#(still don’t like clary though)

[cabeswaterdrowned]

there are definitely things to critique about cc’s writing and her writing of female chars but I do not think “all of them are the same” is one of them sorry like idk how you look at Clary Tessa Emma and Cordelia and are like “ah yes these are the same people” :/

[laenordeservedbetter]

Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want

Words: 1k

Pairing: Clarisse La Rue x Fem!Demigod!Reader (Godly parent not specified)

Synopsis: Clarisse was fine with not getting anything she wanted until she laid her eyes on you.

Warnings: Pining, whipped!Clarisse, This is mostly in Clarisse's POV, handling of dangerous weapons (a dagger and a spear). [Let me know if I missed any.]

A/N: I apologize if the storyline is messy. I wanted this to be longer, but my attention span was not cooperating with me today. I had to take a lot of breaks while writing this because I could not sit still for more than five minutes.

masterlist || previous work

—

Clarisse remembers the first time she saw you.

You were in the forge, polishing some of the newly-made spears because you had nothing better to do. You were under the supervision of Luke since he was showing you around, but the boy had kept his distance, opting to just watch from the sidelines as you worked. Clarisse had walked into the forge, the chatter that was going on around you stopping. You discontinued what you were doing in order to look at her, wondering why your fellow campers were on-edge at her presence.

Your eyes met hers, taking her aback.

She hadn’t seen you before.

Once Clarisse realized that she was staring, she promptly cleared her throat, scowling. “What are you looking at, newbie?” She asked, crossing her arms. Her plans on scaring you, however, failed when you smiled sheepishly.

You had been equally mesmerized by her, something that she failed to notice. “Sorry, you’re just so—”

Clarisse held her breath, preparing herself for an accusation (that she’s mean and terrifying – both of which are true, but words that sting nonetheless). Though, it’s not like she’s going to think about it for the rest of –

“—Pretty.” You conclude your sentence.

Oh.

Clarisse’s brows furrowed. She thought she would hear something insulting, but instead she was met with a compliment? Her eyes searched yours once again, looking for a trace of malice. She didn’t find any, which made her confusion stir all the more. She scoffs, furious at herself for not being able to figure you out. “Whatever.” Clarisse walks away, turning her back on you so as to not show her weakness. She storms back to the Ares cabin, forgetting the reason why she went to the forge in the first place.

You frown as you look at the dagger in your hand, examining the initials engraved on the grip.

C.L.R.

---

The next time Clarisse saw you was when you were watching her train, your eyes following her every move. Clarisse pretended to ignore you until she found herself unable to focus. She put down her spear, turned to you and asked, “Would you like me to teach you?” before she could even stop the words from tumbling out of her mouth.

You nodded eagerly, “Yes, please.”

You walked over and Clarisse pretty much had to use all her self-restraint to not just stand there and stare at you.

“…Alright, so you hold this and—”

---

It had been ages since that day.

Even though you and Clarisse have gotten closer, there was still a part of her that longs for more. See, ninety-nine percent of the time, her wishes don’t come true. Or it does, for a little while, but then it gets ripped away from her grasp. She gets her hopes up and then it all comes crashing down – a cycle that never ends.

Clarisse has come to terms with the thought that she will never gets what she wants. She supposed that she was okay with that, but then you came along and everything changed. For every smile, every crinkle of your nose, every stupid joke that made you laugh, she finds herself wanting to wish that you would feel the same way she does.

“Clary?”

She snaps out of her reverie and looks at you, “Yes?” She felt embarrassed for not paying attention, smiling apologetically.

“I asked if you wanted to—”

“Yes.”

You sit up in her bed, laughing. “I haven’t even finished the sentence yet.” You grab her hand gingerly, locking your fingers together. “I was going to ask if you wanted to go with me—”

“Yes.”

“Clarisse,” You whine, “Let me continue first.” You pout, trying to let go of her hand, but Clarisse wouldn’t let you.

Clarisse shakes her head, holding on to your hand firmly while her other brushes a strand of hair away from your face. “I don’t care. I’ll go wherever you go.” She says genuinely. Being that close to you made Clarisse’s heart race, but she couldn’t bring it in herself to look away because then you’ll know that something was up.

You stare at her in disbelief, crossing your arms, “Really? You’ll go with me to show the new kid around camp?”

Her lips purse and you know you’ve got her. Clarisse lets out a sigh of resignation. “No.” She mumbles. As much as she’d love to spend more time with you, she and you have very opposing ideas on how to welcome new campers.

“Thought so.” You deadpan.

“Why are you the one doing it, anyway?”

“Because I’m still in trouble for staying past curfew two days ago, pretty girl.”

Clarisse froze at the nickname. If her heart wasn’t beating fast before, it surely was now. You chuckle, beginning to make your way out of the bed. “Hey, no, where are you going?” Clarisse grabs your hand, another laugh escaping you.

“To give that tour.” You roll your eyes, successfully prying your hands away from Clarisse’s grip. You ignore her sounds of protest as you make your way to the door.

Clarisse could feel her stomach drop, feeling the warmth slip away the further your distance becomes. The longer she stares at you with your back turned, the longer she thinks you would leave without saying goodbye. To her surprise (and not for the first time), you look back at her.

“I’ll see you later at the bonfire.” You lean against the doorframe, your eyes narrowing. “Don’t be late, alright?”

Clarisse rolls her eyes at the look you give her. She was only late one time and that was because she was debating with herself whether to give you flowers or not. She wanted to tell you the real reason why she was late, but decided it would be best to keep her mouth shut. “I won’t.” She says instead.

“Good.” You straighten your posture, putting one foot out the door while a hand rested on the doorframe, giving Clarisse a smile she knows you only reserved for her. Only when she smiles back do you actually take your leave.

Clarisse gets a sense of hope upon your departure.

Maybe it would be different this time.

She leans back against the bed frame, sending out the same prayer to every god she could think of.

Please, please, please let me get what I want.

[faejilly]

i find it kinda silly that warlocks have marks but nephilim don’t, considering the fact that angle blood is potent as fuck

Thus the eternal popularity of wing!fic/wing!art, yes? 💘

On the one hand, this could just be because angels and demons are opposing forces, one cancelling out the other, diametrically opposed on a metaphysical/magical level, so their powers manifest in different ways in their children.

(They're mostly all rather absurdly beautiful after all. Maybe that's their angel mark? *snickers*)

On the other hand, in a slightly more jilly likes making up magic lore point... maybe nephilim aren't half-angel in at all the same way warlocks are half-demon?

And this got long and rambly, so:

It is canon that the children of nephilim are always nephilim... which isn't how inheritance works, generally speaking.

If nephilim were half-angel/half-human in a biological sense, then shadowhunters would presumably be sterile, a combination of two barely compatible bloodlines just like warlocks.

But they can have children. Perhaps that's just something about angelic bloodlines, a power aimed more at life than the demonic bloodlines that seem more like death? (If that was it though, one wonders why would demons be able to have half-human children at all?)

If it was somehow just inheritance, even hand-wavey magical inheritance, nephilim should, one would think, be getting less and less angelic over time, no matter how carefully the Clave tries to manage their family lines.

(And losing the Mortal Cup really would be a death knell for the world, because the nephilim would in fact die out no matter how many children they tried to have, and then the demons would win. It might take awhile, depending on how frequent one thinks incursions are, and how many nephilim there were before the uprising, but still. There is no balance, just inevitable defeat.)

But modern shadowhunters are still capable of killing demons, can still use adamas and runes, can still (however reprehensible this is) overpower and subjugate the down world.

They continue to have angelic power no matter how removed they are from their founders.

They also continue to have angelic powers even when infected/attack by demonic ones. You literally can't take the angel out of a nephilim.

Otherwise Jonathan Morgenstern wouldn't have been able to bear runes, Tessa wouldn't have been able to have children in the books, Luke wouldn't have been a shadowhunter again after his lycanthropy was cured in the TV show. (Deruned shadowhunters wouldn't explicitly be so tempting to demons once they lose their protections.) Which does at first sound like they're still half-angel under the demonic corruption...

BUT!

Fallen angels also still have angelic power, despite being 100% demon.

Magnus' ability to interact with adamas/shadowhunter tools makes that explicit: he's partially angelic even as a half-demon/half-human warlock.

Which is too many halves if nephilim abilities came from being half-angel!

Perhaps, angelic power literally can't be broken down, regardless of anything else happening around it or containing it... instead, angelic grace is simply eternal. Immutable, irresistible, unavoidable... once seen it is never ever forgotten.

Thus purging the angelic core works against Lilith without also making the Institute defenseless, the so-called Herondale birthmark never fades. (Does this mean Clary and her bloodline will also be marked somehow, in a way we have yet to see defined in canon, Ithuriel's grace made manifest on them forever?)

If we follow that logic through the aforementioned Tessa/Jonathan/Luke (perhaps even Max Trueblood and any other deruned shadowhunters who go on to live mundane lives) maybe nephilim are actually still just human. They have children, they live, they grow old, they die.

Perhaps nephilim are forever touched by angelic grace, but never actually part of it?

