{"id":1139,"date":"2017-02-08T18:59:34","date_gmt":"2017-02-08T16:59:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pr0nandchocolate.net\/shirasade\/?p=1139"},"modified":"2017-02-08T18:59:34","modified_gmt":"2017-02-08T16:59:34","slug":"a-sacred-band","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shirasade.net\/fiction\/a-sacred-band\/","title":{"rendered":"A Sacred Band"},"content":{"rendered":"
This entry is in the series Theban Band<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Author's Note:<\/strong> Originally, parabatai are part of a chariot-driving team (charioteer and fighter), nothing necessarily homosexual as far as I know, but in Ancient Greece there were many examples of homosexuality among soldiers actually being encouraged, the most famous the Sacred Band of Thebes. But it was also common in Sparta, where older men often took younger ones under their wing and taught them, well, everything. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

So what if the Clave had a similar view? That idea simply wouldn't go away. I don't want to denigrate non-romantic love, but we get that beautifully on the show (seriously, Jace in Parabatai Lost almost killed me!), and fanfic is where we get to play around, after all.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\n

Parabatai is a pair of Nephilim warriors who fight together as lifelong partners, bound together by oath, regardless of their gender. Their bond is not reflected only in their closeness and willingness to lay down their lives for one another, but also in oath\u2014one sworn in front of the Council.
\nNot all Shadowhunters are required to have parabatai; it is actually less common to have them.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

~ Shadowhunter wikia<\/a><\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Chapter 1<\/a> - Chapter 2<\/a> - Chapter 3<\/a><\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

<\/a>Chapter 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

But a battalion joined together by erotic love cannot be destroyed or broken: its members stand firm beside one another in times of danger [...]. It is therefore natural that Thebes\u2019 band was called \"sacred,\" just as Plato too referred to the lover as a \"divinely-inspired friend.\" [...] The Thebans\u2019 practice of intimacy with lovers, to speak more generally, did not have its origin, as the poets say, in the passion of Laius. Rather the practice grew out of deliberate policies which the lawgivers adopted [...].<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

~ Plutarch, Pelopidas 18-19, on the Sacred Band of Thebes (an elite military unit organised in 378 BC); source: Homosexuality in Greece and Rome<\/a><\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Alec Lightwood never understood why his father Robert refused to talk about his parabatai, Michael Wayland. Alec was fascinated by such stories, not just because parabatai were the elite warriors among the Shadowhunters, but because even as a child the idea of sharing such a deep bond with someone held endless appeal. He loved his younger siblings, yet his parents\u2019 expectations rested heavy on him, setting him apart from both Isabelle and little Max. So when he was introduced to 10-year-old Jace Wayland, Alec couldn\u2019t help but be intrigued, wondering whether the two of them might repeat what their fathers had done.<\/p>\n

He didn\u2019t dare say anything, however, struck with shyness in the face of Jace\u2019s easy self-confidence. Still, when Jace began seeking him out for training, Alec felt inordinately pleased and flattered to be thus singled out by the other boy, who was younger but already the best fighter in their age group. This turned into genuine warmth once Alec realized that, under his brash exterior, Jace opened up like a flower in the sun when treated with kindness. Alec himself had never really had a friend either, but he\u2019d always had Izzy\u2019s and Max\u2019s unconditional love and, when it counted, the support of his parents, as well as the respect of the other Nephilim children, especially after he broke that bully Preston\u2019s nose. <\/p>\n

Although Jace never complained about the way Michael Wayland had raised him, Alec saw that he\u2019d never had any of that. Noticing the happiness, quickly suppressed as it normally was, on Jace\u2019s face whenever Alec or another member of the Lightwood family complimented him or just touched him in passing, made something deep inside of Alec ache with the desire to be the reason for Jace\u2019s rare genuine smiles.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

He was 14 when his feelings for Jace developed a new dimension, his mind stirring up enticing images of touching and kissing that left his body hard and wanting. By then they were pretty much inseparable, but since between the two of them Jace was the bold one, and he\u2019d never so much as hinted that he might experience the same changes, Alec did his best not to rock the boat, unwilling to risk a friendship that had become the bedrock of his life. It renewed his old fascination with the parabatai bond, however, and sometimes he snuck into the archives and read about the epic deeds of these warrior pairs, always picturing Jace and himself in the starring roles. <\/p>\n

Without fail his imagination had them fighting side by side, triumphing over their foes and then celebrating by making love, although Alec admittedly only had vague ideas how that might work. He did know, though, that it would be wonderful and that everyone would look at them with admiration, whispering that they were the best, like the parabatai of old, lovers who fought side by side until the end. At this point his daydreams normally stopped, because even in a fantasy Alec couldn\u2019t bear the thought of Jace dying. Because that was how the parabatai legends and stories usually ended, in a blaze of glory, with neither warrior willing to leave the other.<\/p>\n

This, after all, was the reason parabatai were encouraged to share a lovers\u2019 bond in addition to everything else, knowing that they would give everything for one another. There had been platonic parabatai in history who\u2019d been just as heroic, but the Clave seemed to think that lovers had fewer outside ties to distract them, and Alec for one couldn\u2019t imagine anything else. He knew his dreams would probably never become reality, but this didn\u2019t stop him from sneaking off to read about Jonathan Shadowhunter and David the Silent, Silas Pangborn and Eloisa Ravenscar, Jem Carstairs and Will Herondale and all the others. Which was why Robert Lightwood found him in the archive one afternoon, while Jace was busy training with Hodge.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlec?\u201d At the sound of his father\u2019s voice Alec jumped and instinctively tried to hide what he\u2019d been reading. Naturally, this only peaked Robert\u2019s curiosity, and he leaned over Alec\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWhat are you reading? Nothing you shouldn\u2019t, I hope\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

His voice trailed off as he took in the nature of Alec\u2019s reading material, and something like grief passed over his features, almost too quickly for Alec to notice. Knowing the blush he could feel heating up his cheeks was needless and therefore all the more telling, Alec tried to reply matter-of-factly, \u201cNo, of course not. Just\u2026 just some history books.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cParabatai history. Is that what you want, son?\u201d There was a wealth of understanding in his father\u2019s eyes, and Alec had to avert his eyes, feeling exposed. <\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re the best Shadowhunters, aren\u2019t they? And you always tell me I should be the best.\u201d His bluster sounded feeble even to his own ears, but a part of him still hoped his father would let it lie.<\/p>\n

Of course he didn\u2019t, instead resting a hand on Alec\u2019s stiffening shoulder. Sadness colored Robert\u2019s kind voice when he said, \u201cYou\u2019re already the best, you and Jace. You don\u2019t need to be parabatai. That bond is\u2026 not always as glorious as the stories make it sound.\u201d<\/p>\n

This made Alec look up sharply. \u201cIs that why you never talk about Jace\u2019s dad? I thought it was because he\u2019s dead and you\u2019re alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, our bond was already broken, even before his death.\u201d Robert\u2019s reply came after a pause, and the pain on his face made Alec uncomfortable. His father, the strong co-leader of the New York Institute, shouldn\u2019t look like this, so vulnerable and open. Yet Alec couldn\u2019t bring himself to stop him, he was too interested in hearing a story he\u2019d always wondered about. Therefore, after another pause, Robert continued quietly, picking up steam as he went along, \u201cIt\u2019s one of the great shames of my life that I failed my parabatai, that he died without me even noticing. We\u2019d started out normal enough, best friends who became parabatai, but looking back I should never have agreed. I wanted it because I wanted to be better, the best - I would probably have said yes to anyone who asked me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alec stared, confounded by this admission. He couldn\u2019t begin to imagine wanting anyone except Jace for his parabatai. Robert nodded, obviously recognizing what went through his son\u2019s mind. \u201cYes, I wanted the glory of being parabatai, not him<\/em> in particular. That was my mistake, of course, and we both paid for it - he more than I. Because when he came to me after the ceremony, telling me that he loved me as more than a friend, a brother, I refused him. That\u2019s not unheard of, but I was young, stupid and\u2026 unkind in my rejection.\u201d Robert swallowed, visibly shaken, and Alec wished he knew what to do. \u201cIt was the first crack in our bond, and we soon went our separate ways, getting married and mostly ignoring the fact that we\u2019d once sworn an oath to one another.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alec got the feeling that there was a lot not being said, but he was too stunned by his father\u2019s revelations to push. He could see the parallels his father was drawing to him and Jace all too clearly. Except\u2026 \u201cI won\u2019t ask Jace to be my parabatai. And he\u2019d never say yes anyway, unless he really wanted to.\u201d Unlike you,<\/em> he left unspoken. <\/p>\n

