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Jace was tired before they set out on this hunt. Clary had asked him if he was sure he was ok for it and he told her he’d make it through, no use pulling someone off the bench. He hated to miss a hunt with just Alec and Izzy anyway. No matter how good of a team he and Clary make, it’s not quite like getting out there with his parabatai and sister, just like the old days. But the longer he’s out here, the more he regrets brushing her off. Not that he’s going to admit that.
It all makes sense when he catches Alec wincing at the sound of a demon screech, along with the sporadic subtle rubbing at his temple and the less sporadic, less subtle scrubbing at his nose. He hadn’t seen Alec until a couple minutes before they left. He hadn’t said a word as they travelled. Even with it being Izzy’s intel to explain, it was still odd for Alec to not get a word in somewhere. And Alec was generally astute when Jace wasn’t 100%. At the time, Jace wasn’t sure whether to be grateful for avoiding another line of questioning or worried something was off between any of them, not that he could think of anything that would be. Now, he wishes someone had interrogated Alec before this mission like he’d been. Not that it would’ve gone any better than it had with himself. He’s distracted by it for a second before spinning to hit one of the demons while Izzy whips another, and Alec manages to take out three with rapid fire arrows. He’s still damn good at his job, Jace supposes he couldn’t be too upset with him for running out there when he should probably be asleep. He positions himself back to back with Alec.
“One more, right Izzy?” Jace asks.
“Yep. It’ll probably be pissed too.”
“They usually are.” Alec says quietly, enough so that Jace is sure Izzy didn’t even hear him. It’s the first words Jace has heard out of him since their sparring session yesterday. And by the sounds of it, Jace doesn’t think he’s said much of anything since then.
“You alright, brother?” He whispers, keeping an eye out.
“I’m good.” Alec replies curtly, and it does at least sound more Alec-like than his first sentence.
“I’m good if you’re good.”
“Guys!” Izzy yells, causing them both to spin to face her direction. The last demon manages to evade her whip and lunges at Jace, who swings his blade in self defense more than a planned attack. But it does enough damage that Alec is able to finish the kill with a single arrow, and steady Jace as he backpedals from the collapsing demon.
“You ok?” Alec asks.
“Yeah, it didn’t hit me.”
“I know, I’d feel if it did.”
“Yeah.” Jace sighs. “About that.”
“I’m done for the night, relax.”
“As soon as you do, I will.”
“Ready to go home, boys?” Izzy breaks their silence, and they look to see she’s already cleaned up. “Thanks for the help by the way.” She grins.
They’re almost back to the institute when Jace rubs at his eye with the heel of his hand.
“You good?” Izzy asks, hand on his shoulder.
“Yeah, I’m fine, just-”
He’s interrupted as Alec sneezes, loud and sudden that leaves Izzy half startled.
Izzy’s hand slips from Jace’s shoulder. “Bless you! Are you ok?”
“I’m good.”
Izzy fixes a look on him. “So that’s not what’s bothering Jace?”
“Might be.” Alec grumbles. Jace rolls his eyes and opens the door, and Alec is the first one in, disappearing down the hallway before anybody can talk to him.
“Did I really just go on a mission with you two while he’s sick and you’re feeling the parabatai effects?” She demands.
“Sorry to say, but yep.” Jace sighs. “In my defense I didn’t know he was until we were already out there.”
“Still. You knew something was up with you.”
“Do I need to remind he killed four of them? And I also got one?” He smirks.
Izzy tries to scowl at him, but it turns into a smile. “You’re two of the best shadowhunters in the game, and always my favourite team, no matter how bad you’re feeling. Just make sure he gets some rest for both your sakes.”
“He already told me he was done for the night. But don’t worry, I’m going to see to it. Talk to you in the morning?”
“Of course.”
Jace checks Alec’s quarters first, but of course he’s not there. Jace is bordering on annoyed, but he knows if it were the other way around the scene would be the same. He knocks on Alec’s office door, not waiting for a response. Alec wouldn’t have been able to respond anyway with how he’s coughing. Jace frowns at him, waits for it to settle down, then tosses him a water bottle and a look.
“Shut up.” Alec groans before he opens the bottle.
“Didn’t say anything.”
“Whatever.” Alec replies, his statement punctuated by a sneeze and another couple coughs.
“This is what you get for trying to keep quiet all night.”
“I told you to shut up.” Alec snipes back, but there’s enough levity in his tone Jace knows he’s not upset. Just sick and mildly annoyed. Jace knows the feeling.
“Not saying you weren’t successful.” Jace grins.
“Jace.” Alec rolls his eyes. “How long did it take you to figure out?”
Jace shrugs. “Been kinda tired most of the day, now I’m guessing since about the time you woke up, but the mission really sold it. I’m surprised Magnus let you leave if he knew.”
“Fell asleep early last night. At my desk. Moved to my room at 3 in the morning or something. Woke up here. Around 9, I guess.”
