#「 alec lightwood / answered ic 」 lightwoods; they always have to have the last word. | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

thelightofthebane · 2 years

Text

(right from the start you would be) My Light in The Dark

Pairing: Malec

Rating: M

Summary: What if Magnus couldn’t forgive Alec for breaking his heart after the deal with Asmodeus? What if Magnus left New York and never looked back? What if Clary never got her memories back? What if the parabatai duo was so broken for their lost loves, they couldn’t function anymore? What if broken hearts led to broken souls? What if one left and the other disappeared? What if Magnus came back to a New York where Alec Lightwood vanished a century ago? What if What if What if

Or, Second chances might take longer. But they always seem to find their way back to each other.

This fic was created for the Shadowhunters Reverse Bang 2022: Presented by the @malecdiscordserver Art by the lovely @hopesilverheart

Chapter 4 - 'Cause I've spent my whole life searching desperately

||| Then |||

“There’s no universe where you would ever be a burden.”

The night exploded in colors.

Balls of fire, ice punches, thunder strikes.

Sparkles of orange, pink and white.

Arrows scattered on the ground in the middle of puddles of ichor, blood or goo.

When the last demon was killed, the boss of all – a huge thing very similar to a kraken from Leviathan’s domain – the three young adults finally paused, hands in the air.

Behind then, a fourth hooded figure landed, his bow ever-present in all his fights.

“Good job,” the man said, making all three warlocks smile in glee and pride.

Yrviss, Momo and Magi were all grown up, their bodies vibrating with power and tactical training thanks to their guardian.

“We passed the test, then?” Momo didn’t have any reservations to bounce and hug the man, earning a chuckle from him.

“Yeah, yeah. You’re all good.”

“You really know how to compliment someone, Alec.” Yrviss teased, crossing her arms over her chest. Magi only blushed, clearly preening at the older man’s words.

Alec lowered down his hood, revealing a warm smile and crinkled eyes, dark stubble and aging traces.

“Between you heathens, I’m pretty sure the village will be kept safe for centuries, even after I’m gone.”

Their faces immediately fell, and they exchanged kicked-puppy glances.

“I hate that you’re mortal…” Momo mumbled what the other two also thought.

That had become an old argument by now, but one that Alec would never get used to. Especially when he never got closure about it with the person who mattered the most.

What would Magnus have said?

Would they have fought again?

There would never be an answer now. And as much as he missed his family, he didn’t know if he would ever go back to New York either.

“Let’s go, you should rest. Tomorrow we start our training early.”

~*~

There was too much blood.

Even the crystal-clear water was tainted red.

Fairies were dead. Werewolves drowned in their animal forms. Warlocks drained of their magic.

With a lot of struggle, Alec crawled to where an arrow laid forgotten. All around him, the people who kindly welcomed him a decade ago were either dead or unconscious. His pupils also passed out.

The biggest problem of an in-between realm that could serve as a bridge for the multitude of dimensions out there, was that sometimes they also reached hell realms. In an event of misfortune, the Blue Hidden brushed with Diyu, and the Veil was cut like paper by two Greater Demons – Ox-Head and Horse-Face. Both huge, green-skinned humanoids with a head of ox and horse, respectively. And while Horse-Face used a large chain whip, Ox-Head had a double-edged battle-ax. Too deadly for any creature.

It almost ended in massacre. The only one who could make true damage was Alec, thanks to his adamas weapons. His three warlock pupils helped him, but it wasn’t enough, especially when the Great Demons could regenerate themselves after a while. The Hidden Blue was a pacific community. They weren’t soldiers or warriors. They couldn’t ask for help.

Eventually, they were able to kill Ox-Head.

There was only Horse-Face now, a very hurt and exhausted Alec, and a single arrow.

The odds weren’t so good.

Alec just needed to hit a single point between their ribs. Without a bow, he would have to go closer. And Horse-Face still had his whip.

Definitely not good odds.

Alec took a last look around.

At the place he had begun to call home.

At the people he had begun to call family.

At Yrviss, Momo and Magi. His pupils that were almost like his own children.

He wanted more time with them, but…

Grabbing the arrow tightly, Alec got up and charged against the Greater Demon.

…time was never in his favor.

||| Now |||

Magnus saved Alec’s life.

The curse that fell upon him, preventing him from being healed by the other Downworlders, was Edomic in the core, therefore it was easier for Magnus to cleanse it. Edom’s magic still ran in his veins, more powerful after Asmodeus’ trip to limbo, so he didn’t even need to break a sweat.

However, the damage in Alec’s body was another story altogether. His organs were already shutting down, his heart weaker than ever.

Magnus nursed him back to health, keeping at his bedside all the time since he didn’t know when Alec would wake up. The not-knowing was even more stressful than the time when Alec’s soul went after Jace’s through the parabatai bond.

Though, this time, Magnus didn’t dare try a true love’s kiss.

It would kill him if it didn’t work because Alec forgot about him or didn’t feel anything for him anymore.

After all, why would he after all the cruel words Magnus threw at his face the last time they saw each other?

No, he wouldn’t risk breaking his heart for Alec again.

At least, in-between his healing sessions, thanks to never-ending visitors he got to know more about the story of the community and how Alec became their guardian.

Three warlocks in particular always talked about him with such love, it was like listening to children talking about their parent’s heroic tale.

It seemed they were the primary reason Alec stayed in that hidden realm. And then, after witnessing how that place was too open for attacks, with no means to protect itself from outsiders, he took it upon himself to guard them.

(Magnus wasn’t surprised at all. It was such an Alec thing, he though with a long-forgotten flutter in his stomach.)

There was also another thing that intrigued Magnus a lot.

How the hell was Alec still alive? And so young?

Not as young as Magnus remembered. He could see some signs of aging - a few strands of grey hair and wrinkles, laughing lines under his beard - but he would give Alec mid-thirties at most. And Alec… Alec should be over a hundred years now.

And that wasn’t the only change.

Alec’s runes weren’t the stark black from before. They were a pale gray, almost silver in the right light.

Not only that, but Magnus swore he could feel magic running inside Alec’s body.

That wasn’t possible. He was fairly sure the realm didn’t have that kind of effect on mortals, or else the werewolves would’ve changed, too. Or perhaps it worked differently for Alec due to his angel blood?

The answer came from Momo, who smiled sheepishly while explaining.

“It was an accident. There was an attack by two Greater Demons decades ago. Alec sacrificed himself to save all of us. When we woke up, all demons had vanished, and Alec… Alec was in this huge pool of his own blood. There was a big hole on his abdomen.” Her eyes became glassy while she got lost in the memory. “The only plausible explanation was that when he approached Horse-Face, the Greater Demon impaled him with their whip.” Momo sighed. “Any other person would have died immediately.”

Magnus clenched his jaw, dread filling his chest.

“What did you do to save him?”

“Magi, Yrviss and I, we… We all combined our magic to save him. But in our desperation, we flooded him with our powers, strong enough to touch his core and accidentally change it. He became this hybrid of Shadowhunter and Warlock. He still can use his runes, but they are activated by his own magic, not a stele. He can also cast spells and summon things and…”

And he was immortal.

Immortal.

Alec became immortal.

After receiving that information, Magnus left the room for the first time, stating he needed some air.

For the first time, he didn’t know what to expect or how to react when Alec woke up.

~*~

It took five days for Alec to open his eyes.

When that happened and their eyes met, Magnus could see the moment Alec’s widened in pure shock, and then lost any sparkle they had.

Well, what a nice reception.

Magnus sighed.

“How are you feeling?”

“What are you doing here?”

They spoke at the same time, and also snapped their mouths shut together. It was unnerving.

Hearing a voice that you never thought you would hear again… Your favorite sound once…

“I heard you pulled another dangerous stunt, which is not surprising, and almost died. They had to request my amazing self to come here and save your ass.”

Alec’s jaw clenched, and although there was a storm in his eyes, he didn’t take Magnus’ bait. Instead, he only bowed his head a tiny bit, then nodded in acknowledgement.

“Thank you. Just say how much I owe you and I’ll make sure to pay for your services in full. Then you can go back to your own world.”

Humming, Magnus crossed his arms over his chest, pretending to think about it.

“What could I ask from my ex-lover who broke my heart? Gold? Diamonds? His first born? Distance? Oh wait, of course, you disappeared on everyone and fucked off to another realm!”

Alec groaned and ran a hand over his hair, messing it more. “It wasn’t on purpose. It happened.”

“Couldn’t you have let your siblings know? I know you’re not trapped here, so what was stopping you from–”

“Why do you care?” Alec cut him off, exasperated. “You were the one who left first.”

Silence. The most uncomfortable one they’d ever shared since meeting each other.

“You are right.” Magnus took a deep breath. “Why would I care about you?”

Alec looked more tired than before.

“What do you want, Magnus?”

“Some answers would be a good start. So, why did you never come back? Your siblings were waiting for you.”

“I tried. Once.” Alec averted Magnus’ eyes and lowered his gaze, picking at a loose thread of his blanket. “I felt bad for missing Jace and Clary’s wedding, but they looked happy. Izzy and Simon too. If I came back, I would only make them worry about me all the time.” He let out a sad chuckle. “I wouldn’t put it behind them to try and force me to date again even.”

“So, you assumed what people wanted again, and chose for them, again.” Magnus deadpanned, causing Alec to flinch hard.

“In parts,” Alec mumbled. “This time, it was as much for them as it was for me. Here… Here I found a purpose, Magnus. I ended up here by accident, and then the first attack happened. These people… they aren’t warriors. I heard that sometimes they lose so many of theirs, they can only hope that a foreigner in passing will want to stay and live here. Usually, they only accept Downworlders, but they made an exception for me when I decided to stay and protect them.”

Alec glanced away, his mind lost at the land far away, outside his window. “They genuinely needed me, so I stayed for them. I was training some warlocks to take my place after I passed away, but now I’m a bit more permanent than I expected.” He laughed without humor.

“I noticed. I felt magic in you, too.”

Alec opened his hand, and from his palm a silver burst of sparkles arose, swirled in the air and then disappeared.

“I have more control of it now, but there are a lot of things that I still have to learn.”

Magnus didn’t want to look too much on the fact that seeing Alec wielding magic was causing a strong tingling feeling in his insides.

Or how his heart stuttered.

Or how his own magic purred in delight.

“And you’re fine with being an immortal now?”

Alec just shrugged, still avoiding his gaze.

“Why?”

“I thought a lifetime of regret wouldn’t be enough to pay for all the pain I caused you.”

Magnus shut his eyes in pure ache.

He wasn't prepared for this. He came to this village to heal someone who was badly hurt, and that would be it. He didn’t have the energy to unpack a whole century of heartbreak and regrets.

He had never regretted stepping away and leaving when he felt the urge to protect his heart.

But he did regret how he left.

He knew he was cruel to Alec.

He knew Alec’s heart was in the right place. And perhaps that deal would’ve never happened if they had tried to communicate better. Magnus also had his own share of guilt and contribution to the whole affair.

If he had tried to be more open about his feelings.

If he had shown Alec how much more he meant to him, how Alec wasn’t trivial.

If he hadn’t fucked up that dinner on the balcony…

There were a lot of ‘ifs’.

But there were also a lot of certainties.

He wasn’t angry anymore.

He was tired.

His heart had a big Alec-shaped hole.

He had never stopped loving Alec.

He was afraid of trying again, his heart too bruised.

But most of all…

Alec was and would always be Magnus’ one.

And he didn’t know what to do anymore.

#shrb2022 #malec server #shadowhunters #malec #alec lightwood #magnus bane #my writing #ColorfulWarlock

4 notes · View notes

aligantia · 2 years

Text

character tags:「 alec lightwood 」

3 notes · View notes

facialteeth · 4 years

Text

Digital Paradise | Read on ao3

Read part one | Ao3, tumblr.

Alec knew his boyfriend made music. He just didn’t know other people knew Magnus made music.

Or, how Alec Lightwood finally figured out that his boyfriend is famous and how he started a storm on twitter in the process.

In hindsight, Magnus being famous made a lot of sense.

Magnus and Alec didn’t really go out for dates. The couple of times they had, Magnus had taken Alec to a fancy restaurant where he’d made reservations beforehand. They were always sat somewhere in the back, somewhere private. At the time, Alec had just thought Magnus was trying to impress him. He’d also thought maybe Magnus was hoping they’d get up to something in the back of the restaurant but Alec wasn’t comfortable enough kissing in public to ever make a move.

He was happy he hadn’t now. He doubted Magnus would have been upset but Alec would have been a little embarrassed knowing that wasn’t what he had been trying to insinuate with the private location. They also didn’t go out in public much at all, even for simple things. When they went to get coffee in the morning, Alec would run in alone or they’d go to the drive through.

Alec had written that off as Magnus not wanting to get dressed in the morning. Which was fair but it was other things too. Magnus didn’t go grocery shopping with him. The one time he had, it had been so late and he kept his sunglasses on the whole time they were inside. Alec thought it was weird but still, he hadn’t asked.

It wasn’t that Magnus had been lying to him or trying to hide anything. Alec had just been so oblivious. Magnus even told him once when Alec asked why he didn’t want to come inside when they were ordering food. He said, ‘I don’t want anyone to recognize me right now.’

That should have been the day Alec put it together. That should have been the day he realized Magnus was famous and asked more questions. Instead, Alec had thought maybe he knew someone who worked inside. Maybe an ex, he remembered assuming. He hadn’t wanted to press for more details. He just went and got their food.

Now, Magnus wasn’t innocent either. Magnus admitted that he knew Alec didn’t understand how famous he was and he’d never gone out of his way to try and explain it. Weeks after Alec had outed them on twitter, they sat curled together getting drunk off wine while Magnus explained, laughing, ‘I just thought you didn’t understand how famous I was. I didn’t realize you didn’t know I was famous at all.’

Magnus insisted he’d have explained it to him, had he known. It was a big decision, deciding to be public with someone who was as famous as Magnus was and Alec had made that decision completely unknowingly. Alec’s life was different now, just because he was Magnus’ partner.

Magnus had been scared he would regret it but Alec never did. It was nice to understand Magnus’ life more and it was kind of nice that so many people Alec didn’t know knew he was Magnus’ boyfriend. Even if Alec was never remembered as anything else, ‘Magnus’ boyfriend’ wasn’t a bad thing to be known for.

For a while, Alec’s interaction with Magnus’ fame had been limited to online. Alec used twitter now, or he tried to remember to. He had never been great with social media but he posted pictures of his cat sometimes. He posted one of Magnus and Church, which everyone had really liked. He also asked questions about internet things he didn’t understand. All of Magnus’ fans were more than willing to explain stuff to him.

Then, Magnus’ fans had bled into Alec’s real life. The first time it happened, Alec had been running to the store for Izzy. It was late. Alec had been working all day. It was one of the rare days where he hadn’t gotten dressed and straightened out his hair before he went to his desk.

In other words, Alec didn’t look too hot when he ran into the store. His hair was a mess. He’d thrown on pants but he was wearing a loose almost dirty t-shirt. He’d just been running in because Izzy asked him to buy her some tampons.

He hadn’t expected anyone to recognize him at the store. So, of course someone had. He’d been cradling a box of tampons, a pint of ice cream, a bag of jelly beans and a little chocolate rose Alec had found when suddenly, someone next to him had almost screeched.

“You’re Magnus Bane’s boyfriend!”

Alec had spun and the look on his face was so bewildered that the person who’d spoken, a girl about Izzy’s age, looked a little apologetic.

“Sorry!” She continued, pulling out her phone as she kept speaking. “I’m just a huge fan of Magnus. You guys are so sweet.” She held up her phone questioningly and Alec blinked at it, not understanding what she was possibly indicating. “Could I have a picture?” She asked finally.

Oh. For a moment, Alec was still confused. He understood that Magnus was famous. He got why people would want to take photos with him but he was no one. He was just Magnus’ boyfriend. Why would anyone want to take a photo with him? “Okay.” Alec said, frowning a little.

The girl was clearly put off by Alec’s expression. He was about to reassure her again that it was okay if she really wanted a picture but she lowered her phone a little and then spoke less excitedly. “It’s okay if you don’t want to.” She said rather politely.

“No.” Alec shook his head, his eyes widening a little. “I’ve just-” Alec fumbled with his words for a second, shifting the stuff he was holding in his hands so he wouldn't drop them. The last thing he needed was tampons covering the floor. “No one had ever asked me that before.” He explained finally, attempting a smile that probably came off a little more chaotic than he had planned.

This time, it was the girls turn to look surprised. “Oh.” Her expression brightened into a smile once again as she laughed. “Well, I’m honored to be the first to ask.”

Alec practically sighed with relief as she spoke. He hadn’t upset her.

Before Alec could even contemplate how he must look right now, she held up her phone, giving Alec just enough time to try to smile before she took the picture, thanked him and darted away. Alec found himself left standing in the center of the isle, still clutching all his things.

Alec raced to check out. He jittered in line until he could put all his stuff down, ask the clerk how she was, pay and then race outside. The second he reached his car, he tossed his stuff into the passenger’s seat and he called Magnus.

Magnus was away (working on a new album, Alec now understood). Alec had told him before he’d gone in the store that he’d call him when he got home, so when Magnus answered he was understandably a little caught off guard.

“Hello, Darling.” He’d cooed in that tone that normally made Alec feel like he was melting inside. “You’re home already?”

“No, I’m in my car.” Alec spit out and before Magnus could process that sentence, he kept speaking. “I met someone in the store who likes you. I was shopping for Izzy and I was holding a bunch of stuff. I didn’t do my hair today and I didn’t change my shirt. You’d have hated the shirt I was wearing.” He was pretty sure Magnus had said so the last time he’d seen him wearing it and that was before it was due for a wash. “Then this girl asked if she could take a picture with me and I think I upset her for a second but then she took the picture and she seemed happy and she ran away.” Alec took a deep breath he didn’t realize he hadn’t paused to take the whole time he’d been rambling.

On the other end of the line, Magnus also stayed silent as he assumably tried to process everything Alec had said. “Okay…” He said slowly. “So, you met a fan and took a picture?” He summarized.

“Yes.”

“And this…” Magnus trailed off for a second as he audibly tried to piece together Alec’s frantic nature. “-this upset you?” He questioned finally.

“No.” Alec exclaimed instantly. After he said it, he paused and questioned himself. “Well, if I had known someone would want to take a picture with me I’d have tried to look better. I was holding a bunch of stuff and I was dirty and my hair wasn’t done-”

On the other end of the phone, Alec heard Magnus laugh. “Darling, your bedhead is a sight to behold. I’m sure you looked absolutely adorable.”

Alone in his car, Alec blushed. Quietly, he asked. “You’re not upset I made you look bad?”

Magnus’ answer was instant. “Of course not.”

Alec took another grounding breath and all at once, he felt better. “Okay…” Peering around his car, Alec caught sight of the pint of ice cream that was probably completely melted in the New York summer heat. “Oh god, I forgot I bought Izzy ice cream. I have to go.”

“Alright.” Magnus responded, sounding as relieved as Alec did that he was no longer stressed out about this. “Get Izzy her ice cream. Call me when you get home.”

Alec sat the ice cream up, hoping nothing would leak out onto his seats. He turned his car on and cranked the AC before he reached to end the call. “I will. I-” Alec cut himself off before he kept speaking, realizing last second that he almost said something that he’d only thought in his head before. “I miss you.” He amended. “I'll call you soon.”

Alec hung up before Magnus could respond and then he groaned. It was far too earlier for him to almost slip up and say something like that to Magnus. Far far too early. Alec put his car into drive and started heading towards Izzy’s, gnawing at his lip all the while.

“You almost said you love him?” Izzy asked with wide eyes. She was sitting up on the couch, eating the mostly melted pint of ice cream while Alec tried to melt into the chair he was in. “Alec!”

“I know!” Alec groaned and buried his face in his hands.

“How long have you been dating?” She asked, even though Alec knew she knew the answer. She was far too invested in Alec’s love life to not remember how long they had been together.

“Three months.” Alec mumbled anyway.

“Alec!” She snapped again. “Oh god, you’re going to be one of those guys to say it for the first time during sex.”

“I am not!” Alec rebutted instantly even though he wasn’t quite sure it was true. Now that he had almost said it once, he was scared when it would try to slip out next. “I wouldn't want to say it then! He’d think I only said it because we were having sex.”

“You almost said it because you were distracted that a fan spoke to you.”

Groaning louder, Alec sunk a little further in his seat until he was almost comically sprawled over. “I know. I’m screwed. I’m going to say it and I’m going to scare him off.”

Izzy thought about it for a moment as she ate the ice cream soup Alec had bought. “Well-” She said, gesturing with her spoon. “He has to feel strongly about you to be okay with everyone knowing you’re dating. That’s a big deal, Alec. If he didn’t think he was going to stay with you, he probably would have been upset when everyone found out.”

That was true but Izzy was forgetting that Magnus hadn’t decided to tell everyone about them. “I did that though.” Alec insisted instantly. “It was too late to take it back when Magnus found out. I had already posted it. I didn’t even ask him-”

“You didn’t know.” Izzy pointed out calmly.

Alec ignored her. “Maybe he was upset about it and he just didn’t say.”

“Magnus did choose to retweet it and tell everyone it was true. He could have retweeted it and just said you were some random guy, if he really wanted to.”

Frowning, Alec nodded. “Yeah, I guess. That doesn’t mean he’s ready for me to tell him I love him.”

“So…” Alec could hear the smile in Izzy’s tone before she even finished her sentence. “You meant it? You love him?”

Groaning, Alec stood up. “I told Magnus I’d call him when I got home. I have to go.” He said quickly, not meeting her eyes as he snatched his jacket up and started moving towards the door.

“Right.” She said, mockingly. “Just don't tell him that you love him.”

“Yes, thank you for the reminder Izzy.” Alec mumbled as he shoved her front door open and walked through it. He was such a good brother. He went to the store for Izzy. He got her whatever he wanted and all he got in return was mocked.

