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luciehercndale · 1 year

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The Tickle // Jordelia

Quick and fluffy Jordelia fic set in the post Chain of Iron timeline where hopefully they are happily married and alive. Read on AO3 <3

James played with Cordelia’s dark red hair as she read from one of their favorite books. She loved moments like this. She had often imagined reading stories with James, ever since she found out he also loved to read. They did read together after they got married for show, but it didn’t have the same power it did now. She thought how cruel it was to be with somebody you loved, who also loved the same things you did, and feeling like you couldn’t enjoy it thoroughly because it was not real. She thought that things could only get worse, that each of these moments they would share together and that she had dreamed at night would never happen. And yet, after both confessed that they truly loved each other, their marriage had a new meaning. It was real, and she didn’t have to try to conceal herself and her feelings anymore. Cordelia smiled and stopped reading at some point, feeling ticklish.

“Why did you stop?” James wondered after a good minute.

Cordelia wiggled her shoulders, a shiver ran down her spine. She pursed her lips and glanced at her husband, a frown marring his innocent face. “I can’t read if you use your hand like that,” she sighed, adjusting herself on the back of their drawing room sofa. James’ hand was perched on the back of it, just behind her neck. She loved the homely feel of it, the way it all came natural for him to do – a gesture of deep affection, of comfort. Of intimacy.

“I thought you needed a massage, Daisy. After the day we’ve been through,” he shrugged, placing his hand on the velvet. She couldn’t read his expression. He was still looking at her, but he didn’t betray any emotion. It reminded her of when he wore the Mask. The thought made her heart ache, but she reminded herself that this was the real James. He wasn’t pretending. On the other hand, he was teasing her. She loved when he was playful. She loved him.

“I do love massages,” Cordelia offered a sincere smile. “What I don’t like, however, is being tickled. That wasn’t a massage, dear.” There, she said it. Shoot.

James’ eyes glinted. “Oh, I didn’t know that,” he said, his tone surprised. “Then what about you tickling me to be even?”

“If you’re so up to it, then,” she shrugged, discarding the book she was reading on a small wooden table nearby, and moved closer to her husband on the sofa, almost hovering over him. She raised an eyebrow, unsure on how to do it. She had always seen other people tickle others and never wished for anyone to tickle her. Her brother surely wasn’t the type to play with her like that, and the only time he tickled her, she didn't like it. Didn’t know why.

James shifted his body so that he would be closer to Cordelia, yet, they were still not touching. He could feel her warmth, and so did she. He thought she was beautiful. Her hair tumbled on the side of her shoulder, undone because it was almost time to rest. “Don’t hesitate, Daisy,” he encouraged her, seeing uncertainty in her eyes. Cordelia put her hands over him, at last, and did her best to tickle him. He started to giggle, amused by the moment. His legs started giving out and he almost kicked the table where the remnants of tea lay there watching them, incredulous spectators to their silly show of affection.

Cordelia had used her hands to tickle James’ neck and armpits, until she decided to be more creative. She made a face so he would laugh, then pressed her nose on his chest and used it to tickle him. She alternated rubbing her nose on his body and making funny faces at him. James was laughing, and he was thrashing a little, unable to stop himself. She thought he was enjoying himself, because he was laughing so carelessly, when he touched her hand to stop her. She was about to ask what was wrong, when he beat her to it.

“I never thought ticking could be so much fun,” he commented, his eyes gleaming. “And so much torture.”

Cordelia frowned. “We won’t do it again, if you don’t like it,” she offered, but he was already shaking his head.

“The things you do to me, Daisy,” he heaved a sigh, closing his eyes for a moment, as if in pain. “It’s not easy to be here and to just – not react when you put your mouth on my body like that.”

Cordelia gave him a timid smile. It was one thing to desire someone, and another knowing that person you adored so much felt the same way about you. She was on cloud nine. She had been in this dreamy state ever since they’d moved in together again, and she felt content and full of joy every time he reminded her that she was the woman he loved. She could see, feel and enjoy that love every day. He made sure of it, and she made sure of loving him the same way too.

“You’re so sweet,” she said, pressing her cheek onto his chest. James’ hands circled her back in an embrace. “I love to torture you.”

James chuckled. “I love to be tortured by you,” he replied, kissing the top of her hair, his hands moving on her back until he reached the nape of her neck. “But I also love to rile you up with tickles.”

She yelped when he started tickling her there, but she started to laugh helplessly soon after. “You’re so done,” she promised, and proceeded to tickle him even more than before. That night, they created a new fond memory as a married couple. A memory based on something Cordelia never thought would enjoy. Cordelia thought tickling wasn’t so bad, in the end. Only if James was the one to tickle her.

#tsc #tlh #jordelia #james herondale #cordelia carstairs #chain of gold #chain of iron #chain of thorns #tsc fanfiction #james and cordelia #the last hours #tweety.writes

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amchara · 1 year

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Hey! Could I get a NYE Party fic with the TLH gang! I’d love with all of them in it but specific focus on Jordelia would be so cute! Maybe it take place at Curzon St? Thaankssss

I have no idea about what the weather was like New Year’s eve in 1903 and it bugs more than I’d like to admit… 🤣

Also, nonny- you have no idea how much I had to sit on my hands not to make this angsty, ahaha but I resisted in the end (mostly) ;)

—--

Considering Anna’s previous reputation, it was a small surprise to Cordelia that her and Ariadne were the first to consider leaving their cosy celebration at Curzon Street. That was, until they opened the door and noted the snow that had been falling peacefully for the past few hours had now accumulated to be well, quite a lot.

“I’ll go and call a hansom cab,” Matthew pushed to the front of the small crowd at the door, pulling on his new pea green coat Cordelia and James had given him as a Christmas gift.

“I’ll come with you,” James told him, and his parabatai gave him a hesitant smile. But he didn’t object. Cordelia watched as they traipsed off into the snow drifts, feeling a loosening around her heart at the fragile rebuilding of the bond between her two favourite people in the world.

Matthew and James soon returned, brushing snow out of their hair; they still had not learned to wear hats, Cordelia noted wryly. Matthew informed the rest of the party that there no cabs to be had, and it was a dam- darned sight too slippery to be walking home for everyone.

It was settled then. “We’re snowed in, how lovely!” Lucie clapped her hands from her snug position on the loveseat with Jesse.

Christopher jumped up. “I’ll go and send a fire message to our parents and the Institute, telling them not to expect us until morning.”

Grace rose quickly to follow. “I’ll come with you,” she said, as they disappeared into the smaller drawing room, which Cordelia was grateful for, given their recent experimental messenger service still had an occasional…hiccup.

Alastair and Thomas exchanged a look from their perch on the piano, before Alastair rose to check outside the window, as if confirming for himself. He caught Cordelia watching him, and he slipped over to speak with her. “I’m just worried for Maman and the babe,” he said, in a low voice.

Cordelia smiled at him. “You don’t think Risa will take good care of them? Or is it more that you’re not willing to spend more time in close confines with this many Herondales and Fairchilds?” she teased gently.

Alastair raised a sardonic eyebrow. “I will suffer through it, I suppose- for Lightwood’s sake,” he said. But there was a slight smile to his lips, as he looked towards Thomas and Cordelia knew that he was really only complaining out of habit.

Behind her, she could feel James approach, arms encircling around as he pulled her in close. Too close really, for proprietary but Cordelia did not mind it, in front of her friends and family.

James seemed to understand her hesitance though and swept her into the small hallway, shutting the door behind. “Well, it seems that it will be more than just the two of us to ring in the new year,” he said, turning to her, eyes shining despite the dim light.

“Mmm, yes- we’ll have many years ahead to be just us- but I am glad we are all here together. After everything that has happened,” Cordelia said, even as she stepped forward to once again be in his orbit. He caught her waist and they were finally alone. She tilted up her head, and his lips found hers, and she kissed him back, gladly, deeply, possessively.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he said softly, once they broke the kiss. “Happy New Year, Daisy.”

#tsc fanfiction #jordelia #cordelia carstairs #james herondale #the last hours #matthew fairchild #herondaisy #chain of thorns #not going to tag every character because that would be slight overkill #my fanfic

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notalotgoingonatthemomentsblog · 6 months

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Ghostwriter Fanfic

word count: 3737

this is my first fic so be nice... literally just a fic about lucie getting injured... VERY FLUFFY !

Firsts

Lucie wished the foggy London night were more memorable, given that this was a rather special one. She wasn’t expecting anything too absurd, but a few falling stars or an aurora would have been appreciated.

She supposed patrol was going well enough, so far. She was used to going with her parabatai, but given that her and James had just returned from Amsterdam the evening before, she thought it best that Cordelia rested after her long day of travel.

This was supposed to be her first official night patrol with Jesse since returned from their honeymoon. These milestones weren't very important to others, but they were important to her. She mentally tallied all of their firsts as husband and wife like it was a crucial quest: their first time having eggs at breakfast, their first stroll along the Thames, their first time bickering.

That night, they had geared up, Lucie polishing and sharpening her throwing ax, before stepping out with Jesse who was also fully clad in black. He had reached out his hand for her, like the gentleman she knew he was. “After you, milady.” She had just poked him in the ribs and walked past him, into the dimly lit street. He chuckled as he caught up to her.

It was a quiet night. They walked together shoulder to shoulder, content with each other’s presence, not having much to say besides the occasional remark. Eventually, Jesse had started asking her specific questions on the draft of the latest chapter in her manuscript that she had let him read the night before. They had ended up in a dark neighborhood of London– deep yet narrow alleyways periodically interrupted the shabby buildings. Deep in conversation, it was too late when Lucie noticed the dark figure creeping up behind Jesse.

“Look out!” She called, reaching for her ax, and running in front of Jesse but it was too late– the monster had flung a barbed tail forwards across her chest. Hissing in pain, she sank to the floor, ax clattering to the ground, unused.

“Lucie!” Jesse’s footsteps pounded against the cobblestones. She felt warmness pool her chest, dulling the anxiety of Jesse potentially getting injured because of her. She instead focused on the cracked stones in front of her eyes, and nearly shuddered when heard Jesse name his seraph blade and felt ichor splatter on her arms.

A few seconds later, Jesse knelt next to her, propping her head on his leg. “Lucie, can you hear me?” She hummed in acknowledgement but she was so tired…

“Lucie!”

Her head jostled with Jesse’s throttle but she could only mutter under her breath, “Goodnight.”

Jesse should have known that this was not going to go well.

All things considered, he was a new Shadowhunter. Yes, he had received his Voyance rune as a boy, but that was before he died. It was before he had learned what it really meant to train, and fight, and battle. He should have known better than to let his guard down– he wasn’t just responsible for his own life now. The matching marks over his and Lucie's hearts said otherwise.

Before he picked Lucie up, he had drawn some quick iratzes on her arm, and a quick glance confirmed they had already started disappearing. That was not reassuring. He held Lucie’s unconscious body tightly to his chest as he ran to the nearest place he could think of.

Curzon Street.

It was late– he suspected a few hours past midnight– but he hoped they would hear his knocks. He reached their front door and began frantically pounding with his right hand, trying to survey Lucie’s wound, and feeling nauseous at the sight of so much of her blood.

