emilygracewinchester

[emilygracewinchester]

Emily chose to eat modestly, not too much but knowing she was eating for another life made her take that extra small helping of protein. All she really wanted at this point was a strong, healthy child.  Though it wasn’t exactly something she wanted to dwell on too much, Emily felt that Alec would understand the situation with her brothers. As she drank juice and (most unhappily) avoided the coffee, she debated over what and how much she’d share. Alec was responsible for this entire operation - not just her little self and the unborn she carried. It was important he know, she surmised.  “My brother Sam phoned me last night,” she finally admitted between bites, “they’re trying to get me to come home. Or rather, my brother Dean is feeling like the a - hole that he can be - and he’s offering Sam as something of an olive branch. I know Dean put him up to calling. But I still can’t forget what Dean said to me right before I packed up and hit the road.”

emilygracewinchester‌:

Breakfast was still being served. And for her part, Emily was glad to at least be accepted again. The people at the Institute hadn’t really said much to her, but were calm and kind, seeing this new face. 

“And good morning,” smiled Emily as Alec came in. He looked rested at least; a good sign, “it’s a nice morning. Been a while since I could stretch out in a proper bed, so - thanks for that. Also; breakfast.” 

Sam’s voicemail was still in the back of Emily’s mind, making her feel a bit as if her cheerfulness were a facade. Not to say that she wasn’t utterly thrilled to be in a place among kith and kin, where she was being protected, but still - the call from her brother had shaken her a bit. Were they okay? 

Dean’s angry words also came back to remind Emily exactly why it was she had left in the first place, stinging now as much as they had when they had first been said to her. 

If anyone had given Emily grief, they would have had to answer to Alec.  Thankfully, most of the people that were at the New York Institute were there by choice.  When he took over, a lot of people transferred out, not wanting to be under his command.  But even more transferred in, giving them one of the most loyal groups in all of the Shadow World.  Alec trusted them all and he knew they trusted his judgment in return. 

“Glad you were comfortable,” he replied with a smile.  “Feel free to eat as much as you like.  There’s always plenty.”  

Something seemed slightly off with her that morning, her smile a little too forced, but Alec didn’t know her well enough to guess why.  If she needed to talk to him, she knew where to find him.  And if he wasn’t what she needed, he would help her find someone she felt more comfortable with.

[emilygracewinchester]

Following the smells that came from the kitchen, Avery peeked in and looked up. Magnus had obviously risen early, and even made breakfast. 

Head lowered slightly, the teenager made her way into the room slow - not meeting Magnus’ eyes.  “Sorry I fell asleep like that last night,” she murmured, “thanks - for letting me stay.” These days, Avery was more than grateful for a warm bed to sleep in and a hot meal that didn’t come from a shelter or soup kitchen. And sure, there were a lot of organizations that could help a girl like her, but she preferred to avoid them. This was her life - Hunting and being on the road. 

emilygracewinchester‌:

Soft, easy dreams. Warm and safe and well - fed. Avery woke perhaps later than she had imagined she might. Apparently Nephilim still required sleep to function properly. 

When she woke, she sat up in bed with a jolt, not at first remembering this place. Then, slowly, clarity returned. 

Avery had found herself in the home of Magnus Bane himself. High Warlock of Brooklyn and her kith and kin by extension. Well - he did say that he had a husband who was Nephilim. ShadowHunter.  Slowly, the teenaged girl rose from her bed, finding her backpack close by and half-embracing it like an old friend. It was the one constant in her life - the one thing that she was perfectly ok with. That, and everything inside it. She dressed quickly, and made herself presentable before trundling out on soft feet, following any smells or sounds she might find to indicate where the other residents were at the time. 

Alec returned not long after Magnus got Avery to bed.  He explained the situation, which came as no surprise to his husband who was well used to Magnus bringing home people who needed a place to stay.  They two of them fell asleep quickly, able to sleep soundly behind the wards of their home. 

The next morning, Magnus slipped from bed while Alec was still asleep.  He liked to do some magical training when he got a chance and sunrise and sunset were the perfect times for it.  

Only after he was done there did he go to the kitchen and start preparing breakfast.  Alec would be up soon enough but he didn’t know when Avery would wake.  A simple spell kept everything warm while Magnus sipped his coffee and waited for everyone else in the house to get up.

[emilygracewinchester]

Avery smirked just a little.  “We’ll get ‘em, Dad.”