Robert was still looking at him with those sad, understanding eyes, but he nodded, \u201cYou\u2019re right. Jace is ambitious, but he\u2019d never hurt you. Not knowingly.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alec stiffened, instinctively wanting to come to Jace\u2019s defense. Then he deflated, all too aware of what his father was implying. Like Michael Wayland, Alec would want everything<\/em> from his parabatai, and, like Robert, Jace, well, wouldn\u2019t<\/em>. Even if Alec didn\u2019t say anything, or if Jace was kinder in his rejection, the issue would still be there, festering and ultimately driving a wedge between them. Although he\u2019d never seriously believed Jace would be his parabatai, Alec\u2019s eyes still stung with the realization. When his father reached out to lay a comforting hand on his shoulder, he pulled away, afraid he\u2019d actually start to cry, which would be stupid and ridiculous in addition to embarrassing. <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for telling me, dad. And don\u2019t worry, I\u2019m alright,\u201d he said stiffly and forced himself to walk away slowly. He\u2019d been dreaming, and now it was time to wake up. Growing up really sucked sometimes.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

It was a couple of years later, and Alec had well and truly resigned himself to being Jace\u2019s best friend, his almost-brother and comrade-in-arms. Most days he even managed to be glad for it, unable to imagine a life without Jace by his side. They were both training hard, even sent out on easy missions sometimes, and nothing made Alec\u2019s heart sing more than the grin Jace gave him after ducking out of the way of Alec\u2019s arrow and then promptly swinging his seraph blade in a smooth circle to finish off whatever foe they were facing, simulated or real. <\/p>\n

Until one day a stupid group of Iblis demons cornered them and one of them managed to drift around them to reform behind Alec, striking him just as Jace screamed his name in warning. The pain was excruciating, despite Jace, having quickly dispatched the demon, activating Alec\u2019s iratze<\/em> almost immediately. Robert, who\u2019d been supervising them on this mission but had been occupied around the corner with Isabelle and Raj, appeared the next moment, and the rest of the Iblis horde dispersed. Through a haze Alec heard Izzy\u2019s worried voice calling his name and felt his father lift him up easily, his strength doubtlessly rune-powered, but most of his focus remained on Jace, who was hovering next to him, clinging to his hand and begging frantically, \u201cAlec, please, keep your eyes open, you... you gotta stay with me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Alec tried his best to obey, keeping his gaze fixed on Jace\u2019s scared face, but although his father did his best to keep him stable, the jostling of being carried proved too much, and darkness claimed him before they reached the Institute. The last thing he remembered was the sight of Jace, normally the image of cool, with tears streaming down his face.<\/p>\n

The tears had dried by the time Alec opened his eyes again an indefinite time later, but Jace was perched on the side of his bed, still clutching his hand, red-rimmed eyes fixed on Alec with something like desperation. When he noticed that Alec had regained consciousness, a huge smile broke out over his face, warming Alec all the way through and making him forget all about the dull ache in side. Jace opened his mouth as if to say something, but right then Izzy burst into the room, exclaiming happily, \u201cYou\u2019re awake! Oh, Alec, that was so close\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou won\u2019t get rid of me that easily.\u201d Alec smiled at his little sister, but his eyes slid over to Jace, very aware that he had made no move to relinquish his hold on Alec\u2019s hand. Giving him a smile as well, Alec tightened his grip in what he hoped was a reassuring, entirely platonic way, and was rewarded with a watery grin and a responding squeeze from Jace. <\/p>\n

Izzy was talking about the demons, how she\u2019d killed two when they\u2019d heard Jace scream and had found him clutching Alec, blade in one hand to hold off the remaining Iblis demons, his stele against Alec\u2019s healing rune in the other. She finished with a flourish, \u201cIf he hadn\u2019t done that, father says you might have had permanent damage!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone would have done the same,\u201d Jace said with uncharacteristic modesty, avoiding Alec\u2019s eyes and staring at their clasped hands instead. Swallowing hard, Alec fought back a blush, unable to stop his heart from skipping a beat, warmth pooling in the pit of his stomach. Jace might not mean it the way Alec wanted him to, but it was more than enough for now, to know the fierceness of Jace\u2019s love for him. It must have shown on his face, because when Jace\u2019s gaze met his it softened to an impossible degree, and a flush colored his cheeks, making him look much younger, before he blurted out, \u201cWill you be my parabatai, Alec?\u201d<\/p>\n

Over the rush of blood in his ears, Alec heard Izzy squeal in excitement, but all he could see was Jace, who was once again staring at their hands but not letting go. Unable to stifle his disbelief, Alec asked, \u201cBut\u2026 why?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jace\u2019s eyes shot upwards, and he gave Alec a sharp look, snapping, \u201cBecause then you would have known there was a demon behind you the moment I saw it. Because your iratze<\/em> would have been more effective if your parabatai had drawn it. Because we\u2019re just better together. Because, damn it, I want you by my side - forever!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s my cue to leave,\u201d Izzy said somewhere in the background, but neither boy reacted. Jace was breathing hard, a mix of anger and embarrassment visible in every line of his stiffly-held body, and Alec... Alec was trying hard to wrap his head around what he\u2019d just heard. <\/p>\n

Jace made to pull his hand away, but Alec gripped it as tightly as he could and said shakily, \u201cIt\u2019s the same for me, all of it. But Jace, if\u2026 if we were to be parabatai, you must know that I\u2019d\u2026 I\u2019d want everything<\/em>.\u201d He lowered his voice, a part of him unable to believe that he was about to lay it all on the table. \u201cIt\u2019s why I haven\u2019t asked you. Because I know\u2026 I know you don\u2019t feel that way<\/em> about me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Letting go of Jace\u2019s fingers, it was his turn to look away, face flaming. After today he didn\u2019t believe that his admission would ruin what he and Jace shared, but he was also not looking forward to having the one thing he wanted the most, Jace as his parabatai, taken away again. Therefore it came as something close to a shock when Jace cupped his face in both hands and forced him to look at him. Jace\u2019s mismatched eyes were serious, but Alec could have sworn there was a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth - the mouth he now pressed quickly against Alec\u2019s surprised \u201cOh!\u201d<\/p>\n

It only lasted a second, then Jace was sitting back up, hands falling down to twist nervously in his lap. He had to clear his throat in order to speak, words tumbling out in a rush, \u201cHow can you know when I don\u2019t? I mean, just now, that wasn\u2019t bad, was it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Unable to help himself, Alec laughed helplessly. \u201cNo, it wasn\u2019t bad at all. Short, but not bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now Jace glared at him, a much more familiar sight, and Alec barely had time to brace himself before being pushed backwards, his breath leaving him with a pained gasp as his half-healed injury made itself known again. Immediately annoyance turned to concern, and Jace\u2019s hands were much gentler when he patted Alec down, as if trying to soothe his wound. \u201cShit, I\u2019m sorry, Alec!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine, I won\u2019t break.\u201d Grabbing Jace\u2019s hands and keeping them still against his chest, Alec laughed again, but softer than before, and Jace smiled back ruefully. Thinking for a second, he seemed to come to a decision, because he nodded to himself and suddenly climbed onto Alec\u2019s bed, straddling him.<\/p>\n

Alec stared up at him, wide-eyed, which earned him a trademark Jace smirk, something that always spelled trouble. This time it was trouble in the form of Jace\u2019s lips against Alec\u2019s, capturing them in a decidedly not-short kiss, his tongue unhesitatingly slipping into the heat of Alec\u2019s mouth when he huffed a breath of surprise. Alec\u2019s hands slid down Jace\u2019s back as if they had a will of their own, grabbing his butt, and Jace actually groaned<\/em> into their kiss. Pride and pleasure at being the cause of such sounds shot through Alec, and he squeezed slightly, experimenting. His reward was a rocking of Jace\u2019s hips, which brought direct proof just how much Alec was enjoying this. Alec stilled for a moment, afraid this would put Jace off, but instead he got another growl and the sensation of Jace\u2019s clever fingers sliding into his hair and gripping tightly, sending sparks all the way to Alec\u2019s groin.<\/p>\n