“Thank you big brother!” She yelled after the closing door.

Alec did not say ‘you’re welcome’ but then in the car, he felt a little bad. ‘I’ll call you later.’ He texted her. ‘Sorry the ice cream was melted.’

He also noticed that he had a notification from Magnus. Izzy had shown Alec how to manage his notifications, so he wasn’t overwhelmed with everyone and he could just focus on the ones that mattered- aka, the ones from Magnus.

‘I knew you looked adorable.’ Magnus had written above the photo of Alec and the girl that had somehow made it onto twitter and already gotten a lot of attention in such a short amount of time. Alec looked down to the photo and grimaced. He looked less than adorable but he scrolled up and read Magnus’ words again instead of looking at the photo any longer.

As long as Magnus somehow thought he was cute, that was all that mattered. Alec hearted it.

For a couple of days, it seemed like all was well. Alec didn’t slip up and tell Magnus he loved him, even though he was exceptionally worried about it. Magnus had been away all week though. The real test would be that night, when Magnus was coming back to New York and more specifically, coming back to Alec’s apartment.

If there was anytime Alec would slip up and say it, it would be to Magnus’ face. It was hard to think straight around Magnus, let alone try to censor any thoughts that tried to come out of his mouth. Alec had said such stupid things to Magnus before. ‘I love your face.’ He’d said once because obviously that was smooth as hell.

A couple of hours before Magnus was due to land, Alec distracted himself by making dinner. There was never a more romantic time to accidentally and completely inappropriately blurt out ‘I love you’ then over a homemade dinner. At least maybe Magnus would be distracted by the good food.

That was Alec’s thought but then he overcooked the chicken, so the only thing Magnus would be distracted by was the bad homemade food.

Alec had timed it so that dinner would be done right around when Magnus would be getting there but then, Magnus’ flight was delayed so Alec had an hour to kill while his overcooked chicken got cold. Reasonably, he decided to go through his twitter notifications.

He got so many that he couldn’t go through and talk to everyone but he tried, especially if someone in particular was being really nice. He felt bad ignoring people even though Magnus told him he didn’t have to.

Alec went through and hearted a few comments people had left on his last post and then, his eyes started to catch something else he was being tagged in. Alec frowned before he clicked on one of the notifications randomly. Instantly, he was greeted with that horrible photo of himself that Magnus had thought was ‘adorable’.

Alec scrolled until he could see all the replies people had left on it. Instantly, Alec was frowning a little deeper. There were normal comments, some talking about Alec’s messy hair and how sweet he looked (none about his shirt, thankfully) but then, Alec noticed that there were a lot of comments about what he was holding.

The tampons, the ice cream, the candy and the chocolate rose he’d got Izzy. Alec hasn’t had a place to put them down or time to really think about if he should. The girl had just asked for a photo and she’d taken it. Alec had been more concerned with his appearance than what he was buying but now, as Alec read what people were saying, he realized for the first time that it did look a little odd.

Magnus’ fans knew he was away for the week. He’d been posting about it and putting videos on snapchat (another app Alec hadn’t even attempted to use). It was also clear Alec had not gone with him. So, for a photo to surface of Alec holding rather… feminine supplies along with a romantic looking chocolate rose.

Alec groaned loudly. Of course, it looked like Alec had been going to see a woman. He had been but that woman had been his sister. Magnus’ fans clearly didn’t know that. Alec was aggravated at first but as he kept reading through the comments, his aggravated bled into something else.

Before Alec knew it, he had frustrated tears in his eyes. He and Magnus had been dating for nearly three months. Alec had only been publicly dating Magnus for a little over a month and already, he’d messed up. Already, he’d made trouble.

Alec knew Magnus wouldn’t actually think he was going to see some mystery woman. Magnus knew he was buying all that for Izzy but Magnus’ fans still thought he hadn’t been. Magnus’ fans still saw that photo and thought Alec had been sneaking around Magnus’ back, only to be caught when someone happened to recognize him and ask for a photo.

Some people had even started commenting on all those crying faces they normally put when Alec did something nice (Magnus said they were nice crying because Alec was sweet. Alec didn't get it), lamenting on how they had thought Alec was so nice. Key word, thought.

By the time Magnus’ flight landed and he texted Alec that he was on the way, Alec was brushing away tears as he texted him back.

Alec didn’t cry easily. He wasn’t a baby. He wasn’t exceptionally emotional either but the thought of all of Magnus’ fans thinking he’d cheat on Magnus broke his heart. He’d never cheat on Magnus and to even think people would think he would-

Alec brushed another stray tear aside. It wasn’t good for Magnus either, for everyone to think his boyfriend was an asshole. He was probably getting so many messages about it. Everyone was going to focus on that and not on the music Magnus was making. He was probably going to lose money.

Alec’s plan had been to compose himself before Magnus got there but he’d been so wrapped up in his thoughts that he hadn’t even noticed how much time had gone by until he heard the knock on his door. Alec shoved his phone into his pocket and tried frantically to brush his tears away before he darted towards the door.

He might have taken a second to try to compose himself a little further, if he realized quite how bad he looked but the only thing he’d been thinking about was that he couldn’t make Magnus wait in the hallway after an eight hour flight.

Alec pulled the door open and tried to smile at the sight of his boyfriend on the other side.

Magnus was grinning. He darted forward before he really seemed to take in Alec’s face and wrapped his arms around his neck as he dropped his bags. “Alexander.”

Alec melted into the touch instantly. A soft sigh left his lips and he tilted his head into the curve of Magnus’ neck. “Hey.” He murmured, trying to sound a little more casual than he felt.

It was either his weak ‘hey’ or the fact that Alec didn’t let go to let Magnus come inside that seemed to tip Magnus off that something was wrong. Magnus hugged him a little tighter and Alec felt one of his hands gently rub his back. “Is something wrong?” Magnus asked, finally pulling away to look at Alec’s face.

Alec wasn’t crying anymore but when Magnus asked, Alec’s face crumpled. “No, I just-” Alec moved quickly, hoping maybe Magnus wouldn’t see the look on his face. It was obvious Magnus had. “Come inside, let me get your bags.” Alec said, already turning to grab them.

Magnus stepped inside and let Alec grab his bags without a word but Alec could tell by the way that Magnus hovered there that he hadn’t bought Alec’s casual facade.

Alec moved and put his bags inside before closing the door. He faced the doorway for a few moments longer then was probably normal, hoping he could somehow get his expression under control.

“What’s wrong, Alec?” Magnus asked, moving to touch Alec’s back again. Magnus knew Alec loved it when Magnus touched his back.

“People think I cheated on you.” Alec blurted out without turning. “-because of what I was holding in that photo with that girl. They think I’m cheating on you and that I was going to see someone.” His voice was riddled with guilt as he spoke and he sounded like he was on the verge of tears again.

Instantly, Magnus chuckled. It was a soft sound, like he was trying to stifle it and be respectful of Alec’s feelings but it was a chuckle nonetheless. “That’s what you’re all upset about?” He asked, moving forward to wrap his arms completely around Alec’s waist and nuzzle into the side of his neck.

Alec took in a deep shaky breath, almost sighing at the scent of Magnus’ cologne.

“People are always going to assume a lot of things.” Magnus murmured against Alec’s neck. “That’s just what happens when you’re in the public eye. I posted a photo a few months ago and I was wearing red lipstick, so everyone assumed Camille and I were back together.” Magnus pressed a quick abrupt kiss against Alec’s neck. “People assume things all the time. It’s just what happens.”

Magnus pulled away and grabbed Alec’s arm to spin him, so they were facing each other again. “Now, why did that upset you so much?” He asked, moving to kiss Alec on the tip of his nose.

Alec wanted a real kiss but Magnus seemed to want an answer before he’d be willing to give it to him. “I just don’t like people thinking I’d do that to you.” Alec said finally, clutching Magnus’ hand as he looked down to the floor. “I don’t like upsetting the people that like you and support you.”

Magnus hummed and raised an eyebrow. “Would it make you feel better if I posted something and explained you were going to see your sister?”

Slowly, Alec nodded. “I guess so.”

“Okay then.” Magnus smiled like everything was okay again and Alec supposed it almost was. Finally, Magnus moved forward to kiss him and when he pulled away, he pressed his hand against the side of Alec’s face, cupping his smile. “Feel better now?”

Alec nodded, a little embarrassed now that he’d been upset at all.

“Good.” Magnus let go of him and moved to kick off his shoes and shrug off his jacket. “Whatever you made smells heavenly.” He said, instantly moving towards the kitchen.

“I overcooked the chicken.” Alec said, following after him. He was less upset about his poor job cooking of the chicken too. It was just easier to be less upset about stuff when Magnus was around.

“I’m sure it’s far better than what I ate on the plane.” Magnus said, already moving to lift the pan cover and snatch a piece of chicken out of it to put in his mouth. Instantly, he moaned like it was the most heavenly thing he’d ever put in his mouth.

Alec rolled his eyes. He knew it wasn’t that good and it was lukewarm by now anyway. “You’re being dramatic.” He accused him as he moved to heat it up again.

“I’m never dramatic about your cooking.” Magnus responded instantly.

Alec smiled wordlessly, leaving the pan on the stove to warm up as he turned to watch his boyfriend. Magnus moved and settled at the kitchen counter, leaning over on his hands as he stared back at him. “We could eat it cold, you know. I wouldn’t mind.”

Instantly, Alec’s face scrunched up. “I would mind.”

This time, it was Magnus’ turn to roll his eyes.

Alec wasn’t exactly sure why he decided it was okay in that moment. It was like the people on twitter or the food he’d overcooked. When Magnus wasn’t around, it was easy to over think everything until he drove himself insane but when Magnus was there, it was like everything was so much simpler. Everything just felt right.

“I love you.” He said simply, like it hadn’t been an internal struggle for days not to accidentally say it to him.

Magnus blinked. It seemed like it took him a moment to even process what Alec said but when he did, he looked shocked.

It wasn’t really the best time for Alec to say it for the first time. He could have chosen a time that was a little more romantic but it just felt right to say it now and Alec didn’t even regret it. It was true. Why shouldn’t he say it?

“I love you too.” Magnus said finally.

They stared at each other for a long tender moment before Alec smiled. “Good.” He said, nodding to himself as it would cover his stupid happy grin. Alec turned to stir the food so it wouldn’t burn but he knew that behind him, Magnus was grinning too.

“I’ll get the plates.” Magnus said after a moment had passed and then Alec heard him moving to pull the plates out. He didn’t even have to ask where they were. He knew by now.

Alec wondered for a moment how it would work, if they decided to move in together. He wondered if they’d find someplace new. Alec thought his apartment might be a little too small for both of them and Magnus’ penthouse was never really a comfortable space for either of them. It was pre-decorate, very nice and fancy admittedly but nothing like a home. He wondered if Magnus would even want to move in with him and then, he chastised himself.

He shouldn't be thinking about it right now. He didn’t want Magnus to think he was moving too fast.

#Malec #fluff #shadowhunters #Famous Magnus AU #my writing

7 notes · View notes

carmenlire · 4 years

Text

rose in my hand. thorn in my fist

read on ao3

He can’t breathe.

That’s all Alec can think as he stares at his soon-to-be wife. It makes something violent in him clutch and it’s a wonder that Lydia doesn’t falter when their eyes meet.

If eyes are windows to the soul than she must be seeing damnation.

With detached pride, Alec notes that his hands aren’t shaking, at least. He might feel like screaming on the inside-- and really, it’s more of a whispered plea, which is both more pathetic and more fitting-- but he’s ever the stoic shadowhunter.

He remembers when he got his first rune and wanted to cry at the pain carving itself into his flesh. He remembers the first time he was injured on a mission and didn’t think he’d make it, remembers the way everything had been both razor sharp and hazy at the edges.

Alec remembers the first time he looked at Maryse and saw not his mother but the Head of the Institute.

As Alec stands in front of a few dozen Clave members and seals his fate, he thinks that this is a swirling mixture of all his most horrific firsts. It’s dread and resignation and a seething, putrid pain, all of it overlaid with Lightwood pride that’s always been more curse than cause for celebration.

He’ll remember the moment he signed his life away-- for his family and to keep up appearances and because, no matter how hard he tries, there will always be a nauseating blend of shame and sadness when he thinks of what he wants, what he truly wants.

Alec will look back on today a hundred times in his life and think that it was the final nail in his coffin and that every subsequent day after his wedding, he is nothing but a dead man walking.

Entirely caught up in his thoughts of grief and defeat, the sounds of doors banging open don't register at first. By the time Alec realizes that someone is crashing the ceremony, the entire hall has stilled.

Alec looks up and the breath steals from his lungs. For there the High Warlock stands, resplendent in a suit the color of berries, looking both dashing and daring and like Alec’s wildest dreams.

It’s a shock and Alec can’t look away. Even from a distance, Magnus Bane is stunning.

He still hasn’t collected one damned thought-- they’ve all vanished in a swirling sea of Magnus’s brazenness and beauty-- when the man in question starts stalking his way down the aisle.

Alec imagines that to anyone else, Magnus looks untouchable, almost snide as he interrupts what is to be an event for nephilim and nephilim alone. However, Alec likes to imagine that he can detect the nervousness and uncertainty in the line of his shoulders, in the way he takes an almost imperceptible breath to brace himself.

A part of Alec scoffs at his romantic nature. Most of him is too delighted, even at such an inappropriate moment, that there seems to lurk a connection between him and the High Warlock.

So focused on Magnus, his sibling’s words are nothing more than white noise in his ears. However, he can clearly hear Maryse demanding to know what Magnus is doing here.

The next thing he knows, his parents have leapt out of their seats and Maryse takes a few threatening steps towards Magnus. “Magnus, leave this wedding now--”

“Maryse, this is between me and your son.”

A ripple of surprise moves over the room, both at a warlock being so bold as to interrupt Maryse Lightwood and at the answer itself.

Alec can’t breathe.

He sees now, crystal clear, that there is a choice. He can abandon Lydia at the alter and join Magnus at the aisle. They can end this farce of a wedding and maybe-- just maybe-- the noose that Alec’s felt tightening around his neck will slip free once and for all.

Or, he supposes in a flash of understanding, he can throw Magnus out of the Institute, bury these feelings and thoughts that seek to betray him, and live the rest of his life as the shadowhunter he was always meant to become.

In the moment it takes to seal fate, Alec debates the cost and makes his decision.

His hand slips from Lydia’s and he turns to face Magnus. Their eye contact makes Alec shudder but he steels himself and strides down the aisle. Maryse tries to stop him but he doesn’t pause, never falters as he merely forces out, “Enough.”

He walks past Maryse and finally comes to a stop just in front of the High Warlock. Alec allows himself a moment-- a heartbeat, maybe even two-- before he repeats, in a gentle, almost apologetic voice, “Enough.”

The hall is silent, no one daring to breathe as the all seem to lean in to catch every detail of what is becoming the undoing of Alec Lightwood.

Magnus doesn’t look away and Alec doesn’t either. If he tries hard enough-- to see, to delude himself, even-- Alec imagines that there’s a touch of smugness in Magnus’s eyes, growing relief and, dare he think it, happiness.

Alec’s made his choice and he’ll see this charade through to the bitter end.

“What are you doing here, Bane?”

He sees the light in Magnus’s eyes die right in front of him and briefly wonders if his own heart isn’t being staked where he stands.

The feeling is impossibly similar.

“Alexander, I--”

“Enough, Magnus.” Alec’s mask threatens to fall for a split second before he blinks and fortifies his walls. This is his moment. This was always meant to be his moment and he hasn’t sacrificed everything to throw it all away now on uncertainty and something as nebulous as feelings.

Emotions cloud judgement and for the first time in weeks, it feels like Alec’s finally clearheaded.

“I don’t know what the hell you’re doing here, High Warlock, but this is my wedding and shadowhunter ceremonies are closed to all downworlders. I’ll ask you to leave.”

It’s almost awe-inspiring to see the change in Magnus’s expression. To see the way emotion is banked and his face becomes infuriatingly neutral, a thin veneer of mocking amusement-- undoubtedly aimed at them both-- taking form.

Magnus’s voice is just as soft as Alec’s had once been as he replies, "I told you that I wouldn’t ask again.” He says it almost ruefully and shakes his head in a back and forth that looks painful for its slowness, for the way the gesture seems dragged out of him as an afterthought. His lips quirk up and it’s a smile but more than that, it’s a white flag.

“I really should learn to listen to myself.” There’s a pause, as though Magnus is waiting for something-- for Alec to take everything back, for time to rewind itself before this tragedy had the chance to unfold, Alec doesn’t know and refuses to guess-- before Magnus nods once and takes a step back. “Goodbye, Alexander.”

The words pierce just as deep as the first time they’d been uttered and once again, Alec knows that he’s the one pushing Magnus away even as he’s the one left behind. Magnus looks at Alec before his gaze flits to the altar behind him.

Magnus meets his eyes one more time and his words seem to echo throughout the hall, for all that they're whispered. “Congratulations and best wishes, darling.”

With that, Magnus turns on his heel with a half-assed wave thrown out purely to piss off everyone in attendance.

And there Alec is, left standing in the middle of the aisle, watching his last chance walk away. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath and when he opens them again, he is heartbroken.

He’ll be damned if anyone realizes that out, though.

He turns and heads in the opposite direction, back towards his future. He doesn’t address the room-- doesn’t even know where to begin to silence rumours he can already hear echoing in Idris-- merely resumes his position at Lydia’s side. Lydia, who searches his gaze for a long moment before she nods to herself and holds her hand out for Alec to take once more.

He doesn’t look at Jace or Izzy or anyone else. He squeezes Lydia’s hands and nods at the silent brother. The ceremony continues. Alec’s consumed with thoughts of what if, what might have been, but he knows who he is.

He knows what he is.

He is Alec Lightwood and a shadowhunter and that means family and duty comes first, will always come first no matter personal desire. He’s had a lifetime to sink into what his legacy must mean and while he may have contemplated straying from his predetermined path, he knows that way lays lunacy.

Lightwoods break noses and accept the consequences. He’s made his decision and he will deal with the fallout for the rest of his life. But, for all the world watching, he will be an unimpeachable leader and a pillar of his Institute. He will live as he’s always been meant to and will die the same-- with honor and the surety that he’s doing the right thing.

Alec supposes that there’s a world where he gets his happily ever after. However, in this world, he throws it all away bets on a life that-- while a lie-- is still the best thing for all involved.

It’s cold comfort but Alec’s been chilled to the bone for years. It’s another layer of ice that will freeze over him and make him stronger, ever more impenetrable.

There’s a part of his mind whispering that it will only make him more brittle but he ignores that insidious little voice and braces himself for the pain of his wedded union rune.

The pain is still sharp and still digs its claws into his skin even after all these years of practice. Alec lets the pain fester and decides that it pales in comparison to the pain sinking into his chest, behind his ribs, at remembering the way Magnus had looked at him before he’d walked away.

Yeah, Alec thinks as he takes Lydia’s hand at the conclusion of the ceremony and faces everyone else for the first time as a married couple, today has been full of firsts.

No matter that it has also spelled the end of everything.

#the darkest timeline #my writing #rose in my fist #rose in my fist. thorn in my hand #we really went emo and like 2014 tumblr with that title lol #also why am i just full of malec angst lately #malec fic

9 notes · View notes

intangibel · 4 years

Text

Alec Lightwood Ask Game

Stealing this from @aceon-ice without being tagged, because it looks fun, so thanks!

1. Archer boy - What is a skill that you know you are objectively good at? In other words, what’s your thang?

Technology / Systems - I’ve always had an affinity for computers and information systems for as long as I can remember. They’re as familiar and logical to me speaking (my native language) English is.

2. Consul - If you could get some serious life advice from a leader (real or fictional) who you gonna annoy?

Jacinta Arden (NZ Prime Minister) because she has proven herself to be a leader who leads with her heart and mind. She’s not afraid of making tough calls and who seems to lead for all not just a few.

3. Doubtless repellent brat - What is one thing about you other people find annoying? Spill!!!

I am often an insufferable know-it-all so you tend to get my two cents whether you wanted it or not. Unless you send me a text or email then my anxiety kicks in and I’ll struggle to return it in a timely manner if at all.

4. Big brother - What is an inside joke you have with your siblings?

We played this computer game called Eagle Eyes as kids and the first time each of us went to the UK we took photos at all of the locations in the game to send back to the other just so they could respond with “Let’s check the evidence”

5. Gay mess - When was the first time you saw someone of the same sex and went daaaaaaayuuuuuuuuuum?

I honestly don’t know?! Being Asexual and an amazingly oblivious biromantic ace makes this SO hard to answer. I’ve only really been able to admit even to myself I’m romantically attracted to women in the last 12 months but at the same time - one of my earliest memories from primary school is kissing a girl called Hanna Chetwin because we were both kind of devastated she was moving to France, I was like 6. 🤷‍♀️ then there was that girl at uni that I *had* to be friends with 😂 that was definitely a crush I was just too freaking repressed to realise it.

6. Fool’s Prince - You have one (1) date to impress your crush. Whatcha gonna do, boo?

Oh gosh this is hard, because it depends so much on the person and how much I know about their preferences - also the weather. But I love taking people on picnics, cooking/baking and gathering together their favourite things and finding a secluded spot where we can settle in and talk for hours as we graze.

7. Not-Your-Bitch - What is one quality you will not tolerate in other people? What makes your blood boil like maggi noodles?

I cannot deal with big picture idealists who make completely impractical plans. I don’t have any issues with change but illogical or conflicting instructions do my fucking head in. So yeah, I’m that person how always wants to know *how* we’re going to do that.

8. Gideon - Is there a family member/relative/ancestor you look up to? Whomst is this?

I had a great aunt Lydia who was the hands down my favourite person in this universe. Hers is the voice in my head that reminds me that whatever comes, can and will be faced - that it’s possible not just to endure but to rise in times of hardship. We were born 70 years apart but she’s probably the closest thing I’ll ever have to a platonic soulmate and I’m so glad I got close to 30 years to learn from and be loved by her.

