#actually you can't read about alec at all without falling in love but especially in magnus pov

[leojurand]

silly lymond ranking after the reread 🫶

6. queens' play:

this was my least favourite book in the series when i read it the first time, and unfortunately revisiting it didn't change that... it reinforced it. on reread i realized part of it is that i don't think this book is very exciting? there are some amazing, fun sequences (roof chase ofc), but overall i would say it lacks spark, if that makes sense. i think it's inevitable for me to not be head over heels in love with this novel because, especially compared to book 1, i don't think these new characters are that compelling. i don't really care about phelim; my favourite thing about oonagh is the way she's described (and man, do i not care about the fling she has with lymond...); and even though i think the robin stewart subplot is the best part of QP, i also don't have a lot of feelings about that guy specifically? great storyline, wonderful homoeroticism... still zero attachment to robin stewart.

the first time i read it i also thought there was way too much thady b stuff. i wanted francis crawford! but the second time around i appreciate it more, and i noticed that we actually get a fair amount of rare lymond pov in this book, which is very interesting.

so, this is either my least or second to last favourite dunnett novel. still really, really good!

5. the ringed castle

dorothy. i'm sure you did so much research about russia and russian ambassadors and the english court with mary and elizabeth but. did we have to read so much about all of that? i think dunnett is usually very good at showing the historical events and historical figures in an interesting way, but man. she failed here. especially with the english court and the russian ambassador, i could Not care less!! and another thing about this book that really misses the mark for me is philippa's characterization. i don't understand why she abandons kuzúm so suddenly and without a second thought. i dislike how she's so incredibly gorgeous and smart every man around her falls for her. i really don't like that she starts quoting literature in other languages so we see how very perfect she and lymond are for each other. it doesn't work for me at all.

i'm making it sound as if i hate this book lmao but that's not true!! i actually find lymond's character very compelling here. i'm not bothered by his cold behaviour towards everyone because i get it. i love the st mary's men in RC too. danny is perfect, and adam and alec are incredible here. the diccon chancellor storyline is heartbreaking and as horrible as it is i love its conclusion. and the crawford family drama... it hurts me in the best way possible.

so this novel has some things i very much appreciate, but some parts i'd want to skip in the future (spoiler alert: these mixed feelings will continue with the next entry)

4. checkmate

hoooo boy. okay so. this is (probably, maybe) the most popular book in the series. i know many would consider it dunnett's magnum opus. and i unfortunately disagree completely. not because i think this book is bad. i think in many ways it is exceptionally good. the prose here is unparalleled. in the first 70% of CM the drama is very engaging and keeps you reading and picking up the book again and again... even if, like me, you don't really care for this drama specifically. it's that well-written!! i fucking love all the francis/sybilla drama, as unnecessary as it may seem. i fucking love marthe and jerott's fucked up lavender marriage and their very different but equally complicated feelings for lymond. AND THE WRITING IS SO GOOD i have to say it again.

but this romance? not for me. i really tried on reread, but still couldn't get into it, sadly. i hate the misunderstandings... philippa thinking lymond was in love with güzel, and then with kate, and then that his feelings for her were only sexual. for someone so smart she wasn't thinking clearly at all.

i could forgive that easily, though. i can't forgive what happens to philippa at the end of part 4. just awful plot-point. even i, not a fan of philippa, think that was character assassination. i don't know why dunnett did it... i guess it was a popular thing to do in histfic, or in super dramatic stories in general. but i hate it. i don't like the part at sevigny, either. maybe most of all, i hate the ending, how rushed it was, philippa healing magically, lymond brushing off marthe's death and completely ignoring jerott because he's too busy having sex. wtf

and i would still give this book like, a 4.5/5. this is dunnett magic do not ask me about it i'm not a rational being!!!

okay, those three are the books in the series labeled with "complicated". these next three have all my love (or most of my love (looking at you TDK))

3. the game of kings

this book. THIS BOOK. you know those edits of cats crying surrounded by heart emojis. that's my every time i think or talk about GoK. i love it so, so much. it's not perfect but it's beautiful in all its flawed glory. on reread it was more noticeable that this was dunnett's first novel, simply because she gets so much better. but wow, what a debut novel! it's a little convoluted and heavy-handed, but it has so much charm and heart. at one point, more or less halfway through, it's almost impossible to put down. and, love him or hate him, francis crawford of lymond has has an insane gravitational pull. it's impossible not to want to know what's behind the mask.

