#Andrew Underhill

[overheardinidris]

Alec: While I'm gone with Magnus, you’re in charge, Jace.

Jace: Yes!

Alec, whispering to Underhill: You're secretly in charge.

Underhill: Obviously.

[stormkpr]

Welcome to my new Malec-plus-Reyhill fic! Ancient Rome AU, rated Explicit. With thanks to @guggi04 for the art and @hotpinkmurex for the beta. Bathed in Golden Paint

[bytheangell]

Love at First Dance

(Read on AO3) (Created for @malecdiscordserver's By The Angel Bingo!)

"What are you glaring at?"

Magnus looks over at the sound of Alexander's voice, shocked out of the focus he previously had on Lorenzo Rey, who he wasn't even sure he wanted at his wedding even after the change of heart and bit of redemption he earned himself.

"What?" Magnus asks, both to stall and in the hopes that, perhaps, they could simply change the subject. He shifts to focus himself fully on Alexander - on his husband. As it should be, honestly. He doesn't need to be worrying about anyone else today, least of all a warlock he barely likes and a Shadowhunter he barely knows.

"You look a little too upset for someone on their wedding day. You're going to give me a complex if you don't tell me what's on your mind," Alec says.

"If you must know," Magnus starts, turning his gaze back in the direction of Lorenzo and Andrew at a small table in the corner, laughing in that way you do when you're going to really impress someone over something he's sure barely warrants it, and- okay, he's getting bitter and judgmental again and he really needs to stop it.

"What am I looking at?" Alec asks, glancing around the room in the direction of Magnus' gaze. "I don't see- oh."

Magnus feels vindicated in the fact that Alexander's voice drops in confusion, brows furrowing and a small frown taking over his features. At least they're on the same page about this.

"They're flirting. What's that about?" Magnus asks.

"Yeah, I'll admit, I hardly thought Lorenzo would be Andrew's type," Alec says slowly.

"Andrew can do better," Magnus states simply.

"Magnus..." Alec starts carefully, in that tone that implies he's choosing his next words carefully. Magnus can already sense what's coming next.

"I'm just saying. One decent decision does not undo centuries of being a raging jackass," Magnus says, before Alexander gets a chance to defend Lorenzo.

"I know," Alec agrees. "And I'm not saying it does. But I am saying that Andrew doesn't have a history with Lorenzo. All he knows is the man who realized he made a mistake, and did whatever he could to fix it - including risking his life to go to Edom with a bunch of people he barely knew, putting his life in our hands."

Magnus made a 'humph' sound at that, but couldn't disagree.

"He helped me save your life, Magnus. At the very least, I owe him a chance to start fresh with someone. Isn't that what you got, with me?"

"You knew plenty about me," Magnus argued. "But," he conceded. "I see your point. And I suppose he's been... tolerable recently."

Alexander smiled at that.

"But I'm still saying that maybe cupid's arrow could use a new accuracy rune," Magnus added, half-under his breath but just loud enough for Alec to hear, barking out a laugh.

"Maybe you're right. I guess time will tell," Alec said, glancing back over to where Lorenzo was currently holding his hand out for Andrew to take before leading them both onto the dance floor.

"Perhaps we should join them on the dance floor," Alec suggested, reaching his own hand out to Magnus. "You know, just to keep a closer eye on things."

Magnus shook his head, taking his husband's hand in his own. "No, you're right. I'm staying out of it. Besides, I have more important things to focus my attention on."

Magnus leaned in to kiss Alexander, gentle and lingering several seconds before reluctantly pulling back. "I believe I owe my husband a dance."

[thelostgirl21]

[loki-nightfire]

More art on http://boosty.to/Grizzlyhare

[z0mbie2b0y]

Always the side pair, never the main pair.

[bicraigmanning]

i get why people were concerned (though i can’t imagine alec cheating EVER, that’s just like, so antithetical to who he is as a person, he has plenty of flaws, that’s just simply not one of them), but i don’t see Any of his behavior with underhill as potential flirting. to me it’s like... alec doesn’t really have many friends outside of his family! aline, while i’m sure he genuinely enjoys her company and cares about her, was a Shared Family Friend, clary is not really his friend but HAS become family lmao (neither of them do anything by halves), he loves magnus deeply and there’s genuine friendlike fondness rooted in their relationship but magnus has a Distinctly Different role in his life.

underhill has like, no agenda, he just blatantly likes (and i mean this in a very platonic way) and respects alec and alec is tip-toing the idea of maybe not being misanthropic and actually trying to have a friend lmao.

[solarisrasa]

All I Could Bring Myself to Want is You pt 11

A Malec fic canon divergent from the moment Alec hands the Family Ring back to Maryse Lightwood.

Read it here on Ao3

part ten

Meredith stepped closer to Underhill as a patrol came through, Rodriguez going out of his way to glare at her. Since the night she’d spent with Magnus Bane the attitude of her fellow Shadowhunters had grown colder. Most of them were still civil but the warm welcome she’d received when she’d first arrived from Idris appeared to have been rescinded.

“Underhill?” She asked, gently.

