Sorry it's so short, just something small the next chapter will be longer and very Magnus/Alec centered.

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As it turned out, little was discussed at the meeting. It mostly consisted of back and forth arguing over whether the warlock's old age (even for a warlock) would increase his power, Magnus calmly explained that 'yes it would as their ages increase, as does their power' to which Mark countered that isn't 100% fact and the warlock's time in another dimension could have halted his power, putting Magnus and Donavan on a level playing field. Magnus honestly was not sure if this was so, and thought it was best not to underestimate one's enemies. Nick counted overestimating one's enemies was dangerous as well, so the meeting ended in a sort of stalemate with the agreement to do their research and have another meeting tomorrow.

Jenna and Mark left together, Mark murmuring something about going on a hunt, Nick leaving Maria who was still asking Jasper questions about the earlier park incident, and Christopher, who Alec hadn't noticed before, left with a kind goodbye and a promise to find adequate research for their meeting tomorrow. Alec was really beginning to like that man.

Alec remained in the library with his siblings, Clary, Simon and of course, Magnus. In that moment, and Alec wasn't sure why, he felt overcome with a sense of nervousness. Sure he had made up with all of them, and was getting somewhere with Magnus, but as he turned and saw Clary and Jace 'canoodling' as Magnus would call it, Isabelle in deep conversation with Simon, and Magnus one again staring into space, like he saw something no one else did, he just felt strange.

It was as if he was the odd man out, and it wasn't until her heard Isabelle's laugh, a high and ringing sound, that he realized why. Even at the time Alec left New York, it was a rarity to hear his little sister laugh, and when she did laugh it was a strange sound, almost as if she would realize what she was doing half way through and feel guilty for being happy. This laugh, however, was much like her old one, before Max. The laugh Alec often heard at his or Jace's own expense. That laugh was back, and Alec couldn't feel happier knowing his sister felt that way, but for some odd reason he also felt sad as well, like he missed something.

He thought of how Jace was going to propose to Clary soon, and eventually marry her. Jace, who Alec once thought would be a forever playboy, would be the first of the three to do so. Isabelle was now in a committed relationship, and while it was with a downworlder which surprised nobody, it was with one of the nicest guys Alec had ever come across. He felt like the odd man out in this situation, and was too caught up in his thoughts over this fact to notice Magnus stroll over to his side.

"Sickening isn't it?" Magnus joked, leaning against the wall, nodding his head in the direction of the two couples.

Alec snorted, "I guess that's the word."

Alec still stared at the two couples, not paying attention to the look Magnus was giving him.

"I think it's best we go before they start sucking face, doubt you would want to watch that." Magnus whispered, finally getting Alec to look at him.

He blinked, wondering what Magnus was getting at.

Magnus placed a hand gently on his shoulder, as if preparing himself to be pushed away. He wasn't, and Alec actually had to hold back a smile at the touch.

"Go where? Are you going back to your place? Wherever it is you're staying, I mean."

Magnus shrugged, opening the library door and following Alec into the large hallway.

"Well, I could do that or we could continue our talk from earlier. If you're up for it that is."

Alec gnawed on his lower lip, contemplating for a moment. It wasn't that he didn't want to talk to Magnus he just wasn't sure quite what to say. Where did they go from here? All it took was looking into Magnus's eyes to find his answer though.

"That sounds good."

Magnus smiled, "So to your room?"

Alec shook his head, "No, there are too many people around who can and will listen."

That was part of Alec's reasoning, another part knowing there wouldn't be any real talking in such an enclosed space. Hell, it was hard not to attack the warlock right now and as appealing as it sounded he actually wanted to work things out before they got that kind of work out.

"So where do you suggest we go?" Magnus asked with a frown, worried about leaving the well protected institute.

Alec shrugged, "Maybe we'll just take a walk?"

Magnus's frown deepened, and Alec knew why.

"I'm a Shadowhunter Magnus, I'm not meant to stay cooped up anywhere. Besides you'll be with me and I'm well prepared this time."

Magnus sighed, knowing he would be on the losing side of this argument.

"Alright then, lead the way Shadowhunter."

Alec knew he meant the title jokingly but he couldn't help but frown and grabbed Magnus by the elbow as he made his way to leave.

"Alec. Call me Alec, not Shadowhunter or Nephilim or anything like that."

Magnus stared a moment. He hadn't meant it seriously, but the look in Alec's eyes made his heart constrict and he knew it was because it felt too impersonal to Alec.

"Well, then lead the way Alec."

Alec smiled and led the way out with Magnus, smiling more than he had in three years, following closely behind him.

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