As Sebastian explained some of the reasons why he'd been upset and expected Alec to walk away, he began to understand why he'd started talking to the Mundane. There were similarities between them. Or between the places they'd been in their lives. He'd been the disappointment. Never the brightest or best of the Lightwood children and not the straight son that Robert had wanted.

"I'm the eldest so I was supposed to carry on the family name and be the best fighter." There was no bitterness in his tone. The comment wasn't meant for pity or to make his situation sound worse than Sebastian's. It was a simple explanation of what had been expected of him. "Sometimes our parents are going to be disappointed no matter what we do." It had been a hard lesson for Alec to learn. Part of him still wished for Robert's approval. He had it, in a way, but Alec was still skeptical of it. "My father probably will never accept that I'm gay. But it doesn't matter. What matters is doing what's right for you."

"There's nothing to apologize for. Being here isn't easy for most of us." Returning the smile, he looked almost sheepish. "And if you'd seen me a few months ago. I barely talked to anyone and when I did I snapped at them. I was angry at the world. If people put up with me then the occasional moments like this won't be a problem." Pausing, he was momentarily homesick as he thought of Izzy and Jace and his friends. "That person may show up. They're still bringing people to the Library."