He was one of the people who had kept the same cool professionalism between them and had still been willing to talk to her for things outside of patrols and reports. He was also her superior so it hadn’t done a lot for the growing loneliness.

“Rembrand.” He nodded at her, gaze returning to the screen he was watching and she cleared her throat.

“Have I...did I break a rule?”

He sighed, “Meredith. I’m not really the person who should be having this conversation with you.”

“So I did. I thought it was  fine . Are we only allowed to spend the night with Downworlders if we’re dating them? Is that it? Or is Magnus a bad guy or something?”

She knew her questions were ridiculous but she had tried to think of another explanation and come up blank.

“No, to all of that. I’ve asked Isabelle to intercede on your behalf, but she’s been busy the last few days. Hopefully once she can address the issue things will get better for you here.”

Meredith huffed, “I still don’t know what I  did.”

Underhill looked uncomfortable but at least he was finally facing her properly, “You’re new and Magnus...he’d been missing a while so no one thought to warn any of the transfers. Hell, most people had some idea at least, there was enough gossip that spread after Alec’s wedding.”

Meredith opened her mouth, confused, Alec wasn’t married, was he? Underhill held up a hand.

“It’s a long story, but the important thing is just...Alec and Magnus were together. Things ended between them with a lot of complications that are their business, but neither of them wanted to break up.”

“If they weren’t together then why?”

“Meredith, Alec was going to ask Magnus to marry him. Whatever happened between them? It’s a large part of why Alec stepped down and you stepped right into the middle of Magnus’ return because you didn’t know.”

She stared at him. She didn’t know Alexander Lightwood well, but she could guess what Underhill hadn’t explicitly said. Magnus was the love of Alec’s life and likely a major player in the affair with Valentine. When she’d first transferred she’d been surprised at how withdrawn Alec and Jace, heroes by all accounts, were. Suddenly a lot of things were making sense.

“I-”

She stuttered to a stop because walking across ops, looking lighter than he had in an age and accompanied by his parabatai, a woman who could only be Clary Fray, and Magnus Bane, was Alec Lightwood.

“Sir.” Underhill nodded, unable to hide his smile.

“Andrew! Is lovely Isabelle in her office?” Magnus swayed closer and Meredith wanted to hide, especially as eyes landed on her.

-

Magnus cursed internally but still smiled at the girl,  Meredith . It wasn’t her fault that he’d made extraordinary poor choices that night.

Alexander had gone tense beside him and Andrew kept looking between them as he slowly answered, “She is. Simon is with her, excited to see Clary.”

Magnus nodded and made his decision. He turned, tipping his head at Alec toward the office and watching hazel eyes as they searched his face. Alexander’s gaze darted briefly to Meredith and Jace jolted forward a step, harsh lines set in his face. Alec caught his brother’s chest with the back of his hand, eyes locked on Magnus.

“Magnus and I will follow. Jace take Clary.”

Jace cut a glare at the poor girl before catching Clary’s hand and leading her away, leaving Underhill to tactfully remove himself from the group. Magnus did so love the man's ability to read a room.  

Meredith, the poor thing, looked between the two of them with wide eyes and a pinched mouth.

“I was...I was just told that I really  fucked up.” She said, her voice tight, and Magnus winced.

“No.” Alec took a breath, “You didn’t know, Meredith and we weren’t...we-”

Magnus hated watching Alexander try to absolve her, he could see how, confronted by her, it hurt him.

“It was my choice to approach you and I’m sorry, I wasn’t in a good place when I saw you that night. I am old enough to know better than to spread my problems to others.” Magnus tried to make sure she understood that this was on him.

She nodded slowly, but her focus was on Alexander.

“If I’d known, sir, I never would have taken the offer. I understand if you want me to transfer-”

Magnus frowned, “I know business and pleasure never mix well, but I doubt anyone expects you to uproot your life here just because I made a mess.”

Meredith shifted, uncomfortable and looked to Alec again, but he was staring through her more than really seeing. She appeared to brace herself, “Mr., uhm, Mr. Bane? It’s a kind of a big deal to everyone. Getting involved with someone another Nephilim is or was seriously involved with...there’s steps that are supposed to be taken first and it’s generally frowned on. I’ve been getting a lot of...well there’s been a lot of ill-will since you took me home and I didn’t know why until I asked Mr. Underhill.”

Magnus stared at her and slowly turned to Alexander. His love was looking straight ahead, jaw locked tight, but he nodded his confirmation and Magnus pulled a breath in through his nose. He really had made quite the mess.

“Alright...alright then. Okay. How do I fix it?”

Meredith gave him a gentle, sheepish smile, “You  can’t. Mr. Lightwood can, maybe, help a little but I think it’s just going to take time if I stay here, although Ms. Lightwood  might be able to stop people from switching out of my patrol group and-”

Alec made a low noise, “That’s ridiculous.”

Meredith looked surprised, “Well, I did break a major social rule, sir.”

“I’ll talk to Izzy and I’ll do what I need to so that it doesn’t further affect your career. You won’t need a transfer though, I’m no longer assigned to this Institute.”

