Chain of Iron (a guess)

Parabatai

January 1904
James sauntered down the cobblestone streets toward Tyler's Court. His engagement to Cordelia had him uneasy. He obviously cared for her, as she was one of his closest friends, and up until that night in Hypatia Vex's office, he might have gone as far as to say she was like a part of his family, in a way. Now, he was confused. He needed the mind numbing distractions that were encapsulated to beautifully with the octagonal center room of the Hell Ruelle. Matthew hadn't been extremely obliging when James had asked him what he was doing that night, even after James had said where he was planning on go. One could basically never find Math without a drink in his hand and some Downworld floozy on his arm, and yet he passed on going. It wasn't too strange these days though, sadly. For some reason Matthew had been shutting out his parabatai.

James inhaled the bittersweet scent of coal in the air of this part of town. Berwick Street was not in the same area as the Institute was, and one should never be walking these cobbled streets without a seraph blade strapped to their side. Even though demons had once again become somewhat of a rarity in London town, after everything that went down with Tatiana trying to raise Jesse and making a deal with a demon, it was still pretty dangerous. Plus, the Hell Ruelle was down where he was and there was always the possibility that a drunken Downworlder would see a Shadowhunter and go on the offensive. As James made the final turn to get to the glamoured building where the Hell Ruelle was, he felt at home. He and his friends spent so much time there and it was nice to escape the rules and regulations of being a Shadowhunter all the time.

James basically never came to the club alone, but all of his friends were either busy or just being lame and boring. He knocked on the door to the club and a wooden panel a little below his own eyeline slid open to reveal violet colored eyes staring out at him. The eyes took him in for a moment before he heard the locks slide back and the heavy door creak open. As he crossed the threshold of the club, he felt his mind begin to empty of everything else besides just having fun. But there was still a thought clinging on, I shouldn't be here without Cordelia. Even though their marriage was basically a sham, he respected her enough to not be with anyone else while they were engaged. It was a strange feeling, being tied down to one person. It was especially strange because of the fact that they didn't love each other. He saved her from being completely shamed after she came up with the rather absurd cover story that they had spent the night together and therefore could not have possibly set Blackthorn manor on fire. He shook his head to prevent his thoughts from going too far down this path.

Lily, a somewhat young vampire whom he would consider one of his closer Downworld friends, was tending the bar that night. He loped over to the bar and leaned against it, his elbows propping him up and his hands folded together. She looked up at him a few moments later, though she had clearly heard him come up, she was trying to be funny. Her voice lilted in a nearly Welsh accent, possibly done to poke fun at him again, "What can I get you tonight James?"

James sighed. It was pretty depressing to be drinking alone. Then again, it would also be rather strange to be here without getting at least a little buzzed. "I'll have a scotch." James mentally patted himself on the back for his drink choice. It was strong enough to make for a good time but also strong enough that he could spend a while sipping it while deciding whether or not he should really be here. Scotch was also one of Matthew's favorite drinks. By the Angel, Math and him were soul mates and yet, suddenly Math felt so broken hearted over the fact that Lucie loved him as a brother, he barely ever came out with James anymore. As his parabatai, of course Matthew had James' back whenever they were assigned to do a patrol and they'd normally at least go back to the Devil Tavern for some drinks and a change of clothes. It would be clear to anyone who knew them and saw them interact that Matthew clearly cared for Lucie and she was completely oblivious to that fact.

There was a rather loud thunk when Lily put down James' drink in front of him. He nodded his thanks, and pulled out his money to pay for it. He slapped the coins down on the bar and turned to survey the club. Where would he sit? Much of the seating in the club was couches and large tables to allow for easy chatting. Just as he was about to sit down on a plush chair relatively far off to the side, he heard Matthew's laugh. He had heard that laugh so many times, though mostly it was a sarcastic and derisive sound. His eyes scanned the room, looking for that copper colored hair to pick him out in the crowd. There. He was with... Magnus Bane? James was surprised. He didn't even know they were friends.

Of course, Matthew had always found warlock magic rather awe inspiring and was therefore very impressed with Magnus, but he hadn't known that they were close at all. They were sitting on a chaise lounge together, one of their legs folded up under each of them, so their knees were touching. Matthew, naturally, had a drink in his hand, which was, naturally, very nearly empty. He laughed again, a more genuine, happy sound than James had ever heard from him. Matthew supported himself my putting his hand on Magnus' chest while he continued laughing. Magnus' golden cat eyes danced. James was surprised he was able to notice such a detail from nearly all the way a cross the room until he realized he had been slowly, silently moving towards them. He stopped. It wasn't his place to interfere with Matthew's love life. James himself thought Magnus was great, he was very kind, and entertaining, and extremely close with both of his parents. He looked back over at them one more time to see Magnus whispering in Math's ear, and then kissing him lightly on the mouth. James wished his friend had been honest with him about where he would be tonight, but at least he was happy.