Disclaimer: All characters belong to Cassandra Clare.

A/N: Finally some Malec :D I hope this is not too confusing. What do you guys think about it? Please leave a review and it is highly appreciated.

Chapter 11: Autumn of 2543

It was six in the morning when Simon started the preparation of opening his shop. He got up at five for this special occasion, though his house was only upstairs and in normal days his clients weren't at all bothered by his clothing – mostly a messy tank top and boxer. Sometimes he had to rush and forgot to brush his teeth. He was surprised his bad breaths (not that he had one) didn't scare them away. Of course that would have something to do with their long-term business relationships. After all, Simon had been a familiar face in the black market even before he opened the robots shop two years ago.

And for this particular customer, Simon had warned the residents in three miles radius not to come out this morning until further notice. He also dressed nicely, which referred to an assassin-like white jacket and dark blue jeans.

At the melodious sounds of wind chime, Simon turned and grinned when he saw the hooded man emerged from the doorframe, followed by a green-skin robot. He waved after rubbing his hands on the duster and tossed it on casually on the counter, walked towards the taller man and his bots.

As he was approaching, Alec got rid of the hood and said softly, "Ragnor, wait here."

"Alright." The robot replied skeptically.

Ragnor, with a pair of white pointed horns on his forehead and strangely fitting green color of skin went to browse the cabinets on both sides of the wall, which were displaying electronic parts essential to building a bot. His neat clothing surely was chosen by Alec: a plain white V-neck tee, flexible jeans and combat boots. Simon had protested million times, but Ragnor just ignored him and went on touching his goods. Even Alec couldn't stop him. So Simon let it slide for the blue-eyed man's sake.

Leaving the robot behind, Alec and Simon walked through a curtained door and reached a deeper part of his shop.

"It's nice to see you again, Alec." Simon greeted carefully, said as his head turned lightly to his back addressing the man three large steps away from him.

Alec lifted his head and demonstrated a half smile. "Me too. It's been a while."

Nodded in response, Simon listened to the quietness. It was something he got used to from the years of friendship. They travelled through a dimly lit hallway and arrived at the real place where Simon stocked his black market goods – limited robot models that were banned from official markets, undeveloped blueprints or project plans from various robot companies and robots that were supposed to be destroyed, the lists could hit the bottom of hell.

Inside the room with a yellow floral wallpaper there were robots stocked in bags, lined up and on the hangers to their right. A examine table in the middle and tools and machines on their left. At front was a cabinet stuffed with components.

Alec waited next to the table, eyes fixed on the ground. "What do you have for me?"

His question brought life to Simon's brown eyes. He pushed the glasses further up his nose and nearly jumped like a child at the beginning of summer break.

"It was delivered a week ago and you will love it, Alec." He said while trying to lower a bag from the rack, didn't catch the small flinch of the taller man at the word it. "I got it in a low price, really, for a beauty like this."

Finally after a few struggling he got the bag on the examine table, stood at the other end from Alec. Simon had learnt from his mistakes and now it was his subconsciousness to remain a safe distance. Still, he repressed his urge to pat the man's back and decided to unzip the bag.

As the sound of zipper stopped, Alec's mouth agape and his shocking blue eyes shot to Simon. "Are you serious?"

Grinning at Alec's reaction, he took two steps back and held out his hands, palms up. "Yes. I bought it – him for you. He is all yours. Check him out!"

Slowly Alec pulled his hands from the black cotton cloak and removed the gloves, brushed the bronze cheek of the robot with the back of his bare fingers, cautious at his action as if a slightly greater force would wake it. He looked up at Simon for permission, which he was given right away, and moved to the left of the robot, his hand never left the spot.

The naked robot looked completely the same as human. The skin was natural brown and satin. It was tall, too tall that its feet stuck out from his table. Its body was lean, muscles hinted but not huge. Hairs just like Alec's: black and soft, smooth under his combing but shorter in length. It had Asiatic features, a handsome fellow in all. Simon could see from his caring touches that Alec liked it.

He offered, when Alec seemed to finish his admiration time. "Do you want to wake him now?"

"Yes."

