A secret no one knows

Ben and Sage

The Institute was quiet as Alec and Stiles returned from their latest mission. Exhausted but relieved, they made their way to their shared quarters. Alec closed the door behind them, leaning against it with a sigh of relief.

Stiles flopped down onto the bed, stretching out with a groan. "I can't believe we made it back in one piece," he muttered, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

Alec chuckled softly, moving to sit beside him on the bed. "Yeah, another successful mission. You did great out there, as always," he praised, brushing a hand through Stiles' tousled hair.

Stiles cracked a tired smile, leaning into Alec's touch. "Thanks, babe. Couldn't have done it without you watching my back," he replied sincerely, his eyes closing as he relaxed under Alec's comforting presence.

Meanwhile, Izzy walked silently down the corridor to her own room. Her mind was still buzzing with the adrenaline of the mission, but her heart felt heavy with the weight of what they had faced. She needed a moment alone to process it all.

Entering her room, Izzy took a deep breath and began to change out of her gear. Her thoughts drifted to her teammates, especially Alec and Stiles. She was grateful they were safe.

Downstairs in the training room, Jace was in his element. He moved with precision and grace, his muscles working fluidly as he practiced his combat techniques. The rhythmic sound of his punches and kicks filled the air, a steady beat that matched the intensity of his thoughts.

Clary watched from the doorway, leaning against the frame with a small smile. She admired Jace's dedication and skill, even when he thought no one was looking. Clearing her throat softly, she stepped into the room.

Jace paused mid-strike, turning to face her with a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Hey," he greeted, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Hey," Clary replied softly, stepping closer to him. "Couldn't sleep?"

Jace shook his head, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. "Not yet. Needed to clear my head," he admitted, his gaze flickering to Clary with a mix of gratitude and affection.

Clary nodded understandingly, folding her arms loosely across her chest. "It was a tough mission," she acknowledged, her voice low and sympathetic.

"Yeah," Jace agreed quietly. "But we made it through, like always."

Clary reached out, touching his arm gently. "You don't always have to be the strongest, you know. We're a team, and we're here for each other," she reassured him, her eyes warm with sincerity.

Jace met her gaze, feeling a rush of gratitude for her understanding. "Thanks, Clary," he murmured, a small smile curving his lips. "I needed that."

Together, they stood in the quiet of the training room, finding solace in each other's presence as they processed the challenges they had faced and the bond that held them together, both as warriors and as friends.

The early morning light filtered softly through the curtains as Stiles quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Alec. He scribbled a quick note and left it on the nightstand:

Hey Alec, heading over to Derek's for a pack bonding day. If you need me, just call. Love you, S.

Stiles glanced back at Alec's sleeping form with a fond smile before heading out of their room. The Institute was still and silent at this hour, the only sound being the faint hum of machinery and distant echoes of the building's inhabitants beginning to stir.

Stiles arrived at Derek's loft a short while later, greeted by the familiar scent of coffee and the sound of lively chatter. The pack was already gathered, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming.