My hand let go of the arrow, the arrow landing not even close to the bullseye I was aiming for.

I had borrowed Alec's bow and arrow, and was practicing in the training room alone, because I had always been fascinated on how he did it.

The next one I had missed completely, and also shot at Alec's head when he walked in, "Wow-"

"Oh my god!" I blurt out, almost dropping the bow, "I'm so sorry- I didn't mean to almost- kill you-"

"It's all right-" Alec stood for a second, before walking towards me, a hint of a smile on his face, "So- that's where my bow and quiver went? I just had to take down a ton of Shax demons with my seraph blade because I had no idea where my bow and quiver went."

"Uh-" I trail off, my eyes shifting to the quiver filled with arrows resting on the table, the bow in my hand, as I stood a few feet away from the targets set up, "I might've- borrowed it."

"And how's the borrowing going?" Alec stopped next to me, "Have you got any shots in?"

"Well," I trail off once again and hand him the bow, "I think it's best I stick to practicing with my kindjals."

Alec's eyebrows shot up in amusement, "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah." I pulled one of my kindjals out of it's scabbard, aiming then throwing it, the kindjal landing in the bullseye on the first target, "I'm so much better with my kindjals."

"That's because you've trained with swords ever since you got here." Alec grabbed an arrow out of his quiver, "Come on."

"Come- on?" I repeat his words in confusion and look at him, as he softly laughs at my suspicion and cluelessness.

He stands behind me and wraps his arms around me, having me hold the bow and arrow, aimed at the Target, his hand on mine holding the arrow and the other intertwined with mine that was holding the bow.

"You know- they do this stuff in movies." I mentioned, looking at him, "We're a real life movie."

"Yeah, because couples in movies slaughter demons as their nightly job-" Alec held my hands steady, and I could take in his scent due to how close he was.

My bottom lips pops out in thought, "Actually-"

"Come on, you gotta put this in your perspective, right?" Alec gently laughs from the back of his throat, helping me aim towards the bullseye, "That's a demon and this is your kindjal."

"My kindjal doesn't require a bow, nor an arrow." I point out, "It's just point and throw."

"Just like aim and fire. Focus-" Alec tried to get me to focus, trying to keep a serious face on but there was a small smile playing at his lips, "Now- just let go."

Alec stepped back when I least expect it, my hand letting go of the arrow, as it fired at high velocity and landed right in the bullseye.

I stare at it for a second before spinning around to face Alec, "That was all you."

"Will you take some of the credit?" Alec walked over to me and wrapped his arms around my waist.

"No- because you did that." I set the bow down by the quiver, "It was your magic touch."

"My- magic touch?" Alec repeats, pursing his lips to hold back a laugh.

I nod, "Yeah- totally, your magic touch."

"So- I'm suddenly a warlock?" Alec questions, leaning his forehead into mine.

I looked away in pretend thought, "Now that I think about it- yeah, sure- why not-"

Alec softly laughs, pressing his lips into mine for a moment, mumbling into the kiss, "This conversation isn't making any sense to me anymore-"

"Same on my end." This earns another laugh from the both of us as I grabbed his face and pulled him in for another kiss.

-

"I can't believe you made me get that red shirt-" Alec shook his head as we walked through the streets of New York, in our hands many bags of clothes.

"All you wear is black!" I argued, "I professionally made you invest in a good purchase."

I was dressed in a black V neck sweater, that was off one shoulder, exposing the strap and the beginning lace of the white bralette I had on, and tucked into my black jeans, a belt around my waist to go with my outfit, along with the black heeled boots on my feet.

Alec looked at me, "You mean you harassed me and said if I didn't buy it, you'd buy it for me."

I pointed at him, "I was serious."

"Yeah, I got that when you were marching your way to the cashier with the shirt in your hand-" Alec softly laughed, nudging my side.

"Well, I told you I would!" I softly laughed, then looking up at the dark sky in thought, "You think with this new sudden ability of mine, I could create a rune that would magically hold our bags for us?"

Alec shrugs, "We haven't even been able to figure out what is it yet, but if you're getting tired and want me to hold your bags-"

"I was joking, Alec." I smiled at him lightly, "But- yeah, maybe I'm just magic or something. I mean- there wasn't anything like it in the Grey Book."

"Maybe you are." Alec shrugged again, "Are you secretly a warlock and didn't tell me?"

"I wish." I scoff playfully, as we came to a stop, setting our bags on a bench, a block or two away from the Institute.

The sound of crickets was fresh through the night, the only light shining above us being the moon.

We were alone, and it seemed like no one else was around us, as it was fairly quiet and peaceful once we had moved out the city streets and towards the path through the Institute.