The black cloak waved gracefully when the hands cupped the robot's face and fingers moved down to the back of its neck for the switch. It was nothing new to Simon nor Alec, since both had fair experience of activating a robot. And quickly the long and thick eyelashes vibrated, the eyeballs moved under the lids. Alec withdrew his hands and backed up, observing. Simon too watched closely for its reaction. Robots like this had to be treated with precise precautions.

Soon it revealed the most astonishing amber eyes (even to Simon, he admitted) and the pupils swam around, taking in the view. At the next second they landed on Alec instead of Simon, sat up slowly as if he just slept for days on straight, dabbing his eyes.

Simon held his breath – it was heartbreakingly wonderful, a charming process he might add. Every time he would sigh in amaze: a robot came to life by a simple touch. Not to mention the robot in front of his eyes right now was invaluable for people who wholly understood the meaning and history of robotics. And he knew, only Alec would be suitable to take it.

"Where am I…?"

Its voice was magnetic, along with the charming face it could definitely get anyone it wanted. It was still stained of sleepiness, and it ran a hand through its hairs. He was straight as a ruler and dating Alec's sister Isabelle but if he had to say it, it was like a scene from movie. Attractive and captivating. Alec would take great care of it, he was sure.

"In my underground shop. You were deactivated three years ago."

"Oh." The robot said then directed his glance to Alec, purring. "It would be my pleasure to know your name, darling."

Alec blushed like a virgin. Stuttering, he finally pronounced his name correctly. "Alec. It's – Alec." It took him much effort and when the word left his mouth his body swayed forward, trying to be louder for the robot to hear.

Simon was now leaning against the wall near the door, smiling at the very first encounter. It made a great companionship to Alec.

The robot smirked, and outstretched his hand, one elbow rested on his knee. "Magnus. At your service."

"Uh. Hm. Yes." Alec didn't take the hand.

The brown-haired man had his laughter contained. Alec was all the same, timid and socially-awkward. If it wasn't – stop it! He knocked himself at the temple, loud enough to draw attention on him. Both looked at him in awe as if he had gone nuts.

"Well, what do you think?" He asked, while Magnus jumped off the table and popped his joints.

Alec removed his eyes from Magnus due to his nudity, but the robot didn't seem to mind; in fact, he was quite proud of himself and started to approach Alec in confident strides. The pale man recoiled, but only a little.

"He is fine." Mumbled, Alec turned his head away as Magnus stood next to him and yawned, shoulders shrugged in exercise. The corner of Magnus's mouth tugged upwards, a small smile never left.

Simon then suggested, and screamed like a fan girl inside his head when everything flowed with his plan. "Why don't you take him home? I mean, he seems to like you and you – "

"Are not!" Alec quickly said, but Simon sneered.

"Yeah, if you don't count those fondling and heavy touching." Simon's fingers danced in the air like he was playing a piano.

"Where exactly?" The cat-like eyes narrowed into thin lines and Simon could see the teasing in those shining pupils. Magnus hunched a bit in order to lean down closer to Alec, who immediately jumped to where the tools and machines were. He murmured something and rushed out yet Simon caught it anyway. He grinned like the Cheshire Cat.

"Where are you going, Alec?" Magnus yelled, hands on hip in utter frustration. Simon pointed a finger at him.

"You, should get some clothes before you step out of my shop."

That morning Alec woke with Ragnor shaking his shoulder lightly. He buried his head into the pillow and whined. "No."

His butler sat on the edge of the bed, took the book next to his pillow and put it back on the nightstand, turned the lamp off. He yanked Alec up despite of his protest, started to undress him. The green fingers grabbed the hem of his dirty shirt and rolled it up, Alec obediently let Ragnor do his thing. Soon the worn clothing was discarded at the end of the bed and his hairs messy like a bird nest.

Ragnor took his hands and pulled him up from the warm bed, ordering him to take a shower.

"Alec you're going to Simon's, remember? It is four already. And you have to run a trip to the werewolf's this noon."

Struggled to keep his eyes opened Alec nodded nonetheless and stumbled towards the bathroom through a short hallway. Being as considerate as robotically possible Ragnor had the water filled the tub. Stripped the boxer and tossed it into the basket, he sighed when his skin immersed into the hot water, body instantly relaxed and mind cleared.