After what might have been an hour or just a few minutes, Jace suddenly stopped moving and broke their kiss, staring down at Alec with a seriousness that was only slightly tempered by his swollen lips and flushed cheeks. He seemed to like what he saw, because he was smirking confidently when he asked, \u201cSo, I guess that means you agree to be my parabatai?\u201d<\/p>\n

Feeling as if he would float away if Jace wasn\u2019t anchoring him, Alec grinned back and replied, heart in his throat despite his deliberately light tone, \u201cI guess so. I might need some more convincing, though\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Jace laughed, eyes sparkling in a way Alec had never seen before, and proceeded to do just that.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

<\/a>Chapter 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

And so, when a person meets the half that is his very own, whatever his orientation, whether it's to young men or not, then something wonderful happens: the two are struck from their senses by love, by a sense of belonging to one another, and by desire, and they don't want to be separated from one another, not even for a moment.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

- Plato, Symposium<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys! Are you decent? Mom and dad are here\u2026\u201d Izzy\u2019s voice on the other side of the door, accompanied by a loud knock, interrupted what had turned into a rather heated make-out session in spite of Alec\u2019s still-twinging injury. It was easy to forget the pain when he had a lapful of Jace, who was trying his best to unbutton Alec\u2019s shirt while continuing to kiss him eagerly, hungrily, as if he\u2019d been waiting for this as long as Alec had. <\/p>\n

Now, however, they both jumped apart - Jace physically scrambling off the bed and Alec drawing back and pulling a blanket over himself. He took a few calming breaths and cleared his throat to call out, \u201cCome in!\u201d<\/p>\n

He was grateful that Izzy hadn\u2019t just burst in the way she usually did. His little sister was growing up, and he gave her a warm smile when she entered the room ahead of their parents. She glanced between him and Jace, grinning at what she saw, and Alec blushed, aware that there was no hiding what they\u2019d been up to. His eyes flickered over to Jace, whose flushed cheeks, kiss-swollen lips and overall dishevelled state was doubtlessly mirrored by his own appearance. For a moment, embarrassment flooded Alec, as if they\u2019d been caught doing something wrong, but Jace reached out to grip his hand and immediately all worry fled, replaced once more by disbelieving joy. They were going to be parabatai, their souls linked forever, their hearts beating as one and everything else the stories told!<\/p>\n

Unable to suppress a smile, he squeezed Jace\u2019s hand and faced his parents. What he found there relieved the last of his worries: Robert\u2019s eyes were warm, if a bit concerned, and Maryse looked\u2026 prouder than Alec could remember ever seeing her before. He swallowed and asked, just to say something, \u201cSo Izzy told you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked Alec to be my parabatai, and he accepted,\u201d Jace burst out simultaneously, and they exchanged a grin, still holding onto one another tightly.<\/p>\n

Maryse nodded and actually smiled. \u201cYes, we heard. And we couldn\u2019t be prouder. The two of you have always been a good team, but this will make sure you\u2019ll go down in history as being amongst our best and bravest. You\u2019re real Lightwoods!\u201d Behind her back, Izzy was rolling her eyes, as always not very impressed with talk about upholding the Lightwood family name, but Maryse continued obliviously, \u201cI will inform the Clave, and the two of you can immediately start preparing for the oath. There will be some tests of your skills as well as interviews with Clave representatives regarding the\u2026 state of your relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes rested on their hands, and although Alec knew that this would work in their favor, he still felt mortified at the thought that not only his family but every last Shadowhunter would be taking an interest in his and Jace\u2019s love life. Even the thought of having a love life<\/em>, especially one with Jace, made Alec blush furiously and wish for a hole in the ground to swallow him. As long as Jace came along, of course. He risked another peek at his soon-to-be parabatai, who was doing his best defiant \u201cI\u2019m Jace Wayland and nothing can embarrass me\u201d impression, and forced himself to respond calmly, \u201cYes, mother. We\u2019ll be prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter Alec has recovered - or did you forget that he almost died today?\u201d Jace inserted, sounding so fiercely protective Alec couldn\u2019t hold back a pleased smile, although he knew his mother wouldn\u2019t like the insolence, even from Jace, her particular favorite. <\/p>\n

However, it seemed that nothing could dampen her mood, because her only response was a distracted, \u201cYes, of course. Tell me if we need to call a Silent Brother, although your father said it probably wouldn\u2019t be necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

She was obviously already planning out how she was going to tell the Clave that both her son and adoptive son would join the elite of the Shadowhunter world, and all three teens exchanged amused glances. Even Robert was hiding a smile, Alec could tell, although he still hadn\u2019t said anything. He stayed behind when Maryse swept out with a pat to Alec\u2019s shoulder that jostled his wound and made him wince, then sat down in a chair by the bed and motioned for Jace to do the same. Although he rationally knew there was nothing to worry about, Alec was still grateful when Jace chose to sit on the bed, his hip warm against Alec\u2019s thigh and his fingers still laced through Alec\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cIsabelle, dear, would you give us a minute?\u201d Robert asked, and Izzy pouted but complied, which left Alec trying his best to appear calm under his father\u2019s scrutiny. Not that he sounded anything but supportive when he spoke, \u201cCongratulations to you both. Alec, I know what this means to you, and Jace, you\u2019ve been a part of this family for a while, and I\u2019m happy you have found something even deeper than family with my son.\u201d His gaze, which was resting on Jace, sharpened, although his voice remained calm. \u201cI just want to make sure you know what you\u2019re signing up for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI kind of figured it means that I\u2019ll get to be with Alec forever, kicking demon ass,\u201d Jace replied with his usual nonchalance, but Alec could tell he was nervous under his flippant demeanor, his palm going a bit sweaty in Alec\u2019s grip. \u201cAlso, doing other stuff that I really don\u2019t think is anyone\u2019s business, no matter what the Clave and their precious legends say.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alec\u2019s ears burned, and he did his best to stare a hole the blanket. This was so not a conversation he wanted to have with his father, but there didn\u2019t seem to be a way around it. At least he wasn\u2019t in it alone this time, and the thought gave him the courage to say, \u201cI remember what you told me about you and Michael Wayland, and it\u2019s different now. Yes, Jace asked, and I wanted him to, so much, but I wouldn\u2019t have said yes if it had been like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

That got Jace\u2019s attention. Alec knew Jace and his dad had had a complicated relationship, that Michael had been nothing like Robert, making Jace rather reluctant to talk about him. Still, he had to be curious - Alec knew, he would be in Jace\u2019s place. But Jace kept his voice carefully neutral, asking calmly, \u201cMy father? You talked about you being parabatai?\u201d<\/p>\n

Robert nodded, leaning over to rest one hand on Alec\u2019s knee, one on Jace\u2019s forearm, and repeated some of what he\u2019d told Alec all those years ago, \u201cYour father and I should never have become parabatai. Not because he wanted more than I could offer, but because I was too immature to deal with it. It drove a wedge between us, and I was afraid something similar might happen to you two. I didn\u2019t think it was worth the risk, not when it could hurt you both.\u201d He gave them both a sad half-smile, full of memories, but then rallied and continued warmly, \u201cI see that I was wrong, though, that you love Alec just as much as he loves you, Jace, and I\u2019m so happy for you both.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hearing his father use the word love<\/em> made something inside of Alec open like a flower, and without thinking he turned to Jace, only to find him looking at him with eyes brimming with emotion. Heedless of their audience their mouths found each other for a sweet moment, before they rested their foreheads against one another, both of them smiling widely while Jace half-whispered, \u201cI do, Alec, so much. I\u2019m just sorry I was too chicken to let it show, to make you think that you were alone in this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright. We\u2019ll have the rest of our lives together.\u201d Alec\u2019s hands came up to twist in Jace\u2019s shirt, pulling him into another kiss. When they came up for air Robert had disappeared, which embarrassed Alec but made Jace grin wickedly and claim his mouth yet again, licking his way inside and making Alec soon forget all about the intimate display his father had just witnessed.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Only two days later Alec felt well enough to start training again, and Maryse didn\u2019t waste any time putting him and Jace through even more rigorous exercises and simulations in preparation for the parabatai ceremony. Unsurprisingly Jace took to it like a duck to water, always one to thrive when giving a chance to prove himself, and Alec had to admit, he, too, got a rush from the ease with which they worked together. <\/p>\n

