the beginning of August."

"The Institute?" Alexander had heard of such Shadowhunter sanctuaries around the world, but had no idea that he'd ever get to see one.

"The one in New York." She paused. "New York City. I hope that you'll be able to adjust well." She paused again before adding, "Magnus Bane also lives in the city. He's brewed the potion to keep your stomach down and will be your physician until we are certain that the poison is gone and no longer harming you."

Or until I die. The morbid thought flitted through Alexander's brain too quickly to stop it.

"And Tobias will be accompanying you, as well. He'll be living with you in the Institute as your caretaker."

Alexander glanced at Tobias, who was watching Jace and Clary laugh and kiss and hug.

"Do you have any questions?"

Alexander shook his head. "No, ma'am," he murmured, but the grin on his face just spread. He was going to get out of this dank room, he was really going to be free, free from guards and questions and this stifling air. He could barely even remember the panic attack he had last time he went outside, he was just so thrilled to be leaving.

Tobias raised his hand but didn't take his eyes off the pair. "I have a question."

"Yes, Carstairs?"

He shook his head. "No, not to you. To him." Jace broke apart from Clary and looked at him, confused.

"I'm sort of busy here, if you couldn't tell," he sneered, but there was a little bit of a joking sound to it.

"Yeah, yeah, I got that…" Tobias narrowed his eyes, still staring. "It's just… if you're not a Morgenstern… who the hell areyou?"

Jace's eyes grew just slightly. "That… is a very good question."

"So wait a minute – you actually don't know who you are?" Isabelle knew she had asked that at least seven times a day for the last three days, but she couldn't wrap her mind around the concept.

Jace was lying on her bed horizontally so his head and legs hung off. "Not a damn clue. But I do know that I'm not a Morgenstern."

Isabelle kicked her heels off and curled her legs into her body so she could fit on the bed comfortably. She laid her head on Jace's stomach. "Are you sure though?"

"The runes punish him if he doesn't follow an order from a Morgenstern. Runes can't be tricked."

"I know that. But what happened?"

Jace sighed and Isabelle felt her head rise and fall with his body. "I ordered him to let me help him up. He said no. Nothing happened. Clary ordered him to let her help him up. He said no. He was suddenly writhing in pain. He didn't know she was a Morgenstern, he didn't know who either of us were. I told you this, Izzy."

"I know, I know…" She sat up and checked the clock in the corner of the guest room in the Penhallow house. "What time is he supposed to get here?"

Jace lifted his wrist to check his watch. "An hour and a half ago," he said.

Isabelle bit her lip. "Do you think everything is okay?" The little she had been allowed to know led her to believe that Alec was in a worse condition than they had been originally told. Who knew if some new medical condition would arise and delay him another day, another week?

"Maybe he had another panic attack or something," Jace suggested. "I don't know what triggers them. Could be anything, right?"

Isabelle shot him a look. She knew about what had happened as soon as Jace and Clary entered the cell. She believed them when they said that neither did anything, but… there was a small part of her that couldn't help but be sceptical.

"I guess," she admitted. "I guess this means I can't hug him when he walks in."

Jace nodded and clapped slowly. "Congratulations, Isabelle. Best idea you've had in a long time."

Isabelle rolled her eyes and collapsed against him again. "I hate waiting!"

Jace sat up suddenly and threw her off the bed. "You know what's really weird?"

She spit hair out of her mouth and glared. "Your complete lack of consideration for other people?"

Jace ignored the comment as usual. "He seemed to know who I was. Not immediately, but a little while later, I guess. Once I said my name, there was this… flash of recognition in his eyes, I'd call it."

Isabelle got to her feet and turned away to check herself in the mirror. He'd be there any minute and she wanted to look good the first time she met her big brother. "You think Valentine said something to him?"

"Definitely."

Suspicion crept up on Isabelle. "Did he tell you anything?" She gathered her hair into a messy bun and tied it at the top of her head. She saw Jace's reflection sit up and narrow his eyes.

"Are you accusing me of something?" he asked in a deadly tone.

She forced a laugh. "Of course not. Just curious."

"If I had known anything about Alec, you know I would have said something."

Isabelle twirled around and leaned against the dresser. "Would you? Since that would be betraying your father and all."

"He's not my father."

Neither raised their voice or injected any venom into their words. If anything, the conversation was monotonic, stating facts.

