Author's Note: Alright, last chapter. Man, I'm actually really sad this is over. I feel like I invested so much into this story—Max especially. I love it so much. :D

(Yes, I'm aware I change the meaning of the quote [a quote I've already used, even], but I like the way I did it.) :D

Disclaimer: It's the last chapter, and I still do not own…

"…Fall in love,

There's just too much to lose
If given the choice,

Then I beg you to choose…"

-"Terrible Things," Mayday Parade.

Magnus looked at Max. His dark curls were in disarray and his head was resting in his hands. The warlock sighed as he wrapped his arm around the boy's shoulders, frowning when Max looked up.

His eyes were shinning. "Was it worth it?" he asked suddenly.

Magnus's eyebrows drew together. "Hmmm?"

Max's chin shook. "Was it worth it? Falling for Dad, I mean. It…it hurt you so much and now that he's gone…" The boy shook slightly.

Magnus sat for a long while. He didn't say anything right away. He knew his answer immediately, but the look in Max's eyes froze him for a moment.

The boy looked so lost.

So disbelieving.

Like he didn't believe love would ever be worth it.

The warlock knew at that very moment that he had to make something clear to his son. If he didn't, there would be no point for Max to believe in anything any more. If he didn't, what he and Alec had would never seem as real. If he didn't, he would never forgive himself.

Magnus swallowed. "I will never, ever regret loving Alexander."

"Your father…He, he was sweet, bright—if not a little shy and guarded. But I loved him for everything he was. Just seeing his face—even thinking of him would bring a smile to my lips…It still does."

Magnus's eyes shone. "I loved—love your father with all my heart. He caused me so much pain…But it was worth it. Every second was worth it. Seeing him smile, hearing his laugh, holding him close…It was all so perfect. So completely worth it."

"But…" Max trailed off.

The warlock cuffed his son slightly on the shoulder, smiling gently. "Don't be afraid to fall in love, Max. Promise me that much. Being afraid won't stop it…it'll only cut into the time you could have with that other person."

Max didn't speak for a while. "Dad?" The boy avoided his father's eyes and twiddled his thumbs together.

Magnus smiled softly, but quickly covered it up. "Yes?"

Max visibly swallowed and sat shaking. "I'm glad you told me. I'm glad you found Dad. We were lucky to have him, weren't we?"

There was a moment of silence as the pair lost themselves in the thoughts and memories. Tears streamed from their eyes, but small smiles ghosted their lips.

Magnus spoke. "We were. And someday, Max, you'll find someone as perfect for you as him. I promise you that. Life may do terrible things, but I promise you that wonderful things happen too..."

"Your father was proof of that."

Author's Note: Okay, so this is it. Really short chapter, but I'm so proud of this story, it's not even funny. I think the ending was fitting, and AimlessGirl has already approved it. (I've had this written for about two weeks, I just had to write the other chapters.) I think it was a success considering my usual endings. :D

I really just want to thank each and everyone of you for reading this. Reviews, alerts, favorites; they all make my day. I write for myself, but the thought that I might just have even the tiniest ounce of talent for it completely amazes me. :D Thanks so much to everyone.

Peace, Love, Mark, and Iggy.

Kierstin.