“I still don’t want to risk it,” sighs softly.

[emilygracewinchester]

“I really think we gotta do this together Dad - before more girls get hurt. Maybe even die. We gotta help ‘em,” said Avery with quiet urgency in her voice. 

“I still don’t want to risk it,” sighs softly.

[emilygracewinchester]

“We don’t and a whole lot of other girls like me could die, Dad,” said Avery frankly, softly. 

“I still don’t want to risk it,” sighs softly.

[emilygracewinchester]

Breakfast was still being served. And for her part, Emily was glad to at least be accepted again. The people at the Institute hadn’t really said much to her, but were calm and kind, seeing this new face. 

“And good morning,” smiled Emily as Alec came in. He looked rested at least; a good sign, “it’s a nice morning. Been a while since I could stretch out in a proper bed, so - thanks for that. Also; breakfast.” 

Sam’s voicemail was still in the back of Emily’s mind, making her feel a bit as if her cheerfulness were a facade. Not to say that she wasn’t utterly thrilled to be in a place among kith and kin, where she was being protected, but still - the call from her brother had shaken her a bit. Were they okay? 

Dean’s angry words also came back to remind Emily exactly why it was she had left in the first place, stinging now as much as they had when they had first been said to her. 

emilygracewinchester‌:

With a gentle nod, Emily gave the Lightwood a soft, tired smile. 

“Of course - and thank you again for your hospitality. I shall see you in the morning, or perhaps later.” There was a tone of promise in that response - or something that would seem to communicate she knew where he would be spending what was left of his sleeping hours. She smirked a little.  Back in her own room, it didn’t take that long for Emily to fall asleep, and deeply. It was late morning when she finally woke, like many other mornings. With a yawn, still cozy in bed, she turned on her phone.  A voicemail.  Swallowing deep, Emily listened to it.  “Uh - hey, Em. It’s Sam. Look, I know Dean was a dick, but - look, we need you right now. Please, just - at least let us know you’re all right. Dean’s been in a crap mood for a week now. Even Cas is having trouble tracking you so - please. We just need to know you’re okay.”  Taking a heavy breath, a brief debate crossed Emily’s mind. Dean had no doubt put his younger brother up to this. When Sam used his eyes, or spoke in a certain, gentle tone - Emily had a hard time not listening. 

(Text: Sammy) I am fine. Far away. I’m alive and safe. Now tell Dean to stop manipulating me and fuck off. Both of you.  Feeling a bit better and more in control, Emily prepared for the day and rose to meet the rest of the Institute’s residents in search of what might be a late breakfast. 

Once certain that Emily was safe for the night, Alec returned to his office to finish the last of his work before heading home for the night.  When he got there, it was late and Magnus was already in bed.  Climbing in, Alec wrapped himself around his love,  holding him close.  

Alec knew how lucky he was to have someone who loved him so completely. He hoped that eventually, Emily would find the same kind of acceptance since it seemed her family life was less than ideal at the time.  

The next morning, he stole a quick kiss from Magnus and a promise to be home earlier that night before walking through the portal and onto the grounds outside of the Institute.  He strolled inside, nodding to the people who acknowledged him.  Everyone was well used to his morning routine by then, the fact that he didn’t live there anymore, even if he was the Head.  

He ran into Emily in the halls near the cafeteria.  “Good morning.  Did you sleep well?”

[emilygracewinchester]

Soft, easy dreams. Warm and safe and well - fed. Avery woke perhaps later than she had imagined she might. Apparently Nephilim still required sleep to function properly. 

When she woke, she sat up in bed with a jolt, not at first remembering this place. Then, slowly, clarity returned. 

Avery had found herself in the home of Magnus Bane himself. High Warlock of Brooklyn and her kith and kin by extension. Well - he did say that he had a husband who was Nephilim. ShadowHunter.  Slowly, the teenaged girl rose from her bed, finding her backpack close by and half-embracing it like an old friend. It was the one constant in her life - the one thing that she was perfectly ok with. That, and everything inside it. She dressed quickly, and made herself presentable before trundling out on soft feet, following any smells or sounds she might find to indicate where the other residents were at the time. 

emilygracewinchester‌:

Truth was, a lot of Avery was a facade. 

