By The Way, He's Safe With Me [Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments]

chapter three

Magnus and Isabelle had weekly check-ins (mandatory in sexual assault cases) and Magnus was actually improving a lot, he had managed to beat his alcoholism and he was leaving the house more often, even if it was just a trip to the store.

And through those weekly conversations, Magnus had actually become quite good friends with Isabelle and he had learned a lot about her personal life when they weren't talking professionally. Isabelle had three siblings; her oldest brother Alexander 'Alec' Gideon Lightwood an adopted brother who was only a year older than her, Jonathan Christopher 'Jace' Wayland Morgenstern Lightwood Herondale, his girlfriend, Clarissa 'Clary' Adele Fairchild Morgenstern Fray (she's considered family at this point so she's usually included in family events), and her youngest brother, Maxwell 'Max' Joseph Lightwood.

Her mom was the warmest and kindest woman you could meet but unfortunately her dad was extremely homophobic and didn't accept either her or Alec for who they are so their mother kicked him out because she didn't want him to make them hate themselves. Isabelle had also revealed that she was a lesbian and that Alec was gay (or as Isabelle put it, 'the complete and utter gay disaster that I call a brother').

The trial for Magnus' ex-boyfriend had been arranged for today, November 14th, and Magnus was a little apprehensive about what would happen. He knew Alec had gathered a lot of evidence from previous victims of the same person and he was positive it was enough to send Magnus' ex on his way to jail.

Today was the first time Magnus had dressed up nicely in a long time, he'd kind of let himself go but he was recovering now, so this was just like how he used to dress (with a little less flamboyance to his outfit - it was a courtroom, not a fashion show). He had a black suit over a burgundy shirt and a black tie.

"Wow, Magnus, you cleaned up nicely." Isabelle teased her friend as soon as she saw him at the courthouse.

"I have to agree." Came a familiar voice from behind her as Alec approached, wearing a crisp black suit with a navy blue shirt and a black tie.

He looked exceptionally good in suits, there's no way he's single if he looks like that. He has to at least have a boyfriend because he's not married.

"Are you ready to go in? You're going to have to give a statement but, if you need a minute to gather yourself whilst you're up there, just link your fingers together and I'll do what I can, okay?" There it was, the caring side of Alec Lightwood. The one who only wanted to look after him and make sure that he's okay.

Magnus nodded and followed Alec into the courtroom. The jury were all seated ready to make their decision of condemnation or walking free and right there, on the opposite side of the room was the man who caused Magnus eternal fear of emotional connections. Lorenzo Rey.

Alec saw Magnus freeze slightly so he took his hand and led him to a chair on a table facing the stand. Alec let Magnus take the one furthest away from Lorenzo and he took the one blocking their view from eachother. Once they were seated, Alec released Magnus' hand because he sensed the other man was uncomfortable.

Everything was going smoothly and it wasn't looking good for Lorenzo at all. Finally it was Magnus' turn to testify against him, Alec gave him a look that said 'good look'.

"Mr Bane. Is it true that you refused to sleep with Mr Rey?" The defence attorney asked Magnus and he answered with an affirmative.

"And in response to this, he forced you down and choked you so you were almost unconscious?" He continued, Magnus answered with another affirmative comment.

"But you didn't consider his needs? Men don't get raped, Mr Bane." The defence attorney said harshly and Alec saw Magnus' signal so he jumped up.

"Objection! This question is not relevant to the case and quite frankly it's making my client uncomfortable, your honor." Alec called out, trying to protect his client.