My side was shown to Alec as I neatly set our bags on one side of the bench, as I heard the crinkling of paper when Alec picked something up.

"Hey-" Alec's voice made me stop and look at him, "I got you something."

My eyes trailed to the small bag in his hands, "Me?"

"Yes, you." Alec held it closer for me to take, his eyes glued to me.

I don't move, my eyes shifting to meet his again, "What?"

"Here-" Alec drags out, the corner of his mouth turning up at my reaction, placing it in my hand.

I stare at it for a few moments, looking between it and Alec.

Alec urges, "Open it."

I turned to face him fully, pulling whatever was in the bag out, putting the bag onto the bench.

I opened up the velvet box, and in sat a gold necklace. It was a gold chain, with a small solid heart in the center.

I couldn't take my eyes off it, my voice coming out as a whisper, "Alec-"

"You neck looked a little empty without your mother's necklace around it so-" Alec trailed off, rocking back and forth on us feet, "I thought it would look really good on you."

My hand touched my neck, taking notice of the emptiness. I had taken it off since her funeral, because whenever I looked at it, it hurt me.

I held it every night, but I haven't gotten myself to wear it again.

It was stupid of me, because this necklace should empower me, as this was the only thing I had of her left.

But, I couldn't, not yet.

"I didn't get you anything." I looked at him, my voice very quiet due to how surprised I was that he got me something, "Let's go back-"

"It's fine." Alec stopped me, chuckling, taking the velvet box out of my hands, coming behind me.

He took the necklace out of the box, moving my hair, as I slowly left my hair to hold it up, as he pins the necklace around my neck.

I could cry.

I let go of my hair, as he turns me to face him, a smile wide on his face when his eyes trail from my eyes to the necklace.

"It looks amazing on you." Alec's hands were on my forearms, a permanent smile on his face.

"I don't know what to say-" I stutter, "I mean- you know, besides thank you- so much-"

I wasn't used to people giving me gifts, and Alec doing this made me not know how to act.

"You're welcome." Alec replied back simply, amusement threaded in his features due to him not expecting me to react completely tongue-tied.

I push myself onto my tippy toes, about to kiss him, but he uses his hands and pull me away slightly.

Confusion crosses over my features, as he was quick to speak up for his actions, "Before you kiss me, I did something else too."

I blink, "Huh?"

"Well- you're always listening to all that- mundane music." Alec began, "So- I decided to listen to some and made a playlist for you of songs that I thought you would like and-"

Before he could say around word, I threw my arms around him and pressed my lips against his, a smile on my lips as I did.

I love him so much.

My heart was exploding with happiness and I couldn't contain my smile.

He was so thoughtful, and I never thought ever that I would possibly meet or be with a man like him.

He had set a new bar of standards, and I was getting the privilege of it all.

Before our kiss got heated, our phones buzz in our pockets in unison.

This makes us both pull away, Alec leaning his forehead against mine, sighing, "Damn it."

"We have a job, remember?" I peck his lips, before slipping away from his embrace, pulling out my phone.

Alec pulls out his, "You think we should grab Jace?"

-

"Magnus, I'm home!" I grandly announce playfully when I walked into Magnus' apartment with Alec.

Magnus looks up at me from where he sat, "Biscuit, you don't live here."

"I wish I did." I dramatically sigh, "Is Jace here?"

Before Magnus could reply, giggling filled my ears from the other room.

"Never mind-" I drag out, sighing deeply, walking towards the door, shooting Alec a look.

Alec opens the door, and it was as if Jace and the girl that was on top of him didn't even notice.

"What's this one do?" She asked him, her fingers touching a rune, and then I recognized her as I stepped in.

It was Kaelie, one of the seelies.

"Flexibility." Jace's held her waist, staring up at her, then flips them over so he's on top.

I looked at Alec, my finger in front of my mouth as I pretended to gag at what we were seeing right now.

Alec gave me a nod in agreement, his hand resting on my back, rubbing it gently.

A giggle leaves her lips again, her finger pointing at another rune, "And this one?"

A smirk was firm on Jace's lips, "Stamina."

"Stamina." I repeat, walking over to them, my hand grabbing a fist full of his hair as I pulled him back and off her, "Well, let's see how much stamina I have left after losing the rest of my brain cells talking to your newest accomplice."

"Ow, ow, ow-" Jace whimpers, his hands flying up to grab my hand on his hand, in attempt to make my grip loose.

Kaelie covers her chest, her eyes shifting between Alec and I.

Alec stood behind me, his side towards me, his hands behind his back, not even glancing at Kaelie, staring ahead.

