Gladly send me all your prompts and ideas:

Alec jumped at the sudden and unexpected sound right outside his shower cabin. He barely avoided hitting his head against the shower head, but it was a close call. His heart was racing, pumping adrenaline through his system and his hand immediately went to his back, were – of course – no bow was. It took his foggy and tired brain a moment to realize where the sound had come from and who it belonged to.

“Midnight!” He opened the frosted shower door just enough to look outside. “What are you doing? How... did you get inside?” He furrowed his brows and gazed at the open door that separated his bathroom from his bedroom. He could have sworn that he had closed the door... But cats couldn’t just open closed doors, could they? He looked down at the furry being in question, who in turn stared right back at him with a seemingly innocent expression.

“Meow, meow.” The cat tilted his head, its tail waving in what could only be described as impatience.

Alec sighed. “What? Are you this hungry?” He couldn’t even have a moment for himself it seems. Then again, he probably had been in the shower longer than he wanted. Oh well, it was one of the only luxuries he allowed himself to enjoy. “I am coming... give me a minute.”

The cat purred in return and licked at its paw, before rubbing it against his ear.

Another sigh escaped the Shadowhunter. He turned the shower off and missed the warm water on his skin almost immediately. Then he carefully reached out of the shower to get his towel, which was barely out of reach. He cursed under his breath, while weighing his options. He wasn’t too keen on running around naked, when clever golden eyes watched him carefully. Perhaps he was irrational, but somehow the thought made him feel uncomfortable. He was... peculiar sometimes.

As if sensing the tall man’s distress, the animal in question stretched itself, showing its claws in the process. Midnight winced slightly and stared almost accusingly at his wounded side. He shook slightly, then made his way towards the towel rack. The cat bent forwards, shaking its butt and with an elegant jump, landed on top of the towel. It purred in satisfaction, before nudging the towel towards the outstretched fingers of a certain Shadowhunter, who gaped at the animal in awe.

“Meow!”

“Oh, eh... thank you?” Alec blinked in surprise, before taking the wanted object. He quickly closed the shower door again and made haste in drying himself up. He finally wrapped the towel around his waist, only then he allowed himself to step out of the still steamy shower cabin. He shivered as the cold air hit his warmed skin. Just another reason to quickly change into sleep clothes so that he could crawl under his blanket. But no! He would need to find Midnight something to eat first; he had promised it after all.

A pleased sounding meow came from the cat, who was sitting slightly crooked on the towel rack. It appeared as if the animal avoided putting too much weight on its wounded hind leg. It truly was a smart thing, mused Alec.

“Come on, I need to get dressed.” The tall Shadowhunter was halfway through the foggy bathroom, when he noticed that the black cat wasn’t following him. He turned around with a puzzled and questioning look on his features, but Midnight just gazed right back at him, with a slightly tilted head. “What is it?”

His furry companion pointedly held up his bandaged hind leg und looked pleading and innocently at him. Alec sighed. He had an idea what Midnight wanted. “You just jumped up there... surely it doesn’t hurt that much...”

“Meow...,” Even his meowing sounded pathetic and pleading. The cat even dared to lie on the rack, making itself appear small and vulnerable. Luckily for Midnight, Alec had a soft spot for his furry companion, despite only knowing him for a couple of hours.

“You can’t be serious.” But he didn’t mean it and even walked back into the room. He picked the cat up with ease, secretly pleased when Midnight purred and snuggled closer to his chest. “You are a little menace, you know that.”

The cat peeked up at him as if to say: “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

“Yeah... right.” Alec didn’t believe it for one single second.

He put his precious cargo back onto the bed, before stretching his neck. The exhaustion was taking its toll. Even his stamina rune wouldn’t help him much in this state. But it was nothing a good night sleep couldn’t fix, but first things first.

The young Lightwood slowly made his way over to his sparely filled wardrobe. Almost everything he owned were casual clothes he could wear on missions and in which he was comfortable. There definitely wasn’t anything colourful and only a handful of accessories found their ways into his possession. Most of them had been unwanted gifts that he would never wear. He’d rather be dead than to be seen with those silly things. They would just bother and hinder him on a hunt. In all honesty, he wasn’t sure how Izzy did it with her necklaces, head pieces and especially with her high heels.

He quickly shook himself out of his thoughts in order to pick something out. Without really thinking about it, he took a casual black shirt, a boring pair of comfortable pants and of course some boxer shorts out of his wardrobe. He put the clothes of his choosing on the unoccupied bed side and he was just about to remove the towel, when he froze. He glanced towards the golden eyed feline, who seemed to study him intently. Alec felt uneasy all of a sudden.

Without a second thought, he grabbed a corner of his blanket and threw it over the unsuspecting animal. There came immediately protesting and displeased sounds from it, but Alec just hurried to get himself dressed. Perhaps he was paranoid, but he simply didn’t like the way that Midnight had stared at him. It had seemed almost... hungry. He shuddered at the thought. He wouldn’t even allow Jace and Izzy to see him in such a vulnerable state and they were his siblings.

“Meow!” Midnight moaned and griped loudly, even after Alec helped him out of his blanket prison. Golden eyes were judging him, hard and wasn’t that ironic? Alec had thought animals didn’t judge, after all. Midnight even hissed at this point.

“Yes... I am sorry, alright. I... just like my privacy...” Why was he even explaining himself to an animal? He really must be going crazy. Then again, he had the feeling that Midnight understood much more than a mere cat should. Strange.

The hiss he received wasn’t as loud and aggressive as the one from before.

“Next time I just ask you to turn around, alright?” Alec tried again.

The black cat examined him for a minute, and then it relaxed again. The tall and dark haired man found himself exhaling in relieve.