in conclusion: game of kings my beloved

2. the disorderly knights

now this book. it's kind of crazy? definitely because this is the start of the gabriel duology, which is undoubtedly my favourite part in this series. TDK feels like a soap opera to me, maybe because of the insane levels of drama, maybe because the characters that get introduced in this book (jerott, gabriel, joleta) are so incredibly beautiful they almost make lymond seen like a normal guy.

and i eat it up! i love the insanity and drama! i think it's all so, so compelling. gabriel is scary in a way that very few villains i've read about are. he really feels almost invincible, despite being an ordinary human being. i love the moments where lymond loses his cool because gabriel is such a relentless antagonist. very painful, very fascinating.

most importantly, JEROTT. jerott blyth is my favourite character in this series and he's so. perfect in this book. like, he's terribly flawed (jerott don't throw that rock. jerott), but god, what a character. by far my favourite pov in the series and no one else comes close.

i have so much praise for this book i could talk about it endlessly but there's one caveat: joleta. dorothy why would you do that. why???? joleta's storyline is so uncomfortable to read. her character is so tragic, but it seems like we're supposed to hate her, and we're supposed to side with lymond when it's revealed that she... was abused by other adult men... ??? i'm so glad adam, alec, and i think jerott? do see her as a victim, and lymond as the one with all the power, but everyone else? idk. just very bad, and one of the moments where the series really feels like it was written in the 60s

but other than that. this book fucking rules

1. pawn in frankincense

i've talked about PiF so much i feel like i don't have any words left to describe it, but even if i hadn't talked about it at all i would still feel like no words can describe how much of a masterpiece this book is to me.

i've mentioned before that jerott is my favourite LC character, and he's arguably the main character in this book. he even mentions the title when talking about himself!! i'm both very surprised and not surprised at all about how unpopular jerott is among the veteran fans of the series. sure, he's very flawed and somewhat unlikable, but he is so compelling, so complex, so well-written, he's become one of my all-time favourite characters.

not only that, there are two other main/major characters in this book that also became all-time favourites: lymond and marthe. the lymond/jerott/marthe is one of the best this i've ever read and this is where it starts. literally dorothy was insane for that one.

from the very first chapter until the last one, PiF doesn't give you time to stop and breath and calm down. maybe my favourite beginning in any dunnett novel. and the fact that pawn's move isn't widely considered one of the best chapters in literary history? unbelievable

is this book perfect? no. is it still the best thing that has been written and will ever be written by a human being? yea :)

[booksandmore]

you can’t read about alec in magnus’ pov and not fall in love with alexander gideon lightwood

[bytheangell]

You Can't Keep Safe What Wants to Break

(Read on AO3)

Magnus probably shouldn’t be here for this conversation, but Jace is waiting for them when Magnus portals them back to the Institute from Idris. Jace is eagerly awaiting the response from the Council meeting, nervously pacing back and forth in Alec’s office where they thought they’d have a bit more time to figure out how to break the news to him. Alec planned on doing it alone, with Magnus at home preparing the strongest cocktails he can manage short of inducing alcohol poisoning to deal with the aftermath. Instead, Alec shoots Magnus a quick, pleading glance, and Magnus doesn’t have the heart to try and make a quick exit with them both in front of him like this.

Neither of them is ready for the conversation that’s about to happen.

One look at their faces and Jace doesn’t have to wait for either of them to speak to know what news they have for him.

“Jace…” Alec starts, but it’s no use.

“They said no,” Jace says for him, crestfallen.

“There was nothing we could do,” Magnus tries. “We pulled every favor we had.” It’s true - they really did try everything short of actual bribery to get the discussion and the votes to go their way… and, okay, maybe a little actual bribery Alec doesn’t need to know about, but even that wasn’t enough.

“They wouldn’t let go of the fact that the Angels took her memories and her abilities, and essentially kicked her out of the Shadow World. They don’t want to risk letting her back in. They’re scared,” Alec says, not that Jace needs to hear it. He’s heard that argument time and time again ever since Clary remembered him at her art show that night… ever since he started seeing her regularly, and reforming a relationship with her.

Ever since he wanted her to be part of his life - part of all of their lives - again.

But the Nephilim have strict rules about mundanes being intimately involved with Shadowhunters, rules that have to be followed to keep them out of the Shadow World. And without her abilities, without everything that once made her one of them, that’s all Clary is to them. A mundane.

“I can’t lose her again,” Jace says, sounding broken and lost. “I just got her back, I can’t let her go.”

