City of Heavenly Fire

Redemption

Alec trudged through the cold and frigid weather, making his way to Magnus's. The icy wind cut into his skin, and he squeezed his eyes tighter. Avoiding the glare of the sun, he dashed underneath a tree and pulled out his phone. No new messages. In a flash, Alec saw a hand reach out, and slam his phone onto the ground. Looking behind him, he saw Jace with a look of annoyance on his face. Jace sat down on the grass.

Alec looked at the shattered pieces in disbelief. "You BROKE my PHONE."

Jace shrugged. "Guys don't let other guys keep calling other guys. Okay, that came out wrong. Friends don't let friends keep calling their exes and hanging up. Seriously. You have to stop."

Alec looked furious. "So you broke my brand new phone? Thanks a lot."

Jace smiled serenely and lay back on the grass. "You're welcome."

Alec glared at him. He kicked whatever was left of his now pathetic phone.

"Let him go, Alec. He's not worth it." Jace's voice brought Alec back to reality.

Alec gave Jace a thoughtful look, but waved him off. "You don't understand." At that, Jace pressed his lips into a firm line, and clenched his jaw. He stood up furiously at pointed a finger at Alec.

"Don't say that Alec. I've been through so much more than you. Do you know what it was like, finding out Clary was my sister? That she wouldn't answer any of my calls? That I couldn't stand being in the same room with her because the pain was just too much? No you don't!" Alec's eyes widened. He hadn't realized how childish he sounded being compared to Jace. He shook his head slightly, agreeing with Jace.

Jace calmed himself down, and spoke very quietly. "Go back to the Institute Alec. I think they've figured out where Sebastian is." Alec's heart stopped.

"And you don't want to come with me? I thought you wanted- I thought you wanted to be the one to- to-"

Jace rolled his eyes at him. "I never said they were going to find him today." Alec nodded, and turned to go. "And Alec," Jace called back to him. "Don't let Clary do anything stupid. Especially when it involves Sebastian."