#also love how izzy is getting closer to all of them

[castieldelamancha]

no but i really love the suit plot, because it's funny, but also because through it you can see stede finally finding his self confidence, he has found his oomph

[izzyy-stuff]

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐃 - 𝐎𝐓𝟓

bf!txt x afab!reader

in which the txt members take care of you while you are on your period

wc 250-350 per member, 1.4k in total

warnings menstruation duh, cramps, established relationship, pet names, I try to not state which products are used most of the time but in Taehyun's reader uses pads

↪ izzy speaks... yes, I am on my period writing this and I hate it so I need myself someone like them

CHOI SOOBIN

he always tries to make your pain go away by staying close. You feel like just lying in bed because you're tired or in pain? cuddles. Your cramps are bad? He is your personal heater.

He will ALWAYS make sure you have everything you need

you need another blanket? It's already beside you. Craving your favorite snacks? He bought everything earlier that day.

When you first started dating he was PANICKING

Obviously, he knew menstruation was a thing but he never really needed to care until he got together with you

After the first time you got your period while staying over at his he started asking questions

How bad does it hurt? How often do you get it? What does ovulation have to do with anything?

And then he sat in silence the whole afternoon, just listening to your explanation and taking mental notes

“It's alright, Soobie. I am feeling a lot better now,” you assured him, watching him from the comfort of his bed. “Are you sure though? I can make you a cup of tea? Or maybe we can watch a film together?” He suggested, making you chuckle as you reached your hand to him. Your boyfriend smiled too, holding your hand as he stepped closer. “All I need is for you to lay beside me, yeah?” Soobin nodded, climbing onto the bed. His arms wrapped around your waist, his palm resting on your lower stomach. “I love you,” he whispered against the crouch of your neck, placing soft kisses in the same spot. Your lips curved into a smile again, your hand resting on his. “I love you too, Soob.”

CHOI YEONJUN

he definitely knows your cycle by heart

he even has the same app you use to keep track of your period on his phone so he is prepared

His bathroom is STACKED with all the products you could possibly want to use

even though he knows your preferences, he likes to have other opinions ready in case you ever change your mind and want to use something new

He also has a few pads/tampons in his bag in case you would need any when you two are out

does literally anything you ask him for

He WILL run to the store to get you your favorite ice cream if you run out of the one you had at home

He likes to stay home with you when your period starts. No matter if you two spend the day lying in bed, watching a movie while eating ice cream, or if you want to clean the whole house, whatever it is, he will stay by your side

“I am going to run to the store real quick, I’ll be right back,” Yeonjun smiled as you finished your lunch. “Oh, really?” You looked up at him immediately, and he could swear he saw sparks in your eyes. “Can you get me-” “Some chocolate and fruits? I am on it,” he interrupted you, nodding. “If you need any pills while I am gone they are in the bathroom, yeah?” He reminded you as if you hadn’t been in his bathroom, looking for the same pills many times before. “I know,” you smiled back at him, standing up from the dining table. “Thank you,” you whispered, walking over to him and placing a kiss on his cheek. “For everything.” His smile grew even wider, stealing a kiss from you when you stepped back again, his hand on your hips. “No need, darling.”

CHOI BEOMGYU

He definitely says something like "Well, you know, I could take it away from you for nine months" when your period starts just to tease you

but when he sees you glare at him, lying in your bed in pain, he shuts up immediately

“Okay, I am just going to shut up now and run you a bath, yeah?”

Continuously asks you if you are okay or need anything, to the point it gets annoying

But he simply means the best and just wants to make sure you are doing fine because no matter how much he teases you, he loves you

He always tries to make you laugh and make you think about different things

He always makes sure you have enough water to drink,

Extra: you definitely made him try the period pain simulator just so he could see what you go through every month and after that, he had never even tried to tease you about your period

You sat on a chair in your boyfriend’s bathroom, in your pajamas now, your eyes closed as you finally relaxed. “Are you feeling any better?” Beomgyu asked, drying your hair. “A lot,” you hummed with a nod. “Thank you, Beom.” 

He shook his head, turning the hair dryer in his hands off. “I didn’t do anything,” he disagreed. Sure, he had run you a bath and helped you wash your hair, but every boyfriend did that, right? “I am just glad the shower helped. Do you still want me to give you some painkillers?” You opened your eyes again with a nod, “Yes, please.” He smiled, nodding back. “I'll be right back then.”

KANG TAEHYUN

Man studied for this day

I feel like similarly to Yeonjun, he is always prepared and knows everything he needs in advance

feels no shame in buying you products and doesn't mind doing so every month

surprises you with your favorite food and flowers to bring up your mood

he normally cooks meals for you, but during your period he is extra careful not to miss a single meal, no matter how busy he is

If you are free, he always asks you to visit him at work so you don't have to be home alone

completely understands if you don't want to join him in the gym or do any sports in general during your period

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” you panicked, covering your head in embarrassment. How could you just forget you were supposed to get your period today? The gym was the worst possible place it could show up too. Your panties covered with blood, with no sign of any sanitary products in your local gym’s bathroom wasn't the ideal situation. “Love, are you okay?” You heard your boyfriend’s voice behind the door, your eyes widening. “No,” you admitted. “I got it. Oh god, how could I be so stupid and not notice?” 

“Come on, you are not stupid. I should have some pads in my bag, I’ll be right back, yeah?” You sighed in relief. You had an amazing boyfriend, you reminded yourself once again. 

It didn’t take much longer for him to come back, knocking on your door before he opened them slightly, passing you the pad with his fresh pair of boxers he had for after the gym through the gap. “Thank you,” you mumbled, embarrassed. No matter how many times you had gotten your period, it always somehow felt embarrassing. “No need to thank me. I’ll be waiting outside, we can go home and have your favorite meal, what do you think?”

Before you could answer him, you heard a female scream, kicking your boyfriend out of the bathroom. Right, this was the women’s toilet, you remembered, a chuckle escaping your lips. 

HUENING KAI

Since he has two sisters I hope no one is surprised he KNOWS what to do

He notices every shift in your behavior

every turn you make in your bed, every frown you make from the pain, every change in your eyes. He sees it all and always knows exactly what you need, often before even you do. Before you can register your sudden cravings, he is already bringing you the exact snack you had in mind

he always lets you wear his clothes, but especially when you are on your period

He knows you feel comfortable and calm in his things so once you are on your period he gives you every piece of garment he owns to make you feel exactly that: comfortable and calm

“I wish I could go through it instead, I hate seeing you in pain,” type of guy

Just like Soobin, he always keeps you close, being your personal heater

cuddles, cuddles, and cuddles

“Come here,” Kai encouraged you, moving his gaming chair back so you could sit on his lap more easily. You smiled, walking over to him. You wrapped your arms around his waist as you rested your head on his shoulder, closing your eyes.

He caressed your back while he waited for his game to load, placing kisses on your neck. “Did the painkillers work?” You hummed a quiet “Not yet,” taking a peek at him. “Should I tell Soobin I have to go?” Kai wondered, not bothering to hide the sadness in his voice. You knew he felt sorry for you, but there was not much he could do about your cramps. “It’s fine,” you shook your head. “Keep playing, I am comfortable like this.” Your boyfriend gave your neck one last peck before moving his chair forward again, doing his best to focus on the game on his screen. Still, he couldn’t help it and constantly glanced at you, making sure you were doing okay.