“I’ll keep that in mind... Do you want to stay here while I look for something to eat and drink for you or would you prefer to come along?” Alec deemed it wiser to not just assume again, even though he had a feeling that his feline friend would want to stay on the comfortable bed instead of going on some errand. He was once again proven wrong, when Midnight stood up. He was limping again. His little jump on the towel rack had apparently not been a very good idea. Alec couldn’t watch it any longer, which is why he offered the cat to crawl into his arms once more. The unspoken invitation was received and accepted fairly quickly.

The Shadowhunter picked his furry companion up with ease and with a content feeling in his chest. At least this way he knew that Midnight was safe and wouldn’t get himself in any trouble. Alec took a peek at the feline in his arms and wasn’t at all surprised to see an almost smug and satisfied look. He smiled a little at his friend’s antics. He wasn’t even bothered by the furry tail that brushed his arms ever so often.

“I’ll be honest”, the dark haired male began, once he and his cargo had left his room, “I am not sure the Institute has much to offer for animals, since Shadowhunters usually do not tend to keep pets. We’ll have to make do with what we’ll find.” He petted the cat, who purred in contempt. “We or in this case rather I can go and buy some things tomorrow. Eh, I mean today, just later.” He shook his head. He almost forgot that it was early, very early in the morning. Not many shops would be open at this time of the day and Alec would rather get a few hours of sleep, before going out again. Midnight would hopefully forgive him.

“Alec!” A voice sounded behind the young Lightwood. Almost immediately, his shoulders slumped and he sighed. Great, just what he needed. “I didn’t know you had the early shift as well. That’s great. Do you want to go on a hunt together?” The Shadowhunter who spoke to him was... annoying, to say the least. Alec had the feeling that the young, brunette woman was interested in him and definitely in more than friendship.

He rarely used his position and name to his advantage, but in this case, he had made sure that his and her shifts rarely overlapped, if at all. He didn’t even feel the slightest bit of guilt.

“I don’t”, he quickly responded. The slight shift in his arms made him aware that Midnight was apparently not happy about the foreign presence. “I am just on my way to find something eatable for my friend here.” He trailed off.

“Oh! You have a cat? How cute. What’s its name?” The brunette bent slightly down and cooed at the kitten, who returned it with a hiss. Alec had to stifle a laugh. Apparently Midnight shared his taste.

“Midnight... and he is not particularly fond of people...” The last bit might not be completely true, but the dark haired Shadowhunter was in no mood for any more small talk. Besides, the extended claws helped him make his point.

“Oh...” The woman didn’t seem happy.

“As I said, I am on my way to grab some food and then I will return to my rooms. I highly suggest for you to return to your duties.” Alec didn’t leave room for her to disagree.

“Right... well, it was nice seeing you again. Perhaps our schedules will be better aligned in the future... Or you might want to train with me some time?” She didn’t give up, Alec had to give her that.

“Thanks, but... I have a full schedule.” Midnight hissed again and glared fiercely at the female Shadowhunter, who suddenly appeared very nervous.

“Oh... I see. I... yes...”

“Magnus,” he groaned in defeat. How was it that his husband was always so flirty, even in a situation like this? And how was it that he was still so affected by mere words that came of his warlock husband’s mouth?

“I’m sorry. I just can’t help myself with you, pretty boy.” Alec looked up, just in time to see the wide grin on beloved features and the slight sparkle in hazel eyes. At least Magnus was not hurt.

“You know I love you... but it is getting rather uncomfortable.”

“Oh, yes”, the bearded and older male hurried to get to his feet. He almost stumbled over his own two feet, but managed to step up. While the Shadowhunter was slowly rising from his place on the ground as well, Magnus’ made a disgruntled face, while looking down his own body. He snapped his fingers, twice, and first all the dirt from his own clothes just evaporated into thin air, then the same happened to the dirt on Alec’s choice of black clothes.

“Thank you.”

Magnus just smiled at him, before turning back to the door. “Apparently I am not very welcome.”

“You think so”, deadpanned the Shadowhunter. He could go without another surprise attack. “What now?” He rotated his shoulders and stretched do loosen the muscles and bones that were not too happy with him landing on the floor.

“I could probably break through the wards,” mumbled the warlock. His brow war furrowed and one of his hands was on his chin. He was clearly thinking and weighing arguments against each other. “But I fear that would only do more harm than good. But...” the look he sent Alec’s way made the Shadowhunter feel a little uneasy in the stomach, “how about YOU try?”

“Me?” Alec raised an eyebrow, before his blue eyes landed on the unsuspecting house that hat just thrown them a few feet away with quite some force. “Do I have to? Is there no other way?” He already knew that he would do it for his beloved. There was almost nothing that he would deny his husband, which the latter knew all too well.

“Don’t fear, my brave Shadowhunter,” he turned around and started to straighten the clothes of his taller beloved. “I just know that you will do great. You just have to... use your infuriating charm to get our potential little helper to let me in. I will deal with the rest then.”

“Why do I have the feeling that this won’t be as easy as you make it seem to be?”

“Mhm, I have absolute trust in your abilities, dear,” there was an irresistible smile on his features that let hundreds of butterflies free in Alec’s stomach. This man... would someday be the death of him, he just knew it. He wouldn’t even be mad then.

Alec sighed in defeat. He knew that arguing and fighting would only lead to the same result, so he didn’t even bother with it and just gave in. It saved them both a lot of time. “Just... tell me what I have to expect.”

“I am not so sure, to be honest,” Magnus turned away from his husband, to look at the house in question himself. He let his hand wander down the muscled arm of his Nephilim soldier to intertwine their fingers. He needed the reassurance, probably more so than Alec right now. “Just...,” he sighed, before continuing, “the person in there... is my brother.”

“Wait... what?” he was sure that he must have misheard. His head snapped to the shorter male beside him, so fast, that it cracked audible. He didn’t let that bother him and Magnus didn’t seem to have heard it either. Good.