“James! Cordelia!” He banged harder. “Open right now or I will open it myself–”

Mid-knock, the door opened before him, revealing a very tired looking James Herondale, black hair disheveled from sleep. “What–” At the sight of his sister hanging limply in Jesse’s arms, however, his eyes sharpened. Jesse walked past him without being invited in, finding a dark velvet couch in the drawing room to lay her on.

“Daisy!” James called loudly, “Daisy, come down!” He knelt beside Jesse who was hunched over Lucie, adjusting her sleeping frame to properly examine her wound. “What happened, Jesse?” He sounded frantic.

“I don’t know! I don’t know!” Jesse was desperate, ripping the fabric of her shirt to reveal a long, but luckily, thin looking scratch across her torso.

“Lucie!” Cordelia ran over, her nightgown billowing behind her. She crouched next to James and Jesse, putting a hand on her cheek. Jesse didn’t know if it was his imagination but he could have sworn that Lucie leaned into her touch.

“Let's take her upstairs,” Cordelia said firmly. “We will clean the wound, and I will give her more runes. She will be alright.”

“We should call the Silent Brothers,” James said.

“No.” Lucie mumbled, eyes still closed. Jesse could have cried at the sound, but they all leaned forwards, Jesse reached to brush her hair back. “I’m fine. I think there was something on the talon that got me.” She spoke softly, which was unusual for her. “I need to sleep it off.”

“Lucie…” Jesse muttered, stroking her hair with his shaking hand. She smiled softly, hinting at her dimpled left cheek. Cordelia stood up.

“You heard my parabatai. She doesn’t want to call the Silent Brothers, so we won’t call them.” Jesse and James eyed each other with apprehension, but Jesse figured they had to clean out the wound first, regardless. He stood, scooping Lucie back up into his arms. She nuzzled her face into his shoulder and warmth flooded his chest. He pulled her in closer.

Cordelia turned to James and said, “Stay here, James.” He looked ready to object, but she continued, “We have to dress Lucie’s wound and I doubt she wants you there, considering it's across her chest.”

“What am I supposed to do, then? Nothing?”

“Oh, no. You have a very important task, husband.” She leaned forward to kiss his cheek, and said, “Make me a cup of tea,” as she walked past him, and up the lavishly carpeted stairs.

James only looked at Jesse with a vague expression of bewilderment, and reluctantly walked towards the kitchen.

Jesse made his way up the stairs.

By the time Jesse arrived at Cordelia's room, she had already set up supplies for Lucie. A bowl of water, strips of cloth, scissors, and more towels were laid out on the bed.

Jesse rested her on the end, and she made a sound of protest as she left the secureness of his arms. This time, he reached out to grab her hand, his thumb rubbing the Blackthorn ring that now lived on her finger.

“Jesse,” Cordelia said softly, reminding him of the task at hand. He cleared his throat and retreated, letting Cordelia survey the wound. She lifted the fabric of Lucie’s shirt, soaked with blood and poison. There was already a tear down the front where the barb cut through, but until she tugged on it, it had stayed together. Now, it seemed that the shirt had been hanging on by a few threads, falling apart under her hands.

“Luce,” Cordelia spoke to Lucie softly, gently tugging at her shirt. “Is it okay if we take this off? To bandage you up?”

“Mm, nothing my husband hasn’t seen and nothing you don’t have yourself, tenfold,” she muttered, her eyes still shut and her voice dripping in grogginess. Cordelia let out a scoff and looked up at Jesse with a smile.

“She’s ridiculous. Do you hear her? She’s going to be fine.” He nearly crumbled at the words.

Jesse helped Cordelia peel the drenched shirt off of her body, wincing as the wound dripped more blood, having nothing to stop the bleeding. He could tell now, though, that it was a lot more shallow than he had initially thought, it was just fairly large, stretching from one shoulder, to the middle of her ribcage on the other side.

Jesse placed a towel on her chest as they wiped off the cut. Cordelia would periodically stop to place an iratze or blood replacing rune, but they worked in silence. The silence was occasionally interrupted with a hiss of pain, or a squeeze of Jesse’s arm, but this only comforted Jesse as it meant that Lucie was lucid enough to feel what was going on. When they were done, Cordelia asked him to lift her torso to more easily bandage her up. Halfway through this process, James knocked at the door, and Cordelia instructed him to leave the tea tray outside the door, and leave. Between the two of them, they were able to easily wrap her up securely, and Jesse felt a lot better now that he saw the clean bandages covering what used to be a bloody mess.

By the time they finished, Lucie's eyes were cracked open, bright blue peeking through her eyelashes. Jesse knelt next to the bed, his face close to hers.

“Do you feel better?”

“Loads.”

He squinted at her in suspicion. “Don’t lie to me.”

“I would never, I promise. Just like I promised to marry you, see?” She extended her left arm, uncoordinated and drunk-like. Her smile was lazy, but sickeningly sweet. She attempted to lift her ring finger to show off her ring, which she still did roughly four times a day, despite having worn it for a few months now. Jesse always found it endearing— like she was still trying to remind herself they had somehow found a happy ending.

He took her hand and kissed it, then leaned forward and kissed the corner of her mouth. “I love you,” he said. He tried telling her often, but he still felt like he didn’t say it enough to convey how much he felt it.

Lucie let out a drunk giggle, and reached out to pinch both of his cheeks. Then, she threaded her fingers through his hair and slurred, “I love you, my Jess.” His cheeks warmed. Despite their marriage and getting to know each other in the most intimate ways— her loving words still affected him. The use of his nickname, Jess, she also only used when she was feeling particularly soppy.

They shared a gaze for a moment longer before Jesse asked, “Why don’t you want us to call the Silent Brothers?”

She turned her head so she faced the ceiling and took a deep breath, “Because that means something is wrong and I’m fine.” Jesse reached to tilt her face back to him.

“Lucie, look at my shirt.” Although it was already black, it was stained darker with her drying blood. He figured it must have been smeared on his neck and arms, too. She sighed.

“But, I’m alright now.” She squeezed his hand, weakly, as if to emphasize. He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her forehead. It was hot.

He stood, announcing to Lucie and Cordelia, who had finished putting away the bandages and now sat on the other side of the bed, “I’m going to find James and tell him that we are done. Maybe he can let me borrow a shirt.”

Cordelia nodded, and said, “He should be in the drawing room. I’ll stay here.” She put her hand on Lucie’s shoulder. He nodded and walked out the room.

Downstairs, it was dark besides a witch light emitting a bluish cast on the drawing room. Shadows of furniture were painted across overflowing bookshelves, but instead of being ominous it inexplicably felt comforting. Jesse found James sitting in the corner, book in hand, but he seemed to be fixated on the view out the window. The sun would be rising soon.

“How is she?” James asked, not looking away.

“She says she's fine.”

“You don’t believe her?”

Jesse took a seat across from James, leaning forward, his elbows on his legs. “I believe she wants to be fine.” James’s golden eyes narrowed. “I was going to ask you if you could call the Silent Brothers.”

He let out a long sigh, “Thank the Angel.”

“What?”

“Oh, I sent my Uncle Jem a fire message a few minutes ago. But I didn’t know if I made the right call.” Jesse smiled thinly and nodded. He should have known that as much as he was worrying, James was likely also pacing his house. Jesse would have done the same thing for Grace.

“Thank you,” He managed, suddenly feeling exhausted.

James only nodded and said, “I’ll wait here. You can go back up and get cleaned up… I won’t tell her that you asked me to call them. I’m okay with being the villain. I may always be Evil Prince James to her.”

Jesse smiled. “If you insist.”

He began walking away but he was stopped by James who called after him, “It’s not your fault, whatever happened. You know that right?” Jesse didn’t know what he thought, so he clenched his fists, and continued going upstairs, not turning back.

It had only been a minute since Jesse had left the room, and Cordelia didn’t know what more to do with herself besides brushing through her parabatai’s hair with her fingers. Occasionally, her fingertips would brush her forehead, and she tried not to be alarmed at the heat that radiated off. She quietly hoped this was just her body fighting off whatever demon poison was making her so lethargic, and not something more grave.

She assumed Lucie wasn’t completely asleep though, especially since she seemed to be able to respond when spoken to, but it was clear she drifted in and out of consciousness. However, she was surprised when Lucie spoke to her first.

“Were you impressed by my assets?” Lucie mumbled, her eyes half lidded. Cordelia snorted.

“I can’t say I was particularly focused on them, given all the blood.”

“It's, okay Daisy, you can say you were underwhelmed, I’m rather secure with myself now.” Her lips stretched into a weak smile. She readjusted herself, wincing slightly as she made room for Cordelia. “Come. You need to sleep, too.”

Cordelia hesitantly joined her, putting her arm around Lucie’s front protectively, careful not to put too much weight on it. She brought her in close, resting her chin on the top of her head. Quietly, tears pricked at her eyes and she was thankful Lucie couldn’t see them. She didn’t need another thing to worry about.

She wondered if she made a mistake with not calling the Silent Brothers. She wanted to honor her parabatai’s wishes, but still something nagged at her. If Lucie needed more help and she didn’t get it for her it would be Cordelia’s fault. But she felt Lucie's breath, strong and steady, and maybe it was the exhaustion of the night, but she was lulled into sleep.

Jesse, feeling more calm in a fresh shirt he stole from James’s closet, made his way back to the room he had left Cordelia and Lucie in. The door was silent, as he pushed it open, and his heart warmed at the sight of Cordelia and Lucie curled up together, fast asleep. The sight was so adorable, it reminded him of two children who had drifted off after a long day of playing pretend.

He supposed that deep down, they would always be the little girls that had met in France and found their matching halves. The thought was enough to make him feel a bit better, too.

Light had finally started peeking through the windows, and he was thankful for it. This night had stretched too far.

As soon as he sat on the bed, beside where Lucie’s head lay, he heard footsteps approaching. James and Brother Zachariah entered the room, trailed by Will and Tessa, looking rather distressed. At the sight of their daughter safely dozing with her parabatai, they seemed to ease a bit, but they looked at Zachariah, clad in the same robes as always.

When did this happen? He asked Jesse, voice echoing in his mind.

“It must’ve been a few hours ago at this point.” Zachariah nodded but Will seemed miffed.

“And why are we hearing of this now and not a few hours ago?” Will said in a hushed tone, that made Jesse’s heart contract with guilt. Something about Will’s frustration potentially being directed at him made him feel worse than he could’ve imagined. His father in law was typically in good spirits, which made him great company, but it made his moodiness even more stark. Tessa put a hand on Will's chest and they had a silent exchange. He took a deep breath, stepping back and gesturing for Zachariah to examine Lucie.

Cordelia began to stir, opening her eyes and looking somewhat alarmed that there were now five more people than there had been when she fell asleep. She stood, taking her spot beside James as he draped his arm around her shoulders, and pressed a kiss into her hair.

Zachariah simply walked up to Lucie’s sleeping body, and placed his hand on her forehead. They all watched in silence until he spoke to them all: She needs sleep. That is all. The Demon Venom is being fought by her body– she could possibly be tired for a few days but it won’t bring her more harm.

The whole room practically sagged with relief, and Lucie finally woke up enough to see everyone that had joined her in the room.