“That adds up.” Jace catches a glimpse of Alec’s phone lighting up. “Do you want to get that?”
Alec looks at the bright screen. “Magnus. I’ll call him back in a minute.”
“Have you talked to him at all today?”
“Texted him a bit this morning to explain I fell asleep early. But we both had busy days today.”
“Did you? I didn’t see you until the hunt.”
“Stayed in here, caught up on paperwork.”
Jace nods. “I can give you the room, you can call your man.”
“No, it’s ok. I’m going to head to bed soon anyway. Just wanted to file this so I don’t have to catch up again tomorrow.” He coughs. “Because I don’t think it’s going to be any better.”
His phone rings again.
“Why don’t you go to Magnus’?” Jace suggests, nodding to the phone.
“I want to. But he doesn’t need this and I don’t feel like travelling any more right now.”
“Nobody needs you sick, trust me. But he won’t be as worried about you and you won’t be worried if he’s upset about last night.”
“I never said I was-”
“I know you, Alec. I don’t think he’s going to mind you passing out in his bed as long as you’re there and he knows you’re safe.”
Alec nods, blinking tiredly. He squints up at Jace. “This isn’t you trying to give me dating advice is it?”
“Oh, absolutely not.” Jace laughs. “It’ll also benefit you to not be here having people running around all day tomorrow if you’re there. Perks of having a partner off base. I actually kind of envy that sometimes.”
“You could get a place off base. I’m sure Clary knows some places.”
“I don’t envy it that much. It would just come in handy, maybe down the road. I’m still figuring this whole relationship thing out.”
‘We both are.” Alec chuckles, rubbing at his temple. “I’m gonna turn in.”
“And call Magnus?”
Alec nods. “Maybe he’ll portal me over there. We had to cross this bridge at some point, right?” He flashes half a grin.
“I guess.” Jace chuckles. “Talk soon. I’ll make sure Izzy knows to lead operations tomorrow.”
“Thanks.” He pats Jace on the shoulder, and Jace does the same, waiting for Alec to lead the way out of his own office. They split off there, Jace heads back down to find Izzy and Alec to his quarters.
Alec unties his boots and slumps onto the bed, clicking on Magnus’ contact.
“How long of a day did you have? I figured you would’ve been off the clock.” Magnus responds immediately, a little disgruntled. Alec snorts at the reaction.
“Sorry. Parabatai talk.”
Magnus hums on the other end. He pauses for a moment before speaking again. “You don’t sound very well, Alexander.”
“No.” Alec sighs. “Sick. Probably why I fell asleep early.”
“That’s quite unfortunate. How bad?”
“It’s only a cold of some kind. I’m just exhausted. Got back from killing a few demons with Jace and Izzy not that long ago. Routine. Could’ve literally done it in my sleep.”
“Probably best you didn’t, though.” Magnus quips.
“Definitely.” Alec laughs.
Magnus hums again. “If you want to get some sleep, I can let you go and check with you in the morning.”
“Actually.” Alec clears his throat.
“Yes?”
“I was wondering if you could come get me. If you’re not too busy to have a miserable shadowhunter laying around your place tomorrow. I’m taking the day off.”
“I’m never too busy for you. And I don’t think you’re miserable.”
“We can reassess that later.”
Magnus chuckles. “I’ll be right there.”
There’s a portal opening in his room before he can even hang up the phone. He shoves it into his jean pocket, sitting up.
“Hm.” Magnus smiles, taking in the rosy cheeks. “Bordering on miserable, but I think we can fix that.”
Alec snorts. He coughs, turning away from Magnus.
“Doesn’t sound great.” Magnus cups his cheek and brushes a lock of hair out of his face. “You’re not warm, which is good.”
“Still tired.”
“I know.” Magnus brushes his thumb over Alec’s cheek again. “Do you need anything before we go?”
Alec shakes his head. “Nothing you don’t have.”
Magnus smiles, waving his hand to open the portal.
Alec immediately clutches his head when they’re through the portal.
“Alexander?”
“Portal didn’t do any favors for my headache. It’ll ease up in a second.” He sniffles.
“Go get in bed, I’ll fix up something to help with that.” Magnus says, snapping a tissue box into existence for him.
By the time Magnus gets back to the bedroom Alec is already under the covers, sliding down slowly against the headboard.
“I made sure to make it quick, your medicine will be ready in about 15 minutes.”
“Thanks.” Alec mutters, rubbing his eyes. He pushes himself back up, keeping himself awake by texting Jace that he made it safely to the loft and keeping a short conversation. Magnus returns and he sends a quick good night to Jace before setting his phone down.
Alec takes the small cup, squinting up at Magnus. “You didn’t put any fangs in this, did you?”
“No. But that’s a good idea, I can add one before morning.”
“No.” Alec pouts. “Please don’t. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
Magnus chuckles. “You’re right, I suppose.”