She was able to keep herself going - functioning - disengaged from the horrors she had seen by blocking them out. But the ghoul attack; that was a much harder thing. It still haunted her dreams - the final dying screams of some people she had been unable to save.  In other words, Avery was feeling guilty.  While she was more than aware of the ability to leave, a warm bed a hot meal were too nice to pass up. Plus, to learn more of her kith and kin.  Only a light snoring would alert Magnus to the now-sleeping Avery, passed out in a chair from fatigue and exhaustion. 

He continued to work, letting Avery watch and eventually dose while he finished his potions for the night.  And when he was finished, she was soundly asleep in the chair.  

“Oh, my dear.  You should have told me you were tired,” Magnus said softly.  He magicked her from the chair to the bed in her room.  After making sure she was comfortable, Magnus retired to his own room, planning to read while he waited for Alec.  His husband would be home soon and then he could sleep as well.  

In the morning they would explain things to Avery and figure out where to go from here.

[emilygracewinchester]

“It won’t; you won’t let it,” smiled Avery with confidence. 

“I don’t know,” Avery said softly. Doughnuts were not a thing she had ever remembered having, even in her time with her mother and living about Franco’s auto repair shop. Usually for breakfast, biscuit sandwiches were the order of the day. 

[emilygracewinchester]

“Well I’m not letting you go alone, so,” muttered Avery, “I said I’d take a back seat on this one, but it’s just you an’ me. We’ll get this figured out.” 

“I don’t know,” Avery said softly. Doughnuts were not a thing she had ever remembered having, even in her time with her mother and living about Franco’s auto repair shop. Usually for breakfast, biscuit sandwiches were the order of the day. 

[emilygracewinchester]

“Maybe a curse - with a fifty year cycle,” Avery murmured, putting her mind to the problem. “We have to check out the place. Tonight.” 

“I don’t know,” Avery said softly. Doughnuts were not a thing she had ever remembered having, even in her time with her mother and living about Franco’s auto repair shop. Usually for breakfast, biscuit sandwiches were the order of the day. 

[emilygracewinchester]

“Library,” she said, nodding to the building. For a while Avery looked into the history - there seemed to be a time around every fifty years when a group of girls would turn up missing. “Something -is- taking them,” she muttered. 

“I don’t know,” Avery said softly. Doughnuts were not a thing she had ever remembered having, even in her time with her mother and living about Franco’s auto repair shop. Usually for breakfast, biscuit sandwiches were the order of the day. 

[emilygracewinchester]

With a gentle nod, Emily gave the Lightwood a soft, tired smile.  “Of course - and thank you again for your hospitality. I shall see you in the morning, or perhaps later.” There was a tone of promise in that response - or something that would seem to communicate she knew where he would be spending what was left of his sleeping hours. She smirked a little.  Back in her own room, it didn’t take that long for Emily to fall asleep, and deeply. It was late morning when she finally woke, like many other mornings. With a yawn, still cozy in bed, she turned on her phone.  A voicemail.  Swallowing deep, Emily listened to it.  “Uh - hey, Em. It’s Sam. Look, I know Dean was a dick, but - look, we need you right now. Please, just - at least let us know you’re all right. Dean’s been in a crap mood for a week now. Even Cas is having trouble tracking you so - please. We just need to know you’re okay.”  Taking a heavy breath, a brief debate crossed Emily’s mind. Dean had no doubt put his younger brother up to this. When Sam used his eyes, or spoke in a certain, gentle tone - Emily had a hard time not listening. 

(Text: Sammy) I am fine. Far away. I’m alive and safe. Now tell Dean to stop manipulating me and fuck off. Both of you.  Feeling a bit better and more in control, Emily prepared for the day and rose to meet the rest of the Institute’s residents in search of what might be a late breakfast. 

emilygracewinchester‌:

Even in her short time in the Shadow World, Emily heard many whispers and tales of the High Warlock of Brooklyn and his - well, colorful past. Not that it was filled with murder and death and shady characters, but in the respect that it had been so interesting. Probably only half were true and the others entirely made up. 

“But of course,” she said after a moment, nodding, “I’ll trust you, and your boyfriend.I have this far and I can’t see any malice. As it is - the night has gone on rather long. I think we’re both pretty tired hm? Should we re-convene in the morning? When bodies and minds are both fresher?”  While Emily was never a stranger to long nights that stretched into long mornings, today was a bit different. She had begun early in the morning and had gone until even this late, and to be frank she was more than a little tired. 