(Is this in fact part of what makes angels different than demons? They will not corrupt or twist humanity into something other, but they will grant a gift. One that is inhuman, amoral, one that burns cold and eternal and is necessary, perhaps, but not kind. Is this their true problem with Clary's use of runes in the TV show, that she is twisting humanity into something else, that she is corrupting them by combining angelic and demonic and human in a way that is anathema and dangerous to angelic grace? Angels do not interfere with humanity, except to try and prevent demons from interfering with humanity. Thus never stopping Valentine, or interfering with the Clave no matter how ruthless they became. Their sins were still human sins, not demonic ones.)

Maybe nephilim are not inherently immune to demonic influence, to possession or bearing demonic children. The gift of grace allows them to access angelic power, lets them use it to actively protect themselves, much like they're trained to fight and use runes and forge adamas etc. but they are still just human.

This makes Valentine's ability to 'create' a demon that can sneak into the Institute and possess shadowhunters (can kill Jocelyn and poison Izzy) much more palatable. He's not creating something that can bypass nephilim nature. He just found a way past the tools they use to protect themselves.

SO!

Back to my meta on your actual original comment.

Perhaps nephilim do not have marks in the way that warlocks do because they're not half angel.

They're infected like werewolves or vampires, just with a more difficult transmission, only possible through children rather than blood or violence. (And isn't that actually the first thing that does make sense as an angelic trait? Family and bonds and love and life, not death, as the only way to succeed, as the only way to continue.)

They have symptoms of angelic grace, a magical counter to demonic corruption: fortitude and beauty and the ability to use angelic tools. They're the opposing force to vampire speed and seduction and fangs, to werewolf strength and pack and transformation.

This is why they can't do magic like warlocks and seelies, even if they are supernatural. This is why they're still mortal. They're still just human however hard they try to pretend otherwise.

At some level, this is probably part of why the Clave despises werewolves and vampires even more than fae and warlocks. They're all too similar, too clearly an illustration of there but for the grace of angels...

Literally.

[foodsies4me]

July Malec fic rec!

Thanking the ever talented and wonderful @lawsofchaos1 for letting me barge in the DM’s to ask for help for this month's theme! This time the theme is a double one aka parabatai-feels/Alec&Jace friendship and religious themes! The same rules apply as always, one fic per author, even though all of these authors have other brilliant fics you should be reading and if you want to add your own recs in the comments, tags, or reblogs please feel free to do so! 💜

Also, I have tagged the authors whose Tumblr account I know (aka found on their AO3 profile), but if you'd prefer I not tag you, please tell me! I don't want these to be annoying for the authors.

One-shots:

3 Times Jace Feels Alec’s Happiness by fancyachatup: Just like the title says, three times Jace feels Alec being happy through their parabatai bond.

Summary:

3 times Jace realizes that Magnus is the best thing that's ever happened to Alec.

I cannot touch because they are too near by @faejilly: Still one of my favourite fics about the parabatai bond to date!

Summary:

If Magnus is going to love Alexander (which of course he is) then he's going to have to understand his parabatai and their bond, at least a little bit better than he does now. But he's not entirely sure how or where to start...

The Oddities of Sharing a Soul by @facialteeth: Another lovely Magnus learning some more about the parabatai-bond and what it means fic. Cute and fluffy and definitely recommended.

Summary:

Magnus goes to visit Alec and learns from Isabelle that there are some odd features to having a Parabatai Bond.

and miles to go before I sleep by ralf: Magnus meeting his kids in the past. This fic is just adorable and reading it never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Summary:

“Alec, can you come to the Institute?” That's Clary's voice, coming through the line in a low whisper. Alec tenses instantly. “What is it?” “It's Jace.”

Parabatai by SilasSolarius: A more eldritch as well as a queer platonic approach to the parabatai bond! Also, Ragnor lives because of course he does!

Summary:

Summary: Parabatai. Everyone, even downworlders were aware of the most sacred of the Nephilim's bonds, and yet very little is known about it. As far as most are concerned, the bond is merely a fancy way of calling each other brothers-in-arms, or best friends. Yet in reality, it is so much more. Ragnor Lives! AU

Multi-Chapters or Series

Angelus ex Machina by @bluemeridian: Rec-ced by lawsofchaos1, but I will 120% rec this series as well because it is just avdnz’gj’z’glg I love it so much, the way they parabatai bond is described is exquisite.

Summary:

Demons have disappeared from the city and the local Shadow World has discovered the hard way that the only thing worse than demons is an institute of Shadowhunters with no demons to fight. But that situation is (hopefully) temporary. The whole thing with the parabatai bond being weird is something else entirely.

Take Me To Church by j_writes: I don’t’ know how to describe this fic other than I love it, that’s all.

Summary:

Alec is the acting head of the Institute trying to deal with the new pressures this title brings. A string of Mundane murders and strange demonic markings leads him to seek help from the nearest High Warlock, Magnus Bane. Upon meeting him, Alec realizes that his secret is at risk of being revealed. He tries to keep his growing attraction for Magnus hidden as best as he can. With the support of his sister, Isabelle, who is trying to find love herself; they both try to discover if they can let their worries go and accept love with open arms.

The Whipping Boy (orphan account): This fic hurts. It just hurts.

Summary:

1. a boy brought up together with a young prince and required to take the punishment for the latter's misdeeds 2. scapegoat

The burden of command is one Alec shoulders gladly. When protecting his family has always meant taking responsibility for their actions, he's had a lifetime to prepare. 

It's the one thing he's good at. The one thing about himself he knows is worthy.

So, of course, Magnus and his siblings hate it.

The truth written on our souls by @to-the-stars-writing: Immortal Alec meets good parabatai Jace meets some religious imaginary meets magic gone wrong and worldbuilding which are the two things that make me go feral above all, so yessss!

Summary:

Be careful what you wish for.

That was a saying that was something most people threw around in a teasing sort of way. Something to chide another with, maybe, after something goes wrong. But when dealing with magic there were no truer words. Be careful what you wish for was a very clear warning. One that Alec had heard Magnus lament over people not heeding so many different times.

Today was only further proof of that.

They’d come into this planning on doing a spell to give Alec immortality. They’d done their research, prepared themselves as best they could, but they’d forgotten that basic tenant. Be careful what you wish for.

Holding Angels by @echo-bleu (Hi Echo, I love you💜💜💜): Alec tells the Clave he made the wish and not Clary. This fic hurts and is painful and I love it.

Summary:

The decision is anything but easy, but it’s simple. It’s suddenly limpid in Alec’s head, like this is the moment he’s been waiting for his whole life.

(He tries not to think about how morbid that thought is.)

“I would have done the same,” he repeats. She sniffles against his chest.

“In fact,” he continues, pushing her back gently to look at her, “that’s exactly what I did, as far as the Clave is concerned.”

Alec tells the Clave he's the one who made the Wish.

Laudanum by @lawsofchaos1 that I couldn’t not rec. (Sorry, Laws you had to know this was coming when you mentioned religious imaginary). While I generally try to limit myself to complete fics, this fic has had me by the jugular for years now and I am obsessed.

Face blank, Alec steps forward without a moment of hesitation to stand in front of the Inquisitor, his people parting respectfully before him to clear his path as he goes. He comes to a halt a few paces in front of the Clave representative and the guardsmen she’d brought from Alicante. A coiled leather whip hangs from the belt of the man at her left shoulder.

Shoulders drawn back and hands clasped behind his waist, Alec meets Imogen Herondale’s steel gaze. The words are ritual and although Alec has said them many times before, never before has he meant them less.

“That it may please the Angel to bring back into the way of righteousness all such as have erred, I place myself before you for Discipline.”

Imogen Herondale smiles.

[tsc-malec]

“Why not? Do you like him?” Magnus’s eyes gleamed. “He seems to like you. I saw him going for your hand out there like a squirrel diving for a peanut.”

“Why don’t we talk about your love life?” Clary countered. “What about you and Alec?”

“Alec refuses to acknowledge that we have a relationship, and so I refuse to acknowledge him. He sent me a fire-message asking for a favor the other day. It was addressed to ‘Warlock Bane,’ as if I were a perfect stranger. He’s still hung up on Jace, I think, though that relationship will never go anywhere. A problem I imagine you know nothing about …”

“Oh, shut up.” Clary eyed Magnus with distaste.