“I’m sorry,” Alec offers as if this final verdict from the Council means the discussion is over, topic closed. Magnus knows the look in Jace’s eyes, though. Jace isn’t letting this go. Magnus wanted to stay out of this. He did his best to stay out of the previous discussions between Alec and Jace and Izzy and members of the Council, because despite his personal investment in both Clary and Jace’s well beings this isn’t a personal matter, not to the Shadowhunters - it’s a political one. He always knew how this would play out, despite their best efforts… duty before all else, the law is hard but it is the law and all that nonsense.

He wanted to stay out of this, but now he finds himself in the thick of it, staring into the blue and brown eyes of a Shadowhunter pushed to the breaking point between heart and duty.

There’s a long, tense silence in the office before Jace turns away from Alec and Magnus. Magnus can’t tell if he’s hiding his pain from them or something else entirely. Magnus thinks that Jace almost sounds determined when he finally speaks. Resolved. It doesn’t sit well with Magnus but he doesn’t pry, not just now.

“Yeah,” Jace says as he makes his way out of the office. “So am I.”

“That went better than I expected,” Alec admits once Jace is gone.

Magnus gives a distracted nod, but he doesn’t think the matter is over, not by a longshot. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to let Alec think that the worst is past. He has a sinking suspicion that the worst - much worse than this - is yet to come.

“Let’s go home, shall we? I think we could both use that drink now.”

---

There’s no warning from his wards before the knock on the door sounds, so Magnus knows the person is a friend before he checks through the eyehole. Unexpected visits in Idris are few and far between these days, and he’s particularly surprised to find Jace Herondale standing in the hallway when he opens the door.

“Alec isn’t back from his meeting yet, is he?” Jace asks, in a tone that implies he not only knows the answer but fully planned on arriving while his parabatai is out.

“No,” Magnus confirms. “He’ll likely be another hour or so. Come in,” Magnus says, stepping aside for the Shadowhunter to enter. Jace shrugs his coat off and hangs it on the rack by the door.

Instead of prompting Jace Magnus remains silent, reading the blond’s body language and the tension held in every muscle, the strain of every movement, to know that there’s something wrong. Something he doesn’t want to tell Alec if he’s here talking with Magnus first.

“I need you to be honest with me,” Jace says. “Because I already know how Alec and Izzy are going to react, and it isn’t going to be good. And I just--” Jace breaks off there, pacing back and forth. “I need someone impartial to tell me I’m not crazy.”

“I’d hardly say I’m impartial,” Magnus points out.

“But you can be. At least, you can be brutally honest when you need to be, and I need you to be. I just need to talk to you as Magnus, not my parabatai’s husband.”

“Alright,” Magnus agrees, ignoring the urge to make a joke about Jace’s ego not being able to handle Magnus’ honesty. Something tells him this isn’t the time. “What’s on your mind?”

“I want to be with Clary,” Jace says.

The words on their own aren’t surprising. Of course Jace wants to be with Clary. Magnus knows that Jace loves her more than he’s ever loved anyone - save possibly his parabatai - in his entire life. But Clary cannot be part of their world as a mundane, it’d never be recognized or allowed by the Clave. The only way for Jace to be with her now is--

Oh.

The realization dawns on him and sits like a leaden weight in his stomach. His expression must give away what he pieced together because Jace notes the look on his face and continues quickly.

“I’ve thought about it. By the Angel, all I can do is think about it. She never leaves my mind, Magnus. She hasn’t since the day she left and she’s never going to, especially not now that we’ve reconnected. I can’t live without her. And I don’t have to. I just have to…” but Jace trails off there as if saying it might make it too real. So Magnus finishes for him.

“You just have to be de-runed, to leave behind the only family you’ve ever known and the only life you’ve ever known.” Magnus manages to say the words with minimal infliction; no judgment, just facts.

Jace winces. “I did ask for brutal honesty, didn’t I?” he says, though the laugh he gives is forced.

“This isn’t a decision to be made lightly, Jace. I know that you know that, but do you truly understand the gravity of that decision? There’s a reason de-runing is the most severe of punishments for crimes against the Clave,” Magnus points out.

“I know,” Jace says. “But living without Clary for the rest of my life… at least the pain of a de-runing is temporary.”

“But the effects are far from temporary,” Magnus reminds him. At the look on Jace’s face, Magnus adds quickly, “I’m simply presenting all of the angles, I’m not trying to talk you out of it.”