It was as if they\u2019d already reached a new level, a new awareness of where the other was. If this was what having a parabatai would be like, Alec couldn\u2019t wait. The part where Jace was all worked up after training and pushed Alec against the nearest flat surface was pretty good, too. They hadn\u2019t done much more than make out, tongues dancing, bodies rubbing against one another, and already Alec could barely remember a time when he hadn\u2019t known what Jace\u2019s skin tasted like or what he sounded like when he was about to come in his pants. <\/p>\n

It was addictive, this new dimension to their relationship, and Alec savored every moment, a part of him still not quite convinced that this was real, that his dreams of having a full parabatai relationship with Jace were about to come true. Having had years of practise hiding his feelings, he figured there was no reason that Jace should know about his doubts. However, ever since the day he\u2019d gotten injured, Jace had taken to watching him with a new intensity, one that sent delightful shivers down Alec\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

So when, about two weeks after the accident, Jace interrupted yet another kissing session in his room to put two feet between them, panting \u201cTell me what\u2019s wrong!\u201d, Alec was not entirely surprised. Still, the temptation to either lie or attempt to distract Jace with something more\u2026 pleasurable than talking was great. But reluctantly Alec admitted to himself that they couldn\u2019t be parabatai, linked for the rest of their lives, if he wasn\u2019t honest.<\/p>\n

With a sigh he re-buttoned his shirt and tried to find the right words. Izzy was always telling him that words weren\u2019t his strong suit, yet these were important if they wanted to avoid the mistakes of their fathers. He knew he sounded flustered when he finally said, \u201cNothing\u2019s wrong, Jace. Not really.\u201d A snort of disbelief escaped Jace, but Alec silenced him with a look. \u201cI guess I\u2019m just having trouble believing that life can actually be this\u2026 perfect<\/em>. For years I wanted this, wanted you, and thought I could never have you, not as parabatai and certainly not like\u2026 this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blushing hotly, he put a hand against Jace\u2019s chest, avoiding his eyes. The next moment his back hit the wall, Jace practically flinging himself at him, wrapping both arms around his neck and pulling his face closer to stare into his eyes with a most un-Jace-like seriousness. His voice was low and full of intent as he swore, \u201cOh Angel, I don\u2019t know what I did to deserve you, Alec Lightwood! But you need to know that I\u2019m in, all in.\u201d <\/p>\n

Alec\u2019s heart skipped a beat, happiness beginning to race through him. Words failed him, so he leaned in for a kiss that was achingly slow and sweet. Jace opened to him like a flower to the sun, their bodies melting against each other until Alec feared the wall was the only thing holding them upright. When Jace broke away, he tried to chase after him, but Jace stopped him with a finger to his lips and words that had Alec blink back actual tears: \u201cIn case you need to hear the actual words - I\u2019m in love with you, Alec. And I want you more than I\u2019ve ever wanted anything.\u201d <\/p>\n

The last was said with a saucy grin and a slight thrust of Jace\u2019s hips that left no doubt as to his meaning. Alec groaned, feeling overwhelmed by love and lust simultaneously, leaving no room for word or thought. So he did the next-best thing, he wrapped his arms around Jace and physically lifted him. Jace huffed a laugh, surprised but definitely pleased, and allowed himself to be deposited on his bed. His legs fell open, and Alec crawled between them, covering Jace\u2019s body with his own and fusing their mouths together. This time there was nothing sweet in the kiss, Alec\u2019s tongue thrusting into Jace\u2019s mouth as he let his need to have Jace in every way possible wash over him. <\/p>\n

Jace\u2019s strong legs were wrapped around Alec\u2019s hips as they rocked against each other, both already achingly hard. It would have been easy to get lost in the push-pull of their bodies, but Jace slid his hands down Alec\u2019s back and under his shirt, bunching the fabric and growling, breath hot against Alec\u2019s neck, \u201cUp, need to get this off!\u201d<\/p>\n

Albeit reluctant to separate, Alec complied and sat up, pulling his shirt over his head and throwing it to the ground. Jace was watching him with hooded eyes, not making any move to follow suite, so Alec did it for him, almost tearing Jace\u2019s t-shirt in his haste. He\u2019d seen Jace shirtless more often than he could count, but it was different now, and Alec simply had to reach down and slide questing hands all over that pale skin. When he skimmed Jace\u2019s nipples, the other boy hissed, skin puckering, and impulsively Alec leaned down and pressed a kiss over Jace\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

Jace\u2019s breath stuttered, and Alec smirked and caught a peaked nipple between his teeth, teasing gently. He was using both hands to hold Jace\u2019s squirming form still and almost drunk on the effect he had, or at least what he imagined being drunk felt like. Jace\u2019s fingers dug into Alec\u2019s scalp, sending sharp spikes of pleasure through him, and suddenly Alec was on his back, Jace having used his legs to flip them over. He crowed triumphantly, mismatched eyes sparkling, a flush going all the way to his chest, and generally looked so beautiful Alec\u2019s breath stocked.<\/p>\n

Jace seemed to read him, because his smile faded, replaced by a look of such promise Alec simply had to pull him down into a dirty kiss, catching his lower lip with his teeth. Simultaneously Alec thrust upwards, causing their cocks to slide against one another through their pants, and both of them groaned, the air between them almost crackling with need.<\/p>\n

They both fumbled with buttons and zippers while attempting to keep kissing, which ended with Jace getting an elbow into his stomach. He cursed, and Alec froze, apologizing frantically, but Jace just laughed breathlessly as he managed to kick off shoes and socks and wriggle out of his jeans. Huffing a laugh in response Alec pushed him aside so he could remove his footwear as well. He hesitated a second, then, seeing the open hunger with which Jace was regarding him, quickly hooked his fingers into his boxers and pulled them down along with his pants.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Angel, Alec\u2026\u201d Jace\u2019s eyes widened, his tongue darting out to wet his lips as Alec\u2019s erection sprang free, a hard line against his stomach. Alec almost regretted his own courage, but then Jace took a deep breath and took off his own underwear. A demon could have entered the room right then and Alec wouldn\u2019t have noticed, too entranced by the sight of Jace\u2019s hard cock jutting out from its nest of golden curls. He had snuck glances before when they were changing, but it had been nothing like this. Jace\u2019s dick was a bit shorter than Alec\u2019s own, but thicker, skin pinkish where Alec\u2019s was brownish-red, and a drop of clear fluid was pearling at the head. <\/p>\n

Without even thinking about it, Alec reached out and touched a gentle finger to the crown, catching the drop and bringing it up to his lips. It didn\u2019t taste any different from his own, but Jace\u2019s entire body jerked, and when Alec looked up, he seemed so awestruck that Alec couldn\u2019t bring himself to feel embarrassed. Instead he deliberately sucked his finger into his mouth, and Jace moaned<\/em> his name, a deep, throaty sound Alec immediately wanted to hear again. <\/p>\n

\u201cLet me\u2026\u201d Speaking softly, he reached out and, after taking a steadying breath, wrapped his hand around Jace\u2019s cock. It was velvety and hot, not so different to touching himself - except in all the ways that mattered, and in utter fascination Alec watched his own fist jerking his soon-to-be parabatai\u2019s hard flesh. Jace\u2019s entire body was tensed like a bow before being fired, his hands clutching the bed sheet, his eyes also fixed on the only point of contact between their bodies.<\/p>\n

Then something seemed to snap in Jace, because he growled and pushed Alec onto his back again, forcing him to let go and making their cocks slide against each other. Alec gasped and pushed back, the pleasure to exquisite he feared he\u2019d come on the spot. Jace kissed him, deep and hungry, one hand buried in Alec\u2019s hair while the other wormed its way between their bodies to grip both their erections. Wrapping one leg around Jace for better leverage, Alec\u2019s hands wandered down his back and found his butt, squeezing it tightly, which made Jace curse and speed up his movements.<\/p>\n

The handjob was a bit dry, but there was no world in which Alec wanted to interrupt long enough to get something slick, and Jace obviously felt the same, because soon they were both leaking enough to remedy the issue. Breaking their kiss, Jace buried his face against Alec\u2019s neck and sucked and licked, right where his Deflect<\/em> rune ended, no doubt leaving bruises. It was the thought of that, of walking around wearing marks left by Jace for everyone to see, that pushed Alec over the edge, his entire body arching up against Jace.<\/p>\n