—City of Glass

[im-out-of-it]

making a complete list of my thoughts of the show vs books since I finished it and will probably leave some stuff out since I’m super forgetful, sorry 💀

1. once again love that they upped the ages. glad we didn’t have centuries year old Magnus chasing teenager Alec or all the other inappropriate relationships in the books

2. Malec is fucking perfect on the show and it really showed that if any actually cares about them, they can make the characters much better and give the characters a better shot than the author ever did. I seriously love all the details Matt, Harry, and whoever wrote their episodes did. only one I cannot stand is when Alec doesn’t realize right away that Magnus and valentine switched bodies. but alec handled the immortality thing wayyyyyy better than book Alec ever could. book Alec (and pretty much TMI content and etc) barely exists let’s be real

3. Izzy and Simon are way too rushed in the series but at least they have more do a friendship and there’s no cheating storyline. but I kinda like Maia and Simon together. I feel that Maia understood Simon.

adding: I don’t mind Simon and clary in the show dating and the way they end things is not as harsh as it is in the books. maybe clary (I’m being kind lmao) actually cares about Simon in the show but still kinda uses him at times

4. might be the only thing I’ll say about the books that’s nice but it would’ve been cute to see the vacation storyline (eldest curses) in the show. would’ve been cute to see a Malec holiday and moving towards them having children 🥹

5. Maia doesn’t get enough credit. she’s one of the few sensible people on the show and gets more attention than book Maia ever did

6. speaking of Maia, I’m glad they didn’t go too extreme with the Jordan plot. in the books, I think she was made to feel to get over how Jordan treated her. but man, why does the actor have to be attractive 😭

7. I really like Maryse and Luke together. they fit each other quite well. Maryse has some of the best development in the show and I loved seeing her grow

8. glad Jocelyn was killed off. she was more insufferable in the books so glad the show decided they didn’t need that energy

9. Jace and clary are both clearly insufferable but it’s worse in the books. I feel like in the show they’re still pretty bad but it’s a little tamed

10. Alec deserved better than jace. dude had the audacity to act as though Alec is a fling, expected Alec at his beck and call to do whatever he wanted while not understanding or caring about Alec’s feelings and his needs, practically invites himself at Magnus’s place while being the worst roommate, and then taking for granted all the people who sacrificed (MAGNUS AND HIS MAGIC LITERALLY THIS LOVELY MAN LOSES HIS MAGIC AND HIS HOME AND HIS MIND) once again to help his worthless ass

11. wish they wouldn’t have killed ragnor off. we got to see a lot of vampires and wolves but not a lot of warlocks. would’ve been great to see more of Magnus’s friends. you could seriously make a whole show based off on Magnus and his life

12. kinda wish they kept camille around. I know she was drama for malec in the beginning but she’s still a very fascinating character

13. I’m 100% thankful for the show not following the books and creating their own world

14. I would’ve loved to see more of the alternate universe episodes. one of the best episodes

15. ALL THE MALEC PARALLELS. these two beautiful and desperately, devoted, in love with one another men are seriously the best part of the show 😭 the fact that there are no cheating stories (when Alec is all drunk, underhill is flirting and all Alec can talk about is Magnus. Magnus defies bisexual stereotypes when dot tries to kiss him.), no taking away immortality or throwing fits or bierasure, or any toxic storylines is one of my fav things about Malec. they’re just two beings who are so in love with one another, who communicate, and are just completely devoted to each other. and it’s one of the reasons why everyone was so hooked on Malec. they’re healthy but you’re also excitedly rooting for them 🫶🏼

16. Clary deserved to lose her ability with runes. the angels message was to not use her rune ability for whatever she pleased but she took advantage of it. but I will say, some helped but I feel that the rest she just used because she didn’t care

17. season three breakup wrecked me and I’ll not emotionally recover from that. it breaks my heart seeing Alec break his own heart and Magnus’s all so Magnus can have his magic and be whole again. I’m so glad they got married in the end 💓

18. I’m glad the twinning rune went to clary instead of jace because how many times does this worthless fucker need saved????? SERIOUSLY HOW MANY

19. I think Magnus recognizing what Alec needs at the beginning when they meet is beautiful. I don’t think it’s creepy (as some book fans state.) and it shows that Magnus understands that Alec is not ready to be out. I’m glad Magnus doesn’t get shitty with Alec on not being out like he does in the books

20. also book vs show thing. I actually like the whole marrying Lydia plot. I get the whole grand gesture of kissing in wherever they were- sanctuary???? (y’all cannot pay me enough to read TMI again, I will not go through that torture again) but I really hate that it’s not even in Alec or Magnus’s pov. CC makes a point of giving characters she chooses to have unnecessary pov

21. I probably forgot something but I mainly skipped all the clace content that didn’t involve Alec or Magnus but otherwise, messy show but so amazing for the Malec content. Izzy, Maia, Raphael, and Simon are a bonus as well. I’m just saying that the show could’ve been a whole lot worse lmao

[wikitpowers]

Clary being short (5’2) is the representation us short girlies need!!! It’s so hard being 5’3 😫

i’m 5’5 so i don’t get that much shit from my friends, BUT my best friend is 5’3 and i call her shortie therefore,,, ur also a shortie,,, 😙🫶🏻

ITS NOT BAD BEINF SHORT THOUGH!!! LIKE HONESTLY CLARY BEING TINY IS SO COMFORTING LIKE SHE CAN BE 5’2 AND STILL SAVE THE WORLD MULTIPLE TIMES AND BE THE BIGGEST BADASS!!! SHORT GIRLIES ARE FIRE!!!

[vampire-bby]

Mortal instruments characters as lyrics

Jace Wayland: never wanted to be a soldier, wanted to be a child, fall in love with the world feel alive. it’s a miracle the crowd all screams everyone’s so proud of me. But I’m a graveyard oh I’m in deep miss the person I never got to be.

Clary Fray: it’s just anatomy your only half of me but still you don’t know me at all.

Luke Garroway: I know I can treat you bette than he can and any girl like you deserves a gentle man.

Alec Lightwood: how am I supposed to love you when I don’t love who I am, and how can I give you all of me when I’m only half a man. Cause I’m a sinking ship that’s burning so let go of my hand.

Izzy Lightwood: in case you didn’t know, baby I’m crazy about you and I’d be lying if I said that I could live without you. Even though you had my heart a long long time ago.

Magnus Bane: what’s worse being wanted but not loved or loved but not wanted. What’s worse? Hearing what you wanna hear or hearing what’s honest.

Simon Lewis: sometimes I feel like giving up but I just can’t it isn’t in my blood

Jordan Kyle: I used to be your something once the picture on your dresser how did I become your something to remember. All of my friends were wrong they said that I’d forget her but she’s the kind of song you could play forever.

Maia Roberts: she don’t see her perfect she don’t understand she’s worth it all that beauty goes deeper than the surface.

[alexanderlightweight]

I'll confess, I did read your previous prompt but it had slipped my mind and I was not thinking of it specifically when I wrote mine. I just really like hair lore and long hair and fancy hairdos and can never get enough fics with those. So if you want to extend the previous verse or if you've got a slightly different idea and want to write that instead, I will be entirely happy either way Thanks for picking mine! I'm all excited now ~~ \(^o^)/ ~~

haha you're good. i just was trying to figure out if it was a continuation or not but here we go! new hair lore from a different verse lol

i hope you enjoy!

<3 lumine

-

“And what will you need for this ritual?” Alec asks, barely looking up from where he’s bent over a screen. Because if he sees Fray with braids other than training ones, he’s going to throw something — probably her — and he wants to finish this conversation.

There is silence and Alec looks up, frown on his face because he isn’t sure why they’re stalling or why they have yet to introduce whoever they’ve brought with them.

“This is, uh Alec this is Magnus Bane.” Fray says and Alec’s eye twitches, ready to rip out the braids currently in her hair and the small little demon bone charm in it.

“Yes, I know the High Warlock of Brooklyn.” Alec allows, nodding casually to Magnus who is watching him with far more interest than he did when Alec was seven and trying to stalk him out of the Institute.  It’s been years since he’s last seen him and Magnus is only more handsome, more beautiful and Alec reminds himself that business has to come before pleasure.

“It’s a sacrifice.” Magnus allows, “nephilim hair is steeped in their grace and the price to pay for nephilim memories must of course, come from a nephilim.”

“Alright.” Alec says and when Jace gives him a surprised but pleased look he adds, “Fray, you’ll supply as much as needed.  If there is more needed, you can request volunteers though no one is obligated to help you.”

“Alec—”

“Surely you weren’t expecting me to volunteer?” Alec asks casually as he stares Jace down. “If you and Izzy and interested in volunteering then of course I’ll allow it. If mother asks, I’ll make sure she understands it was a sacrifice for a…” his bottom lip curs into a sneer despite himself, “comrade of yours.” 

Magnus Bane is staring at him curiously, eyes incredibly intent and Alec is trying so hard not to let it affect him, even when it makes him want to stand straighter and turn, to show off the charms on his braid.

“Seriously? It’s just hair! These are my memories.” Fray tries to explain and Alec sighs, because his hair is more important to him than a stranger’s memories and he turns to Magnus.

“What are the specifics?”

“I’m not actually sure—” Magnus tells him and he seems completely at ease with the admittance. “Jocelyn Fairchild didn’t care about how they were protected, only that the memories would be nearly impossible to get.”

“My mother—”

“Shut up.” Alec says at the same time Magnus snaps his fingers and Clary goes surprisingly silent and then her face twists in outrage.  Alec snorts and ignores her, giving Jace a look that just dares him to interfere.

“A price will need to be paid to summon the demon, let alone find out what the cost will be.”

Alec sighs and looks at Clary with a frown and draws a small, ritual knife from his sleeve.  “Take off until just above the charm, that should be enough to figure out what the actual price is.” He holds it out, handle first to Clary and she crosses her arms and snorts.

“You cut your hair!” Clary spits out, the spell finally gone, “you’re the leader, aren’t you! So cut your own damn hair, Alec.” She tosses her red tangle of braids, “you’re a guy. You don’t even need long hair.”

Alec blinks and then he moves.  Clary is on the ground a moment later and he pins her there with his foot on her shoulder blades, one hand in the garish mess of braids.