Alec scrubbed and refreshed, brushed his teeth and shaved while still inside the tub. The water turned a bit cold, so he pulled himself out and stood in front of the mirror, staring.

His porcelain skin was flawless. The reflection was pale but alive, long wet ebony hairs fell over his eyes. Alec preferred it that way. Noticed the clock was flashing 04:28 he dried himself quickly and had the towel hanging around his waist, walking back to his bedroom. Aline greeted him politely when she was heading to the kitchen.

Inside his wardrobe there was nothing but dark colors. Black, grey and dark everything that was nearly could be categorized into the shade of black. But Alec didn't care about clothing as long as it was dark. It gave him a sense of security.

Alec pulled a bottom down shirt and a pair of jeans from their hangers, both in black. Slipped through the sleeves and did the belt Alec closed the door and crashed his forehead on it. He never said it to anyone except Jeremiah, that he was terrified by the idea of being outside.

It is four in the morning, Alec convinced himself, there will be only two to three people on the street.

Took some deep breaths, he straightened his back and rummaged the dresser for a pair of matching socks.

Ragnor and Aline were waiting for him next to the shoe cabinet at the main door, chatting. With his presence they stopped and were watching Alec with close eyes. Right away Alec said before any of them could do. "I am okay."

Their worried expressions remained. Alec knew his words couldn't comfort them anymore, so he simply gave up and began to put the socks on. Stood on one leg with shaky balance, Alec yanked one up and changed to another. Blue on the left and gray on the right. Aline saw the different colors and offered nicely.

"Let me find you the right one. I know where they are."

But she was stopped by Alec's mumble. "No. It's fine. No one else will see it anyway." He proceeded to fit into the sneakers with the same antics.

After he finished tying the laces Ragnor held out his gloves. He took it with a small thank you. Swiftly the fingers found their ways and Alec was almost ready to go out and be under the sunlight. But there was one final procedure.

Ragnor, being a professional butler he insisted to put on the cloak for Alec. Weird, but Alec respected his habit. Ragnor had always been taking up his troublesome and childish requests, so as Aline. He didn't want to hurt their feelings.

His gloved fingers easily tied the strings around his neck and patted the dusts off his clothes.

With the hood covered most of his face, Alec asked. "Is this okay?"

"Yes. You look great." Aline smiled.

Her hands betrayed her. She was gripping tightly at the red apron and was about to tear it apart. Ragnor definitely saw it too and touched Alec's shoulder to turn him around, "If we don't leave now we're going to be late. Come on."

Nodded Alec stepped through the threshold and immediately stalked towards the car parked in front of his front door. The sky was in the paint of grey and white, the sun was coming up from the horizon. Ragnor right on his tail and rushed to it before Alec did, dove into the driver seat. Took his time Alec got himself comfortable in the back.

"The buckle."

Alec smiled and shook his head, but he searched for the belt. Once it was done, they rolled off.

The drive to Simon would take about an hour. After that they would have to walk; the buildings in black market were packed and only pedestrians were allowed on the roads. In rush hour people had to squeeze past each other. Thereby, Alec chose to meet up with Simon this early to avoid the crowd.

The streets in his district were nearly empty. The navy blue eyes observed and enjoyed the silence of this part of the city. When they were waiting at the traffic light, a group of youngsters walked up in the pavement, messing around with each other after a night of wild partying. Everyone looked so happy even their make-ups were smeared and clothes disordered. Alec turned his head to the other side and tried to block away the loud laughter.

Ragnor must have saw his face: the car window was up in a second.

When they were getting closer to the black market the streets and highways were more occupied, still Alec could count them within two hands. Some were jogging, some dragging their tired bodies from work.

The black market was disciplined and clean, the most peaceful area of Vikram. People respected boundaries and all were longed for a common eventless lifestyle. What they did might be illegal, but Alec thought they were the kindest people on this planet. At least those who had business with him.

Ragnor parked the car in their usual spot and Alec got out, walked besides Ragnor as he rounded his arm on his shoulders. They arrived at the entrance of the parking lot and Ragnor waved a hello to the mundane girl who collected the charges.

"Morning, beautiful."

