Standalones

Inhale, Exhale

[TW// Graphic descriptions of smoking/ cigarette smoking]

9:00pm

Alec pinched the bridge of his nose, his eyes straining as he closed his tablet. He had just finished up 5 of his 7 pending reports. He deserved a break.

The last time he checked the clock, it was 5pm and he had just texted Magnus an apology for not joining him for lunch. Since then, his phone had been laying on the other side of the room, charging.

Sighing, he stood up, knowing that Magnus might've texted him back.

From Magnus

5:12 pm It's okay, darling. But I hope you've had something.

From Magnus

5:12 pm I told Biscuit and Isabelle to feed you anyways.

From Magnus

8:45 pm I believe the universe just likes to mess with us. It can't see 2 husbands relaxed and happy.

From Magnus

8:45 pm Got a call from the paris, urgent downworlder meeting or something like that. I don't know. Didn't pay attention but I'm rushing there right now

From Magnus

8:46 pm Probably will be late. I left dinner in the microwave. Eat something and come home by 10. Rest. You've been working too-hard nowadays. Love you, good night.

Alec made a face of contempt, there was no point of going back home early if his husband wasn't going to be there. He'd rather just finish the rest of his reports.

To Magnus

Okay. And try not to lose your patience. I miss you and love you too.

He plugged his phone back in the charger because apparently, he had forgotten to turn on the switch the first time around and his phone was plugged in vain for the last few hours.

The clave was wreaking havoc these days, with the shadowhunters creating more and more alliances with the downworlders and several institutes around the world disregarding the ignorant and bluntly discriminative laws, the Clave felt like it was losing its control. Which was why there have been new policies coming up every month, that did nothing rather than create chaos and pressurise the shadowhunters.

And as the Head, Alec would be lying if he wasn't stressed out. Everyone had been.

If he was being honest, he could've really used some of Magnus's cuddles tonight. Just slumping down in his husband's arms and forgetting about everything else. But alas, the universe disagreed.

Alec stretched out his arms and grabbed his jacket, going out of his office for the first time since this morning.

Outside, he could see half of the shadowhunters rushing around while the other half were tiredly slumped against tables or walls. They gave Alec lazy nods of their heads when Alec passed by, barely even letting out a 'Good evening, Sir'.

They all needed a break, Alec knew, and sighed.

He went on the terrace, deciding to go out for some fresh air. The institute felt so congested, nowadays. It was suffocating.

He found Jace there, who Alec had assumed was out patrolling at the time.

Jace was standing with his elbows on the railing, looking up at the sky as he... lit up a cigarette?

Alec hadn't seen him do that in a while. To be honest, he had only seen Jace smoke once, when they were 16 and had decided to give it a go together. They didn't do it again after that though. Not to Alec's knowledge anyways.