⋆✶ izzy's tags @beomiracles @seoulzie @adel222 @inkigayocamman @flowzel @love-be0m @virgo-and-libra @hwanghyunjinismybae ✶⋆ want to get notified? join taglist here!

[girlbossblackbeard]

THOUGHTS AND LAYERS

i spent literally an hour analyzing this trailer at 0.5 speed. this post is long af and these thoughts are in no particular order and are poorly organized:

-there's a big storm (which I think was already confirmed), and ed gets swept overboard by a bucket on a rope:

he then crawls up out of the water onto the beach

then goes into the forest, creates a hut, has a journey of healing and self-discovery, meets hornigold (or his ghost??)

and kills him thus killing the part of himself that he hated the most (his violence) as a parallel to stede finally getting rid of nigel's ghost by accepting and believing in himself

-in the stede/ed split screen, the stede shot is from the first ep of s2 right after stede finds the marooned crew at the end of ep 10 in s1 (you can tell bc his hair and clothes are still clean, there's no gay bandana around his neck, and that's his lil dinghy buttons is rowing)

-they go to shore and wind up at the merchants shop where "susan" overhears they're tracking down blackbeard

and she invites stede's crew onto her ship, cue the outfit change in the BTS photos:

-the way stede makes that little swishy turn in the red coat -

makes me think this may be first time he's been in fine clothes since his "death" and i hope we get a moment of him reflecting on how he gave up everything for ed only to have him hate him :( but then obviously realizing that ed is worth it and he'd do it all again in a heartbeat if it meant getting a chance at spending the rest of his life with him

-izzy and stede team up, and izzy is clearly training either himself or stede on the revenge (?)

soooooo many questions: what caused him to leave ed and join stede's crew? is he fighting with ed and is training to take him out or is he just done having his love be unrequited so he leaves and just so happens to stumble into stede? is izzy thinking that if he can't cut out the longing he has for ed he has to kill him instead so the pain will go away? what, pray tell, the fuck is going on in here on this day

-wee john in the mermaid costume (and olu in a bunny or donkey costume?):

a fuckery? or just a weird acid trip? OR IS IT THE TALENT SHOW THEY NEVER GOT TO HAVE??

-ed really does force everyone on his crew to wear war paint

-all the tally marks scratched into the walls - is that the number of days since stede bonnet broke ed's heart?

-ed in the forest in PEARL NECKLACE HELLOW????????

-the tear in ed's eye as he moves the cake toppers closer together which he also painted to make the lady look more like him he literlaly is in love wiht stede so bad wht the FUCJ

-ed's crew is murdering SO MANY PEOPLE at the wedding wtf (pic not included bc scary)

-delusional moment but i hope anne bonny on stede's lap is looking at calico jack off screen

-stede and ed are running towards each other on the black sand beach (thank you @sluterastede for pointing this out to me wtf!!!!!!)

which evolves my theory that ed in the forest goes through his healing journey and realizes he wants to openly love stede again but then the navy attack and stede just so happens to have found ed at the same time and they're fighting to get to each other and taking out everyone in their way (what if that was okracoke lmao)

-the swede and spanish jackie hooking up in the trailer

makes me think the bts shot of ed and jackie is them looking at stede and the swede, and ed being SO in love with stede obvi but jackie is watching the swede do some weirdly hot shit so she's gotta have him (what if they got married and he became her umpteenth husband in a drunken vegas-like shotgun wedding where she wakes up the next day to realize what has happened lmao)

-also this pic is DEF from the reunited/make up era bc ed's half-up hair, no makeup, soft eyes, and buttons' clothing. i am weeping

-stede in pain - is it an injury or a tattoo? or torture as @sluterastede posits?? he looks down at his lower body before screaming so maybe he knows what's about to happen to him??

-ed in the forest wearing the pearl necklace (see above), ed saying "fuck you stede bonnet" wearing the pearl necklace (see below)

does he pick it up at the wedding??? (theory credit to @sluterastede!!!! can u tell we watched the trailer together 400 times) i can't tell if he's wearing it in the one wide shot of him in that scene:

but regardless of when he acquires it, does he take it bc he remembers stede said he wears fine things well???? and he starts to believe he may deserve them??

-side note about a LACK of something: ed isn't wearing the cravat at all in the trailer near as i can tell, and he's not wearing the pearl necklace when throwing knives at the wall (at least from what I can see, which is not much) which leads me to believe that scene is in the earlier part of the season

-lastly, the most important song lyrics from the trailer (the beautiful ones by prince):

and that's my dissertation on the ofmd season 2 teaser trailer thank you

[bookshelfdreams]

Hey I like a lot of the takes you have regarding the pirate show so I wanted to ask for your opinion on smth that's been bothering me for a while:

I have a deep seated dislike for Hamilton. Twinkifying the fucking founding fathers, romanticizing slave abusers and overall villainizing the wrong people while others (Hamilton at the front naturally) gets sung at. Speaking of singing - I really hate it. Shipping (i want to repeat) the founding fathers, the blatant white washing bla bla bla. Anyway those are all known problems and better people have said it smarter before and that isn't really my point

It's the fact that a friend of mine recently brought up that Ofmd pretty much is the same and I shouldn't scream so loud in my glass house. Inaccurate historically speaking, the blatant ignoring of the slave owning that the real Stede and Edward did and so on and so forth. Minus the singing perhaps if we ignore Frenchies and Izzys

So. Does it make me a hypocrite to like ofmd so much but despise the mere mention of Hamilton? It's a thing I'm really stressed about lately and that kind of ruined my joy about finally getting season 2. I would love to hear your opinion. or that of your followers for that matter.

Thank you 😊

oh thank YOU because I do feel that this is an interesting thing to examine and we do not talk about it enough.

I have never seen Hamilton, or listened to the songs (except some snippets). I have never been involved in the fandom. I really, really can't speak to what the musical itself did wrong and right. But I will say this: There was a reason it got as popular and received the critical acclaim that it did. I can't speak to how it addresses the systemic injustice baked into the USA from the very beginning, and I do have a suspicion that it glosses over a lot of uncomfortable truths. But I also feel it is important that we divorce the source material from the fandom it spawns because ultimately, Miranda isn't responsible for Hatsune Miku Binder Jefferson, or the whole hivliving debacle.

Just as David Jenkins isn't responsible for the handwaving of slavery in fanworks, or the great Izzy Hands Debate, or whitewashing in fanart, or shitty, racist headcanons of the characters of colour, or whatever deranged scandal is yet to come to light. This is true for all fandoms; criticizing fandom dynamics is a very different conversation from criticizing the canon.

Let's focus on the canon here, though, because defending the fandom is pointless, and not something I want to do. Curate your experience.

The first thing to say is: If you like ofmd but don't like Hamilton, that's not hypocritical at all, that's first and foremost a matter of taste. Things are good when we like them and bad when we don't. We don't have to find objective reasons for it.

