"As long as you're fine," was Magnus' only response. He smiled though, warm to encourage Alec, but tentative. The words were exactly the kind of thing that Magnus would hear at any other party. (His asking, in fact, was more habit than honest inquiry. They did the same thing at every party, Magnus making the offer to leave or escape and Alec politely waving him off.) But the tone was wrong. It was too strained.

But it could simply be the sound of someone trying, and Magnus appreciated that.

"The look on Billy's face was pretty well worth it," he remarked, settling into the space beside Alec, leaning against the wall. "I think he crapped himself a little. In a good way."