Jace stopped moving immediately, and the intensity with which he scrutinized him, eyes dark, would have embarrassed Alec if he hadn\u2019t been too busy feeling as if his every bone had turned to liquid fire. When the aftershocks had faded, Jace leaned down and pressed a kiss to Alec\u2019s lips that had nothing of the earlier urgency. Separating after what felt like too short a time, he smiled down at Alec teasingly, yet his voice was almost reverent when he said, \u201cI always thought you were handsome, but I didn\u2019t know you were beautiful, Alexander Gideon Lightwood\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you always talk nonsense in bed?\u201d Alec reflexively deflected, but uncharacteristically Jace just shook his head and kissed him again, full of a tenderness that made Alec feel as if his heart was about to explode. Overwhelmed, he wrapped both arms around Jace and tried to let his touch do his talking for him. Between them, Jace was still rock-hard and sliding easily against the mess on Alec\u2019s stomach. <\/p>\n

Coming to a decision, Alec repeated Jace\u2019s earlier manoeuvre and flipped them over, swallowing Jace\u2019s surprised \u201cOomph!\u201d before sitting up and scooting downwards on the bed. Jace stared at him in shock and moved as if to pull Alec back up, despite his erection twitching when Alec\u2019s breath hit it. \u201cYou don\u2019t have to\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to.\u201d It made Alec flush with pleasure, to be the cause of such a reaction, and he determinedly pushed down the last remnants of hesitation. He\u2019d already tasted Jace before, both his skin and his come, and it wasn\u2019t all that different from tracing his tongue over the slit at the head of Jace\u2019s cock, except that this made Jace swear. Quickly Alec licked a line along the throbbing vein at the underside and then wrapped his lips around as much of it as he could, using his hands to cover the rest and keep Jace in place. <\/p>\n

\u201cShit, Alec, so good, please\u2026\u201d A steady stream of words escaped Jace, sounding close to delirious, and when Alec glanced upwards he saw that Jace was staring down at him almost blindly, his fingers twisting the sheets as if he had to restrain himself, his entire body trembling. Alec slid a hand under Jace\u2019s thigh and lifted it over his shoulder, giving him better access to cradle his balls while continuing to lick and suck in a way he imagined he himself would enjoy. He was getting hard again as well, hips seeking friction against the mattress. <\/p>\n

Renewed lust made him feel less self-conscious, and with hardly any hesitation he slid his fingers past Jace\u2019s balls to the soft skin behind them. The moment he reached Jace\u2019s butt, slipping between his cheeks, Jace\u2019s hips bucked so hard Alec gagged. He had to move off for a moment, and Jace apologized, sounding mortified, but it hadn\u2019t dimmed Alec\u2019s ardor in the least.<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, it\u2019s fine,\u201d he cut Jace off shortly and used the pause to suck on his index finger, wetting it thoroughly. Noticing that Jace was staring, he managed not to blush and said, \u201cTold you I\u2019ve wanted this for a while - I\u2019ve done my\u2026 research<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

This made Jace grin suggestively, \u201cIs that what they\u2019re calling it these days?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can stop. \u201c Sitting up halfway, Alec pretended to be offended and was rewarded by Jace tackling him to the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare!\u201d For a moment they rolled around on the bed, wrestling like they\u2019d been doing for years, except this time they were naked, hard cocks seeking friction even as they laughed and tried to pin one another. It ended with Jace on top a squirming Alec, suddenly tensing and thrusting hard against Alec\u2019s butt, once, twice, and then Alec could feel stickiness against his skin. After it had stopped, Jace collapsed against his back, boneless and panting.<\/p>\n

His breath was hot against Alec\u2019s back, arms wrapped around his middle, and Alec had rarely felt so safe - or so turned on. It was the perfect position for Jace to take Alec\u2019s erection in hand and jerk him off with quick, sure movements. After only a few minutes Alec stiffened and arched back, catching Jace\u2019s lips in a bruising kiss, and then he was coming a second time, hot spurts over Jace\u2019s fist.<\/p>\n

Afterwards they lay curled around each other, so close that Alec could have sworn he felt Jace\u2019s heart rate slowly come down along with his own. It made him wonder out loud, \u201cDo you think we\u2019ll be able to feel each other\u2019s heartbeats once we\u2019re parabatai?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so. I hope we\u2019ll be able to feel many things,\u201d Jace quipped, rolling his hips in illustration, but the kiss he pressed to Alec\u2019s neck was gentle and his voice was sleepy. A moment later Alec could feel his breathing evening out, Jace falling asleep in an instant, despite normally being something of an insomniac. Alec smiled and closed his eyes as well. He couldn\u2019t wait for the ceremony and all that came after.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Once they\u2019d passed the last simulation Maryse set the date of the parabatai ceremony. When the Clave representative arrived on the day before, Alec was shocked to hear that they were summoned to see the Inquisitor herself. He knew from his reading that there were only a few parabatai pairs currently alive, and he\u2019d never actually witnessed a parabatai ceremony himself, but he still wouldn\u2019t have expected Imogen Herondale herself to make the trip from Idris.<\/p>\n

Shooting a glance at Jace while they waited for their audience, he was unsurprised to see him appear completely unfazed. Catching his eye, Jace grinned and teased, \u201cNervous, Alec?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot everyone can have an ego the size of yours, Jace,\u201d he replied, shaking his head in exasperation. Rationally he knew Jace didn\u2019t mean anything by it, that it was a reflex he\u2019d developed as a result of some of Michael Wayland\u2019s more\u2026 creative educational methods, but sometimes his unshakeable confidence made Alec want to throttle his friend. Before he could apologize, however, cool fingers interlocked with his. Alec looked at Jace in surprise and was met by a half-smile that told him no words were necessary. Immediately most of the tension left Alec, and he smiled back gratefully. Jace just shrugged, but his hand was warm in Alec\u2019s, and he didn\u2019t let go when Maryse called for them to enter her office.<\/p>\n

Imogen Herondale was a stern-looking woman; however, when her eyes fell on the two boys and immediately came to rest on their hands, she gave them what Alec thought was the first smile he\u2019d ever seen on her. It still did not exactly engender warm and fuzzy feelings, but it made him relax even further and gave him the confidence to step away from Jace in order to greet her properly.<\/p>\n

Propriety observed, Inquisitor Herondale sat back and regarded the two boys, who luckily both had long practise in not fidgeting under adult regard, thanks to Maryse Lightwood. Finally, she nodded, mostly to herself, and stated rather than asked, \u201cSo you consider yourselves ready to become parabatai. And your mother tells me that there is no danger of a repeat of your fathers\u2019 lamentable situation.\u201d Alec shot his mother, who was standing off to the side, a quick glance, and found her standing ramrod straight, pride visible in every line of her body. Then he quickly refocused on Imogen Herondale, who had continued speaking seriously, but with something that was almost warmth coloring her voice. \u201cThere are not many living parabatai - for good reason, for it\u2019s a bond that not everyone is cut out for. You will live and fight alongside each other, for<\/em> each other, and, if your bond is as strong as your mother assures me, you will die with each other, unable to withstand the severing of the bond, even if one of you should survive the fight that cost the other his life.\u201d<\/p>\n

A shiver ran down Alec\u2019s spine at her words, the certainty with which the Inquisitor spoke of their death in battle ringing in his head like a bell. But the truth of it did not rouse fear, instead a wave of emotion rose inside him, fiercer than anything he could ever remember feeling, making his fingers itch with the wish to reach out and touch Jace. The desire grew impossible to contain when he heard Jace speak, voice rough but as sure as Herondale\u2019s had been, \u201cGood. We might not be parabatai yet, but I already know that I won\u2019t want to go on living without Alec.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unable to help himself, Alec reached across the small distance separating them, only to meet Jace\u2019s hand halfway there. Their fingers tangled, Jace\u2019s palm dry and warm, and sparks seemed to flow through Alec\u2019s arm from the point of contact, making his entire body tingle. Clearing his throat, he managed to state firmly, \u201cThe same is true for me. Jace is the other half of my soul, becoming parabatai will only make it official.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is as it should be,\u201d the Clave representative replied formally, satisfaction radiating from her. \u201cThe Clave hereby sanctions the parabatai bond between Alexander Gideon Lightwood and Jonathan Christopher Wayland.\u201d<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