If the fact that the historical Stede Bonnet was a slaveowner, and the historical Blackbeard also participated in the slave trade, are dealbreakers for someone, that's valid. People have every right to be uncomfortable with that. The conversation could end at this point, if we want it to (I don't because I love to hear myself talk).

If we look at the historical figures a little closer the first stark difference is the cultural context in which they exist. The founding fathers seem to be extremely mythologized in the american consciousness but also, are understood to be real historical people. The founding myth is fundamental to the way in which the USA perceives itself (that is, as a beacon of freedom and democracy), and it's pretty hard to reconcile that with the bloodshed and human misery it was founded on. It's uncomfortable; and it's not just an American problem. Every western nation/former colonial power has quite literal corpses in their closets they'd rather not talk about (just so you don't think I'm getting on a high horse about the famed Erinnerungskultur here; go ask a german person about Lothar von Trotha and what he did to the Nama and Herero to receive a blank stare). The difference is, that the founding fathers are too prominent and too important to just not talk about, so instead, they are sanitized to a degree that can be straight up historical revisionism.

That's not Miranda's fault. Nor is it the fault of any one particular piece of historical fiction, biography, documentary, or what have you. But it is the context in which Hamilton exists and, from what I understand, a culture to which it contributes. Especially since it's based on a biography of the real Alexander Hamilton, and (again, to my understanding) claims to tell a more or less accurate story.

Pirates, on the other hand, are perceived completely differently. They are mythologized, but not for ideological reasons, not as state-building propaganda. Pirates are more like folk heroes; cultural icons (near) completely divorced from whatever historical figure once lived. They are "real" in the sense that they are based on real people, but engaging with them, from the start, has a layer of removal from reality that engaging with figures like the founding fathers hasn't. Blackbeard is from a saga. George Washington is from history.

ofmd, specifically, makes clear at every turn that what we are told is a fictional story that has very little to do with any real events. It's openly anachronistic, it has absurd internal logic. Life-threatening injuries are walked off. There's actual magic. Dinghies are treated like spawn points in a video game. Everything, from the costumes to the vernacular to the story beats, tells the audience that none of this is real.

You wouldn't accuse, idk, A Knight's Tale, or Mel Brooks's Men In Tights of whitewashing history. I feel like ofmd plays in a similar league; it's a comedy very vaguely based on history, and it makes sure the audience knows we are not about to be told anything true. If you watch ofmd, you know this isn't about the real, historical Stede Bonnet or Edward Teach.

So. Let's examine the actual story, yes? The story that is told here is anticolonialist, antiracist, and challenges oppressive power structures as much as is possible for a production like this. It addresses these things and condemns them, both explicitly and in its underlying message. (I'm not gonna explain all of this, enough ink has been spilled about it by people smarter than me)

I do not know what Hamilton is about at its core. I know Our Flag Means Death is about authenticity in the face of the whole world telling you there's something wrong with you. It's about resisting dehumanization and reclaiming your personhood. It's about love, in a radical, system-destroying way, about breaking the cycle of abuse, about healing, and finding joy.

Yes, the real historical figures it's based on were all horrible people. Again, if that's a dealbreaker, that's fine. I'm not trying to convince anyone who is deeply uncomfortable with that fact; it's perfectly understandable.

However, for me, personally, the story as a whole is so far removed from reality, and so firm in its message, that I feel this is forgivable.

(Oh, and a lat aside, I also feel like likening ofmd to Hamilton seldom seems to come from a place of genuine criticism. Often it seems to be more along the lines of "Hamilton is cringe, and if I say ofmd=Hamilton ppl will be too embarrassed to defend it" which yk. feels kinda disingenuous to me.)

[onetimetwotimesthreetimess]

Hi!

Alec breaking out "becoming the Consul" news to Magnus and Magnus's reaction to it. Also, some flirting and fluff surrounding it.

The first official task Alec fulfils as the new Consul of the Clave- In Exile is to ensure that everyone finds a place to sleep for the night.

Their world is currently burning, and tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that is going to be another crisis in itself.

But for now, they all need to rest.

Some of them shift into the New York Institute temporarily. Some shadowhunters have families across the world so they go there. Clary opens up a few portals for the ones remaining to move to other institutes.

So many of them are still left adrift and Clary alone cannot open this many portals. Alec sees the worry and exhaustion on her face and decides that this is it. They would need a few warlocks to get this process done.

But they don’t have anyone right now. What happened in Alicante, is still between the shadowhunters. The rest of the shadow world does not know yet.

Alec has decided that tomorrow morning, they will announce it to the world. And then the rest of the Downworld can decide which Clave they want to be a part of.

He knows, with a guarantee that would stand with him. The downworlders have decided not to be part of the council meeting because of the registry.

It’s not a question of who they will choose. But albeit, everything needs to be official.

As they wind down, even amidst the chaos, Alec had requested his siblings and friends to not inform Magnus about it.

Alec wants to be the one to tell him. He’s dying to witness the look on his face.

Izzy had whined because she already had a party planned at his loft. But she’d understood.

From tomorrow onwards, Alexander Gideon Lightwood will belong to the world.

Tonight, he just wants to be Magnus’s.

“Clary, you okay?” He asks her softly.

She smiles at him. “I am, boss man.”

He blushes, “Shut up.”

Clary peers at him and he sighs because he knows that she knows that he wants to ask something from her.

“What do you want?”

“A portal.”

“To the loft?”

He shakes his head. “No. Paris.”

Clary raises an eyebrow, “Why?”

“Can’t tell you.”

Her face changes, and a grin appears on it. In moments like this, he loves her like anything. She reminds him of his siblings. Of people he’d sworn to protect.

And people who annoy him more than anything.

“If you want a portal, you need to spill.”

“I hate you.”

“I’ll live,” she grins.

“Fine,” he accepts defeat because he needs that portal right now. He shifts closer to her and tells her everything. He’d assumed she would act cocky, but a gentle and soft smile appears on her face.

“You two deserve this,” she breathes and opens up a portal for him.

“Thank you,” he kisses her head and enters through the portal.

“Alec!!” She says loudly as he’s about to leave.

“Yeah?”

“Get that dick.”

Alec rolls his eyes and turns back.

He’s at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a small park situated in North-Eastern Paris.

They came here for an evening stroll last year. There’s no specific reason Alec chose this place. Just that it was in Paris.

There’s a whoosh behind him and he turns, and Magnus enters through a portal.

“Alexander?”

As easy as breathing, not even voluntarily, his face breaks into a smile as his eyes land on the man.

“Hi, baby.”

Magnus closes the distance and stands infront of him.

“Everything okay?” He asks. “Why did you call me here? Not that I mind a late-night picnic here. But how did the meeting go? You told me you will tell me all about it when you come home.”

Before he tells Magnus all of it, he needs something else. Alec throws his arms around Magnus’s neck and breathes him in.

The image of Cohort children with swords in their hands still haunt him. It’s been a terrible, terrible day and Alec needs to just feel Magnus for a few minutes.

“Sweetheart?” Magnus speaks softly against his neck but he wraps his arms around his back and pulls him closer.