“My brother,” repeated the warlock, “my younger brother, to be exact. I just found out recently that he is still alive. We... didn’t really have much contact in the last centuries and when we did... let’s just say we are not particularly fond of each other...”

“Oh,” nodded Alec slowly. It seemed that this day was full of many surprises. It left a sour taste in his mouth. He thought that he knew the warlock beside him. He thought that he could trust Magnus. But first, the man had kept the return of his father a secret from him and now he suddenly had a brother who seemed to be acquainted with magic as well. This day was getting worse and worse. Why was he even here? He should alert the institute about the threat that Asmodeus undoubtedly posed. He shouldn’t run some strange errands with his husband.

“I am sorry,” mumbled Magnus. He had an inkling, what his husband was thinking and he couldn’t even blame him. “I know that we promised each other to be open and to be there for one another. It’s just... I didn’t WANT it to be true. I... I just now came to realize that it WAS. I had a dream... I saw the signs and I couldn’t deny it any longer. I thought that this was all behind us, but it isn’t. I didn’t want to drag you further into my family drama, but I know, you are my husband, I know you would understand and not judge me. I just... know you would help me. Forgive me for being so stupid and keeping it to myself for so long.”

Slowly, very slowly Alec nodded. It took him a moment to let the words sink in. This was one of their biggest problems, keeping things from each other instead of confiding in each other. But they were working on it. The Shadowhunter turned his head to look into sad and apologetic dark eyes and his own gaze immediately softened. He wasn’t angry, a little bit disappointed at most. He was just glad that Magnus HAD in fact, finally told him. He knew that family drama was a difficult topic, it was for him too and he certainly had not such a strange and difficult family situation, like his half-demon husband hat. That’s why he finally said: “It’s alright, love.” He rarely used endearing, but he felt that Magnus needed it in this moment. He was not wrong, because he could feel the tension slip out of the smaller male. “I know you didn’t mean any harm and I am glad that you opened up to me now.”

“Alexander,” Magnus purred, but before he could continue, Alec interrupted him: “Let us get that over with and afterwards, you can properly introduce me to your brother and we can talk. How does that sound?”

“Wonderful, darling,” a small smile played on Magnus’ lips. He squeezed the hand in his and then he let the Shadowhunter go. “Get him, pup...”

“Ehm... excuse me? Who are you and what did you do to my parabatai?” Jace joked. He was grinning, almost on the verge of laughing. He couldn’t quite believe his ears. His parabatai usually was one to follow every little rule. More often than not, he had saved both Izzy and him from getting into trouble because they were not as rule-abiding as their bigger brother. “I cannot believe that today is the day that you, Alec, are rebelling against our parents.”

“I guess there is a first time for everything,” the dark haired male shrugged and didn’t seem too concerned. In fact, he was already preparing some very good reasons for keeping his foundling, should his mother find out and start protesting. One of the strongest one were that she wanted him to have an occupation that would make him look more approachable for any female subjects that were wife material. Alec didn’t have it in him to tell his parents that he was in fact completely uninterested in women. That was something not even his siblings knew. It was a well kept secret. He didn’t want to be shunned for it... especially since it was expected of him to eventually get married and continue his bloodline. If he wouldn’t do it, Izzy would need to step up and he’d rather see his sister free and happy. Alec... well, he would survive even being married off to... someone.

“Do you think we can sneak the cat in without anyone noticing?” Jace asked aloud. He had slightly tilted his head, a sign that he was deep in thought.

“Unlikely. The surveillance cameras will catch sight of him,” Alec shrugged. Again, if he wanted to keep the cat, he was sure he would be able to get his mother to agree. At least this time... perhaps it would help, if he agreed to one of her crazy ideas. It definitely would be worth a shot.

Alec’s gaze shifted to the black ball in his arms. The cat seemed content resting there. It was actually rubbing its head against his shirt, despite the dirt and ichor in the fabric. What a cute little thing the animal was, despite the bloody injury and the ichor now ruining part of its fur.

A quite meowing let him come back to reality and he realized that a pair of golden eyes was looking up at him with a questioning gaze. He just smiled reassuringly at the fur ball. “You need a name,” he mumbled, but apparently loud enough for his siblings to hear.

“Oh, oh I know! How about... Leo? As in the Latin word for lion,” Izzy seemed to like her idea very much. The cat looked unimpressed at her.

“Definitely not. Leo is not a name for a cat,” It was Jace who protested.

“Well, we are NOT going to name him Jace Jr.!” Izzy pouted and crossed her arms over her chest in defiance.

“Why not?”

Alec sighed and rolled his eyes. It was a good thing that he had found the injured cat, because that gave him the right to name it. It would spare the fur ball some comical name choices. He looked down again only to frown. Was the cat actually looking worried?

“Don’t worry, little guy. I am not going to let them name you... but keep that to yourself, deal?”

Golden eyes looked up and the cat even relaxed again. Strange, Alec hadn’t noticed up until now, that the black foundling had tensed up in the first place. A little purr escaped the feline and the Shadowhunter took that as a sign of thankfulness.

He let his siblings bicker the rest of the way to the Institute. Thankfully they hadn’t been far from it at this point. Also he had been able to zone out most of their dialogue. He was not at all interested in the suggestions they were making. In fact, from what he registered, one was even worse than the other one. He could be wrong, but he was pretty sure he had heard Purrada at some point. Ridiculous! They were naming a living being not some accessory.

When they finally returned to the institute, their parents were actually waiting for them. Apparently they had heard about the encounter and problems the trio had faced or at least they had figured as much since it was rare for Jace of all people to agree to back-up. Their gazes, which they had presented their children with, had been interesting to say the least. It had been a mixture between disgust at the state of their children and worry for them, which had surprised Alec, just a little bit. What had truly surprised him was that none of them had said a single word about his foundling. His mother had spotted the little black ball of course, despite it snuggling even more into the leather jacket, probably in search of warmth. Perhaps Alec had imagined it but for one moment he could have sworn that there had been the merest hint of a smile on her usually stoic and serious features. His father on the other hand hadn’t noticed a thing. Or at least so it had seemed. Not that it mattered much to Alec.