Meredith blanched at that and Alexander quickly explained, “I’ve accepted the office of the Inquisitor. The formal announcement has been pushed back at my request.”

Magnus sighed, watching as the assertion only made her look smaller.

“I truly apologize for the position I’ve put you in with my recklessness. We will do everything we can to correct it.”

“Thank you.” Her voice was a whisper but Alec just nodded and turned away from her, leaving Magnus to offer her a gentle smile and hurry after him.

He caught Alec’s shoulder in the hallway outside of Isabelle’s office, “Alexander.”

“I’m fine Magnus, just-” Alec swallowed hard enough Magnus could hear it, “I didn’t want to face her again. I was trying to forget, I guess, that she happened. Another Shadowhunter.”

Alexander didn’t raise his voice, just sounded even and tired, but the words might as well have been shouted for how they twisted Magnus up inside. He remembered the bright joy that Alexander had tried to hide, once.

  “So, I’m your first Shadowhunter?”

Magnus had never meant to find another, especially not as number 1702. He clasped Alexander’s hands between his, waiting until his love faced him properly.

“I wanted to hurt you. I was still angry that night and I lashed out, in a way, by sleeping with her and I will never know how to apologize, but I hope, in time, I can right that wrong.” He tightened his hold, looking down, uncertain how to continue.

“Magnus.”

Alexander’s voice made him look up and despite the pain that lingered in his eyes, Magnus found a well of love and forgiveness too.

“I won’t say that the things that have happened don’t hurt because that would be a lie, but we’ve both made enough mistakes, I won’t make another one by holding this against you. It’s resolved, I just need to take steps to prevent our mess from affecting someone else any further.”

“Alexander I-”

Alec untangled their hands but then his large, warm palms were cradling Magnus’ chin, one hand sliding to curl behind his neck and tug gently.

Magnus followed as he was led carefully to Alexander’s lips. They stood in the hallways of the New York Institute, a place that had seen many of Magnus’ worst moments. This would not be one of them.

Alexander kissed him like he was pressing the grace of forgiveness to Magnus’ sinning mouth. The soft press of his lips, the slow stroke of his thumb over Magnus’ cheek, and the warmth of his body as they curved together left no room for anything but their love. Magnus made a soft sound in the back of his throat, fingers curling around one of Alec’s shoulders and his wrist as he folded into his love.

At the sound Alexander licked into his mouth, gentle in his movements and Magnus gasped softly. Alec tilted his head with a press of his wide hand and stepped into Magnus further, making him shift back until Alexander was kissing him against the wall.

Magnus knew they should stop.

Alexander parted from him just enough to breathe his name into the space between their lips and Magnus couldn’t bear to stop him when he leaned back in.

He lost all sense of time to the whisper of Alexander’s kisses and the heat of his body. It was unhurried and gentle enough that Magnus wondered if he wasn’t unmade in the dim light.

Eventually Alexander stopped them, rubbing his thumb over Magnus’ swollen lower lip, eyes following the trail of it.

“We’re late.”

Magnus hummed, trying to sway back into Alec’s space. Alec stopped him with the firm pressure of his thumb against his mouth and Magnus blinked before nipping it slightly.

“After this, we’re locking ourselves in the loft together.”

Alexander laughed as he drew back enough to let Magnus get his bearings again, “I won’t argue that.”

-

Alec felt more centered as he knocked lightly on the door to his sister’s office. Magnus was smiling a little dazedly beside him and he was  very pleased.

Simon opened the door and grinned at them before his eyes widened, “Oh.  Wow.”

“What?” Jace tugged the door further open, took one look at the two of them, and rolled his eyes, “I’ll sleep elsewhere I guess.”

Magnus snorted, “I’ll soundproof your room Aurora.”

The tendril of unease that had crept into their bond at the thought of being apart for the night dissipated and Jace grinned, but there was gratitude in his eyes.

“Alright, too much information!” Clary called and Simon finally stepped out of the way so they could come into the room.

Izzy was sitting with Clary by the fireplace and she grinned up at Alec and Magnus as they came in. Alec just rolled his eyes and the wicked gleam in her eyes.

“You’re all insufferable.”

“Aw, c’mon, you missed this.”

He grumbled as he found a seat, tugging Magnus to sit pressed close to him. Jace took the floor between Alec and Clary and Simon fell into the other open seat beside Izzy.

“I was just talking to Clary about her coming to train between her classes, for now.”

Alec was surprised, “Do you think you’ll stay in school?”

Clary shrugged, “I don’t know right now, I guess it depends on what I feel like once I have all my memories back and sorted, but I don’t want to be totally reliant on the shadow world again, just in case.”

Magnus leaned forward, “That sounds like a great plan. Just remember, you have a very wealthy patron, if you ever need one.”

Clary blushed a little but laughed along with the others. Alec sighed slowly and relaxed, finding his footing here, with his family again. He watched Jace and Simon sass each other, Magnus easily egging them both on, and Clary and Izzy whisper together.

“Don’t you look like the cat who caught the canary.”

Alec blinked, registering that Magnus was grinning at him.