Alec relaxes against his body and revels in the comfort.

The world might be going to shit but Alec’s world stands as perfect as always.

They pull back a few moments later and Magnus cups his cheeks. “Hi, my love.”

He smiles back. “Hey.”

“Is everything alright?” Magnus asks, raising his hand and brushing Alec’s hair with gentle fingers. “I can’t imagine everything went well today.”

“It didn’t.”

“How did it go?”

“You want the long version or the short version?”

Magnus replies sufferingly, “I cannot pretend to care about Clave politics so the short version.”

Alec chuckles softly, “The Clave broke-up.”

Magnus raises an eyebrow, “Broke up?”

“Yep.”

“Like the Backstreet Boys?”

He chuckles before nodding. “Sort of?”

“Explain.”

“You said you wanted the short version,” Alec replies, entwining his fingers with Magnus as they start walking next to each other.

“About boring political stuff. Not the clave breaking up,” Magnus yelps.

He briefs Magnus about what the Cohort, led by Zara Dearborn did.

“That’s awful,” Magnus’s voice sobers up and be clenches Alec’s hand in support.

“Hmmmm.”

“So half of the Clave is in-exile here. And the other half is there.”

“Yeah.”

“And there are two Consuls. And two governments ruling the shadowhunter now.”

He nods his head.

Magnus sighs dramatically, “So, twice the drama? The world has to deal with two Consuls now?”

A huge grin appears on his face, then. “Well, you would only have to deal with one. The exiled one.”

“Bold of you to assume I wouldn’t want to side with the Clave in Idris,” Magnus challenges.

Alec raises an eyebrow.

“Okay, fine. I would bleach my hair blonde before doing that.”

Alec pictures Magnus as a blonde and he wants to tell him that Magnus could pull off even that.

“So, tell me. Which new oppressive tyrant am I going to be dealing with for the next few years.”

“Oppressive tyrant?” Alec says with a mischievous smile on his face.

“Well, Jiya was fine and it was not unbearable to work with her. But you never know with shadowhunter,” Magnus says. He turns towards Alec and then adds, “Present company excluded.”

“It’s someone you know.”

“I know a lot of people,” Magnus says offhandedly.

“Someone you know very intimately,” he teases.

Magnus pauses. “Why does this feel like a trick question?”

It’s a new moon night so there’s absolute darkness everywhere. But standing next to Magnus, there’s always so much light.

Magnus twirls him around easily and Alec’s body moves into a circle as he giggles.

He can’t contain his happiness.

“It might be a trick question.”

“I knew it.”

“So, who is it?”

Before Alec tells him, he wants to tell him something else.

“You know it was here, in Paris, when I realised that we need to change the Clave.”

Magnus furrows his brows.

Alec shakes his head and fond memories flood his brain. “I was with Helen and Aline. During your whole cult fiasco.”

“Not my cult.”

“Sure.”

“Mean.”

“Anyways,” Alec breathes. “I realised then that the Clave needed to be changed from within. And then we couldn’t wait for someone else. It was us who was going to fix it.”

Magnus brings his arms around his waist and kisses his mouth softly. “And you are doing that. With the Alliance. And everything you do. And I am incredibly proud of you.”

A huge blush appears on his face. He cups Magnus’s cheek and sighs, “So much of it was because of you.”

“You could have done all of that without me,” Magnus assures.

The thing is that; maybe Alec would have. Maybe he would have been the man he was even without Magnus.

He’s just glad he doesn’t have to.

“I did it for everyone,” he exhales. “But especially for you.”

Magnus narrows his eyes at him. “What’s got you in this mood?”

Alec smiles. “I know your history with the clave and the consuls has not been easy. I just hope you have a good one with the new consul.”

“Can’t promise. Which brings me to my question again?,” Magnus asks. “Who is this new guy?”

He pulls back a little and lets out his hand. “Magnus Bane, High Warlock of Brooklyn, I wanted to introduce myself.”

A confused smile appears on Magnus’s face, knowing Alec is gearing up for theatrics.

“Please do, shadowhunter,” Magnus smirks. “Who are you and how do you know me?”

“Everyone knows you,” Alec replies before a confident smile appears on his face. “I’m Alexander Gideon Lightwood, new Consul of the Clave in-exile.”

Magnus pauses as the confusion on his face grows before it breaks into a huge wonder.

“Are you—“

“Yes,” he nods his head frantically.

“You’re the Consul.”

“I am,” he giggles.

“Alexander Gideon Lightwood,” Magnus shrieks as he pulls Alec’s body against his. “You brat.”

He throws his head back in laughter as Magnus kisses his face. Over and over and over again.

“I am so proud of you,” Magnus breathes a few minutes later, when they’re done dancing and kissing. “There is no else better suited for this.”

“I love you.”

Alec already has plans for a hundred new laws. He’s not naive enough to believe that all of them will see the light of the day. But there is one, that Alec would lay down his entire life for.

He’ll tell Magnus about it tomorrow.

“I love you, too,” Magnus kisses him but they’re both smiling so hard that it’s a little difficult to be able to kiss.

“I can’t wait to tell the kids.”

“They will be so happy.”

“They don’t even understand what it means,” Alec chuckles.

“And yet, they will be happy.”

“I am happy.”

“You are?” Magnus raises an eyebrow, still smiling, still wrapped up around Alec.

“Very much so.”

“I like you happy,” his boyfriend, and if he’s able to do what he wants to do tomorrow, his future husband replies and Alec closes the distance between the two.

Alexander Gideon Lightwood, Consul of the Clave sounds nice.

But Alexander Gideon Lightwood-Bane sounds better.

[mcbride]

Daryl Dixon Rewatch S1E02 - Alouette

what i loved the most about this ep was getting to know these kids, their way of living and surviving, and how that allowed us to take a look at Daryl's own stolen childhood. but first things first, Daryl's one track mind - his goal is to return home, in spite of everyone he has any kind of conversation with telling him home/family is who you're with now.

also sassy!Daryl is back full force, and that's one of the things i love the most about this show. some more thoughts after the jump...

it's ironic and hilarious, how Daryl was deemed the one, the messenger, to protect the new Messiah by Isabelle, and the dude keeps getting tricked, trapped, bested by old dudes and children and saved by a nun and some random kids. one thing is what the characters say and believe, and the other is what we are watching on screen. Daryl's not a hero, and the show is making that clear, IMO. not with words, but with action.

Father Daryl, plsss. the moment he is saying grace surrounded by a bunch of children is one of the most genuine Daryl moments in years. there's some kind of innocence and honesty we rarely see that gives us another look into who he is. slurping some good soup without a care in the world for one brief moment in time.

and then there's Mork and Mindy, and how Daryl smiles watching it with them kids, his own childhood feeling so close and far away, bringing up old memories, the only happy memories of his brother Merle while they were kids. it's beautiful.

the share a bed scene with Izzy no one asked for, but that is meant to show they getting to know each other, and i get it, the show is doing it to keep us wondering if something is gonna transpire, keep us interested and invested.

when Daryl says the kids can't miss something they never had (aka normal childhood), he is talking about his own childhood, and perhaps soooo much more he wished he got to live and experience. i will not mention Carol cause that seems wildly inappropriate, but there i mentioned her. she's his only link to who he was and who he is now. despite them never openly talking about their history, Carol knows Merle, knows where he comes from, the type of life he had, and they are connected through that pain of what life should have been like if they hadn't been hurt by people who were supposed to love them and protect them in the past. anywaysss, i just got way too deep.