“Do you want your memories back?” He asks calmly and Jace and Izzy are still, their faces pale from the moment Clary demanded he cut his hair.  The moment Clary garbles out a yes, Alec ignores anything else she adds and he cuts. 

There is a tiny chime, like a gong being shattered and Clary shudders as what little has grown of her angelic power is sheared away.  This is meant to be a sacrifice; it always is when a shadowhunter cuts their hair and Alec feels no sympathy.  The tiny demon bone charms disintegrates and he scoffs as he tosses the bundle to Magnus.

“The charm broke, it didn’t consider any of her demon kills to be valid.” Alec says mockingly, because Jace and Izzy insisted that Clary counted as bloodied even though Alec was sure it didn’t.  The charm dissolving without the connection to Clary’s core makes it clear that she’s not as strong or as capable as they keep pretending.

Clary sobs on the ground, looking up at him in horror and Alec shrugs.

He’s given Clary Fray every opportunity to learn and ask questions.

“You don’t get to pick and choose what parts of our culture you like.” Alec tells her and Magnus hums in agreement as he steps up close and the look, he’s given Alec is so hard to turn away from, but he does. “You want to be a part of our world, then you pay the prices like everyone else and you don’t get to ask others to sacrifice parts of themselves for your own vendetta.”

“Get her to the infirmary.” He tells Jace, “she’ll be fine in twenty minutes with a little adrenaline. Tell them to give her one of the weaker IV cocktails for nephilim children, she won’t be able to handle the amount an actual shadowhunter can handle.” He turns to Magnus then and swallows, “would you like to discuss the array and look over the wards in the rooms we have in our ritual rooms?”

“That would be perfect, thank you Alexander.” Magnus murmurs and he steps up next to Alec and smiles, something daring in his gaze. “Lead the way?”

[fanficshiddles]

Eternally Mine, Chapter 14

‘I think I’m still stuffed from yesterday’s meal, I don’t know how I’ll fit in another one today.’ Claire groaned as she fell flat on the bed, waiting for Loki to button up his shirt.

‘I’m sure you’ll manage once you get a sniff of dad’s Christmas dinner. It’s amazing.’ Loki grinned.

‘Oh I am looking forward to it, you’ve talked it up so much.’ Claire said. 'I'm just not promising that I won't fall into a food coma afterwards.'

‘I’m really honoured that you wanted to spend Christmas with me yesterday, instead of with your parents and Louise.’ Loki said as he finished buttoning up his shirt.

‘Of course I wanted to spend it with you. Our first Christmas together, just the two of us. I’m glad your dad was happy to have us today instead of yesterday.’ Claire said as she rolled onto her side to watch Loki’s devilish fingers folding down his collar.

‘Dad tends to prefer going all out on Boxing Day, says Christmas Day is for relaxing and doing nothing. He will have gotten a Chinese takeaway last night, I know it.’ Loki chuckled.

‘Fair enough. He’s probably had enough from dealing with you as a kid on Christmas day anyway.’ Claire smirked and sat up.

‘Cheeky.’ Loki growled at her.

‘It’s a shame Louise isn’t coming back until New Years. It would’ve been nice if she’d been able to join us too.’

‘I know, but I bet she’s delighted she’s managed to get home for Christmas this year.’ Loki smiled.

‘Yeah, she is.’ Claire nodded.

‘Though Chris is going to be a nightmare today, I can just feel it in my bones.’ Loki huffed.

‘What makes you say that?’ Clarie frowned.

‘Well, Louise won’t be there. So he’s bound to be in a pouty mood in the first place. He’s going to be a pain in the ass, mark my word.’

‘I’m sure he won’t be too bad.’ Claire laughed.

-

Loki was right. Chris was in a bit of a brooding mood, though still not as bad as he used to be before he and Loki reconciled. He was just a bit snippy before dinner now and then, making the others do a lot of eye-rolling. Though he was still much better to be around than he used to be.

Loki managed to escape for a short while to go help Lucius in the kitchen with the last preparations for dinner. Leaving Claire with Chris in the living room with some wine. Though she had hoped for a bit of alone time with him.

She reached into her bag and pulled out a photo album. Chris raised an eyebrow at her when she scooted across the sofa to sit right next to him, with the album on her lap.

‘What’s this?’ Chris asked.

‘Some old photos I wanted to show you. Thought you’d like to see them.’ Claire grinned and passed the album to him.

Chris put his wine down and curiously opened up the album. Claire saw his face light up instantly when he saw Louise in the picture. It was of her and Claire when they were teenagers, at Claire’s birthday party.

He slowly flicked through them and laughed at some of the goofy pictures.

‘Louise had an emo phase, did she?’ He chuckled.

‘Wasn’t really a phase… I think if she hadn’t met a certain someone, she likely would be looking quite different to how she is now.’ Claire said quietly.

In the pictures for a good few years Louise had different colour hair or strips of various colours. She also had earrings and looked to wear a good amount of make-up, that she did really well.

Then there was a picture when they were a bit older, it was a family meal for what looked like Christmas. Though Louise didn’t look quite the same, the sparkle in her eyes was gone and her hair was her natural brunette, she no longer had earrings in either or wore much make-up aside from a bit of foundation.

Chris noted that the guy sitting next to her at the table was blurred out.

‘I love this photo because it was our last proper Christmas meal together, though for obvious reasons I needed to blur him out…’ Claire explained.

Chris flicked over the page and there were just two pictures left, though they both showed Louise not looking her happiest like in previous pictures. An underlying sadness.

‘The light in her eyes disappeared when he came into the picture…’ Chris growled and closed the album.

‘Certainly did… Though look at this.’ Claire pulled her phone out and flicked through her photos, she showed Chris a picture she took of him with Louise at the Christmas ball. They were dancing and the picture clearly showed that sparkle back in her eyes.

Chris didn’t realise that Claire had taken sneaky pictures of them dancing, but he adored the picture. The way Louise was looking up at him with her arms around his neck while they danced made his heart flutter.

Claire flicked to the next picture, one that he knew she took as she had them both pose together.

‘You can see her eyes are full of life again and the light is back when she’s with you.’ Claire smiled.

Chris swallowed a lump in his throat and the biggest smile spread over his face.

‘Wow, you managed to get him smiling, at last.’ Loki teased as he walked into the room.

Chris glared at him and picked up his wine glass. ‘Seeing pictures of Louise, of course I’m smiling.’ He huffed at his brother.

‘Come on through, dinner is ready to be served up.’ Loki chuckled.

Everyone went through to the dining room and the smell was making Claire’s mouth water. More so when Lucius gave her her plate, it looked incredible.

‘Sorry Loki, you did a brilliant dinner yesterday but this looks to be even better.’ Claire said as she picked up her cutlery to begin once Lucius sat down.

‘I’ll take second place as a win, because dad’s Christmas dinners are always fantastic. Like I said.’ Loki said as he reached over to squeeze her knee.

During dinner they all chatted about what they got for Christmas and other various things. Though after they finished eating, the conversation turned a little heated.

‘At least there won’t be a hunt this time.’ Loki said, when they’d just been speaking about rogue vampires.

‘What do you mean there won’t be a hunt?’ Chris raised an eyebrow at him across the table.

‘You can’t possibly be holding a hunt?’

‘Why wouldn’t I? It’s tradition.’

‘You already had one at Halloween, don’t you think that’s more than enough?’ Loki argued.

‘That wasn’t the proper hunt. Of course I’m planning one.’ Chris argued back.

‘Have you told Louise this? What would she think?’ Loki hissed at him.

‘Do not bring my soulmate into this. She knows what I am and what I do.’ Chris growled.

‘So, you have told her? That you’re going to be kidnapping innocent humans and tossing them into the woods so they have to run for their life, till they’re caught by viscous vampires that will tear into them?’

‘It’s not all going to be innocent humans there.’ Chris snapped, trying to justify it.

‘Boys, that’s enough.’ Lucius said firmly.

‘No, dad. He’s being ridiculous if he thinks that Louise will just turn a blind eye at this. Right, Claire?’ Loki’s voice was getting higher and higher.

‘Don’t bring me into this.’ Claire said as she sunk into her seat and tried to hide behind her glass of wine.

‘If you don’t tell Louise, then I will.’ Loki yelled at Chris.

‘You have no right to. I will tell her. Not that it will effect her, anyway.’

‘Of course it will! It effects all of us vampires, plus our partners. What kind of message are you giving the hunters if they find out you’ve kidnapped a bunch of innocent humans again? There’s always an influx of hunters that come here after the hunt. And it’s your fault, every damn time!’ Loki shouted at him and slammed his fist down on the table.

‘I’m outta here. I thought you were trying to accept me for me, but clearly not.’ Chris snarled and stood up abruptly, the chair screeched across the floor behind him.

‘Thanks, Dad. It was lovely… Thank you, Claire, for showing me the pictures.’ Chris said as softly as he could before he quickly downed the last of his wine and stormed out of the room.

When Loki, Claire and Lucius heard the front door slam shut, Claire and Lucius both groaned and face-palmed.

‘You couldn’t have just avoided that subject for one day?’ Lucius sighed and shook his head as he began gathering the dishes up.