9. Parabatai - If you can become best buds with a fictional character, which hot piece of ass are you gonna choose?

This is so tough, there are so many characters I love, but I feel like Charlie Bradbury from Supernatural would be an epic best friend.

10. Alexander - What’s your name and what the fuck does it mean?

Annabel means ‘Beauty of Grace’ or ‘Loving’ or ‘loveable’ or if you want to get hyper literal “beautiful Anna” . My username is a pun, because tumblr is digital so in this space I am ‘intangible’ rather than physical and most people shorten my name to ‘bel’ so together you have ‘intangibel’

I’m tagging: @tillthenexttimedoctor @only-1-a @ladymatt @sassyweethang @jigthejiggetyjigger @unending-happiness @sharona1x2

Yall gotta answer the questions and tag the peeps you want to get to know ;)

#ask games #tag youre it #bel rambles

4 notes · View notes

malecsecretsanta · 4 years

Text

Merry Christmas, @lightwoodbanemlm!

Have a very happy and Malec-y Holidays! Hope you like the gift!

Read on AO3

*****

Can't Live Without You, It Takes Me All The Way, I Want You To Stay

Magnus is pretty sure if he has to listen to Lorenzo explain the spell one more time in his pretentious, snobby, over the top Gaelic accent, he would personally summon his father to kill himself. It is hard enough that he had to leave behind a soft, sleep-rumpled, cuddly, and extremely clingy Alexander behind in the morning, on his boyfriend’s only day off in the next two weeks. The Spiral Labyrinth sent a fire-message this morning asking for his help to figure out a very complicated spell created by a talented Gaelic warlock who died at the hands of the Circle members. He is not the High Warlock anymore, but even Lorenzo Rey knows better than to refuse his extensive knowledge of magic and spells. But the random magic use throughout the day to find the perfect ingredients, and perfecting the spell, especially inside the Spiral Labyrinth, has left Magnus somehow magically exhausted, and having Lorenzo talk down on him, while displaying his massive ego is not helping the situation.

The current High Warlock of Brooklyn, as Lorenzo loves reminding him, repeats a portion of the spell for the fifth time, butchering the meaning, Magnus finally snaps, fed up with the Warlock.

“Lorenzo, you are over 200 years old right?” Magnus puts two fingers on each side of his temple, barely masking the frustration written all over his face.

“I turned 249 this year,” Lorenzo straightens his sleek ponytail for what it seems the hundredth time today. It’s only centuries of Tai Chi, and the thought of Alec’s pouty face this morning keep him from snapping his fingers and burning Lorenzo’s eyebrows off. He’d hate it if he has to stay away from his beloved Alexander simply due to paperwork.

“Well in your long, long life,” Magnus replies, sarcasm dripping from his voice, “Have you never had the desire to actually learn to speak Gaelic? It is, after all, a beautiful language.”

Lorenzo scowls, clearly soured by Magnus’ words. He looks more like a lizard when he's scowling, Magnus thinks, wonder if anyone has ever told him that before.

“Well, Bane ,” Lorenzo spits out his name like a curse, “Not all of us have the luck of living in luxury for years that we would have learnt every language in the world. Not all of us are you.”

Magnus would’ve pointed out exactly how much of pain and struggles there is in being him, but Catarina’s stern gaze makes him close his mouth before he starts to speak.

“Gentlemen, as much as I would love to go on with this lovely banter you both seem to share around each other, I do believe it is quite late, and I would like to go home to my daughter now if you please,” Catarina gives Magnus a pleading look, and Magnus decides to speed things along.

He quickly conjures up his personal stationary to put down the correct translation of the spell, complete with the pronunciation guide, and the necessary ingredients needed for performing it. It’s a long list, and he doesn’t want to keep Cat away from Madzie any longer needed.

“Cat, you go home, I can manage everything here.”

“Magnus, you sure?”

“Yes, of course, I’m sure,” Magnus assures her, kissing her cheek, “Go and get some rest, I know you had a long shift at the hospital today. And do give Sweet Pea my best regards, and an extra scoop of ice cream on my behalf.”

Catarina smiles in return, and starts creating a Portal. “You are spoiling her,” she shakes her head fondly.

“I’m her Godfather! Of course I am,” Magnus waves his hand with a casual flourish, “Besides, she deserves to be spoiled.”

“Please don’t tell her that,” Catarina says before stepping through the Portal, amusement thinly veiled behind her words.

“No promises!” Magnus speaks into the Portal as she steps through, and then turns to attend to the task at hand.

Alright, let’s do this.

Magnus notes the time after handing away the list to the warlocks in the Labyrinth, it’s been almost an hour since he sent Cat home and started working on writing it down. It would’ve been finished much faster if Lorenzo didn’t keep interrupting Magnus with his mostly useless inputs and comments.

But, now it is done, and Magnus is itching to go home and curl up with his boyfriend. The thought of going home to Alec makes Magnus smile. The mere flash of those lovely hazel eyes in his mind makes his heart beat faster.

Well, Magnus is sure that if he looks into it, there is so much of Alec in his heart, it is barely his own anymore. He smiles absently, and decides to pay a visit his wine cellar before going home. He picks up a Châteaux Margaux, the one he has been saving for a special occasion. And well, just the mere fact that Alec Lightwood exists, and more than that, that he loves Magnus, and that Magnus gets to go home to him, needs proper celebration.

Magnus’ Portal materializes in the loft, it’s almost 11pm, he notes as he steps through. He arches his neck, and stretches, trying to work out the sore muscles from sitting down all day. Conjuring up two wine glasses, he glances around to see if Alec has decided to wait for him in the drawing room.

The first time Magnus had been late from a warlock meeting, he found Alec sprawled on the sofa, his arms dangling from the edges, drooling into the material, as he had been trying to wait up for Magnus, but clearly, the day’s exhaustion caught up with him.

Magnus still remembers how his heart ached seeing the beautiful gesture. He had stood there, staring at the sleeping Shadowhunter, trying, in vain, to remember the last time anyone had done that for him.

Of course, no one had. Magnus had really been in a true relationship with two people, and Camille never took their relationship seriously enough to do that, or maybe she just didn’t want to. Then again, Alexander Lightwood is not just anyone.

All the more reason why Magnus goes over to the sofa in front of the TV to check for random dangling Nephilim limbs. But the sofa is empty, so is the armchair.

He checks in the balcony. His Shadowhunter has taken a keen liking to that particular part of the loft, sometimes choosing to spend his evening reading by the witchlight, with Magnus curled up on his chest, unless either of them decides for an impromptu date.

No sign of Alec there either. Magnus decides to check the bedroom next. Maybe he went to sleep , he thinks.

But the satin amethyst sheet is perfectly made, no sign of anyone sleeping in before Magnus came in. Worry coils low in his stomach, it isn’t like Alec to leave without telling Magnus. Even if there is an emergency at the Institute, Alec always remembers to text him dutifully.

Which is exactly what makes Magnus check the loft for Alec’s magical traces. A quick sweep tells him that he hasn’t been home since this afternoon.

Maybe something came up? Maybe he had to leave? Maybe-

If their life wasn’t a big roulette wheel of life and death, Magnus would’ve simply chalked it up to a walk outside. But, his boyfriend is a Shadowhunter , more than that, his boyfriend is the most protective Shadowhunter of his generation, one who would gladly stand in front of the fire, if it meant protecting the ones he loves, which now entails the entire Institute and the Downworld. Magnus loves him for it, for this, for how clear, determined he is, how he would lay down his life without a second thought to save an innocent, but it also means that every mission, every patrol, every battle he goes to, Magnus has to remind himself of his mortality. This also means that sudden unexplained disappearances are causes of extreme worry, which now clouds Magnus’ face like a shroud of death. He tries Alec’s cell, but the number only beeps out.

He puts the wine and glasses down on the nightstand, a calm night-in long forgotten, and decides to call Isabelle. The Lightwood sister has been one of the biggest sources of comfort for Magnus whenever Alec goes on a mission, knowing that his love is fiercely protected by her and his Parabatai almost as much as he protects them.

Isabelle’s number connects, one ring, two, and she doesn’t pick up. Magnus starts pacing the loft, his steps fast and erratic, worry and concern lining his brows. He calls Clary, but her phone doesn’t connect at all. After that, there’s only one person left, and probably the one who can best ascertain whether Alec is safe or not.

Jace picks up after the third ring, and Magnus exhales a little of the long breath he doesn’t even realize he’s holding. The blonde answers, sounding an odd mix of annoyance and concern, and Magnus decides to cut to the chase, and ask him about Alec.

“No, I haven’t seen him all day,” Jace answers, and the stomach in Magnus’ stomach tightens, “Why? Today is his day off, isn’t he supposed to be home? Or wherever you two go for dates?” Jace sounds confused, and Magnus decides not to waste any precious seconds, now that Alec is surely in some kind of disturbance, if not worse. He hangs up, after telling Jace to inform him if he gets any information about Alec, and decides to track Alec using the spare bow hanging from the bowrack beside the door, the newest addition to the loft’s quirky decor, little ways that show how Alec has fit into Magnus’ life like two pieces of a puzzle.

Magnus’ heart tightens at that, but he pushes that feeling aside, right now Alec needs him, he can’t let emotions cloud his judgement. He grabs the bow with both his hands, curling his ring-clad fingers around the middle, and closes his eyes, concentrating, pushing his magic to curl around it, to pick up the traces Alec’s use left on it through the years. Blue sparkles completely cover the bow, and Magnus sees a blue thread visible in the dark of the void, eyes still closed. He grasps at it with all the willpower and love he can muster, and he gets a faint salty and earthy taste in his mouth, just before he feels cold all over, and his skin feels heavy. He gasps out, eyes slam open, and he realizes exactly where Alec is.

Brooklyn River.

A Portal whooshes in just under the bridge, glamoured from Mundane eyes, and Magnus steps through, red battle magic crackling in his palms, ready to strike down anyone who dares to stand between him and Alexander. But Magnus is immediately thrown off by the eerie calm around him. Cars zoom past above him on the bridge, their noise fading as they go further away from where Magnus is standing. Magnus decides to try tracking again, in case he was wrong, but he hears faint muffled noises coming from the river side, and he rushes to find the source.

It only takes twenty steps or so, before he finds himself face to face with a humanoid, dark silhouette against the lights from the Manhattan skyline, jerking their hands around, covered in unrecognizable substances.

The figure mutters something under their breath, and Magnus would’ve missed it if he hadn’t been actively trying to listen.

“By the Angel...”

Magnus catches the words and his eyes widen, he can recognize that voice even in his sleep.

“Alexander?!” Magnus blurts out, half-questioning, half-incredulous, and the figure looks up, registering his presence for the first time.

“Magnus? Is that you?” Alec asks, taking a step forward to him, and Magnus uses his magic to create an orb of light in his palm. Alec’s face is more clearly visible now, though he is still covered from head to toe, by what seems like seaweed, and twigs, and garbage. He is dripping wet, his legs, arms caked with mud, and hair is sticking to his forehead, his face dirty.

“Alec, what happened? Are you okay?” Magnus asks, touching his face, checking him over for injuries, but there’s nothing more than some minor cuts and bruises. Magnus lets out a long breath he has been holding for the last hour, and he hugs Alec, worry bleeding out of him as Alec wraps his hands around him.

The strong stench of garbage hits Magnus, and he scrunches up his nose. “How? What? Why?” he asks Alec, who opens his mouth to answer. The cold December wind blows, and Alec shivers in Magnus’ arms, the wetness increasing the chill down his spine tenfold.

Magnus decides to continue the conversation later when neither of them look like they just got dumped into a wet garbage bin. He reopens the Portal, and drags Alec through it, this time stepping straight into their bathroom. Magnus wastes no time trying to undress Alec by hand, instead snaps his fingers, and Alec’s dirty clothes end up in the hamper kept by the bathroom door for Alec to put his usually ichor-ridden clothes in, after patrols. Alec shivers his sudden nakedness, and Magnus pushes him into the shower, making sure the water is scalding hot, just the way Alec prefers.

He thinks about joining him in the shower, to let the weariness of the day that he feels deep in his bones melt away surrounded by warmth of the water, and his Alexander , but Magnus immediately shakes his head, as if trying to shake the thought off like that.

A warm shower sounds great, yes, but it can wait till tomorrow.

Conjuring up the coziest one from the Alec’s endless supply of black sweaters, and similar black sweats, he puts them on the bed for Alec to find, and decides to change into something comfortable himself. He chooses one of his sweatpants, and decides against his usual flashy tank tops for one of his boyfriend’s blue henleys. He cannot wrap himself in Alec’s arms in the shower, so this would have to do.

He goes to get the two glasses and the bottle of wine, sure that Alec wouldn’t object to a glass or two after all this. He conjures up takeout from the Ethiopian restaurant nearby, making sure to leave a generous tip for them in turn.

Just then, two strong arms encircle his waist, pulling him backwards until his back rests against a rune marked chest. Soft, damp hair tickle his jaw as Alec burrows his head in the crook of his neck, Magnus sags against the comfortable and familiar warmth now engulfing him.

“Missed you,” Alec mumbles into Magnus’ neck, and pulls him closer. The smoky smell of sandalwood hits Magnus, and he inhales deeper, trying to breathe Alec in. He turns around, and finds Alec, standing with water still dripping from his damp hair, a soft smile on his face that never fails to take Magnus’ breathe away. Before Magnus even realizes, he’s kissing Alec, soft and slow, both of them simply revelling in the embrace of one another. Time melts away, and it’s only Alec’s lips entangled with his own, Alec’s arms holding him, Alec’s damp forehead resting upon his own as they pant for air. Alec Alec Alec. It’s like his entire life he has been waiting for this big bad Shadowhunter with a heart softer than butter to come by and make his heart swoon.

They kiss again, this time it’s softer, sweeter, taking time, finding each other, exploring their whole existence under the other’s gentlest of touches. After a while, when it’s only foreheads resting against each other, Magnus decides to retire to the bedroom for the rest of the ‘activities’. It’s only when he drags Alec by his shirtfront into the bedroom, that he notices the hamper with the dirty clothes.

Well, they do say that curiosity killed the cat, and Magnus can’t believe that he’s about to say this in the middle of this , but oh hell...

“Um.. Alexander... I um.. Damn I can’t believe I’m saying this right now... But,” Magnus swallows thickly, flushed, because yes, Alec Lightwood can make even the great Magnus Bane flush, “What were we doing in the Brooklyn River tonight?”

Alec has such a look on his face that if Magnus wasn’t so damn tuned with his emotions, then he would’ve thought that Alec is insulted by his question. But that look isn’t insult, it’s thinly veiled embarrassment, with a hint of panic.

“You.. don’t need to.. it’s not really important...” Alec starts to stammer, but Magnus’ curiosity only peaks.

“Alec? What is it? You know you can tell me anything, right?” Magnus assures Alec, but the Shadowhunter only looks more panicked.

“It’s stupid, you’re gonna think I’m stupid,” Alec mumbles, trying to hide his face in the crook of Magnus’ neck.

“Oh Alexander,” Magnus coos, holding Alec’s face in his palms, “Do you have the not-so-rare moments of gay panic? Of course. Do you turn the most beautiful shade of red every time I flirt with you? Without a doubt,” Magnus pointedly ignores Alec’s glare at that, “But, I can never think you’re stupid. You are the most brilliant person I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet.”

Alec pouts for a moment, before deciding to concede, and sits back on the edge of the bed, folding his legs. “You remember how you told me that both you and Catarina would be in the Labyrinth all day?” Magnus nods, urging him to continue. “Well, around afternoon, I got bored, but I couldn’t just ask you to abandon work, so I decided to head to Catarina’s, to play with Madzie. I know she was with her sitter the whole day, and I figured maybe she’d like a new face, after all.”

Magnus’ heart soars at how fond Alec has gotten of his goddaughter. Between being a warlock with a mark that most people may find abhorrent and the entire situation with Iris Rouse, Madzie has gotten dealt a bad hand very young in her life. To know that there are people, especially someone as caring as Alec, to take care of her, warms Magnus’ heart.

“So, I got there at about 6, and then we played games. And watched Power Rangers. She loves the Red Ranger, though I really prefer the Blue one. She drew a picture of me by the way! She so talented,” Alec carries on, his eyes gleaming talking about his ‘little sorceress’ , “And after Catarina got in, it was almost a quarter to ten. She told me you’d be home soon, so I said good-bye.”

“Cat asked if I wanted to portal home, but I wanted to walk, because you know how rarely I walk home, without thinking that there’s a demon emergency that needs my attention, so I just wanted to walk without too much worry.” Magnus can relate to that thought, but he doesn’t say anything, letting Alec continue instead.

“So, near the bridge, there’s this flower shop, you know, the one where the florist is the nicest lady, and who always gives me a discount on the yellow roses, you know the ones that remind me of your eyes?” Alec turns red as soon as he realizes what he just said out loud, but Magnus snuggles closer to him, touched by the gesture, and Alec carries on, still red, “So I wanted to get some for you, um..because um.. I thought maybe you’d like them, but it was closed, so- so, I thought maybe I’d go home, but then there he was.” Alec’s face throws Magnus off the loop.

“He? A demon? Alec did you encounter a demon on your way?” Magnus grows concerned, but Alec looks ...wait, is that embarrassment?

“It wasn’t a demon, per say....” Alec waves his hand around, and then mumbles something that doesn’t quite seems clear to Magnus. “Alexander, you’re gonna have to speak up. What was it?”

“Itwasakitten,” Alec says, his ears red, and his voice low. Magnus looks at him incredulously, pretty sure that he misheard, because there’s no way that Alec just said what he thought he just said.

“Wait, did you just say ‘a kitten’?” Magnus says, and Alec turns redder.

“Yeah...” Alec drawls, and if the entire situation wasn’t so hilarious, Magnus would’ve jumped him right then and there with how adorable his pout looks.

“I just saw this black kitten, and I saw that you always miss Chairman so much, so I thought I’d bring him home, but then that devil-spawn decided to give me hell,” there’s absolute outrage written on Alec’s face, and Magnus bites his lip to make sure he doesn’t laugh.

“First I tried to coo and ask him to come to me, you know, like you do with the strays that visit the balcony sometimes,” Alec tries to explain, and Magnus almost melts from the cute puppy eyes Alec seems to be making right now. “And he came to me, but then, that little devil, decided to snatch my phone instead!” Alec whines, and Magnus can truly relate to Elsa, trying to conceal his laughter.

“That little demon!” Magnus agrees to Alec, amusement thinly veiled, but Alec doesn’t seem to notice,.

“So, I tried to follow him, but then he got up to the ledge of the bridge, and I was worried that if he jumped from there, he might hurt himself, so....”

“So?”

“So, I jumped after him. Turns out, he only threw the phone in, and moved away at the last moment. But I ended up in the river.” Alec’s pout intensifies, and Magnus cannot keep his laughter in anymore. His shoulders shake with the effort of trying to keep it in.

“See, I knew you’d think it’s stupid!” Alec stabs an accusatory finger at Magnus’s chest playfully, and Magnus’ laugh gets louder.

“I’m sorry it’s just- it’s just- I can’t believe that you got defeated by a- oh my God- I can’t believe you got defeated by a kitten!” Magnus topples over with laughter.

“It’s not funny, Magnus!” Alec grumbles.

“It’s a little funny,” the waves of laughter subside, but a grin is still plastered on Magnus’ face. There’s still a pout on Alec’s face, and Magnus kisses it off.

“Okay, Grumpy Cat Lightwood, let’s finish the food, I’m starving, and I’m sure so are you,” Magnus summons the food from the kitchen, then smirks, “I mean, battling vicious creatures like kittens must have left you famished.”

Alec glares at him, and Magnus smiles. They finish the dinner in companionable silence, and soon Magnus is yawning, and Alec cleans up, before snuggling close to Magnus on the bed, and kisses him.

“I love you,” Alec mumbles against Magnus’ lips.

“I love you too, Alexander,” Magnus replies, smiling, before adding, “Defeated by a kitten and all.”

“Magnus!” Alec shrieks, before glaring at him, without any actual heat behind it. Magnus giggles, and snuggles closer, and Alec wraps his arms around Magnus’ waist, pulling him towards himself.

It’s so domestic, and sappy, and frankly, overwhelmingly blissful. Magnus can feel himself drift into sleep, the day’s exhaustion finally catching up, but Alec’s face is right there, and it’s smiling, and it’s all for Magnus. Magnus can feel a very strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. It’s happiness, the type that Magnus hasn’t felt in a long, long time. If ever. It feels unfamiliar.

After all these centuries, all this time, all that search, he has finally found it.

Right there, in Alec Lightwood’s arms.

It finally feels like home.

#lightwoodbanemlm #malecsanta19 #*fics19 #*gifts19

6 notes · View notes

banesapothecary · 5 years

Text

What We Do

read on ao3

Midnight in Montreal, you and me in hushed phone calls. You breathed a little deeper that night.

“No, you hang up!” Helen almost doesn’t believe the words are coming from her own mouth. Years of rolling her eyes at the excessive cheesiness of rom-coms fall away, though. Everything falls away when she’s talking to Aline, so that the only thing that matters is the lovely dark-eyed girl she’d give anything to see smile.

Aline giggles, the sound crackling over the phone line but it still sounds like music to Helen. She can hear the melody behind it, wants to get lost in its lows and highs of the notes. “You hang up,” Aline insists. “You’re the one who has to go to sleep.”

Helen sighs, pulling the sheets higher up to her neck. “I know, I know. I should sleep before my audition in the morning, but I’m too wound up to sleep.”

“You know you’re gonna rock it,” Aline says, her words confident and leaving no room for question. Helen wishes for the millionth time that night that Aline was there with her. “Would it help you sleep if I just talked for a while?” Aline asks after a moment, her voice hushed.

Helen nods even though she knows Aline can’t see her. “Yes,” she whispers.