One way or the other, this was the reason why he found himself with his new cat friend in his bedroom. He had taken the liberty to assign Jace the pleasure of writing a detailed mission report – he was sure that Jace wanted to punch him for that – so that he wouldn’t need to waste his times finding the right words, while fighting not to fall asleep. Besides, he had a little furry patient to take care of first anyway.

“So, let me have a look at you,” he put the cat on his bed, without thinking too much about it. Of course he had draped one of his white towels over the mattress, before putting the cat down. He didn’t want the feline’s blood on the bed linen, or rather: he didn’t want to change them. He was just tired and wanted nothing more than to finally have a good night rest. This couldn’t be too much to ask for, right?

“It looks worse than I thought. You poor thing, it has to hurt a lot,” he said to the animal, who meowed, apparently in agreement. Carefully he brushed through the black fur on the cat’s head. It was really soft and almost silken to the touch. It calmed him.

“I will clean the wound first. It might sting a bit. Afterwards I will try my best to get the ichor out of your fur, though I fear a bath might be inevitable,” he explained with an apologetic hint in his voice, despite knowing that the feline couldn’t possible understand him. To his repeated surprise, a strange sound escaped the feline, almost like a huff or even a sigh. This was most certainly a strange cat. Or his mind was just playing tricks. Instead of pondering more about it, Alec set to work.

The cat held still extremely well. It hissed here and there and recoiled sometimes from his touch, when the pain seemingly became unbearable. But all in all, he was a way better patient than his brother Jace would have been.

The tall Shadowhunter cleaned the wound on the side carefully, before stopping the bleeding with another wash cloth that was now ruined. He didn’t mind, not at all. Afterwards he applied some paste that should help with the cleaning, before bandaging the feline up. It wasn’t pretty, a bandage rarely was... but the white cloth stood prominently out against the black fur of his little friend. The feline obviously seemed to come to the same conclusion. It had smelled at the paste, making a gagging sound before averting its gaze. Now that the bandage was on, it looked displeased but made no move to scratch or bite at it.

“You are a smart one, aren’t you?” Alec asked fondly. He loved animals; they were the better humans, so to speak. They rarely had a bad bone in their body. All they did was to survive, even if it seemed gruesome. Animals took their humans how they were, they didn’t demand some ridiculous things from their owners and most certainly they didn’t judge. They were just there, supporting and loving.

The cat meowed as an answer and Alec didn’t resist the temptation to pet it right under its chin. The cat seemed to enjoy it and even tilted its head a little upwards, while closing its beautiful eyes. Eventually, it started to purr. Alec liked that sound; it made him feel welcome and appreciated.

“Will you allow me to look at your leg too?” he asked the feline, without expecting an answer. The more surprised he was, when the cat actually stretched the leg in question, the one with which it had been trapped. With an incredulous look, he gazed into golden eyes. They seemed to dare him so ask and to speak the thoughts that were circling in his brain. This was truly a smart cat, perhaps a little bit too smart. Then again, he didn’t know much about animals. Of course there was Church, but even Church was something special. Perhaps this cat had been touched by magic at some point in its life. It was possible, with warlocks, fairies and many more magical creatures roaming this planet. Or perhaps the black fur ball just needed to stretch its leg, because it was hurting and perhaps Alec was again over thinking something as simple as that. It wouldn’t be the first time.

“You still need a name,” he finally said, while looking at the hind leg that thankfully had just minor scratches that were quickly taken care of. Living the life of a Shadowhunter with three younger and often reckless siblings he had quite some training in patching somebody – or in this case, somecat – up. Not the most desirable trait, but certainly a useful one. He just wished that he was as good with finding names, like he was with patching wound up. “How about... Whiskers?”

The cat looked unimpressed and hissed. It wasn’t the aggressive tone from the alleyway, but it made one thing clear, Whiskers was not a good name.

“Okay... then perhaps... Blacky?” Alec tried again.

The cat gave an almost pained sound as an answer and it laid its head back on the towel, only to cover its eyes with its paws.

“Don’t be so mean... Creativity isn’t my strong suit...”

The cat raised its paw and looked at him as if to say, “No kidding.”

“Hey... be grateful that I am not naming you Jace Jr.,” he deadpanned and the cat lowered its head back in what seemed defeat. Alec chuckled and the feline meowed. “Or worse, Mewlius Caesar or Catpurrnicus!”

He laughed and definitely deserved the tail that playfully slapped him right in his face. He wouldn’t be happy with names like these as well. A few meows escaped his feline friend, only his meows didn’t sound friendly at all. It was almost as if the cat was complaining about his terrible taste.

“Okay, okay. I get it. I was just kidding, don’t worry,” he laughed. “But really... what to call you?” he pondered for a moment more. His fur ball stayed on the bed, apparently lying comfortably where it was, especially now that no one was disturbing the wounds on its body. “Mhm... I found you in a dark alleyway...,” he let his eyes roam through his room. It was nothing special, just a standard room, with a large bed, a few windows allowing him to enjoy the garden of the institute and with the spare possessions he owned, like his first bow. “Midnight!”

The cat looked up in surprise.

“That’s what I’ll call you. Midnight... Because I found you at midnight... more or less. What do you think?”

The cat tilted its head and for a moment that was all it did. Then, a single and friendly meow was his answer. For a moment it even looked as if the black fur ball was nodding.

“Hey... where’s Alec?” Jace’s sharp voice brought Isabelle right out of her spiralling thoughts and the guilt that had started to form in her heart.