"We have orders." Alec mentions, "Let's go."

"I was- a little tied up." Jace inhales sharply, "Please let go of my hair-"

"Key word, was." I emphasized, then looked down at him, "I'm so close to ripping it out."

Kaelie was eyeing Alec as if he was a piece of candy, "You're welcome to join us."

Alec doesn't even glance at her, "I'm good."

Kaelie pouts, sitting up, her chest covered with her arm, "Awh, why?"

"Because you're staring right at his girlfriend who's two seconds away from punching you if you offer again?" I stare at her with eyes wide of amusement.

Alec then adds in, "And, I have no interest in anyone else but her, so it would be useless to ask again."

"I bet I can change your mind." Kaelie slightly shrugged.

"Alright-" I let go of Jace's hair and began to take a step closer to her.

Jace turns and tackles me to the ground, the blanket now only on Kaelie, as he was just in his underwear, "No!"

"Your loss." Kaelie shrugs, getting up, grabbing her clothes to cover herself up, "I'll give you guys a minute."

"Hey- Kaelie, has Jace showed you around Magnus' apartment?" I pushed Jace off me, jumping to my feet, and not even waiting for a response, standing in the doorframe and pointed towards the door for her to leave, "No? Well, right this way is the exit."

Kaelie gave me the side eye, before walking out of the room, as I almost instantly looked at Jace, crossing my arms.

When Jace plops back onto the bed, Alec grabs his jeans and throws them harshly to him, "This is your solution? Hiding out at Magnus'?"

Jace caught the jeans, "I wouldn't exactly call this hiding."

"Jace, we have obligations." I walked closer so I was stood next to Alec, staring at Jace as he put on his pants.

"Obligations." Jace repeats, buttoning the jeans up, his voice suddenly harsh, "Aldertree wanted me gone and I'm gone."

"So you got demoted." Alec said, "So what- you'll work your way back up."

Jace shook his head, "You don't understand."

"Maybe because you're not helping us understand." I shot back instantly, "Tell us, Jace- whatever it is, it can't be that bad."

Due to Jace's silence, Alec speaks up, "So- you're just gonna turn your back on us? On Isabelle? Clary?"

Jace scoffs, looking at us, "I told you I'm not discussing Clary."

"She's your family." I scoff in disbelief, "Your sister."

Jace got up, standing tall between Alec and I, "I don't need a reminder."

Alec and I exchange looks.

"You know, you two should go." Jace points at us, "We don't want you getting benched, too."

I stare at him for a moment, taking a step closer, staring up at him, "I don't like this side of you."

Something crosses Jace's features, an emotion I couldn't decipher as I spun and walked out of the room.

And even from the distance, I heard Alec's low voice before he followed me, "This isn't you."

-

Clary walked next to me as I walked toward the Ops Center, "Any idea what this is about?"

"Heard a big storm's moving in." I shortly told her, "That always increases demon activity."

"And Jace is-" Clary began.

I shook my head, "Not here."

Clary grabs my arm and stops me, "Zee, he's totally shut me out."

Before I could speak, she continued, "He's not answering my texts. I don't understand what's going on."

"I don't either-" I sigh, "Come on."

I walked over by Isabelle and Alec, "What did we miss?"

"Let's see." Isabelle exhales and pulls it up on the monitor, "The Citadel was breached."

"Magdalena is dead." I read off the screen, "Cleophas is missing."

"Oh, my God." Clary gasped, "Valentine?"

I shot her a look, "Who else could it be?"

"Aldertree's heading to Idris to meet with the Council." Isabelle crosses her arms.

"I'll go check with ops." Alec nods, beginning to walk away.

"I'll catch up!" I told him, then grabbed Izzy's wrist and pulled her to the side, "Iz-"

Isabelle looked at me, looking between my eyes, confused on why I pulled her aside.

I press my palms together, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah-" Isabelle nods almost instantly, "I'm fine-"

"Izzy, I can tell something's off about you-" My hand habitually touched my side, over my parabatai rune, "What's going on?"

"Nothing- I'm okay." Isabelle grabbed my arms, "I'm just- tired."

I stare at her, "Are you- sure?"

"Yeah- yeah," She then changes the subject, "How's your demon wound? All healed up?"

"Yeah-" I slowly nod, "It's fine now but I'm worried about you-"

Isabelle gave me a reassuring smile, "I'm fine, I promise."

-

[ alec's pov ]

"Where have you been?" I walked towards Isabelle, who stood by the monitors, "Had to slaughter a horde of Shax demons in Grand Central, could've used your help."

