#Malec deserved better than this

[im-out-of-it]

I think this is part 15 of season 2, episode 12 IM OVER THIS JACE SHIT FOCUS ON MALEC INSTEAD “you are not your own” CONTINUED

198. funny how in season one jace is like I don’t know who I am and now he does I guess

199. and by birth right, she means you’ll get a promotion over someone (Alec) who actually deserves it and now she will hand you everything you could want. I really don’t care if jace has trauma, he has so much privilege and gets everything handed to him. at least Alec makes mistakes and works through it and doesn’t get things handed to him. it’s been a second of this scene and I already hate it

200. and yes it vexes me because jace gets everything handed to him and they’re like “oh you’ve been through it” and excuse all the terrible shit he did. tired of him getting a pass because of childhood trauma. YOU ALMOST GOT MAGNUS KILLED TWICE but fucking go on, get a promotion you don’t deserve. literally imogen would’ve happily let him die if he wasn’t a herondale and now he’s the greatest thing she saw

201. now I can upload all the gifs I forgot let’s start with Alec

202. I love these

203. past episode of Magnus + his past

204. the show acting like Magnus would have Alec as A. Lightwood in his phone when it was Alec in season one. please 🙄 THAT IS ALEXANDER ONLY

205. just a few other ones I missed

206. I rewatched episode 6 so Alexander season 2 count is: 18

whooooooo that is it for the gifs. I originally thought I would have more but I think I’m overthinking it

207. let’s wrap it up. what I like about this episode: Alan and Harry’s acting is top notch. they have the vulnerability and the essence of Magnus and valentine down. I like the idea of the body swap but it’s poorly executed. seeing someone as famous and powerful as Magnus getting thrown into valentines body and having to convince Alec that he really is Magnus is a major feat to pull off. I love seeing Malec reunion and watching Magnus finally be free. I do like the Sebastian stuff but I don’t feel it was necessary to overboard us with all of that plus the Malec stuff. Matt also killed it as usual. I’m sure he hated every second of this lmao

208. I have more stuff I don’t like: this whole storyline. it should have been longer. Magnus and Alec reunited is literally not even five minutes long. they hardly have a discussion about it. Magnus and his trauma deserved to have more screen time. it’s just not enough. too many things are happening at once. Izzy, Simon, Raphael, clary, jace, Sebastian- when the sole focus should be Malec and valentine. you can’t just throw something major as a traumatic experience, tie it in an episode and say done. Alec is done wrong in this episode, it seems very out of character to not believe Magnus and I’m really tired of the “I trust jace more than anyone” Alec. if Alec should have asked for advice, it should be Izzy. this storyline with Malec is in bad taste in my opinion

209. I was never a fan of Simon + clary and they have short scenes but I don’t feel that was handled well either. Clary basically lied to Simon and he’s like hey that’s okay!!!!!!!!! I seriously don’t get why Simon is attracted to her in the first place

210. Izzy Raphael Simon stuff was badly handled. Izzy intentionally hurt Raphael and then they end up trying to make Raphael the bad guy. he had every right to be upset. Izzy’s addiction storyline is also kind of a joke when you think about the show timeline is supposedly two-three months. addiction doesn’t work that way. it’s a long process. there are important themes in this episode: trauma addiction guilt and they aren’t handled well. Alec will feel vastly guilty for the part he played in Magnus’s trauma.

211. I think this would have been great to have Alec turn around and say “Jace just stop. Magnus has almost died twice because of your stupidity and you’ve been a self conceited tiresome dick for years. I’ve had it. I’ve made amends with clary and you haven’t done anything to earn my forgiveness for how you treated me. you get to carry on while I deal with the consequences. you and clary treat me, Izzy, and Magnus awful while we do everything for you. this is a one sided parabatai bond and I’m cutting it. I will no longer do things for you so good luck the next time you fuck up. also go fucking apologize to Magnus for harming him so many times and apologize for Izzy for being a shitty person. good riddance, now LEAVE OFF YA GO”

and I really hate how imogen is “now you’ll see what it’s like being family and you’ve had everything taken away but now you get everything” when this dude had everything before. he has Alec and Izzy constantly saving his ass as well as Magnus. Clary is obsessed with him, Simon protects him- which if you bullied me and tried to undermine my friendship/relationship- I’d hate you. even Maia gets over her jace hatred. literally no one is allowed to hate jace (and clary) and has to love jace at all times. yeah his parents are dead (but so was Harry potter’s and he wasn’t as insufferable about it) but he has all the support he could desire. WHAT MORE DO YOU FUCKING NEED

Alec has put you first before his own fucking boyfriend. Magnus has almost died twice because of your stupidity while Alec has almost died three times because of you. my problem with Jace (well I have many) is that he never feels bad for his actions. with the soul sword, he feels bad for half a second and then goes on his way not even minding that hundreds are dead because he didn’t use his brain. all the stuff he did with valentine and he didn’t face any punishment for it. he never faced any punishment for anything. downworlders revolt and the clave makes the downworld the issue as if they shouldn’t be mad that their family and friends died. but hey, jace is a herondale so he can get away with anything. he could literally be a mass murderer and the clave and everyone else would protect him and excuse his actions

212. id honestly give this episode a 5.6. I want to like it but there is so much wrong with it. it’s just poorly executed like all of CC’s books. no wonder Matt hates it lmao it does have good parts but it’s just a migraine to watch honestly

ALEC SHOULD HAVE KNOWN SOONER

MALEC DESERVED MORE SCREEN TIME

AND BETTER TREATMENT

SHUT UP ABOUT JACE ALREADY

I don’t mind Sebastian but LEAVE CLARY GO

IZZY MAKES ME MAD

AND THAT ADDICTION STORYLINE IS POORLY DONE

212 is the number!!!!!! and yes, that is season 2, episode 12 combined!!!!!! episode 13 is next and I’m honestly stoked because it’s going to be a bunch of racist and homophobic shadowhunters get mad when the downworlders finally say hey I’ve had enough of y’all killing my friends and family. and the writers have Alec messing up AGAIN. SERIOUSLY CUT THE MAN SOME SLACK ALREADY. but he goes back to natural show Alec and says you know what, fuck you! my relationship has berthing to do with it because I’m not a shitty fucking person. but thank you for joining Magnus and valentine got switched and it wasn’t done properly and make jace go away already I don’t care about him and I’m sick of herondales discussion post. I’ll be starting episode 13 hopefully tomorrow!!!!!!

MAN I WENT OFF BUT BITCHFEST WILL CONTINUE TO A THEATRE NEAR YOU

[faejilly]

regret

so. literally seven years ago, I started a 'series of firsts' style fluff-fic(let collection) for Malec/Shadowhunters... and I think part of why I got stuck on it in particular (even beyond the not writing much for the last couple years) is because it is in fact supposed to be in chronological order following the show and I had hit a point where I needed a... not!fluff chapter, and I kept trying to just... skip the sad and write more fluff for the fluff fic.

But I'm writing a vignette series for a melodrama. So. Melodrama has been written, of Alec Lightwood Overthinking Things but not being wrong, so how is he supposed to stop? (This takes place after s2e12, which is the disaster of a body swap episode, for anyone not so obsessed with the show as to know that off the top of their heads)

It is not the first time Alec has known that he’s not good enough for Magnus. He’s always known that, since the first time he laid eyes on him.

It is the first time that he thinks Magnus might agree with him.

Magnus said he wanted some space. Tonight (just tonight implied but not stated by the softness of his voice, the brush of his fingers against the seam of Alec’s sleeve) Magnus wanted some quiet.

So Alec left Magnus alone, and now he’s standing in his institute bathroom staring into the institute mirror gripping the white porcelain edges of an institute sink, trying to decide if that was right.

He doesn’t think it was, but he’s not sure if it’s the space that’s wrong, or the just for tonight.

He knows which he wants it to be, but that’s irrelevant.

Magnus likes to retreat when he’s hurt, but that doesn’t mean that’s good for him; Alec might not have known Magnus for long, but he recognizes a protective flinch when he sees it. And if that’s the case, then Alec should in fact head right back out and refuse to let Magnus hide and hold him tight until Magnus feels like he's himself again.

But Alec didn’t believe what Magnus said too many times already, he can’t…

He can’t go against Magnus’ request, not now that he finally made one. Always letting Alec set the pace, waiting for Alec to reach out, for Alec to act, to ask, and when he finally lets himself say what he wants?

It’s less of Alec, rather than more.

Smart of him, of course. Alec would never blame him for it, especially not after Azazel and Valentine and Alec failing him in every way it was possible to fail. There has always been a disparity between what Magnus deserves and what Alec is capable of offering; perhaps it is too large of one to ever be overcome.