The girl smiled timidly in return and took the money from Ragnor. Caught the opportunity he quickly took her hand and planted a kiss on the back. Alec noticed the severe blushing so he elbowed Ragnor on his side, earning a yelp and a ridiculous glance.

Ragnor mouthed, fast. "What are you doing?"

"Stop flirting." He replied in the hope that both could hear him. As expected, the mundane girl quickly turned to her desk and held out a ticket to them, eyes fixed on their shoes.

Sighed, Ragnor took it gently and left after dropping another compliment. Once they were out of the parking lot Ragnor held Alec closer. His eyes scanned the area.

It was about six in the morning but people were starting to go out for work or breakfast. The black market was at the edge of Central where financial industries bloomed. Even there were plenty of time before their working hours but people were commuting to their workplaces already. On their way to the black market there were waves of people, three to four every minute. Ragnor rapidly moved to Alec's left, his arm still attached to his shoulder.

Alec ambled with the walls on his right. His left side nearly melted into Ragnor.

The whole way Alec simply looked at the ground, counting Ragnor's steady rate of heartbeat. Sometimes from the corner of his eyes a bright fabric whooshed past, sometimes he could hear people yelling at the phone. He just lowered his head further and further until his hood completely blocked everything except part of the white T shirt and his own cloak, trusting Ragnor would take him to the destination safely.

They travelled a narrow alleyway after they turned from the main street. Once they were out they arrived at a broader road empty of people, buildings with shops as their ground level lined up two sides only ten feet away. All were closed.

Ragnor stroked his shoulder and finally Alec had the courage to lift his face up. Because the buildings were so tall that the sunlight could barely reach into the deepest pit, there seemed to be only darkness at the end of the road, as if something was prowling and slinking into places.

However, Alec took his steps comfortably and strode. Hands which used to wrap around his chest and palms under his arms were now swung along his pace. To his siblings' surprise, he felt like he belonged here. Maybe it was because everyone resided there was trying to be subtle and under the radar, like Alec. He felt safe because Ragnor was right next to him.

They walked farther into the road and stopped when a store came to their sight. It was plainly decorated with a window display, showcasing gadgets and valuable goods. Though the glass he could see the light was on. Ragnor left him for a moment and stood in front of the entrance, peeking.

"Simon is inside; let me."

Ragnor opened the door for Alec and said man smoothly slipped through the gap and entered. The wind chime announced their arrivals.

The screen popped up from Magnus's work desk when he was sipping a glass of fine wine. Already he could hear the voices of his old friends.

"Magnus? Come in!" Will shouted, luckily he had the volume down.

He put the glass down and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the edge of the desk. "Yes, handsome."

His grin met the matching ones on the screen. Will, Jem and Tessa were at the other end of the world in a different time zone. For this online gathering they had been adjusting their schedules for weeks and finally found an hour which everyone was free.

"You're too close to the camera. Lay back a bit." Tessa said. She occupied the left side of his vision, with Jem in the middle. Will was almost sitting on Jem's lap.

Magnus sat an inch away and winked. "Oh? How about now?"

"For Angel's sake give it rest, Magnus." Will swore and went to cover Jem's eye with his palm. The gray-haired man laughed a bit and yanked his hand down.

A same tattoo inked the backs of their left hands. A symbol for their partnership. It was a simple swirl that they designed it themselves and Magnus found it fascinating: a unique way to show their profound engagement in each other's life. They didn't opt for marriage, as they thought it was more of a restrain. He might not agree with the latter statement, but still Magnus was fond of sweet gestures.

A romantic he was. What could he do about that?

"I shall not. How's life treating you guys?"

Tessa replied with an apologetic look. "The company is developing a new military model so sorry if I can't call you the next few months."

"Me too. Jeremiah is handing me some of his cases…" Jem added, and watched Magnus's small change of face expression. The Asiatic man hadn't been a member of the Institute ever since the attack. As Jem reported to them, Valentine respected his decision, saying it was understandable.

"Well," Will shrugged. "every division is under great pressure and Vikram is on high alert. I have to train compulsorily after shifts."

The war had been going on for six months now. They were currently under attacks from other colonial planets. Magnus saw no sighs of it stopping in a short period of time and it all caused by stupid reasons. Damn politics. "I see. At least under this circumstances you are living a good life."