When Alec traveled outside of New York, he heard people talk about Magnus as if he were a ghost or a myth; something that couldn’t possibly be true.  And part of him understood that.  Magnus was larger than life with a past that read like a fantastical novel.  But to him, he was just Magnus, the man he loved.

“I know telling someone they can trust you isn’t always the best way to make yourself appear trustworthy but it’s true.  And Magnus?  Magnus is the best person I’ve ever met.”  

It was still fairly early from Alec’s perspective but now that he was in an office most of the time, he did go to bed at a more reasonable hour.  “Of course.  You are probably exhausted.  I don’t actually live here at the Institute but you are free to contact either my sister or my brother tonight if you need anything.  You can trust them.”  Izzy and Jace would keep any secret Alec asked them to.

[emilygracewinchester]

Truth was, a lot of Avery was a facade. 

She was able to keep herself going - functioning - disengaged from the horrors she had seen by blocking them out. But the ghoul attack; that was a much harder thing. It still haunted her dreams - the final dying screams of some people she had been unable to save.  In other words, Avery was feeling guilty.  While she was more than aware of the ability to leave, a warm bed a hot meal were too nice to pass up. Plus, to learn more of her kith and kin.  Only a light snoring would alert Magnus to the now-sleeping Avery, passed out in a chair from fatigue and exhaustion. 

emilygracewinchester‌:

“I’d - -yawn- like that a lot,” murmured the young Ketch dreamily. She took a deep breath or two, and seemed to gain back just a bit of wakefulness. 

“No, I - I’ll be okay… always manage… to get some sleep,” she went on, even as her eyes drooped again. The truth was that she had barely slept since she had tangled with a pesky ghoul about five days before. Being of course a teenager Avery had a larger reserve of energy than some. However that reserve had been completely tanked.  “Just a bit longer,” she managed, trying to stay awake most valiantly.

Magnus bit back a chuckle at the thought that she was going to stay away,  watching her eyes droop and yawns punctuate her words.  “Well, when you are ready for bed, say the word and I’ll show you the guest room.  You’re welcome to stay as long as you like.” 

Unsure what she might have experienced on the streets, particularly as a nephilim with the sight, he added, “My wards are the best in the city.  You can rest easy here.  Nothing but myself and Alexander can enter without my permission.”  And sometimes things weren’t allowed to leave but those were more unique situations.  Avery wasn’t a prisoner here.  If she wanted to leave, she could walk out the door without any issue whatsoever.

[emilygracewinchester]

Nodding, Avery attempted to gobble another doughnut and made ready as much as possible to travel to the next place.  Once there, she turned on her Winchester charm, working a few of the elder townsfolk to hear their stories. There was a legend of a great monster in the woods that only appeared every so often, like clockwork. 

“I don’t know,” Avery said softly. Doughnuts were not a thing she had ever remembered having, even in her time with her mother and living about Franco’s auto repair shop. Usually for breakfast, biscuit sandwiches were the order of the day. 

[emilygracewinchester]

“Well we’ll have to figure out what we’re dealing with first,” she said, “looks like they could have botched some kind of spell and summoned a nasty Demon.” 

“I don’t know,” Avery said softly. Doughnuts were not a thing she had ever remembered having, even in her time with her mother and living about Franco’s auto repair shop. Usually for breakfast, biscuit sandwiches were the order of the day. 

[emilygracewinchester]

Waiting, Avery let her dad go and buy the paper, trying look over the article. Three girls, all around the same age and going to the same local high school, had disappeared in the woods at the same time. “Somethin’ in those woods,” she muttered, “I’ll bet on it.” 

“I don’t know,” Avery said softly. Doughnuts were not a thing she had ever remembered having, even in her time with her mother and living about Franco’s auto repair shop. Usually for breakfast, biscuit sandwiches were the order of the day. 

[emilygracewinchester]

Getting a napkin, Avery smiled and nodded. “They’re awesome. Thanks, Dad,” she said as they walked. They looked in a few shops, but soon enough a news article caught the teenager’s eye. it appeared to be about three missing girls, all of them students at a school in a nearby town. 

“I don’t know,” Avery said softly. Doughnuts were not a thing she had ever remembered having, even in her time with her mother and living about Franco’s auto repair shop. Usually for breakfast, biscuit sandwiches were the order of the day.