Daryl's desperation to get to that radio and take him one step closer to getting home makes him do something he normally wouldn't: LIE!!

RJ, the asshole, is telling him all that matters is getting back home to his wife and kids, and Daryl be like "dude, same," but he gets uncharacteristically cruel when he tells him that there's no home to get back to, that everybody is gone, and i can't help but think that's Daryl's own fears talking.

"i'm better off on my own," he said. he was def not since the kids had to pull him out of that walker pit after he blew shit up, like he does. the funny part was when he gets up like an old man with bad knees. there goes that hero!Daryl image out the window once again. he's feeling his age lol

then Daryl does the most Daryl thing he's done since he got to France. he put down that walker!kid for Lou. that's who Daryl is. he cares about people, he will take the weight off of them and offer some comfort. he's not a hero, but he is a good guy with a good heart. he is a man of honor. Carol was right! and he apologizes for lying to Lou.

Laurent should have stayed with those kids at the preschool. he obviously didn't wanna leave, he made friends, and they could teach him everything he needs to know how to survive and live and be happy. but he is "special," or so his aunt says. imma say it again, if Laurent is to have a happy ending, this is exactly where he should end up at. s2 i'll be seated and waiting for you to deliver Carol and Daryl saving this kid together, and letting him live happily ever after with this group.

that final bonding moment between Daryl and Laurent is very moving. Daryl keeps telling him he is lucky to have people who love him and who will protect him, something he himself never had. this ep took one deep dive into Daryl's childhood while still giving us the Laurent origin story. WELL DONE, Zabel.

see y'all next week!!!!

50 days left until the premiere of THE BOOK OF CAROL!!!!!

[ladyluscinia]

Izzy, Bottles, and Apologies

Izzy's arc in S2 has been a wild ride.

The S1 Izzy enjoyers are feeling vindicated as hell, many people are fully revising their opinion of him, and the people still hating him have a new criticism or off the wall theory daily. David Jenkins LOVES Izzy and is having the time of his life trying to make sure everyone else does too. They had Con O'Neill sing in drag!

And naturally I have thoughts.

This is gonna be a two part post, I think. First, as much as people are celebrating Izzy having realized his arc and come into his own - from the singing to the apparent BlackBonnet shipping - there are some threads they could pull on that might reveal more arc to come. And I am really hoping they pull them, so I'm gonna tell you why you should too!

And second, I have some minor points I dislike and concerns that this might be the end of the arc. Which would be disappointing but I think I get why, so I'm gonna discuss that too.

To start...

---

"How are you handling all this so well?"

Here's the thing about S2 Izzy - while I need to be clear his behavior is not OOC or inconsistent with S1, it is happening rather fast. I'm pretty sure that has a lot to do with out of universe reasons I'll get into later, but in-universe it stands out. Now, he's hardly the only one operating on an accelerated schedule - the timeline for this season is an insanely fast not-even-two-weeks - but Izzy's defining struggle in S1 was fear of change. That was the cause of his friction with Edward, and what made him an antagonist in the first place.

In S2 he's gone through a lot of trauma, yes, but that fear is noticeably less present than I would expect.

Izzy in 2x06 has been cleaned up from his sobbing mess phase for just over 48 hours and he faces Edward with a joke, and then that night sings a moving French serenade to the crew. The next morning he's teasing them about finally hooking up and spends the day offering both Stede and Edward relationship advice.

He's a newly realized man... shedding repression and embracing who he could be. Accepting his breakup with Edward and trying to openly support the relationship that's better for him.

It's fun!

It's also, potentially, a bit of a flag. Maybe not a red one, not yet, but... pink-ish? A bit orange?

Let's look a little closer at those frayed edges.

---

"Well, you see, I have a system..."

There's an exchange from right at the start of the Pilot episode that has echoed through the entire series so far:

"Bottle it up?" -> "No, Frenchie! No, that's the worst thing you could do!"

Not talking to other people, not addressing your traumas... that's the kind of shit that just builds and builds inside you. When the cork eventually pops, the resulting damage can be a lot. Look at the finale of S1, where all of Stede's bottled up guilt and insecurities laid waste to his relationship with Edward, and then inadvertently became the first domino in the Kraken.

S2 is quick to bring this scene back into the forefront. The first time we see the Breakup Boat crew talking in 2x01, Frenchie reveals that "Bottle it up?" wasn't just a random comment he made, but a philosophy of his:

"Ah - well, you see, I have a system for dealing with all the terrible things I've seen. There's a box, in my mind, and I put the things in the box, I lock the box, and then I don't open it again. Works like a charm."

Apparently, Frenchie is the only one it actually seems to be working for.

Now, the show has been drawing some interesting lines between Frenchie and Izzy. From both serving as Blackbeard's First Mate to being frequently shown as a duo - tormenting Navy guys together on Sunday's raid, Frenchie holding Izzy's hand, Frenchie leaning on Izzy's leg in the cell, Frenchie behind him raising the flag in 2x05 - it's fitting that Izzy echoes Frenchie's preferred coping method. First he frames the non-acknowledgement of harm from Edward as just... part of piracy. He's a pirate, so he's fine with it.

And then we get Izzy's little whittled shark reveal and the conversation with Lucius about his leg:

"I don't know what you're talking about. Shark did this... dangling my legs over the side of the ship. Served me right, too."

Lucius calls him out on the unhealthy behavior, and Izzy concedes his point:

"O-kay, that seems healthy. Using a bit of fiction to help cover up your trauma." -> "Yeah, well... not moving on is worse. Twatty."

And to give him credit, he's right in his advice to Lucius. Filling his sketchbook with pages and pages of Blackbeard trauma is Lucius's form of bottling it up - thinking in endless recursive circles about his tumble off the ship and everything that followed. We already know chasing revenge instead of living is bad - Jim and Spanish Jackie established it last season, and Pete just echoed them. When Izzy advises Lucius to move on, that's what Lucius does.

But what Izzy is doing with the shark? That's not the same thing at all. He's lost a leg, grazed a bullet off his own head, and was snarling drunken accusations at himself in the mirror... he's not moving on from that. He's bottling it up with a nice dose of self-blame.

Cutting the legs off the unicorn for not doing it's job right and saying "served me right" about his fictional shark? There's a real dark knot of emotions there.

(Recall, too, that Edward deflected his hurt from Stede's abandonment into a "fictional character" during his chats with Lucius, and that delayed the explosion but couldn't stop it.)

So... Izzy's definitely coping with trauma in a way the show does not advise and often circles back to. Can we see any signs in 2x06 and 2x07?