When he imagined what Jace might do in retaliation of the Council’s decision before he pictured more of a fit of rage, a ‘fuck the system’ rebellion of finding a way around their ruling to bring Clary back anyway. This option crossed his mind, of course, but never in a million years would he imagine Jace pursuing it.

Jace is quiet for a moment after that. Magnus takes some small comfort in knowing his words aren’t falling on deaf ears. Jace wouldn’t have come here if he didn’t want to talk this through, after all.

“I know losing the parabatai bond will hurt Alec,” Jace says quietly. “It’s the part I keep coming back to. The rest… I know Alec and Isabelle won’t abandon me if I go through with it, no matter what the laws are. I won’t lose them, not entirely. But the bond…” Jace actually looks close to tears simply speaking of it, and Magnus moves forward to take him gently by the hand and lead him over to the sofa.

“It isn’t a bond broken easily,” Magnus agrees. “You will both suffer greatly for the loss of it.”

Jace hangs his head. “I don’t want to put Alec through that, but… but he will someday anyway, right? One of us will, in the end. It isn’t like it’s inevitable. I’m just… moving up the timeline.”

Magnus can practically hear the number of times Jace must’ve repeated that to himself before now, over and over in his head until he was nearly convinced it’s enough justification. He isn’t wrong, Magnus will give him that. But it’s one thing to lose the bond through an inevitable death, and another entirely to know that you’ve caused that pain and loss intentionally.

The look on Jace’s face as he avoids Magnus’ gaze tells him that Jace knows that, too.

“Have you talked to Clary about this?” Magnus asks.

Jace nods. “She said we could get an apartment together. I can’t tell her everything, obviously, but I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think we had a real chance, you know I wouldn’t.” Jace shakes his head. “I don’t want to have to choose. This… being a Shadowhunter, this is what I’m good at. It’s what I was raised to be. But Clary… she’s my future, Magnus. I was trained to be a weapon, but I was born to love Clary Fairchild.”

Magnus is struck suddenly by the memory of another Shadowhunter he knew who was willing to give up everything for the love of a mundane girl. ‘I was born to be a warrior, and I was born to be with her. Tell me how to reconcile the two because I cannot.’ The words of one Edmund Herondale rang clear in Magnus’ mind, bringing a slow, sad smile to his face.

“You Herondales certainly have a penchant for sacrificial love,” Magnus observes, not unkindly. Edmund gave up his runes, James his sanity and stability, Will was ready to give up love itself, and now Jace...

“I can give up Shadowhunting. There are plenty of others who can take over for me now, and plenty more to follow after me,” Jace says.

It’s a strange thing, to witness the blind faith the Nephilim place in their Angels from birth begin to crumble and crack - to question outdated laws and revert back to something more basic, more simply human. Life. Love. Happiness. Desire.

“I’m not concerned about the Shadowhunter’s loss of a soldier,” Magnus points out. “And you don’t have to convince me. I know better than to think there will be any talking you out of this once your mind is made up… and it does appear to be entirely made up. You wouldn’t be here otherwise.”

Jace nods. “I haven’t told anyone yet, but I think Maryse might have an idea. I’ve been asking a lot of questions lately about her de-runing, and what happens afterward.”

Magnus nods slowly. That makes sense. “You won’t be allowed back in Idris again. If the full extent of standard procedure were followed you wouldn’t be able to see any of your family or friends again, but something tells me Alexander won’t let that bit stand.”

He knows that Maryse showed up once or twice to the Institute and that Luke and her family visit her regularly, either at the bookshop or at her home. All of which is highly irregular, but then again, not much about Alexander’s influence of the Clave’s rules and standards hasn’t fought back against their antiquated ways in one way or another.

Jace sounds uncertain when he replies, “I don’t know, there’s a very good chance that Alec won’t speak to me again after this, law or not.”

“If you think there’s any chance of Alexander abandoning you for this decision-”

“And why shouldn’t he?” Jace cuts Magnus off. “After I abandon him first.”

The harshness of Jace’s tone causes Magnus to wince.

“This isn’t just a matter of marrying someone and moving away. This isn’t even just about losing my runes. If it was just my own sacrifice there wouldn’t be a doubt in my mind, but…”

“But it isn’t just your own life this choice affects,” Magnus supplies for him, finally realizing why he came to speak with Magnus first. These are complicated, deep emotions. Alexander and Jace, when confronted with issues as personal as this, could be a volatile force. Magnus is glad Jace had the presence of mind to try and sort through his own first.