“I don’t eat birds.” He tried to keep a confused expression but a raised eyebrow from Magnus made him lose it, laughing.

“Just admit you’re a giant sap Alec, it’d be easier than grumbling about everything.” Jace drawled, leaning against Clary’s shin. Alec flipped him off.

Jace returned the gesture easily and opened his mouth to continue but Simon cut him off.

“Dude, do you have a tattoo?”

“What!?” Izzy leaned over to see and Jace held out his arm, smirking. His eyes were soft though and Alec felt the warmth in their bond. Magnus’ mark meant a lot to him.

“Nah, I’ve just been denoted special by  someone.” Jace nodded toward Magnus who winked.

“Us warlocks do like to lay claim to things and people that are ours.” He flicked his fingers, “Lovely Isabelle?”

She blinked and Alec could see the wetness in her eyes. After Catarina had Marked him he knew Izzy had done research, she knew what this meant.

“Really?”

Magnus smiled, gently, “You’re family, little sister.”

Alec swallowed the lump Magnus’ words put in his throat, watching Izzy slide out of her chair and kneel in front of Magnus.

“Is here...can you put it here?” She touched the spot under her collarbone, above her heart, and Magnus nodded.

“If you don’t want it seen, it won’t be.” He touched her skin and the same tree shape appeared but with tiny blooms on the tips instead of the triangle of Jace’s. Izzy raised her hand to cover the mark and then threw herself into Magnus’ arms, elbow hitting Alec.

“Ouch.”

“Suck it up!” Izzy said, laughing even as he patted his arm in apology.

“No offense, Biscuit, Sherman, but-”

Simon held up his hands, “We aren’t there yet, man, I get it.”

Clary nodded along, her eyes wet as she watched Izzy return to her seat, touching the mark with a little smile. Alec’s heart almost hurt for how full it was.

Actually.

He winced, the warm feeling was growing uncomfortable and he shifted, frowning. The heat that had started as more of the nebulous joy in his chest was becoming physical and burning.

Jace’s gaze zeroed in and the conversation that had resumed cut off as he jerked closer, “Alec?”

“It’s fine, just-nnn” The burn sharpened and he closed his eyes, pressing his hand over the Betrayer Mark.

“Alexander?” Magnus sounded worried but Alec couldn’t answer him as the pain increased.

“His Mark.” Jace spat, grabbing at his shirt.

“What’s wrong with him?” Clary’s voice was high with concern.

“It’s-Ah!” Alec hissed and then Jace was shoving his shirt out of the way.

Magnus swore and then he was gone, the sound of a portal the only thing Alec registered.

“Where’s he going?” Simon.

“Probably for help.” Izzy, her hands pressed into Alec’s ribs, cool in comparison to the fire in his core.

Another portal, he couldn’t make it out though he forced his eyes open, the room a haze of color.

“What’s happening?” Jace’s voice was a growl and Alec isn’t surprised to hear Catarina answer.

“The Mark, it...I placed it with a secondary effect. It denotes him a traitor but it also was meant to hurt him if he ever found peace again. I was so angry with him and I wasn’t thinking clearly,” something cool was washing over him, “I’m sure, with some of you around, it never healed at all, trying to harm him for what little peace you brought him. My guess is that he really, truly felt whole with you all here and it activated the curse.”

“Remove it.” Magnus’ voice was the edge of a blade, razor sharp and cold as steel.

“I am.” Catarina nearly whispered.

The cool feeling centered over the bright star of pain in his core and slowly drew it out, leaving Alec unfocused and gasping where he was slumped in his seat. He gasped and scrambled for his chest as soon as he could, ignoring the voices around him.

The skin that had been irritated and raised with the mark was smooth and soft again. He pressed his fingers against it, staring down at himself.

The mark had meant something to him. He’d clung to the way it hurt him, to the things it represented, the betrayal of his own heart and of Magnus, of all the people who had counted on him to be  better than he was.

Finally, he looked up at Catarina.

“Thank you.”

She flinched, “I never should have done it.”

Alec shook his head, “I needed it.”

There was a chorus of denial but he held up a hand, “I didn’t want you to take it back because...I needed it to remind me of my failures and because I saw it as penance. Without it I don’t know where I would have found those things. So, thank you for giving it to me,” the horror that was dawning in her and Magnus doesn’t stop him, “and thank you for coming to take it away now that I won’t...I won’t need it.”

“ Alec.”

He didn’t look at Jace, “I, for one, am sick of everything that’s happened lately, so maybe we can make this the last big thing?”

“You all need so much fucking therapy.” Catarina finally said and the tension in the room snapped.

Magnus fell back into his seat, curling an arm around Alec. Jace smacked his knee but their bond was lit with concern and love. Izzy bent to kiss his forehead and he laughed as Simon and Clary both tried to scoot closer.

“Don’t worry Cat, way ahead of you. Tell Madzie hi, will you?”

She scoffed in disbelief, “Oh no, you can tell her hi when you come visit. I owe you at  least a good dinner.”

Alec grinned, “Ethiopian?”