---

The Weight of Things Unsaid

At the very start of 2x06, Izzy gets the thing he spent all of 2x05 mentally bracing himself to never hear - an apology from Edward for his leg. He walks up to initiate conversation and begins talking like nothing has changed. Edward is back in his leathers. Appropriate, given that his penance onesie was nothing genuine, just "how long do I have to wear this fucking thing for?" And Izzy is ready for them not to address the obvious hurt, to just smooth over a few jabs and go back to normal... but even Edward's mumbled little "Sorry about your leg" is so significant and difficult he flees as soon as he gets it out, leaving Izzy to sit, incredulous, with the acknowledgement.

It's still almost definitely not enough.

There was so much between them in 2x01 - 2x03. The writers literally did BlackHands love confessions on both sides. An apology from Edward Teach - a man who historically does not apologize - is a huge first step but still only the first step. The real things unsaid are so much bigger than a leg.

We get something else, too... Edward commenting on Izzy's drinking.

"Jesus. Really putting that away, aren't ya?"

Izzy has had booze a lot this season. He lost a leg and pain meds aren't really an option, so not surprising, but notable. Edward, advocating for substance abuse to deal with bad feelings, calls him a lightweight in 2x01. When they are found with the dead seabird in 2x03, Izzy takes a pointed drink from his bottle, and then 2x04 he spends the entire episode completely plastered. He seemingly sobered up for 2x05 - probably to focus on sword training and his whittling project - but now the bottle is back again before Izzy disappears for several hours.

And a little liquid courage might explain his going all in for the Calypso's Birthday performance.

I do appreciate that the performance on it's face is something completely unexpected for Izzy, but when thinking about it... it does make sense.

We already know music and performance were available on Blackbeard's ship even before Stede. Edward learned to play shanties on the piano somewhere, and singing is a common and encouraged part of sailing culture. Izzy's choice of song to perform is something a lot more emotional, but this is probably not his first performance for a crew.

Makeup, too, is in fashion for men and women at this time, and OFMD has shown it as such before. Izzy has never worn fashion makeup, or tried to be beautiful, but the concept wouldn't be alien to him. Wee John's description of a dramatic party look might even have intrigued him specifically because Izzy has actually done "looks" before - of the terrifying "theatre of fear" kind. The Kraken did have his whole crew in makeup for their raids. Taking the opportunity to embody something a bit more vulnerable and try to bring joy to this crew that took care of him is meaningful as fuck.

And it's still a drag performance!

It's a good pair of moments - before and after Ned. Proof that all this isn't just coping method - that's not what I'm arguing here - and even if Izzy's still bottling up a lot of feelings he's not doing the same full pressure bomb thing as he did in S1. There's been growth!

(This is why the flags are only pink-ish / orange-ish right now.)

Episode 2x07 though... I'm not so sure he's doing good as much as pretending it's all good.

Showing up to make his joke in the morning is a fun moment. I especially enjoy Edward's little "fuck off" with no bite to it 🤣🤣🤣 Reminder they do live together on a ship, so this is likely not even close to the first morning-after that Izzy has gotten front row seats to. But, at least to me, there's also a very performative feeling about it. Izzy being very Look how normal I can be about you fucking your boyfriend, Ed - and Edward picks up on it too. That's why he turns to Stede and whispers "He's jealous" as Izzy walks away.

Izzy continues to make jokes and give advice through the day to our main couple, but he's... subdued. I think his fake chill also disguises that he and Edward aren't on the same page about what they discuss at the docks, hence his poor advice to "listen to it" when the "it" in question is Edward's immediate desire to run away from Stede and become a fisherman. They are talking again, but haven't resumed communicating.

I also think it's relevant that Izzy goes to try and support Stede after Edward dumps him, because we're still waiting for Stede to stop bottling things up. He doesn't talk about Badminton or feelings of inadequacy or even the babiest little olive branch to Edward about "hey my dad kinda sucked too." Edward's two exes are sitting in the bar corner together, thinking about all the shit they won't talk to him about until it kills all three of them. Exciting!

The pressure is building. It has to circle back to Stede in S3. I'm hoping at the same time, it circles back to Izzy, too.

Hoping we get to explore some of his anxiety, and his internalizing negative self-image and blame. At the moment, I think Izzy might have less gotten over his anxieties and more just let go of the wheel of his life entirely, and fortunately had people around to steer him in okay directions. It would be really interesting to explore that more.

(Even if I have some concerns they may not.)

---

Subtle as a Cannonball to the Face

Izzy's character arc was always going to be a long journey - not because he was somehow morally worse than everyone else, or required particularly painstaking growth, or even because there was going to be some great need to "hold him accountable" for S1. No, it was going to be a long journey from an antagonist start for the same reason I mentioned earlier: Izzy's core struggle is fear of change.

OFMD opens with two protagonists recklessly pursuing change in ways that harm themselves, their relationships, and others, and a primary onscreen antagonist resisting change in a way that harms himself, his relationships, and others. There's no easy morality here - they all fuck up. And they all require the entire show to actually figure out the correct balance of change and growth and facing the past.

"I think the three of them are on an arc together that's pretty inseparable." - David Jenkins (Source, 9 Oct 2023)

So... why is there a chance that everything I've mentioned above is going absolutely nowhere and Izzy's arc has been wrapped up with a bow in S2?

Well.

It's late March 2022, the fandom's age is still only countable in weeks, I personally haven't even watched the pilot yet, had only even heard of the show 3 days before... and one of David Jenkins first post-finale statements is telling people to pay attention to Izzy's POV and his and Edward's love story on rewatches (Source, 25 Mar 2022), and then soon after comparing Stede to a homewrecker in Edward and Izzy's toxic marriage (Source, 15 Apr 2022). Lots of links because this stuff was available to the fandom from the start.

By the first half of May 2022 (while poor Mr. Jenkins is still anxiously trying to get his series renewed for S2, since the confirmation won't come until June 1) the takes on Izzy have soured a lot. It's not a "homophobic gay" joke anymore. Now it's "Izzy is the embodiment of colonialism who enforces a racist and homophobic ideal of Blackbeard on Edward" and "pretending Izzy could be canonically gay is homophobic" and "Izzy bought Edward as a slave from the British". Harassing anons have already started on tumblr. No first hand experience with Twitter but I've heard horror stories. These takes are spreading like wildfire through the fandom, with a heavy backing of white fans accepting and spreading anything that sounds vaguely racially-conscious as something they just missed in their privilege and need to listen to POC about. Or listen to other white fans that say they've been listening to POC.

The anchor hoist in 1x09 (that was a complete directing coincidence, as the crew confirmed in late May) is being taken as incontrovertible proof that Izzy is a violent racist, and the relatively small Izzy fandom pushing back against any of these reads is being likened to toxic fangirls declaring Kylo Ren a poor widdle victim because they think violent white guys are so hot their brains fall out. This is happening loudly and in the public forums of social media.

Can you imagine being David Jenkins right then?

This is one of your favorite little guys, who you wrote a silly little homoerotic pirate jealousy arc for. He's kinda cringefail and tends to be a dick, but you cast a guy who you think embodies him with so much sympathy and genuine emotion. You're so excited to explore his direct relationship to the main couple of your series even more. Unfortunately, you and a lot of the cast and crew are also engaging maybe a bit too much in fandom spaces, which very few of you have much familiarity with navigating as creators. AND there's still renewal stress!