“What do you mean ‘where is Alec’? He is right-,” she was about to point right to her left side, a step or two behind her, because that’s where he’d been just a moment ago, but now he was nowhere to be seen. “Oh no.”

“Izzy,” even though he was using her nickname, Jace’s voice was as serious as his face. He even tool a step forward and looked frantically around. “We have to find him!”

“I couldn’t agree with you more,” she nodded and willed her snake-bracelet to slither its way down, until she head its head secure in her hand. She wasn’t completely sure if the needed a weapon but it sure as hell made her feel a lot better and safer.

“He can’t be far away... perhaps he got distracted?” Jace suggested, though it wasn’t clear if he only wanted to make his sister feel better or himself as well.

“Or... he is injured and hid it again,” grumbled the long haired female. It wouldn’t be the first time that her stubborn brother had tried to hide a serious injury. He hated it, when others worried over him and he also hated the infirmary with all his heart. Still, sometimes a visit was necessary, especially with demon poison running through your veins. Apparently Alec hadn’t gotten that memo... but he luckily got his siblings for that, if he wanted it or not.

“He doesn’t seem to be in pain,” murmured Jace, “at least our bond doesn’t give anything like it away.”

“Finally. Some good news.”

Jace hummed in agreement: “Let’s retrace our steps.”

“Good plan,” Izzy readily agreed and followed the blonde Shadowhunter. They would definitely find Alec and if he was alright... she would hit him, hard. He deserved it for disappearing like this and worrying them this much.

Meanwhile a certain tall, dark haired and blue-eyed Shadowhunter found himself in an abandoned looking alley. He was pretty sure that he had heard a strange sound coming from here. Considering the eventful night that he and his siblings had had, he wouldn’t be too surprised if he had ran right into another demon nest. But right now, he couldn’t see anything resembling one. In fact, he couldn’t even see the source of the strange noise that he had heard. Had he been hallucinating? Was it his exhausting playing tricks on his mind or had he been injured earlier on, without noticing? He wouldn’t put it past himself. While fighting, he was full of adrenaline and it made him feel pain and the effect of poison in his body, much later. No, that was unlikely. He had undoubtedly a few bruises and scratches here and there, but nothing too bad, otherwise he would have to fretting siblings all over him. He couldn’t be bleeding either, otherwise he would have left a trail behind by now, not to mention that his cloth would be sticking even more to his body, where he bleeding. The only reason for them to stick now was the black ichor and his sweat. Not the most pleasant mix, but some things couldn’t be helped.

There! He had heard it again. That strange sound from before. It was something between... pain, annoyance and a call for help, perhaps? It wasn’t human though. Alec furrowed his brows and let his bow appear in his hands, an arrow already at the ready. He was scanning the dark alleyway. At one point, it must have actually connected two main streets with one another, but now there was so much trash thrown away here that the alleyway was more of a dead hand. It only gave him one way to escape... but the same could be said with whatever it was that was making these sounds.

“Hello?” he asked into the dark alley. He felt perhaps a little bit stupid by doing so but his brain was tired. Nothing happened, not that he really expected otherwise. The thing, when in pain, was surely hurt and would not want unwanted attention on it. At least that is, how he would feel. Still, Alec stepped slowly forward, his eyes scanning his surroundings, his other senses also on high alert. He wouldn’t let himself be surprised.

He had almost reached the dead end without noticing anything that could be responsible for the noises he heard. Perhaps it had all been an illusion after all. Alec sighed and stopped in his tracks. The stones under his boots crunched under his weight. He needed a bed and a good night rest, soon. Yet he doubted that he would get a decent night of much needed slumber. His sleep was restless, ever since his parents were back at the institute. He had... not exactly nightmares, but not quite pleasant dreams either. Not to forget all the things that spiralled in his head, because of his parents. They were expecting so much from and of him... he wasn’t sure if he could give them everything they asked for. It was just... so much.

Another sigh escaped Alec’s lips. This was not the right place, nor the right time to think about this. He relaxed his posture, relaxed the grip on his bow as well and then he straightened to his full height. It was then, that he saw something... a pair of almost golden eyes that were mere inches away from his face. The owner of those eyes... hissed at him and only thanks to Alec’s reflexes, he was able to dodge the scratching attack that was aimed right at his face.

With wide eyes, he looked back at the creature... the cat, as he recognised a moment later. It was a cat.

“You got to be kidding me...,” he grumbled to himself. All this, just for a ill-tempered cat? What a night. It was a good thing that he decided to check up on the noise on his own, he would be a laughing matter for his siblings now.

And yet... there was something strange about the animal, which made Alec curious. He put his bow away, as well as the arrow. Then he took a closer look at the animal. The cat... was beautiful, he would admit. It’s golden eyes shone with brightness and something more... something that shouldn’t be there, but Alec couldn’t put a name to it. He let his eyes wander more. The animal was mostly black with a few colourful strands in its fur, though he couldn’t see the exact colour with the dim light in the alleyway. The paws looked strong but... were the claws glittering or was it just a trick of the little moonlight? It had to be a trick... or someone had done something to the animal. Now that he looked closer, Alec could see that the cat had no collar, so no most likely no owner. A stray cat... but it looked too well groomed for that. He hummed and then he saw the likely reason for the animal’s strange behaviour. The cat was trapped between the grid of staircases and... there was something dripping down onto the floor. It smelled like blood. The poor thing was hurt! No wonder that it was so aggressive.

 “Okay... I need you to stay calm, alright?” speaking with a cat was not the smartest thing he had ever done, but well... there was no one here to witness it. “I don’t want to hurt you, you hear? I only want to help you.” He held his hands up to show the creature that he meant no harm. Again, stupid. A cat couldn’t possible understand such gestures, let alone his words. Yet to his surprise, the animal stopped hissing. It didn’t stop completely that is, but became way more quite.