She squinted up at Brother Zachariah then at her parents, closed her eyes again, then said, “Which one of you betrayed my trust.” James made eye contact with Jesse, then darted away quickly, obviously opting to stay silent.

Cordelia laughed to herself, obviously comforted to hear her parabatai’s sense of humor coming through despite the circumstances. Jesse, however, suspected this might have been the wrong thing to say, considering Will crouched next to her and said, “I might ask you, my sweet daughter, why you betrayed my trust and ignored the most crucial Herondale rule.”

She opened one eye, and asked, “Which is?”

“Absolutely never,” Will emphasized, “turn down a chance to call on your Uncle Jem.”

“I thought it was no necromancy.”

“Not funny.”

She smiled, then turned her face into her pillow. “I’m sorry Uncle Jem, it’s not that I don’t want to see you.” Her voice was muffled, and Jesse thought it was rather charming how sleepy she was acting. “I just didn’t want to make a big deal.”

This time Tessa sat at her other side and brushed hair behind her neck with her hands. “Darling, don’t be silly. We want you to be taken care of.”

They fussed over Lucie a bit more, and Jesse layed back down next to his wife, watching Will, Jem and Tessa have a conversation in hushed tones. At some point, James and Cordelia left, presumably to get rest themselves. Jesse felt exhaustion start to take over so he shut his eyes, pulling Lucie in close. He basked in every breath, every flutter of her eyelashes that tickled his neck, every twitch of her leg, and fell asleep, not caring his father and mother in law were still in the room.

When Lucie woke up, she was disoriented by the light and the room she was in. It took her a few seconds for her to recall the fuzzy memories of getting injured, brought to Curzon street, and bandaged up. She felt a rigidness in her chest that suggested tightly wrapped bandages, although she barely remembered them being placed. She vaguely remembered her parents showing up too, and she fought off a groan.

She made to sit up, but realized Jesse’s arm was holding her down. At her movement, he awoke, groggy green eyes surveying her own. Before she could say anything, he closed the space between them and pressed a chaste kiss on her lips. “You scared me.” He said quietly. “Don’t do that again.”

“Good morning to you, too.” She rolled her eyes and tried to sit up again, but winced as she felt a sharp stab of pain from her cut. Jesse helped prop her up in bed, clearly relieved she was feeling better than the night before. His clear green eyes looked clouded with trouble but before she could say anything, he spoke first.

“I'm sorry–”

“Jesse, stop.”

“No, I was there I should have–”

“Jesse,” She leaned forward, taking his face in her hands and pressing their foreheads together. She ignored the pain sparking in her chest as she said, “This is who we are. I am going to get hurt sometimes, so are you, and we can’t control that. But we can control what we do when it happens, alright? You were perfect. You are perfect.” His eyes still swam with unshed tears and guilt but he swallowed and nodded, closing his eyes. They breathed the same air for a moment, and she relished in his closeness, tracing the planes of his face, and along his cheekbones. Finally, the pain in her wound became so strong that she drew back, cringing.

Jesse stood up immediately, “Sorry, I should have gotten Cordelia as soon as you woke– I will be right back.”

The two of them returned a few minutes later, and Cordelia looked very relieved to see Lucie alert and seated. She smiled at Cordelia, extending her hand for her to hold and said, “Daisy, how was Amsterdam? I’ve missed you!”

Cordelia’s smile was genuine and sweet as she said, “Wonderful, but I’ll tell you about it later. How are you feeling?” She took out her stele, and began drawing more healing runes on Lucie’s arm, as they conversed.

“Oh, I feel perfect besides having a corset of bandages suffocating me.” “You’re welcome,” Cordelia flicked Lucie’s cheek, “These bandages might have saved your life.”

“What dramatics! It’s a scrape!”

“You’re funny.”

Lucie squeezed her parabatai’s hand and whispered, “Thank you, Daisy.”

Cordelia only smiled, and looked up at Jesse who had been quietly observing. “Your wife is rather ridiculous, don’t you think?”

“Oh, I know,” he said, ignoring Lucie who scrunched her nose in displeasure.

“Agh, you two are supposed to support me! Instead I get this slander,” she hung her head to the side in mock defeat. They laughed. The midday sun finally peeked through the curtains.

They would be alright.

The end!! Let me know if you liked it :)

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laylax13s · 1 year

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Precious

Torn

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TW/CW.: physical @bvse, mental @bvse

---------

“No,” Charles raged as he paced back and forth.

I really should have kept my mouth quiet, Alastair thought to himself as he shifted between his legs worried about his lover's next move.

“Honestly.” He spoke as his face turned bloody red, standing in one place.“ Everything, this is your fault. Why weren't you careful?! Now that bohemian can spread it all around.”

His fists clutched at his side's as his voice began to rise with each word making Alastair wish he could disappear.

He is so angry…

“Charlie.” Alastair whispered barely,“ She isn't going to say anything, I promise.”

Charles slowly walked towards him, as his fingers found their way to his bleached hair,“ I just wish you would listen to me. Everything would be perfect that way. promise me that you will listen to me like in Paris?”

"B..but…” He stuttered… my mother.

Charles sighed," No, but my love, I just wished you were the same back then. The same Alastair who admired what I did for us and appreciated me. You don't even care about me.”

“What?” Shock appeared on his face as he heard the accusations,“ Of course I appreciate what you do.”

Charles continued to brush his fingers against Alastair's hair,“ You know I love you. Do you love me as well?” when he hummed and leaned into the touch.That's when the gentle, loving touch turned into fury, as Charles fisted the blonde hair into a death grip tagging the younger boy closer, “Then why do you make me seem like the bad guy? Huh?”

He couldn't help but whimper in pain as he let out a sob when the older man pushed him against the wall. A hand locked in hair as another bruising his hip as his hold began tighter each second.

“Tell me?” He practically growled,“ Why put me in such a position if you love me? Now Matthew and his gang of misfits know. All because you couldn't deny it. Everything I did for you, for us is going to crumble.”

Whimpers left Alastair as thoughts of wanting to cry rushed through his mind. Tears threatened to escape his dark eyes. The green eyes stared at him as he suddenly walked away making the younger boy slide down against the wall while he continued cursing under his breath.

Please…

For a moment Charles turned with a smirk on his face as he walked towards. “Alastair,” he said. “ I'm sorry. I'm worried about us. I'm trying to do the right thing,” He leaned down and placed two fingers under the dark haired boy’s chin to tilt it upwards. “You understand that, right?” he continued. Alastair started shakily nodding, biting his lip slightly. “Good.” was Charles’s final word before straightening up, and walking towards the door where Alastair’s jacket and hat were waiting. He picked them up, and handed them to the still curled up boy on the floor. “You need to leave now, my brother is coming home in some time.” the man stated. Alastair nodded again, this time only once. He stood up, putting the jacket back on, holding the hat in his hands. He walked to Charles, and gave him a quick kiss before rushing out of the room.

He was about to go downstairs, when he heard the front door opening. His heart stopped for a moment, but an idea came to his mind fortunately.

The next moment he found himself opening a window and leaning out to check how high he was. It was high, he thought. But there was no time to waste because the person who came in was already on the stairs.

Alastair sucked in a deep breath, and decided to climb down. It was easier than he thought, due to his shadowhunter skills.

Once he got down, he ran away from the manor as fast as he could. While on his way home, it started snowing. That was when he realised, he left his hat next to the window. Oh no, he thought, what if Matthew notices? But then he remembered, he already knows, the worst that could happen is that he will be furious about Alastair being in his house.

Someone bumped into him, dragging him out of his thoughts.

“Uh, sorry..” the person muttered. Alastair frowned and looked up at the familiar voice.

“Thomas?” he asked in confusion.

“Alastair.” The boy nodded at him as a greeting. Alastair nodded back hesitantly. Then the frown found its way back on his face,

“What are you doing here?” he asked. Thomas glanced at the Fairchild manor next to them,

“I’m here with Kit, I’m helping him with his experiments.” he answered happily. “I guess I don’t have to ask why you are here…” Thomas continued with a blush, looking down. Alastair did the same. He thanked his dark complexion once again that his blush wasn’t so visible. But then some kind of anger seemed to be on Thomas’s face. He looked up at Alastair, “I must be on my way. Goodbye, Carstairs.” he said, and walked past Alastair. The latter hesitated for a moment before turning around towards the boy walking away.

“Hey!” he said. Thomas instantly spun back, with an expectant expression. But with that Alastair suddenly felt nervous. Why did he call for Thomas again? “I- “ Come on, say something, he thought. “Goodbye, Thomas.” was the only thing that came out. The mentioned boy pursed his lips, but nodded and turned back, to enter the Fairchild manor.

-------

Co creator: @thelasthours-alastair

#alastair carstairs #thomas lightwood #alastair x thomas #thomastiar #thomastair fanfic #thomastair fanfiction #the last hours #the last hours fanfiction #chain of gold #chain of iron #chain of thorns #jordelia #fairstairs #heronchild #blackdale #ghostwriter #Precious

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alastairstom · 1 year

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Hello!

Welcome to my TSC blog, a place where I cause shenanigans and (mainly) post fanfiction! I mainly write about Thomastair, Wessa, Jordelia and my much-beloved Matthew Fairchild because that's where my interests largely lie.

My fics, published as thegirlofthorns on Ao3:

Alastair/Thomas

Dreamscapes on the Wall (multichapter, complete)

The Golden Age of Something Good & Right & Real (multichapter, complete)

A Ribbon of Dream (multichapter, complete)

Flying in a Dream, Stars by the Pocketful (Christmas multichapter, complete)

The Rest of My Life With Him (one-shot)

A Dazzling Haze, A Mysterious Way About You (one-shot)

The Diaries of Sir Thomas Lightwood, Age Fourteen (one-shot)

Part-Time Soulmate, Full-Time Problem (one-shot)

Passed Down Like Folk Songs (The Love Lasts So Long) (one-shot)

I'm a Fire and I'll Keep Your Brittle Heart Warm (18+, one-shot)

Moonlight Sonata and I (gift for @luciehercndale)

Days Future: Paris, 1912 (one-shot)

all of you, all of me (intertwined) (gift for @alastaircarstairsdefenselawyer)

The Stars Are Aligned (So Save That Heart for Me) (one-shot reincarnation AU)

I Had the Best Day (With You, Today) (Thomastair & Gracetopher, oneshot)

The Surprise (one-shot)

Baby You Got Lucky 'Cause You're Rockin' With the Best (18+, one-shot)

The Crown You Never Take Off (one-shot gift for @thevagabondexpress)

Twenty Minutes (18+, one-shot)

like a candle you burnt out (one-shot)

Kaleidoscope of Loud Heartbeats Under Coats (one-shot)

Connecting the Tide to the Sand That Was Dry (one-shot gift for @vwritesaus)

The Together, We'll Learn to Breathe Series (about Thomas and Alastair healing together) // can be read in any order

A Therapeutic Chain of Events (multichapter, complete)

You Drew Stars Around My Scars (one-shot)

a dwindling mercurial high (multichapter, complete, past Charles/Alastair)

Closets of Backlogged Dreams (multichapter, on hiatus)

Bloodsucker, Famefucker (one-shot)

Every Tear's a Rain Parade From Hell (one-shot)