The three nodded and smiled at his comment, went straight to change their topic. "What about you? How does it go with Woolsey?"

"Stop! We are not dating!" He exclaimed, almost knocked his wine over. Will raised an eyebrow in question. "What?"

Massaging his temple Magnus explained. "Woolsey isn't that kind of person. He isn't looking for a romantic relationship and we are simply – "

"Banging? Friends with benefits?"

"…Yes."

Tessa gasped. "Wow. I thought, hm." Her eyes then averted to the table.

He waved his fingers in the air as if he was casting magic. "No hard feelings. I am not looking for one either. Not here."

Magnus had been lived in Saidah for nearly two years now, the capital of Hedonism also where high-end fashion brands grouped and important fashion weeks held. His fame had onlyflourished greater after his 2541 natural theme collection and the invitations of being the head designer of many noble companies flooded in the next year, after Misfortune and Torment.

A bone-striking chill in the heat waves, the most illustrious of current generation – as the critics wrote. He wouldn't say such thing about himself.

Saidah was amazing, he admitted. But it was never place for serious love relationships. Everyone here was seeking temporary bliss, drowned themselves in the glamorous short-living pleasure and it didn't change even there were dangers of invasion. It was no wonder those fashion companies set their headquarters here: citizens wore their clothes like one-time products. And so as their relationships.

Woolsey was just a company when Magnus was all alone in this foreign city. Both agreed to this way of being.

"Your contract ends next summer anyway. Come back to Vikram? We all miss you here." Jem proposed. It wasn't a bad idea. No it was brilliant.

Magnus was somehow tired of how those people in Saidah wanted nothing but complexity, bright colors and anything that attracted eyeballs. Vikram in comparison, had less this kind of people. He missed the days of dull and plain colors merged with the chromatic crowd – the simplicity. Nostalgic he supposed.

"Definitely."

Wasted no time, the gang started another topic. An hour was too short, as it passed like a second.

When the car was pulled up in the garage Jace was dialing his brother's number. The door opened by a guard who bowed lightly and eyes fixed on the ground. He got out while listening to the rings, waiting for the phone to be picked up. Striding, Jace was greeted formally by Hodge as the butler welcomed him home by the door. The golden man waved him off and proceeded to his bedroom.

"This is Collins Repair. What can I do for you?" A woman's voice reached his ear. Jace shooed the guard to let them stay outside. He locked the door and sat on the neat white-sheet bed.

"Is Gideon here?"

His gold eyes stared at the photo frame.

"No, Sir. He is out for this morning." Out? He never liked going out. Jace thought. "He shall return after two. You can leave a message if you want."

Shook his head, Jace said. "It's okay. Just tell him his brother called. And next time don't direct his phone' line to the shop's. Personal phone exists for a reason."

The girl at the other end smiled, though he couldn't see but her voice was joyful. "Yes, Sir. Anything else?"

"Nope. Thanks."

Jace tossed the phone on the nightstand and stood up, began to unload his weapons. Butterfly swords from his boots, a loaded pistol from armpit holster under his jacket and a stealthy knife extracted from his sleeve were put on the tidy desk. Got rid of the jacket Jace pocketed out a small gift and hid it in the drawer. A bowie knife still attached to his thigh.

Isabelle wasn't home yet, still on her patrolling shift. His deployment just ended this week and he couldn't wait to be here back with his family.

With Isabelle and Jace serving the Clave as recruited soldiers and Alec moved out one and a half year ago the Lightwood Mansion was always empty, as they were often out to patrol and train. Rarely Alec would come and stay for a while for special occasions. And he would try anything to avoid people other than him and Isabelle. He would locked himself up in the library and read, read and read. Just like old times, but not anymore.

A finger traced the grin of young Alec in the frame. The good times froze and reserved, while the rest of them was in present suffering. They used to be so naïve, and fearless to the world.

Alec had agreed to have dinner with them next week. To be honest, Jace was thrilled about it. Because he was going to make a big announcement and he wanted Alec to be there, his parabatai in real life. The older man might not be a soldier like him, fighting real enemies in the battlefields but he was a warrior in all means. And they always looked after each other's back. Supporting when no one else would.