<\/a>Chapter 3<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

~ Aristotle<\/p>\n

As much as Alec would have liked to spend the night curled around Jace, some archaic tradition demanded that they didn\u2019t see each other again before the ceremony. Izzy thought it was pretty hilarious, comparing it to a Mundane wedding tradition and offering to help him find \u201csomething blue, at the very least - you\u2019d look great in cobalt blue, big bro!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo that makes me the bride in this scenario?\u201d Alec snorted, his mood too elated to let his little sister bother him. \u201cIf anything, Jace is the one who cares about his appearance and stuff. Also, he\u2019s shorter.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou will never let him live down the fact that you\u2019re finally taller than him, won\u2019t you?\u201d Izzy giggled, but then turned serious, adding, \u201cI really am happy for you, Alec. You\u2019ve been in love with Jace forever, that much was obvious, but I honestly wasn\u2019t sure how he felt, so I didn\u2019t want to push the issue.\u201d<\/p>\n

Impulsively Alec drew her into a tight hug, pressing a kiss into her raven hair. \u201cThank you, Izzy. I mean it - you might be a pain in my ass a lot of the time, but I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n

She returned his embrace just as fervently, and when she stepped away he could have sworn there were tears glistening in her big, expressive eyes. She blinked them away quickly, however, and smirked at him wickedly. \u201cWell, since I\u2019m so awesome, how about you promise I never ever have to witness you and Jace making out again!\u201d<\/p>\n

Alec blushed at the memory of the training room incident of two days before, when they\u2019d gotten a bit carried away after a wrestling match and Izzy had walked in on Alec pinning Jace to the floor. She\u2019d been lucky they\u2019d still been wearing all their clothes. Licking his lips, he grinned unrepentantly, \u201cSorry, Iz, but I\u2019m afraid you\u2019re not that<\/em> amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Izzy laughed and threw her hands in the air before bidding him a good night. Alec looked after her, still smiling, only to almost jump out of his skin when Jace popped out from their shared bathroom. \u201cJesus, Jace - how long have you been standing there, waiting for Izzy to leave? You know we\u2019re not supposed to see each other before the ceremony.\u201d<\/p>\n

His soon-to-be parabatai grinned, undaunted as always, and stalked across the room to crowd Alec against the wall. His breath was hot on Alec\u2019s face as he explained in a low voice, \u201cJust wanted to say goodnight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then he proceeded to kiss Alec long and hard, and as always Alec melted against him, deepening the kiss without stopping to think. Jace\u2019s hands trailed down his torso but remained above the belt, and Alec couldn\u2019t stop a needy sigh from escaping when Jace pulled back. The smirk on his face was playful, but his eyes were hot, and Alec could feel Jace\u2019s arousal press against his own, which made him feel a bit better.<\/p>\n

Quirking his lips in a rueful smile, Jace didn\u2019t resume their making out. Instead he rested his forehead against Alec\u2019s and said hoarsely, \u201cThat maybe wasn\u2019t my best idea. Because now all I want to do is throw you onto the bed and make you come, but Maryse said she\u2019d stop by - I think she suspected I might sneak off to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, she wasn\u2019t wrong, was she?\u201d Alec pointed out with a laugh, pushing Jace gently until he sighed and took a step back. Thinking became easier once they were no longer touching, but he still had to fight the urge to ignore the rules and take Jace up on his enticing offer. So he just shrugged and tried to sound calmer than he felt, stating quietly, \u201cAnd after tomorrow nothing can separate us ever again.\u201d<\/p>\n

A smile golden like the sun lit up Jace\u2019s face, making Alec\u2019s breath catch. \u201cYes, you\u2019ll be stuck with me forever, Alec Lightwood!\u201d Still smiling, Jace added more pensively, \u201cHey, I\u2019ve been meaning to ask, do you know where you want to put your parabatai rune?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course!\u201d Alec burst out immediately, blushing a little at the vehemence of his reply. \u201cI mean, I\u2019ve been dreaming of this pretty much forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d Jace was watching him with such fondness, it made Alec\u2019s heart ache a little. Impulsively, he took Jace\u2019s hand and wordlessly placed it low on his left side. Looking down, Jace curled his fingers slightly, sending shivers over Alec\u2019s skin. His voice was rough with emotion when he asked, \u201cHere?\u201d<\/p>\n

Alec nodded, exhaling shakily. \u201cI want to be able to see it, touch it, and it\u2019s on the left, where my heart is.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDefinitely on the left,\u201d Jace stated firmly, smiling wide and warm, and then his lips were back on Alec\u2019s, rules forgotten. At least until Maryse came knocking and chased Jace back to his room, but not before smiling at them both indulgently. Alec spent most of the night staring at the ceiling, happier than he could ever remember being.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

The feeling stayed with him as he got ready the next morning, but as the time for the ceremony approached, nerves started to get the better of him. A part of him still couldn\u2019t quite believe that this was actually happening, and he wished he could bury himself in Jace until his heart stopped racing. <\/p>\n

Instead he rubbed his clammy hands, set his shoulders and entered the chamber where the entire Institute as well as several visitors from Idris were waiting. The moment he stepped through the door, however, his world narrowed down to Jace, who was standing in the center, waiting with a smile that was meant for Alec and Alec alone. As their eyes met, all traces of nervousness evaporated, and Alec took his spot confidently.<\/p>\n

Out of the corner of his eye he saw that it was his mother who lit the rings of cold, blue fire around them both, and he held back a smile, figuring that this was probably one of the highlights of Maryse Lightwood\u2019s life. But for not one second did Alec look away from Jace, even separated by two flickering walls of flame. Dimly he heard the Inquisitor\u2019s voice, calling them by their names, and with a deep breath, Alec stepped through the ring surrounding him even as Jace did the same.<\/p>\n

Their hands met, they clasped each other\u2019s arms, and with a whoosh<\/em> a new ring of fire sprang to life, surrounding them, cutting them off from the spectators. Not that Alec was paying any attention to anyone except Jace, who met his gaze unflinchingly, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth as they began to speak the oath Alec had waited his whole life to say.<\/p>\n

\n Entreat me not to leave thee,<\/em>
\nOr return from following after thee.<\/em>
\nFor whither thou goest, I will go,<\/em>
\nAnd where thou lodgest, I will lodge.<\/em>
\nThy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. <\/em>
\nWhere thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried. <\/em>
\nThe Angel do so to me, and more also,<\/em>
\nIf aught but death part thee and me.<\/em>\n<\/p>\n

Halfway through, Alec\u2019s voice broke, but Jace squeezed his arm in support, smiling encouragingly, and they got to the end without further delay. <\/p>\n

Alec felt so full with emotion, his hand shook when he let go of Jace in order to take out his stele. Jace on the other hand appeared calm and collected, lifting his shirt to present his flank to Alec. Closing his eyes for a moment, Alec took another fortifying breath, and when he drew the parabatai mark, his hand was steady.<\/p>\n

Lowering his stele, he bared his side to Jace, who surprised him by kneeling down. Their eyes met, and Alec almost forgot to breathe again, because he\u2019d never seen Jace look so open and vulnerable before. It made him grateful for the still-burning circle of fire surrounding them, giving them a modicum of privacy, and he instinctively reached out to lay a hand against Jace\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

Eyes sliding shut, Jace pushed into his touch imperceptibly, and his fingers twitched against Alec\u2019s skin, making him jump at the spark of electricity that seemed to flow from them. Drawing a surprised breath, Jace\u2019s stele slid lower, and for a second they both froze. Then Alec shook himself, pulling his pants down a little, and with a wry grin Jace set to work, his stele not faltering until he\u2019d finished the rune.<\/p>\n

The moment he was done, their new marks began glowing, and they both gasped even as the fire around them died abruptly. Their hands met, and without hesitation Alec pulled his parabatai to his feet and into a tight embrace. Jace\u2019s arms came up, and he hid his face against Alec\u2019s neck, while Alec buried his nose in Jace\u2019s hair and breathed him deeply. They clung to one another like a lifeline, lost in the quick galloping rhythm as their heartbeats found each other.<\/p>\n