“Okay,” Aline says, humming as she thinks of something to say. Helen reaches over to her bedside lamp, turning the switch to cast the room into a comfortable darkness. Her head sinks back onto the pillow as Aline starts talking. “Isabelle told me a funny story about Jace the other day…”

Months later in my home town, you pick me up and show me around to places that I see with brand new eyes.

“Where are we going?” Helen asks, the happiness bubbling out of her in a laugh as Aline leads her by the hand.

Aline looks back at her, smiling and squeezing Helen’s hand. “An adventure!” she declares. “I want to see everything, all the sights.”

Helen raises an unimpressed eyebrow. “You know this is my hometown, right? Shouldn’t I be leading the sight-seeing adventure?”

“Nope,” Aline answers in a sing-song voice. “You already know everything, so there’s no magic in that.” She stops, looping an arm around Helen’s neck and pulling her close.

“Magic, huh?” Helen breathes into the space between them.

Aline nods seriously. “I’m new to everything, so it’s all magic and wonderful and new to me.”

Helen grins. “Do I get to share in your magic?”

“You are my magic,” Aline whispers, leaning in to brush her lips against Helen’s. Helen hums into the kiss, already feeling the magic of something new and wonderful swirling around them both.

And suddenly I’m smiling, and the world is shining, and you’re beside me with your hands up in my hair. We’re in your hotel room, you and me, the sweet view, dancing to these old tunes and I can’t believe I’m here.

“What is it?” Aline asks, one arm wrapped securely around Helen’s waist and the other carding through her hair. Her eyebrows furrow, nose scrunching up adorably in her concern. Helen’s heart swells as she shakes her head slightly.

“Nothing,” she whispers. “Everything.”

Aline’s expression relaxes into an easy smile, and Helen would’ve kissed her if it didn’t mean pulling out of her arms. “You have such a way with words,” she teases.

Helen wants to tease her back, but she can’t for the rush of blood in her ears. Everything drowns out of a moment, only the sound of I love you I love you I love you echoing in her thoughts. The words are filling her like air and if Aline’s arm wasn’t holding her, she might’ve floated right up out of the soft hotel bed. “I love you,” Helen says quietly because it’s the truest thing she’s ever felt and her heart is begging her to say the words.

Aline is still, her fingers frozen in Helen’s straight blonde hair, but her heart beat is quick and pounding. Helen can hear it’s new erratic thump where her ear is tucked against the base of Aline’s throat. The quiet is louder than Helen’s thoughts had been, but Aline hasn’t pulled away yet, so she hopes.

“I love you, too,” Aline whispers finally, her voice as awed as Helen feels. ‘Awed’ doesn’t do the feeling justice, though, Helen thinks. She’s awed and happy and maybe a little scared by this new thing between them but more than any of it, she’s lucky.

She does move now, pulling herself up to rest her forehead against Aline’s and kiss her. Aline’s arms find their way around her waist as both of them try to drown in the feeling.

We’ve got this whole night to get this thing right, and there are witnesses, but we’ll destroy the proof. You’ve got my lips sealed and your eyes peeled, but it doesn’t matter as long as we both know the truth about what we do.

“I got the part!” Helen squeals as soon as Aline steps into her apartment, her excitement outweighing all her grand plans of telling her girlfriend the news.

Aline’s jaw drops, morphing into a wide smile as she wraps her arms around Helen. “You did it!”

“I did it,” Helen laughs against Aline’s dark hair.

“When do you start shooting?” Aline asks, pulling away just enough so Helen can see her dazzling smile.

“Next month,” Helen says, heart stuttering as she delivers the only bad news in all of this. “In Toronto. We shoot for three months.”

Aline’s smile falters. “Three months apart?” she asks quietly. Helen grabs her hand, intertwining their fingers, and squeezing. She tries to smile reassuringly, but her heart is aching at the thought of being apart for so long, too. Aline takes a deep breath, plastering a smaller smile on her face. “I guess I’ll just have to come visit, then.”

Helen grins. “You’d better.”

“So,” Aline says, her tone teasing, “I guess we’d better enjoy this month alone together while it lasts. After the movie comes out and you’re a big star, we’re gonna have cameras following us everywhere.”

“One,” Helen says with a snort, “that’s not going to happen. Two, are you sure you wouldn’t run for the hills if, by some chance, any of that actually happened?”

Aline flashes her a confident smile, eyes dark and sure. “Oh, it’s definitely going to happen, babe. They’re going to love you, just like I do. I’m not going anywhere.”

She can’t bear the emotion welling up inside of her, so instead Helen pulls Aline closer and kisses her, trying to pour every ounce of feeling into her lips. “I love you, too,” Helen says in a breathless whisper when they finally pull apart.

L.A. in summertime, your backyard, your hand in mine. We talk about the people, things we’ve seen.

The party is dwindling when Helen finds Aline again. She’s leaning against the fence, her dress dotted brightly by the fairy lights strung between the trees. Helen wishes she had her phone with her. She wants to capture this so she’ll always have it: the lights, the warm summer breeze, the feeling in her chest. Home. Aline.

Except tonight isn’t goodbye forever. It’s goodbye for now, and only really goodbye to L.A. Aline took off work for a few days to come with her, at first, and they’ve already planned out weekend visits and skype dates. Three months isn’t the end of the world, and Helen will be damned if it’s the end of them.

“Hey,” she says, and when Aline turns around, Helen knows everything will be alright.

“Hi,” Aline says, reaching out a hand. Helen takes it, their fingers loosely intertwined as they settle against the fence and each other. “Did you have fun tonight?”

“I did,” Helen nods, looking around the backyard at their friends and family. Only Mark remains of Helen’s siblings. Julian and Emma had insisted on taking the younger siblings home, and Helen had agreed, giving everyone one last tight hug before they left. Aline’s mom is here to see her off, and Max, the youngest of the Lightwoods, too. Aside from Robert, the rest of the Lightwoods are in New York. “I wish all of our friends could’ve been here,” she says quietly after a few moments.

Their world, their lives, are changing so fast. It’s a whirlwind, and Helen is both terrified and excited to be swept up into it.

“Me too,” Aline says softly. She’s quiet for a moment, making a face as a memory bubbles to the surface. “Do you remember at Alec’s graduation party? Those awful cupcakes Izzy made?”

“Oh, god,” Helen groans. “Maybe it’s a good thing they couldn’t make it.”

Aline laughs, the sound sweeter than appropriately flavored icing. “We would’ve survived it. As long as we’re together.”

Helen ducks her head, smiling and pressing her face into Aline’s hair. “As long as we’re together.”

Premieres, we stand in line. You look back, your eyes lock mine. We laugh about the people that we’ve been.

They’re at the premiere. Her premiere. Helen can’t stop smiling, and neither can Aline beside her. Their hands are clasped and their gowns complement each other, and the cameras are eating it up. The glamour of it all is intoxicating, but Helen knows the giddy feeling in her stomach is all because of Aline.

She’d been back in L.A. with her girlfriend for only a week, bouncing around on press tours leading up to the movie’s premiere. The movie is a whirlwind that’s finally calming down—at least for now—and Helen has never been happier than she has been this past week curled up in bed eating popcorn and dark chocolate covered pretzels during Netflix marathons with Aline.

Aline gives her hand a squeeze, and Helen turns to look back at her. She’s radiant, her eyes sparkling. “They love you,” she says, having to lean closer for Helen to hear over the sounds of reporters and the crowd.

“They haven’t even seen it, yet,” Helen says. “What if they end up hating it?”

Aline shakes her head. “Nope, they’re gonna love you. You’re gonna leave here with a legion of adoring fans.”

Helen smiles, ducking her head and fighting the blush rising in her cheeks. “I don’t know.”

“It’s true,” Aline says, her voice hushed and serious. “I know for a fact you’ll have one superfan.”

Helen leans even closer to kiss Aline’s cheek, nearly rolling her eyes as the camera flashes increased. “Then I’ll be extremely lucky to have you.”

“Actually,” Aline teases, “you’ll be going home with said superfan, so really I’m the lucky one here.”

“You’re ridiculous,” Helen snorts, tugging gently on Aline’s hand and leading her off the red carpet to find a moment of peace before the premiere officially started.

And suddenly we’re flying, and the world is shining, and you’re beside me with your hands up in my hair. We’re standing in your bedroom, you and me, the sweet view, dancing to these old tunes and I can’t believe I’m here.

“It was amazing. You’re amazing,” Aline gushes when they finally stumble through the door of her apartment.

“You really think so?” Helen asks, unsure if she’s warm from the compliment or from all the champagne. Both, she decides.

Aline nods, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the bedroom. “My girlfriend, the movie star.”

“It was only a supporting role,” Helen argues, coming to an abrupt stop when Aline turns around to press a finger against her lips.

“And you stole the show,” Aline says before kissing her, slow and a little sloppy and tasting like the fizz in the champagne glass. “I’m so proud of you,” she whispers when they pull apart, her breath ghosting across Helen’s lips.

This time Helen knows the warmth bubbling up in her like the champagne fizz is something else entirely. “It’s not all me,” she says, moving her hand from Aline’s waist to cup her cheek. “I do have a wonderful muse.” The lights were low in Aline’s apartment, but Helen could still see the blush rising in her cheeks as they stumbled back against the bed.

We’ve got this whole night to get this thing right, and there are witnesses, but we’ll destroy the proof. We’ve got my lips sealed and your eyes peeled, but it doesn’t matter as long as we both know the truth about what we do.

Helen calls her from her agent’s office, too excited to wait until she sees Aline later that night.

“Hey, babe,” Aline answers on the second ring. Helen smiles at the pet name, momentarily forgetting her news. “How did the meeting with your agent go?”

Helen takes a breath, trying to steady her heartbeat. “I got offered a lead role.” She says it casually, like it’s not a ridiculously big deal. Like she didn’t nearly start screaming in the middle of her meeting.

“Oh my god!” Aline shouts into the phone, and Helen is too busy laughing at her reaction to mind how loud it was in her ear.

“Yeah,” Helen says. “Apparently they really liked the movie.”

“I told you everyone would fall in love with you!” Aline says. Helen can hear her smile, picture it lighting up her face.

“I have to go to Toronto again,” Helen tells her, already dreading the separation. They survived the first shoot, though. She has no doubt they can get through it again.

Aline doesn’t sound worried, either. “When you come over later we can plan out all our visits,” she says casually, as if immediate support without even a second of hesitation isn’t single-handedly one of the best things Helen has experienced.

“I can’t wait,” she says simply, smiling the whole way home.

And now I wake up every night and think of how you held me tight. And now I’m missing you ‘cause, baby, you’re not here. And I miss how you saw right through me, looked at me and, baby, knew me. But I wonder if those things you saw, you liked.

She flies home to L.A. on a Wednesday. She’s still in the middle of shooting, but she managed to get a few days off, so now she’s walking through LAX thrumming with excitement.

Tomorrow (or today, Helen supposes, since it’s now just after midnight) is Aline’s birthday. She thinks Helen is stuck on set, unable to make it home to celebrate until the weekend. She’d insisted that it was fine, but Helen had seen the disappointment clear as day on her girlfriend’s face. The sight made her heart thump so painfully she’d almost said screw it and revealed her plans. But Helen has been watching far too many rom-coms, and surprising your girlfriend on her birthday is in Helen’s top ten most romantic moments.

She hails a cab quickly and FaceTime’s Aline as soon as she’s settled in the backseat. Aline answers instantly, a pout evident on her face.

“You were supposed to call an hour ago,” she complains. “I’m sleepy.”

“I know, I’m sorry,” Helen apologizes. “I got held up.”

Aline frowns. “Are you in a car?”

Helen nods. “Yeah, I’m on my way home,” she says, smiling and knowing Aline will assume she means the apartment she’s renting near set. They talk for a while about everything and nothing. Helen tells stories from set, relishing in the sound of Aline’s laugh. Aline tells her about the trouble her cousin Sebastian’s been getting into. It’s good. It’s so, so good, and Helen can’t wait to hold Aline in her arms and trace patterns into her skin and hear her laugh without the phone’s static.

“I wish you were here,” Aline says right as the car pulls up next to her apartment building. Helen grins, an eager thrill running up her spine.

“Me too,” she says.

“Oh,” Aline sighs when she sees Helen step out of the cab. “Are you home? I can let you go.”

She thinks about keeping her on the phone, but she feels like she’s about to start bouncing off the walls and reveal everything. Plus, she knows Aline is smart enough to recognize her own apartment building. “Yeah, I am home,” Helen says instead and it isn’t even a lie. They hang up with promises to talk again soon, though if Helen’s definition of soon is a little different than her girlfriend’s, she doesn’t let on.

She knocks on the door, waiting with a pounding heart for a few minutes before the door opens slowly. Aline’s jaw drops, smiling as her arms fly around Helen in a tight embrace.

“I told you I was home,” Helen says into her shoulder.

Aline pulls her inside, staring at her like she’s a miracle. Like Helen standing there in her apartment on her birthday is her greatest wish come true. “Move in with me,” Aline murmurs.

“What?”

“Move in with me,” Aline repeats. “Come home to me all the time.”

“Okay,” Helen says without a second of hesitation, smiling so wide her cheeks hurt. “Okay.”

But then you’re smiling, and my world is shining, and you’re beside me with your hands up in my hair. Laying in your bedroom, you and me, the sweet view, dancing to those old tunes and I can’t believe I’m there.

It doesn’t happen at all the way Helen plans it to. She didn’t have a plan, necessarily, but it definitely wasn’t to blurt it out in the middle of a playful argument about something so domestic as what to have for dinner.

But here they are.

“Marry me,” Helen says, repeating her outburst. Aline is staring, her expression open and caught off guard. She’s smiling, though, and Helen knows. She’s itching to do this right, though, so she reaches towards her purse on the counter, digging through it until she finds the ring box. “I mean it. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“Helen,” Aline breathes when she opens the box. The ring is simple and stunning, the diamond sparkling as much as Aline’s eyes. Aline raises a hand to her mouth, a few tears spilling down her cheeks. “Yes,” she says, nodding and reaching out for Helen. And then they’re wrapped up in each other, bodies so close they might have been one person, one heart.

Finally they pull away so Helen can slip the ring onto Aline’s finger, staring down at their joined hands.

“I love you,” Aline whispers.

“I love you, too,” Helen says. She smirks. “So does that mean we can get Thai?”

We’ve got this whole night to get this thing right, and there are witnesses but we’ll destroy the proof. We’ve got my lips sealed and your eyes peeled. It doesn’t matter as long as we both know the truth about what we do.

The sky is gold. Clouds are painted across it in streaks of pale pinks and purple blues. It’s stunning.

But not as stunning as Aline, already waiting at the end of the aisle.

They’d decided on dresses, both to assuage Jia and because, as Aline had put it after seeing the photos from one of Helen’s premieres, “We look damn good in a gown.”

Izzy stands next to Aline as her maid of honor, and Helen sees the other Lightwoods smiling at her from the rows of seats. Alec catches her eye, and Magnus beside him. Helen smiles back when she sees their hands clasped between them. She makes a mental note to find them later, to thank them. The Lightwoods, Alec and Magnus especially, were part of the reason she’d found Aline all those years ago. When Helen turns her gaze back to her waiting bride, she knows it’s a gift for which she’ll always be grateful.

Her hands reach out for Aline’s as soon as she’s close enough to touch her, smiling softly when their fingers brush. “Hi,” Helen whispers.

“Hey, beautiful,” Aline whispers back.

The ceremony passes in a blur of tears and vows and happiness. They kiss just as the sun is about to finally dip below the horizon, the sky lit up behind them. It had been Aline’s idea, to time the wedding just right.

“A movie star like you has to have the prettiest wedding photos,” Aline had teased, but Helen knows what she really meant. The sky behind them looks exactly how Helen feels right in this moment and will feel for the rest of her life with Aline: vibrant and happy.

This thing we do.

Between me and you.

#heline #heline fics #helen blackthorn #aline penhallow #shadowhunters #helen x aline #my fic

7 notes · View notes

notyourbae365 · 5 years

Text

In the Blink of an Eye- Part 2/3

Request: A Malec fic where Rafe/Max gets kidnapped or sick and with angst and feels, but a happy ending! Thank you so much @crispyoperawolfdean, I hope you enjoy this story!

A/N: This is the second part of a three part fic so if you haven’t read the first part go check that out here. If there are any inaccuracies as far as the magic, I apologize, I haven’t read the books in quite a while and I couldn’t remember how Cassie described everything! So bear with me, please. I hope everyone enjoys, and if you do, please leave feedback! I love hearing from you guys!

Summary: A Malec fanfic where Rafe is kidnapped and Magnus and Alec struggle with not knowing how to save their son. Angst, feels, tears, some fluff, and eventually a happy ending.

“Rafe? Come on, you can stop hiding now. I already said I give up trying to find you.” Max waited for a response from his older brother, but all was silent. He couldn’t know, of course, that an answer wouldn't come.

“Come on, Rafe! Seriously, come out of wherever you are. You’re starting to freak me out!” Max yelled, and then started to look over the area that they had set to hide in one more time. His search turned up nothing, and Max’s heart started beating rapidly. He had a sick feeling in his stomach that something bad had happened to Rafe.

Fear in his heart, Max ran over to where Magnus and Alec were sitting on the picnic blanket.

“Finally!” Alec said, smiling. “We were just about to go looking for you and...”, He stopped and looked around, “Rafe. Where is he?” Alec said, his eyes scanning the woods rapidly. Max was near tears at this point, scared to death.

“I don’t know, that’s why I came over! We were playing hide and seek and then he was just gone!” The story tumbled out of Max’s mouth, all ran together in his panic. Alec stood up quickly, along with Magnus, who had been looking around for Rafe ever since Max ran up to them.

“Magnus, can you track him?” Alec’s tone was panicked, and Magnus placed a hand on his arm to let him know he understood. Alec had been scared something like this would happen ever since he heard about the Shadowhunter he put away escaping.

“I can try. I can use his jacket.” Magnus picked up Rafe’s windbreaker that the boy had discarded earlier in the day. He waved his hand over it and closed his eyes, hoping to pick up on his son’s location. Suddenly, his eyes flew open. “I picked up on a faint signal, it’s not a lot, he must be unconscious.” He stumbled over the last word, trying not to picture his son knocked out and helpless.

“Where?” Alec said, putting the last remaining picnic item in the basket so that they could leave immediately.

“That’s the weird thing. The signal is coming from our house.” Magnus said, his eyes wide and worried.

“What the hell is going on?” Alec said, running his hands through his hair. Magnus put his hands on his husband’s face, and turned his head towards him.

“Hey, it’s going to be okay, we’re going to get him back.” Alec took Magnus’ hands off his face and held them, tears welling in his eyes.

“This is our son, babe. I can’t believe this is happening, I knew I shouldn’t have let them go into the woods alone. I should have went with them, I should have-” Magnus cut his husband off.

“Stop. Blaming yourself isn’t going to get Rafe back.” Magnus gathered Max into his side, and wiped his tears away. “Look at Max, Alec. We can’t do this right now. We have to make sure he’s safe first, and then we can go get Rafe.”

Alec looked at Magnus with fire in his eyes.

“Portal Max to the Institute. Then meet me at the house. Whatever son of a bitch that took my son is going to regret it.”

“Alec, don’t do anything rash. You can’t go in there without a plan and risk endangering Rafe. Please, just...be careful.” Magnus pleaded. Alec nodded, and then bent down and kissed his husband.

“I love you. We’re going to get our son back, I promise.” Alec said, and then he took off to the car. Magnus watched him go.

“You better be with him.” He said to the air where his husband had been. Max looked up at his father, his small face twisted with fear.

“Is Rafe going to be okay?” Max said quietly, holding his dad’s hand tight.

“Of course, sweetheart. Your dads will make sure of that. Whatever scum of the earth that took Rafe messed with the wrong family.” Magnus kissed Max’s forehead, and then turned to open a portal to the Institute.

Magnus held his son’s hand tightly as they stepped into the swirling colors, and emerged standing in the doorway of the Institute. He called Izzy, and waited for her to pick up. Once she did, he explained to her the situation.

“I’ll be right down” Isabelle said on the phone, the panic in her voice evident. They hung up, and a few seconds later the door opened and Izzy stood behind it, her face twisted with worry.

“Max will be safe here. You go help Alec bring my other nephew home safe. Believe me, if Max didn’t need me right now, I’d be going with you.” She leaned up and kissed Magnus’ cheek. “Be careful, Magnus. Protect them.” Izzy said, holding onto Max tightly.

“I will, Iz. See you soon.” He opened another portal behind him, one that would take him directly outside his house. Alec should be there by now, and hopefully he hadn’t gone in yet. They had to figure out a plan, or else Rafe was going to be in even more danger.

Rafe POV:

Everything was dark. Rafe tried to open his eyes, but he still couldn’t see anything. A blindfold was blocking his vision, he realized. He felt hazy and confused. Where was he? What had happened? A quick assessment of his limbs revealed that both his hands and feet were tied, and he was up against something hard, because he could feel it pressing into his back. Suddenly, a voice pierced through the heavy silence.

“Ah, he’s awake!” It was gruff and cruel sounding, Rafe could almost picture the man curling his lip when he spoke. He pondered briefly that the current prohibition of his vision was making his other senses sharper, and his imagination work harder.

The thought was quickly interrupted, however, when his blindfold was roughly jerked off by a calloused hand and placed in his mouth instead. Rafe was shocked when he realized that he was in his own house.

“Welcome back, sunshine! I was starting to worry I’d used too high of a dosage.” The man smiled, but not kindly. Rafe was shaking, and he briefly wondered if this is how he was going to die, and not have any way to prevent it. He was still in Shadowhunter training, and he hadn’t gotten his runes yet. A couple of those would have certainly come in handy in this particular situation. But something told him this man already knew that.