“I took an oath. Entreat me not to leave thee,” Jace huffs out with a broken laugh. Magnus knows the oath. He’s familiar with it enough to know that by doing what he’s planning now Jace is breaking every line of it, every promise. “‘The Angel do so to me, and more also,

If aught but death part thee and me.’” Jace’s eyes leave Magnus’ and fix on a point beyond him, growing distant. “How can I choose? Why do I have to choose? It isn’t fair.”

“Life very rarely is,” Magnus says sadly.

“What would you do, if you were me?” Jace asks.

Magnus considers the question, thinks back to all of the loves he had and lost over the centuries, of the love he has now with Alec. He tries to picture what it might be like if he and Catarina were bonded like Jace and Alec, but in the end, he can only shake his head.

“I can only begin to imagine the intricacies of the bond the two of you share,” Magnus admits finally. “I’ve sacrificed everything for love, more times than many would consider wise, and I’ve been burned every time but one.” It isn’t what Jace wants to hear, but it’s the truth. And what follows is also the truth. “But every time was worth the possibility of true love.”

That gives Jace a bit of hope, which is what he needs. It’s what he’s searching for, behind his call for honesty and council.

“If I were you? I’d probably risk what you’re planning now. It’s foolish and reckless, a gamble beyond measure, but isn’t love always?” Magnus smiles softly at that. “And if I were Alexander, and my dearest friend came to me in your situation, I can promise you that any anger or betrayal I felt would be temporary, eventually eclipsed by the joy of knowing they found all the happiness they were looking for in life.”

“You think?” Jace asks, daring to sound optimistic at the mere suggestion that there’s a possibility of Alec being alright with this in the end.

“But I’m not either of you, and this is not my decision to make.”

Magnus feels the gentle ripple in his warding that alerts him to his husband’s arrival downstairs. “Alec’s back,” Magnus says. “I can portal you to the Institute if you’d like to keep this between us for now.” It’s a simple offer, no judgment if Jace wants more time to consider his options, or simply to stall before talking this out with Alec. As difficult as keeping something like this from Alec will be he wouldn’t betray Jace’s trust in coming to him for advice. Magnus watches Jace closely, able to see the flash of panic on Jace’s face and the hesitation as he debates taking the offer of a portal.

“No,” Jace says with a determined shake of his head. When Magnus thinks back to his similar encounter with Edmund nearly a century ago, he distinctly recalls the feeling of witnessing a disaster, of wreckage. But this is different: Jace Herondale isn’t ruining himself, he’s rebuilding.

“I’ll make myself scarce, then,” Magnus says, standing up to make his way toward the door.

“Magnus, hey,” Alec greets, leaning in to give him a kiss in greeting when he opened the door to find Magnus standing next to it, grabbing his coat. Alec catches sight of Jace behind him and his brows furrow. “Jace? Is everything alright?”

“I’m heading out for a bit. Give me a call if you need anything,” Magnus says instead of answering Alec. The question isn’t meant for him, after all.

Magnus looks over at Jace one last time before leaving the two of them alone to speak, still surrounded by the ghosts of his past. He sees so much of Edmund’s determination to follow his heart, no matter the personal cost. He sees Will’s enthusiasm and desperate need for the potential of love. He sees James’s consuming passion.

Magnus sees enough of Jace’s ancestors in him to know without a doubt that Jace will be just fine in the end; and if he isn’t, then Magnus imagines he has enough experience assisting lovestruck Herondales to help him through.

[faejilly]

for the wip meme - i do (arranged marriage au) and sequel to with an if in it’s soul (which is, btw, one of the favorite ficus i have ever read across any fandom) 👀🥰

SO, I need to start a whole new rewrite of “I Do” because Malec are doing their usual I choose you! as soon as they see each other which uh, doesn’t actually work for the story so I have to make them both more cautious (which they should be, in this situation, I just wrote too far in the wrong direction last time). BUT! I will probably keep the prologue I’ve got, which includes Alec & Lydia Drunken!BFFs.

Lydia asks if they can take a night off, and Alec joins her for a drink, and asks if she's all right.

"No," she answers, and he buys her another round.

Or five. Or so.

They're neither of them remotely sober by the time he asks again.

"I was engaged once." Lydia's eyes are glassy, her shoulders slumped, and Alec's heart aches in sympathetic agony. "He died. Two years ago today."

"I'm sorry." Alec knows it isn't much, isn't really anything, but it's all he's got. 

"So'm I." She sighs. "I couldn't bear staying in our Institute without him."

"So you transferred to the Inquisitor's Office." 

Lydia does a nod-shrug gesture and clinks her glass against his, somehow managing not to spill. 