Only he knows he wants to keep trying.

He also knows that staring at his mirror and overthinking things is his own protective flinch.

Magnus said he doesn’t know what he needs. Alec is mostly sure that’s true, that if Magnus knew that Alec caused more harm than could possibly be worth it he would say so — but only mostly. Magnus has been abandoned too many times to be the person leaving unless he’s sure.

Not even then, perhaps.

Alec has some idea of how many times Magnus forgave Camille, and she was cruel on purpose, unlike Alec who keeps twisting the knife entirely by accident.

If Magnus won’t do it, Alec will have to. He refuses to walk Magnus down a road to hell paved by his own so-called “good intentions”. He’ll stay away forever if that’s better for Magnus, regardless of how Alec feels about it, will feel about it, will always feel about Magnus. It’s only right, not letting Magnus suffer the consequences of trying to be involved with–

Alec stops himself there.

Anything he thinks to call himself, any self-assessment he can manage right now, will be more severe than anything Magnus would think, or say, or even accept if Alec tried to say it, so it won’t help him decide what to do.

He has to figure out how to help in a way that Magnus will accept, and if he leads with a list of all his failures, Magnus will be happy to try and make Alec feel better and aggressively avoid letting Alec try to help him.

Alec doesn’t need to feel better. Aldertree’s gone, Isabelle’s back, (Imogen’s difficult but familiar), and Jace is, while still fucked up, at least not trying to smother the parabatai bond so tightly that Alec feels like he’s being strangled in his sleep every night.

So.

Alec sighs, lets go of the sink, forces his shoulders to relax.

This is the first time that Magnus has said he needs space, but considering the politics of their lives, even now that Valentine’s in custody (especially now, considering everything Herondale did to Magnus in Valentine’s name), it probably won’t be the last.

Alec can’t override that, not just because he’s sad and guilty and young and stupid.

He just has to learn better.

He’s always had to be better than he is, he’s not sure why he thought things with Magnus might be different.

That’s not Magnus’ fault though, and he can’t let himself start to think about it in terms of hopes dashed or desires failed because then he will be upset at the only person who has never ever let him down, despite all Alec’s failures and stumbles.

He doesn’t deserve Magnus, of course he doesn’t, but that’s all right. It’s Magnus’ turn to make a choice, and he can have all the time and space he needs to do so.

Alec will wait.

He’ll wait forever, if he has to.

He’ll wait past forever, this life and the next; he’s already made his choice.

[victoriaspriing]

2023 writing gif-making round up

Rules (adapted for fic, gifs, art, etc.): Share what you made this year! It can be works you posted to Ao3, Wattpad, Tumblr, or anywhere else! You can share everything you made or just the projects you're most excited about.

I was tagged by @swearphil! thank you sm renee <33

Hii!! so 2024 is right around the corner, happy new year yayay. Actually, if I think too much about it I think I'll start crying cause like what do you mean we're less than 42 hours from staring a new year?!! 2023 doesn't feel real tbh time in general doesn't feel real but yeah anyways I'll save that convo for another time. I'm here today to reflect on all the gifsets I've made throughout this year, which let me add, has been A LOT. I'm going to start by sharing some fun stats (yes renee I'm copying you <33), and then I'll do a fun top 5 of my fave gifsets, and to finish it off I'd also like to use this to shout out some of my fave people and creators on this hellsite cause you all made my 2023 so much better and I love you all for that <333

fun statistics:

In total I made 61 gifsets in 2023

57 are heartstopper (not surprised)

3 are 911 lone star (mostly tarlos)

1 are dan and phil

In august I made 20 gifsets, which are the most gifsets I've made in a month this year

In may I made 1 gifset, which is the month I made less gifsets this year

6 of the gifsets are song lyrics edits

3 of the gifsets are heartstopper comic edits

31 of the gifsets are scenes from heartstopper

6 of the gifsets are heartstopper compilations from s1 and s2

top 5 gifsets from 2023 (in no particular order)

that one dnp gifset: I think most people know that I was and still am a big dan and phil fan, and that I spent most of my teenage years obsessing over them and giffing them and only them. Well, they went on hiatus and they stopped having a big impact on my life util they decided to come back and ruin my life again (in a good way). This gifset was the first time I giffed them since like idk 2019/2020, and it does mean a lot to me :') it's not really about the concept and the coloring, I chose this one to be apart of my top 5 for sentimental reasons, and I think that's valid.

give your friendships the magic you would give a romance: once again, sentimental reasons. when I read this quote on loveless it just spoke to me in so many levels. One of the things I love the most about heartstopper is the importance they give to friendship and I just had to make something that highlighted that and I think it turned out super good.

I think nellie loves him: well, now I think I snapped with this one akdhjahak I just love it so much. the coloring.. the heartstopper tv scenes with the heartstopper comic scenes, like chef's kiss, just perfect. of course this is not an original idea so I'd love to thank @rose-nobles for inspiring this gifset <33

mr. ajayi loves museum dates with his grumpy bf: and just like that we are back to sentimental reasons ahdhkas. well, this was one of the first gifsets I made when season two came out and it blew up. I've never had that many notes on a gifset, and honestly I think it's well deserved cause the coloring is good and I had finally just figured out how to sharpen gifs, so yeah love that for me.

I'm bi actually: I had so much fun making this one. the amount of bi coded elements and colors I included on this, I WAS ON A MISSION. the fact I made the font wobbly hsjgdjaka, I love love this gifset.

a little shout out to my faves (I hope you all have an amazing 2024)

@swearphil ☆ @barrowsteeth ☆ @narliee ☆ @cafecdramin ☆ @heroeddiemunson ☆ @nelsonnicholas ☆ @curlyhairedprince ☆ @wylanvannecks ☆ @aimeegbbs ☆ @indimlights ☆ @jelloandsugar ☆ @perrieedwards ☆ @imogen-heaney ☆ @thatwasthenightthingschanged ☆ @klinejack ☆ @birthdaysentiment ☆ @seeleybooth ☆ @sonseulsoleil ☆ @taraolssons ☆ @immortals-malec ☆ @parissquads ☆ @rose-nobles ☆ @itwasmagic ☆ @perccyjackson ☆ @naomismcpherson ☆ @neverfindmegone ☆ @charlieisverybored

Okay I think that's it, I'm so sorry if I missed someone. I'm also tagging everyone that wants to do this, just say I tagged you in it <33

[alexanderlightweight]

More cat boy Alec, please, it’s so cute

uh yes. cute. malec is definitely cute. saeth thinks so at least but like... they think a wide range is cute

i hope yu enjoy

<3 lumine

— “I’m not so weak as that, kitten. No, but it is an annoyance. You shadowhunters are supposed to work fast, you have speed runes.” Bane smirks at him then, “every ten minutes that passes you will remove an article of clothing of my choice.”

Alec swallows, because that means he’s probably going to be naked sooner rather than later. This team doesn’t know New York. They’re working with Alec’s Institute but there is no guarantee they’ll listen or understand what they’re being told. He’ll be out of clothing within two hours and well, Alec knows there are traps here. He just can’t figure out what they are.

“What happens when I run out of clothing?”

Bane gives him a pleased, approving look and Alec lets himself preen at the attention for all of a few seconds before he catches himself with a scowl at his own lack of control.

“I get to dress you with a piece of my choosing for every ten minutes after you run out of your own.”

It doesn’t sound bad, which means that something is going to give somewhere.

This entire thing is too open ended and if it weren’t for the clave breathing down his neck and a marriage hanging over his head well… even without that, Alec would probably still not be as bothered as he should be by this situation.

It’s just hard to be upset when strong warmth is supporting him and firm, magical hands are teasingly petting the inside of his ears and the base.

“I—” and Alec means to inquire further, to ask more questions, but then Bane’s hand raises to take another sip and Alec’s tail — still wrapped around Bane’s wrist — gets gently tugged.

Alec whimpers on a breathless agreement that he can barely vocalize for the way that he’s trying to get as close to Bane as possible.

“Then send them a fire message, kitten.” Bane murmurs and his golden eyes are so gorgeous that Alec could get lost in them. “The clock starts now.”

—

Magnus has no reason to hurry but no reason to wait.

He’s not a patient man when he doesn’t have to be and why not reward himself for a contract well made?

“I think your tail deserves better treatment than such tight clothing.” Magnus murmurs as he lets his fingers trail the near tailored waistband that clings to Alexander’s firm muscles. “Take off your underwear kitten.”