“Good, that’s good. Again... I am just here to help,” he dared to make a step forward before pausing again as to not startle the hurt cat. Golden eyes seemed to look at him with extreme caution and suspicion and yet... no more hissing and the pause remained where they were so no more attacks.

“That’s it... that’s a good girl...” A single hiss was his answer, as well as disappointing eyes. “Or... boy?”

“Meow...” was the seemingly satisfied answer.

Alec was definitely going crazy now. He was holding a conversation with a black cat with golden eyes. He wondered, if the Silent Brothers would be able to help him or if he was already a lost cause.

He took another step forward, then another. The cat made no move to threaten or attack him and eventually Alec dared himself ho put a hand on the animal. Its fur felt surprisingly soft under his touch. He couldn’t stop himself from running his fingers a few inches through the fur. The cat stared directly at his hand, as if contemplating on attacking or letting him continue. The Shadowhunter deemed it wiser not to stretch his luck and he let his hand come to rest on the hind leg that was stuck. He was very careful, he didn’t want to hurt the animal further, but he eventually managed it with the help of his strength rune to bend away the hindering grid so that the cat could pull out its own leg. The fact that the animal didn’t immediately flee was another warning signal for the tall male and without thinking, he lifted the black menace up. The cat seemed to be as surprised as he, but this way, he gained a much better look at the bad looking wound in its side.

“That looks bad. How about I take you with me and patch you up and then you can do... whatever it is a cat does. How does that sound?”

He found himself staring right into golden eyes that held a scrutinizing and almost calculating look. Before Alec could scold himself from asking a cat for permission, two familiar voices sounded from the entrance of the alley.

“Alec! There you are. What are you doing?” Isabelle sounded accusing.

“We were worried and... is that a cat?” Jace asked.

“Well, if I am not mistaken – and we both know, I rarely am – then we are about to... meet someone I once considered family...”

“Ah.” Alec lightly squeezed the smaller hand in his in reassurance. “Is there a reason for our visit?” It was a stupid question. With Magnus there was always a reason for everything.

The warlock in question sighed. His shoulders slacked and he looked up at the man he loved with sad and guilty eyes. “There... are several, I fear. And none of them pleasant. It’s just... I...,” he sighed again, while closing his eyes for a moment. When he reopened them, he took a step forward; catching Alexander’s other hand with his, the tracking magic now gone. “I fear, I haven’t been quite open and honest with you, lately.”

Alec tensed up at that. His eyes narrowed and he slightly tilted his head. “What do you mean?” he asked carefully.

“I... recently made an unpleasant discovery,” he began slowly. His hands were trembling, while he swallowed around a lump in his throat. This was only Alexander, this was his husband, his one and only. If he couldn’t trust his Shadowhunter then who else could he tell everything? “My... Asmodeus is back.”

“What?” Alec reeled back in shock, only hold by the hands in his. “But... but... how? I thought you send him through a portal, while he was unconscious? You told me there is no coming back from the limbo. Besides... Edom is destroyed. I... I don’t understand.”

Another sigh escaped the warlock’s lips and he suddenly seemed way older and very tired to the Nephilim in front of him. “I was wrong. Well, technically I wasn’t, I... just made a mistake.”

“Magnus... you make no sense.”

“It’s complicated, Alexander. Alright?” he spoke with more an unwanted annoyance in his voice, which he regretted, as soon as he saw in the other man’s face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you.”

“It’s okay... hey, it’s okay...” reassured Alec his husband. Magnus was troubled; so much was more than obvious now. He shouldn’t feel insulted or angry at the warlock, just because he lost control over his emotions for a minute. “I am here,” he repeated his words from before, while he placed one of his hands on Magnus’ cheek. His heart stuttered lovingly, as the warlock immediately snuggled into the contact. It was obvious that they both took comfort in this little touch of affection.

“I’m sorry,” mumbled the older male in regret. Then he willed himself to look into familiar blue eyes. “It seems that my father wasn’t unconscious when I... shoved him into the portal. I made a terrible lack in judgement and it could cost us ALL, our lives that is.”

Alec nodded slowly. This... was a great shock to him. He didn’t need to ask to know that his lover knew this for quite a while now. Magnus had been on edge for two or three weeks. Back then he thought that the warlock had just overworked himself, but now Alec knew that he had been mistaken. Magnus was troubled by the fact that the man who fathered him, was back. Not just any man, but a prince of Edom... a former prince of Edom, since the realm had been destroyed. Still, there was no doubt in Alec’s mind that Asmodeus would still be as dangerous as before. Furthermore, the demon prince had a few... scores to settle, with both of them. After all, the deal he and Alec had made, had been broken. There was no doubt in the Shadowhunter’s mind that a broken contract – especially one made with the most powerful prince of hell – was not a small thing.

“And where are here, because...?” he let the sentence trail off.

“Because... here lives the only person that might be able to help us... if he is willing to,” he looked unsure.

Alec wasn’t used to such a look on his husband’s face, which is why he asked: “You have doubts about this... person helping our cause? Isn’t it in everyone’s interest, if someone like Asmodeus is banned from this world?”

“You would certainly think so, right?” his smile was more like a grimace. “But our relationship is complicated, to say the least.”

“Wait... he isn’t one of your exes? Right?”

“NO!” Magnus replied hastily: “By Lilith,... certainly not. Ugh... the thought alone...” He shuddered to emphasize his thought.

Alec hummed. “Then what are we waiting for?” He squared his shoulders, about to enter the building, when a strong hand on his arm held him back.

“Wait, Darling. Let me go first, he is... dangerous.”

No, the warlock had spoken about something he needed a lot of help with, magical help, he had added and clarified, as Alec had offered him his. So no big deal, Magnus just needed the aid of another warlock, or so Alec thought. But yet again, he was corrected by fate or perhaps the angels themselves.

