When duty calls

Chapter 4

“It wasn’t a dream Max,” Rafael spoke, and all eyes fell on him. He swallowed hard, he has never enjoyed being the center of attention. “They aren’t our parents; they just look like them.” He said, no hesitation in his voice as his eyes focused only on his brother, he didn’t want to know what the other two were thinking.

“WHAT?!” Max sat up abruptly, hands shaking violently as he looked around for any signs of his brother playing some sort of game with him. However, as much as the place felt familiar, none of his things were there. “It can’t- What are we gonna do? How are we gonna get back?” He asked his brother as he brought his hands to his hair and began to pull at it, thinking it might help him figure things out. He soon felt his brother’s arms wrap around his body, trying to calm him down.

“Max I-…” Rafael was lost for words. He was alarmed by his brother’s behavior; he had never seen him freaking out like that.

Alec was unable to tear his eyes away from them. He believed them, but deep down he didn't want to. He had met Magnus about a year ago, but this was too much. As much as he wanted something like that with him, he knew the Clave wouldn't approve of it and didn't want to get his hope up for something that was unlikely to happen. He looked over at Magnus with a sad smile on his face before gazing down. He didn't listen any further, too lost in his own mind.

Magnus was almost in a similar state as Alec but mostly shocked. He had never thought about having a family before, it was impossible, not only because he was a warlock but because he didn't believe someone would ever want to stay with him for that long. Hell, he wasn't even sure if he was qualified to be a parent. He turned his head in the direction of the two teenagers when he heard a sob.

“Hey… It’s gonna be okay.” Rafael whispered, cupping his brother’s face to make him look at him. He had never seen him shaking like that in his life and right now he knew he had to be strong for his little brother and help him calm down. “We’re gonna get back home and this will feel like a nightmare. I promise.” He knew he shouldn’t be making those promises but he was the older for a reason.

“Perhaps if you explain a bit more about the situation, we might be able to help.” The warlock tried to maintain a relaxed tone, he didn’t want to freak them out more than they already were.

“I don’t want them here!” Max said angrily, face hidden into his brother’s chest as he sobbed the words.

“Could you…” Rafael began quietly. “Can you excuse us for a few minutes? We’ll explain later.” He told them, giving them an apologetic smile.

“Of course.” Alec nodded and stood up, pulling Magnus up and then guided him out of the room to give the kids some privacy.

“If what they’re saying it’s true and my understanding is correct, we have to protect them and keep them away from the Clave. If they somehow managed to travel back in time, there’s no way they won’t be questioned.” Said Magnus as a matter-of-fact, eyes locked on his boyfriend’s.

“I know what they’re like, Magnus. I’m not sending two kids to them. No matter who they are.” Alec replied in a soft tone. “We just need to find a way to help them. If they’re from the future and are trapped here, we don’t what the consequences could be. If there’s any.”

“That’s right. I know people who spent years, even decades of their lives trying to figure out if time travel is even a thing. We already know we can move between dimensions.” Magnus spoke as they walked to the living room.

***

About an hour later, Max’s breakdown had stopped; he was ready to go out and face the situation. His eyes were red and puffy but he was feeling better now and that all that mattered.

“Where’s Alec?” Max asked in a small voice when he noticed Magnus was in the living room on his own.

“He went to the institute. He’ll be coming home tonight and don’t worry, he won’t tell anyone about you.” Magnus looked up at them and smiled softly, he wanted them to trust him and feel safe in his apartment.

“Oh… okay then. C-Can we talk when he’s back?” Rafael asked, scratching the back of his neck as he looked around at the familiar place but yet it gave him a weird feeling.

“Of course. I’ll be working in my office. You can hang out in the balcony, bedroom or kitchen. I’ll be having some clients, and it's for the best if you entertain yourselves in those places.” The warlock explained, hoping they wouldn’t get upset or mad that he was hiding them. It was for their own good and protection.

“Sure.” Max said, not thinking much of it since they were used to it. They couldn’t always go with Alec to the institute, and Magnus had urgent and dangerous clients to attend and they couldn't always be seen.

***

When Alec returned at night, Magnus and the kids were waiting for him, dinner ready. Alec wasn’t used to this, he and Magnus would usually think of what to do once he left work but it was nice to return to the place where he felt at home and just relax because everything was ready. It was strange at the same time; he wanted to believe so badly that they were their kids from the future but… What chances does one have to meet their teenage kids? None. At least that’s what he thought.

They all agreed to discuss the situation after dinner to enjoy it as peaceful as possible. The kids were feeling more comfortable around them and actually enjoyed meeting that version of their parents, it was different.

A few days went by, and they had discussed possible ways of getting the kids back to where they belonged. Research had involved not only reading old books but also contacting people that might know about time travel.

When Rafael’s phone rang loudly, they looked at each other and went quiet at the same time. The boy pulled the phone out of his pocket and gasped, staring at it in shock as he saw the name on the screen.

“Answer it!” Max urged him.

After a few seconds of hesitation, Rafael accepted the call. He took a deep breath and swallowed hard. “Papa?”