"I am never going to fall in love again." Her head ducks down and she stares at him from under her eyebrows. "No offense, if you were thinking about something."

"Nope." Alec shakes his head sadly. "I'm never gonna get to fall in love at all." He lets his gaze linger on the cute bartender he's been trying not to stare at too much all night, but he's got a very tight t-shirt on and it's been very difficult. 

Lydia's head tilts as she turns it to follow his line of sight, and she sighs out a long quiet oooooohhh. "That sucks." She pouts a little on his behalf, and it's unexpectedly adorable. 

"Yeah." He taps his glass against hers in agreement this time, and then she waves at their server to pay for their next round herself.

and goodness, thank you! I do love with an if in its soul. I think I have too many things crammed into the sequel? Not that they don’t all fit, since I’m addressing a lot of different things about s3 as well as the aftermath of having been dead on both sides of a parabatai bond, but I don’t usually have that many threads to keep track of so it slowed me down.

Have the end of a Malec argument! Because it’s hard to recover from having been dead!

Alec couldn't see Magnus' face, but he doubted he'd be able to read his expression even if he could.

"I can't—" Magnus started and stopped.

Alec wanted to close his eyes again, wanted to sigh, wanted to stomp his feet and throw a tantrum like he hadn't since he was four. "I know, Magnus, and I'm sorry, but I can't not do my job."

"That's not—" Magnus stopped again, and it was almost funny, the way he'd somehow adopted Alec's usual stutter. 

"It is. You and everyone else, and I get it, I do, but I'm—" Done. Alec realized. He was tired of carrying their pain on top of his own guilt. "Please, let me do my work."

"I'm sorry." Magnus' voice was almost small, thin and quiet in the darkness. 

Alec couldn't stop the small sharp exhale, the pain as sudden as if a knife had twisted between his ribs. He'd finally said it, and about this, sorry I don't want you to die again, which wasn't a thing anyone should have to apologize for, especially not Magnus.

"I don't accept your apology." 

Magnus flinched. Alec wanted to scream. He was the one who'd died, and he was still the one who had to take care of everyone else, because they were the ones who'd been wounded.

"There's nothing to apologize for, you don't. Don't be sorry for caring." Alec tried, but he could hear the impatience in his own voice, and he knew Magnus would focus on his tone, not his words. "We'll talk about it later."

That time Magnus nodded, and left.

Alec swallowed.

Alec sat down and did his work, and when he couldn't take another moment of it all he slammed his tablet onto his desk, hard enough the screen cracked.

Shit.

Too bad iratzes didn't work on electronics. 

[fictionalrambles]

Shadowhunters Fandom Story - Part Five

Submitted by @ladymatt​

Five Favourite Stories 

Dietary Restrictions by @alexandergideontrueblood

Why I love this fic: I’ve enjoyed many stories from this writer but I’ve settled on this little gem because in exactly 1,500 words it served up a memorable tale of relationship woes between Frat Boy Alec and Incubus Magnus that still manages to tug at my heartstrings. Against a wickedly humorous backdrop, we’re treated to mutual pining, crude banter, searing honesty, an unconventional first-meet and the priceless image of a not-so-angelic angel bathed in moonlight as his heart breaks. Sometimes the best stories require fewer words, and it's the little details that give us the bigger picture - and when a writer can give so much story while inviting you to fill in the blanks, you know'll you'll always remember it fondly!

Favourite Quote:

Love fucking sucks, Magnus thinks, running hands through his hair and tugging at his angelic robes. He’d been going for irony, but now it’s just irritating because not only does he look like an angel, he’s going to end up celibate like one too. Magnus is the living embodiment of lust and he can’t even get a 21-year-old frat boy to fuck him.

The Way It Should Be by j__writes

 Why I love this fic: This bittersweet story of two people falling in love while they’re not free to do so actually made me feel things I didn’t expect and for characters I’d never thought it possible to care for - all because of the painstakingly honest way Jackie wrote each of the characters, with their all-too-relatable flaws and virtuous intentions. Each scene is laden with emotion and telling gestures, the incremental shifts in everyone’s relationships written with a deft touch that left me almost as conflicted as those involved - but ultimately relieved. When a writer makes me feel the unthinkable, you know the story, and the writer, is a keeper!

Favourite Quote:

“The worn dark leather, all the photographs of teens you’ve helped, the old man caramels in a bowl, even the potted hosta— your office, Alexander, feels”—Magnus closed his eyes breathed in deeply, holding his breath in for a moment and smiling as he exhaled—“warm, comforting, safe. It feels like you.”