Alexander stalls, face blanking at the sudden predicament he’s in as he hesitates from where he’s perched on Magnus’ lap and Magnus’ smirk grows.

Alexander can’t leave Magnus’ lap without starting a war, which mean his darling little kitten has to figure out how to undress without leaving Magnus lap. As for help, well Magnus will only give aid if his kitten asks nicely enough and even then, he’s not going to be nice about it.

There’s a quick moment of quiet breathing and Alexander’s tail tugs on his wrist in what seems a subconscious movement.

“I need to turn around—” and its clear Alexander is trying to figure out how to ask for permission without giving Magnus more to use against him.

“I’ll make sure you don’t fall, kitten.” Magnus teases and he palms Alexander’s hips and lets his talons puncture the leather just enough for Alec to feel the tips. The minute Alexander’s body starts to turn, Magnus takes advantage and twists him so that he’s seated on Magnus thighs.

One of Magnus’ arms curls around his waist and the other he reaches up to pet Alexander’s ear.

A quiet moment of frustration later and then Alexander shifts, hips giving little jolts as his thighs and legs work to toe off his boots and then his socks. He’s rubbing and grinding deliciously against Magnus and even with all his strength and battle runes activated, he has to take a moment to rest. His head lolls back, resting on Magnus’ shoulder as his nose tucks away from the crowd and into Magnus’ neck.

There’s a quiet little sigh, as if in relief and then a softer, more mournful one as he pulls away.

Alexander gets a hand on either side of Magnus and lifts himself up.

Technically, he’s still in Magnus’ lap and well, Magnus is enjoying the view and the show of strength.

“Help me, please?” Alexander asks and Magnus leans forward to lick the beads of sweat of Alexander’s neck even as his hands eagerly find and slowly unbutton Alexander’s pants. Alexander’s strong arms shudder as Magnus slowly unzips him. It’s easy to let his talons drag against soft, unmarked skin as Magnus slides down the pants just enough.

It means Magnus gets Alexander back in his lap, shimmying as he gets his pants off.

“Time is passing.” Magnus teases, breathlessly eager and his kitten gives a little huff before Alec is once against lifting himself up.

Magnus waits and lets the seconds drip into a minute before Alexander — finally — quietly murmurs, “please?”

It would be better with Magnus’ name on his lips, but that will come soon enough.

Magnus doesn’t need to, but he lets himself cup Alexander as his fingers move up to find the waistband and he pulls them down with a tender slowness that drags fabric across sensitive skin.

“Good kitten.” Magnus murmurs and Alexander settles back into his lap with unsteady desperation.

— It’s only after Alec’s caught his breath — not even hunting and grappling have made him use these muscles to this extent or while testing his restraint so greatly — when he realizes the problem he failed to catch.

It feels impossible, to speak to Bane without looking into his eyes and Alec doesn’t ask permission this time, he turns — if Bane wants him in his lap for what could be hours upon hours then so be it — and settles back into straddling the king.

It feels different this time and Alec feels reluctantly exposed — though he’s never minded his own nudity before.

A hand settles on the small of his back before fingers start to pet the base of his tail while pushing him forward.

Alec goes — what else can he do — and tries to form his questions as he lets Bane manipulate him.

The stares of Bane’s court feel hot on his back and the air feels cool on the backs of his thighs and where his tail meets his jacket, leaving bits of his ass exposed.

“That was more than one piece of clothing.”

“It’s not my fault what I wanted off required more than asked for.” Bane smirks as he says it, golden eyes gleaming with smug amusement and the clave likes to call Bane a ‘horned lizard’ but Alec can’t imagine how anyone can pretend that Bane isn’t what he is.

Maybe if Alec had been prepared for a dragon — not that anything could have prepared him for the truth of Bane — could think up a counter argument. However he’s too overwhelmed and then his ears twitch and flatten in disdain at hearing the graphic murmurs of appreciation for him throughout the crowd.

“Are they saying things about you kitten?” Bane asks and an almost coy smile spreads across his lips. “I almost can’t blame them. You look so pretty when you’re not hiding your tail away.” His words are punctuated with massaging fingers that dip teasingly down. “That doesn’t mean I’ll forgive it though, they should know better.”

Bane says it casually but both his hands are now cupping Alec’s ass, talons kneading delicately and Alec leans forward to nuzzle Bane’s scaled jaw and admit that this particular battle isn’t forth the fight.

Better that he accept the loss now but then, some parts of Alec were bred to tangle fire.

“I didn’t realize you needed to cheat to get your way.” Alec murmurs and Bane’s fingers tighten to the point of bruising — Alec muffling a whine that wants to break free — as he’s rocked forward.

—

“I don’t need to cheat.” Magnus says and he’s delighted by the little spark Alexander is showing. It’s adorable and Magnus decides that now, he really does need to cheat.

Just for the fun of it.

A small tendril of magic goes to reinforce the lodestone that the rift has tethered itself to and Magnus tugs on Alexander’s tail with an absent thought.

“Since you’re so insistent, I’ll let you have an extra twenty minutes before I ask for the next piece, if—” and Magnus smirks as Alexander watches him suspiciously, “you let me mark you. Just twice, kitten.”

“What kind of marks?” Alexander’s voice is rough but steady and it’s a pity that he’s still coherent enough to be sensible but Magnus does admire that. It just happens to also be inconvenient at times.

“Nothing permanent.” Is all Magnus will promise and he kneads Alexander’s ass even as he mentally adds a silent ‘yet’.

“Okay. Yes. That.”

It’s a breathless and desperate agreement as if his sweet kitten knows he’s about to regret it and Magnus just knows he’s going to enjoy tonight immensely.

[sandylee007]

Malec Monday Mini

Magnus’ facial expression was something akin to shocked. “So... You never had any say over any of it?”

Alec fought hard to not grow defensive. To not feel the need to defend someone who didn’t deserve it. “What would my opinion have mattered? I’ve got a terrible taste.”

Magnus appeared sad for a fleeting second. At least that was better than pity. “Well, your opinion matters to me.”

[onetimetwotimesthreetimess]

this not the weirdest thing i ever send ask to you but what if shrek forever after malec au they got into a really big fight and magnus said something along the line of "wish I never marry/met you" and bam his magic lash out and turn it into reality

“Why does everything have to turn into an argument with you?”

“I’m sorry being with me is so difficult for you, Alexander.”

Alec groans loudly, “That’s not what I meant and you know that. Stop twisting my words.”

“I don’t want to talk to you anymore.”

“Magnus—“

“I am miserable here,” Magnus yells. “I am so fucking miserable here and you know that.”

Alec sighs as he moves closer to his husband. He takes Magnus’s hand in his and rubs over his knuckles.

“Baby, I know. But it’s getting better. Things are changing.”

“I don’t fucking care.”

Alec runs his hand over his face in frustration. “I know today was a shitty day but you’re blowing things out of proportion. I—“

Magnus steps back, anger written all over his place. “How dare you say that after how your council behaved with me?”

“Have you forgotten that I did take your stand or what? I fought with them, Magnus. I told them that that language would not be tolerated against my husband,” Alec yells back, never one to back down.

“I deserve respect as a person, Alexander. Not just your husband,” Magnus says tiredly. “Your council stepped down because I’m the inquisitor’s husband. But what about the other warlocks? What about Magnus Bane? They will never respect me as a warlock, Alec.”

He knows Alec fought back but it’s not enough. It’s not enough after the words that were thrown at him. Not after the disdain on everyone’s faces.

Magnus isn’t new to the discrimination and the disdain and hatred. But just because it’s familiar, doesn’t mean it’s easy.

“These are old, stuck up assholes, Magnus. These are hundred year old traditions and it’ll take time to change them, I—“

Magnus’s voice is thunderous as he replies, “I am four hundred years old, Alec. So, you do not need to tell me how difficult it is for traditions to change. How long it takes for someone to let go of their hate. Or pain. It took a lot out of me to move to fucking Idris with you but I did. For you.”

“I didn’t ask you to do that. I didn’t ask you to leave Brooklyn for me. I didn’t ask you to change your life and I’m sick and tired of you holding against me,” Everything stuns the second the words are out of Alec’s mouth. He sees Alec’s face turn into horror as the reality of the words hit him.

“I came for you,” Magnus whispers but his voice is loud enough in the silence of the room. “Because I love you. And I thought we deserved to be together after all that we went through.”

“Baby, I’m sorry. I didn’t—“

Magnus raises a hand to stop Alec from apologising.

He doesn’t care for apologies right now.

He wants Alec to hurt.

