HeartBLOOD

Chapter fifty-four

Look who it is, Val! Do you remember uncle Alec?, Clary smiled, bouncing her daughter on her hip.

Valery looked like she had inherited Jaces blond hair, but she definitely had Clarys emerald eyes. Those huge eyes curiously started at Alec, Valery not making a single sound.

Hey, sweetie., Alec smiled and stroke her cheek with his digit finger. Her skin was soft, and her face lit up the second he touched her.

I think she does remember you., Clary grinned and passed her daughter on to Alec, who immediately wrapped his hands around her- she was beautiful.

Clary and Jace had been very private for quite a long time, they had always said that first, they wanted to find their own routines with their daughter and figure out their new family life alone, without people getting involved. Therefore, neither Alec nor Izzy had had the opportunity to bond too much with their niece. And, as much as they had respected Jaces and Clarys request, both of them still were absolutely thrilled when they got the invitation to hang out with their sibling.

Am I going crazy or are the lights in here flickering?, Alec asked with a frown, looking up from his niece.

Right?! Ive been telling Jace for days, but he refuses to fix it. Apparently, he doesnt see a problem.

Then the morons either blind or a really bad liar., Alec chuckled, turning his face to Valery, Dont say moron- its not a pretty word.

That view is something I could get used to., Magnus chuckled from behind Alec, You do look very cute with a baby.

Its a very cute baby., Alec smirked, cradling Valery.

And a very handsome young man., Magnus grinned, pressing a kiss on Alecs cheek.

I swear, you guys are too cute., Jace laughed, walking in, You better be next in the baby-department, brother. Let me tell you, those little humans be cute as hell.

I figured., Alec chuckled, hugging his brother, careful to still have Valery safely in his arms.

Seriously, did you guys think about kids?, Jace asked, watching his brother with his daughter- he was so gentle with her, it made his heart melt.

Now wouldnt be the time, thats for sure., Magnus answered, But who knows, right?

Yeah, its all a possibility., Alec chuckled, playing with his nieces tiny toes, But, look at you- full time actor, girlfriend, kid, apartment- youve grown up, my dude.

Yeah, its insane, isnt it? Five years ago, we were still living at our parents house, now were here.

I hate to ruin your guys talk, but lunch is ready and Val needs to get her beauty sleep., Clary commanded from the kitchen.

The queen has spoken., Jace chuckled and lifted Valery out of Alecs arms so he could go eat.

Youre on naptime duty?, Magnus asked.

Yeah, I deal with the naps whilst Clary is responsible for getting her to bed at night.

Smart., Magnus nodded approvingly, walking into the dining area, the table beautifully decorated with fake plants and apricot napkins, matching the furniture.

I will never get over how pretty your eating area is., Isabelle laughed, Honestly, it screams Clary and Jace.

I actually hated the tabletop at first., Jace explained, pointing at the massive marble plate with his free hand, But it has grown on me. Feels like home.

Thats the most important thing., Magnus smiled, taking a seat at the table after Jace had excused himself to bring his daughter to bed.

It was an uncomfortable feeling- the seat next to Isabelles was empty. Someone was missing, and it showed.

Anyways, how is NYABM?, Clary asked Magnus- she knew that Magnus had moved back, but he hadnt taken any pictures yet.

Its slowly but steadily getting back to normal., Magnus sighed, But, of course, it doesnt feel normal. Its a process, thats for sure, but Im confident that starting to train there again will kickstart the NYABM spirit its still missing.

I really hope that for you guys., Clary replied, But, I am sure that living with Isabelle is nice, too?

Swallowing down his bite, Alec nodded: It definitely comes with advantages. And, of course, Im happy to be around her more.

I think its more beneficial to me than to him, though., Isabelle chuckled, I swear, Im so spoiled now, I dont even know how to live by myself anymore. I mean, no personal chef? No breakfast to bed delivery service? Brutal.

Alec, I mean, we also have a sofa you could crash on-, Clary grinned, mocking him.

I appreciate it., Alec laughed, But Ill leave your little family alone.

Seriously though, apart from random runs in the middle of the night, no weird stuff comes with living with him., Izzy added, smirking, I imagined a lot worse.

Okay, rude., Alec scoffed ironically, cleansing his throat with a glass of water.

Have you been working out again?, Clary asked, curious.

Yeah, like a beast- I swear, as soon as NYABM classes start again, hell be better than all of us together., Magnus chuckled, not admitting to the fact that he was incredible grateful for this development- he was getting the old Alec back. But, more importantly, Alec was getting the old him back.

Damn, good for you!, Clary exclaimed, visibly proud- some part of her was still caught at NYABM, and even though it hadnt been the right place for her to be at, it still felt a bit like home. She just couldnt let that place go.

As long as you dont overdo it, you go big guy., Isabelle grinned, sideways looking at Alec.

Me? Overdoing it? Never!, Alec replied, fakely offended, a sarcastic grin on his lips.

How could I., Isabelle laughed, But seriously, I trust you. So, you better dont fuck that up.

Kill me if I do., Alec smirked, finishing his plate- Clary was a miracle worker when it came to tuna salad.

Whos killing whom?, Jace asked, walking back into the room, Valery successfully asleep in the crib in the master bedroom.

Thats the great mystery., Clary smirked, handing her boyfriend a plate, Maybe Ill kill you if you dont get the lights in the hallway fixed.

Ill be sleeping with one eye open then, dear.