Anonymorous by @superficialpeasant​

Why I love this fic: I can’t read this fic without laughing out loud, mostly thanks to Clary’s enthusiastic gratitude and Alec being one giant pillar of salt throughout - I always love reading this writer’s work because humour is never far from the surface. The instant chemistry between the two masterpieces as they’re lost to everyone but each other in that most public of settings, certainly doesn’t hurt either, and the intimate teasing and burgeoning attraction that’s central to this ‘exhibit’s’ success is deeply satistying to witness, as is the post-performance leap of faith. I’m guaranteed to enjoy whatever delights are served up by one of my favourite fandom writers!

Favourite Quote:

“Remember to have fun. Be yourselves. Focus on each other," Alec can almost hear her pumping her fist into the air, "Get those orgasms!”

Alec just about reaches out to smack her again, hisses, “We’ve got it, Fray.”

The Difference Between Knowledge And Knowing by @otppurefuckingmagic​

Why I love this fic: This wonderful story offers us a window into Magnus’ world, a magical place where his unique connection to everything and everyone around him is both beautifully explained and easily visualised, thanks to Sam’s evocative words and perfect characterisation. That it focuses on what makes them special to one another and adds yet another layer to the bond between them would be reason enough to single it out for praise, but this writer’s incredible gift for capturing the importance of the occassion is what makes it a favourite of mine!

Favourite Quote:

“It’s not just your personal aura. Yours and mine….” Magnus hovers his hand over Alec’s chest, searching for words to explain what he sees. “They are like the shoreline. Right now, there are…waves crashing out of you—like a storm-surge sweeping in—and mine is like the shifting sand, molding to the shape of the waves and being drawn out. Two separate entities that push and pull, yet never part.”

Stupid Cupid by @unrestrainedlyexcessive​

Why I love this fic: With a distinctive writing style and a hilarious penchant for dry humour, this writer has entertained me countless times by managing to weave the reliable threads of familial bonds, unlikely friendships, disastrous relationships and razor-sharp observations about life’s ups and downs, into stories that always feel relatable, even when dealing with supernatural or fantastical situations. With plot twists and soul-searching to keep us on our toes, this guardian angel fic is but one example of how wickedly good this writer is at playing with our affections - in the best of ways!

Favourite Quote:

“I know it’s silly, but what if I used all my talent up?”

“I’ll make it easy for you: you probably have.”

Magnus rocks back on his heels, face hot and hands balled into fists. “Oh my sweet fucking god, you’re the worst guardian angel ever, you angelic dickhead.”

Author Story

Before Malec lit up my screen and burned their way into my heart, I neither read nor wrote fan fiction of any kind, and would've laughed at the suggestion of me ever posting something online - but here we are, 29 stories later, and I can't imagine a day passing where I don't feel the need to somehow touch base with these characters - either through my own or other people's stories - because I find them so rich in complexity and character that the potential to explore them through so many different lenses is too good to pass up - especially with all the talented creatives in this fandom! Yet, I also can't imagine ever wanting to write anything other than Malec, despite enjoying all manner of different show and ships, because I'm just not motivated by them in the same way - and I'm fine with that! My forays into writing are an escape, a chance to use my imagination, and if someone enjoys them, I get all warm and fuzzy - but as far as my writing journey goes - I'm afraid it begins and ends with a magical warlock and his loyal Shadowhunter!

[lladyariall]

My favorite part about this scene is if you really really think about it.. they didn't have to dress up as a couple >;]

Sure, Sam SAYS those disguises will help them blend in with the crowd to find the stolen Desoto and interrogate who in the Hell took it to begin with! Yet, did they really have to be, well, a disguised couple? They could have stayed themselves! They could have chosen ANY other employer from that park to steal some clothes from and pretend to work there, but the last noticable idea is that they could have just went up to the front gate to explain to a worker that they are with the Freelance Police and their stolen vehicle is inside, so they need a damn ticket.

Or fuck. Just buy a ticket!! Nothing complicated, you know?

It's just so obvious Sam wanted a date with Max for Valentine's Day, or he saw their mission as a date and decided to spice things up by giving them a more "romantic label" as a couple when he saw the park.

I truly think Sam wanted to have a nice moment on Valentine's Day with Max because he knows his partner wouldn't let a romantic holiday come near their relationship, let alone do traditional romance as if they were teenagers on a small date. That being said, that smart alec canine used an old trick once he saw this one opportunity to have a personal fantasy come to life in his head and the dog saw his chance for a big win on his behalf; that is, without getting his head cut off by Max again.