In the background, Imogen Herondale announced ceremonially, \u201cThus we have all witnessed the oath sworn by Alexander Gideon Lightwood and Jonathan Christopher Wayland. May the Angel protect them, and may they prove themselves to be worthy warriors of the Clave.\u201d She paused, then added just as formally, \u201cThere will be a re-evaluation of their bond when they turn 18. But unless they prove themselves incompatible at that time, the parabatai bond is inviolable until death tears it asunder, taking precedence over any other bond, familial or matrimonial.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was it, the ceremony was over, and before Alec had time to let the thought settle in, their family was around them, pulling them apart for hugs and congratulations. Exchanging a wry glance, they let go of each other, but even as he took little Max in his arms, Alec was aware of the steady thrum of their bond, a new awareness of Jace\u2019s presence that made it hard to concentrate on anything else. Resting a hand on the brand new mark on his skin, he figured it would get easier in time. Right now, though, it took all his focus to be polite and thank all their well-wishers, including the Inquisitor, and Alec found himself counting the minutes until they could get away.<\/p>\n

He needed<\/em> his parabatai, away from all these people, and with a new, soul-deep certainty Alec knew that Jace felt the same.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

They finally got away when Robert, with a wink and nod at his son, cornered the Inquisitor to \u201ctalk some Clave business while you\u2019re here\u201d and herded her away. Once she was gone, people began to disperse, and Jace immediately took advantage, grabbing Alec by the hand. They managed to keep a respectable pace until they\u2019d rounded a corner, after which they discarded all notions of propriety and made a mad dash through the Institute until they reached Alec\u2019s room.<\/p>\n

They arrived there breathless with giddy laughter. Alec half-expected Jace to pounce him the moment the door closed, but instead he found himself in another tight embrace, Jace squeezing him so hard he wheezed in protest, \u201cBreathe, I need to breathe!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOops, sorry, didn\u2019t mean to\u2026 HEY!\u201d The moment Jace loosened his grip a little, Alec laughed and retaliated, hugging Jace tight enough to physically lift his feet off the floor. Jace snorted with laughter and clung to Alec\u2019s neck, happy enough to allow the indignity. Alec felt light-headed, as if his blood had been replaced with bubbles and he\u2019d float away if he didn\u2019t have Jace to anchor him.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you feel it?\u201d he asked in wonderment, laughter dying away. He deposited Jace back on his feet and met his eyes, seeing his own amazement mirrored in them.<\/p>\n

Jace nodded slowly, lifting one hand to his chest, and half-whispered, \u201cYou\u2019re here<\/em>, I can actually feel you. Alec\u2026\u201d He fell silent, and Alec had to swallow a sudden lump in his throat. Words failed him, so instead he nodded back and leaned in to express the wealth of feelings welling up in him in an impossibly sweet kiss. A small sound escaped Jace, and then he was clinging to Alec as if his life depended on it, lips and tongues sliding against one another in a slow dance.<\/p>\n

Alec clung back just as hard, drowning in a flood of JaceJaceJace<\/em>, the familiar sun-heat of him amplified to the nth degree by the bond he could feel stretch between them, the warm flame of Jace\u2019s soul pulsing inside him as if it had always been there. Rationally he knew that all parabatai felt this, or something very like it, yet every fibre of his being insisted that they were the first, that no one could possibly have felt even an inkling of the awe and love that was filling every corner of himself. <\/p>\n

It roused his body, too, and he could feel himself begin to harden. Groaning into their kiss, Alec began walking Jace backwards towards his bed. Jace\u2019s own erection pushed against his thigh, and they stumbled, Alec only just catching them. Still unwilling to stop kissing for even a moment, he slid his hands under Jace\u2019s butt and scooped him up. Jace laughed into his mouth, startled, but immediately got with the program, using his arms around Alec\u2019s neck in order to elevate himself enough to wrap his legs around Alec\u2019s hips.<\/p>\n

He was heavy, not that much smaller than Alec and all compact muscle, but Alec barely felt it, distracted by the delicious pressure on his dick and the flexing of Jace\u2019s butt under his hands. He growled and quickly crossed the room, tumbling them down onto the bed without breaking the kiss for more than a panting breath. <\/p>\n

Deposited on his back, Jace canted his hips, bringing their cocks together through the fabric of their pants, making them both moan. Clever hands wormed their way underneath Alec\u2019s shirt, pushed and pulled until he had to relinquish Jace\u2019s lips long enough to throw it to the ground. Jace used the moment to tear off his own shirt, and Alec froze, eyes fixing on the fresh rune marking Jace\u2019s fair skin. His<\/em> rune.<\/p>\n

Impulsively, he leaned down to trace his tongue over it, halfway expecting it to burn under his touch, but of course he could feel no difference. Still, Jace hissed and arched into Alec\u2019s caress, fingers digging deeply into his shoulders. \u201cAlec\u2026 Please! Need you...\u201d<\/p>\n

The tone of his voice alone was almost too much for Alec to handle, teetering on the brink as he already was, and he tried to distract himself by licking and kissing his way up Jace\u2019s torso, pausing only to trace each mark. It didn\u2019t help much, the constant stream of moans and half-swallowed words that escaped Jace making Alec\u2019s cock twitch and leak. When he finally reached Jace\u2019s neck and looked up to meet eyes that were dark with need, pupils blown, Alec had to sit up abruptly, ignoring Jace\u2019s protesting whine. He slid a hand into his pants, wrapped it around the base of his erection and squeezed firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Angel, Alec<\/em>...\u201d Panting but having regained some control, Alec opened his eyes again, just in time to hear Jace curse and see his entire body stiffen and buck as he came untouched. Awestruck, Alec watched his parabatai fall apart, a hot flush coloring his skin all the way down his chest. Jace wouldn\u2019t meet Alec\u2019s eyes, embarrassment creeping in while his body relaxed, but Alec would have none of it.<\/p>\n

Leaning down he kissed Jace deeply, stopping only to say hoarsely, \u201cThat was the hottest thing I\u2019ve ever seen. Except it would have been better if you\u2019d been naked\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Jace laughed, breathless and relieved, kissing Alec again before replying, \u201cWell, we can remedy that. You, too, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Alec sat back up and took off his pants and briefs while Jace did the same, a sigh of relief escaping him when his cock finally sprang free. He might have stopped his orgasm earlier, but seeing Jace had brought him close again, and it left no room for self-consciousness. Especially not with Jace looking at him full of hunger before yanking him down and mashing their mouths together greedily.<\/p>\n

Alec\u2019s dick slid against the flat plane of Jace\u2019s stomach, sticky with cum, and Alec had to bury his face against Jace\u2019s neck to take a few steadying breaths. Jace held him close, and his breath was hot against Jace\u2019s ear as he said in a low, heavy voice, \u201cWant you to fuck me, Alec.\u201d<\/p>\n

Again Alec only just managed to hold onto the frayed edges of his self-control, pushing himself up on his elbows to regard Jace seriously, asking, \u201cYou sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

Jace\u2019s face was shining with sweat and elation, his normally so carefully styled hair mussed, and he nodded back just as seriously before breaking into an infectious grin, exclaiming, \u201cHell yes! Stop dithering and get to it, Alec Lightwood!\u201d<\/p>\n

Laughing, Alec obeyed and fumbled for the lube he kept in his nightstand. When Jace made to take it from him, he waved him away, admitting with a blush, \u201cIf you do it, Jace, there\u2019s no way I\u2019ll last.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jace smirked, smug and proud, and crossed his hands behind his head, presenting himself to Alec\u2019s heated gaze with feet braced against the mattress and cock already half-hard again. Alec slicked up a finger and grabbed a pillow, stuffing it under Jace\u2019s ass before carefully probing his hole. Jace hissed when he breached him but relaxed with a conscious effort, and Alec slowly pushed further in, adding more lube until he could move around easily. Experimentally he crooked his finger, searching until Jace cursed, dick twitching, then withdrew with a triumphant grin, ignoring Jace\u2019s protests.<\/p>\n

\u201cPatience. If I can wait, so can you!\u201d he admonished, leaning down for a kiss but pulling away again before they got lost in each other once more. More lube, then a second finger, which went in more easily. Still, Alec made sure to take his time, enjoying the way Jace began to squirm and demand more, before finally relenting and adding a third digit. Jace was so hot and tight around his fingers, Alec could hardly believe his cock would soon be in that place, and he kissed Jace long and hard, trying to keep his mind off the enticing image.<\/p>\n