“And maybe things are changing and the world would look a lot different if I’d just wait but what if I don’t fucking want to, Alec?” He breathes. “What if I don’t want to or shouldn’t have to suffer. I have had enough.”

“Magnus—“

“You don’t get to stand here infront of me and tell me that I’m blowing things out of proportion when since the second I’ve stepped in this city, all I’ve received is hate and snide remarks. I have heard everything and more than you will ever know. About how I’ve corrupted you. Or cursed you. And ruined you and I have listened to every single one of them so that we get to fight for a better world but I am done,” Magnus roars and steps back.

“I was wrong to believe that love is stronger than anything else,” Magnus exhales before he takes the final blow. Before he says the things he knows will hurt Alec the most. “I wish I had never married you then I wouldn’t be in all this pain.”

_______________________________________________

He stretches his body as the sun shines through the curtains and disrupts his sleep.

Magnus groans as he hides his face in the pillow beneath him. He lets out his hand on the other side of the bed but it comes up empty. Magnus opens his eyes and frowns to find nobody on the other side.

Confusion flood him as Magnus doesn’t remember anyone being there the previous night either so he’s not sure why he expected someone to be there.

He just did.

Weird.

He can’t go back to sleep after that so he decides to start his day a bit early.

Magnus pours coffee for him and it tastes not that great. Then he magics coffee from his favorite cafe in Berlin and it still tastes weird. It’s not bad—it’s just not that great.

Even the shower doesn’t feel that great. It’s weird when there are two vanities in the washroom but he knows he redecorates his house all the sound so ignores it as well.

A couple hours later, Magnus portals to the institute. He had to rework the wards.

It’s always nice to meet Isabelle too. Jace though, the Jury is out on that one.

There’s another Lightwood sibling but Magnus has never met him. He’s just transferred from Idris.

Magnus imagines him being the biggest dick.

“Magnus!!”

He turns to find Isabelle Lightwood, with a beaming smile on his face.

“Isabelle, hi darling.”

“I want you to meet someone,” Isabelle says before she turns.

Magnus’s mouth open as his eyes land on the beautiful man right next to Isabelle. He’s a walking dream and everything Magnus likes in a man. Tall, dark and handsome.

“Hey,” the man says hesitantly. “I’m Alec Lightwood.”

“The new head?” Magnus asks as he offers his hand. “I’m Magnus Bane.”

“Co-head.”

“Hmmm. And is Alec short for something?”

The man blushes and something flips inside his chest. He’s not sure what. But there’s been a void inside of him since he woke up today. Like right was left and left was right. Like how it would feel if everything tilted to a 17 degree angle. Right now, the world feels back on its axis but that void remains.

“Alexander. But no one calls ne that,” Alec replies.

Magnus smiles back. “And who is this Co-head?”

All blush and smile leaves Alec’s face and there’s emptiness on it as he replies. “My wife. Lydia.”

And Magnus feels that for some inexplicable reason, the world will never feel right again.

Part II

[hawkefaery]

Characters meetings in Blood and Ash that I'm most exciting for:

Malec and Eloana plus Valyn

I want go see the world burn honestly. I said this already but I want Eloana and Malec to have this resentful attitude where they trow beef at everything the other says. And plus Valyn because I know my man will have eloana's back against everything. Besides, I can see Malec don’t liking Valyn not because he wants Eloana back or something but I believe Malec gives vibes of being that type of man that believes his dick changes a woman’s life forever so the fact that she remarried, moved on, had a life and named someone else king??? I think he would be like “this fucking idiot who he think he is, i am a god i am so much better than he him” bla bla bla and then Valyn, as I said he is always there for eloana plus he said he believed that Malec did not deserve her love so I don’t think Valyn likes Malec either, he probably recents him for what he did to his beloved wife (honestly same valyn)

I hope we get at least a snake peak of Sera and Isbeth

this is an obvios one, I just want to see isbeth literally suffering and sera having fun

Malik and his parents

this one is going to hurt me like a bitch. It already did when Valyn seemed about to cry when he saw Malik again and Malik couldn’t even look at his father. Malik recents his parents for hiding the truth from him so there is so much tension in here. I want the pain that come with this reunion but I hope that at the end everything is happy again

Millicent and Ires

I want ires to see his daughter again and not just poppy

Jadis and Nektas

an obvious one

Ires and Malec

There is a lot to unpack between this two. I highly doubt they will be just ok with one another after everything that happened around them. I think this could be a tensed moment for resentment, blame and idk I just feel that it can’t be all perfect and harmonic between these two after every thing that happened

Malec and his parents

If a remember correctly, Nyktos and Sera knew where Malec was entombed and they actually had guards guarding the entrance yet they did not take him of his entombment do I wonder if Malec knows that or if he will find out at some point, I think this will be tense too, and again I don’t think they can just pretend nothing happened

[dr-lizortecho]

I would love to hear more about why delena taught you about love if you ever want to talk about it! I'd also love to hear what you see as Damon and Elena's similarities and differences.

So this is a really difficult thing to explain anon, at the very least without explaining the triad of ships that I attribute the same thing to, so I apologize for rambling about non-delena ships in my answer! And this will probably be tmi like everytime I discuss how shows/ships personally impact(ed) me

One of the first ships I ever became invested in enough to create content for- and start discussing in depth was Malec (The Mortal Instruments Series). To start this off I’d like to give a very short disclaimer- I was thirteen or so and still believed in destiny and fate and singular soulmates (one person literally designed to be with you that you just stumble upon out in the wild) and grew up pretty much under a rock (the only reason those books ever graced my presence was my eldest sister sneaking them to my older sister who snuck them to me) and had no clue that queer people existed at all. So color little me shocked for a solid second and doing math tryna figure out the scene where Clary says that Alec is in love with Jace (I philosophized about souls for five seconds and figured it out). All of this to set up how naively blind I was to the concept of love, to the point where Clary and Jace made perfect sense as true love from the moment she sees him- because my little mind had subscribed to the disneyification of romance without much thought to it as a whole. So being able to watch what seemed to me as obvious connection and therefore love between Alec and Magnus while the former second guessed himself was a new experience for me. Realizing that not only is love something that transcends the obstacles in life- but that it’s messy and complicated. Basically Malec taught me that love is a mess- it’s not always logical and above all it’s not something linear that exists at 0% or 100%. Because sometimes you’re falling in love with and choosing to pursue someone while still moving on from someone else- that feelings don’t just snap away because you’re actively pursuing something better for you.

Then Delena came into my sphere. Which I won’t lie wasn’t my first introduction to ships of their caliber, however, something about the individual characters made it come to life and made something in my brain click into place. Because there’s this big question that keeps floating around Delena in the early seasons which is ‘does Damon deserve love and forgiveness?’ aka Elena. Now the answer to that question appears quite simply- no. Damon doesn’t ask for it, he doesn’t try to change, he doesn’t attempt to earn it. However, Elena chooses to forgive him anyway to show love and kindness and turn the other cheek (okay- sorry for the religion bit, but biblical love anyone???). Which was eye opening and beautiful to watch. Because even with more years on me and more emotional intelligence it had never clicked how much work love could be. That you had to consciously make difficult choices and choose to forgive, to understand that people react to pain in all sorts of ways. So Delena taught me love is messy (lol, if you’re noticing a pattern it’s cause there is one). That people are chaotic and their emotions even more so, that you have to choose love everyday. And above all it’s not just something that exists in the good times, it’s bigger than that. That without that choice- that forgiveness love doesn’t exist and will fail every time.

Now- if you follow me and haven’t seen the show I apologize for the continuous spiraling, but Echo is the third ship that taught me about love. This one is much more complex and difficult to explain (but I kinda did explain it a long time ago in my farewell to the show) but Echo taught me to love my faults and myself, to see we are all worthy of love without tying ourselves into perfect knots. And to spare everyone me talking way too much I’m going to leave it there.

[zalrb]

Red White and Royal Blue Review

I'm sorry but as the president's son, wouldn't you know not to get drunk at an official engagement like this?

Is that cake about to get ruined because it feels like the cake is about to get ruined. I didn't see the trailer.

2. Yes, it was ruined. I feel like I should be drunk for this.

3. I DON’T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT MY REPUTATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4. I was like what’s going on with Uma Thurman but I realize she’s trying to do an accent. I do not think it’s working.

5. This ... looks weird to me

It almost looks like photoshop, idk.

6. I’ve only been watching this for ten minutes but .. why can’t I remember his name, whatever president son dude, I think he’s the weakest link. The dialogue isn’t as snappy as it thinks it is although I did chuckle at the “you’ll act like the sun shines out of his ass and you have a vitamin D deficiency” but Zahra sells the quick “snappy” wit with more ease than he does. He isn’t comfortable with it.