‘It doesn’t matter what day it is, he’s in the wrong.’ Loki huffed and folded his arms over his chest.

‘We all know he is trying lately, but getting the hunt out of him is going to be a tough one.’ Claire sighed, she was trying to be sympathetic to both. She understood where Loki was coming from, of course. Though she also knew that it wouldn’t be easy for Chris to change his ways completely so soon.

-

Chris was furious, he went for a fly around the city, looking for someone to bite. He eventually found one, a rogue hunter that was walking alone from a meal out. Not exactly an innocent human, though he didn’t know for sure if the hunter was one that just went after bad vampires or not… but he couldn’t wait any longer.

He swept down on the hunter and took her out easily and quickly, because she was intoxicated and unsuspecting. Though he still felt on edge and pissed off after the feed, it did help a little bit.

‘It needs to happen. It’s tradition. Louise will understand, I’m sure of it.’ He said to himself as he paced back and fore over the hunter’s body. ‘What if Loki’s right, though? What if she hates me for it?’

He growled in annoyance as he stopped and ran a hand through his hair.

‘I hear you’re in a bit of a dilemma.’ Came a familiar voice from behind him.

Chris turned around and narrowed his eyes at Toshi. ‘Of course you’d appear. If you don’t mind, kindly fuck off. I’ve had enough of a lecture from my brother tonight.’ He snapped.

Toshi folded her arms over her chest and shrugged. ‘If you don’t want to hear my plan to help your hunt go ahead, that’s fine.’

She turned on her heels and started to walk away.

Chris clenched his jaw and ran a hand down his face with a sigh. ‘Toshi. Wait... Let me guess, Loki messaged you to find me and stop me from hunting?'

Toshi stopped and turned around to face him with a little smirk. 'Close. Claire messaged the group chat saying that you two had been bickering over the hunt.'

Chris ran a hand down his face with a groan. 'That damn chat you girls have.'

Toshi laughed and walked closer to him.

'Look, I get you want to keep going with the tradition of the hunt. I won't try and stop you if there's no innocent humans taken.'

'Like you'd be able to stop me anyway.' Chris gloated as he folded his arms over his chest.

'Perhaps I could, perhaps I couldn't. But I think deep down you'd rather do it a better way, a way that wouldn't risk anything with Louise.' Toshi said knowingly.

Chris just glared at her for a minute, then his phone pinged. He pulled it out and took a glance. It was a text from Louise.

L: Hey, heard things were a bit rough at dinner with your brother. Just checking in that you're ok? x

Chris slid his phone back into his pocket and looked at Toshi, who was waiting patiently with a hand on her hip for him to say something.

Chris sighed. 'What did you have in mind?'

[ccraccz]

CLARY SAGE

┏━°⌜防風鈴 ⌟°━┓

Chapter 3

┗━°⌜防風鈴 ⌟°━┛

┌──❀*̥˚───❀*̥˚─┐

30 minutes after

└───❀*̥˚───❀*̥˚┘

Having taken off his blazer, Ryuu and the rest of the group painted the over graffiti that was on the wall, rolling on coat after coat to be able to cover the both amazing and vulgar arts. Finishing his part, he walks back and behind Hiragi. “Hey, Owner! We got this side taken care of!”

“Aaah, thank you so much!” The owner comes up to them, holding a box of freshly cooked taiyaki. Walking behind the Sugishita, Ryuu looked at Suo and Nirei from the corner of his eye, who were nomming on their taiyaki. The treat was still warm in his hand, getting cooler and cooler every second he avoided eating it. It seemed that Suo felt his stare, turning towards him with a smile.

“Yes, Osamu?”

“Uhm… What is this?” Ryuu held out the treat towards Suo, who stared at him bewildered, Nirei peeking from beside him, also taken off guard by the question.

“It’s called Taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste,” Suo smiles at Ryuu, encouraging him to take a bite of the treat. Bringing it to his lips, he opens his mouth to take a small bite of the warm fish cake treat. Both Suo and Nirei looked at him expectantly, hoping that he would like the sweet, though they would understand if he didn’t. Ryuu smiled as the flavor and texture of the sweet invaded his taste buds, walking slowing down as he focused on eating. 

KA-TUNK KA-TUNK KA-TUNK KA-TUNK KA-TUNK KA-TUNK  KA-TUNK KA-TUNK KA-TUNK KA-TUNK KA-TUNK KA-TUNK  KA-TUNK KA-TUNK KA-TUNK KA-TUNK  GWOOOOO

 The group walks closer to the tunnel under the train, a weird looking lion drawing atop of the entrance. Ryuu takes another bite from the taiyaki as Nirei starts to scold Sakura.

“We’re right at the border between Bofurin and Another team’s turf. We can’t, under any circumstance, cause any trouble past this train track!”

“Just like how every country has their own laws… our rules don’t mean crap over there.”

“The team that controls that turf are… The Devotees of Power.” “That’sh a shick name…” Ryuu mumbles with his mouth full, having taken his last bite of taiyaki, Suo chuckling beside him at his pronunciation.

Getting ready to turn around, a voice cuts through their conversation.

“STOP RIGHT THERE!”

Everyone’s heads turned back to the tunnel, a boy with bruises running towards the tunnel from the other side catching their eye.

Hiragi stiffened, rushing forwards to see if it was true.

“THAT’S SAN MIDDLE SCHOOL’S UNIFORM?!”

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YA DOIN’ OVER THERE?! HURRY AND GET BACK HERE!!” Hiragi calls out, worried for the kid.

“AAAH!” Nirei yells “BEHIND HIM…! THEY’RE WEARING ORANGE BASEBALL JACKETS…” 

“IT’S SHISHITOREN!!”

Ryuu sucks in a breath as he gets ready to throw his bag off of him and fight, but the kid who’s running, trips and falls. The predator from shishitoren gets knocked back, the middle schooler landing in the arms of Ryuu, who decided to run over and catch the falling boy instead of fighting. Both Sakura and Sugishita land in front of Ryuu and the middle schooler, having kicked away a member of the so-called lions.

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!” Nirei yells out in fear, his voice trembling as he continues. “W-We took the first swing… in another team’s turf…” “Nirei…”

“What are you on about?” “If the kid is one of us…” “Then they’re the ones who struck first.”

All three of them spoke, but Ryuu moved quickly and efficiently, making the middle schooler face him. “Let me check injuries please.”

“Ah… Y-Yes…” Ryuu smiled slightly, taking out the first aid kit he carries, opening it and putting on some gloves. He starts disinfecting the wound the kid got on the side of his face before putting some ointment and placing a white bandage on it.

“There, you could be doing gr- better in about three to five days.” “Umh…? Thank you so much…” Standing up and picking up the middle schooler, pushing him back towards Hiragi, Suo, and Nirei before looking at the backs of the two tanks of first years. The two members of Shishitoren who weren’t with the other guy poke and prod at the injured male. 

“Aaah… shit. Welp, he’s completely knocked out.” “He went down with just one kick.” Ryuu frowns, nose scrunching at the sight. ‘Aren’t those two on the same side? Why are they picking at him and not helping him out?’

“PATHETIC…” Ryuu takes a breath at the word, eye widening as he clenches his fists and bites his lip. He never liked that word, it was degrading and just purely disgusting in his vocabulary.

Ka-clack ka-clack Ka-clack ka-clack Ka-clack ka-clack Ka-clack ka-clack

“Well?” The new figure says “What’s all this, now?”

His voice was low and slow, he was wearing a monk working outfit, and some lifted sandals that Ryuu didn’t remember the name of. The two males who were picking at the fallen dude quickly made way for the new guy, who’s attitude and way of talking made him quite irritated. “I was wondering what was happening there…” He spoke “When I saw one of our guys zoomin’ by…”

Ryuu takes off his bag and holds it behind him, keeping the first aid kit in his other hand, and waves it slightly, signaling for one of the group members to grab it from his hands. It gets taken by Suo, who gives it to Nirei to hold.

Hiragi grits his teeth, grinding them together as he mumbles “Of all the people to show… It just HAD to be him…”

“Shishitoren’s second in command,” Ryuu listened in, feeling like something worse was going to happen. “Jo Togame.”

“Oh, Whu? Furin? Over on this side?” Jo pushes down his orange shades, before looking down at his fallen underling, “WHat The?! Saruwatari?! What Happened to YOU?!” The brunette glares at the situation, before being pushed back by Hiragi, who walks at an angle and speaks up. “That punk a yours chasin’ one of our own around.” Second in command looks up in shock at the entrance of Hiragi. “Why, if it isn’t Hiragi! Yoooo!” He slowly speaks, waving around his Ramune before pointing down at the knocked out member.

“So, was THIS… Your work of art?” He grins, bringing the Ramune up and pointing at them. The creepy grin makes them all shudder. Ryuu bites his bottom lip with his canine, before letting it go as the Saru-whatever picks himself up.