“Yes, and don’t beam at me like you weren’t just delirious with pain. Magnus, get him home, I’m ordering you two to  properly take your vacation now.” She glared at them both and Alec had to suppress another laugh. She wasn’t wrong though, his chest still ached.

“Clary’ll stay with us!” Simon chimed in, clearly overjoyed to have his best friend back in the circle. Jace rolled his eyes but gave Alec a little nod and he knew it would be alright to leave them for a while.

“See you at home?” Magnus asked and Jace blinked at him in surprise before his expression softened.

“Yeah. Yeah I’ll be in around sundown. Go make this stubborn asshole,” he jerked his chin at Alec, “rest.”

“Well, darling, I think we’d better get out of here before someone forces it.” Magnus winked at him and Alec rolled his eyes.

“Goodbye collective pain’s in the ass.” Alec gave them all a little wave and let Magnus tug him through a portal to the sound of Izzy’s ringing laugh.

Part twelve

[batboyblog]

My Super Gay/Queer Reading List

The Long Run by James Acker

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Another Dimension of Us by Mike Albo

Wonders of the Invisible World by Christopher Barzak

Alan Cole Is Not a Coward by Eric Bell

Alan Cole Doesn’t Dance by Eric Bell

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan

Felix Yz by Lisa Bunker

Last Bus to Everland by Sophie Cameron

Dragging Mason County by Curtis Campbell

The House of Impossible Beauties by Joseph Cassara

Peter Darling by Austin Chant

Carry the Ocean by Heidi Cullinan

The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich

Half Bad by Sally Green

Half Wild by Sally Green

Half Lost by Sally Green

Heartbreak Boys by Simon James Green

Gay Club by Simon James Green

You’re the One That I Want by Simon James Green

We Contain Multitudes by Sarah Henstra

Totally Joe by James Howe

After School Activities by Dirk Hunter

At the Edge of the Universe by Shaun David Hutchinson

The Past and Other Things That Should Stay Buried by Shaun David Hutchinson

We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson

The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley by Shaun David Hutchinson

A Complicated Love Story Set in Space by Shaun David Hutchinson

The Boy Who Couldn’t Fly Straight by Jeff Jacobson

Haffling by Caleb James

The Lightning-Struck Heart by T.J. Klune

A Destiny of Dragons by T.J. Klune

The Consumption of Magic by T.J. Klune

A Wish Upon the Stars by T.J. Klune

The Extraordinaries by T.J. Klune

Flash Fire by T.J. Klune

Heat Wave by T.J. Klune

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Openly Straight by Bill Konigsberg

The Bridge by Bill Konigsberg

Destination Unknown by Bill Konigsberg

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

Every Day by David Levithan

Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan

Ryan and Avery by David Levithan

How to Repair a Mechanical Heart by J.C. Lillis

Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell by Tobias Madden

When Ryan Came Back by Devon McCormack

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Fraternity by Andy Mientus

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

The Art of Starving by Sam J. Miller

Hero by Perry Moore

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

More Than This by Patrick Ness

Junior Hero Blues by J.K. Pendragon

The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros

When Everything Feels Like the Movies by Raziel Reid

Kens by Raziel Reid

Emmett by Lev A.C. Rosen

Jack of Hearts by Lev A.C. Rosen

Camp by Lev A.C. Rosen

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell

Rainbow Boys by Alex Sanchez

Rainbow High by Alex Sanchez

Rainbow Road by Alex Sanchez

So Hard to Say by Alex Sanchez

The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers by Adam Sass

The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer

All Kinds of Other by James Sie

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera

Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith

Freak Show by James St. James

Ray of Sunlight by Brynn Stein

The Dangerous Art of Blending In by Angelo Surmelis

366 Days by Kiyoshi Tanaka

The Language of Seabirds by Will Taylor

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Wild and Crooked by Leah Thomas

Because You’ll Never Meet Me by Leah Thomas

Spin Me Right Round by David Valdes

Always the Almost by Edward Underhill

Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White

Tumblr got rid of yellow so I couldn't do pride colors, sorry!

If you want help picking something out just send me an ask with what kind of thing you're looking for and I'll select something for you, and if you end up reading something because you saw this list, please let me know

[lgbtqreads]

hi! gay uncle book shopping for my trans nephew, he's 17 now so he's moving more toward adult fiction, he likes lyrical and slightly tragic books, he loved Song of Achilles, is reading Call Me By Your Name (and enjoying it) I was thinking about getting him House of Impossible Beauties and Dayspring, but I'd love some recommendations of books in that vain, adult, new adult or robust YA with a poetic writing style and maybe a little sad/tragic, bonus points if it has a transmasc main/major character because its always hard to find good books with trans male characters

The best uncles are book shopping uncles! In YA I really love Beating Heart Baby by Lio Min, which definitely has some sadness and a transmasc main character (and lovely writing). Another great one with a transmasc lead is Man O’War by Cory McCarthy; highly recommend. And one of YA’s most gorgeous writers, in my opinion but also many award committees’, Anna-Marie McLemore, has three books with trans boy leads: When the Moon Was Ours (m/f magical realism), Self-Made Boys (a historical t4t m/m Gatsby reimagining), and Venom & Vow (which is epic trans/bigender fantasy co-written with their husband, Elliot McLemore.) I’d say those are the most literary YA options, though if your nephew might like things with more of a thriller/horror bent, check out Andrew Joseph White’s books as well, starting with Hell Followed With Us.