I lean against the ledge, "What are you doing?"

She faced me, "Uh- Aldertree has me on a special assignment. I'm checking out some rogue vamp dens."

My eyes scan her face, "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Isabelle simply said.

"You don't seem fine." My eyebrows furrow in suspicion and concern.

"I'm tired- yeah." She nods, "Um, your message said you wanted to talk. Do you have a lead on Cleophas?"

"No- not yet." I leaned closer, my voice lowering as I looked around to make sure no one else was listening.

"Then what is it?" Isabelle questioned, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"It's about Zee." I admit, my voice lowering, sighing deeply, stuttering, "Look, um- how do you know, in your experience, you know, when's the, uh- the right time?"

Isabelle's eyes widen with excitement, "Oh, my God, are you talking about having sex?"

My tone fell into a mutter as I looked around to make sure no one tuned in due to how slightly loud she got, "Can you not discuss my sex life with the entire Institute, please?"

"Alec, is this your first time ever?" Isabelle lowers her voice, then chuckles, "It all makes sense now."

"That's why you didn't want me to meet Jessica Hawkblue." She thought out loud, then notices the look on my face, "Wait, was there ever a Jessica Hawkblue?"

I huff, "Are you done?"

Isabelle nods, then gestures with her hands while she spoke, "Okay- you and Zee, you want to-"

"I think so." I exhale, "I don't know-"

"Alec, you care about Zee." Isabelle began, "She cares about you. It's okay, just don't do what you always do."

I shot her a look, "And what's that?"

"Overthink it." Isabelle crosses her arms, "Like you're doing now."

I wanted to lie, but all I could do right now is overthink.

What if she didn't want to?

What if I did something wrong, or if she didn't think I was good enough?

What if she gets freaked out and distances herself from me completely?

What if I want this too early?

"No, I don't overthink things." I began to say, then did a double take, "Do I?"

"Look, I can feel that you make her extremely happy." Isabelle told me, her words calming me,
"If it's what you want, and if it makes you happy, then I think you should go for it."

-

[ zee's pov ]

A permanent smile was planted on my lips, as I hummed along to one of the songs of the playlist Alec made for me.

My phone was in my back pocket, my headphones plugged in, the music at high volume.

My hair whipped around as I spun around the room, my hair in a pony tail so it didn't get caught in the headphones and make it slip out of my ears.

I grabbed a piece of charcoal, standing in front of the canvas in the corner of my room, using the charcoal to draw a small detail, my middle finger blending the charcoal in.

The moonlight shined through my window, and onto the white canvas as I drew, the rest of my room only lit by the light from the moon.

The loud music combined with my short height made me not notice Alec walk into my room, nor saying anything, as I didn't even look up to look at the door due to not hearing it.

When he suddenly appears behind the canvas and I notice his sweater, I jump.

I pulled my headphones out of my ears, "Alec-"

"I didn't mean to scare you." Alec eyes scan my face, "You listening to my playlist?"

"I love it, by the way- thank you so much." I stand on my tippy toes, kissing his cheek, pulling my phone out of my pocket and put it down somewhere, wiping my hands of the charcoal.

Alec walks around the canvas, his eyes falling onto the drawing, "New York City?"

"That was the idea-" I exhale deeply, "I could do better, I'll fix it later."

"Anyway," I walked away from the corner and over by my bed, blinking to adjust to the light that came from my slightly open door, from the lit hallway, "What's up?"

Alec walked over to my door and closed it, "Do you have any orders for the rest of the night?"

"No- I don't." I pulled my hair out of it's ponytail, messing with it a little as it fell back into place as it would be if it was down, "Are you okay?"

Alec then locks the door.

"Alec?" I walked over to him in confusion, "What're you doing-"

Before I could finish my sentence, Alec grabbed my face, pressing his lips into mine, pressing me up against the door.

I kiss back for a few moments, before pulling away, not moving from the position we were in, my eyes squinting in suspicion, "Are you- okay?"

"Yes?" Alec's eyes glanced between mine, "Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't think you've ever- like, you know," I gesture with my hand lightly how he came in and got right to kissing me after seconds, "Actually, maybe your wedding, but-"

"Zee." Alec cuts me off, his voice out like a slight stutter as if he was nervous for my response, "I- I just thought- you know, I thought we could take the next step."

I stare at him for a second, "The sex step-?"

Alec softly nods, "Yeah."

"Alec-" I trail off, taking a step closer, making him step back, "You- I mean, this is your first time."

"Like- this is supposed to be some life changing, perfect, ground breaking moment for you-" I stammer, "And you want to waste that on me? I mean- I don't know, maybe-"

Alec repeats my words as if I had gone insane, "Waste?"