7. Equerry dude is hotter than both of them.

8. Alex. His name is Alex.

9. Honestly, out of the two of them, Alex is acting like the bigger jackass.

10. Yeah, Alex kinda irritates me.

11. He flirts better with Miguel. Those eyes?

like I know we’re not at the flirty part with Henry yet but I can already tell we’re not going to get the same energy.

12. I don’t think you understand the laugh that came out of my mouth when I saw this

because it’s basically like they each got their own Black Best Friend and I know this is supposed to be like DIVERSITY.

13. “Omg people would kill to come to my NYE party” so far, this is a pretty basic party, sir.

14. So Henry is supposed to be uptight and posh and Alex is supposed to be more carefree, the drunk partier dude, but the thing is, the actor doesn’t come across carefree, he feels like he’s trying to be carefree so he actually makes me feel more uptight than Henry because I’m like, you’re not letting loose but you’re supposed to be the loose one.

15. TO THE WINDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW TO THE WALL! TILL THE SWEAT DROPS DOWN MY BALLS!  AH SKEET SKEET MUTHAFUCKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA, AH SKEET SKEET GOTDAMN!

16. LMAOOOOOOOOO. Honestly, I don’t know if them choosing Get Low as the song they’re supposed to see each other across the dance floor and look at each other longingly is brilliant or terrible.

17. Aww Henry wanted a NYE kiss. Sad face.

18. Henry, I just feel like you could do better than Alex?

19. WE GET IT YOU WERE WORKING CLASS

20. Well at least they’re not Malec when they kiss.

21. He’s reminiscent of a a young Al Pacino -- I’m actually thinking of Al Pacino in Scarface but they did darken his skin for Scarface, which is you know.

22. “He grabbed my hair in a way that made me understand the difference between rugby and football” this line is wasted on these two. Jesus, give it to people with chemistry.

23.

he deserves a better scene partner.

24. I can’t believe I’m not even an hour in.

25. Alex, do some work!

26. Oh, this banter is terrible. People are comparing this to Merthur?

27. Wait, but I want to know which other famous boys he’s shagged.

28. This is probably the most I’ve cared about them so far

29. And he's blinking rapidly to show he's nervous but it should be in the body language, Alex is kind of just standing there. It should be nervous and exciting and intimate and thrilling, it's just ... kind of happening. Like the dude who plays Henry, his back must be TIRED from carrying all of this.

30. Ah yes,

it's giving

but way less intimate.

31. OK. So. I was going to add a screenshot but I was afraid tumblr would block it if I did so when they're making love, Alex -- who I almost called whatshiface -- says "I can't believe how wrong I was about you" and here's my thing with dialogue during sex scenes and I feel really bad for comparing these two movies because no one deserves this but it reminds me of when anons were like please watch some clips of the um, what's that movie series based on Harry Styles fanfiction -- After -- WE ARE GOING TO PAUSE TO BRING ATTENTION TO THE PROCESS I WENT THROUGH TO GET THE NAME OF THESE FUCKING MOVIES:

I typed in movie based on harry styles fanfiction and then Google was like Anne Hathaway and I was like what no, there's another movie based on One Direction fanfiction?? HOW MANY ARE THERE? then I was like wasn't Jughead in the movie? but then I forgot his real name so I had to be like Riverdale cast and it was like Cole Sprouse and I was like RIGHT! then looked up his fucking filmography and it wasn't there and I was like I swear I saw a clip with him in it and then I was like RIGHT, he is a twin so then I Googled his brother's name then I got Dylan Sprouse and then I looked up HIS filmography and got the name of the movie JUST FOR THIS BRIEF MENTION IN THIS STUPID POST and I was like, but anons can't search the masterlist??????????

anyway there's that scene where they're having sex in her office or something and like in the middle of them having sex he's like "SAY I'M THE ONLY ONE" or something and it just made me laugh because his voice is unaltered, he just delivered the line like they were having a regular conversation and that's what happens here, Alex just says this line and it takes me out of the moment because I'm like you're not being breathy or moaning or something as you talk, you're just talking like normal? THEN DON'T SPEAK.

32. But what does Alex do? Is he in school? Is he ... what does he do? I know he wrote a memo that nobody read and will probably end up being a huge meaningful contribution down the line but he's talking about wishing he could help more and I'm like what's your job? Like you can still help people in whatever job you're doing, like are YOU going to hospitals and talking to dying children? Like what's happening here?

33. And he's going on and on about making his dad proud and being someone who can do something but you're the guy who got drunk at a wedding and made a 75,000 pound cake fall. I...

34. Ah he's a law student. Volunteer at a free law clinic then, jesus christ.

35. OK their together texts are infinitely worse. "I CAN'T HAVE SMUT FILLING MY INBOX".

36. I mean, Miguel is a journalist, Alex, I...

37. So I'm guessing Miguel will break the Alex/Henry story. Because duh.

38. HENRY IS TRYING SO HARD.

39. "Dad, what is this music? It's so not the vibe" I'm sorry but I find Alex insufferable.

40. Oh so Henry DOES read nonwhite authors, jfc.

41. Ohhhhhhh whatshisface, Alex, is having the IT ALL MAKES SENSE moment, which MUST happen when the love interest is singing, HENRY IS HIS FOREVER BOO. And then of course, princes can't be gay so even though Henry feels the same way, I'm sure he'll be all I TOLD YOU NOT TO FALL IN LOVE WITH ME.

42. This movie seems like there'll be a rain kiss in it.

43. "Yeah, he's tougher than he looks." You guys were drinking tequila shots, doing karaoke and playing volleyball, not chopping wood for your only source of heat during winter in the Appalachians. Relax.

44. "You can understand my life a little more" which is cool but what about HIS life, Alex? I don't know I just find him extremely self-centered.

45. IT'S LIKE THERE'S A ROPE ATTACHED TO MY CHEST AND IT KEEPS PULLING ME TOWARDS YOU. Yes, I see the Jane Eyre reference.

46. Aww, he's in the pool with his hand over his heart. I needed a better couple for this.

47. And here we go with the downturn before the uptick.

48. He's trying so hard to be melancholy and this is what we get?

A furrowed brow?

49.

I mean are you? What is this, Stefan about Caroline? Please be serious.

50. Well, there's rain. But they're not kissing.

51. "I flew across an ocean" which would be more impressive if you weren't the president's son, Alex.

52.

You didn't actually storm the castle, though. Who are you now, Damon?

53. This should be way more frenzied than it is. He should be yelling, out of his mind, and Henry should be doing exactly what he's doing now.

54.

Well that's because he's amazingly self-centred.

55. ON. HIS. BACK.

56. Stephen Fry being in this is kind of perfect though. I just wish the movie was better.

57. OK well that's over.

[im-out-of-it]

this is soooooooo much better than simon’s pov of watching Malec kiss in the accords hall or wherever they shared their public kiss. say what you want about the arranged marriage but Lydia stood by Alec. she told Alec about his parents past, something they didn’t think was necessary to share, admired Alec for his family duty, and never forced anything on him. I loved the mention of Henry. he’s very underrated in TLH and TID.

the way that Magnus knows alec says it all. I’ve seen book fans saying it’s creepy (as if Magnus not communicating and following teenage alec isn’t creepy??????) but it just shows that alec doesn’t need to say anything and nothing is being forced on him. no one is saying “OMG ALEXANDER JUST COME OUT ALREADY BECAUSE IF YOU DONT YOU ARE NOT SERIOUS ABOUT ME- YEAH ALEC JUST COME OUT ALREADY HOW HARD COULD IT BE (Magnus and jace basically in the books)

I sincerely and seriously love that show Magnus isn’t like that. he’s not trying to force a decision on Alec. he’s not pushy, but he just knows he feels something for Alec and Alec feels it too. but he’s not making Alec come out to the clave. and as we can see, Alec is clearly struggling with his parents expectations and what he truly desires

I don’t know, I’ll always love the iconic wedding scene and the parallels that are attached to it. I think this is one of the many reasons people fell in love with Malec to begin with. I loved them from the second I saw Alec and Magnus but this just made it better. and yeah I will shit on the book because book Malec was done dirty. there was no reason for Simon to have a pov for most of their important discussions and moments. like the fact that he has that pov- when they’re fighting and saying ooooo they’re so dramatic and extra, and to their first public kiss is insane to me. it’s an inappropriate pov that has nothing to do with Simon.