If I were him, I too would consider that perhaps my intended Izzy arc was a bit too nuanced and drawn out, and maybe I needed to clear up some misconceptions as soon as I got the opportunity.

Enter S2.

MAX reduced the budget for the season significantly and it shows - particularly in the whole thing having to squeeze into 8 episodes - and I wouldn't be surprised at all if worries over a S3 renewal / S3 budget impacted S2 writing as well. Character arcs got pinched, goals had to be prioritized... and from the looks of the season, "make sure everyone knows Izzy is not a homophobic villain tormenting Edward as fast as possible" came out as a big goal.

I mean they open with a dream sequence that literally mocks the idea of a heroic Stede rescuing Edward from the dastardly Izzy. It's not subtle.

And the lack of subtlety is kind of what's concerning me.

Izzy's arc is (I think) leaving enough threads that they can extend it into S3 with the reveal he's not actually fine and done developing, but they also seem to want his S2 arc to end in a place where maybe he is. Lots of giant signs pointing to him and saying "Look! Everyone likes him!" or "Look! He's also gay!" at the expense of some of his cringefail or dickish charm. My guy had anxiety he dealt with poorly in S1, and I do think they are trying to frontload or adjust the arc so he's basically (or at least seemingly) over that before the next hiatus.

The best way I've seen it described is that the show no longer trusts the audience to pick up what they are putting down, and so they feel the need to really hammer it in. Not necessarily OOC, but definitely de-emphasizing any of his rough edges that were originally just written to not be any worse than the other characters.

This is why Izzy gets shot by Edward in the very first episode for a bunch of complicated reasons that are really good character work and not super hard to discern, but then later they have Izzy point out to Stede why he got shot twice. It's all very "look into the camera and say the themes", because to some degree they are afraid everyone is going to get easily convinced Edward shot him for calling him a namby-pamby that one time.

It makes me worried they are too afraid of misinterpretation to commit to the arc they originally conceived of, even with the finish line in sight in S3.

And, again, I get it, Mr. Jenkins. In October 2022 he made a funny quip and a boner joke on a tweet about Edward's blanket fort and the hordes descended to scream victoriously about how he was cutting down the Izzy stans for their racist infantilization crimes of thinking Izzy would *checks notes* help hold up a blanket. It's a very reasonable conclusion that this fandom cannot read and needs to be spoonfed Izzy's arc.

It just sucks that a toxic section of fandom's misinterpretations appear to have undercut a strong - and, honestly, not that complicated - character arc so much that S2's BlackBonnet arc can be about fuck ups and backsliding, but Izzy needs at least the illusion of having no flaws left come hiatus time.

[bookishjules]

wait i just realized that izzy won’t be anyone’s suggenes :(((( jace needs to do some charity work and pick her to be his

izzy is close to everyone in the gang (except maybe magnus) but everyone has someone they’re closer to :( she’s the heart of the group fr

gosh.. i mean it's one thing to not be any of her best friends'/siblings' suggenes, but the implication of that?? ouch :( like obviously simon is exempt from the "everyone has someone they're closer to" because she and clary are on pretty equal footing in that regard, but he's literally the one she'll be marrying. like.. gosh i wish i could reference my own fics without feeling conceited.. but basically there's this thought i've explored before about izzy comparing her marriage to what it must feel like to have a parabatai. just bc she's never had someone THAT close.

i think that's something (among many) that the show really didn't understand. having clary ask izzy to be her parabatai is kinda counterintuitive to izzy's whole role in the story. a character who acts as glue the way izzy's does isn't usually meant to be anyone's best friend. and it's important that the character whose needs she's sometimes the only one to put first is the one most commonly and repeatedly viewed as an outcast.

she really is placed so much at the center of their little gang. it's amazing how much her role in the narrative is defined by her heart. everyone else has demons and enemies and expectations, but izzy is positioned at the heart, battling it out with the things that make them human more than anything (in the shape of the narrative i mean). grief and forgiveness and anxiety and love. not that everyone else isn't dealing with these things, but they play out prominently for her, tying all the rest of the gang together with that heart ..i don't think i'm saying this right. but i really think i could write a whole essay on this topic and i don't want it to get to long-winded

(also as an aside, i do think izzy is close with magnus. i think there's an ease about the way they interact and talk about and to one another that implies that. they have some things in common that go beyond their mutual love for alec, and add that to mutual respect.. i mean she's definitely not at the top of the list for him, but there is something to be said about that bil/sil relationship imo)

[jqmalikhsgib]

quest

ten

feeling someone try and climb into the bed woke you up. you looked down and smiled when you see your shy boy. laughing you look down before picking him up gently.

“hi, baby. what are you doing up so early?”

he just cuddles you before trying to grab his fathers hand. aaron grunts as he gently opens his eyes and smiles.

it had been a few weeks since your first appointment at marriage counseling. the two of you have become a little bit stronger. you were both still trying to navigate your relationship.

aaron’s been more attentive. he’s also taken time off. letting derek and dave handle everything unless he was extremely needed.

“good morning, theo. how’s my boy?”

“papa, sleepy?”

aaron chuckles. “not too sleepy for you. hungry baby?”

theo nods.

“ill go make breakfast.” you were about to get outta bed before aaron stops you. “ill make breakfast. you and the kids relax.”

“aaron—”

aaron shakes his head. he kissed you gently before getting out of bed and heading downstairs. currently you were packing. finding a house big enough for your family.

you and aaron had money, sure. with aaron growing up wealthy his father left him, his mother, and his brother quite a lot of money. aaron’s grandparents did the exact same. leaving them to never have to worry about anything.

you on the other hand had just come from money. receiving everything that your father left behind. including the house back in texas. but he also had homes all around the world, including a home near quantico.

it’s already been paid off and it has nine bedrooms. big enough for everyone to have there own room and possibly even have more children, which is something aaron needed to discuss with you in the near future.

once aaron finished making breakfast he ran upstairs and smiles when he sees you cuddled up to all your children. he loved having his family back together. even more so having three new children the two of you created together.

his family

though he thinks a lot about the woman that’s missing, haley. she should be here. alive and well. she would have loved theo, izzy, and roe. so much so she would have offered to take them along with jack even if they weren’t hers biologically.

not because she didn’t think you couldn’t handle it. but to give you a little break to yourself. she would have given you pointers and you would have taken them. the two of you would probably be closer than before. bonding over the love you have for the children in your lives.

haley loved you so much. you were a huge part of jack’s life. she loved how much you loved her son. in fact the day she died she told aaron to find you. to not let jack lose two moms.

“daddy!” isabella yelled when she spots her dad in the doorway.

the rest of his family looks at him lovingly. he climbs into bed and kisses his kids.