“You’re probably wondering who I am”, the man continued. Rafe nodded, unable to speak. “I’m someone your father has made very angry, and you were the perfect way to repay him for the injustices that he has dealt me. Now, I’m going to take this gag out of your mouth, and untie your feet, and we’re going to go over to the front door, where you are going to tell your dads that have been standing outside that door for the last ten minutes that you are perfectly fine, but you won’t be if they don’t comply with my demands. Understand?” Rafe nodded his head quickly, and the man bent down to start untying the ropes.

The knots around his feet were undone quickly, and the gag was next. A rush of words came flowing out of Rafe’s mouth as soon as he could talk.

“How did you get into my house? And how did you know to find us at the park? What did my dad do to you? What are you going to do to me? What am I-” The kidnapper stopped him by putting his rough hand over Rafe’s mouth.

“Oh my God, shut up, kid! Let’s just say I have my ways, okay? And as for what your dad did to me, that’s between me and him. And I’m not going to do anything to you if you keep your damn mouth shut.” The man finished.

“If it’s between you and Dad, then why am I here?” Rafe said, pushing his luck a little bit. Dad had always said to keep them talking if you’re ever in a hostage situation. Nine times out of ten it keeps them distracted from what they’re doing long enough for you to figure out how to leave. Unfortunately for Rafe, he was a normal eleven year-old boy with no Shadowhunter runes to help him out.

“You’re a smart kid, aren’t you? Too smart. Now shut the hell up, and come over to the door to let your dads know you’re all right.” He dragged Rafe over to the front door and motioned for him to start talking.

“Dad, Papa?” Rafe said hesitantly. On the other side of the door, rustling could be heard.

“Rafe, sweetheart? Are you hurt?” Rafe heard Magnus asking him.

“No Papa, I’m okay. But there’s a man here that says he’ll hurt me if you don’t do what he says.” Rafe started to cry, the fear of the situation catching up with him. “Please do what he says”, Rafe said, tears evident in his voice.

“You son of a bitch! If you even lay a finger on my son I’ll kill you.” Rafe heard Alec this time, the rage in his voice scaring him a little. The man just chuckled.

“Ah ah ah, Mr. Lightwood. I’m the one that has all the power right now. You’ll get your son back, but only if you do what I say. I’m not going to beat around the bush here. I want a complete pardon from the Clave, and a ticket out of the United States. I’ve heard the Bahamas is beautiful this time of year.” The man smiled fondly, as if picturing it. Rafe trembled, waiting for his dad’s response.

“You’re out of your mind. The Clave will never give you a pardon after all the crimes that you’ve committed. You’re a danger to everyone. They wouldn’t just write that off because I ask them nicely.” Alec said, disbelief and frustration in his voice.

“Well, you’d better figure it out quickly, because you’ve only got six hours before your precious son comes back to you in a casket.” The man sneered at Rafe, turning his blood ice cold.

Rafe started to cry harder. This is it, he had no other option. This man was going to kill him.

#shadowhunters #shadowhunters fanfiction #malec fanfiction #malec family fanfiction #kidnapping fic #angsty fic #angst #rafael lightwood bane #max lightwood bane #my writing #Fanfic Request #fanfiction

7 notes · View notes

ralfstrashcan · 5 years

Text

3x18 Reaction / Commentary

Anxious feeling of imminent doom in my gut? Check. Skipping breakfast in favor of running to my laptop like a starving person? Check. Chances of surviving this episode with my sanity intact? Uhhh.... Well here goes nothing.

But one more thing before we get started (Does anyone wanna get out? Yeah, me!!!! Okay sorry.)

Who's this mysterious “Alex” person?? A new player on the board???

Alright alright, I'm stalling, I know. It's weird, last week couldn't pass quick enough but now I really don't wanna click the play button... okay anyway you're probably not here to read my angsting, so. Deep breath and here goes.

In terms of putting my nerves at ease this is working out pretty good. I love Becky, okay, and her sibling ship with Simon and the Sneak Peek made me real happy and I can't wait to see more of those two together (especially considering this'll probably be her last appearance on the show). So, yeah Team Lewis! (Also that comment about them and Clary never missing a Halloween together? I need all the kid fics!!!)

Lol dude I mean you literally died for knowing about it, but sure, make an understatement XD Also, “all the way from Florida”??? Last thing I knew about her she was lying in a hospital bed a week ago (aka 3A)? When did she get released? And relocated? I missed that???

:D :D :D <3<3<3

Queen Izzy :))))))) btw those kids had seriously lacking survival skills if you ask me. That wasn't normal, right? And where were their supervisors??

Effing f-i-n-a-l-l-y.

Also, Magnus with the deflecting again as soon as he's recovered just the tiniest bit is both painfully ic and also just painful </3

Ugh, can you believe Clace entered the Malec scene even though they must have felt it was a bad time and deranged it with their flirting? Unfair. In any case I agree, Clary was always and will always be an idiot XD haha okay sorry, I don't really mean that (only like, 83%) it's just the setup was too good to pass it up ;) I mean even Alec laughed at Jace calling her an idiot so I'm well within my rights to do it, too XD

Thanks, Alec, for sabotaging the one shot at open communication you had. I mean, I want to believe he does it because he realizes Magnus is back to his deflecting self and prodding will get him nowhere, but uhm, could he try for longer than three seconds before giving up? Is he really gonna let Magnus off the hook so easily and do something stupid and reckless instead?? *sigh* BUT ALSO HIS FRAKKING FACE OKAY I CAN'T

“Back from the Plot Fold”

Alec “Tact” Lightwood looooool

“Bitch I worked on this performance for centuries how dare you”

SO. MANY. QUESTIONS.

sdfshfsjdkfjsdf I love the way he talks okay. Exquisite. (Also he has a birthmark on his lip. It's really distracting. Am I implying Asmodeus is hot? Maybe. You can't prove a thing.)

............................................................your self-confident didn't make any progress since season 1, did it, Alec? *sigh* I mean he's basically agreeing with Asmodeus that this is what will happen if their situation doesn't change.

Okay what is structure, let me just yell my impressions of this scene at you. 1) Both of their acting is stellar. Love all the little body language cues, especially Asmodeus's mocking facial expressions. 2) “Return what you stole” and Asmodeus protesting it because clearly he had a “fair deal” with Magnus. 3) Alec breaking eye contact whenever Asmodeus lands a hit (“One he already regrets.” “You make him vulnerable, weak.”) 4) The fact that Alec protests the potential-line with “We love each other.” I was confused at first but when you think about it Alec says that they help each other access their full potential by loving each other and that's a beautiful sentiment. 5) Of course then Asmodeus lands another hit with “Then I'm afraid you will be the death of him” and Alec is back to looking away.

Thank you, Alec, for not being a total idiot.

“...or else the deal is off.” Obviously. Thank you, Asmodeus, for not being a total idiot either.

.........did he just nod? I knew I was right making that 'total' italic, implying he's still somewhat of an idiot XD

sooooo pretttyyyyyyyyyyyyy

And I can't believed Clary missed Luke so much she visited him in prison a total of 0 times.

Look I'm weak and I dig the Jace-Luke-father-son-in-law-dynamic.

Also can we take a moment to appreciate the fact that Alec is able to function as Head of the Institue even though he has to make the hardest decision of his life at the same time?? Just saying. Guy knows how to handle his shadowhunter responsibility. If only he was as capable in handling other things and omg this is not an innuendo you naughty people, I meant emotional intelligence goddammit.

I mean, he's not wrong? The way he cares about her is uniquely twisted, so.

.........................is Alec having 2x12 flashbacks? Because I sure am.

Hmmmm always admiring Clary's screaming skills :)

*sigh* I mean she didn't just SAY intense pain for a short while? Why am I even bothering.

The scientist has spoken lol.

1) They had a whole underground basement full of tons and tons of that serum, right? If those are all made up of nanoparticles then I really really wonder how big the Glorious splitter was that they extracted the serum from. Since, you know, that whole stash was supposed to be enough for the Downworlders all over the world. Wtf 2) I guess “self-destructing” that basement is gonna come back to roost them and they need to recover the original sword to eliminate the Evil Rune, right???? haha

Asmodeus wrote: Hurry up pretty boy, our deal isn't on the table forever ;)

I'm actually impressed Jace remembered to ask Alec about the proposal. You get some more diligence starlets, Jace <3

OMG ALEC ARE YOU SHITTING ME ARE YOU SHITTING ME ARE YOU SHITTING ME *sigh* I mean, those two situations are obviously totally comparable, right? I for my part am, again, having severe 2x12 flashbacks, where Alec asked Jace's council about something that Jace totally wasn't equipped to answer. *SIGH*

And I guess Jace isn't suspicious because of Alec's super suspicious behavior, right?????? Ugh.

The sad part is, Alec will probably see that as confirmation that he should go through with it because he doesn't want to be selfish. So while yay, Alec seeking council, he does it in the worst way possible :( at least I got some parabatai feels out of it :/

On the one hand I'm glad she sees it that way* on the other hand this is clearly supposed to be the influence of the rune, so that's kinda undermining her statement and making it even less credible. Thanks, show.

*Yes he was a victim, no he still carries some responsibility for his actions because free will is a thing and he's had some time on earth where he wasn't exactly coerced by anyone. Manipulated, yes. But he's aware of his agency and he should have used it better. I get that I'm asking for a lot here, maybe too much, and circumstances were always against him, but I'm also not absolving him of all his crimes.

Magnus deflecting because that's what he does. God forbid a scene that could be about him actually ends up being about him instead of a side pairing I couldn't care less about. *sigh*

Also, I'm not exactly sure if Magnus really thinks Alec thought being around Maryse could help him, or if he just said that as another means to deflect because honestly, the way Alec suggested to Magnus he go to Maryse was more the here-go-see-your-babysitter-approach than anything else, especially because he basically cut of the conversation they where having before Clace interrupted. *SIGH*

WELL I COULD

YOU NO FRIKKIN SAY, MARYSE

“My lips are sealed.... especially about my issues ¯\_(ツ)_/¯”

THE DISDAIN AHAHHAHAHA CATCH ME WHEEZING ON THE GROUND

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SEELIE QUEEN IS QUEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is this.... actually......... a scene with Alec and Izzy???? HELL YEAH

Okay, words. First off, I LOVE that Alec spills all the beans, and to Izzy, the one emotionally capable Lightwood. I mean, yay Jalec and all, but it's an universally acknowledged truth that Lightwood Men seem to be pretty unable to handle their emotions in a productive way.

Second off, the music playing in the background? Is the one from the Malec Breakup Scene from 2x18. Yay mood reference, I mean. Thanks for that lovely detail, show. (Hahahaha I don't even know if I'm sarcastic or not because it's so witty but on the other hand it's just cruelly twisting the knife like r u for real man give me a damn break.)

Third off, I love basically every line of this dialogue. The fact that Alec (or anyone really) FINALLY acknowledges that Magnus gave up his powers and saved Jace for Alec. Alec's argument: “Magnus sacrificed everything so I could feel whole and now I have the chance to do the same for him.” Also that wording, “a chance”? Not an obligation, not a repayment of a dept. A chance. Because he loves Magnus and this is his chance to fix it. (In his eyes at least, pssssh.)

And Izzy's intent “He wouldn't want this. He loves you so much.” So valid. And less biased (aka skewed by shitty self-esteem) than Alec's assessment of the situation.

Also this

Ouch, just. Ouch. So ic.

Also this

Izzy asking all the right questions. The way Alec looks away means “No” and the determined way he meets her gaze again after means “But that doesn't matter.” Very good scene.

(Honestly the only thing I would have wished for is that Izzy is a little more firm in her assertion that Magnus wouldn't want this and she like, tries to change Alec's mind instead of just accepting his decision.)

hehehe :)

The same time you moved to Florida apparently.

hahaahahha <3<3<3 kick-ass sister material

.........<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3 this deserves so much recognition okay. Since we all know drinking away his problems is Magnus's No 1 coping mechanism. Too bad he'll be pushed into his liquor again by Alec unwisely breaking up with him at the end of the episode (because I daren't dream of a change of heart on Alec's side.)

Also is this the part where Maryse blabs out Alec's proposal plans??

Ugh yay, so after Maryse reassuring Magnus that they are all here for him I guess the breakup is just gonna get 5 shades uglier. Yaaay.

Love that necklace damn.

Obligatory Sizzy moment in front of Becky so she can call Simon out on it later: Check. Just glad this role doesn't fall to Raphael. (Also you bet your ass I chose Becky's line as a picture for this because I'm really that petty.)

Also omg, I just peeked into the German dubbing because obviously the Count von Count pun doesn't work because the words for Count and the word for counting aren't the same here and the guy is named Graf Zahl. And just skdjfslkdjfklsdjfkld Simon's line “That does sound really made up” is honest to God transated with “You're right, I just made him up” like oh my God who is in charge of translating this and why are they so incompetent honestly!!!!!!!! W H Y

Lol that's gotta be the first time in his life that he called her Isabelle. Probably because she was slacking off during patrol.

AAAAAND I'M WHEEZING AGAIN AHAHHA HER OFFENDED FACE Honestly the seelie queen and Becky should start a comedy spin-off, I'd be watching the shit out of that XD

HAHAHAHAH HAVE MERCY XD XD XD Then again, can you blame Simon? Izzy is sooooo droolworthy.

1) She's gonna let Alec, Jace and Clary (two and a half shadowhunters ahaha) take on a whole nest of demons alone? Instead of backing them up? Okay???

2) Why they telling them that??? As far as they are concerned Simon and Becky are civilians, not their parents.

?????? NO SHE SHOULD TAKE BECKY WITH HER!!!!!!!! CAN YOU IMAGINE BECKY TOURING THE INSTITUTE? BECKY MARVELING AT ALL THE UNREALISTIC SHADOWHUNTER TECH?? BECKY KIDDING AROUND IN THE LAB??? I WAS ROBBED!!!

:)))) even Jace breaking out the comedy :D :D :D I approve

Those are some nice wings. Not perfect, but very very nice.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME HAHAHAHAHAHAH

Okay, Parabatai Fight Scene!!! 1) Jace again with his axes, nice.

2) Being sassy instead of, idk, picking up his weapons: Check.

3) True dat, but uh, Jace, what was the plan if Alec hadn't shown up? Inviting Drevak Queen out on a date?

4) I mean, why shoot one when you can shoot five, right? Good motto. But I still kind of want an explanation how two of those arrows could land in the Drevak Queen's head and the other three in her chest, like, what are physics anyway amiright?

5) Shot meant to make Jace look heroic when really, since we earlier learnt that killing the Drevak Queen kills all her spawn*, this was just Alec doing Jace's work for him XD

*Uh, yeah what the hell is up with that. Chitauri Genetic Defect or something? *sigh*

*Feelings of terrible foreboding intensify*

sssssssssssssssssssssssudden

Look, I agree. I just don't think Maia could really comprehend / accept that so fast (and off-screen) because ugh reasons, too tired to repeat myself again *waves hand unhelpfully* but whatever, I can accept this. I made my peace with it.

1) Last time I checked those cells were secured with a combination lock thingy.

2) Thanks Lanaia for sabotaging Sizzy, I'll be sure to send you a gift basket (or, if what I think will happen happens, some flowers for your grave lol).

*snorts* Reminds me of Hannibal who was always making cannibal puns at people and no one noticed XD Also, her knocking Jace out was really dumb? I mean, he wouldn't have stopped her from saving Jonathan because, uh, that's saving her own neck, too. And if she'd portaled them both to the cell she could have disposed of him there way easier, locking him up – since apparently she didn't plan to kill him, and that nice straightjacket would have kept him from alerting the other Shadowhunters way longer than that pipe over the head. So, wholly unnecessary. I mean, in a way it's nice to know that Demonic Clary isn't smarter than Regular Clary.

Dude she's literally wielding a spear, how dumb are you.

Aaaaaand there goes my order to the nearest funeral wreath shop XD

Look I have questions (which, okay, I should have asked sooner but what even is continuity right). When that weird gratifying wing dream sequence started I thought it was Clary tapping into the rune connection and it was the real Jonathan communicating with her. When Jace entered the play field it was clear at least some part must be fake because Jace sure as heck wasn't unconscious / in trance at the time and later didn't give any indication that he participated in some creepy contest for Clary's affections. But now Jonathan is surprised by this, too? He, too, was a product of Clary's imagination? I have so many questions, first of all, why the wings? And the really cheap back-white-symbolism? Also, why did Clary feel so drawn to Jonathan if this was all in her own mind? Was it the influence of the Evil Rune? Does the Evil Rune have a user interface that's shaped to look like Jonathan? Does that mean Jonathan has a Clary-shaped interface??? I need answers.

Ugh. Let's make this long and painful, shall we.

OF COURSE IN THE ONE SCENE WHERE SHIT WILL GO DOWN THEY DON'T FAIL AT CASUAL INTIMACY THANK YOU FOR N O T H I N G

Let's not talk about the fact that the thought, Alec could mean anything but a break together from everything that's been going on, doesn't even cross Magnus's mind because no. Noooooo. I'd rather talk about how absolutey awesome both of their acting is. For Alec I really like the way he moves his eyes, like the gaze darting around alternating with the rigid stare. For Magnus, uh, everything, just like, his whole face is perfection?? Yeah, that works.

The way he interrupts because he just needs to get this over with as quickly as possible.

Dammit, he does this eyelid dip here, it's not a blink, it's just his eyelids twitching down for a second because this is like a slap in the face. And then he turns and takes a step away because his instinct is to run from this because what is this, this can't be

“Is this about last night? Because I'm going to quit drinking.”

Magnus “forever apologizing for being an 'inconvenience'” Bane, final installment.

Dammit, his face. And again with the deflecting, trivializing his feelings, anything to keep this conversation from going where he thinks it's going.

*EYE ROLL* Sorry but you don't get to play that card after being effin obtuse for 7 episodes, Alec. Nope. Nope.

Magnus, his usual walls rudely ripped away. He has no chance but to admit how shitty he's feeling. And if it wasn't for the circumstances I'd say “yay, finally some communication” but well.

“Fine. I'm in pain,” he says, and Alec turns away, breaking eye contact for a moment because the final confirmation is too much for him for a moment.

I love that Magnus doesn't deliver this line meekly. He's worked up, sure, but there's also a confidence when talking about their relationship. Breaking up is an unrealistic concept to him in that moment because it's so absurd. It's not fixing anything so why would it happen? Makes no sense. *insert weeping sounds*

Brutal and efficient. Very ic.

Damn how does even his blink convey so much vulnerability??? (Somewhere Lexa is nodding approvingly.) (Also why didn't I find gif sets of this :c)

“You said there's nothing I can do to make it better.”

There's an audible difference in his voice, because this part is true and he's not lying. The controlled monotone isn't there anymore. This is his real despair in the face of not being able to do anything to help Magnus.

“It's not your job to make it better.”

Again, if this was a constructive conversation it would be a great step in the right direction. But sadly it isn't, and so this is too little too late.

“Well, what am I supposed to do? Just stand by and watch you suffer for the rest of our lives?”

Alec is still speaking the truth, and this is his motivation to go through with it. Because a) he believes what Magnus said about never being happy again without his magic (sidenote, he didn't, in fact, say that, he said it might never pass (meaning being affected by the magic loss) and he's not happy at the moment, which isn't the same as he'll definitely surely never be happy again without his magic, but whatever) and b) he's sure he doesn't mean all that much to Magnus. He's his current love, but that's about it. Nothing special, not worth leaving such devastating traces in Magnus's life and he certainly doesn't mean as much to Magnus as Magnus means to him. And especially from that second part stems his gravely false assessment of the situation which in the course of consideration leads him to the conclusion that breaking Magnus's heart will hurt less in the long run than him not having his magic. There's also the fact that be probably didn't think about how him doing this to Magnus will confirm every last insecurity Magnus ever had about not being lovable, because I can't believe he would have gone through with this if he'd thought of that. Or at least, he would have been visibly more torn about it, maybe even talked out of it by Izzy, etc. But it's ic for Alec not to think like that, because in a way I guess he loves Magnus too much to really understand that Magnus has these doubts. And Magnus mostly playing his vulnerabilities close to his chest isn't working in his favor here either.

“This isn't you. You're not this selfish.”

This is what I mean. If Alec was less convinced that he's doing the right thing this line might have shaken him out of it. Honestly, I half hoped he'd object this, consequentally incriminate himself and Magnus would catch on that something was going on. But ofc that didn't happen.

The spark line, just. Ouch. Again, very clinical and minimalistc. The way Alec stares, his voice back to being monotone, the way he clenches his jaw. And then his work here is done and he's ready to leave.

It only gets worse from there. Magnus, frozen in disbelieve because this can't possibly be true, and then he starts begging and it breaks my heart every single time okay. To see him reduced to this desperation is just cruel.

I still can't help but note the way Alec readily turns around before Magnus has competely turned around himself. I think he was on the brink of giving in.

The way Magnus holds on to him, hands fluttering over his arms, shoulders, cheeks. The way Alec can't even look at him for the barest second, eyes closed, breath going heavy. Magnus's everything. Just kill me now.

And let's not talk about their kisses and Magnus's whispered words because no. There's nothing to say to that except perfection. Intense, top notch emotion portrayal on both parts.

Then Alec pulls away (how???? gotta admire commitment and an iron will when you see it but boy is it misplaced) and Magnus's hands tremble because this can't be happening, this can't possibly be real.

Note that Alec doesn't look him in the eyes once because he knows if he did, it'd all be over. Also note the look of utter betrayal on Magnus's face. It's not just hurt and heartbreak, it's betrayal because this is what this is. Alec promised him something, made him believe that he could trust in him, in them, and now he's going back on his word.

Well, this was fun, let's never do it again.

Look, I don't have the nerve for this anymore, so I'll keep it short and in no particular order: - Asmodeus is ass powerful and manages to distance-summon himself, yay, nice to know that the one time a shadowhunter doesn't act stupid and impulsive it still doesn't pay off. - Asmodeus killing pissed off warlock lady was both obvious and unnecessary. - His smile is creepy. - “My son needs me.” MY ASS - He still needs to support himself on the back of the chair because he's a weak bitch hahaha.