Will/Tessa

When Our Eyes Meet, Darling, I Fancy You (multichapter, complete)

The Howling Wind (18+, one-shot)

Have I Known You Twenty Seconds or Twenty Years? (one-shot)

A Tale of a Great Behemoth (one-shot)

Leaves, Cider Donuts, and William Herondale (one-shot)

This Life Is Sweeter Than Fiction (one-shot college AU)

my hips & thighs & my whispered sighs (oh lord) (18+, one-shot)

'Sentimental Boy' Is My Nom de Plume (one-shot)

Christmas on the Balcony (18+, one-shot)

Matthew

The Name We Give Our Mistakes -> Character study (multichapter, complete)

Summer Went Away (Still the Yearning Stays) -> Matthew + family (multichapter, complete)

The Cheap Severity of Abstract Ethics -> Matthew & Alastair + Thomas/Alastair (multichapter, complete)

Forces & Flowers -> Matthew & Anna (one-shot)

This Beautiful Beast -> Matthew & Oscar feat. Thomas/Alastair + Kit (one-shot)

across our great divide, there is a glorious sunrise -> Character study (one-shot)

A Combination of Shock and Awe -> Matthew & Charles feat. Will (one-shot)

The Importance of Being... -> Matthew + Thomas/Alastair

The Matthew and Alastair: Burying the Hatchet series (about Matthew and Alastair having important conversations shortly after ChoT) // can be read in any order

Prices and Vices (I End Up in Crisis) -> Matthew & Alastair (one-shot)

Your Flower's Filled With Vitriol -> Matthew & Alastair (one-shot)

In the Gutter, Looking at the Stars -> Matthew & Alastair (one-shot)

The Matthew Fairchild: An Expert in Romantics Series // can be read in any order

Life is Not Complex (We Are Complex) -> Matthew + Eugenia/OC feat. Thomas/Alastair (one-shot)

For One Moment, Our Lives Met (Our Souls Touched) -> Matthew, Magnus, + Ragnor/Catarina (gift for @themimsyborogove

Fashion is Ephemeral (Art Is Eternal) -> Matthew + Thomas/Alastair (one-shot)

The Moon in Her Chariot of Pearl -> Matthew + Will/Tessa (one-shot)

A Little Sincerity (A Dangerous Thing) -> Matthew + Risa/OC feat. Alastair

James/Cordelia

It's a Love Story (Baby, Just Say Yes) (one-shot)

I Can See You (Up Against a Wall With Me) (one-shot gift for @furoruisa)

Privacy Sign on the Whole World (one-shot)

Other

Taffy Stuck & Tongue Tied -> Grace & Alastair (one-shot)

Empty Bottles, Heavy Hearts, the Memories of Broken Dreams -> Thomas character study (one-shot)

I Never Said That (I Love You) -> Catarina/Ragnor (one-shot)

Blazed Glory -> TLH ensemble shenanigans (one-shot)

the nature of love -> a poem (one-shot)

Carol of the Bells: A Winter-Themed Drabble Collection

You also will likely find a lot of Taylor Swift content here. I also post sometimes about KJ Charles' books, especially the Charm of Magpies series. Our Flag Means Death, How I Met Your Mother, The Office, Never Have I Ever, Good Omens, and Crazy Ex Girlfriend will also pop up frequently.

Thanks for reading! If you like my fics and want to support me, do consider getting me a Ko-Fi. Literally no pressure, I write for fun, but it'd be cool!

#pinned #thomastair #thomas lightwood #alastair carstairs #matthew fairchild #will herondale #tessa gray #wessa #james herondale #cordelia carstairs #jordelia #herondaisy

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thevagabondexpress · 1 year

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charles, grace, and keeping the adults in character: some issues a tsc fan sees in tsc, pt. v

Let me start this by saying that yes, actually, I know how Grace's hex works. That one of its conditions is that people around her do not question the requests she makes of them. However, it's shown also by the reactions particularly of Matthew and Cordelia that it does not mean nobody will question another person's responses to Grace or their view of her.

Hence, a hole. Charles is twenty-six, I believe. Grace is sixteen. A legal minor. They're engaged. Now, marriage with a vast age difference was quite common at the time in our world. However, the examples of marriages we're given within TSC suggest that among Shadowhunters this is unusual—our largest given age gap before this is only four years.

Given that the first-generation Londoners (our TID cast) don't know that Charles is gay during the time when he and Grace are engaged, and that they would have been aware of Grace's very disadvantaged position, that full ten year age gap could seem downright predatory.

Now. They might not question that Grace is interested in Charles, or that she'd make these requests of him. It's not out of the realm of possibility for a teenager to be interested in an older man. But, if they were to remain in character with the characterization of them as adults and parents, particularly in the short stories, they should and would have questions about why Charles's self-control and moral compass are so lacking that he's willing to acquiesce to Grace's requests, instead of doing the right thing and telling her to look for someone closer to her own age. And yet, Matthew is the only person to truly question their engagement and acknowledge that it's wrong.

My issue here, other than the obvious, is twofold. First, this ties back into my post about Jordelia. The author lacks understanding of her characters, particularly of her characters in their adult forms. She doesn't allow them to be themselves, and instead forces them to cooperate with her narrative at the cost of pulling them out of character from who they should be and how they should grow based on the parameters she established.

My second issue is one that also pervades TMI especially, but the other installments of the series as well: often times, she doesn't allow the narrative to acknowledge elements which the majority of its viewers will see as wrong. When I say this series is about breaking down unacknowledged issues within TSC, I don't mean issues other readers haven't noticed. Like my troubles with Christopher, this one I've seen recognized by others in the fanbase as an icky situation. So clearly, it's something many readers will take issue with. And yet the author doesn't acknowledge this within the narrative.

Now, I also want to say that I'm not here to present a solution to this issue. While I would like this acknowledged by the canon, the books are already written so that's not going to happen and anyway, the point of this series isn't really to say, "I want [insert fix] instead." I do that plenty enough when I write fanfiction, I don't need or want to do it here. By and large the point of this series is to gather my thoughts together into a more coherent (and hopefully more mature) analytic critique than the rambling vents my mother and my close writer-friends put up with from me. It's a way to help myself understand what I'm seeing (and not seeing), and how/why I'm seeing it that way and reacting to it as I do, and I share it with the hope that someone else will resonate with my analysis and go, "Okay, thon's is seeing this too." To paraphrase Doris Schwartz, "I just point out the problems. I don't do solutions."

"some issues a tsc fan sees in tsc" is an attempt to break down the unacknowledged things in tsc that i unearthed reading chain of thorns, rereading the rest of the series in preparation for it, and writing two longform fanfics (one of them a genderbent canon reworking) for the last hours. click on the "some issues..." tag to see more of these.

#some issues a tsc fan sees in tsc #tlh #tsc #the last hours #the shadowhunter chronicles #grace blackthorn #charles fairchild #tsc vent #fan analysis #analyzing the last hours #fan essay #chain of gold #chain of iron

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juliettecxi · 3 years

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Hiii💫

Could you please write fluff/angst (srry i couldn't decide so it's up to you) prompt 3 for jordelia?

Prompt number 3: “Is that how you really feel?"

Fandom: The Last Hours

Ship: Jordelia

Genre: modern au, fluff, friends to lovers, cuddling on the bed, this one is really cute even if I say so myself

Prompt list | writing playlist

James’s fingers gently caressed Cordelia's hair while the other had her head on his shoulder. A netflix rom-com played on the laptop opposite the two, but the movie was forgotten to James, who could only focus on her.

He had been toeing the line between friendship and romantic feelings towards her, and it was on days like this that it uncontrollably washed over him, and he felt as though everything was tinted pink when he was with her.

She’d come over earlier, her face tear streaked. She didn’t even have to ask if she could come in and stay awhile before James dragged her to her room and gave her a box of tissues, before escaping to the kitch and grabbing some food and drinks. He’d then whipped out his laptop, playing the cheesiest movie he could find, before wrapping them both in a blanket and cuddling on the bed together.

He looked over at her now. His Daisy, the bravest and strongest girl he knew.

“The movie is on the laptop Jamie, not me.” she said, a small smile on her face.

James’s cheeks heated slightly and began moving away, an apology on his lips, but Cordelia held his hand and stopped him.

“Stay.”

“Alright.”

James breathed in deeply. He really liked her.

After a while she sat up and looked at him, gnawing at her lip, a habit he knew she did when she was nervous.

“Thank you, by the way.” she said.

“Why?” James asked with a small laugh.

“For everything Jamie. You’re always there for me, you don’t complain when I show up at your door like this,” she pointed at her face and chuckled. “I can’t imagine my life without you and..” she trailed off.

James smiled and grabbed her hands, holding them gently. “You’re never too much,” he whispered. “You’re like the buoy that keeps me afloat and stops me from going under.”

Cordelia looked at him now, her eyes shining. She took a deep breath.

“I love you James Herondale,”

James’s breath hitched. “What?” he asked, feeling giddy.

“I’ve loved you for a long time, more than a friend. You’re the first thought that pops into my head when I wake up, and the last thing to cross my mind before I sleep. You’re one of my closest friends and this is becoming increasingly awkward, please carry the conversation.” she finished in a rush, and James laughed.

“Is that how you really feel?” he said softly, heart racing.

“Yeah.”

“Daisy, Can I kiss you?”

One nod from her was all it took and James’s mouth was on hers, passionate and deep, and her hands wrapped around his neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her in. This was like everything he’d ever wanted, but so much better.

He broke the kiss and pressed their foreheads together. “I love you too.” he said, and Cordelia let out a happy giggle.

James had never felt more in love with her than in that moment, and he kissed her again.

A/N: This became way too fluffy and now I'm yearning ;-; I'm so sorry this got delayed anon! Anyways I hope you enjoyed! Lemme know what you thought and please like and reblog if you liked it! <3

taglist: @fortheloveofthecarstairs @writeforjordelia @alastair-esfandiyar-carstairs1 @themadhatter999 @ganseys-jane @arangiajoan @ghafa-dale @buttcrflys-rose (let me know if you would like to be added or removed via ask)

#abby writes #jordelia #james herondale #cordelia carstairs #james x cordelia #jordelia fanfiction #the last hours #tlh fanfiction #tsc fanfiction #tlh #tsc #the shadowhunter chronicles #shadowhunters #idrisnnetdaily #tsccreatorsnet #tsccreatenet #fantasylitnet

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zoyalannister · 1 year

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The urge trying to persuade my friend with whom I'm writing Daisy to add a like like "Can you imagine what would have happened if we weren’t able to talk to each other? Maybe something wild like me running to Paris with Matt ahahahah" even though the actual chapters aren't the place for memes.

#jordelia fanfiction #ao3 #meme

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lady-ofroses · 3 years

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something else to talk about

in which cordelia is an actress, anna is an entrepreneur and the author of a popular lifestyle blog, ariadne is a model and owner of a famous winery, matthew helps write anna’s lifestyle blog and is a highly sought out fashion designer, james is a singer and occasional actor, lucie is a famous author, thomas and alastair both have their own separate talk shows, christopher is bill nye 2.0, jesse is director and producer, and grace is a model

thank you to the wondrous @sleepy-sendhelp for helping me come up with this, proofreading, and writing the article! i could not have done it without you!

i’ll update whenever people tell me to because i have no motivation by myself

constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated!

