Being Jace's parabatai didn't make him brave. Foolish maybe, but not brave. If it did, then Magnus was the only nephilim in London that thought so. Most thought he was too cautious since he was probably the only Shadowhunter in the city that hadn't killed a demon. And few would ever call a Lightwood kind. "You're the only one who would think of me in that way."

As Magnus encouraged him to sit down, Alec began to protest, but he knew it wouldn't deter her. Proper manners never seemed to be something she cared about and when they were alone, he could be less cautious than usual. "We'll drag him back before it comes to that. I'm not going to lose anyone who is dear to me."

Some of his shyness eased as he touched his hair, forgetting about all the rules he was supposed to follow, eyes half closing as he leaning into her fingers. For a moment he forgot about her bruises, smiling as he noticed her blush.

"Charlotte would probably be proud of your ingenuity and Will must be half blind if he thinks you look like a boy. I'd like you to visit more. Whenever you can get away. I'll come to the Institute more." Charlotte and Henry had always tried to make him feel welcome, especially after he'd left home. They wouldn't mind if came to see Magnus, though he might have to find a way to keep his temper when Will was nearby.

His embarrassment faded as Magnus slipped into his line of sight, a smile tugging at his lips until he saw the bruise. "Magnus..." Reaching out, he lightly touched her jaw near the bruise, guilt catching him as he realized he should have thought more of her health than his own wish to be close to Magnus. "I'm sorry. I should have thought... Do you have your stele?"