Alec started to say that Reid really didn't have to get him anything but he stopped himself. He figured it would be a lost cause, that he wouldn't win the argument just like he'd never convince Magnus that he wasn't worthy of his attentions. His response was automatic, born of years of standing to the back, to the side, covering himself with shadows and shields that no one could penetrate.

Until now.

"I don't think I've ever let my hair get that long," he said, trying to picture Reid with hair long enough that Alec supposed could be tied back. Isabelle's hair had always been long and he tried to imagine Reid with hair like that and then had to shake himself when the two mental images combined and confused him. "It's been down around my ears before but I keep it short. Easier when I'm working."