“YOU LITTLE SHITS! THIS AIN’T NO GODDAMN GAME! WE’VE GOT RULES HERE! WE DON’T MESS AROUND WITH YOUR TURF, AND YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO STAY OUTTA OURS!!” It seems like he didn’t notice that their higher up was behind him as he spoke, the two that were with him cringing at the sight of the male talking back. “PAST THE DAMN TRAIN TRACKS IS SHISHITOREN’S DOMAIN!! DON’T GO STRUTTIN’ INTO OUR TURF… LIKE YOU OWN THE GODDAMN… place”

KA CRASH

Jo strikes the dude with the Ramune bottle that was in his hand.

Everyone stares in shock, confused at the situation that’s happening. Ryuu’s mouth is open, wanting to say something, but his voice is stuck in his throat. “OUR turf?” Jo yanks up the male by the hair, bringing his fist back before punching him.

THWAK THWAK THWAK THWAK

Looking at the two other members, one was giggling and the other stared at the attack, nonchalant. 

“Didn’t you get your face beat in? THAT MAKES YOU WEAK!”

“-THAT MAKES YOU WEAK RYUU.”

Weak, his gramps favorite word. Pathetic, what he used as a description. His grandfather has an amazing ability to be able to get under Ryuu’s skin, it was sickening, and borderline abusive. Ryuu was on the floor, holding his tummy, nose bleeding from the amount of stress his seven year old body has been going through.  He’s lucky that Gramps wasn’t physically training him. Or he would have been dead.

“STOP!!” Hiragi steps up, taking action and attracting the attention towards him. It breaks Ryuu out of his trance, breathing heavily at the memory. “What?” “Isn’t he one of your guys?!” Hiragi scolds him, though Jo just tilts his head in fake confusion.

“Who’re you talkin’ about?”

Ryuu slowly walks forwards, quietly and sneakily walking, more than silent as he steps forward. He doesn’t dare touch Jo Togame, eyes wide and focused, hand clutching the first aid kit hard enough that his knuckles are turning white. Jo Togame takes off the male’s jacket in a flash. Ryuu quickly grabs the bloodied male and drags him over to a wall, sitting him up and opening the first aid kit beside him. 

Ryuu ignored what was happening behind him, quickly working on bandaging the male’s face and head up. He breathed in, the smell of blood seeping into his nose and taking over his taste buds, the metal taste not bothering him. 

The brunette quickly works on getting the bigger chinks of glass out of the dudes head, gently pulling at them and throwing them to the floor before cleaning up the wound. He huffs, not being giving up on getting the other, smaller but holdable chunks of glass as one of them pierces his skin.

Ryuu cleans off his hands, disinfecting them before efficiently wrapping the dude’s head with a white bandage, and placing some gauze in his nose.

Standing up, Ryuu turns around as Jo starts walking away. “Hey…” He calls out from the side, both groups looking towards him. “Bring him to the nearest hospital, or urgent care, or something, I don’t care.” Ryuu points to the guy on the floor, having been bandaged up and taken care of. “You guys wouldn’t want a charge on your names wouldn’t ya?”

Everyone was staring at him with wide eyes, shocked that he was able to treat the dude in such a short time.  “He has glass impaled on his head, and he most likely has a broken nose and jaw due to the kicks and punches he got,” Ryuu crouches and grabs his first aid kit, and then gets back up and walks towards his group. “The last thing you could do is take him somewhere to get taken care of, then you won’t have to ever see him again.”

Jo Togame shrugs with a smirk, grabbing the bloodied teen and dragging him around as Ryuu turns his head to the side to look at the taller male over his shoulder. “Pick him up correctly please, you wouldn’t want the pieces of glass to impale him through his skull and kill him would you?” He asks loudly, “Then you would have a murder charge on yours and Shishitoren’s name.”

Ryuu smiles and turns around, taking his bag out of Nirei’s hands and putting the, now messy and bloodied, kit inside. Everything is silent as the Shishitoren gang walks away, the second in command’s sandals clanking against the floor every step he takes.

“HOOOOOLD UP! WHAT HAVE YOU TWO DONE?!??!”

“YOU’VE…” Nirei sobs, “YOU’VE DECLARED TOTAL WAR AGAINST THEM!!!”

“All right, that’s enough. Calm down, Nirei-kun,” Suo walks over, Ryuu’s sleeve in one hand and patting Nirei’s back with the other. “Sooo, I know I kinda missed my cue to interrupt you guys, but…”

Ryuu stares at the third year, who is about to overdose on Gaskun 10’s.

“Looking at THAT MESS, I assume not saying anything was the right choice.” “Hiragi-san, it would be for the best that you follow the dose needed for intake on the instructions in the back of the box,” Ryuu raised his hand, sweat dripping due to the over exaggeration of the male “You wouldn’t want to overdose.”

“SAKURA-SAN!” Nirei turns around and starts scolding again, “THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!” “IF YOU DIDN’T EDGE HIM ON AT THE END THERE, THEN IT SOUNDED LIKE WE COULD’VE GOTTEN AWAY SCOTT-FREE!!”

“Togame…” Hiragi butts in, popping one of the pills in his mouth “He ain’t that easygoing, y’know?”

That makes Ryuu pay attention. “Among the guys in Shishitoren, He’s extra particular ‘bout their territory. He wouldn’t have let us go that easily.” “Is that so…?” Nirei slumps forward a bit in defeat.  “What’s done is done.”

“Besides…” Hiragi looks down, making Ryuu stand up straighter, eyebrows furrowing closer together. “I should’ve been the one to step in first… Sorry.” Hiragi apologizes quickly , making everyone stare at him in shock, though the tension quickly breaks as he walks forward towards the middle schooler.

“Let's head back to the school.”

“You, from San Middle…” “I-I’m Sasaki…” “Great. Sakaki, Come with us.” Walking away, Ryuu is quick to walk over and pick up the kid by his armpits, like a cat, and placing him back on his feet.

“We gotta report everything… To Umemiya.”

┌──❀*̥˚───❀*̥˚─┐

At the school

└───❀*̥˚───❀*̥˚┘

Walking up the stairs, all that could be heard were the steps of the group and Hiragi’s groans. Ryuu was walking beside the middle schooler, making sure he was fine and was able to walk up the stairs without falling. Though he could feel the nervousness radiating from the kid.

Reaching the door at the top of the stairs, Hiragi grips the knob and turns it, pushing the door open and letting the light inside the stairway. Ryuu smiled at the state of the roof of the school. It seemed to be quite cozy and comfortable up there. The smell of mulch, dirt, and wet grass invades their senses, the color green surrounding them.

On the roof, on one side of the entrance, are two beach chairs, a volleyball court, a ping pong table, and a couch. On the other side, there is an amazingly large tree, roots growing out and around the school, there being a path to be able to get to the other side of the school roof above its protruding roots. Under the tree, there is a gazebo and farther off, there are some garden beds laying about. The freshmen looked around in amazement, minus Sugishita. “Wh…What in the…” Sakura mumbled in shock, having expected everything but this. 

Hiragi walked away, calling out to the leader. “Umemiya!” That brought the attention back to the main reason as to why they are there. To meet the rep and tell him what happened at the border of the town. 

“Yo, Hiragi! Some take a look at this!” The crouching male turns around with a large smile, two potted plants in his hands. “The eggplants and green peppers are growing strong!!”  “We can have a full-on barbecue with everyone in summer!!”

If Ryuu wasn’t blinded by the sun, he was now blinded by the smile that Umemiya has shown them.  Ryuu chuckles, blocking his eyes from the brightness of the white haired male’s smile and sura.

“Umemiya.” “We’ve got trouble.”

[margareturtle]

Been thinking about why Matthew doesn’t have a pov in TLH and realized

I don’t think cassie writes inebriated characters. Like in cols the one time Jordan has a pov is in a scene with Isabelle when she’s drunk. Otherwise Jordan rarely has a pov while Isabelle more often does.

Shadowhunters don’t get drunk often but when Simon is drunk on that drugged blood in cohf it’s from Clary’s pov

And we also don’t get any of Will’s pov when he’s at the opium den

The Jem doesn’t really get a pov in TID (even tho he’s an mc and fan fav) though he is hiding how much yin fen he is having to take (but he does get a whole book pov with GOTSM post TID)

And we get Matthew’s povs before and (hopefully) after TLH with the shorts story in GOTSM and Better in Black (hopefully) —before he starts drinking and after he gets sober

But we don’t get Matthew’s pov during TLH despite him also being an mc and fan fav, as well as many other more minor characters than him getting povs (Ari, Tessa, Christopher, etc)

I know Cassie said on tumblr once about Jem that it is hard to write from the perspective of characters with secrets that the reader isn’t supposed to know (so with Jem how much yin fen he is taking, and I suppose with matthew that he is still drinking in chot and why he is drinking—though both secrets have to do with their addictions)

Also tbh we do get povs from characters with secrets that are not revealed right away ex: Will, Julian, Grace, Magnus, etc

And I was just thinking how it must be difficult to write from an intoxicated and/or addicted mindset due to being an unreliable narrator with intense mood swings (and the secrets and lies that come from addiction)

Could be wrong fs, but yea this made sense to me, idk what do y’all think?

[multistanisms]

More than Words || Shadowhunters

FANDOM: Shadowhunters

PAIRING: Alec Lightwood x Magnus Bane

WORD COUNT: 903

RATING: PG

POTENTIAL TRIGGERS: N/A

SUMMARY: An engagement party for Jace and Clary had Alec struggling to meet the “accessories” requirement his sister has put in place, so he opts to borrow some of Magnus’ jewelry.