He walked to the weaponry cabinet and took out a seraph blade. A gift from Alec for his birthday and since then it had accompanied him to his missions. Jace had won many vicious battles with this blade.

Feeling the shape edge of the blade his tip was on the verge of bleeding. It was an accident when he mentioned in one of the phone calls with Alec that he had replayed The Shadow World in his spare time and his glorious achievements of slaying demons with only a seraph blade. Then, in the next birthday he got one from Alec.

"Here." Alec pushed the box to him across the table, sitting two arms' length away.

"Is this a prank?" He eyed the metal box.

Alec chuckled, very briefly. "No."

"If you call me to get here all the way from Guardian and I am given a pile of poo I am not talking to you for a month."

"Just… do it." Alec cooed. And his palms rubbing his jeans nervously.

Knowing his brother only did things good to him Jace flipped the lid – mouth opened and the gold eyes widened in awe.

"What is this?"

From the smooth shape and transparent glossy surface the weapon reminded him of the ones he used in the game. And he still asked the silly question. The older man pointed his chin to the blade, said.

"A seraph blade. I mean, you can name it and it will be activated."

Jace turned to Alec and stared at his brother's shy yet exciting expression. "For real? Exactly like what it will do in the game?"

Received a firm nod Jace quickly closed the lid. It fell with a bang and startled the other man enough to flinch. He buried his face in the palm and rambled. "Oh Alec… Alec…"

"What's the matter?" Despite of his conditions Alec leaned closer and drew his hand on the table, bare without glove. His delicate and oil-stained fingers scratched the wood table, hesitating.

He rubbed his eyes and finally said with a contented and comforting smirk. "I like it."

"Good." Alec took his hand back under the table. His blue eyes shining life. Jace's grin went wilder, and wilder.

"What are you going to name it?"

Jace noticed the curiosity in his bright blue orbs. He made the decision quickly. "Sanvi."

The table shook. It was small as if there was a minor earthquake. Jace and Alec's attention was attracted to the box on the table: they heard the humming and light gleamed through the closed lid. Jace opened the lid again to find the seraph blade was shining glows along its grains.

When he got a tight hold on the grip, he felt the lightness of the blade. Lifted it from the box Jace twiddled with it and controlled it with greatest ease like it was a part of him – it moved as his heart desired. His muscle acted before he had the intention to and Jace felt there was a continuous surge of energy transmitted to him.

Power. Strength. Stamina.

Jace looked into his brother's eyes. They were beaming in pride and protectiveness. Alec wasn't the one fight besides him in the middle of chaos, but he was there with Jace.

He put down the seraph blade into the box with extreme chariness. "How did you do it?"

"Technology." Alec said and rolled his eyes. Both laughed and threw their heads back in sync.

Through the smiling eyes Jace let himself linger on the blissful face of his brother. Alec looked delighted and Jace wanted to capture it within a frame. They chatted a bit afterwards but was interrupted by Alec's keeper, Aline.

"Alec, it's time for your medication." She walked into the room with a small pill and a glass of water in her hands. Gently she placed it on the table and smiled at the men, standing next to Alec.

Alec played with the yellow pill, rotating it.

"You want a candy for it?" Jace smirked, raised his eyebrow in teasing. Alec bit his lip.

"No."

He quickly popped the pill into his mouth and swallowed it with gulps of water. As the pill went down his throat Alec slumped back to his seat and kneaded his eyes. Yawning, he mumbled. "Why am I so tired?"

Took the cue Jace said his leave. "You should take a nap or something. I have a training session at four. See you around?"

"Hm." It was his only reply before the sleep claimed him. Aline smiled to Jace and apologized.

"Sorry for his rudeness."

"I don't mind – take him to bed. I will show myself out."

Jace got to his feet and took the box while Aline had Alec in her arms like a child sleeping peacefully, walking to the bedroom.

At the front door Ragnor handed him his coat.

"Have a good day, sir." He said and bowed with a hand pressed on his chest. Programmed courtesy. Jace nodded and got on his way, jogging back to Guardian as a warm up for his training session with Isabelle.

Their life was back on track somehow. Just that it wasn't the ones they had foreseen themselves to be on.