In Adult, definitely check out The Thirty Days of Night by Zeyn Joukhadar (more literary) and Rules for Ghosting by Shelly Jay Shore (more commercial, but definitely hits the sad and lovely beats), and if he’s up for historical, Confessions of the Fox by Jordy Rosenberg, All the White Spaces by Ally Wilkes, or more horror-adjacent, The Woods All Black by Lee Mandelo. 

For books on my radar in 2025, in case he wants stuff to look forward to, I’d keep The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill and Notes from a Regicide by Isaac Fellman on your radar, and I know Andrew Joseph White has an adult called You Weren’t Meant to Be Human coming up at some point, though that might be 2026.

Every one of those books fits the Ask with a trans male main character, so I hope you find some great books for him to love! 

[alexanderlightweight]

Greetings and loves, for writing Wednesday: maybe something about possessive and protective magnus and the reaction of the shadowhunters?

here we go! i hope you enjoy it

<3 lumine

The summon isn’t one Magnus is expecting and he reaches out to snatch the message from the air with a frown.

“Have they not given up, yet?” Valois asks him wearily, one of five elders who Magnus is unofficially meeting with.

Instead of a meal, there is nothing but research spread out on the long table. Piles of books and scrolls and rare pages barely held together with magic.

“Nephilim will never truly give up.” Ragnor interjects with a melancholy sigh.  “That would require them to be capable of change.”

 If this was an official meeting, his dear cabbage would have never shown up. However, not even in self-imposed isolation will Ragnor allow himself to miss out on such obscure and frankly obscene research. “That would require them to be capable of change.”

It’s revolting in the most intriguing of ways and Ragnor is old enough that it is rare he finds things older that he’s yet to see.

Magnus can’t help the snort he lets out, but he doesn’t care and neither do the rest of their group. All letting out weary or exasperated and angry laughs of their own.

The first thing that catches Magnus’ attention is the seal. It’s similar t a seal that Magnus once banned from his very presence.  Magnus knew the seal had been changed when leadership of the Institute had been summarily switched, but he’s never had cause to see it in person.

He shouldn’t be seeing it now.

Magnus’ fingers tremble as he reads the message, his face blank and he’s unsure whether it is his magic or his emotions that betray his hands so.

His answer is his magic hungrily — furiously — devouring the message without even a conscious thought.

“I must go to the New York Institute.” Magnus finally says and while Valois and others all raise their voices in confused protest, it is Ragnor who meets his gaze with trepidation.

 “Be quiet before Bane loses his temper!” Daseul — one of the only Elder’s older than Ragnor — snaps, the dark feathers that blend into her hair bristle with her annoyance.  “Acting like mortal children—” she mutters and then gives him a short nod. “We will undoubtedly still be here when you are finished.”

Magnus nodded in return to her, understanding her chastisement of the others. It is not their right to have an opinion on his choice and especially not until after it’s been made and completed.

New York is his territory and while Magnus has refused to step foot in the Institute for two decades now, he’s also never been sent an absolutely rambling list of threats and bribes that make no sense.

It’s an open-ended proposal that reeks of desperation.

A portal takes him to the Institute and magic slams the doors open, announcing him before the alarms can.

It is worse than Pandemonium inside.

Truly, Magnus has never seen so many shadowhunters panicking and running around, others staying out of the way, as if no one is quite sure what to do.

His arrival is a mess of noise and faces and hands on weapons before he’s clearly recognized.

“Warlock Bane?” He’s asked tiredly and Magnus raises a brow in agreement, not even insisting on his proper title.  Magnus is too curious to stall this and there is a sharp edge to his magick, his power and eyes greedily looking around the Institute. “Thank the angel.”

The last bit is murmured by the man who greets him but also by the other hunters around.

“Andrew Underhill, Head of Security.” He’s told as he’s escorted, alarms still blaring but seemingly being ignored.

“And why isn’t your Commander coming to see me himself, or at least his second?” Magnus asks, voice cold with his displeasure.

Something is very wrong here. 

Not dangerous — or at least not for Magnus — but something has happened and Magnus hates the lack of information he has.

Underhill nearly stumbles and when he glances at Magnus — never breaking his stride — Magnus sees the pure exhaustion and desperation on his face.

“They can’t. It’s why we need you. We tried to get help from the healers who still offer us their services, but no one was available. Our second will recover with time and the Silent Brother’s but—” Underhill shakes his head and quickens his steps. “The Commander was poisoned. We’ve been trying to form an antidote but everything we’ve tried has made it worse.”

“Are you telling me that the Head of your Institute is dying?”

Underhill blinks at him, stopping in front of what is clearly an isolated medical ward, one complete with four shadowhunters guarding it.

“Yes, it’s why we messaged you. We don’t know how much longer he’ll hold on.”