TAGLIST: @no1likemybbgcharlie, @spookidema

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Alec had searched for hours trying to find the right thing to wear. He didn’t own jewelry of his own, and yet Isabelle had insisted he wear something, like everyone else would. He loved his little sister but this was a demand he didn’t know how to meet. He wasn’t good at giving jewelry or buying it for himself. There’d been one too many fiascos about that. So he’d decided to look through the mahogany box in the bedroom he’d been sharing with Magnus for close to three years. Naturally, Magnus’ taste in jewelry was more subtle and simple, often meant to compliment the warlock’s chosen style for the day. Alec had looked at various pieces before he’d found a bracelet that seemed right. It was a little different than other pieces, older no doubt. It felt warm against his skin as he held it, as if calling to him. Putting it on took a little effort, since he was unfamiliar with most jewelry. Once clasped and in place, Alec looked at it, liking the way it looked on him. It was odd to feel extra weight on his wrist, though, so used to the joint being without anything around it, that Alec had left it on for the duration of the day, unknowingly getting a few curious looks. He’d stopped by the Marrakesh themed restaurant on the way back home, and was setting the bags on the kitchen counter when Magnus appeared through a portal from visiting Madzie and Catarina on one of his occasional days off from being called on by businesses and mundanes.

“Alexander, you brought dinner home?” Magnus asked, smiling as he leaned to kiss his boyfriend before he stopped, tilting his head as he looked at the younger man.

“What’s wrong?” Alec asked, a little confused.

“Where did you get that?” Magnus asked, lifting a hand to motion at Alec’s arm.

Still confused, Alec lifted the arm in question and blushed. He’d become accustomed to wearing it over the course of the day, and he’d entirely forgotten he’d even had it on. “It’s yours.” he replied. “Izzy wants everyone to wear some kind of jewelry, and I -”

Magnus lifted a hand to place a finger on Alec’s lips, effectively silencing the explanation with a smile. “I don’t need an explanation, Alexander. It looks wonderful on you.” he said, quiet for a moment. “When did you take it?”

Blue eyes wavered a moment, curious but also a little self conscious. He hadn't asked for it, after all. “Uhm since sometime early this morning? After you’d gone to see Madzie. Before I had to be at the Institute.”

“And you’ve worn it all day?”

The shadowhunter nodded, giving a puzzled look. “Yes. Why?”

“I just forgot I even had that bangle.” Magnus said. “I like it on you.”

Alec tilted his head, not understanding the questions his boyfriend was asking. “Magnus, are you sure?”

Magnus nodded, smiling. “See, that bracelet was actually designed by Ragnor and Catarina.” he explained. “It was never meant to actually be mine, in a sense.”

“What do you mean?” Alec asked, looking down. The bracelet was antique, silver in metal with sapphire adornment. It was a beautiful piece, elegant and simple, which would suit any number of outfits he’d seen Magnus wear in the past. He didn’t understand. Why would Ragnor and Catarina give Magnus a gift not meant for Magnus? “I’m confused.”

“That bracelet is enchanted. Ragnor and Catarina had seen me suffer many heartbreaks, seen me hungover from drinking the pain of them away countless times. It was after a particularly rough separation in Peru when Ragnor, on a sarcastic whim I’m sure, suggested an item to help ease the worry I apparently always had.” Magnus began. “While I recovered, they carefully designed a piece of jewelry that could only be worn by one true of heart and linked by soul.” His smile was a mix of emotions, and Alec, having been with Magnus as long as he had, could pick up on most of them. The faintest curve down for a moment of sadness, likely from the memory of Ragnor. The way the line of the warlock's lips moved back up into a look of love, although Alec didn’t know if it was aimed at himself, the bracelet or both. Happiness came next, and Magnus reached for his hand and was laying a kiss to his palm.

“Magnus?”

“This bracelet, that you found, was designed to be worn by the one person who truly loved me, Alexander.” Magnus finally spoke in a less vague choice of words. “And not only did you find it, you’ve been wearing it all day.” The sheer love in Magnus' voice made Alec smile,and lean in to kiss him.

“Of course I love you, Magnus.” he whispered, reaching to wrap his arms around the warlock. “I will always love you.” The way Magnus held him, he gave a quiet laugh, tilting his head to kiss Magnus’ neck. “Let’s eat. I got your favorite.” he said. As they pulled out food and set it on their dining room table, Alec looked at the bracelet and made a vow to himself to never take it off, to wear it as a marker that what he and Magnus had would not be broken. A symbol of their love that only he and Magnus would see at any given moment.

[ladyhindsight]

Of rewritten family relationships, my pure hatred for Alec's storyline, and wandering parabatai runes.

Jace slowly wakes up in the Institute infirmary with Alec and Isabelle by his side. This scene is Clare’s attempt to alleviate responsibility on Jace’s part. This is also a point of realization as to how Clare talks about how Jace and Clary didn’t really have a relationship in this book because Jace was not himself, but Jace hasn’t had a relationship with Alec nor Isabelle since City of Glass. And even then on Alec’s part it was shit.

Not once have Jace and Alec been like this. This could’ve been a point of growing back together after growing apart first if that apart point was ever realized by the narrative.

Jace’s apology comes off as performative and ostensible because 1. What is he even apologizing for 2. Isabelle gives him absolution for all of it anyway 3. He will never be held accountable for any bad decisions that lead to bad shit and circumstances.

Jace shouldn’t apologize for what he was put through, of course. Some responsibility should’ve been recognized far before this, however.

Fuck off. Clare wrote Will and Jem and only then found some sense in Jace and Alec. It is similarly rewriting history as with the whole idea of Jace being gentle with things he loved.

PLACEMENT OF THE PARABATAI RUNES. It is interesting to note that during the introduction to the concept of parabatai it was never told there were runes placed upon the pair. There is barely a mention of them in TMI, and without this one uncertain scene in the epilogue of CoLS, it is never told where Jace has it. (“We never got to finish our conversation, before,” Jace said. “I just wanted to say that you don’t always have to be all right. I asked you to be my parabatai because I needed you, but you’re allowed to need me, too. This”—he indicated his own parabatai rune—) → in CoHF

→ “He raised his sleeve, showing Jocelyn the parabatai rune on his inner forearm.” Alec in City of Fallen Angels, Chapter 6 “No Weapon in This World”

→ “Alec said nothing, but his grip on Jace’s hand tightened. “You don’t need to swear,” he said, and with his free hand touched the parabatai rune near his collarbone. “I know. I can feel it. I don’t feel like I’m missing a part of me anymore.” City of Lost Souls, here in the epilogue

Whose collarbone, though? It’s difficult to infer, because the use of pronouns indicates himself, not Jace. I’ll then go even a step further, because in City of Heavenly Fire Alec’s rune also keeps wandering:

→ “It is good, but what I felt”—Alec put his hand unconsciously over his upper arm, near his parabatai rune—“that isn’t good. Jace isn’t dead,” Chapter 8 “Strength in What Remains”

→ “Alec pushed aside his jacket, shoved down the collar of his shirt, and craned to see the mark on his shoulder. Simon recognized the outlines of the parabatai rune. Alec pressed his fingers to it; they came away smudged with something dark that looked like a smear of ash.” Chapter 8 “Strength in What Remains”

These two parts above are actually like two pages apart and the same scene too….

→ “Alec said, “Isabelle. Come on.” He was holding the shoulder marked by his parabatai rune stiffly.” Chapter 8 “Strength in What Remains”

→ “Alec staggered to his feet, his face dead white except where it was smeared black with soot. He spun, turning his back to Isabelle, shrugging down his gear jacket. “My parabatai rune—can you see it?” Isabelle felt her stomach drop; she thought for a moment she might faint. She grabbed at Alec’s collar, pulled it down, and exhaled a hard breath of relief. “It’s still there.”” Chapter 17 “Burnt Offerings”

How come Alec was able to crane his neck to see the rune before but not in this instance? Shit writing, that’s what.

Anyway, onward we go.

They should’ve actually fought.

Again, fuck off, but also, yay.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN EVEN ALEC??? His brother, bestie, parabatai is lying on the ground seemingly dead and ugh, I guess even Alec made his way theereee

Reminds me of this, but in this case we actually know WHY EVEN ALEC.

Five books and the culmination of character growth is, let’s let Clary do just whatever she wants because she is Clary and everything she does is right. That’s actually more development for Isabelle since she berated Clary for the same thing in City of Glass.

There’s been couple instances where Clary’s character is being praised by others, this just being one of them.

→ Wasn’t City of Glass exactly where Clary’s “personal life” was “considered”?

Sure, but also the literal translation of the name Michael. You know, the Archangel. Also yay, Simon.

→ How do these few moments become minutes, even, when Alec made his way immediately to Magnus

→ I might be tired and not reading this right, but to me this sounds like Alec thinks he deserved to have died (before Magnus) for even a second thinking about what Camille offered. What, dude. No.