James twirled a strand of Cordelia’s ruby hair before tucking it behind her ear as Cordelia stared deeply into his shining golden eyes. His arms were wrapped around her waist pulling her towards him. The salty sea air whipped James’s inky black locks all over his face and a wave of ice-cold water splashed all over her legs. The sky above them had become a conglomeration of colors, from blue to purple to red, and orange and yellow blended together creating an explosion of colors. The moon was already visible and a beam of sunlight shone on them from the half-visible setting sun. Cordelia drew her attention back to James as she placed her hands on both sides of his neck. James began to lean down as Cordelia began to go on her tip-toes to meet him halfway-

“-CUT” interrupted a voice from behind them and Cordelia was snapped out of character as she and James quickly jumped apart. They had been trying to shoot that final scene for the past hour as the sun continued to set past the horizon. Cordelia looked up and saw that only a sliver of the sun remained.

“What is it now Jesse? Are James’s hands on the wrong part of Cordelia’s waist? Oh wait, are Cordelia’s arms supposed to wrap around James’s neck? We were just about to get the scene after over four days of working on this scene!” Lucie, the author of the book they were adapting, and James’s younger sister, said exasperatedly.

“No! It’s the sun. It’s already set too far and the book specifically says that you could still see over half of the sun. If we want to adapt the book into movie form properly we have to do it right. Though, now that you say it, James’s arms were all wrong. I mean, come on man! You’re not hugging her waist, you’re holding her lovingly in your arms as you kiss her,” Jesse, the director, and co-producer of the film, sighed, “Alright everyone, you can go home now. We’ll finish it tomorrow.” He sighed again and rubbed his temples

Cordelia drew her gaze back over to James and saw his mask slip back on. Ever since he had broken up with Grace Cartwright, a famous super-model, it seemed as if James was acting all the time. All of the gossip magazines were relishing in the breakup and wondering who was going to win the race to finding someone new to date. The stress was part of what had caused them to have to redo the scene over and over again.

The sound of Lucie and Jesse all too familiar bickering had stopped and Cordelia turned over to them to see what was going on. Jesse and Lucie’s arguments usually lasted a good half hour so something must have happened. A member of the crew, Chelsea, was pointing at her phone with an anxious expression as Jesse looked over at Cordelia with concern clouding his jade green eyes. Cordelia tilted her head quizzically and made her way over to Jesse and Chelsea to take a look at Chelsea’s phone.

“What’s going on?” Cordelia asked brightly, as she tried not to overthink what their grim expressions meant.

“Cordelia,” Jesse started, “Your father just checked into rehab.”

“Wh-What do you mean? My father isn’t in rehab, he’s with my mom at a couples cruise...” Cordelia trailed off as she caught a glimpse of Chelsea’s phone. An article title Like Father Like Daughter? by Rosamund Wentworth from The Scoop was displayed on the screen. She snatched Chelsea’s phone and began scrolling down.

A tasty scoop has been served right on our plates! Last Friday, there have been sightings of Elias Carstairs entering the Silent City Rehab Center just right after sunset, wearing a mask and a pair of sunglasses. It was almost like he didn’t want to be seen. Given his children’s fame, it was a sound decision, albeit a vain one.

Elias, father to small screen staple talk show host Alastair Carstairs and silver screen darling Cordelia Carstairs, has had a known history of alcohol abuse — though it has been allegedly remedied before any of his children stepped into the spotlight.

The long-time rumor of Elias Carstairs never recovering from his addiction has been spreading around with more gusto, and more netizens sharing accounts of running across the man who looked disheveled and horribly inebriated long before the photo has broken through the news.

Is Alastair’s so-called ‘witty’ approach on “Because I Want To Talk” a genius and unique take on the usual bland and overused hosting personality native to late-night talk shows? Or does his ‘sharp attitude’ run deeper than an overrated average host’s charm? How excellent of an actress really is Cordelia? Perhaps to the point of adopting the fictitious ‘Beautiful Cordelia’s’ personality off the set in an attempt to hide a shameful family secret?

The Carstairs family’s talent in covering up scandals, begs us to question, what other scandals has this family covered up?

Our hardworking, and sober, team at The Scoop will be doing our best to uncover all the answers to these questions. Stick around and subscribe to our newsletter for all the latest and tastiest scoops you’ll ever want in Hollywood, L.A.

Cordelia looked over at Jesse in disbelief. Her father was sick, he wasn’t an alcoholic. And if he was, surely someone would’ve told her. But then Cordelia remembered the beer bottles that were all too familiar from her childhood. The broken promises and the smell of alcohol that seemed to always come from her father. How Alastair always seemed irritated whenever Sona told them that their father was ill. Had they been covering it up this whole time? But for what reason? Cordelia wasn’t a child anymore, she had a job and she certainly understood what being an alcoholic meant.

“Daisy I just heard the news,” Lucie exclaimed as she dragged Cordelia back into the real world and wrapped her arms around her neck to hug her, “Are you alright? Do you need some time off?”

“No I’m fine,” Cordelia said, determined not to let her voice waver. She had to appear strong in front of her friend. Lucie already had a lot to worry about with the adaptation and writing the seventh book of the series.

“You don’t seem fine to me. And don’t think that I didn’t hear your voice falter. You might be a professional actress but I am a professional best friend,” Lucie said, skeptically as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“I’m just thinking of all the things I have to do,” Cordelia lied, “You know, with the movie and all that. I also promised Alas that I’d talk to him today.”

"Okay...okay. I know you're lying but I'll let it slide. But just this once. If writing and reading books have taught me anything it's that communication is key for any successful relationship."

"Thanks, Luce, I swear I just have a lot on my mind. I promise I'll talk to you later.”

“Just... call me tomorrow,” Lucie said tentatively. “Love you, Daisy” she added as she tightened her arms around Cordelia.

”Love you too, Luce. And I promise I will,” and with that, Lucie detached her arms from around her and let her go home.

***

Cordelia jabbed her key into the hole and turned the key counterclockwise to unlock the door to her penthouse suite. She hadn’t been living there long but thanks to Lucie, it already felt like home. The living room was massive, with a white couch in the middle facing the TV. In between them, Cordelia had put a wooden coffee table. She had decorated it with a vase of magenta dahlias. To the right of the living room, there was a kitchen. Cordelia rarely used it as she was an abominable chef. She could scramble eggs and make tea and coffee but that was the extent of her abilities.

Cordelia dropped her keys on top of the coffee table and grabbed her phone to call Alastair. She was pretty sure that he had been keeping up with the news so hopefully, he had a plan with how to deal with the rumors.

“Hello Cordelia,” came Alastair’s voice from inside her phone, “I’m sure you’ve heard the news.”

“Of course I have, it’s everywhere,” she replied sharply. She didn’t understand how he could be so calm. “Do you have any ideas on what we should do?”

“Just act normal Layla. The press is looking for a reaction from you and you shouldn’t let them distract you from your movie.”

“Oh no,” Cordelia said weakly as realization struck her, “Oh no.”

“What is it, Layla?” Alastair inquired.

“The movie. With the news about Baba, the release for the movie is going to be ruined.”

“I highly doubt that Layla. But, if it makes you feel better, why don’t you go see Fairchild and Anna Lightwood. They should know how to fix this, they know everything about the media and how to manipulate it.”

“Did you know, about Baba’s... condition?” she asked quietly.

“Of course I did Layla. Who do you think helped him hide it for so long?” he replied, dryly, “I have to go, Layla, the producers are asking for me. Let me know if you find anything else out that could help us,” and with that Alastair ended the call.

Cordelia was still taken aback by Alastair’s confession. How could he have hidden this from me for so long? How long had he been trying to piece together the broken parts of their family? She didn’t have time to dwell on that, all she could do is brace for impact because her father’s latest scandal wasn’t going to make things easy for her.

***

Making her way to Anna’s flat was a trip she had made many times and thank god for that. The only reason that her half-dazed state hadn’t caused her to take a wrong turn was that the directions were so ingrained in her brain that she could never forget. Matthew was usually at Anna’s at night getting ready for a party so instead of waiting till morning, Cordelia figured that she should go see them together. After parking her car and locking it, she used the keys Anna had given her to get into the building.

After moving in, Anna had donated an absurd amount of money to get the entire building renovated. She had insisted, saying that the building that her apartment was located in had to have the same amount of class that she did, which was a lot. The entire building had been redone with white tiled floors and windows. Another elevator had been installed as well and new balconies were added.

Cordelia decided to take the stairs after seeing that the two elevators were currently being used. Anna also had a penthouse apartment and after climbing what seemed to be a million flights of stairs Cordelia finally made it to Anna’s. The door was decorated with a sign that read “Chez Anna”. Matthew had given it to her after he came back from Paris. Cordelia raised her hand to knock on the door but was startled by the sudden opening of the door.

Anna Lightwood stood in front of her, immaculately dressed in an expensive three-piece suit with golden embroidery on the sleeves. Her gleaming ruby necklace sat at the base of her throat.

“I suppose you’re here because of the news,” Anna surmised, her arm hanging lazily on the top of the open door, “Come on in Delia.”

Cordelia quickly stepped in, being careful to stomp on the mat next to the door as she took off her shoes. She quietly shuffled into the living room to see Matthew lounging on the black leather couch. Anna trailed behind her and then sat on the opposite matching armchair. She signaled for Cordelia to sit on the other armchair in between them.

“Well I’m sure you’ve heard the news already,” Cordelia said as she tensely sat down. “About my father.”

“Yes we have,” Matthew replied, scrunching up his nose, “I can’t believe that terrible Rosamund Wentworth just sticking her nose in others businesses. I mean ‘Perhaps to the point of adopting the fictitious ‘Beautiful Cordelia’s’ personality off the set in an attempt to hide a shameful family secret’ who does this lady think she is? The Beautiful Cordelia is based on you, of course, you act like her.”

“Don’t worry Delia, this will all blow over in a month or so,” Anna reassured as she took a sip of her drink.

“But the movie,” Cordelia said worriedly burying her face in her hand, “It’s coming out soon. What if this causes ticket sales to flop? And if it does, it’ll all be my fault.”

“Well you do know how things are with the media, once something else happens that interests people, nobody will think about your father,” Matthew paused, taking a sip of his drink, “You just have to give them... something else to talk about.”

“Perhaps bringing light to another scandal, or maybe a new lover for you. It has been a while since you dated and the public will surely go crazy,” Anna suggested.

Cordelia stared at Anna, puzzled. Cordelia didn’t want to ruin someone’s life with a scandal to save herself so she thought about that second option. “Who could I date? I mean, there is no shortage of eligible bachelors in town but I don’t really want a real relationship. And besides, with my family’s reputation ruined as much as it is right now, who would want to date me? I mean, who would be that desperate for publicity that they would fake date me?”

But that was when it hit her, she did know someone that needed to get into a relationship soon and someone that was equally invested in ticket sales for the movie that they would surely jump at the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. She stood abruptly. The haze of her realization still clouding her mind. The only thing that mattered to her at that moment was getting the ticket sales back on track.

