Jace looked up at the sound of his name and felt as if he'd simultaneously been punched in the chest and been given the best gift. He forced himself steady and onto his feet, moving towards Alec, one arm already wrapping around his neck and shoulder, hugging him tightly.

The last he saw Alec had been too soon after Max's funeral. He never thought he'd see his parabatai again.

And then--when he trying to ask if Alec was safe, if he was injured, how he'd found him, where they were--Jace sneezed. And sneezed again. And again. Everytime he tried to catch his breath. Until he released Alec, but not the blade still held tight in his hand. He stood back with his free hand covering his nose and mouth and looking at Alec through watery eyes.