The door disintegrates before Underhill can even think of opening it and Magnus is hardly aware of the hunters who are pressed away from him with a wave of furious magick. There is a young woman standing over a bed, limp hair and darkly shadowed eyes marking her as exhausted.

“Do not touch him.” Magnus bites out, fury coating his voice as his magic shatters the syringe.

“It could have been an antidote!” She cries, pain in her voice and Magnus wants to put her through a wall.

Instead, his magic shoves her out of the room.

“And if not, it would have only caused him more agony and stolen more time.” Magnus bites back and then magic entombs him and the young Commander on the bed.

His skin is pale and drenched with sweat, lines of pain creasing his brow and his lips cracked and bleeding.

Magnus stares at him for only a moment, devastating tenderness crossing his face as he bends over the bed.

“Alexander, my darling.” Magnus murmurs quietly as he bends and presses his brow to Alec’s fevered one. “I have you now.”

—

Andrew isn’t really sure what he’s supposed to do.

This is Mirai’s area of expertise.

 Or literally anyone else.

Andrew is security.

Not this strange roll of quasi-commander he’s been thrust into.

When Alec pulls through — Andrew can’t let himself think he won’t, not when there is an angry warlock hopefully healing him — things will go back to how they’re supposed to be.

“Underhill—” Bane yells and Andrew heads towards the command without thinking.  It’s only when he’s stepped through two walls of magic that he realizes what he did and what he’s been allowed to do.

Two golden eyes gleam at him maliciously and Andrew swallows at the look of possessive rage on the High Warlock’s face.

A glance is all it takes after that to confirm his fears — a hand dripping with powerful magic tangled gently in his Commander’s sweaty hair and the way Alec has relaxed, even while in agony.

“How many of these so-called antidotes was he given and when?”

“Six across the last twelve hours. Izzy spent twelve hours before that researching with her teams and prepping them.”

“And when the first two didn’t work, why did they continue without more extensive testing?”

Andrew pauses, unsure and then he winces.

“I assume it’s because no one left in the chain of command realized we were in charge of that.” He admits, “iratzes didn’t help after the first two hours. The Commander has only had Headship for a little bit, not all his positions are filled.”

“The young Miss Lightwood, while undoubtedly talented and well-meaning was only aiding the poisons path. Perhaps you can ensure she sticks to bodies already dead in the future.”

Andrew doesn’t question how Bane knows who Izzy is, or what her job is.

 He knows how.

All he can do is nod his understanding and compliance.

Andrew doesn’t dare do anything else.

He stands there for two hours.

Mostly he stays still and watches in silence but sometimes he’s asked questions he won’t risk leaving unanswered.

Bane is methodical and precise and he’s furious.

Oh he touches Alec with nothing but gentleness.

 Bane’s hands and magic are a covetous embrace and while nephilim are hardly shy, Andrew feels like he’s intruding on something sacred between the two.

But Bane’s also angry.

Andrew can feel it in the air.

It’s in the magic around him, that Bane is wielding to effortlessly heal Andrew’s Commander.

Andrew knows for a fact that if anyone tried to interrupt Bane right now, the warlock would kill them and damn the consequences.

It’s what keeps his back so that he can keep an eye on both Bane and the shattered door but warded doorway.

This is something he can do.

So Andrew makes sure that he will be the first to intercept any shadowhunters who might possibly be able to come through the door.

Just to be safe.

—

Magnus works with a fervor that he knows has him wasting magic, but he doesn’t care.

Why would he care when he can replenish his magic with rest but nothing will return Alexander to him should his shadowhunter slip beyond the veil.

It’s with urgency that his magic heals and restores and cleanses where the poison has ravaged Alexander’s body.  His internal organs are a mess and Magnus knows that even with all the healing he’s doing, that Magnus is going to want Catarina to look over his work.

Alexander makes a soft noise.

A hoarse whimper of pain and it breaks Magnus heart even as he soothes magick across Alexander’s raw lips and soothes his sore throat with a summoned potion.

This should never have happened.

It’s the only consistently coherent thought currently going through Magnus’ head.

Magnus shouldn’t have found out through a rambling, incoherent letter.  Especially not an entire day after the fact.

“As head of security, I’m sure you’ll need verification from your Commander.” He tells Underhill absently, “however once you have it—” because he will. Alexander will give it to him instantly, “from now on, anytime your Commander is hurt. I am to be informed first.”

There’s silence and Magnus wonders if he’ll have to make himself clear and then Underhill speaks.

“After verification from the Commander that it’s what he wants, I’ll make sure that every single medic and hunter of rank understands.”

Magnus allows the hesitation, it demonstrates loyalty to his heart after all.

“Then leave. You can tell them all that he’s out of danger now.” Magnus can’t help how his fingers trail over Alexander’s cheek adoringly.

“Izzy will want to see him.”

Magnus blinks, honestly surprised and he can’t help the casually cruel smile that crosses his lips.

“No one will be coming into this room without my permission until he wakes.” Magnus doesn’t care if it seems unreasonable.

Alexander is his.

While the proof of that is circumspect at the moment, Magnus also knows he has the upper hand.