Cordelia meditated on her options one more time. She needed to be sure about what she was about to commit to and sure that this would solve her problem. She knew that Anna and Matthew were the best in turning around stories in gossip blogs to suit themselves best. She knew what she had to do.

“I figured it out! Thank you both so so much! I have to go but, if all goes to plan, you’ll see me and my new boyfriend on all of the headlines,” she said, acting more excited than she actually was to help cover up the overwhelming anxiety that she was feeling. She began rushing out, leaving Anna and Matthew looking absolutely dumbfounded as she dashed out of the apartment.

Cordelia made her way over to her car and drove to a familiar location. She had been there many times to go over scenes and to see Lucie. As soon as she saw the familiar shape of James’s apartment building. She parked in front of it and took the elevator up.

She stared at it for a second, trying to think of another solution, something that wouldn’t affect her personal life as much as this would. But she knew that this was the only way. If she wanted to save the movie, and her career as an actress, she had to distract the public from the truth.

As soon as she reached his penthouse, she braced herself for the effects of her request. This was her last chance to turn back. To try and find something else to do. But if she didn’t do this her career would be damned and she would forever know that she was a coward. She was Cordelia Katāyoun Carstairs, and she was not a coward.

She raised her hand to the door and knocked.

ok so that is the first chapter. as i said before constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated. please please please let me know what you think and please let me know if you want to be added to my tag list!

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theheartsmistakes · 2 years

Text

Any Other Name- Chapter 12

A loud banging rattled Cordelia into a groggy lucidity, enough so that she could open her eyes a bit to see a green-tinted light emitted behind the dark silhouette of a man, or what she assumed to be a man with incredibly wide sleeves.

Warmth caressed her chilled skin. She had been so cold, she couldn’t stop shaking. Her teeth rattled in her head. But now she melted into the enveloping warmth that soothed her aches and chills.

“Oh my,” said the silhouette rather peevishly. “I was expecting my order of Chinese, and now there’s blood on my doormat.”

She was moving again, into the green light and warmth. “I need your help. She’s been hurt.”

“Doesn’t she have people for this sort of thing?”

“The runes aren’t working,” said a deeply familiar voice, one that instantly made her feel safe. She felt herself being set down on a soft surface and rolled away from the warmth. She wanted to cry out, cling to it, bury herself into it, but she couldn’t move. Even the act of being gently set down sent a shock of searing pain through her back. “She doesn’t have much time. She’s been stung by a Nimulus demon in the back.”

“The runes aren’t working?” The silhouette repeated. “Why aren’t the runes working?”

“Magnus, if I knew that I wouldn’t be here right now?”

Magnus? The High Warlock of London, Magnus? Or who used to be the High Warlock of London. She wanted to greet him, to beg him for help, to plead for some forgiveness she wasn’t quite sure she deserved. “Turn her on her front. I can express the venom and clean the wounds but she’ll have to heal on her own until the runes start working again.”

“What if they won’t?”

She didn’t hear Magnus’s answer, only the sound of boots clipping away on the hard floor.

A hand wrapped around her shoulder and the other around her waist, and she was very carefully lifted from the soft surface. Warmth met her skin again, and she could hear the sound of quickened breathes against her ear, feel the prickle of facial hair on her cheek, and smell the mixture of tobacco, vetiver, and leather.

As pain lanced up her spine as she was turned onto her side, a small cry escaped her lips.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered into her ear. “I know. It’s going to be all right, Daisy. You’re going to be all right.”

Daisy.

A field of daisies appeared in her memories. And a boy, with black hair and amber eyes, stared back at her from a grass-laden hill. He called her by that name once, a long time ago. It felt like a secret between them.

A hand stroked her hair, down to her shoulders, again and again in a soothing rhythm.

“We need to remove her shirt,” said Magnus, and the hands tightened around her. “Don’t look so scandalized, I need access to the wounds. Do you have a knife— never mind, she does.”

A kiss of warm air touched her lower back, followed by a ripping sound and she felt her skin become exposed around the shock of pain consuming her back.

“She’s very fortunate it was her back and not her front,” said Magnus. “If the tail had pierced her heart we’d be watching her fade into Elysium.”

“Magnus.” An urgency rose in James’s voice. “Can you please get started?”

“Right,” said the warlock. “This is going to be incredibly unpleasant for all of us involved. I need you to hold her very steady, James. Can you do that?”

She felt James's shoulders move, but she wasn’t sure if he nodded his head or shook it. The answer showed itself as a burst of pain coursed through her back like molten lava, tearing from her muscles and extracted from her blood. Her back bowed and her eyes flew open as she screamed a silent cry. All while James’s arms remained wrapped around her. An anchor in a storm, a branch along the bed of a raging river, a hand outstretched in the darkness.

He didn’t let go.

Cordelia has woken up countless times after being injured from a demon attack, a training accident, or even from too much lava cake at her friend’s birthday celebrations, but none of those times compared to the pain she felt waking up now.

Every breath from her chest hurt, her skin feels like it would after being touched by the sun for too long. She’s afraid to move a limb or sit up or even open her eyes in fear that her bones will shatter or her entire body will turn to ash.

With her eyes still closed, half locked in the feverish dream of daisy fields, green-lit rooms, and being held in the arms of someone she used to know, she recalled the events of the previous night. A weight sat heavily on her chest of something she needed to do, of someone she needed to see, but she couldn’t recall what it was.

“Should we be worried she hasn’t woken up yet?”

“I’d tell you no, but I have the feeling you’re going to worry anyway.” She heard the sound of glass hitting glass and then liquid being poured. “What does she mean to you anyway? I thought you were done with this life? Screw them all you said.”

“We’re old friends.”

Humor and something like accusation shifted in Magnus’s tone. “Friends?”

“Yes, just friends,” answered James, and the next time he spoke it was farther away. “She’s a close friend of Lucy’s, actually.”

“And how is she going to feel waking up in a forbidden part of the city at the apartment of a Warlock?”

The silence was palpable. Cordelia took it as her moment to make her presence known before they tried to move her body or spontaneously drop her off at the Institute steps before she had a chance to properly thank either of them or ask the questions she had.

She let her eyelids open and took a deep breath, testing her lungs that ached in her chest.

“What happened?” She croaked through a dry throat and what felt like a swollen tongue.

Both men turned around, something like relief and surprise decorated both of their expressions as they took her in.

“You were struck by the poisonous end of a Nimulus demon’s tail,” said Magnus as he took his seat on the chair beside the fireplace with a glass of amber-colored fluid in his hand. “I had to draw the poison out with some quick but effective spell work, I hope you don’t mind. I did my best to bind the wound but you’ll want to go gently.”

“Did I cluck like a chicken?”

James and Magnus exchanged a confused look. “Not that I can recall,” said Magnus, “but I didn’t spend the majority of time with you. Is clucking like a chicken something you usually do?”

“It’s known to happen on occasion.”

Magnus grinned a Cheshire smile. “I do hope to see that one day.”

Cordelia tried to sit up when a sharp pain lit up her spin. James was up off of his chair and kneeling beside her, gentle hands on her arms pushed her back into the sofa cushions. “Woah, you’re not one-hundred percent yet. The wound isn’t fully healed.”

Cordelia looked around the room for her weapons belt. “Where is my stele…” but realization dawned on her as memories from the previous night returned. “The seraph blades and steles aren’t working.”

“No, they’re not,” said James softly. “I tried to put several iratzes on you, but I couldn’t get the blade to activate either.”

They both looked to Magnus who shrugged rather guiltlessly. “Don’t look to me to explain the defective nature of angelic blades.”

Cordelia attempted to sit up again. “I should be getting back—“ The strength was stolen from her when another burst of siring pain struck her spine. What did they use to do before iratze runes?

“You should rest,” said James. “You’re safe here.”

She didn’t feel safe, and not because of the company around her. Their steles and seraph blades weren’t working which meant they couldn’t heal themselves, put runes on their body to fight, or protect themselves against demons. It all felt entirely too mundane.

The doorbell rang, an obnoxious tune, and Magnus excused himself for a moment, leaving James and Cordelia in the front room of the rather large flat.

She pulled the quilt up to her chin and stared at the divets and etches of the wooden beams on the ceiling.

“Did it work then?” She asked. “Did killing the origin kill the rest of them?

James's dark eyebrows perked up. “Yes, how did you know to do that?”

Cordelia exhaled in relief. “I remember Alastair mentioning it once. I couldn’t see the demon. I was very much taking a stab in the dark. I didn’t think about where the tail was. I couldn’t get out of the way fast enough.” She pulled at a loose string on the quilt that covered her when she was struck with a question. “How did you find me?”

James leaned back and scrubbed his weary face with his hands. He looked like he hasn’t slept properly in days. “I was in Piccadilly on business when I ran into Thomas. When we heard the first scream I followed him to make sure you didn’t need assistance and that’s when I saw you run into the parking structure alone. I went in just to make sure you were all right. That’s when I found you collapsed on the floor. I should have called Thomas or Augustus—“ he said the name like it hurt coming up— “but there wasn’t enough time. I’m sorry. This was the first place I could think to bring you.”

“Don’t be sorry,” said Cordelia. “I should be thanking you. With steles not working, they would have let me die of poisoning before they brought me to a warlock for aid.”

James nodded, he’d had the same thought as her.

Cordelia shook her head. “What’s happening, James? Downworlders rebelling, Shadowhunters exiled, angelic weapons not working, and—“ She thought about mentioning Augustus asking her to a Clave ball and threatening to destroy her father if she refused, but she decided to keep it to herself. “It feels like that game with the tiles that are all standing up in a row and when one falls down, the rest fall with it.”

James pulled the chair closer to her bedside and sat. “Cordelia, I need to ask you a question.”

She nodded. “Go on.”

“Why were you at the library in Alicante looking at the original Shadowhunter Codex?”

“You’ve spoken to Matthew.”

James didn’t try to hide it or lie it away, he simply waited for her response.

“I’ll tell you what I told him.” Because she couldn’t tell him the truth. “I’m doing a bit of research comparing the original with the copies.”

“Aren’t they exact replicas?”

“Are they?”

James squinted, clearly confused. “My knowledge on the matter says yes, but the gleam in your eyes tells me not. What do you know, Daisy?”

She smiled at the nickname. “Not much.” True, because Lucie hasn’t told her why she wants or needs the Codex. “But I suspect there is something in there that will discredit the Clave on this whole exile on Downworlders business.”

James tilted his head. “Like what?”

“I’m not sure,” she answered honestly. “No one has ever been close enough to the original Shadowhunter Codex in hundreds of years. It’s been locked away in that ancient library. If I can access it—“

James stood up and was already shaking his head like a disappointed parent.

“What?” asked Cordelia. “Why are you doing that? I haven’t even finished.”

“It’s too dangerous,” said James, as he dragged his hands through his hair and walked towards the arched window and looked out into the starless night. “Did Math put you up to this? I’ll kill him.”

“Math?” Cordelia blanched at the idea of collaborating with Matthew. “No, as far as I know, Matthew suspects nothing.”

“Then how did he know to find you in the library in Alicante?”

“He followed me there. Perhaps the two of you are conspiring together on something that you’re not letting me in on.”

James scoffed. “Like what?”

Cordelia shrugged one shoulder. Even the small movement hurt. “I don’t know. I hate this division from each other. It would be so much easier if we were all on the same page.”