ALSO JUST LOOK AT THAT MOTHERFUCKING KISS AND HOW MAGNUS NEEDS MORE SO ALEC GIVES HIM MORE LIKE THEY ARE SO FUCKING CUTE WE ALL LOVE SHOW MALEC

Magnus and Alec deserved to have a better story in the books but cc didn’t care about them until it made her money. so with everything they did for show Malec, THANK YOU SO MUCH ✨🥹 AND WOW MATT AND HARRY HAVE SO MUCH CHEMISTRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MAN I LOVE SHOW MALEC SO MUCH 😭

[aletterinthenameofsanity]

you're my best friend (and we're dancing in this world alone) (Malec)

Magnus Bane x Alec Lightwood. Alec Lightwood character study. Crossposted on ao3.

The first rule of being Alec Lightwood is recognizing that you will always be second. Second strongest, second smartest, second loved.

Life and everyone within it will be determined to pass you by. It will look at Jace- Jace, made of gold, reckless but strong and well-trained, able to make every movement look efffortless- and consider him the greatest Shadowhunter that has ever passed through the New York Institute's hallowed halls. It will look at Izzy- Izzy, made of titanium, a girl crafted of adamantium and polished to shine like gold, brilliant and bright beyond anything that anyone could have ever expected- and find her the brightest flame in the New York Institute.

They both deserve this. They both deserve to be celebrated. You know this. You know this better than you know yourself.

This is not to say that you do not recognize what kind of pressure your siblings are under. This is to say the opposite of that- that you recognize that pressure and you are determined to take as much of it as possible onto your shoulders, so as to allow your siblings to shine as they are destined to.

Who cares if that leaves you on the sidelines? Who cares if you are relegated to a shadow, to a figure in the background, nothing better than dust?

You placed yourself there. You, and the world around you, know that you are not meant to shine. You are meant to pick up after others. You are meant to clean up messes and take the brunt of bad decisions and sacrifice your happiness so that others might have their own.

The life of Alec Lightwood is not meant to be a happy one, or even an appreciated one.

Too bad Magnus Bane doesn't seem to understand the first rule. 

Over and over again, he is determined to prove the rule wrong. He calls you the pretty one. He flirts with you over and over again, calling you "Alexander" with a flirtatious smile and open, honest eyes. He gives you back your arrows after you fairly bargain them away.

He walks into your wedding, the perfect storm of a man, stealing the breath from your lungs.

And for the first time in your life- in twenty three years- you feel seen. You feel like you're the first in someone's eyes- the most important person's eyes.

And then Magnus keeps doing this.

When you go on your first date and he promises to work for your relationship. When you have sex for this first time. When he sticks up for you and your relationship to Jace.

There are moments where he puts you second. When he kisses Camille or puts his people before you.

But you cannot blame him. How could you, when you are guilty of the same sin? When you lie to him about the Soul Sword. When you allow him to sacrifice his magic- his life- for you.

So you try your best to give penance. To do everything possible to remind him that you are willing to give everything for him. You offer him a room in the Institute. You give him everything you possibly can.

Which leads you to now. To the two of you sitting down, talking about your day, and Magnus is adorably irritated about anything. (You don't know if it is possible for him to not be adorable. You seriously doubt it.)

Magnus asks you about your handsome friend. You, absentmindedly, ask if he's talking about Underhill, and his brow scrunches, as if in distaste. When he says Underhill's name, you catch the truth from his tone.

Holy shit. Magnus is jealous about you thinking that Underhill is handsome.

You've never considered yourself anything special enough to be worth getting jealous over. Why would you? Why would anyone covet the second when they could have the first in anything?

You have had to work and fight and sacrifice everything to get what you want. You have to blow up the ground beneath you to give others what they need.

Except, it seems, Magnus Bane's heart, affections, and even jealousy.

How lovely an idea. How delightful a concept.

A man who loves you as much as you love him. A man who covets you. A man who puts you first.

It's such a strange place to realize this, you know. It should have happened over an "I love you" or a first time, not now. Not something as petty as this.

And yet- you lean in for a kiss, capturing Magnus' lips with a smile on your own. Magnus sighs a pleasantly surprised "Alexander" into your mouth and you have never felt more seen, more primary, than this.

This first rule of the life of Alec Lightwood might be recognizing that you will always be second, but the first rule of the life of Alexander Lightwood is recognizing that you have someone who will call you the love of his life and mean it.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/40424748

[fiyaerrigan]

Malec 30, for the writing ask game? :D

re: this post --

posted under the title (only love it when you) touch me, not feel me on Ao3

Alec’s fingers slide along his cheeks in a silent question—Because Magnus has made it clear: Alec should always ask; he should never assume what Magnus wants. And Magnus knows Alec well enough by now in turn. He recognizes the little breath of air and quiet hesitation that mean Alec’s about to ask for verbal confirmation—Something solid for his Nephilim sensibilities to fall back on as proof this was what Magnus wanted.

Proof of what, Magnus doesn’t know. Maybe, when the two of them finally parted ways, he’d be put beneath that sword Father mentioned. Maybe Alec’s comrades would pick him apart for memories at the gates to Earth the second he got free. Maybe Alec would pull moments like this to the forefront and say, “see, look! I didn’t want to defile the Prince of Hell!” and be hailed for his sacrifice because he was only doing what need be done.

—So Magnus thought, not so long ago.

And maybe, not so long ago, Alec would have done all that.

But something deep in Magnus gnaws at his heart. Not now, it whispers.

The largest part of him—the part of Magnus that’s flourished so he holds strong when all else seems impossible—screams when he nearly leans in close. Magnus should know better than to read any tender emotion into this, to put goodwill where there simply cannot be. Alec isn’t in Edom for a vacation; his only goal is to survive, and playing to Magnus’ desires would work in his favor if Magnus let it.

The part of Magnus he swears died with his mother (but keeps coming back no matter how hard he tries to suffocate it) feels like it can breathe for the first moment in lifetimes. It feels how soft Alec’s touch is and wants to break apart, to sob in joy, and above all to know what he did to deserve the one thing that feels genuine when everything else is so hollow.

Anything can feel genuine, the larger part of Magnus sneers. When he was young and naive, he thought many things in his life were genuine. They’d had the life siphoned out of them in the centuries since. And in turn Magnus taught himself to be only as genuine as the world allowed.

Always tense. Always on guard. If someone wasn’t an enemy, they were a rival. If someone wasn’t a rival, they were a liar. If someone wasn’t a liar, they were out to hurt him—Circle back to option one.

Edom is ageless and desolate and burning with the color of rage. The people here are ageless and desolate and full of rage, too—Magnus included. For years, the landscape, the people, and Magnus’ heart have remained the same.

Magnus has taken too long realize how much he hates it.

“You don’t have to say anything,” Alec mumbles out, barely an inch from Magnus’ face. “I just—It sucks to see you sad.”

“Oh, it ‘sucks,’ does it?”

‘Sucks’ is a word Magnus reserves for describing a particular type of demon who could suck out one’s essence—he also uses it to make lowbrow sexual innuendos, which are the best kind of innuendos as far as he’s is concerned. Lowbrow mortals use the word ‘suck’ to describe literally anything, though—To hear Alec, who thinks himself above the average Mundane, use such a casual word is decidedly uncomfortable, yet also entertaining.

The uncharacteristic shift pulls Magnus from the fuzzy feelings in his gut, beating back his soft heart with a stick.

“I’m not sad,” he corrects. “Don’t act all sappily glum on my account.”

Something irritated flashes in Alec’s eyes at the remark. It’s not the first time Magnus has garnered such a look out of him—the times before, Magnus had even thought of it as cute. Amusingly adorable.

It’s a testament to how pathetic Magnus has become that he witnesses Alec’s irritation and feels ashamed.

“I know how you get after seeing him,” Alec continues like he hasn’t just sucked out Magnus’ soul. “He’s an asshole; I completely understand.”

The words cut loudly in the air compared to the timid little murmur he’d gotten out before. Where Magnus thought Alec would back away, the Nephilim instead holds fast, looking at him stubbornly. Magnus doubles down.

“You know how I ‘get?’ Please. Let me assure you that the meeting with my father has left me with nothing but disappointment in the lesser demons’ incompetency—In fact, I’d love to share their latest sideshow of mistakes over a drink. Care to join me?”

Distraction has worked before, and it ought to work now. Alec is so woefully unacquainted with life’s pleasures that Magnus still has a plethora of hellish and earthly delights on the line even after introducing Alec to a multitude of sins. It’s hard to come by pleasure in hell without the aid of magic, but thankfully Magnus has that in spades.