Conclusion: *sounds of despair*

I just watched the 3x19 promo and.... they're really gonna end Malec on a train wreck this season, aren't they?? Oh God. They hoped they'd have a forth season to work through it and that's why they served themselves with issues and second helpings of extra issues, and since s4 isn't a thing we're gonna get an unsatisfying as hell 2x20-style resolution in the finale. God please say I'm wrong but like. Arrgghhhh.

(Also, credit where credit is due: “Before we get started, does anyone wanna get out?” is the line from Captain America in TWS before the elevator fight.)

#shadowhunters #3x18 #alec lightwood #jace wayland #magnus bane #clary fray #jonathan morgenstern #isabelle lightwood #simon lewis #becky lewis #the seelie queen #meliorn #kyle #maia roberts #luke garroway #asmodeus #pissed warlock lady #malec #reaction

31 notes · View notes

magnuslightwoodbane · 5 years

Text

hidden gems

read on ao3

follow up to

warning for violence

The Clave had, unsurprisingly, been incredibly unhelpful in something they deemed as a “solely warlock” problem. Alec being there at the time was apparently his own fault. He thinks that the representative he’d spoken to was still disgusted by Alec’s decision to “taint” the Lightwood name by joining it with a Downworlders’, with Magnus Bane’s, rather than actually believing that it wasn’t something they could poke their noses into like always.

That’s okay, though. Alec knows loopholes like old friends, and this means that so long as Magnus leads the investigation, they have a lot more leeway as to process AND punishment.

(He thinks of themselves as they far more often than not now; he and Magnus are a team, and if you wrong one you wrong the other no matter how slight the injustice.)

It wasn’t easy tracking down the person behind the warlock trap, but it wasn’t all that difficult either. It took them about a week to gather enough concrete evidence to implicate Roland Wantor, a young but promising warlock who had the misfortune to own a personality that kept grudges; grudges over things like being a downright asshole towards him when he worked as a barista in the 70’s (Lorenzo) to rebuffing his advances (Magnus).

“I was with you at the time,” Magnus grumbled. “And I was perfectly polite about it!”

Magnus and Alec had decided the best course of action was for the two of them to approach alone, with backup a portal away; far better to go in and arrest Roland peacefully than to storm the place with armoured Shadowhunter soldiers, after all. Alec doesn’t mourn the version of himself that would have thought differently.

Magnus goes to knock on the door to the house they’d tracked his last location to, but it creaks open under the first rap of his knuckles and he glances back at Alec, frowning. Alec doesn’t draw his bow, but he does rest his hand on the hilt nestled in the holster strapped to his thigh as they both silently agree to move forward. The large house looked ordinary from the outside, grass perhaps a little unkempt for this particular Hamptons neighbourhood, but everything inside is covered in a thick layer of dust. Unopened envelopes and flyers for long-past fairs and fetes litter the wooden corridor, and everything that Alec can see is painted in a murky blue-grey, the light struggling to make it through all the closed blinds.

They stop, make eye contact, reassess. Alec draws his bow and takes the lead.

They move silently towards the open door at the end of the hall. All the others they pass are locked, and while simple locks are no match for runes or magic, it would be a waste of their time. Alec takes the first step into the open living space, eyes trained to his left, while Magnus follows close behind and sweeps the right side of the room.

There is eerie silence. Then-

“Come to seek revenge, Mr Bane?”

The voice rings out around the room; its source is everywhere, nowhere.

“Come to seek justice, Roland, and perhaps more importantly answers.”

The voice scoffs. “If it’s answers you want, well. I don’t mind divulging them to dead men. I wish to be feared, revered, and if I need to stake my reputation on making sure everyone who wrongs me meets a violent end, then so be it. Have you brought this random Nephilim again just to pretend that you didn’t just reject me outright? As if you would even look twice at one of their kind.”

Magnus’s eyes narrowed, offended at the very notion that anyone could disregard Alec’s importance like that, and Alec smirks. This warlock really doesn’t know the type of fire he’s playing with.

“This random Nephilim just so happens to be one that I not only looked at twice but also then married, Roland. Why don’t you come down here and address us face to face, hm? And we can settle this in a civil manner?”

“Are you accusing me of incivility?!” the voice snarled back, louder now. I mean, attempted murder probably qualifies, Alec thinks, before his senses begin to prickle, hairs on his arms raising in a manner that he was intimately familiar with.

“Magnus, dem-“

A burst of magic cut him off mid-sentence, slamming him against the nearest wall hard. Pain shoots through his arm as he lands awkwardly, dropping his bow as he feels his wrist snap and crying out through gritted teeth. It’s nothing an iratze can’t fix, but Alec cannot move. He tries, but none of his limbs make any sort of headway against the invisible force pinning him there.

“Perhaps if I keep him there, you’ll be far more inclined to be nice to me,” the voice says, closer this time. Alec looks over at its new source; a pale, lanky man stood where no one had a moment before, clad in a tweed jacket, his legs those of a goat and his brown-grey hair slicked back. His eyes were sharp and cold over the frames of his small round sunglasses (completely ineffective, thought Alec). The words hit him then, and he can’t help the laugh that escapes him.

“Is something funny, Nephilim?” he spat.

Alec laughs again. “Oh man. You have no idea who you’re fucking with, do you?” The warlock frowns, as roughly insectoid demons shimmer from the air around the room, and despite his decades of training, Alec is near indifferent. He trusts Magnus, knows his capabilities, knows that Roland Wantor is about to get the rudest wake-up call of his life. “I’m all good here babe, take your time, have some fun,” he calls out cheerfully. Magnus nods in acknowledgment, closes his eyes in contentment.

When he opens them again, they are his own. The stillness of the air is suffocating.

The battle begins in a second and Alec attempts to drink it all in, despite tears of pain clouding his vision. As Magnus conjures wards for Alec, Roland surrounds himself in his own sickly green shield, attempting to leave Magnus to the mercy of the demons he’d summoned. One of them pounces from the back of the room straight at Magnus, only to be impaled on a spike of clear ice, splintering the floor and reaching towards the high ceiling. Alec smiles.

Magnus is a master of control, a brilliant dancer, and here in his battle element he is no different as he ducks and weaves and gestures a path of destruction. He cuts one demon in half using a portal closed opportunistically, causing its severed head to fall at a stricken Roland’s feet. Alec can’t help noticing Magnus’s shirt sleeves straining as he moves, the blood spattered across his brow from when one tried to get too close. If this is how Magnus felt when he saw Alec do this last week, he completely understands his husband’s recent desire for rougher sex.

The sight of demons felled in battle is poetry to Alec; there is a beauty in it he can’t describe. Even though he wishes he were the one partaking, admiring Magnus fulfilling the duty he was raised for feels a little like salvation. He watches as Magnus corrals four demons into pairs without them realising; one pair he lifts and surrounds in a sphere of moving water, the other he begins the same but encases them in a metal orb. He spins as they hover in the air, throwing out a stream of daggers of pure light with a mere wave of his arm at one who dared skitter into view, hitting his mark with every one. He smirks at Roland, before his outstretched palms call forth elemental destruction. Lightning strikes the sphere of water, causing the unfortunate beasts to explode inside their exoskeletons, viscera flowing now with the water. Fire envelops the metal orb and burns with intensity, and Alec can hear the shrieks as that pair are cooked alive.

There are still three more left. Roland looks terrified. Magnus doesn’t seem to care.

One brave one leaps, and Magnus pirouettes, catching it out of the air by its back and slamming it into the floor, crushed immediately as Magnus stamps, shards of bone and blood flying out in a perfect circle around it. He kicks its body into its comrades, knocking it back from its advance where it meets a wall of force that hadn’t been there a second ago and disintegrates where it passes through.

There is one left, and this one has learnt. It cowers, snarls and hisses, facing Magnus all the while as he walks backwards through the carnage towards Alec.

“Hey,” Alec says.

“Hey yourself,” Magnus replies, pressing a kiss to his cheek. Alec feels his wrist reset, though truth be told, he’d barely noticed the pain, transfixed as he was. “Mind if I borrow this, darling?”

Magnus’s hand is on his seraph blade and Alec grins in anticipation, staring Roland down. “Go ahead, my love.” Alec enjoys the whimper he hears from Roland as Magnus pulls the blade free, bathing the room in bright crimson light. He strides forward. The demon charges, leaps. Magnus moves faster, grace guiding him, and slices the airborne demon. It hits the ground with three sickening thuds.

Roland’s shield is down now, and he’s backing up towards the door, fear in his eyes as Magnus turns towards him and cocks his head. “You hurt my husband,” he says, voice cold, every inch the prince of hell Alec knew he was by nature, and by nurture could never become. He advances.

Roland is pleading, but Alec doesn’t care to listen. He watches instead as Magnus’s magic snakes out, forcing him into a rigid pose, limbs extended, and begins to raise him up into the air. Even looking up at him, Magnus has all of the power.

Magnus looks utterly vengeful in this light.

“Did you know,” he hisses almost gleefully through his teeth, “that carbon makes up by mass around 18% of a human body? Most of the rest is gas, minus, oh, around 4% of other trace elements?”

Roland squeaked, held aloft and unable to move.

“Did you also know that magic can serve as an effective replacement for the high temperatures and pressure needed for graphene to become diamond? Or, perhaps,” Magnus’s voice dropped dangerously low, “that I am the only warlock on this Earth capable of completely rearranging atoms without consequence? I don’t do it often, but I think I can make an exception.”

Roland begins to scream. Alec sees his legs begin to disintegrate from the bottom up, cloven feet the first victim. Dust falls, which Alec knows must be the trace amounts of solid elements in a human body, and as it creeps higher tiny crystals join the pile, catching the light. The screams sound almost animal.

It’s not until Magnus reaches his knees that the binds holding Alec finally falter, and he drops free to the floor. While there is some small part of him that calls for blood that finds this satisfying, he knows that it’s not the kind of justice he came for. He also knows that Magnus not caught up in the frenzy of battle will regret this; he is harsh and unforgiving to those who do not deserve mercy and yet Magnus’s default state is a drive to do what is right, no matter its difficulty.

Alec kicks carcasses out of his way as he walks swiftly to Magnus’s side, resting his hands on either bicep and gently pushing his arms down.

“Magnus, it’s okay. I’m here. You can stop now.”

There is resistance at first, but as Alec murmurs into his ear and presses his lips to his skin, the onslaught stops.

“You healed me Magnus, saved me. This is not the justice your people deserve, the punishment he should face.”

Magnus only exhales. Roland lowers gently to the ground, open wounds sealed shut, unconscious. Alec kisses the side of Magnus’s forehead.

He knows full well what his husband is capable of, the cruelty he has been forced to wield in order to survive, in order to please his father, knows that this trauma and state of being is as ingrained in him as his love for Alec. He knows this part of Magnus, but he also knows that this is not all that Magnus is, that Magnus is kinder than he is severe, more predisposed to generosity than retribution. He knows this, and knows that he is not going anywhere, and he thinks as his love sags into him that Magnus knows that now as well.

#malec #fic #magnus bane #alec lightwood #shadowhunters #mine #my writing #once again folks #this is violent

34 notes · View notes

thelightofthebane · 5 years

Text

To be or not to be cursed

Summary: “You broke up with me, but in the end, you are going to come back to me. Because I’m the only one who can love you, darling.”

He wanted to throw up. Even a pure word like love sounded painful coming from Camille. He felt so dizzy, he barely noticed when she finally left him alone.

Always alone.

Pairing: Magnus Bane/Alexander Lightwood

Tags: Alternate Universe, Human AU, Alternate Universe - High School, Prom, past toxic relationship, Alec doesn't give a shit about Camille, Alec is a tactician, Izzy and Jace are the best siblings, Emotionally Hurt Magnus Bane, Angst with a Happy Ending

I hope you like this and it makes you smile, @magnuslightwoodalecbane

You can also read here: ao3

_______________________________________

Magnus was proud of himself. The gym was so beautifully arranged, it certainly would be the most amazing prom NY Institute High has ever had. Being in the Student Council had its perks, one of them claiming beforehand the leadership of the Party Organization Committee. Alongside Maia, Lily, Clary, Simon, and Meliorn, they arranged the entire gym with all the beautiful flowers, colorful lights, pictures, masks. The playlist was carefully created and the food and drinks picked with the utmost delight.

The entire school only talked about the prom and everyone was excited. Teenagers rushed every day to invite partners with the hopes of getting the best date. This was something Magnus was pretty looking forward to. He was popular, had the good graces of most of the students and professors. Even other school’s staff members adored Magnus Bane.

However, until the prom eve, nobody asked him to be their date.

To say he was disappointed was an understatement.

Two days before, he even dared to take matters into his hands and bolded asked a boy from another class. He was rejected.

Then, he tried a girl from another year and got the same answer. Sometimes, when he turned and just looked at someone, they would run away.

He felt cursed.

“Why, darling? Having problems to get a date?” A feminine voice called and he trembled, feeling something terrible crawl under his skin. Camille.

“What do you want?” He growled, forcing himself to look at her. The same vicious lip-tint smile, predator eyes and six-inch heels that only existed to step onto someone.

She smiled dangerously and approached her ex-boyfriend, resting a well-manicured hand on his face. Magnus slapped it, backing slightly to keep a safe distance.

“Poor little thing,” her smirk only grew, unbashful, toxic. “I told you once. Nobody would ever date you. Bang you? Perhaps, you are a good sex toy. But date you? You are too much for anyone, Magnus Bane.”

Magnus clenched his jaw, using each drop of self-restraint to not show how her words still hurt him. He was almost sure he wasn’t doing a good job.

“You broke up with me, but in the end, you are going to come back to me. Because I’m the only one who can love you, darling.”

He wanted to throw up. Even a pure word like love sounded painful coming from Camille. He felt so dizzy, he barely noticed when she finally left him alone.

Always alone.

~*~

Soon, he found out the problem thanks to his best friends, Catarina and Ragnor. Camille threated the entire school – whoever tried to go to the prom with Magnus would know hell. Being one of the most popular of the school and coming from a very rich and influential family, nobody dared to go against her. There was a rumor that one freshman even went to the hospital after a mysterious food poison.

Sighing hopelessly, Magnus accepted that he would have to go alone to his last high school party.

Or not.

On the day of said party, before going home to take a bath and prepare himself, he went to the Student Council classroom to put back some props, when something caught his eyes. On the desk he usually used during meetings, there were a small jasmine flower and a card.

- Wanna be my date? Wait for me at 8PM?

A. L. -

Magnus’ hands trembled so much, the card fell. His head automatically snapped towards the main desk in the room. The desk of the tall, dark and handsome Council’s president. Alexander Lightwood.

For a long time, Magnus had a big crush on him, even attempted some flirtation, but he always thought it was unilateral. Moreover, he was sure Alec didn’t like parties, and a few days ago overheard him telling his brother Jace he wasn’t interested in the prom. Then… Why?

Maybe it was a prank? But… that calligraphy… it was Alexander’s.

He breathed deeply. Well, just one way to know.

~*~

At 8pm, his doorbell ringed. Slightly apprehensive, Magnus – who was already ready with a burgundy tuxedo, hair stylized with gold strikes and the most gorgeous combination of eyeliner and gold eye shadow – opened the front door.

For his surprise, and blissfully happiness, it was indeed Alexander. He was wearing a dark suit with a navy blue bowtie and was carrying a jasmine bouquet.

“Wow,” his jaw dropped a little bit as soon as he scanned Magnus from head to toe, and Magnus giggled, happier than before. “Er… I… You… This… You… For…” He babbled, confused, not knowing if he looked at Magnus or extended the bouquet for him.

Magnus decided to save the poor boy and took the bouquet. “Thank you, darling. They are beautiful, just like you.” He winked to Alec, not missing the shy smile with a glinting of something more in those mesmerizing hazel eyes.

“Yeah, hm. Let’s go, then?” Alec waved towards his car and Magnus nodded, feeling his heart becoming fuller by the minute.

~*~

“So, didn’t you hear about Camille’s threat or Alexander Lightwood is a man of dangerous adventures?” Magnus broke the comforting silence inside the car while Alec drove to their school.

“Eh… I heard about it, and I don’t really care about her. I have more important things to worry about than her pettiness.”

“Like what?”

“Your happiness,” Alec said without wasting any second, as if the answer was too obvious, an unbreakable truth.

Magnus Bane wasn’t one to blush, but he definitely felt his cheeks hotter than usual. His heart thumped so loud inside his chest, he almost asked Alec to turn on the radio to avoid being heard, if that was possible.

“I thought you didn’t like parties and wasn’t going to this one.”

“Yeah, I mean. My siblings would have dragged me anyway. I wanted to invite you as my date, but I figured out you would have a long queue of suitors waiting to go with you, and then I wouldn’t have the slightest chance. When I heard nobody had asked you, I thought it was some kind of lucky or someone above telling me I could have a chance after all. I took the opportunity and here we are.” Alec smiled so widely now, Magnus felt his heart would certainly break his ribs.

“Also,” he continued, unwavering. “Camille can’t hurt me. We just have a couple of months before finishing high school, and then everyone will go their separate ways. If I get lucky, I will be on the other side of the United States and she won’t get near me.”

“Oh, what university did you choose?”

~*~

When they arrived at NY Institute High, they were already immersed in a pleasuring conversation. Even if they’ve already known each other a bit thanks to the weekly Student Council meetings, they never had the chance to talk alone and to get to know the other better. They find out they shared a lot of common likings, even if their lifestyles were so different. They had a similar sense of humor and wits, and the best part: they applied to the same university.

Everything seemed perfect and both were smiling and laughing at the time they entered the gym, where the music was already playing and people were chatting and dancing.

Until a bucket with water and a lot of ice fell from above directly onto Alec. The music paused and a heavy silence filled the space.

Alec shivered from the cold and even coughed a bit. Magnus panicked, not knowing what to do first, but soon got himself together and took his handkerchief to at least dry Alec’s face.

“Well, well, well. What a pleasure. It seems we got your type, Magnus. A wet boy ready to be touched by you.” Camille teased, approaching them with a sly smile. Magnus glared at her but said nothing.

“You really are despicable,” Alec said instead, then turned to Magnus. “I’ll be back.”

And he was gone.

~*~

After the little show Camille presented, everyone resumed their own things. The music started again and the chats got louder. Magnus drank four entire glasses of fruit punch – which he was slightly sure someone had already dropped alcohol there – and sighed, upset. That was it. Alexander wasn’t going to come back and he lost him for good.

Damn Camille and her nightmarish existence.

He was really cursed.

“Hey.” A gentle voice called him, but the surprise almost made him drop his now empty glass. It was Alexander. He came back. “Sorry for taking so long. I had a problem with one of the buttons.” He frowned, wrinkling his nose. He was wearing a dark green button-up shirt and dark jeans, his hair a little bit damped. Still gorgeous. Very, very gorgeous.

“No, that’s… That’s okay.” I’m just happy you didn’t leave. Magnus thought, biting his lower lip. “But how…” He waved towards the new clothes, and Alec playfully grinned.

“Earlier, I brought this and put inside my locket. When I heard about Camille’s threat, my siblings and I sat for a whole hour discussing what she could probably do against me. Izzy suggested something with water and prompted me to leave here some spare clothes, just to be sure. That was the only suit I had, but if you’re okay having me like this, I’m okay too.”

“I’m more than okay.” Magnus grinned too, almost not believing in the existence of such a man. He prepared backup plans for Camille’s attack. What he did to deserve such a wonderful date?

“Right, c’mon then.” He offered his hand to Magnus and then guided him to the dance floor.

~*~

Camille tried some things to blow up Magnus and Alec’s night. Some of the things included hurting them physically and even trying to humiliate Alec, outing his sexuality for the entire school. Not that it was a secret, but he never went out there saying ‘Hello, I’m Alec and I’m gay.’ Only his friends knew it, and now all the school knew it. Each attempt against Alec made Magnus angrier at Camille and extremely worried that Alec would snap and think Magnus wasn’t worth all of that. After all, he was too much, right?

However, each time Alec would reassure him it was alright and he wasn’t going anywhere.

When the king and the queen of the night were announced, and to nobody’s surprise Camille being the queen, Magnus tried to pull Alec to outside so they wouldn’t have to watch that horror show. Alec, however, stopped Magnus and signaled for them to stay and watch the coronation.

As soon as the crown was put on Camille’s head, an almost imperceptible powder fell on her and she started to scratch all over her body. All the students started to laugh while she screamed and cursed everyone.

“You know… Izzy is still in the first year, but she wants to go to Med school and become a pathologist. One of her favorite hobbies is messing with some substances. Have I told you how she has a big pot of itching powder? I miiiight have entertained her the idea of using a little bit tonight.” Alec pretended to see something very interesting on the ceiling, trying not to laugh. “She even said that I am the best big brother in the world for letting her. Jace was really pissed.”

At that, Magnus laughed.

~*~

The prom wasn’t perfect as Magnus had expected with so many disastrous things happening, but somehow it was everything he needed. People had fun, so that’s that. Camille didn’t bother them for the rest of the night, but being part of the Party Organization Committee, he still had some responsibilities to supervise.

In the end, when everyone went home, the music stopped and the lights were all on, dissipating the prom’s magic, he still lingered a little bit behind to make sure there weren’t any major problems. The next day he would have to deal with the cleaning, but this was another issue and he didn’t want to think about that now. Not when his date was still there with him, checking something on his phone while waiting for Magnus.

“Everything is in order, Mr. President. We can go home now.” Magnus smiled sweetly, approaching Alec. He was gifted with another beaming smile from him, and for a moment Magnus thought his knees would finally give out.

“Actually, there is still one last thing we should do.”

“Oh? What is it?”

Alec didn’t waste time and after grabbing Magnus’ hand, pulled him towards the gym’s center.

“Would you give me the pleasure of one last dance, Mr. Bane?”

There wasn’t any music anymore, but they didn’t need one.

“Of course, Mr. President.” Magnus didn’t think twice and both engaged in a slow and sweet dance, the closest from each other as their bodies would let them.