Finally, Jace pushed him off and insisted firmly, \u201cC\u2019mon, that\u2019s enough. Just go slow, and it\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reaching the end of his tether, Alec could only nod and pour so much lube over himself, the bed turned into even more of a mess. Still, it did the trick, and he managed to push the head of his cock inside Jace almost without problem. <\/p>\n

They both froze for a moment, staring at each other, then Jace let out a huff and rocked his hips forward, laughing when Alec swore as his cock slid in a bit further. Another pause, Alec counting backwards from 100 in hopes to delay the inevitable. He\u2019d only reached 82 when Jace asked impatiently, \u201cSeriously, are you waiting for an engraved invitation? Fuck me already!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, the famous Wayland charm, however can I resist?\u201d Alec managed to respond, albeit in a strangled voice, holding himself completely still above Jace.<\/p>\n

Jace grinned, unrepentant, and pulled him down for a demanding kiss before stating teasingly, \u201cAww, you love me, don\u2019t even pretend otherwise!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes I do. I love you.\u201d Suddenly serious, Alec punctuated his words with a thrust of his hips, burying himself to the hilt in Jace\u2019s body, making them both gasp. The sensation of being connected like this was everything Alec had dreamed of and more, and he stared at Jace in awe, whispering, \u201cParabatai...\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cParabatai\u2026\u201d Jace echoed, looking up at him with the same expression of wonder, and Alec would have sworn he could feel their bond tighten. Their lips found one another, and they drank each other, deep and slow, until Alec\u2019s arms started to tremble from holding himself still. Jace fell back onto the mattress, his face transforming into an unselfconscious smile of such pure happiness Alec almost leaned down to kiss him again. A sudden squeeze around his cock made him change his mind, however, whitehot pleasure shooting through him.<\/p>\n

Instead he sat up, one steadying hand against Jace\u2019s hip, the other using his muscular thigh for leverage, and pulled almost all the way out before pushing back in. Jace bucked, fingers scrabbling for purchase against the headboard, once again reduced to babbling, a litany of \u201cAlec\u2026 please\u2026 oh, Angel\u2026 more\u2026 so fucking good!\u201d<\/p>\n

Alec was quieter, only the occasional moan escaping him, but Jace didn\u2019t seem to mind, pushing back against every thrust of Alec\u2019s hips, setting a rhythm that made Alec feel as if he was about to lose his mind. Pleasure coiled inside him, tighter and tighter, his world narrowing down to the place where his body was joined with Jace\u2019s, until no amount of counting helped anymore and he tumbled over the edge with a hoarse cry of \u201cJace!\u201d<\/p>\n

He\u2019d never come this hard, spilling in seemingly never-ending spurts, until his arms actually gave way, and he collapsed onto Jace\u2019s chest. His parabatai grunted but didn\u2019t push him off, instead enveloping him in a tight embrace, and Alec buried his face against Jace\u2019s neck, wincing when his softening cock slipped out of Jace\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

\u201cWish you could stay in me,\u201d Jace whispered into his hair, sounding not teasing but almost wistful, and Alec managed to lift his head enough to meet eyes that were brimming with emotion. It made him feel wonderful, cherished, and he pressed his lips against Jace\u2019s smile, licked along the seam until Jace opened up to him, letting his tongue mimic what their bodies had been doing just a few minutes ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cMe too\u2026\u201d Alec replied softly, realizing that he was resting a hand on Jace\u2019s parabatai rune. He traced it gently with a finger, and Jace quivered under the light touch. Breaking the strangely solemn mood, Alec grinned and added, \u201cBut first, it\u2019s your turn!\u201d<\/p>\n

With that he slipped his hand between their bodies, where he could feel Jace\u2019s unabated arousal poking into his stomach, and Jace\u2019s eyes slid shut with a groan when Alec\u2019s thumb flicked over the sensitive head of his cock. He was already quite wet, sweat and pre-cum easing the way, but Alec made to reach for the lube anyway. However, he couldn\u2019t find it, apparently it had fallen to the floor at some point, forgotten. Alec didn\u2019t let that throw him, though, just smirked at Jace, who was watching him with dark eyes, biting his lip in a way that made Alec want to kiss him senseless.<\/p>\n

Instead he wriggled out of the hold Jace still had him in and scooted down the bed, just enough so he could wrap his lips around his erection. He didn\u2019t hesitate, didn\u2019t go slow, just took in as much as he could and was rewarded with Jace cursing, bucking violently into his mouth. Holding him down with an arm across his stomach, Alec just smiled around the hard flesh in his mouth and continued sucking him ruthlessly. His free hand was playing with Jace\u2019s balls, then sliding behind them until he could slip a finger back inside his still-open hole. <\/p>\n

It went in easily, lube and what Alec realized was his own cum allowing him to fingerfuck Jace nice and deep. When he added a second finger and found Jace\u2019s prostate with every thrust, Jace went wild, and Alec needed to focus to keep using his mouth and fingers simultaneously, pushing down his own renewed arousal. He didn\u2019t want to miss any second of this, of Jace literally screaming his name, hands gripping Alec\u2019s hair tightly. The pain was surprisingly tinged with pleasure, and Alec took Jace down his throat, so deep he couldn\u2019t even taste Jace when he came, could only feel him pulse as he emptied himself. <\/p>\n

Alec swallowed quickly, managing to catch every drop before slowly letting Jace\u2019s cock slip from his lips. He was surprised by the pounding of his heart, a strangely foreign sensation he couldn\u2019t place for a second, until his eyes snapped upwards, across Jace\u2019s heaving chest to his glazed stare. Not looking away, Alec moved up the bed, stretching out next to Jace, and pressed his palm over Jace\u2019s left pectoral. Jace\u2019s heart was beating quickly under his touch, in the exact same rhythm as his own. He\u2019d known it would, but still, it took his breath away.<\/p>\n

\u201cJace\u2026\u201d - \u201cParabatai\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The spoke simultaneously and started laughing, lightening the mood. Alec couldn\u2019t believe how amazing it felt to hear Jace call him parabatai, and he leaned in, only to be met halfway by Jace, who pulled him flush against himself. They both ignored the mess they\u2019d made of the bed and themselves, in favor of long, happy kisses interrupted by smiles and nuzzling of noses. Then Jace abruptly rolled them over, startling a laugh out of Alec as he pulled him upright and straddled him. Alec wrapped his arms around Jace\u2019s middle and the continued their languid making-out, all urgency gone. For the time being, that was.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gross,\u201d Jace finally announced, not sounding put upon in the least, and scrambled off the bed. Alec made a protesting noise, but Jace was already holding out a hand and asking cheekily, \u201cJoin me in the shower? And afterwards I suggest we move to my bed, which is nice and clean.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grinning widely, Alec took the offered hand, only to be yanked forward, into another kiss. Their teeth clicked against each other and Jace actually giggled, but to Alec it was still perfect. His parabatai was naked and warm against him, in a way he never would have thought possible only a few months ago but couldn\u2019t imagine doing without. They stumble-marched their way to the bathroom, laughing and kissing all the way. And inside Alec, there was a light that was undeniably Jace<\/em>, burning brightly right in the center of his being.<\/p>\n

They were silver and gold, inextricably entwined, forever, and Alec couldn\u2019t wait for the rest of their lives to start. <\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

End Note:<\/strong> As much as I love the (sappy) smut, I really enjoyed writing the parabatai ceremony. \ud83d\ude42
\nAlso, this probably isn't the end of this 'verse - let me know if you have specific scenes you'd like to see me tackle, like the parabatai tracking scene I've already done.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This entry is in the series Theban Band<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>

AU in which parabatai are actually encouraged to become lovers, in the image of the Sacred Band of Thebes, an elite military company in Ancient Greece made up entirely of lovers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":"yes","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[228,197],"tags":[293,299,307],"series":[328],"class_list":["post-1139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-alec-lightwoodjace-wayland","category-shadowhunters","tag-audience-adult","tag-genre-slash","tag-warning-au","series-theban-band"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/shirasade.net\/fiction\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1139","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/shirasade.net\/fiction\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/shirasade.net\/fiction\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shirasade.net\/fiction\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shirasade.net\/fiction\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1139"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/shirasade.net\/fiction\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1139\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/shirasade.net\/fiction\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shirasade.net\/fiction\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shirasade.net\/fiction\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1139"},{"taxonomy":"series","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/shirasade.net\/fiction\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/series?post=1139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}