So color him very surprised when Alec has the gall to look offended at the invitation. It isn’t a large expenditure to summon a decanter with his magic, but Magnus thinks his efforts had better be appreciated! But no. Alec holds himself with the same steely determination he did midway through the exchange.

Magnus hates this defiant side of Alec that’s coming back for the first time in weeks. They’d come a long way. They’d managed to come to a truce for as long as Alec was in Edom and Magnus had even managed to coax some carefree behavior out of Alec that he previously thought Nephilim incapable of.

Magnus hates this side of Alec because it’s directed at him and not the baseless lies the Clave likes to feed their little soldiers. He hates this side of Alec because it’s directed to the truth of Magnus he doesn’t even want to admit—can’t admit—and Alec is so unyielding about it all. It hasn’t even been two minutes, but Magnus would give anything for this to stop.

Alec—steadfast, determined, vulnerablejustlikehim Alec—presses forward without any regard for the turmoil he’s wrought in Magnus’ entire being.

“You flirt and you laugh and you think that at the end of the day I won’t notice how you’re hurting but I do. You keep trying to hide it with the martinis and the spells but I’ve been there. I know what it looks like when you stick yourself somewhere you hate and block every exit because I’ve done it my entire life. I can only imagine what it must be like to do it for eternity.”

Silence.

“I’ve said too much. But, Magnus… we’re in Hell. I don’t think we should hurt any more than we already do. I’m tired of hurting. And, Raziel, even if the Clave would kill me for saying it—you’re the last person I wanna hurt… But I can’t take any more of this pretending.”

Lips brush over Magnus’ forehead.

“When you’re ready to talk, I’ll be there.”

[alexanderlightweight]

omg! yes! I wanted to do this so badly, Malec omega verse for the wednesday prompt?

okay! here we go thank you for the prompt!

i hope you enjoy!

<3 lumine

-

Alec understands the importance of security.

He’s the Interim Head of the New York Institute and he knows better than most the dangers of politics and power.

That doesn’t mean he can fully stop himself from bristling as he’s approached by the High Warlock’s security.  He allows their scrutiny as he waits, he even allows their approach.  Nods in acceptance when they say they require a pat down, even after he has visibly eased them by coming without physical weapons.

Then the one in back steps forward and instead of beta, Alec smells alpha.

It’s strong and pungent and before the man’s hand has even touched him, Alec has lunged forward.  He’s nearly unaware of himself as he does it, only concentrates on the taste of copper on his tongue.  Salt and iron wash away the too strong scent of Alpha and that forever feral part of him calms just a bit.

His hand replaces his mouth and he wrenches back the fingers that dared try to touch him. Alec steps back and spits blood on the floor just as the alpha crashes down, biting back screams.

That,” he says with teeth stained red, his tongue dragging across the sharp edges of his canines, “was rude.  I didn’t realize the High Warlock of Brooklyn allowed those under his name to take such liberties.” 

There’s a familiar, shocked pause.  

No one ever expects a shadowhunter to attack with anything but weapons.  They have their adamas, why debase themselves by acting without it.

Alec has no such qualms and it’s clear, from the blood dripping down his chin to the way his head tilts, a quiet judgement. 

A subtle taunt.

It’s faint, but Alec almost feels that he can hear a deep chuckle.  It’s impossible, the music is far too loud and no one around him has spoken.  

“I,” the beta hesitates, clearly unsure of just what to do next.  She rocks on her feet, by downworld laws, Alec had every right to do what he did.  They all know that.

“Do you still need to search me,” Alec asks, smiling at her as he does.  It’s not a nice smile, bloodlust still too close to the surface, but he is still a diplomat. This is an olive branch they don’t deserve from him personally, but shadowhunters as a whole owe the downworld much more than this simple courtesy.  

She takes a moment to decide whether or not it's safe.  If her job is worth it and just as she visibly steels herself and steps forward, a flash of fire ignites before her and she catches it from the air.  

There’s an imperceptible sigh as she lets out a breath of air she doesn’t need.  “The High Warlock will allow you to approach without a physical search,” she hesitates.  “If you allow him to use magic to do it instead.”

It is both a test and a boon.

Alec has no wish to be felt up by anyone, though he can generally tolerate non-alphas. However most shadowhunters would consider the magic far worse a fate.

Alec is not most shadowhunters.

“I appreciate his consideration and accept his terms.” 

She smells both shocked and relieved as she leads him to the dais. 

There’s no time to wipe the blood from his face and Alec resigns himself to the tacky feeling of it drying as it drips down his neck.

At the very least, he knows it won’t stain his clothes.

Alec licks his lips as he gets closer to Bane. The taste of mundane pennies and dirty iron is still on his lips and he hides the smugness of his victory behind a calm demeanor. From the wary way his fae escort glances at him, he doubts he’s being as sly as he hopes.

Alec swallows down the taste of blood and regrets his actions the moment he inhales Bane’s scent. It’s gone from an opaque nothingness to feeling like he’s breathing in fire. Heat crawls down his spine and he does his best not to inhale again, feeling a bit like a fool when he opens his mouth to greedily take in air rather than risk the dizziness that comes with scenting Bane.

Bane is also an omega.

A gorgeous, powerful, omega whose scent makes Alec’s thoughts blur and whose casual arrogance is far more attractive than it should be. Alec thinks it’s because it’s not arrogance, just confidence.

Alec doubts that Bane ever suffers fools or that he has to react as basely as Alec did. He very much believes that even one look of disdain from Bane would be enough to leave even the most powerful and arrogant of Idris alphas quaking.  The thought makes him wet his lips unconsciously and he shifts as he gets closer.

“Sit down, Alexander was it?” Bane asks him and Alec nods, caught in the shock of how good his name sounds when it’s Bane who says it.

Alec sits and shudders, trying not to be distracted when his knee accidentally brushes Bane’s thigh.

He doesn’t know when he got close enough for them to be touching but he knows it’s impolite and he tries to move back only to feel his back hit the arm of the sofa.

So he stays, where he is and tries to figure out how to explain what it is he needs without being completely distracted and overwhelmed.

—

Meanwhile Magnus is quite enjoying himself.

Hid pretty omega shadowhunter has been too distracted by Magnus own personal everything to realize that Magnus’ magic has closed the distance between them. Blue crackling along the leather to shrink the  down the sofa until there is nowhere for his guest to go.

He’s been intrigued since the moment he felt angelic energy enter his wards. Alone and clearly with a purpose.

A lone omega shadowhunter in Magnus’ territory, without guard or weapon who reacted to an alpha being rude with violence. Magnus had been delighted even before he’d seen the shadowhunter in person or had a taste of his scent.

Now Magnus is ecstatic.

 “You’ll understand if I use magic, to ensure that you’re unarmed and come in good faith.” Magnus asks, a smirk on his lips as his shadowhunter, Alexander, nods.

His tentacles are glamoured and he only allows two to reach out, to start from Alexander’s calves, where his boots end and encircling the muscles there before sliding up. They take their time, encircling strong thighs and Magnus is disappointed by the thick material that makes him unable to feel skin beneath his touch. Instead he contents himself, invisible tentacles tugging aside a leather jacket and cheating by sliding up a loose shirt. Alexander startles visible at that, biting his own lips and turning in confusion to look at Magnus before settling.

Whatever it is that his institute needs, it’s important enough that he came alone and Magnus is going to make sure it’s worth both of their while.

Magnus takes his time scoping out Alexander’s chest, one tentacle sliding through coarse hair and the other slipping around behind to tap up Alec’s spine. The meet at the top, encircling around Alexander’s neck and rubbing teasingly at the scent glands there.

Coincidentally, they also smear the blood drying on his neck across said glands.

Alexander’s eyes go wide and his neck shakes as he swallows, trying not to let himself be overly affected, but he never tries to pull away. His eyes are blissed out and he’s swaying towards Magnus helplessly, as if he’s unable to keep himself away.

Magnus purrs and sends out a little pulse of warm magic to seep into Alexander’s muscles as he offers his hand.

—

Bane reaches out his hand and Alec gives him his own without thinking. It’s bloody still, his skin sticky and his fingers covered in blood.

“Allow me,” Bane says, “as it was one of my employees who pushed you to defend yourself.”

Alec doesn’t know how to respond, he just nods his head. He expects Bane to either magic it away, or offer him a tissue. He’s not expecting a burgundy stained mouth to wrap around one of his fingers. Nor is he expecting the electric jolt that goes through him. Or that when he instinctively moves away, he’s unable to. He’d forgotten about the magic holding him down. The thick, invisible ropes of magic that even now tease at his scent glands and he swallows harshly.