Magnus didn’t know if it was possible to get happier. And maybe, maybe, fall a bit more in love with his tall and gorgeous date.

He also didn’t know how much time passed, but one minute their bodies were pressed, and in another, their lips were pressed.

They kissed tenderly.

Wistfully.

Hotly.

Desperately.

Magnus thought that yes, it was possible to fall more in love.

And that he wasn’t cursed after all.

#shadowhunters #alexander lightwood #magnus bane #malec #human AU #my writing #a gift for magnuslightwoodalecbane #To be or not to be cursed

17 notes · View notes

jordancat · 5 years

Text

'Shadowhunters' Series Finale: Bosses Explain Clary's Cliffhanger and Malec's Near Perfect Wedding (Exclusive)

By Leanne Aguilera‍ 7:30 PM PDT, May 6, 2019

ETOnline

https://www.etonline.com/shadowhunters-series-finale-bosses-explain-clarys-cliffhanger-and-malecs-near-perfect-wedding

Go to the article and give it a hit, but in case the article is moved or has been taken down if you are finding this post in a year or so after Shadowhunters has been saved, here is the content.

WARNING: If you have not watched the series finale of Shadowhunters, then grab your stele and escape through the nearest portal. For everyone else, grab that extra box of tissues and listen up...

After three action-packed seasons filled with gut-wrenching twists and heart-pounding turns, Shadowhunters has come to an end.

The series finale of the Freeform drama has just bowed on our screens, but if you're anything like us, then a lot of questions must be racing through your minds as you try to catch your breath through a river of tears.

In one last quest for answers – and perhaps a bit of closure – ET called up Shadowhunters executive producers, Todd Slavkin and Darren Swimmer, and asked the co-showrunners to explain our most burning questions after that two and a half hour finale.

Read on for exclusive explanations about Clary's shocking cliffhanger, the few things missing from Malec's near "perfect" wedding, and one last answer to the question that every fan has been asking: Is this really the end of Shadowhunters?

ETonline: How important was it for you deliver a Shadowhunters series finale that you knew fans would be proud of?

Todd Slavkin: It was hugely important. We poured our hearts into this finale and we wanted every moment to count – especially Malec’s wedding. That was a big moment for a fandom that had been waiting a long time to see it and it had to be really, really special.

Let’s talk about Malec’s wedding – it was gorgeous. What little details did you make sure were included in the Malec wedding, so it could be perfect for the fans?

TS: The flower girl was really important in that it had to be Madzie. Maryse walking Magnus down the aisle was a really powerful statement after all they’ve been through and knowing what the wedding was like in season one. It felt important that it was full circle and that hug between them still breaks my heart when she sends him up on the stage. The vows needed to be perfect – every single word needed to count. There was a little fun behind-the-scenes moment where it felt right that Alec would be very nervous – more nervous than Magnus. After all, this is The Institute, this is The Clave and there’s a great moment where he’s nervous and Harry just gives him a little nod like, “Its okay. You’re going to get through it.” And it felt so right and so honest and like a lot of weddings that I’ve been to. Just capturing those human moments – the whole show has really been about that. Even in this heightened reality, these human emotions and moments really mean a lot to all of us.

Darren Swimmer: We wanted to populate the wedding with as many of the characters in the overall series as we could. So anybody who wasn't at the wedding, you can be pretty sure was not available due to scheduling, or they were deceased on the show, or a villain.

Speaking of deceased villains – Let’s talk about Jonathan. How did you guys decide that Clary would create one last rune in order to take down her brother?

TS: Well, it felt so right that the ultimate sacrifice that Clary had to do would be killing her brother and saving the world at the same time. We knew that he couldn't die by anyone else’s hand. And we knew that it would be incredibly heartbreaking that his sister – this human that he’s loved so much and he’s wanted her love for so long – is the one who finally wanted to take his life. The idea of creating this new rune and using this winged embrace to kill him just felt like such a perfect moment. Rhyming the wings that we had seen before and with white conquering darkness and all of that.

Even though Clary used this new rune to save the world and take down Jonathan, Ithuriel (sic - it was asctually Raziel - jordancat) still stripped her of her Shadowhunter status. We had a one-year time-jump and a cliffhanger ending with mundane Clary recognizing Jace and seeing his runes. Can you explain the meaning of that last scene?

TS: The expression of the love between Jace and Clary is such an integral part of the series and we knew we had to pay it off in a huge way. The idea that the love that they have is even more powerful than the wrath of the angel Ithuriel (sic Raziel - jordancat) is just such a great statement. Love conquers all. Love conquers darkness.

DS: I would also add that we see the inevitability of Clary as a Shadowhunter. At the end of the day, her fate is that she’ll be a Shadowhunter. We don’t completely answer that question or present that, but I think that’s what the takeaway is. She’ll be a Shadowhunter.

Take me past that cliffhanger of an ending. What do you envision what happens next? Does Clary need to re-learn her training? Does she need to re-form those bonds with all these people? Does she need to re-fall in love with Jace?

DS: I don’t want to give too much away because we want to make it something that the fans can think about in their imagination. But in the fourth season that we were hoping might somehow materialize itself when we wrote this, we would see Clary and Jace working together to sort of re-train her and get her to back to Shadowhunters status 100 percent.

TS: We’d have this new Clary with the cool hair, and the awesome outfit, and she’s kind of like a strong young woman who’s found herself as an artist, but knows there’s something missing in her life. Even just like in the pilot, there was this feeling that would just start all over, but they would be more adult now.

In this potential future for “new” Clary, is there a possibility that she would get her memories back?

TS: Yes. In the Shadow World anything can happen.

It was so amazing to see Clary ask Izzy to be her Parabatai. It made it even more gut-wrenching to realize that this wasn’t going to happen once Clary lost her memory. Can you talk about dangling that conversation over the fans and then your decision to have that not come to fruition?

DS: The two of them becoming Parabatai was something that we always imagined we would work towards, but it was something that we also thought needed to be extended and pushed as late as we possibly could. So when we knew that we only had two episodes left, we wanted to take advantage of that and present it here.

TS: But the great thing is when Clary recognized Jace at the end, you’re like, “Wow! Okay I could see that happening again for sure.” That [bond] is not going to go away.

Izzy and Simon’s slow-burn of relationship was sped up quite a bit in that series finale. What was your goal when it came to showing the love story of these two characters?

DS: We have to thank the Sizzy fans for being so patient while we laid the groundwork over this season for their relationship. We always felt that the longer we pushed it off, the more powerful it would be once they got together – and then suddenly we ran out of runway. I still think there was enough of the lead in, and the start of their relationship happens basically when we wanted it to happen. We just didn’t get to see as much as we wanted.

TS: The original end of season three was their kiss and then fire consumes Izzy. That was going to be the end of season three and then we would've spent the entire season four having to heal lizzy and there would still be more of a slow burn. So in a weird way, Sizzy fans got it early. They lucked out because we had to jump the gun.

DS: Yeah, how many times can you have the two of them start to kiss and then have an alarm go off? [Laughs]

What is a loose end that you guys wish you could’ve tied up differently?

TS: That’s a really good question. I feel like the loose ends were tied up really nicely. There’s a little bit of stuff that we would’ve wanted to see and we would’ve wanted to explore more.

DS: We tied things together, but we would've wanted to tie them together in a little bit longer way. The wedding wouldn’t have been planned in one day.

TS: But you know after thinking about it, I would've loved at the wedding if we would've seen a conversation between Jace and Magnus being like, “Thank you. I couldn't have asked for any one better to take care of my Parabatai.” And I would’ve loved to have seen Robert Lightwood say to Maryse, “I’m so happy for you that you’ve found love again.” And I wish Luke Garroway was at that wedding and I wish Maia was at that wedding. There are those little things. That wedding could’ve been an entire episode. It could have been a full 42 minutes and I think the fans would've loved it just as much and we could have had all of these moments that would have just gone on and on and on. We just were limited.

Was Clary losing her memory always part of the plan or was that conceptualized once you knew that the show was ending?

TS: It was conceptualized once we knew the show was ending.

Had the show not ended – and Clary never lost her memories – what would’ve been Clary’s fate as we moved into season four?

TS: Great question! I think she would have really been healing over the guilt she felt over Dark Clary and the terrible things she did and would’ve been cleaning up that mess. And Jace would have been helping her, like, get back to normal. I think Jace and Clary could’ve had this normalized relationship – at least for Shadowhunters. A peak in the normalcy and I think the fandom would have craved that a little. Those moments that we’ve had when they’ve gone out on their dates – like the ice skating moment and the moment in early in season three when they went to dinner with Simon. These are these great human moments that stand out and again I think we would've leaned into that more.

Would we have seen a Clace wedding?

DS: Absolutely.

The series finale of Shadowhunters is here, but the fans have not stopped fighting to save the show. Is this the official end of Shadowhunters?

TS: I think it’s the end of Shadowhunters in this permutation. Those books live on and the rights live on. Darren and I don’t have the rights and we don't control the rights. I think we’re all kind of going onto other things, but having said that – you never say never. What I wouldn't rule out and what I don't think is impossible is doing, like, a future movie. Where you could get everyone together for a few weeks and do like a two-hour, or a four-hour, or a limited six-episode thing. Maybe with the same cast, but you never know. Weird thing happen in today’s TV world.

DS: The only reason that it seems like it would be a long shot to [continue this show] in this permutation is that everything has been disassembled. The sets have been sold, and all the props, and that stuff [is gone.] It’s not like we could ever come back and just continue it where it is. It would be starting from scratch.

TS: Yeah they auctioned off props, like, in August or September. It was crazy and horrible.

The fans have been asking, “What more could we have done to save Shadowhunters?” What do you want to say to them?

DS: The fans did everything right.

TS: It’s an incredibly passionate, creative, strong fandom that should be so proud of themselves because this won't be forgotten and it’s bigger than a TV show. What this fandom is preaching is inclusion, and love for all, and all these positive things in life and I think that’s a rarity. I think that will go down in history.

DS: And I was just going to add that without this incredible fan base, we might not have had a two-parter [finale] at all. The show might have just been canceled. But knowing that there was such a devoted fanbase, the powers-that-be decided to do this two-hour finale.

#shadowhunters #saveshadowhunters #todd slavkin #darren swimmer #malec #clace #sizzy

15 notes · View notes

sian265 · 5 years

Text

Legio autem Arcarius

Legion of Archer

Chapter Six

Alec stared up at the imposing New York Institute and felt nothing. No, maybe he felt a touch of curiosity. Curious about what his family did here, how his sister and mom led the Shadowhunters here. The dread and unease he had expected to feel simply wasn’t there. This hadn’t been his home since he was 10, and looking at it now, Alec did not have any regrets about that. If his heart hurt a little, it was due to the missed opportunities that being a member of Legion deprived him… missing the chance to know one’s family-, and missed friendships, which never really got the chance to development. Alec paused his internal musings, Jace. He had thought the younger boy would be great friend, perhaps even Parabatai material someday. Joining the Legion had put a stop to that.

Magnus stood patiently at Alec’s side and the rest of his archers surrounded them, that they included Alec in this bubble of protection was something to address later. For now, the Head of the Institute waited, his mother, Maryse Lightwood. Alec moved up the steps, Magnus next to him, but before he could grasp the door handle, it opened. He expected some unknown Shadowhunter to be waiting to greet them, certainly not the Head herself. His mom stood there, and the changes were shocking to Alec. Gone was the tightly pulled back hair and harsh somber clothes. In their place, stood a woman visibly more open, hair loose around her face, softening it, attire in a fashionable pencil skirt and soft cowl sweater. The change was startling.

Alec had of course known that his parents divorced, that his mom retained leadership of the Institute, and his Dad was about to leave for new assignment in L.A. What he hadn’t been privy to were the details of the split, though seeing his father in the company of another woman had given him some ideas. The Lightwoods had ducked their heads and kept somewhat out of the spotlight since Valentine’s return and defeat. Alec did not know what if any punishment they received being former Circle Members.

His Mother looked happy to see him, Alec thought. In fact, she looked a little teary-eyed as she looked him over. Finally, she stepped to the side and invited them into the Institute. “Magnus, Alec, please come in.” As Alec moved past her, she reached out a hesitant hand and touched him briefly on the arm. When he looked down into her eyes, she smiled softly. “It’s so good to see you, Alec.” Maryse whispered for his ears alone. He didn’t know what to say to this newer version so he just nodded and moved on past her.

As they stepped into the tiled entrance of the institute, Alec could see straight into the control center. All activity appeared to be stopped and many faces turned to watch his group enter. If you were not a resident or frequent visitor to Idris, then the Legion were something shrouded in mystery. Most Shadowhunters rarely saw them, unless they had failed in some mission and the Legion stepped in. Therefore, Alec and his archers expected some hostility when they came on the scene. They were sent out when normal Shadowhunters couldn’t stop the threat. Having the Consul decide you and your Institute weren’t enough did not win them favor, but it did get them fear. Alec trained his archers not only in their weapons but also diplomacy, they were never to leave a mission and burn bridges. He hoped under his command his Legion earned a bit more respect. Unlike previous leadership, he did not come in and take over, but instead focused on working with the locals. It didn’t always work, but more often than not, Alec’s archers left with more admiration than when they arrived.

Alec followed Magnus and his mother as they moved through the Ops center. He heard bits and pieces of their conversation, enough to know that his mom was being pleasant, if not a little hesitant in her attempts at small talk with Magnus. He did not know their history-, but Magnus seemed receptive to her polite overtures. All other conversation had stopped once the Legion stepped inside-, and as they moved through, the Shadowhunters gathered, some curious-, and some unfriendly eyes, followed them. Maryse led their group into her office, but before he stepped inside; Alec gave his archers their orders. All but Underhill spread out to guard the door, only Andrew followed Alec. Maryse invited them to sit and brought over a tray that had cups and a carafe of coffee. It seemed Alec shared his love of that beverage with his mother.

Taking a seat across from them, Maryse poured them each a cup before looking at them gravely. “Before we begin going over the investigation I have some disturbing news. There has been another murder, another Seelie. I also got a fire message a short time ago from the Queen and she is demanding a meeting with the Legion and you Magnus.”

Magnus swore softly under his breath and Alec felt him tense where they sat next to each other on Maryse’s small sofa. “Okay, I will deal with the Queen’s demands, is the body here?” Magnus asked.

Alec reached over and patted Magnus on the leg. “No I will deal with the Queen; she will not be as demanding or resort to any trickery with me. She and I have had run-ins before and she has dealt with the Legion in the past.”

Maryse shot Alec a quick glance before answering Magnus. “Yes, Isabelle is in the lab now performing the autopsy.” She said nothing about Alec’s orders or the intimate pat on the leg Alec gave Magnus.

Before they could go much further, there was a commotion outside Maryse’s office door. Underhill went to the door and opening it, stepped out briefly before returning and addressing Alec, not Maryse. “Commander, Jace Herondale is demanding entry.” At Alec’s answering nod, Andrew stepped to the side let the furious Shadowhunter inside.

Jace ignored Alec and Magnus, addressing Maryse in a tone that Alec definitely did not care for. “Why wasn’t I told about a meeting?” Jace asked.

Alec had to hand it to his Mother. She just raised a brow at Jace and almost coldly responded. “Because this meeting has nothing to do with you, that’s why.”

“I’m head of security.” Jace snarled and waved a hand at the Legion in the room. “And we have them and a Warlock roaming around the institute. I should have been informed!”

The complete lack of respect and almost hostile tone of Jace’s words set Alec’s hackles up. If he had ever spoken that way to the Consul, Alec would have found himself in the Guard. He stood before Maryse could respond. His back ramrod straight and hands clasped firmly behind his back, Alec’s face and voice were abrupt and ice cold. “As you should be aware, the Legion is authorized by the Consul to enter any Institute in the world. Additionally, this investigation is now under the jurisdiction of the Legion and therefore if I require your services, I will let you know. Until that time comes, you are dismissed.” Alec nodded to Underhill who came to stand next Jace.

The room was deadly silent, and Jace’s face wore a shocked and hurt expression before he turned and stormed out of the room. Andrew closed the door behind him and stood guarding it against any more interruptions. Alec calmly retook his seat and nodded for Maryse to continue. For her part, Maryse appeared to be in shock, she cleared her throat before speaking. “Hum- Like I was saying, Isabelle is down in the lab with the body if you would like to meet with her now?”

Alec looked at Magnus who had been silent during the whole Jace drama, something for which Alec was thankful. Magnus was one of the most well-known and beloved warlocks in the world and it was a political faux pas for Jace to not acknowledge him and not greet him or conduct himself courteously. It made him wonder why Maryse has appointed the younger man her head of security if Jace couldn’t navigate political waters, but it was none of Alec’s business so he moved on. “Yes, I think that would be very helpful for we have numerous questions for her about this investigation.”

Maryse nodded and rose. They followed her as she led them out of her office and towards the elevators to the lower levels of the institute. Alec’s archers fell into step behind them. There was no conversation as they descended into Isabelle’s domain. Alec couldn’t help but feel a shiver of excitement at getting to see and speak to his sister in person. It had been several years since they had an opportunity for more than quick greetings as they passed in Alicante. Isabelle when she made an appearance there was always on business and as busy as Alec remained; time was never in their favor. The letters they exchanged over the years could only tell a person so much. Alec hoped he could at least manage a visit with her before the mission as completed.

Maryse led the way into the lab. There they found Izzy hunched over a microscope. At the sound of their entrance, she looked up, eyes sweeping over their group until they landed on Alec. “Alec!” Izzy squealed and jumped up.

Alec found himself with an armful of his sister and he could not resist returning her embrace fully. He tightened his hold briefly and closed his eyes to enjoy the moment before reluctantly letting her go. Her smile up at him was blinding and that welcome made any uncomfortable lingering feelings vanish. He glanced over and was relieved to see his mom smiling at them a little misty-eyed. “Izzy, it’s good to see you.” Alec said, gently moving his little sister back a bit to get a good look at her. Isabelle looked wonderful, just as beautiful as Alec remembered from his last glimpse of her.

“Alec, I am so glad to see you! Even if it has to be over this bad business.” Isabelle wore a huge smile before she turned and greeted Magnus.

The pair exchanged their own hugs to Alec’s surprise. He hadn’t known they were that well acquainted. For some reason though, the sight made him happy. Once the greetings were out of the way, Izzy became all business. She turned back to her microscope and beckoned them to follow. Alec glanced briefly at the sheet-covered body on the exam table before following Magnus and Maryse to where Izzy sat. “Isabelle, what can you tell us about this Seelie victim?” He really hoped his brilliant sister had some clues to share or facing the Queen would be a nightmare.

Isabelle’s face was now grave as she looked over at Magnus. “I’m afraid it’s not good. The message left at the crime scene and what I discovered on the body all point to one thing and one thing alone.”

Magnus felt dread build as Izzy’s eyes stayed on his face. “What?” he whispered.

Alec unconsciously moved closer to Magnus’s side. Izzy looked at him briefly before returning her gaze to Magnus. “I’m so sorry Magnus, but the message is clear. These killings are tied to Edom, Asmodeus, and to you. You are their target, Magnus.”

TBC…

#malec fanfiction #canon divergence #au #Magnus x Alec

3 notes · View notes

themusechronicles-archive-blog · 5 years

Text

TMC Fanfic - Friendly Dinners

Fandom: Shadowhunter Chronicles Ship: Malec Plot: It’s been years since they graduated, but Alec and Magnus could not be happier, and spending time with their family is always important.

Part of the Dorm Life Drabble series [ AKA: My gifts to @ofdemonicmagic ]

Even after three and a half years together, surviving graduation and moving in together after, it wasn’t often that Magnus and Alec had time to invite friends over. The proposal and wedding had been simple and beautiful, and the two were content to enjoy their life in bliss. Magnus’ paintings were selling well and he’d opened a little trinket shop on the first floor of their loft. Alec was an new artist at the local recording studio after over a year of open mic nights and was working on his first album since being signed. But they still tried to make time for family, knowing how important it was to both of them. Isabelle was high on the list of invites and she usually brought Simon, her roommate turned boyfriend, with her. Then there were the rare lot of Alec’s friends; Jace was finishing his Doctorate in music for orchestra and touring with the Brooklyn Symphony, Clary was the one everyone swore Magnus had a competition with back in the school, and Underhill [Magnus could never remember the man’s actual first name] who had recently taken on a seat in his family’s company. Magnus’ friends were usually early to arrive, a habit Magnus didn’t always share. Catarina, a lovable nurse and her adopted daughter Madzie came early because Madzie got out of school. Ragnor, the history professor who had done his bachelor’s and doctorate all at once, showed up after his last class at the campus three cities over, usually dragging his close friend Raphael - a young man with enough sarcasm to make even Jace think a moment - along for the ride.

Tonight was the first time in over a month that the two men had planned anything. Magnus had finished everything early, deciding to go with pulled pork and slow roasted potatoes with a vegetable medley. Alec had come in as he was gathering plates, and Magnus smiled as the other walked over to kiss him. “You know, I’m glad Izzy took off with her own idea.” he teased, humming softly.

“You say that every other day, Mags.” Alec replied with a quiet laugh. “Cat and Ragnor aren’t here?”

“Madzie has choir practice and Ragnor had to wait for Raphael’s debate team to get back from competition. They’ll be here soon.” Magnus promised. “Jace and Clary coming?”

Alec rolled his eyes. “Yes, because I convinced Clary that this dinner was important.”

“Important?” Magnus hummed. “What do you have up your sleeve, Alexander?” He paused in setting the table to look at Alec.

“Nothing.” Alec mused, going about the kitchen to check on the food and get glasses.

“Alexander Gideon Lightwood, you are a terrible liar and therefore I know something is up your sleeve.” Magnus replied, walking over to stand in front of his husband. “So what is it? Come on.”

“Magnus, I promised I wouldn’t say anything.” Alec replied, smiling and reaching up to brush his fingers over Magnus’ cheek. “You’ll love it, though. I promise.”