James pressed his back against the wall beside the window and crossed his arms. “We could be. It would require some trust and honesty.”

Cordelia looked over at him and standing next to the glowing sconce on the wall, she could see the wear the past year has taken on him. Gone was the softness of the boy who chased her with a baguette through Buckingham Palace and who was her first real heartbreaking crush. Though the flame still burned as she gazed at him, the edges of his cheekbones, the outline of his mouth, and the glossy turns of his waved hair.

“Do you trust me?” She asked.

The question burned between them for a moment.

His gold eyes flickered around the room as he thought before landing back on her. “Do you trust me?”

“Yes.” The answer required no thought. She understand the answer couldn’t come as easily from him, considering their position in the Clave, but the friendship rooted deep within her wanted that trust more than anything.

James skimmed his bottom lip with his teeth. “It’s hard for me not to trust you considering who you are, but am I being foolish because of my—“ He leaned his head back against the wall, exposing the strong contours of his jaw and neck. The image sent a strange flutter through Cordelia that she hadn’t felt for some time. The pull to press a kiss to the edge of that jawline, to taste the salt of his skin on her tongue—

She shook the delicious image from her head. Now was not the time to be flustered. What had be been saying? “Because of your what?”

He swallowed. Her mouth grew dry as she watched his Adam’s apple rise and drop. “Because of our history together.”

Right, their history together. Here she was dreaming about licking his jaw and he was remembering her as the little girl who dragged him around London when he’d much rather be with his friends on holiday in Egypt. Angel help her, she really needed to put this crush to rest for good.

“That makes perfect sense,” said Cordelia, as she carefully moved the blankets off of her and attempted to grip the back of the sofa to pull herself up.

James was across the room in three strides, but she held up her hand. If he touched her in any sort of tender or gentle way, she’d never been able to build the wall she needed to built between them to move past whatever feelings still lingered. “I’m fine.” She said and scooted herself up.

James stood, only a foot away from her, with hands flexed at his sides. “Cordelia, I—“

“You’re not being foolish,” she said, as she moved her stiff legs one at a time and pressed her feet on the floor. The injury to her back ached with each movement she made. “You’re being smart. A lot has happened in the five years since we last saw each other. It’s not fair for me to just expect you to trust me. Perhaps, it’s best if we just go our separate ways. I’ll do what I have to do and you keep doing whatever it is that you’re doing.”

“Is that what you want?”

A laugh bubbled up in her throat when the realization dawned on her that she couldn’t remember that last time someone had asked her what she wanted. It felt like it was always, “Cordelia, you need to do this”. From her parents, the Clave, her friends, and now Augustus Pounceby.

Everything was made so much worse because she couldn’t even tell him the truth.

No, that wasn’t what she wanted.

She wanted him to trust her, she wanted to earn that trust, and she’d do anything she could do it. But a bitter fear pinched her tongue and held her lips closed. What if that wasn’t what he wanted any more? The rumors that he’d gone out with several girls in the past years were incredibly loud and able to reach her even in Tehran; none of those girls looked remotely like Cordelia. Perhaps she wasn’t his type. Blonde, lengthy, delicate— no, where those girls were white roses in a room, Cordelia stood out like a summer-bloomed sunflower.

She swallowed the prickle in her throat. “Do you still have it— the key? Matthew said that he gave you the key to the case that holds the Shadowhunter Codex.”

James began shaking his head again.

“If you’re about to tell me how dangerous and reckless I am being for trying to steal the Shadowhunter Codex, I will throw something at you—“

“I don’t have it.”

Her eyes narrowed at him, searching for the lie, but all she found was guilt and caution in those beautiful gold eyes.

“Where is it?”

“I had to let someone borrow it.”

Cordelia rubbed at her tired eyes. “Who?”

He paused for a long moment, and she wondered if he wouldn’t tell her. Finally, he said the name, “A warlock named Hypatia Vex. She runs The Hell Ruelle, a nightclub in Hackney.”

Cordelia carefully rose to her feet. Other than a dull ache in her back, she was able to stand. Whatever Magnus had done to heal her it seemed to be working. “Where are my boots?”

James uncrossed his arms. “You can’t go there.”

“I have to,” she argued and went about searching for her boots and only then noticed her shirt was split down the back. “And I’m also going to need a new shirt.”

“It’s authorized guests only,” said James.

“How do I become an authorized guest?”

James was about to answer when a voice came from the hallway entry. “You attend with other authorized guests.” Magnus studied his nails as he leaned against the wall. “Like me.”

#a shadowhunter fanfiction #the last hours #cordelia carstairs #james herondale #jordelia fanfiction #the shadowhunter chronicles #chain of gold #cassandra clare #james x cordelia

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weirdfanaus · 3 years

Text

Where’s My Love? (Part 1)

part 2

Summary: Cordelia tells James she loves him.

Rating: General Audiences

Words: 591

Pairing: Cordelia Herondale (Carstairs) and James Herondale

Author’s Note: Felt like writing something for Jordelia and some sad songs came on my playlist so here you have it. A sad Jordelia fic. Sorry. I wanted to fluff initially, but this happened. Might get around to write some cute Jordelia some time.

The only spoiler for Chain of Iron is that they are married.

Also on Ao3

“Listen to me, Cordelia.” James Herondale’s voice broke her from her own mind. His eyes were as bright and warm as the sun and she was slowly losing herself in them. They lured her in a trance, her whole body now aware of his presence.

“Cordelia, Daisy…” she was breathing hard, she felt how the world was spinning around her. Her left arm was numb and in her right one she couldn’t feel the familiar weight of Cortana. Where was her sword?

“James, she is losing too much blood, we need to get her to the Institute.” she heard a male voice, like through water. So far away. The only one she was sure of was James.

James. James Herondale. Her husband. She loved him so much, he was her salvation, but he loved someone else. Maybe just as much as she does him. She wanted to know him smiling, she wanted him happy. He could be happy without her. She knew for sure.

“James.” she breathed. Her right hand moved without her realizing it. She touched his skin, she felt his warmth and smelt the tears on her face, the salt, the blood. Her hand was shaking. James didn’t break their eye contact, his eyes the brightest she has ever seen them. But also the saddest, silver lining them. Her fingers tried to wipe the tears away, but they were covered in blood.

“James…” she started, but the breath felt like it was stolen from her own lungs.

“Daisy, please stop talking. Save your strength. You will be okay,” he was scared. She could see it, his face fully open. A book she could easily read. A book she loved seeing. A book she didn’t get the chance to read, love, cherish.

She shook her head. She wanted to tell him. She wanted him to know that she didn’t enter the marriage with no love in her heart. It wasn’t all a lie for her. Maybe it hurt, but she cherished every moment of it. Even the bad ones. Even the lonely nights or the moments she knew he was thinking of someone else.

She cherished his face as the first thing she saw in the morning and as the last thing before she fell asleep. The face she sometimes dreamt. The meals they shared together. The games they played every night. She loved his face: the crooked grin he wore when he won a round, the line he had between his eyebrows when he was concentrating on something or the calm look he wore while reading a book.

She loved him. She was in love with him.

“James, I have to say this,” her voice was sure. She couldn’t hold it in anymore. She needed to say it. She needed him to know, this possibility of no tomorrow, she needed to take advantage of it, of this moment when she could still see him, feel him.

“I need you to know…” she swallowed, the metallic taste filled her mouth. “I… I love you.” she watched his eyes speed through emotions: worry, confusion, realisation.

“Cordelia, love, you’re not dying.” he didn’t break their eye contact, but he moved her body with precaution, an arm under her knees and the other around her shoulders. She felt how the pressure on the lower part of her torso was increased as she was moved from her place on the cold pavement.

She moved her head in the crook of James’s neck and closed her eyes. Tired of fighting.

And darkness surrounded her.

part 2

#jordelia #james herondale #cordelia herondale #cordelia carstairs #jordelia fanfiction #chain of iron #chain of gold #the last hours #weirdfanaus #the shadowhunter chronicles #james x cordelia #james and cordelia #james x cordelia fanfiction #tlh #tlh fanfic #angst

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luciehercndale · 1 year

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Hi. I saw your post in the tag and I don't know if you're still doing request but could we get some Cordelia x Lucie? I don't really have any specific ideas but maybe something with Lucie having a bi awakening and/or them kissing could be nice.

Anon, you asked, and it took me a while to deliver. I don't know if this is what you wanted, but I tried! This one shot is set post COT, and it's more of a bi-awakening for both Lucie and Cordelia (who are with their partners in this story, so it's also a blackdale/jordelia story, but they're not the main focus). I liked the idea that Lucie, after writing about Cordelia in COT, is even more intrigued with the idea of writing a character who likes boys and girls, and she wants to know what it feels like to kiss a girl. And the girl is obviously Cordelia, whom Lucie idealized so much in her stories and often looked at with affection in her eyes. The realization shakes them both, because even though it isn't clearly stated, I believe Lucie might be bi (just like her father, tbh), and Cordelia could be too. This fic was a way for them to acknowledge that they might like girls as well, even though they are with male partners in canon (I believe that both James and Jesse are the straightest TLH characters, but they would be okay if either of them came out as bi to them). I don't know if my message came across, let me know. <3 Read on A03 (tw for mature talk about s*x)

Lucie and Cordelia - For The Sake of Research

Lucie perched on the windowsill of the drawing room with her notebook in tow, hoping to get the inspiration to continue her book. It was a rainy afternoon and she didn’t want to leave the warmth of the Institute. She liked to be where she was, with some of her favorite people keeping her company.

Jesse was reading a book about demons – reading advice from her beloved father, no less – on the armchair close to the window where she was sitting. James and Cordelia were playing chess in front of the hearth, and her best friend was beating her husband again. As she should, Lucie thought affectionately. She loved when someone beat James at something he was really good at. Not that he minded losing. Lucie heard the couple whisper to each other that the loser would have to do a dare or something. At first, she had found their voices distracting. She was trying to write, after all. But then, an image flickered in her mind, and she knew what she had to do.

There it was, the inspiration she sought so much, but not for the story she had been writing. A new story was forming in her head, except, she didn’t know how to write about her idea. She thought she could’ve asked one of her older cousins, but she remembered that they were in Idris. No, she had to ask Cordelia, who was her best friend, after all. She would understand. Plus, she was curious. She hoped her parabatai would also be okay with her proposition.

Every now and then, she glanced at Jesse and they exchanged a grin. He was often attuned to her glances, as if he knew she was watching him. Lucie loved him, and he was one of the people who inspired her the most to write. She was obviously curious to write more stuff regarding what happened between couples after they kissed, but for this idea, she didn’t have a boy and a girl in mind. She shivered, and she knew it wasn’t because of the cold. She was probably getting excited, and she needed to research. Now.

Nonetheless, she asked James to tend the fire. “Jamie, are you listening? I’ve just asked you to check the fire, I’m freezing.”

Her brother was so intent on playing with his wife that he didn’t hear her, so she had to shout it a second time. “By the angel, Lucie!”

“I finally got your attention now, brother,” she sighed. “Could you please put some wood in there? I’m freezing.”

James tilted his head. “Perhaps, if you got down from that windowsill, you would feel better.”