“And with his condition as delicate as it was, visitors aren’t recommended.” Magnus smirks, something dangerous in the corners of his mouth and the gleam of his eyes.

Magnus paramour lay dying for over a day before Magnus even knew.

Hours of agony made worse by antidotes Magnus would have known couldn’t work. Thousands of moments slipping away, the precious life of Alexander’s fading to almost nothing before Magnus could come to his aid.

Magnus has barely managed to tolerate Underhill’s presence and even that was only out of necessity.

The moment Alexander can open his eyes, can speak and agree and give his hunters no reason to wage a war they won’t win, Magnus is taking him away.

Somewhere he can safely heal.

Not here, where Magnus can’t leave the heart of himself unprotected.

[stormkpr]

[ochizokulevy]

This is beautiful! ❤️🥺🥺

New Firsts

(Flufftober Day 25 - First Dance) (Read on AO3)

“Do you remember the first time we danced together?” Andrew whispers quietly. He’s swaying gently back and forth in Lorenzo’s arms with his husband’s head resting against his shoulder. His husband. Andrew considers those words again, wondering if it’s ever going to get old.

“How could I forget?” Lorenzo replies. Andrew can feel the smile spread across Lorenzo’s face from where the side of his mouth brushes against Andrew’s neck. “You’ve gotten a lot better at it since then.”

It feels like a lifetime ago that the two of them met at Magnus and Alec’s wedding, dancing together on a whim after a few moments of obvious flirting. It was fun, but Andrew never really expected it to lead anywhere. He certainly couldn’t have imagined following that whim would land him in a wedding of his own, all eyes on them as they share this first dance as a married couple.

“I had a good teacher,” Andrew replies. Even now he follows Lorenzo’s lead, giving himself over freely to mirroring the movements of the much more graceful man in front of him.

Andrew remembers the missteps along the way. There were fights - some petty, others serious - and a few moments where he wasn’t sure he was strong enough to follow in Alec’s footsteps and marry a warlock. But those moments pale in comparison to the bright memories of love and laughter, of discovering himself through Lorenzo’s eyes and realizing that he’s stronger and more capable than he ever gave himself credit for before.

“What are you thinking of, my love?” Lorenzo asks him.

“How happy I am to be here, with you. To have this for the rest of our lives together,” Andrew answers simply. “Sometimes it doesn’t feel real, you know? That I get to have all of this.”

“I know the feeling,” Lorenzo agrees. “I meant what I said in my vows - I know how lucky I am to have you, Andrew. Don’t think for a second that I take the weight of your love for granted.”

“Always the poet,” Andrew laughs lightly as the song ends. “Save the schmaltzy lines for the toast.”

“Oh, trust me,” Lorenzo says with a smirk, his voice just loud enough to be heard above the applause that follows the last note. “There’s plenty more sweetness where that came from. And a little more saved just for you when we’re alone later,” Lorenzo adds with a wink.

Andrew expects nothing less.

[loki-nightfire]

New pic on http://boosty.to/Grizzlyhare

Reyhill this time

[malec-ao3feed]

Love Once Love Fiercely

read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/1rqAaLz by Stormkpr The people of Castle Idris have an imperfect alliance with Warlock Keep. They rely on the people of Warlock Keep to help fight off their marauding enemies, the wildlings. After a victorious battle, the fighters enjoy a celebration at Castle Idris. Swordsman Magnus Bane looks across the room and his eyes lock with those of an Idris archer. Alec Lightwood is stunning. But can Alec overcome the attitudes of his people, who frown on same-sex relationships? Meanwhile the Warlock king, Lorenzo, is about to meet Idris’ new ambassador – Underhill. Words: 3924, Chapters: 1/8, Language: English Fandoms: Shadowhunters (TV), The Shadowhunter Chronicles - All Media Types, The Mortal Instruments Series - Cassandra Clare Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M Characters: Magnus Bane, Alec Lightwood, Lorenzo Rey, Andrew Underhill Relationships: Magnus Bane/Alec Lightwood, Lorenzo Rey/Andrew Underhill Additional Tags: Malec, reyhill, Fantasy AU, Fantasy World, Canon-Typical Homophobia, First Kiss, Setting inspired by GoT, Love Conquers All read it on AO3 at https://ift.tt/1rqAaLz

[sandylee007]

'Love and Other Bugs' part 7 sneak peek 1

“You’re looking at that artwork a lot today”, Dr. Andrew Underhill observed.

Alec blinked thrice, waking up slowly and with difficulty from his deep musings. How long had he spent on staring at the framed piece? “I... guess I am”, he muttered. There were already days when talking about some things with his therapist came easily. Today wasn’t one of those days.

The artwork that captivated his attention to a point of becoming a distraction was a quite small drawing. A bird sat in a cage although the metallic structure’s door was open, gazing at the sky just visible outside a tiny window. The only bit of color in the drawing were the bird’s sad blue eyes.

“Is there a specific reason why it speaks to you?”

“You’re the therapist.” Alec hadn’t regressed to using his biting tone, outside work situations, in nearly two months. “I think you know.”