Was there some point in the whole of this relationship where Magnus’ behavior somehow promoted intimate trust required to be in a relationship? And now he is somehow surprised that Alec didn’t fully trust or believe him? That Magnus’ secrecy did nothing to show Alec he is necessary and required, not a passing part in Magnus’ life?

→ Yes, do please underline more the fact how young Alec is compared to you. And this makes Magnus look better? This whole book on Alec’s part has been two old-as-fuck adults screwing over a teenager and playing him in their own ways.

→ There must be a way to explain. Well, how about you just say all that? Though Alec not being good with words is consistent with his inner monologue.

And here we have it. How the hell did this relationship have any future? It’s all there, and Magnus is not written taking any responsibility for it (CoHF is the best book out of all six solely for the fact that Alec actually says what needs to be said in it). Alec’s insecurity is of his own to mend and build up, but sheesh.

Apples and oranges, but isn’t it a bit ironic how Alec was the one pressured to come out of closet and tell his family about Magnus only weeks after dating, how the story pretended it was Alec’s choice and not everyone treating him as lesser and talking shit about him for not doing it. Alec is held responsible for this mistake. Where is everyone else’s responsibility for what they did to Alec and how they treated him?

→ But he didn’t try anything? Alec did nothing and took no steps towards that. What he did was meet up with Camille in order to learn things about Magnus Magnus himself was not willing to tell. Camille offered and Alec refused (after even considering it).

→ I find this punishment of thought ridiculous. One can entertain ideas and thoughts and conclude that they could never do this or that. ?? We do this constantly when we ponder ethics or hypothetical situations. Thoughts, feelings, and actions are not the same. Also, why Alec had to think about it? Because the offer was so outrageous he had to take time to realize what the hell? Because he was in with the idea of actually doing it and not thinking about the consequences? Because this type of stuff thrown at his face takes time to chew down? It matters.

→ And why do you think that is? Alec not trusting Magnus while having nothing to trust is somehow all Alec’s fault.

Alec is wrong and does wrong, but this I’m not going to just swallow and take as offered.

But they did talk about how they did like each other?

Isabelle has said it?

Fuck off, Jem. His name is Jace, how many times it needs to be said and by how many people?

→ The Herondales have kept names in the family— what?

→ Clary, Clarissa. Could we hold onto some consistency here?

→ This conversation piece because we needed a TID reference.

You both should be yelled at.

These are some truly profound thoughts.

They aren’t, but I am also so sick of you both being Special, so fuck off.

→ If Alec is half of his soul and Clary is a part of that other half, then how much soul does Jace have for himself? Math question.

→ Great how we’ve somehow arrived to the point where Jace actually seems to care about his family, but also at the same time he is on his own without Clary?

→ He learns quickly.

→ I understand that Jem is obsessed with Tessa and Will’s descendants, but they are their own people whose actions and personality and being has nothing to do with them. Was Jem as obsessed with every Herondale son on the way to Jace?

The book then finally ends with an edgy comeback note from Sebastian. Woowee.

[captainkirkk]

✩ WEEKLY FIC ROUND-UP ✩

All the fics I’ve read and really enjoyed in the past week-ish. Reminder: This list features any and all ratings and themes.

ATLA

illustrate the remnants of the life i used to live by WitchofEndor

Zuko's soul marks have been regularly burned away since before he knew what they meant. He knows that he cannot be loyal to his father and his nation while also being loyal to a soul family, so he doesn't look for them. Unfortunately, that means that he doesn't know when he's found them.

Stranger things

Shovel Talks by unkreativstermensch (+ podfic)

"Oh,” Steve says. Then again, “oh,” a little quieter. His expression changes; from confusion to something pained almost. “Mr Munson, I don’t…” he takes a deep breath, his voice a little shaky as he continues. “I don’t think he…I don’t think he likes me like that.”

He doesn’t say “it’s not like that.” Neither does he say “I’m not like that.”

That’s the first thing Wayne notices.

or: Wayne decides to give Steve the shovel talk, only to realize he might not be the one needing one

Peaceful Bliss by unkreativstermensch

"Henderson,” Eddie groans. “Do you have any idea what time it is?" He rubs his hands over his face. Dustin nods.

"Of course, it’s 6:15, but we need to talk, it's really urgent, I noticed something about the-" he stops in his tracks when he notices the patch of hair next to Eddie, sticking out from under the covers and in between pillows, and the way Eddie winces because Dustin's talking too loud, and oh shit- there's someone else in bed with him.

or: Dustin has the annoying habit of just busting into Eddie's trailer at ungodly hours. One morning Eddie's not alone though.

SVSSS

Protagonist Rehabilitation Programme by cinnamonsnaps

(oh my god they were roommates)

"Thank you, valued user, for accepting the Protagonist Rehabilitation Programme. Your task: Ensure the protagonist's happiness."

Shen Yuan is convinced that his favouri... least favourite novel's main protagonist isn't really happy. He has babes, money and power, but does he have any friends? Cue the system handily dropping Demon King Luo Binghe into his bedroom. Can Shen Yuan make him happy before the timer runs out?

(90% light-hearted comedy, 10% existential horror and fear because this is the OG PIDW Binghe we're talking about)

Shadowhunters

Families of Choice by MonPetitTresor

Life at the Institute takes a turn for the worse for Alec. When he's alone with no where else to turn, his siblings step up and help him find his feet once more with help from a few new friends along the way. Between them, Alec finally gets a chance to realize that the world doesn't begin and end with being a Shadowhunter, and there's more out there for him, so long as he's got the courage to reach out and grab it.

Salvation lets their wings unfold by HopeSilverheart

Alec is frozen and, when she spots what has him looking so horrified, so is Clary.

Above the fireplace, hanging on the wall like some sort of divine offering, rest a pair of huge, black angel wings, so similar to Alec’s own. The mere sight makes him want to throw up and curl his wings around himself to make sure all his feathers are still in place. He can’t even begin to imagine life without the pair of extra limbs every Nephilim has to deal with. To be faced with the reminder that some people want nothing more than to tear those wings off his back is…

“What the fuck, Alec?” Clary whispers, her voice choked up and angry and alarmed. “Alec, what is this?”

Or: Alec, Clary and Magnus go on a mission to a warlock's home. What they find there leaves its mark on both shadowhunters.

Star Wars

listen, there's a hell of a universe next door by storm_petrel

As it turns out, no one ever taught Luke how to tie a little green baby to his back one-handed, but Luke thinks he's pretty gods-damned good at problem-solving under pressure, thank you, and the baby is at least semi-cooperative. When he's sure the kid is strapped in as tight as he can get, Luke pauses, and reaches back. His fingers graze the wide point of the baby's fuzzy ear. "Well, kid," says Luke, and his voice is a little rough, but not bad, all things considered. "Carrying you on my back while getting the absolute banthashit kicked out of me, at least this feels familiar."

The baby coos in his ear, and then kicks him hard in the kidney. Yoda used to do the exact same thing. Somehow, it's a lot more endearing now.

Or: Luke Skywalker solves a number of life-or-death problems, makes some new friends, falls abruptly in love, and gets shot into space, all in the same day.

Clone Wars

No wealth, no ruin, no silver, no gold by themonopolyhat

"New orders.” Cody hands the data pad over, and Waxer takes a minute to absorb the screen contents.

“Are we—” He stops, his voice hushed with something like awe. “Do we get to hit Dooku's... the kriff do the natties call it...” He snaps his fingers and points at Wooley for some reason. “Vacation home. Are we gonna burn down Dooku's vacation home?"

Or: Six weeks after Obi-Wan's funeral, the 212th reunites with their general.

[herondalegfsblog]

the way jace herondale literally was abused for the first 10 years of his life, was taught that “to love is to destroy” when his father killed his pet right in front of him, saw his father “get murdered” at 10 years old, found out his father wasn’t who he thought he was, got accused of being a spy by his adoptive parents, thought he was experimented on with demon blood, had his adoptive little brother die, was told two more times he wasnt who he thought he was, died, came back to life, was haunted for months by nightmares of himself killing the love of his life, didn’t eat or sleep at all because of the nightmares, worried so much he was becoming like his “father” who had abused him, was possessed, was “in love with the idea of dying”, had his personality magically changed, CRIED when he momentarily burst free of the magic, tried to turn himself in even though he knew none of what happened was his fault and he’d be killed for it anyway, was put back under the magic, was stabbed with a blade full of heavenly fire by the girl he loves, it hurt so much that it made him “scream sometimes with the pain” and almost died again, repeatedly almost died because the heavenly fire was too much for his body to handle, was known as “the broken one”, tried to give himself over so that everyone else was left alone, literally went to a demon realm, almost burned to death there and “wasn’t afraid” to, had a “death wish the size of brooklyn”, saved the world AGAIN

and despite all of this he still manages to laugh and smile and be the caring boy that he is. this is what valentine said about him “you were too gentle. too empathetic. you felt others’ pain as if it were your own” and clary said “this scarred, sarcastic boy was gentle with the things he loved” and people have the audacity to dislike him—hate him, even. that’s just crazy. he went through all of that and he was still an amazing person and a hero. yall are just unbelievable

plus people like will herondale but not jace as if they don’t act exactly the same and have basically the same personality. before anyone says that will had a reason to act the way he did, i just listed all of the reasons jace had as well.

@cassandraclare