When duty calls

Chapter 1

"Dad" Rafael whined and looked up at his father, his cheeks flushed. "You are not supposed to embarrass me. That's Papa job" he complained.

Alec grinned at his son's reaction and glanced at Magnus who was just trying not to laugh at the situation. Rafael sighed dramatically and crossed his arms above his chest, looking at both of them, showing clearly discomfort.

"Don't be overdramatic, Dad was just…" Max was cut off by a hand smacking the back of his head. "Mean…" He groaned, one of his hands going to massage the spot his brother had hit.

Magnus settled a hand on Rafale's shoulder and squeezed it softly. "Your dad was simply telling a story. No need to get mad at him" he spoke gently and then pointed at Max, "or hit your brother" he added.

"He can tell stories that don't include me" He growled as he shoved Magnus's hand off. "I'm not some toy for your amusement" He moved away from his father.

"Nobody said that baby" Alec smiled at his son and walked closer, trying to reach his hand but the boy just kept stepping backwards. 

"Don't fucking call me that, I'm not a little boy anymore" he snapped.

"Watch it, Rafael" Magnus warned, his voice stern now.

The 16-years-old boy rolled his eyes and huffed. "I can't say the truth now?"

"You can say whatever you want as long as you respect us" he looked at Alec who just nodded in agreement, confused at his son's behavior.

"Yeah, yeah... Whatever you say, old man" he mumbled and his brother elbowed him. Rafe looked down at him with a raised brow in a questioning look. “What?”

Max sighed and motioned to his parents and then looked at his brother in disbelief. “You’re gonna get yourself in trouble” he whispered.

Rafael gazed at his parents who were already giving them looks and pressed his lips together. “I didn’t mean to disrespect you” he said as he wrapped an arm around his brother shoulder, pulling him close “or hit you…”

Max smiled and quickly dragged his brother out of the living room before Magnus or Alec could say anything.

Magnus laid down on the sofa and turned on his side, pressing his back against its back cushion. He conjured a throw pillow and rested his head on it.

“Do you think we should…?” Alec laid down as well, placing his head on Magnus chest and let his husband wrap and arm around him.

“What? Punish him?” Magus just shook his head. “But if you want to give him some sort of talk I won’t stop you” he shrugged. “I mean they’re teenagers. They’re gonna argue and disagree with us. We just have to be patient and not let them get into our nerves”

“I know…” he let out a sigh, “What if we can’t be good parents?”

“Alexander, love” the warlock whispered softly as he caressed Alec’s back. “You’re thinking about it too much” he gently pressed his lips against his forehead.

The shadowhunter closed his eyes and relaxed his body as he listened to Magnus’ heartbeat to calm himself down. He began to play with Magnus shirt and unconsciously unbuttoned some of its buttons. The older chuckled, looking down at him. “Maybe you would like me to take it off?” he suggested, earning his attention.