Apparently it wasn’t enough to ask any particular warlock for his assistance and apparently neither Lorenzo’s nor Cat’s magic was enough for the high warlock. He was searching for something else, or rather, someone else, which was probably the reason, why they were now here, at the other side of the globe. Not that the raven-haired man minded travelling with his beloved warlock, but he most certainly preferred, other places, which were less... dirty. Not to mention all the stacks and piles of junk and trash that were literally scattered everywhere. There was barely enough ground uncovered to set foot onto.

“We are here,” Magnus began slowly, his eyes scanning their surroundings, while his reddish magic warped around his fingers, most likely guiding him and showing him the way, “because I am looking for someone important.”

Alec grimaced. This was not a nice place to be. They where... well, he wasn’t quite sure, where exactly they were. What he knew was, that the people who lived here, were very, very poor. A lot of them obviously lived on the streets. Those people, who were more fortunate, lived in barracks, if they could even be called that. Some of the dwellings were barely standing up. There was also no space between them. One dwelling was built next to the other and more often than not, the single room was cramped with people. Not to mention that the people had a railroad right in front of their doors or entrances. A train could drive by every minute and the Shadowhunter was sure, if the people didn’t move their belongings fast enough, a lot of things would be lost and squished. It was terrible.

“And who might that be?” he asked for clarification, even though it was mostly to get his mind off of the misery that surrounded them. He felt for the people, he truly did and he wished that they could do something... but helping was beyond his abilities.

Alec had always thought that the slums and ghettos in New York were bad, but they paled in contrast to what the people had to go through here. All the dirt, the sick and hungry looking humans, who were barely more than skin and bones... It broke his heart, especially since he knew that glamour and richness would not be far away from this part of the town.

“Everything in good time, Alexander,” Magnus was as cryptic as ever. It was one of the only things that made the Shadowhunter crazy, but not in a good way.

“Well, then could you at least be a little bit more specific about our whereabouts?”

Magnus sighed and his shoulders slumped. He let his hands sink a little bit, before he finally turned around to his companion. “We are in the northern parts of Jakarta, in one of the poorer and dirtier places, if you need to know. I grew up somewhere around here.”

“Oh”, was all that came to the man’s mind. He knew that Magnus’ origin had been Indonesia, but to actually see the town, or rather, the province where he was born... that was something entirely different. Even though it was most likely, that things had looked and been quite different all those centuries ago.

A slightly pained expression appeared on the warlock’s features. Alec instantly wanted to reach out and caress the handsome face he so adored. He hated seeing his husband in so much pain. All he wanted was, to soothe it away and make it better.

“Magnus”, the raven-haired Shadowhunter finally did reach out and placed his palm against the warm skin of his beloved. It was almost unnoticeable, but considering the amount of time they now lived together... Alec noticed it, the slight quiver of thin lips and the fleeting expression of dread in dark eyes he learned to love. “I am here.”

“I know,” there was the slightest sign of a smile on the warlock’s lips. “Without you... I wouldn’t be here now.”

“Magnus,” he always wondered how easy it was for his lover, to render him speechless.

“Let’s keep going, okay?” Magnus moved his head just enough to press a soft and loving kiss on the calloused hand against his skin. Alec war truly a steady and strong presence on which he could rely. It helped with the nervousness, as well as the uneasiness he was feeling. This trip... could end in a very, very bad way. But it was a risk, he simply had to take. His, but more importantly, Alec’s life was in danger. This was something that he simply couldn’t ignore.

Just as he put his phone away, something else caught his attention. With trained instincts, he raised his arm and caught a little piece of slightly burning paper that was meant for him. He didn't need to read the message to know, from who it was. He would recognize this detailed and curvy handwriting from thousands.

"Magnus..." a little smile played at the corner of his mouth. So the warlock was thinking of him after all.

{ My dear, It hasn't slipped my attention, that you have yet to come home. To me. I know that your work is very important, but don't you think, I am too? I mean, look at me. I am the high warlock of Brooklyn after all. And more importantly: your fiance! Your very lonely fiance! *sigh* Just... pretend that you have something veeeery important to talk about with me. Nobody will ask, trust me. They are way to afraid of the details. *wink* Miss you! And do come home soon. Otherwise I will be forced to come get you myself, my sweet panda. Magnus <3 }

"Panda?" Alec read aloud. His widened eyes looked at the word in question. Magnus couldn't mean this serious, could he? Knowing the warlock... yes, he could. "Definitely not!"

"But it suits you, sweetheart." It was a familiar voice that spoke suddenly and without warning, making the head of the New York institute jump up from his chair.

"What the-" Alec turned around just in time to see a yellowish portal disappear from behind the love of his life, who was standing there in all his glory. His heart skipped a beat at the sight. How much he loved and adored this man. His man. With those deep and wise yellow-green eyes and his disarming and cheeky smile. "What are you... why are you...?"

"You are so cute, when you are flustered, Alexander," smirked the warlock.

A shudder ran through Alec's spine. How he loved it, when his fiance said his name like this. "But... I just got your message."

The warlock shrugged and took a few steps forward, reducing the distance between them. "You see, as soon as I send it, I thought to myself, that I should just kidnap you one way or the other. The night is still young."

"Magnus," the dark haired shadowhunter sighed, "I can't. I still have so much work to do..."

"It can wait," the warlock made a dismissive gesture with his hand. "But I can't. I'm getting impatient." He was now standing right in front of his lover, a smirk still on his bearded features and a sassy sparkle in his eyes.

"Is that so?" Alec was grinning, probably like an idiot, while he slung his arms around the slender frame of his lover.

"Mhm," said lover nodded in affirmation, while pressing himself against the trained chest of his shadowhunter. His hand came to rest on Alec's pale cheek. His dark nails made an even greater contrast. "Don't tell me, you aren't feeling like this as well, honey," he gurred.

"Mhm...," hummed Alec. "Honey? What's with all these... names you are calling me?"