Isabelle raised her eyebrows and stared at the boy she loved like a brother as closely as she could. She wished she could believe he was telling the truth, but it was almost too hard to wrap her mind around. How could Jace not know? If Alec had really been forced into slavery for the Morgensterns, wouldn't he have had to serve Jace as well?

She opened her mouth to retort, but a short black haired boy stopped in the doorway. Max's cheeks were flushed and he was out of breath. "He's here, he's here!" he announced cheerfully. "I saw the carriage! The horses are so big and cool – I'm gonna go see if I can pet one and feed it a carrot or something. But he's here!" He dashed off again and Isabelle heard him thump down the steps excitedly.

"We'll talk more later," she decided. Jace nodded and pushed himself off the bed.

"Come on," he urged. "I want to see if he's put on any weight."

Isabelle followed him, biting her lip. "Is it really that bad?"

Jace shook his head. "You'll see."

"Jace! Isabelle!" Mom shouted from downstairs. "Your brother is here!" Isabelle could hear the restrained longing in her voice and pushed Jace to hurry. She knew exactly what her mother was feeling.

Jace pushed back and Isabelle couldn't help but grin. "I'll race you," she challenged, even though she was still behind him.

Jace twisted around to look at her and his eyes glinted. "You're on." He stopped short, but Isabelle didn't pause.

"Go!" she shouted and bolted forward, past him.

Their footsteps echoed in the large house and Isabelle couldn't even hear her mother yelling at them over their laughing and taunting. They stormed down the stairs, and Isabelle was about to draw a tie when she and Jace slammed into Max on the bottom step.

Isabelle wrapped her arm around him in apology for using him as a momentum killer, but saw how he stared with wide eyes across the room. She glanced over at Jace, who wore a tight frown and clearly restrained posture. Then she took a breath and looked up.

Alec wasn't anything like she had imagined. She didn't think any amount of description could have prepared her for this sight. He was wearing crisp and ironed clothes, simple slacks and a black button down, but it hung off his body. His cheeks weren't quite sunken, but they were thin. He was leaning heavily on a wooden cane and he was gripping it so tightly that his knuckles were white. He looked absolutely terrified. No more chubby, happy toddler from the picture she had in her pocket. This boy was mature beyond his years and it showed.

She wasn't even sure if it was her brother.

Suddenly, it wasn't so much about not frightening him. She was frightened, of who this boy was. There was no way to know, was there? He looked like he was about to break, but what did he have hidden up his sleeve?

Tobias Carstairs, the boy moving in with them soon, was standing behind him in full gear. He looked protective but soft at the same time. The only times he lost that, Isabelle noticed, were the few times that he darted quick glances towards Magnus Bane. The warlock was subdued again, with very little glitter and color in his outfit. It was as if he was trying to match the mood.

Mom and Dad were standing just as stiffly to the side, holding hands and looking at Alec in astonishment at his appearance.

Max suddenly ripped away from their cluster and launched himself towards the group.

"Max!" Isabelle reached out to pull him back, but he was too quick. He wrapped his arms around Alec and squeezed him tightly.

Alec stiffened and gasped audibly into the otherwise silent room. Isabelle was frozen in an outstretched position, her hand gripping air. She held her breath and waited for something to happen, for Alec to scream or for his fragile body to break.

Tobias stepped forward and leaned in to Alec. "It's okay," he soothed. "Alexander, relax, it's okay. Max isn't going to hurt you."

Alec didn't loosen up, even after Max stepped away. Jace ripped himself from Isabelle's grip – she hadn't even realized that she was holding onto him – and slowly approached them. He pushed Max away carefully and smiled with no detectable cockiness.

"Hi, Alexander," he said quietly. "You look better than the other day. How are you feeling?"

Alec ducked his head and his hair, which had been neatly combed, fell in his face. A pink blush tinged his cheeks. "I'm feeling well, thank you, sir. How do you feel?"

"I'm been good, thanks." Isabelle didn't think she had ever heard Jace speak with such gentleness. "You don't have to call me sir, you know."

Alec shot a quick glance at Tobias, who grinned tightly. "He's accustomed to it, Jace," he said for Alec. "He'll adjust soon."

Jace shrugged. "All right, then. Just opening up the invitation for first name basis."

Alec bit his lip and looked around the room shyly. Isabelle felt his gaze settle on her for a few seconds before he diverted it hurriedly.