“I sit wherever I please,” she answered with annoyance. “This weather inspires me. Especially when it comes to your character.”

“What is Cruel Prince James up to?” he wondered casually, and both Cordelia and Jesse glanced at her, suddenly interested in this conversation.

Her cheeks warmed at the thought of what she was thinking of writing, and she didn’t dare to gaze at either of them. “There is no Cruel Prince James in this story, I’m afraid,” she shrugged, hoping no one would notice her rosy face. “It’s a story about girls.”

“Girls, plural,” James nodded absentmindedly. “Today is my lucky day, then.”

“Please, it’s not like I have ever made your character do something unforgivable,” she frowned. “It is just fiction, it’s not real. Cruel Prince James is not really you.”

“A character who locked his sister in the dungeon,” James raised an eyebrow. “Something I’d never do even if it seems tempting sometimes.” Lucie simply glared at him. She knew he was joking.

“Who is your current inspiration, Lucie?” Cordelia spoke before Lucie and James could keep arguing.

At that, Lucie managed a small grin, and took time to examine her, to take her in her expression and body posture. She seemed like a princess out of a fairytale, and she told herself she was definitely the best inspiration for her novel. “It’s you, Daisy,” she said without preamble. It wasn’t a surprise. Lucie had already written several stories with Cordelia as a protagonist, no one would have a say about her choice of inspiration.

“Don’t you think you should write about someone else, Lucie? Instead of my wife,” James said. “You could write about Jesse, you know. Your boyfriend.”

“Trust me. She did and she does,” said Jesse, who had tried to keep his eyes on the book he was reading in spite of the discussion happening around him. “And I’m glad to be an inspiration.”

“Thanks, Jesse,” Lucie told him with an affectionate grin. When she glanced at her brother, however, she made a scorned face. “Are you jealous I’m writing about Cordelia? She’s my best friend too. Also, she’s the perfect protagonist and the perfect inspiration. I mean, look at her,” she said with praise, and Cordelia lowered her stare. She seemed embarrassed every time Lucie said these things out loud, but it was the truth.

James did just that, and Cordelia offered him a loving smile. “It’s true what you’re saying, though,” he agreed, and Lucie saw his brother take his wife’s hand and kiss her. “You’re beautiful, Daisy.”

Lucie thought they were adorable, but now that they were talking about the topic of her book, she needed to act. “Daisy,” she said, “since you’re going to be the main protagonist of this story I’m writing and it’s very cold in here,” she continued, “what do you say we go out and have a little girls’ time at the Turkish baths? I could talk to you about my idea.”

“Is this necessary, Luce? We were about to leave, because the rain stopped,” James interjected.

“No one said anything about leaving,” Cordelia said. “We needed to finish the game first. Oh, and I like this idea, Lucie. I think we definitely need to spend some time together.”

“We can go with our carriage and you can get us when we’re done, if you want,” she shrugged, and Cordelia nodded at James, who had a resigned expression on his face. Victory! “Or you could come with us! Have a little bonding time too.”

“She’s right, James,” Cordelia said. “I could use the sauna. It’s cold today. I feel the chill in my bones.” Husband and wife exchanged a glance, and Lucie suspected her brother wanted to propose something else to get warm, and she immediately tried to wipe the image from her mind. “I think you may like it. You too, Jesse,” she looked at him.

“I’ve never been to a public bath,” Jesse furrowed his brow, “but it does sound exciting. What do you think, James?”

James eyed his wife, who was beaming and nodding at the same time, and then at Jesse. “I think you’ve just got yourself a partner for the day.”

Lucie got off the window and tucked her notebook under her arm. “Well, then. Shall we?”

…

It didn’t take long for them to reach their destination. Once there, Cordelia and Lucie said goodbye to the boys and headed to the women’s area. There was a room where the clients could leave their belongings in a cabinet – they had a key, so no one could steal anything. The bath provided a towel and a robe but some people just wore the towel, since they came to bathe.

Lucie and Cordelia covered themselves the best they could, even though there wasn’t much of a crowd. “Must have been the heavy rain to dissuade people from coming,” the lady at the entrance informed them. The girls thought that it was best that the hot room was empty.

“I’m honestly a little wary of other people’s stares,” Lucie confessed to Cordelia when they sat down in their private area. There was a small table in the middle of the seats, with just a water pitcher and some glasses.

“I’m the same too, you know,” Cordelia was already starting to show the signs of the hot humid air, her hair stuck on her neck, the sweat dripping on her robe. “My mother is the only other person who ever saw me without clothes,” she smiled at her friend, her cheeks pink. “And Risa, of course, and –”

“My brother,” she said matter of factly, and shook her head, a hand over her eyes to purge it from imagination. Ugh, this was the second time she imagined Cordelia and James in compromising positions. She should stop. “I’m sorry, Daisy. I don’t think I will ever be able to talk about what you and my brother do without clothes,” she chuckled coyly.

“Don’t worry, I know, it’s just,” she bit her lip, clearly distressed, and came closer to Lucie. She seemed like she wanted to say something, but in the end decided she couldn’t. “Have you ever done that, you know,” she lowered her voice, “with Jesse?”

Lucie’s skin probably turned pinker than it already was because of the hot temperature. She sighed, hugging her torso. “We haven’t,” she muttered, trying not to sound bitter or envious of her friend. “I tried to press the matter to him,” she raised an eyebrow for emphasis, “until we had a long conversation about it and decided that we would wait until after marriage.”

“He does seem very patient from the outside,” Cordelia took Lucie’s hand in hers. “I also think he insisted on waiting because he respects you and your family. He doesn’t want them to think he’s taking advantage of you. Would you want James or your father to tear him limb from limb and lay him to rest again before you even get married?”

“Of course not, Daisy!” Lucie squeezed her friend’s hand and they started to laugh, their voices carrying in the empty room. She gazed up at Cordelia, and realized her robe was slightly open and she could see the center of her chest. The sight took her back to what had been meaning to ask her friend. “Daisy,” her tone turned serious. “Have you ever done it with a girl? I mean, not done that –” she looked away for a second, “have you ever kissed a girl?”

Cordelia’s mouth gaped open but she quickly recollected herself. Lucie had written a story about her bosom, she should’ve expected something like that. “There was never the chance,” she giggled timidly. “I mean, James was all of my firsts.”

Lucie frowned. She didn’t want to know that, but still, she thought it was delightful that Cordelia’s first kiss and first time had been with her husband. And perhaps, even her first time, someday — “Would you like to be my first, too?”

“Lucie, I don’t understand what you mean,” Cordelia said, puzzled. “I thought you and Jesse –” but she was cut off.

“We do kiss,” Lucie said with a smile, “and he was indeed my first kiss. But, Daisy, can I kiss you?” she wondered loudly, squeezing Cordelia’s hand hard. When her friend remained silent, she continued. “It’s for research, you know. Just for research. For the character that I’m writing, who has affairs with both women and men alike. I want to know how it feels,” she sighed, “so I can write it properly. I thought I’d ask you since you’re my best friend.”

“That sounds exciting,” Cordelia commented finally.

“Does it?” Lucie lighted up, her grin was blinding. “I’ve always wanted to write about a character like that, Daisy,” she explained, smiling to herself now. “But never got around to experience anything with a woman, you know.”

“I understand,” Cordelia nodded, and Lucie couldn’t help but see how her robe was coming undone even more. “I will immolate myself for the good cause, then.”

“Would you? For real?”

“I’m positive James wouldn’t consider kissing his sister as betrayal,” Cordelia shrugged. “And neither would Jesse, would he?”

“It won’t hurt them if they don’t know,” Lucie winked at her friend. “But no, I don’t think they would. It’s for research, after all, it’s innocent,” she winked. “And they both know we love them and they’re our soulmates.”

“This will be our little secret, then,” she agreed. “Now… what do we do?”

“You should just kiss me, Daisy.”

Cordelia moisturized her lips before she kissed her best friend. They both closed their eyes, their hands still entwined, and gave into the new experience. Once they separated, they were both out of breath. The kiss didn't last long, as both of them were shy exploring each other’s mouths, but it had been intense, as they tried to kiss each other as if they were kissing their partners. In a way, they were also partners. They were parabatai, the oldest of bonds.

“Well, that was… something,” Lucie said, fanning herself as sweat descended on her face and neck. “I think I know how to do it now. Thanks, Daisy.”

“Really,” Cordelia echoed, wiping her face with the towel. “I think I’ve warmed enough for today, shall we go fetch James and Jesse?”

“We shall,” Lucie replied curtly, and the duo headed to the next room to cool off.

They found the boys waiting for them by the small reception. They were deep in discussion about something, and when they heard the sound of their boots on the linoleum, they both turned in their direction. Lucie and Cordelia glanced at each other and smiled before they reached their partners. She felt giggly all over, and she thought it was because of that kiss.

“I thought you left without us,” James said more to Lucie than to Cordelia. “We should go back to Curzon Street, Daisy. Apparently, Effie said a pipe broke because of the rain, and the rooftop room is completely flooded. Our presence is requested.”

“Sure, we’ll go,” Cordelia frowned, exchanging a glance with Lucie.

“I guess we’ll see you both the day after tomorrow?” James asked Lucie and Jesse. “Well, tell mama and papa hi from us.” He took Cordelia’s hand and started walking away.

“James, what are we going to do tomorrow? We don’t have anything planned,” they heard Cordelia wonder.

“I’ll tell you later,” James said, before they both disappeared outside.

“Do you think a pipe really broke?” Lucie wondered as she and Jesse, too, walked to the carriage. James had decided to take a hansom cab, so they could take the carriage back to the Institute.

“Please, he was eager to be alone with his wife,” Jesse replied. “And I can’t blame him. I was also eager to be alone with you, since we can only be alone until we get home.”

“Yes, me too,” Lucie said absentmindedly with a smile, glancing outside her window at the street. It stopped raining, and more people dared to go outside. “Even though I was happy to spend time with Cordelia. We’ve barely been together because she and James spent six months traveling the world. I missed her. She also helped me with my inspiration.”

“Glad you got your time with her,” he interlaced his fingers in hers. “I also had a fine time with your brother, until some guy with the surname Townsend, I think, walked in and he begged James to tell him everything about his travels, since he wanted to leave with his wife for a trip around the world too. James complied, but it was very awkward because this guy sat between us, legs wide open, his robe undone and everything on display. I don’t have anything against nudity, but we aren’t even friends with this fella, and it was embarrassing. We ran away the first chance we got.”

“Oh, Townsend,” Lucie sighed. “I can’t stand him. “He always had this big ego. No wonder he’s a show off. I bet that’s why Jamie was so pissed off.”

“You can bet on it,” he nodded. “I can’t wait to read what you’re going to come up with,” he added with a grin.

“I’m sure it’ll surprise you,” Lucie said, and she kissed his cheek, still thinking about what the kiss she exchanged with Cordelia made her feel, and tucking it for safekeeping into her memory.

#tsc #tlh #lucie herondale #cordelia carstairs #james herondale #jesse blackthorn #lucie and jesse #james and cordelia #jordelia #tsc fanfiction #the last hours #chain of thorns #chain of iron #chain of gold #tweety.writes #blackdale #posta #cordelia and lucie

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