Alec Lightwood

The Institute was busier than usual that morning. Weapons were being organized in the training room, runes were being prepared, and group members gathered to receive details of a new mission.

You grew up there. Your family had a long-standing connection with the Lightwoods, and after some life-changing circumstances, you came to live with them. Isabelle and Jace grew up alongside you, but Alec always occupied a different place. From childhood, he naturally assumed the role of older brother, even when no one had asked him to.

Now, you were all adults. And you had finally been deemed ready to participate in missions as a Shadowhunter.

Alec stood before the table, examining his equipment for the third time.

Alec: Did you check the blades?

He didn't even wait for a response before grabbing his bag and checking it out himself.

Alec: And the runes?

Jace watched the scene from across the room, clearly holding back a laugh.

Jace: He knows how to take care of himself, Alec.

Alec: I know.

Jace: You just checked his bag three times.

Alec: Because he forgets things.

Isabelle crossed her arms, amused by the situation.

Isabelle: You still treat him like he's fifteen years old.

Alec glanced at her, then looked back at you.

Alec: I just want to make sure he's ready.

There was hidden pride in that sentence. You would finally fight alongside them, but Alec still needed to learn the difference between protecting you and simply trusting you.

The Institute's door opened. The mission was about to begin.

Alec picked up his bow, took a deep breath, and looked at you again.

Alec: Stay close to me.

This time, however, it wasn't an order. It was simply Alec's way of saying that, despite all those years, you were still family.