#-hides

Plotted starter for @blackflcgs

Things had been... tense, and a little awkward, since Edward made his return. Though their reunion was a beautiful one, and incredibly romantic what with running into each other's arms, embracing with a kiss and Edward saying those words that had Stede turning into a puddle in his arms. Words he didn't know when, or even if, he'd ever hear since their last parting didn't happen on the greatest of terms. But he came back. He came back and he stayed.

Needless to say, Stede was incredibly happy, though admittedly a little concerned since things could possibly become quite complicated...

And they did.

A lot had happened since Edward's return. The war against Ricky Banes and his attempt to end piracy, Israel having been shot during the fight, and then Edward finding out about Stede and Izzy's new... relationship, as a result. Stede was the one that told Ed about what happened between him and Izzy, how Ed's leaving hurt the both of them and they found comfort, and healing, with each other and one thing led to another and well, they were involved. They hadn't exactly put a label on it, but the feelings were there, they were known and there had been a discussion of what could happen at the possibility of Ed returning.

Stede loved Ed, and so did Izzy even though Ed hadn't exactly reciprocated the way he had with Stede, but he's developed feelings for Izzy, too, and so even if Ed did come back into their lives - which happened - Stede promised he wasn't going to just up and leave the First Mate behind. He couldn't. It would be cruel. And he didn't want to be without him. Gods, he's really fallen for him, hasn't he? Something that, Stede realized, started happening before Edward even left.

So, needless to say, things had become a little awkward after that new dropped. More so when he'd walk in and find Stede holding Izzy's hand, or combing his fingers through his hair to help him relax and sleep. Other nights Stede and Edward would be laying together in his Quarters, going about their own relationship without talking about all that had happened and all that was going on. And he knew Edward wasn't going to be the one to bring it up. But it needed to be discussed because he didn't want this uncomfortable tension to continue - between them, between Edward and Israel, or between all three of them. It was bothering Ed. Something was and really, Stede felt as though it had to do with Izzy and certain... unresolved and unspoken feelings between them.

Feelings even Izzy discussed with Stede regarding Ed. He knew their relationship was a complicated one, but it didn't have to be. It shouldn't be. Not anymore. Especially after they had almost lost him, but thank gods, he was okay. Alive and well. Healing.

So tonight, it was going to be discussed. Stede was going to make sure of it. He was concerned for Edward, concerned for them, and they needed to work this out somehow.

"Hallo." He said as he ushered the kid into the class, he had agreed to teach a few lessons of German for tots for a friend and he already thought he may have been in very far over his head. 

It had not been easy to give up on the boy, the Nephilim who had stolen his heart so completely, actually reaching parts of that beating organ he had kept shielded for centuries. It was downright excruciating, and the warlock who had always been so full of life, exuberant and merry, was nothing but a shell of a man now.

If he could, he'd never leave his apartment again, live out the remainders of his days in between empty take-out boxes and dirty blankets that offered no warmth anymore. But that wasn't an option, of course. Being who he was, he had to pick up his life again when yet another client found his way up, banging on the door for Magnus' help. 

His heart wasn't in it anymore, but at least his reputation as being the man anyone could go to in case of trouble remained unaffected. That was until the day he was called into the Institute. Despite having ignored all calls and texts coming from one particular Lightwood, he now instantly texted the boy that he couldn't do it and that Alexander ought to explain to Maryse why that was. 

Another call from the head of the Institute and Magnus reluctantly was heading out to that much dreaded building in Manhattan. Just thinking about it brought back images of a dying Alexander, the Great Demon's poison working its way through the boy's strong body and Magnus doing everything he could to save that gorgeous blue-eyed Shadowhunter, already feeling so utterly captivated by him that the warlock couldn't find it in him to leave his side until he woke, alive and healthy. 

How was he ever going to survive seeing Alexander now, when every part of him was so entwined with the other? He shook his head to empty it from such unwelcome thoughts when he reached the doors, and rang the bell once. Magnus turned his back to the doors, nervously wringing his hands and trying to keep his magic in check. His inner turmoil was just too great and he accidentally turned the gates surrounding the Institute pink. Not that the mundanes would notice, but still, for a species that loved black as much as they did, the Shadowhunters probably wouldn't appreciate the little magical outburst.