He swallows again when Bane moves on to the next finger and then the next. When he licks over Alec’s palm, the cool metal of piercing on his tongue making Alec shiver and then again when that same metal presses against the underside of his wrist.

“There, much more presentable, aren’t you.” Bane tells him, a smirk on his mouth and something darkly appreciative gleaming in his eyes as he watches Alec. “Oh, but I seemed to have missed a spot.”

The hand on Alec’s wrist tugs and he follows, there’s a moment of confusion in his head and he can’t help that he whimpers when he realizes he’s in Bane’s lap. He’s so close to him. Too close for him to keep his thoughts clear and it gets worse when Bane leans forward and licks over his neck. Alec knows that he’s just cleaning away the blood but it doesn’t feel like that. It doesn’t feel like that at all and his knees clamp against the thigh he’s straddling. 

“Almost done,” he’s told and then lips smeared with rogue and blood are pressed to his, a tongue licking over his split and bloody lips and Alec shudders. There are no words he can say. Both because any he tries are swallowed by Bane’s kiss and because he can’t form them.

It’s too much and not enough and everything he’s never realized he wanted, or needed.

—

Magnus has a thought, something in the back of his mind that goes ‘this one. This one is different, this one. And now, with the taste of Alexander’s blood under his tongue, he knows what it is.

This one is his.

Magnus lets Alexander settle against him and brushes his fingers through the hair on the nape of Alexander’s neck and tugs a little.

There’s a whimper, soft and pleading when he takes his lips away and he smirks to himself against the skin of Alec’s jaw.

“Bane-” Is a breathless word spoken and he nips at Alec’s cheek in reprimand, earning an even more gasping, “Magn’s?”

Magnus croons in pleased delight and drags his magic and tentacles across Alexander’s body and his soul and chuckles at the groan it earns him and the little keen Alexander lets out.

It’s a beautiful sound but the rest of the club feel more than hear it. The natural pleasure that seeds the atmosphere with potential violence only comes from a content, pleased omega purring to a mate.

As Alexander is purring for Magnus.

[edwinspaynes]

A, M, V, Z 🤍🫶

A: Of the fanfic you’ve written, which is your favorite and why?

There are 2 answers to this question. The one that I am the proudest of is A Therapeutic Chain of Events. But the one that I like the best, am most satisfied with, and enjoy rereading the most is A Ribbon of Dream.

M: What’s the weirdest AU scenario you’ve ever come up with?  Did it turn into a story?

I actually have one kind of boiling in my brain right now. If you know the song Timeless by Taylor Swift, it's based on the "In the 1500s..." verse and it's about both Thomastair and Herondaisy. Also there would be a scene where Matthew sleeps with George Boleyn, which I think we all need to see. It hasn't become a story yet, but it may if I ever feel like writing something wildly out of my comfort zone.

V: Are there certain comments you’ve received on your stories that have stuck with you?

Besides the person who told me I wrote too much Thomastair and should write Malec instead because they liked it better? Lol. I always really like any comment that @vwritesaus leaves for me and they stick in my brain so heavily because I admire her as a writer and feel as though I have pleased the Queen of Writing when she comments.

Z: Is there a story you’ve written that doesn’t seem to get much love?

SO MANY. I don't know why but like, the fandom seemed to drop off the map like 2 months after ChoT came out? But I'm still here and I have a really consistent following and see the same names popping up and always giving me kudos! And I love that for me, that I have an established readership :) But The Besotted Couple's Guide to Half-Baked Mistakes did deserve more than 5 kudos, sorry not sorry. I like that one a lot.

THANK YOU!

[onetimetwotimesthreetimess]

okay so this take place the hypothetical situation when malec doesn't get back together at the end of cohf and alec goes on some blind dates that just turn out sour and end up meeting magnus and they have a good time together. then they just dating without the pretense (bonus point if magnus been the one sabotaging alec blind date with the weirdest most extra gimmicks)

“Maybe, I’m not meant for this.”

“For what?”

“This whole dating thing,” Alec says in a hushed whisper.

They’ve been laughing and drinking for the past two hours so Magnus is a little surprised by this change in conversation.

“What do you mean, darling?” They’re not dating but Alec is used to the endearment and Magnus likes calling him darling.

They both pretend like it’s normal to do that.

“Well, I’ve gone on thirteen dates in the past three months and shit hasn’t worked out for me. Maybe I’m just not a date-able person,” Alec sighs.

“That’s not true,” Magnus says indignantly, “You are the most date-able person I have met.”

Alec lets out a dry laugh at that. “Funny you said that. It didn’t work out with you so shouldn’t you be first in line to agree to my hypothesis,” Alec avoids Magnus’s gaze while looking, and it sends a pant through Magnus’s heart because he can see the other man’s emotions fully on his face.

It’s a face filled with dejection and hurt.

And so much sadness.

Sadness that Magnus has caused.

By breaking up with him—not that Magnus regrets the breaking up part, well, not completely at least.

But the sabotaging all of Alec’s date part.

He’s an asshole.

“You were a great boyfriend,” Magnus puts a hand on Alec’s in a comforting gesture, “and as the only person who has ever dated you, my words should be written in gospels.”

“Forgot the part where I tried to take your immortality away and you left me in the tunnels?” Alec throws back, a little sharply this time but there’s instant regret in his eyes.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I deserved what happened,” the shadowhunter apologised and then suddenly got up. “I should leave.”

“Alec, wait—“ Magnus takes Alec’s wrist in his hand, to stop him from leaving.

Alec continues to avoid his gaze and Magnus doesn’t get the change in atmosphere. They were having such a nice time. It seems normal.

Like they are dating again.

Which is weird because they’re not. They’re not even in the ballpark of dating.

Magnus just almost, always, coincidentally happens to be at the same place where Alec goes through one of his date.

And sweet and gentle and innocent Alec never even questions it. Never wonders why that is. Never doubts Magnus even in the slightest.

And that makes him feel like a horrible person because Alec has so much faith in him.

“I don’t think this guy is coming. He’s already two hours late. I don’t want to waste your time, I should leave.”

“We can go back to my place and watch something and gossip about this guy.” Magnus says with a grin, trying to lighten up the mood.

Alec gives him a small smile before shaking his head.

“I’m not really feeling it tonight. I think I’m done with this dating thing for a while.”

He hates that the words make him feel good.

Makes him feel relief.

Relief that Alec won’t be seeing or meeting or kissing or smiling at someone else.

But the pain on Alec’s face takes away all of that relief.

Tell him. Tell him. Tell him.

Tell him that’s he’s the most date-able person.

That’s he’s the most gentlest and softest person Magnus has ever met in all four hundred years.

That no one in the entire world, past or present or future timelines can love as well as Alec Lightwood.

“You shouldn’t give up on love, Alec.” Magnus says quietly.

Alec shifts closer and places the gentlest of kisses on his cheeks, and Magnus knows that very second that he’s going to feel the touch for days.

Maybe forever.

“Nephilim only love once. I’ve had my one, Magnus. I don’t think it gets better than that.” He says and leaves.

PART II

[liltaireissocute]

Shadowhunters TV show because i'm fashionably late

BEWARE OF THE SPOILERS

the show ended in 2019 though

So me and my better half watched The Shadowhunters recently and it was better than I thought it would be. Also: it get's better after first season + season 3 is the masterpiece.

I don't know what was the plan but somehow Malec became the best, the most developed and the most touching ship. As far as I remember it wasn't like this in the books but i LOVE this storyline in the show. It felt like "if being gay is bad why do we keep winning?" (and we, the gays, won)

Also this show has a really cool representation of asexual (and probably aromantic) person that is very different from a typical TV-show portrayal of such people. I truly liked Raphael and how the writers respected the fact he's asexual (and aromatic?) by putting it honestly and by avoiding some annoying tropes that are often associated with aroace people in media.

ALSO SIMON. That's all, just SIMON SIMON WAS GREAT.

I really liked the way they portrayed addiction and how it's hard to get out of it and somehow managed to mention police/prison violence and injustice.

And ALSO this show is silly and it's sooooo good. When we were watching the last episode we were like "wow how will they solve the Clary's Brother Now Has Wings And Is Actively Killing People they have 35 minutes of the show left???" AND 5 MINUTES LATER HE WAS FUCKING KILLED WITH KINDNESS and we were watching great gay wedding we all deserved. It's the masterpiece, honestly :D And the death of Clary's mom was SOMETHING. It was so fucking stupid that I literally laughed for five minutes while screaming THAT'S THE DUMBEST WAY TO KILL OF A MAJOR CHARACTER.

There were A LOT of different little things about this show that made it amazing and I heavily recommend everyone to watch it.