Magnus had opened his mouth to reply when there was a knock at the door and Alec swooped around him to answer it. Closing his mouth, he pouted for a moment, immediately letting it drop when he heard Madzie squeal in delight as Alec picked her up. He walked over to the door, grinning at Catarina and opening his arms for a hug. “Catarina, my darling.”

“Hello, Magnus.” Cat answered, hugging back before stepping back so Alec could pass Madzie to her best friend. “Is that your pulled pork I smell?”

“Made with all the love I can give my family.” Magnus offered. “Come in, everything is almost ready.” he assured.

“Ready for what?” Clary asked as she walked up, hand in hand with Jace as Simon and Isabelle walked beside them.

“Dinner, of course, Biscuit.” Magnus said, moving to set Madzie down and hug the girl, turning to hug Isabelle before hugging Simon and Jace in turn. “Come on, everyone get inside.” he ushered out of the doorway and waved everyone inside to sit around and chat before dinner was finished. “I have everyone’s favorite wines, teas and sparkling waters.” he assured. Madzie sat between Catarina and Jace, curled into the blonde musician’s side as they laughed and talked, no one saying anything about the very obvious crush the girl had on him. Within five minutes, Ragnor and Raphael had arrived and the group began dinner, Magnus pouring the wines and making sure everyone had the teas. Dinner went without a hitch, the company and friendship a perfect atmosphere before Catarina glanced over and gave a little concerned look.

“Clary, are you okay? You haven’t touched your wine at all tonight.” she asked.

Magnus was mid-sip of his own wine when Cat spoke, setting it down slowly. “Was it the wrong brand, Biscuit? I’m sorry, you seemed to enjoy it last-”

“No, Magnus, I’m fine, I promise.” Clary cut him off, setting her napkin back into her lap and smiling at everyone. “It isn’t the wine, I promise.” There was a brief moment of silence where Clary looked down, one hand resting atop the blue tablecloth. Then green eyes looked up at Jace and he smiled, reaching to take her hand, the two silently communicating in a way Magnus knew he and Alec did on occasion.

“Oh, I know that look.” Cat replied to the silence with a loving smile on her face, leaning to rest her elbow on the table and her chin atop that hand. “How far along are you?”

“Far along?” Magnus’ eyes widened and he looked at Alec, who was grinning from behind a lifted wine glass. “Clary, are you pregnant?” he asked.

Clary laughed a little and nodded very faintly at first. “Yes.” she said, laughing a little louder and nodding so everyone could see. “Yeah, I am. A few months, and not far enough along to know the gender, but uhm....” She startled as Isabelle squealed and sighed in what was clearly relief.

“Clary, that’s amazing!” The ravenette reached over to grab the redhead’s hand.

Magnus looked over at Alec and pursed his lips playfully. “You knew about this, didn’t you? That’s what you had up your sleeve?”

“We asked Alec not to say anything for a reason.” Clary said looking at Magnus with a smile, her hand squeezing Jace’s for a moment.

“It’s twins, Magnus.” Jace said when Clary faltered. “And we know you and Alec have been talking about adopting the last couple of months, so we thought...what if you adopted one of our kids?”

Magnus couldn’t hear sound for a moment, stunned by the question. He opened his mouth to speak, blindly reaching for Alec’s hand before turning and finding that Alec’s expression was just as shocked. “Alexander…”

“You didn’t tell me about that.” Alec answered as he stared at his best friend.

“For very good reasons. We couldn’t risk you spoiling the surprise or you having more time to think about it.” Clary teased. “Obviously we don’t need an immediate answer, there’s still plenty of time.” she assured, laughing a little. “We just wanted to make it special, even if I wasn’t at a hundred percent.”

“Is Clary having a baby?” Madzie asked, derailing the moment of stunned silence from Alec and Magnus.

“Yes, darling.” Catarina replied. “You’re basically going to have a little cousin.” Madzie gasped and clapped excitedly.

“Oh, yay! Aunt Clary, can I hold them? And kiss them and play with them?”

“Well, I don’t know about playing with them, but you can hold them once they’re here.” Jace answered, dinner picking up with a celebratory tone, Magnus still trying to wrap his head around the offer he and Alec had been made. Dessert was warm caramel brownies with ice cream, which Clary added on enough cinnamon to choke an elephant, and everyone was sitting around the den for a little while, enjoying the news and the atmosphere of having a family. Jace and Clary let Madzie feel Clary’s stomach and talk to the babies, and eventually the little girl fell asleep with her head in Clary’s lap.

“I think that’s the cue for us to leave.” Catarina said, setting her wine glass down and standing. “Clary, if you need any check ups or anything in between appointments, you have my number.”

“Of course,” Clary said, nodding as Jace helped pick Madzie up. “We’ll come down with you.” she said, going over to hug Magnus. “I know we kind of sprung it on the two of you, but please think about it?” she asked, hands on either of Magnus’ shoulders. “It would mean a lot to us.”

Magnus smiled and nodded, everyone saying their goodbyes and making their way to the door. Once the group of visitors had vanished down the hall and turned into the elevator area, Magnus closed the door, slowly locking the door.

“Still lost in your head there, Mags?” Alec asked, walking up behind Magnus and wrapping his arms around him.

“Clary and Jace want us to adopt one of their children, Alec.” Magnus murmured, the words finally settling in his head. “All the run around we’ve gotten from the orphanages, all the red tape we’ve been trying to get around in the last two months...and they just offer it to us.”

“They know we’ve been planning to turn one of the guest rooms into a nursery. And when they told me about the pregnancy this afternoon at lunch, I guess Clary saw something when I congratulated them.” Alec replied. “I just never thought…” HE pulled away to urge Magnus to face him. “What do you want to do?”

Magnus looked up, swallowing hard after a moment and reaching to pull Alec into a deep kiss. “Of course I want to. I would love to adopt one of the babies. But if you aren’t ready-”

“If I wasn’t ready, Magnus, I would not have filled out all the paperwork we have had to go through just trying to get an interview to meet a child.” Alec cut him off, one hand cupping Magnus’ cheek. “Yes, I’m ready. We have an amazing family and friends. We’ve been trying to add to that with a child of our own and we’ve met a lot of resistance. I think this is good for us.” He gave a quiet laugh as Magnus seemed to relax in his arms. “That had you tense all night, didn’t it?”

“I mean, I know we’ve talked about it, and I know…” Magnus took a slow, deep breath. “I know we’ve been trying to adopt and then suddenly we have the opportunity we’ve been working for and for a moment I was terrified and happy all at once and then I thought…”

“You thought I was scared, too?” Alec finished, two sets of eyes meeting as he spoke, and he reached to pull Magnus into a hug. “Of course I was scared, but that’s part of being a parent, right?” he asked, pulling away to look at Magnus. “I love you, Magnus. More than anything. And we’ll be great parents, I promise. I’m not going anywhere.”

Magnus smiled and nodded, tugging Alec down into a deep kiss, pressing close. “Alright. Let’s get some sleep and tomorrow we’ll go shopping for cribs and decor.” he breathed.

“That sounds like a marvelous idea. As soon as we put up the dishes from dinner.” Alec amended, taking Magnus’ hand and leading him to the kitchen, smiling as Magnus laughed and nodded.

“Alright, that’s fair.”

#tmcff #Friendly dinners;; tmcff #MAlec Fanfiction #Malec #dorm life drabbles;; tmcff

7 notes · View notes

carmenlire · 5 years

Text

White Blank Page Final Chapter

This amazing edit is courtesy of the lovely, amazing @kindaresilient!!!

read chapter one

read chapter two

read chapter three

read chapter four

read chapter five

read on ao3

Magnus strides down the street, warm even as a cool breeze blows gently across his face. It’s the beginning of March and it’s a nice, sunny day-- a taste of spring to come.

Unfortunately, Magnus barely pays it any mind. He’s far more focused on his destination. He’s been out of town for two weeks and he told Alec that it would be a measly two days away.

London had been a nightmare and he’d ended up spending almost a week in the city before he’d taken a train to Birmingham to another press. It’d been a nation-wide issue with his distributors and he’d visited every set of offices he had in the UK. Taking the opportunity to do a tour and make sure his other business was running smoothly, Magnus had barely stopped the entire trip.

He made a point to visit his offices every six months-- he didn’t want anyone getting too comfortable, didn’t want any accusations that he was an out-of-touch boss. Still, it seemed like in the four months since he’d last visited, everything had gone to shit and everyone wanted to take a minute to complain or run something by him.

Magnus loves his company-- he does-- but the past two weeks have been exhausting. He’d felt like a chicken running around with his head cut off and while he’d thought of Alexander more than was wise, considering the crisis he was dealing with, he’d been helpless to do anything about it.

Time differences were a bitch and the only free moments he’d had were in the early mornings or late nights at the office after everyone had gone home. He hadn’t wanted to press Alec, in any case.

There was a piece of Magnus that couldn’t help but wonder if that night at the Lightwood Gala hadn’t been a fluke. What if the tension that’s crackled and simmered since the fall had been abated in the orangery-- what if it was a good thing that Magnus had been called away to business.

He wasn’t ordinarily plagued with doubt, but then again, Magnus has never felt like this before. It’s been long months of him getting to know Alec, the quiet bookstore owner who’d unceremoniously burrowed his way into Magnus’s heart.

That quiet confidence spoke to Magnus. Alec might be a handsome man but it was his keen intellect and dry wit and overwhelming kindness what had wrapped around Magnus and refused to let go.

Landing in New York that morning, Magnus had suffered through a meeting with his marketing department that couldn’t be rescheduled before grabbing his phone and all but running out the door.

Raphael, the absolute bugger, had stared at him with his trademark smirk trailing his mouth at Magnus’s enthusiasm to abandon his post. There was a time, not all that long ago, when Magnus would have pulled eighteen hour days to get caught up on what he’d missed in headquarters.

Magnus had barely paid Raphael any mind besides hissing, “What the hell do I pay you for because I know it’s not to rest on your laurels and watch me leave,” as he’d strode past his right hand man.

Busier than usual, Magnus blames the warm sunshine for the crowds of people swarming the sidewalks of New York. He has to dodge and weave like the expert New Yorker he is and as he walks past the chocolatier that resided a block from Lightwood Books, Magnus marvels at how so much can change in such a short time.

Well, he concedes. Hopefully not too much.

Desperately, he hopes that Alec hasn’t changed his mind. In horror, a thought flies through his brain that makes him want to wash it out with bleach as he picks up his pace.

He doesn’t want Alec to think he’s lost interest, which he can now see could be a perfectly reasonable assumption from his darling.

Oh hell and blast, Magnus thinks. He takes a deliberate breath as he rounds the corner. Alec’s bookshop is the first door on the right and he doesn’t want to look like a madman who’s been hurrying through the city-- even though Magnus very much fears that’s exactly what he is.

Swinging the door open, Magnus takes in the cheerful decor that’s changed since he was last there. In celebration of spring, the bookstore was the most cheerful Magnus had ever seen-- there was a colorful cookbook display and the window display had all sorts of Easter cheer with rabbits and faux grass and large, painted eggs decorating the area.

Alec’s tall frame isn’t immediately visible, so Magnus wanders through the store. It gives him a chance to calm the fuck down.

Going upstairs, he can’t help the way his shoulders slump in disappointment when he doesn’t see his-- well, he doesn’t even know what Alec is.

That’s the problem. Magnus knows what he wants Alec to be-- what he wants them to be-- but everything is so up in the air right now that he feels like tearing his goddamn hair out.

Thankfully, he sees Clary in the children’s section and quickly gets out of the way as a few children run past him. Story hour’s just concluded and Clary is just tidying up as the last mother ushers her children over to the cafe area.

“Biscuit,” he greets warmly. He subtly scans the rest of the second floor as he continues, “How’s your morning been?”

“It’s been fun as always,” Clary answers brightly. “We had over a dozen kids show up to story hour and for the most part, they all paid attention this time.”

There’s a pause that Magnus distantly notes even as he’s still too preoccupied looking for any sign of Alec.

When Clary doesn’t say anything after another moment, though, he pulls himself away from his search to glance at her, doing a double take as he sees her expression.

She’s studying him with a faint grin even as he sees a hint of warning in her eyes.

“Biscuit,” he asks warily.

“What brings you here, Magnus?”

Raising a brow, he replies, “What always brings me here, dear. I’m looking for Alexander.”

That must not have been the right answer, because Clary’s arms cross as she stares at him, unimpressed. “And where have you been?”

Magnus blinks, then blinks again. “Sorry?”

Sighing loudly, Clary relaxes before slapping his shoulder. “You come in here, every day for months, and it finally looks like you and Alec might figure your shit out before the next ice age and then you leave? And don’t say a word? For two weeks?”

Wincing, Magnus says, “Business held me up.”

Clary grants no quarter, though. “Then, why didn’t you call him Magnus?”

“Alexander and I have never exchanged numbers,” he admits weakly. A thought occurs to him, though, and he narrows his eyes. “Did Alec say something?”

“I’m not at liberty to say,” Clary replies primly.

“Shit.”

Clary sends him a commiserating look. “Yeah,” she says. She seems to debate for a minute before elaborating, "Alec didn't say anything but he was grumpier than usual this week."

“Where is he now? In the back?”

Now it’s Clary’s turn to wince. “He’s actually not here?”

Waving that away, Magnus stares at nothing as he plots. “No worries, dear. He’ll be back from lunch soon. I probably have another fifteen minutes? Twenty?”

“Actually,” Clary starts, trailing off so long that Magnus’s attention focuses back on her. “He’s not in the city?”

Magnus can’t help it. He stares at Clary uncomprehending. “What?”

Blowing out a breath, Clary explains, “Every year, Jace takes Alec and Izzy on a trip. It’s two weeks of the three of them turning off their phones and recharging. Jace plans the whole thing and surprises Alec and Isabelle with it the night before. The Lightwoods own a cabin in the Adirondacks that they’ve used before but it’s just as likely that they’re in a Villa in Southern France or at a resort in Cozumel. The only rule is that it’s just the three of them and that they aren’t allowed to contact anyone back home.”

“What if there’s an emergency?”

Clary shrugs. “They leave instructions wherever they go in case they need to be contacted but really, everyone knows to leave them alone during their vacation.”

Stepping closer, Clary says, “Alec always returns from their trip looking happy, even if he complains about it for a week afterwards. It’s a thing.”

“A thing, huh?”

Mulling over that information, Magnus glares at the espresso machine across the room with little heat. Now that he takes a good look over there, he can see Simon in Jace’s usual place, dealing with a can of whipped cream that had exploded all over the cash register.

His gaze snaps back to Clary’s as she clears her throat. “So, you’re telling me there’s no way to contact Alec until he returns from his vacation?”

“Yeah.” Clary’s voice is apologetic even if she’s patently unconcerned.

With a sigh, Magnus pats her shoulder and wanders back downstairs.

It looks like it will be a lonely two weeks before he sees Alec again.

“Goddamnit.”

Magnus swears as he gets a paper cut. Popping his thumb into his mouth, he glowers at Raphael who looks unforgivably apathetic at Magnus’s wound.

Instead, his friend raises an unimpressed brow. “Why don’t you just take a break? It’s not like you’re going to get any work done today.”

Glaring, Magnus takes his throbbing finger-- that’s still bleeding-- out of his mouth. “I’m the founder and CEO of Bane Media, Raphael, and I don’t take breaks. I’m a machine, capable of a work pace that would make you cry. I’m the--”

“Yeah, yeah,” Raphael cuts in dryly. “You can do the work of ten men and not break a sweat. You’re no mere mortal, forced to bend to the will of a clock. You’re also preoccupied and in a shitty mood, so I’d thank you to take your attitude away from my goddamn news room.”

Magnus huffs out a breath before he leans against the chair in Raphael’s office. Raphael is sitting in front of him, looking at him with a dead expression.

“It’s my newsroom,” is all Magnus can think to say and he sees the imperceptible way that his second in command’s lips turn up before he’s jerking his head towards his door.

“Alec should be back by now, shouldn’t he? Why don’t you get out of my hair and go talk to him, Bane?”

Magnus’s mouth is a sullen line. “Clary said he won’t be back until tomorrow afternoon.”

Raphael stares at him for a minute before he’s suddenly pushing his chair back and reaching for his jacket.

He throws it on and comes around the desk, not stopping until he reaches Magnus’s side. Magnus looks up at him, unmoving.

“Well, come on then,” Raphael says grumpily.

Magnus stands, asking, “Where are you taking me?”

Raphael rolls his eyes. “I’m taking you to get some coffee. I’m hoping the fresh air will do you good.”

He can’t really think of anything to say to that, so Magnus shrugs and buttons his jacket, stepping through the door Raphael holds open with a murmured thanks.

It’s been cloudy and overcast all day-- fitting for his mood, Magnus thinks glumly-- and as they walk through the throngs of people, there’s no conversation. Magnus opens the door to a local coffee shop that was less than a block from their offices and thankfully, it’s rather empty. It’s the awkward time between breakfast and lunch and there’s only a few students milling about on laptops.

The two of them order their coffee and are waiting at the pick-up station when Raphael suddenly speaks.

“You need to stop moping around.”

Magnus looks at him askance. “I wasn’t aware that I was.”

Rolling his eyes, Raphael reaches for his americano when it’s called out. “I’m the one who’s had to listen to you talk about Lightwood’s eyes and his damned smile and ‘oh my god, Raph, did you know Alec held poetry readings at the store on Thursday evenings.’”

Raphael cuts him a long-suffering look. “You need to talk to him or stop harassing me about him, at least. Since I called you from the Valentine’s Day party, you’ve been a mess.” Raphael grimaces in distaste. “You’re usually much more bubbly and I don’t like seeing you like this.”

Stepping forward to reach for his own chai tea latte, Magnus frowns. “Things just happened at that party and we haven’t spoken since. It’s been almost a month and I might be in a bit of a tizzy over whether Alec thinks I’ve lost interest. I know that I haven’t but a picture says a thousand words and I don’t want Alexander to get the wrong message--”

Magnus is well aware that he’s rambling and that it’s beneath him-- he just can’t seem to stop. He’s just taken the first sip of his drink when he takes a step back and runs into someone.

Looking over his shoulder, there’s an apology already on his tongue when he freezes.

“Alexander,” he breathes, trying frantically to be calm yet attentive yet process the fact that the man he can’t stop thinking about has popped up like he was summoned from his damned imagination.

“Magnus.” Alec’s voice sounds a little strangled and Magnus catches Jace elbowing Isabelle who looks gleeful as a kid on Christmas as she takes in the unfolding scene.

Smiling softly, Magnus says, “Long time, no see, darling.”

“Yeah,” Alec replies in a voice just as low. The two of them stare at each other for a few minutes, silent, before Alec seems to jolt out of his daze. Magnus, for his part, was quite content to study Alec’s features, relieved as he didn’t see any sign of animosity.

“Do you wanna go on a date sometime? With me? Soon?”

Magnus blinks rapidly at the questions, though a smile grows as he takes in the words. Alec looks like he wants the ground to swallow him up and Magnus makes a little sound of sympathy, though he laughs, just a little, and takes a small step closer.

He watches as Alec closes his eyes in defeat before taking a breath. When he opens his eyes a second later, Magnus’s breath catches at the emotions swimming in those beautiful, hazel depths.

Looking determined, Alec reaches for Magnus’s hand, tangling their fingers. “Long time, no see,” he repeats and Magnus’s smile widens.

“I thought you weren’t supposed to be back until tomorrow.”

“We came back early,” Alec admits sheepishly. He doesn’t look behind him but Magnus does and he sees Isabelle and Jace rolling their eyes in their brother’s direction. “I-- ah, I was a pain in their ass so we drove back into the city this morning. I wouldn’t stop talking about you.”

Alec makes the little confession with a sigh, running his free hand through his hair.

“You were away on business and then I was away on Jace’s stupid annual Lightwood sibling retreat--”

“Hey! You love our getaways, when you’re not too busy thinking about Magnus--”

“Anyway,” Alec says loudly-- too loudly for the empty coffee shop for the barista who was shamelessly listening in, jumps in surprise and drops her cup of ice.

With a harried look at Magnus, Alec resolutely continues, “I decided on the trip that I was going to ask you out the first chance I had. We were interrupted at the gala and I don’t want to wait any longer to see you again-- outside of the bookstore, even though I love when you visit,” Alec ends with a soft smile that warms Magnus’s whole damn body.

Magnus stares at Alec for a second, grinning at him, at this adorable man he’d run into by chance, that makes him want to slow down and smell the roses, as long as he’s by his side.

For the first time in his life, Magnus decides words aren’t enough and lets go of Alec’s hand just to grab him by the front of his sweater and bring their mouths crashing together.

The kiss gentles almost immediately, becoming something slow and lingering. Alec’s lips are slightly chapped from the wind outside and he tastes like peppermint-- a lovely discovery to make, Magnus thinks as he crowds against Alec.

Alec brings his hands up to cup Magnus’s face and Magnus shivers at the feel of those hands finally on him.

He doesn’t know how long they spend kissing in the middle of a perfectly nondescript coffee shop before someone coughs obnoxiously loud and the two of them break apart, out of breath but grinning.

“In case it wasn’t clear,” Magnus whispers in the space between their lips, “I’d love to go out with you.”

Alec laughs, something bright that fills Magnus with indescribably warmth.

“Good,” he says simply. “I’ve been wanting to move on to the next chapter since that damned orangery.”

Magnus grins and has the distant thought that he’ll have to get Raphael a fruit basket or something just as extravagant for making him come to the coffee shop.

Pulling Alec even closer, Magnus smiles into Alec’s mouth as he whispers, “Our story’s just getting started, darling.”

The next time they break apart it’s because Jace throws a napkin at their heads, yelling loudly about coffee shop decorum. Alec rolls his eyes but keeps Magnus close and Magnus leans into the sensation and knows that this is just the beginning.

#wbp #white blank page #malec fic #my writing #thank god this is finally done

34 notes · View notes