"Don't you like them? I find them quite endearing."

"I... am not so sure...," replied Alec. He was skeptical about all those pet names. Was Magnus making fun of him?

"Well, I WILL find the perfect match for you," nodded the warlock more to himself than to Alec. "But for now... how about a kiss for your lovely fiance, who - by the way - went through all the trouble to reserve us a great table in a well known restaurant in Paris. From where we will sit, we can even see the Eiffel tower. Isn't that exciting?" he grinned.

"As much as I would like... I can't Magnus. I have still so much to do..."

"Nonsense. Otherwise I will stay and bombard you with every pet name that comes to my mind. And don't forget, I speak more than one language and I have a great imagination. Got that, cutie?"

Alec could feel his face heat up. "Don't," he practically begged. With a last glance towards his desk, he sighed. "Alright, let's go."

"I KNEW you would come to your senses!" A victorious smile appeared on the warlock's features. He also leaned in to finally get the kiss that he so desperately wanted and craved. He was not disappointed, when he felt his Alexander mirror his movements.

For a moment, time seemed to be frozen, while the two lovers kissed. It was a sweet and slow kiss, full of love, longing and happiness.

"Now kitten, follow me!" Magnus took a step back and with a quick movement of his hand, another portal opened. This time, it would lead him and his beloved right to the city of love.

"No," Alec groaned. When he saw the quizzical look on his boyfriend's features, he continued, "Don't call me that!"

"Fine...," sighed the warlock. He gladly took the offered arm his shadowhunter was holding out for him. "Then how about... babe?"

"No Magnus," Alec patiently shook his head.

"Sweat Pea?"

"You can't be serious!" From the corner of his eyes, Alec could see his fiance smirking.

"Funky monkey?" Magnus wouldn't give up.

"Magnus!" Alec was getting more and more scared of those so called 'pet names'.

"Alright, alright," laughed the warlock heartedly. "I was just teasing you." His gaze softened. "But I actually DO have a pet name for you... Cintaku."

"Excuse me?", he furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Cintaku. It's indonesian", he pecked a kiss to Alec's cheek. "It means 'my love'."

"Oh...", Alex kinda liked that one. "Yes. That's good. I like it."

"Great!" Magnus practically beamed in delight.

"But now... let's go, handsome. We have a date to go on, don't we."

"That's quite right."

What he could tell however, was, that she was beautiful. A truly beautiful being. He loved the sight of her hazelnut colored skin. The line of her waist, the slender and acrobatic form, the curves at just the right places... But now. Now there was something... wrong with this picture. Her usual slim frame... Was no more. Where her flat stomach once was, was now a rather grown belly. Were Edward Teague a fool, he would have thought, his beloved had simply gained some additional weight. But he was no fool and no idiot either. He knew what that was... What it COULD mean. Yet... he highly doubted he was ready for this. He was young, he wanted and loved his freedom. He NEEDED his freedom. But he would lose it both. His youth, his freedom... The lonely time with his wife. No!, thought Edward. This couldn't be.

"Well?", the soft and melodic voice spoke up, breaking Edward out of his line of thoughts.

"Well... What?", he got out, still flabbergasted.

"What do you think?", the foreign beauty wanted to know.

Edward grunted as a response. He had to chose his words very carefully. Women in fury, were very dangerous. His lover and wife was no exception to this rule. On the contrary, she was far worse. A force to be reckoned with! "Ye be... Pregnant."

His lover hummed in response. "That's all?"

"What do ye want t' hear?", he tried to dodge the question. He didn't know what so say, how to react.

Her dark eyes furrowed, just the tiniest bit. Edward almost began to fidget. She was seeing right through him, she always did. "It's ours", she finally said in that lovely accented voice of hers.

"Ye certain?", he asked and regretted the question as soon as it left his mouth.

Almost immediately, there was anger in her eyes. Any lesser man would have run for his dear life at this point, bit Edward... believed that his wife would not kill him. Then again... If looks could kill, he would already be lying dead in the sand by now.

"Are you saying, that I lay with other men during your absence?!", her voice wasn't as soft anymore.

"I would never!", he hastily said. "I be simply... surprised, that's all."

She scoffed, but then her features softened again. Edward dared to breath in relief. He just dodged a bullet... No, a canon ball!

"When... I mean...", he scratched his head.

"Soon", she understood him nevertheless. "Soon we can hold our boy in our arms."

"Boy?", he questioned in surprise. How could she know?

"Yes. I feel it", she was more than certain.

Edward didn't have it in his heart to disagree. She could be right, she could be wrong. It was as easy as that.

"We should think of names", she continued, oblivious to his line of thoughts, because she was looking down at her round belly, stroking it lovingly.

"Aye...", he agreed, yet none came to his mind. He was a Captain... Not a father. It... almost frightened him, the thought of a child, HIS child, roaming the earth and the sea.

"But we still have some time", she said. She looked up and while doing so, she threw her long locks over her shoulder. "For now... Come. You look tired."

Edward nodded even though he wasn't exhausted at all. He was on high alert, he was stressed... He was afraid, though he would never say it. Nevertheless he took his lover's hand, intertwined their fingers and let himself be led away from the beach, towards the jungle where a small wooden hut awaited him and his wife.

No, that wasn't right. They shouldn't be staying here any longer than necessary. His woman, his Khaya... She was pregnant. He'd have to make her come with him, to his home, where she would be more comfortable. Where he could, perhaps, stay away from the child. Then again what would his mother say? She wouldn't be happy... or would she? Another little lad or lass in Shipwreck Cove that she could form however she wanted and seemed fit? That would certainly be to her liking. Still, Edward gulped inaudible. Would his wife let his mother handle their child's upbringing? It was unlikely. Her culture was very important to her. Then again, it was very important for his mother too, to raise a child a certain way. Edward himself knew that all too well.