Sure, he mentions how Max reminds him of his Aunt Trudy, but he doesn't have to loosen his tie while saying so, as well. Just putting that out there, because he is clearly into Max dressing up in a lovely dress, pretending to be his date, and be able to go out to call him "sweetie" instead of MAX'S ACTUAL NAME. They can't even go a step without acting like they're boyfriends just by their small chit-chat going about leaving, to suddenly having poor Max fall inside a "tunnel of love" ride and end up finding a couple going almost second base in their Desoto. (That poor car..)

Sam just happened to bestoy a secret Valentine's Day moment with his personal sweetheart/crush, so win-win for him. The doggy copper really broke the lawbook on friendship and trust, if Max ever found out how much Sam enjoyed being Max's boyfriend and dressing up as the married couple they've always been.

Now, as for Max, poor guy just wanted to avoid Valentine's day as much as possible.

Surely, it's not Sam or Max's fault the Desoto was stolen during their mission, and Max enjoyed a good mission away from a love struck city. He only saw Valentine's Day as a romantic holiday; what if he saw it not as romantic as Sam's but still a holiday to spend with his boyfriend?

Sometimes, you want a regular routine to be a bit spicier or more excitable, and Max's fear for the romance made it all the more fun for Sam, not Max. While Max saw it as Sam was there beside him and no romance is needed, despite the day, between them just because other people are doing it. Hell, maybe Max isn't as sexual or touchy feely as normal couples and Sam gets that in their relationship. He doesn't want to push it any further.

But.. what if Sam just wanted to try pushing new boundaries, without saying them out loud, and took their stolen vehicle as a cover-up to see how Max would react for a while? What if he chose disguises so Max would be more comfortable in a environment full of predators? (Gotta blend in with the prey, am I right?) And what WOULD have happened if they hadn't let Max trip inside an amusement ride? Honestly, I want to know if Sam would win another prize for Max like he did in the comics! That'd be so freaking cute, and I just think that Sam is super into Max wearing a dress.

That dog is determined to take a step further with Max, and we can clearly feel it. We just don't see it because we forget that Sam is a pretty good liar when he plays it out cool; just like he did with this plan to go and find the car. So, instead of poking a bear (Max) and getting torn to shreds, Sam just cuddled it and somehow escaped death without getting lectured at about his little plan. Sam could have done some things differently, but maybe communication is still a problem within their relationship about certain things that are private; and Max just can't find a way to meet Sam's desires.

Maybe, Sam is facing the fact that Max just isn't cut out for romance and their love happens to betray a unique kind of "romantic atmosphere" that Max can only stand to experience with him. It's not his fault Max doesn't like kissy faces, or big fat gestures. Some people are born that way, yet can still fall in love. Max seems fine with what he has now and that's what comes naturally between him and Sam; and yet, Sam is just craving more because he is a dog.

Dogs crave a ton of attention, physical love, and a ton of positivity that brings happiness to them and with others. Sam wants Max to be happy as much as possible.. that requires a few new things to possibly try, aaand Max wants Sam to be able to understand how his feelings are about some things, mainly involving their relationship, that he can't just push out and ignore. Somethings take time to get a grip on being comfortable to focus on what's bothering you about the topic, the environment, anything to get you feeling safe and secure with that certain someone to be able to open up. That's what any relationship should focus on especially Sam and Max's if the lagomorph has a rare time being serious on his emotional comfortablility.

With that, I just think that Sam is still learning to read what steps to take with Max and how maybe next time, he shouldn't push Max to go somewhere he would rather not pass through. Sure, Max is ballsy and a true daredevil, but this is different because this episode is a love episode, Valentine's Day, ahem. And the writers certainly knew what they were drawing, unless they were drunk or blindfolded, from the moment they came up with the idea. Maybe the writers also didn't know how to write a Valentine's Day episode.

Yet, they didn't place any women to have Max or Sam swoon over like any other cartoon would do? Nope. Those two stuck side by side, Sam got to spend time with Max in a dress, and Max got to suffer just like he always wants. Haha.

(All done!! What are your guys' thoughts? Am I just over thinking or do you think Sam tried pushing past their normal routine to see how Max would result in pretending to be a romantic couple for a little while? Even if it was for a stolen car, do you think their was any "romantic moments" between these two during the episode? Let me know and thank you for reading :) woohoo!!)