"Where's Clary?" he asked quietly.

"With her uncle, Luke," Jace said and shrugged. "She said she didn't want to intrude today." He grinned and playfully teased, "I think she's scared of you."

Alec's eyes widened even more, if possible. "That's ridiculous, sir," he blurted out before clamping his free hand over his mouth. "I mean –"

Jace was laughing. "It's fine. I agree with you, actually. But the, uh, other day… I think it shook her a little bit." He sighed. "She said she's staying away from you unless she's got duct tape over her mouth. So, you don't have to worry about those runes bothering you."

Isabelle saw Alec's cheeks flush a deeper red and took a breath. She had to intervene. And soon. Before Jace did moredamage. With a burst of courage, she crossed the room and plastered a smile on her face.

She not so kindly shoved Jace over a step or two and extended a hand to Alec. "I'm Isabelle," she introduced herself. "I can see the resemblance, can't you?"

Alec had already averted his eyes, but she saw the familiar bright blue from her photo. "Between who, miss?"

"Us," she said. "I'm your sister. And that kid over there is Max, he's our brother." She gestured to the boy, who was still smiling widely. "And this… well, you know this idiot." Jace rolled her eyes and slung his arm over her shoulders.

"It's nice to meet you," Alec murmured. "Is there… is there anyone else to meet?"

Isabelle glanced around the room for a quick check. The Penhallows weren't home, to give them some privacy, so it was really just family. "Mom and Dad," she said and shrugged. "They're over there."

Magnus smiled at Isabelle but didn't address her in any way. He put a hand on Alec's shoulder lightly. "Are you feeling all right? Do you want to sit down? You shouldn't put weight on your knee for this long."

"Bane, I can handle it," Tobias snapped.

Magnus was unperturbed. "Of course you can. Get a chair, will you? I'd summon one but thought I'd give you the chance to feel useful."

The look Tobias sent Magnus could have killed demons.

"Please don't argue again," Alec pleaded wearily. "I can stand. It's okay. I'm fine."

"Alexander –" Tobias began.

"Sir, I'm fine," Alec repeated.

"Blue Eyes –"

"I'm fine," Alec snapped. He looked back defiantly for a quick moment, and Isabelle could tell that even Magnus was a little shocked. "Magnus."

Magnus's eyebrows rose up. "All right… Alexander, it is."

"Thank you, sir." Alec was back to his former self as he shut his eyes and inhaled deeply.

"Any time, Blue Eyes."

Tobias looked like he was about to pop a vein. "Bane, you are the most aggravating thing in the world."

"Did you just intentionally avoid calling me a person?"

"And if I did?"

"Please!" Alec jerked his shoulder away from Magnus's grip. "Stop fighting!" They both fell silent with remorseful expressions. Alec wasn't finished though. He didn't turn round, but calmly spoke on. "Apologize to each other, please."

"Alexander –" they protested.

"Please."

They said nothing but glared viciously. Alec opened his eyes and gazed as Isabelle with new interest. "Do they give you headaches, miss?" He gestured vaguely to Max and Jace, who were in a silent pinching war.

Isabelle laughed and nodded. "All the time."

Alec's lips quirked up a tiny bit. "You have a nice laugh," he commented.

Isabelle grinned. "Thank you. I like your eyes." She ignored the fact that they were rimmed with dark bags and that his face was otherwise marred with scars and bruises.

"Thank you." Alec's next breath rattled his shoulders. "I'm not very good at conversation, miss," he apologized. He looked so young and vulnerable. She simply couldn't help herself.

Isabelle decided that her plan could go to hell. She threw her arms around him and held him as tightly as she could without breaking him.

Because she was going to fix him.

No matter what it took.

Notes: Well, there you go. The Lightwoods meet Alexander! I'm still working on my Robert and Mayrse characterizations, but they'll interact a little next chapter. I feel that they were too nervous themselves to really do anything but stand there and watch their children cross the bridge first. At the very least, we'll have Robert and Alec interaction, perhaps Mayrse and Alec, but I'm not sure where I'm putting that scene... There will be a Magnus central scene in the second half on the next chapter, too, which may be rather exciting (it's exciting to me, at least).

I hope you enjoyed! Next chapter: The Institute and Magnus. Reviews get me through my insanely long weeks and help me scare my original characters into submission - and the more they behave, the more FF I can write. Thanks for reading, bye for now!