Alec smirks, shooting back the contents. He immediately chases it with his water, passing the medicine cup back to Magnus. Magnus simply snaps it away, also filling the water bottle. He crawls into bed beside Alec, helping him ease down.
“I know this wasn’t the date night we were hoping for.” Alec says, still laying on his back.
“I don’t mind.” Magnus smiles softly. “You’ll be here in the morning and won’t have to rush off to work, that counts for something.” Alec smiles, letting Magnus give him a soft kiss. “Good night, love.”
“Night.” Alec rolls back to his side, closing his eyes as Magnus rubs circles on his temple until he’s asleep.
The bed is empty when Alec wakes up. He clears his throat. “Magnus?”
Nobody responds. Sighing, he pushes himself out of the bed, pulling on a hoodie before the cool morning air can hit him. He makes his way out of the bedroom to track down his boyfriend. It’s not hard, Magnus is on the couch, fast asleep. Alec feels a pang of guilt, worried he kept him up. He draws a soundless rune on his arm, so he won’t disturb Magnus while he putters around the apartment. He makes himself some tea and takes another dose of the medicine before joining Magnus in the room. He sits down in the chair across from him and pulls out his phone for the first time. He answers a message from Izzy checking up on him. He sits in the silence drinking his tea until Izzy responds with a simple 💕
“That better not be work.” Magnus mumbles, eyes blinking open.
“Just Izzy being my little sister.” Alec assures him, shoving the phone back in his pocket. “Morning.”
“Good morning. How are you feeling?”
“Been worse. Been better.” Alec shrugs. “You didn’t move to the couch because of me, did you?”
Magnus sits himself up. “No, you were fine. I just decided to get a little work done during the night so I could focus on you today.”
Alec smiles. “And yet you were asleep when I woke up.”
Magnus glares. “My plan wasn’t flawless.”
Alec laughs. “It’s the thought that counts.”
“And it’s nothing some coffee can’t fix. I see you’ve already gotten your tea.”
“And medicine, thank you.”
“Breakfast?”
“Nope. Never without you.”
“Banana pancakes?”
“Blueberry?”
“That works.” Magnus smiles, kissing Alec. “Coming right up.”
Alec’s blinking heavily by the time they’re through their brunch.
“We can go back to bed, you know.” Magnus smiles.
“We?” Alec raises an eyebrow.
“I’m the one that slept on the couch, remember? I could use it too.”
“Sure.” Alec yawns. “Bed sounds good.”
“Go. I’ll clean this up and be in shortly.”
Alec nods, making his way to the room. He’s already asleep by the time Magnus gets to bed.
They spend much of the day like that, cuddling in bed, except for when they get hungry. Alec tries to stay up for a movie, but with half an hour left, Magnus gives up and wakes a sleeping Alec off of his shoulder and shepherds him back into bed. Alec’s hardly awake enough to make any kind of argument, and next thing he knows, he’s waking up in the morning to fingers running through his hair.
“Hi.” Alec smiles softly, kissing the hand.
“Morning, sunshine.” Magnus muses. “How are we this morning?”
“I feel like I can breathe again, so that’s a bonus.”
“It is.” Magnus runs his hand through Alec’s hair again. Alec’s phone chimes behind him, his eyes drifting shut at Magnus’ touch. Another chime.
Magnus peers over Alec’s shoulder. “It’s your brother checking in. You can tell him you’re still not feeling well if you want to take another day.”
Alec shakes his head, sitting up. “No, I’ll be alright.” He sniffles.
“Alec.” Magnus raises an eyebrow, hand around his shoulder. “I trust you, but I don’t want you overdoing it.”
“I’m not going to.” Alec assures him. “Jace just wanted to know if I was taking another day. If so, he'd begrudgingly do my paperwork from yesterday and today.”
“I suppose you are fit for paperwork duty.”
“I am.” He’s already up, pulling on a sweater. “You going to be home? I’ll come back when I’m done if that’s ok with you. Probably by lunch.”
“You’re always welcome.” Magnus beams, walking over to kiss him before drawing up a portal.
It’s dinner time by the time he’s opening a portal again.
“What happened to lunch?”
“Oh, you know, nothing too out of the ordinary, but busy enough that I didn’t want to leave right away. It was fine for a while, but now-”
“You’re exhausted.”
“Mhm.” Alec blinks sleepily.
“Have you eaten?”
“Couple hours ago, yeah.”
“Good. To bed we go.”
Alec looks at him. “You should eat too.”
“I will. After you’re taken care of.”
Alec smiles softly as Magnus kisses his forehead, taking his hand to lead him to the bedroom. Soon he’s in bed, medicated with potion, leaning into Magnus’ shoulder while fingers card through his hair. He’s on the edge of sleep when he nudges further into Magnus’ touch.
“Thank you.” He mutters.
Magnus smiles, twirling a hair in his finger. “Always.”