"Zee, I have been waiting for this for so long." Alec stepped closer to me again and trapped me against the wall, "If we don't do this literally right now, I will jump out the window."

I gave in, as his words break a smile across both of our faces, my arms wrapping around his neck as I pressed my lips into his.

Alec held my waist with both hands, beginning to back away towards my bed, trying to kick off his shoes in the process as I had already done so.

"Alec-" I couldn't help but let out a small laugh as he almost fell over, "You're gonna to fall over!"

Alec lets out a raspy laugh into the kiss, grabbing my thighs and picking me up when he kicks off his shoes, turning, leaning forward as my back hit my bed, Alec between my legs.

My legs were wrapped around his torso, my hands holding his face as I kissed him.

He pulls away for a moment, pulling off his sweater, tossing it to the side, pants leaving both our lips as he reconnected them.

My hand moves as I gripped his hair, gently tugging it, as he lets out a small groan into the kiss, catching me off guard.

I didn't know Alec Lightwood made those types of sounds.

His hands were under my sweater, touching me as if I was the most delicate thing in the world.

He pulls away again, his thumb caressing the end of my sweater as if he was asking for permission to take it off for me.

I bite my lip down to hold back my smile, flipping up over so I was seated on his lap, guiding his hands, letting him take off my sweater.

When he does, I bend over, pressing my lips against his neck. I trail small kisses down his neck, as he lets out a shaky breath.

This made me smirk.

He was so innocent and new at this.

Whatever I did sent him over the edge.

And I liked that.

From there, all clothes were discarded as we shared a night filled of euphoria and pleasure.

-

I sat criss cross on my side of the bed the next morning, dressed in nothing but Alec's sweater and my bra and underwear.

My hair was a slight mess from the night before, but I couldn't care less.

The sunlight shines through the windows, shining over us.

I held Alec's hand as he was still asleep, my sketchbook on my knee as I blended the charcoal in with my finger, making sure to perfect every one of his features on the drawing.

Minutes later, I heard his raspy voice, "Good morning."

I looked up, a small smile on my face as I gently replied, "Morning."

Alec's eyes went from my face to my sketchbook, then back up, "I don't think I've even seen anything more beautiful first thing in the morning."

I purse my lips, trying to hold back my smile.

My heart was beating out of my chest.

I felt happy.

I let go of his hand, closing my sketchbook, putting it on my nightstand.

"Oh man, what time is it?" Alec suddenly said, turning on his side to face me, "I have to get up- we're probably missing a briefing-"

I looked at him and blinked, caught off guard, "Oh, uhm-"

"No, I'm just kidding- I'm just kidding." Alec bites down on his bottom lip, noticing the look on my face when he said then, making me calm down from how I tensed up so quickly.

Alec grabbed my hands and pulled me on him, making me gasp. His arms wrap around me tightly, his face close to mine, his voice soft and gentle, "Were you really afraid I was gonna go?"

"I'm not admitting anything to you." I said, this making us both laugh gently.

I press my lips into his for a moment, pulling away, burying my head into his neck.

Alec exhales deeply, thinking out loud, "What are you afraid of?"

"The charcoal breaking when I'm using it." I joke, tracing his runes.

"Oh, come on, Zee." Alec softly chuckled, his grip on me tightening, holding my free hand, tracing the lines on my palm, "I'm serious."

"You've been through hell and back- your entire life." Alec had us both reminisce, "Even before you got here- and despite it all, I've never seen you actually afraid of anything. What scares you?"

I stay silent for a while.

"Losing the people I love." I quietly spoke up, tracing his deflect rune, "Seeing them hurt, and not being able to do anything about it- or it being my fault."

Alec doesn't respond, as he held me closer, his chin resting on the top of my head.

authors note:

did y'all think i was gonna give you a full zalec sex scene ? SIKEEE

i also added a book quote, or at least i think its a book quote

i just really loved it so i added it ahsjdjsnt

also they're like so cute here, I'm crying ?

just for funzies ,

this is alec's playlist for zee if y'all wanted to know :

out of my league by fitz and the tantrums
let's fall in love for the night by finneas
through the night by sleeping at last
dancing in the moonlight by toploader
electric love by borns
american money by borns
holy ghost by borns
i get to love you by ruelle
war of hearts by ruelle
storm by ruelle
my type by saint motel

i had to add the ruelle, i mean, can you blame me ?

oof and during this chapter, listen to wide eyed by billy lockett, and where's my love by syml but then alternative version cause that's the best js

vote and comment loaaads