Due to the fact that one of the writers wrote a poorly written line in the newest sneak peak involving Magnus' balcony, I felt compelled to write my own version of the scene where Magnus tells Alec that he's not nothing. Ugh. I question the writer's mindset sometimes but anyway. Enjoy

Alec gripped the ledge of the balcony so hard that his knuckles turned white. He was almost certain he heard a crack under his fingers; whether or not it was the balcony or his bones, he wasn't entirely sure. He didn't really care.

Whatever was inside his parabatai was forcing Alec's hand to make decisions he never wanted to make. First choosing between Magnus and Jace and then Jace (Alec still questioned whether or not it was really his brother) begging for them to kill him and end this torture. This was all too much for Alec.

"Alexander?"

Alec didn't even need to look up to see who was speaking to him. He'd know that soft, gentle voice anywhere. Magnus had entered the balcony as quiet as a mouse, slowly closing the doors behind him. He smiled while placing a hand on Alec's shoulder.

"It's a little chilly out here. Did you want your jacket brought out?"

Alec shook his head. "No. I'm fine. I just....needed space to clear my head. Jace-I mean....The Owl is really getting to me."

Magnus nodded in understanding. "I know. It's hard seeing the people you love struggle and sometimes you feel powerless to help." He looked out onto the busy Brooklyn streets and heaved a sigh. "I'm here if you need me. Anything at all."

The tight feeling that had been firing in Alec's throat finally broke and his voice came out as a crack. "Jace. He-he's in there, Magnus. I know he is. Deep down he's in there and he's trapped and I have to do something to save him. I can't let him die again. I'm nothing without him."

"Hey. Don't you dare say that ever again." Magnus took Alec's hands and held them between his own. "Listen to me. You are so much more than one half of a parabatai bond, Alexander Gideon. You're a brother. You're a lover. A kind, compassionate soul who's grown so much over the past two months. Please don't reduce yourself like this. It hurts me to see you this way."

There was a yell from inside the loft and Alec immediately tensed his body to make a move in reaction.

"Relax. It's just The Owl getting frustrated. Isabelle has him covered," whispered Magnus. When Alec visibly relaxed, he spoke again. "You are not nothing, Alexander. Think about all that you've accomplished the past couple of months."

Alec paused to think. He never really did take notice of all the things he accomplished in such a short period of time; coming out to his friends and family, becoming head of the Insititute, forming the first successful Downworld cabinet. All of these things he did himself. But why didn't he feel proud?

"You thinking about what I said," Magnus whispered. "I know you are. You get this look in your eyes when you're thinking hard about something."

"I know what I accomplished. I do. But I still feel like...I'm nothing without Jace-"

"I'm going to stop you right there. That's the parabatai bond speaking there. You aren't the bond, Alec. You're a person. A-a separate entity with emotions and thoughts that are your own and no one else's. Even after Jace is long gone and you're still here, you are still a person. Sure, you might feel a sense of loss. That's normal in every close relationship with someone. But you will still go on to do great things. With or without him. Now repeat what I told you a few moments ago."

Taking a deep breath, Alec closed his eyes and heaved a sigh. "I am not nothing."

At this, Magnus smiled so broadly that his eyes crinkled around the edges. "That's the spirit. Repeat that to yourself whenever you feel down. I guarantee that it'll make you feel much better."

The balcony door opened and Isabelle stuck her head out.

"I need you guys to come back in. This Owl is driving me insane and I'm about to lose my patience with it."

She turned and went back inside just when Magnus shook his head. "I guess we're needed inside. Can't ever have a moment's peace, can we?"

"Not when you're involved in Shadowhunter business anyway...." Alec grumbled.

Magnus reached down and took Alec's hand to give it a squeeze. "It's my business just as much as it is yours. We're in this together."

Alec smiled crookedly, feeling Magnus' lips on his cheek. "Right. Let's just get this over with. I want my brother back."