“good morning. breakfast is ready.”

jack was the first one downstairs. he was very hungry. you and aaron laugh as you grab the triplets and head downstairs.

you all enjoyed breakfast together. laughing and giggling. the day was starting off perfect. what you didn’t know was aaron had made plans for you two. he wanted to take you out without the kids.

normally when you go out the kids are around. but he had called both jessica and jj to come and take care of your four children. hoping jj was free the whole day so jessica didn’t have to take care of four children alone, though she had stated plenty of times that she was more than happy to and was more than capable. he just didn’t want to overwhelm her.

with jj having two kids, and one more on the way, he thought having her around to help would be great for jessica.

“jack?”

“yea dad?”

“could you take your siblings to the play room while mom and i clean this up?”

jack nods. he grabs his siblings as he heads the the play area.

“what was that about?”

aaron holds your hand.

“just—we don’t ever get any alone time.”

you scoff playfully. “we have four children, aaron. hard to get that.”

“i know. but if we’re gonna do this, restart everything, we should probably have more time to ourselves, don’t you think?”

“what do you suggest?”

aaron smiles. he kisses the top of your head before he continues to the dishes. you eye him suspiciously.

“what are you up to mister hotchner?”

aaron smirks. “it’s a surprise misses hotchner.”

no matter how many times you hear it your heart skips a beat. being called misses hotchner has always made you feel giddy.

“fine, don’t tell me.”

he chuckles while you help him finish up the dishes.

that night, after a grocery store run, without the kids because aaron insisted they stay with him while you have a little break, when you got home it was quiet.

it made you nervous. you hadn’t been use to the silence in so long.

“aaron?”

when you got no word from him you immediately locked the door and called him.

“hotchner?”

“aaron, where are you?”

“go upstairs.”

you frowned. heading upstairs you walked into your shared bedroom and seen the most beautiful silver dress you had ever seen. you runs your fingers over it.

“do you like it?”

“aaron! it’s beautiful.”

“you better get dressed, angel. we got a date tonight. just you and i.”

“what about the kids?”

“jessica and jj are watching them while i take my lovely wife out on a date she deserves. we got two years to make up for. im gonna make up for it in one night.”

you giggle. “okay, big boy. don’t get ahead of yourself.”

aaron just chuckles. “get dressed and meet me at our favorite spot. you still remember don’t you?”

“of course.”

“see you soon, misses hotchner.”

the line soon goes dead. you squeal like a teenager finally going on her first date with the guy she’s been crushing on for years before getting ready.

when you arrived at your favorite restaurant, the same one aaron proposed, you saw eyes on you. granted you looked like a movie star, you were still very shy.

when aaron sees you he couldn’t keep his eyes off. it was like your first date all over again.

“wow.”

“is it too much?”

aaron shakes his head. “absolutely not. you look breathtaking. everything about you is just—im one lucky man, huh?”

“im one lucky woman. look at you. the glasses are—”

“yeah? this doing it for you?” he laughs.

“absolutely.”

the two of you sit across from each other. aaron had already ordered a bottle of wine.

“i figured white wine would do. unless you want red, darling.”

you shook your head. “this is just fine. thank you.”

the two of you continue to have conversation. talking about the kids and the big move. aaron even discussed work. how a lot of cases were hard but others he took home with him. you listened intensely. once the two of you ordered he begins talking about the time you were gone.

it upset you at how much you missed. in aaron’s life and in jacks. but he kept letting you know that it was passed. the two of you should focus on the new beginnings of your lives and still be able to enjoy the stories you get to tell each other when being apart

when your food arrived you continued to catch up. it was like a new start. it felt good to talk to aaron again. not that you haven’t since being back. but it was always someone around. rather that be your therapist or your children. now you get alone time to just chat.

“how was the team? during everything?”

“they were tip-toying around me. trying to tread lightly. making sure i didn’t get upset or triggered.”

“im sorry you had to go through that. i should have—”

“hey, stop! remember.”

you hummed. “i know. just feel guilty.”

“well you shouldn’t. we both made mistakes. we talk about it every week. no need to talk about it here, with each other. we’re okay.” aaron smiles as he grabs your hand gently. he kisses the back of it to get you to smile gently.

aaron has always been affectionate. but recently it was different. though he kiss you on the cheek, forehead, behind your ear or hand the two of you never actually kissed each other on the mouth.

you weren’t in any rush. but you felt like he was hiding something. you weren’t a profiler but you knew your husband. you were giving him time to completely open up to you. hopefully he would eventually.

when you both hear his phone ring he frowns. he was still using his vacation time. when he sees it’s jj he panics a little.

“jj? are the kids okay?”

this made your heart beat. hoping that your children were safe. aaron’s usual scowl back in tune.

“yes, i understand. ill be right there.” he ended the call and sighs.

“im so sorry, yn. it’s a case involving a boy. he’s a little bit older than jack. i gotta—”

your heart broke just hearing that. you couldn’t imagine what the parents were going through. if something happened to jack or any of your babies you don’t think you’d be able to handle it.

“no, don’t apologize. go!”

“thank you.” he kisses the top of your head. he goes to pay the bill before you head out yourself. suddenly needing to just hug and kiss your babies.

sorry ive been gone for a little while. dealing with family drama kinda sucks the soul out of writing! but im back with a new part

yes i changed the title again. wasn’t really feeling like doing the whole song title anymore

please let me know if you wanna be added or unadded to any of my stories taglist!

taglist:

@ivebeenthearchersstuff @shergoretzxx @slut4ethan @rosiehale23 @madesavage05 @whotfskai @vodkori @zaddyhotch @14buddy22

[sarucane]

The Fuckery's the Thing: Finding truth through lies in "The Art of Fuckery"

In OFMD 1x6, fuckery rules supreme. And like it says in Hamlet: "The play's the thing wherein I'll catch the conscience of the king." Prince Hamlet used the fiction of a play to force truth to the surface of its audience, but then they were all destroyed by unintended consequences. In this episode of OFMD, every falsehood leads to a truth, and just about every choice has unintended consequences. But they don't lead to doom. They lead to hope.

From the first few scenes of the episode, we get at truth through lies. Izzy has a voiceover about how he's concerned that Ed is straying from the "right path," but it's plain from the visuals and tone that Izzy's jealous of Ed's feelings for Stede. And in the first scenes with Ed and Stede, the truth lingers right below the surface of falsehoods and excuses.

Ed tells Stede "stab me," but c'mon, he clearly wants to say "fuck me." Izzy listens to Ed and Stede removing the sword, and thinks they're actually having sex. They are also both clearly romantically interested in each other. There's a story--that they're teaching each other stuff, that Ed is planning to kill Stede--and then there's the truth: they like each other.

And when Ed tells the story of the kraken, he's using fiction to hide from his trauma. Using a lie to tell a truth he's never told anyone. Getting closer than ever to real vulnerability, just like he did when he told Stede "stab me."

Because Ed gets vulnerable-but-hidden telling the story, Stede prods him to show them a fuckery. Because of the fuckery, Lucius gets bitten. Because Lucius gets bitten, he winds up delirious and cuts off his finger during Stede's fuckery. Because Lucius attracts attention at a key moment, Ed doesn't stab Stede. The unintended consequences circle round, like a snake eating its own tail.

And Ed's tale of the kraken is far from the only story hiding a real truth behind a lie.

Izzy's intervention is presented as being for Ed's own good. Izzy's just making Ed follow his own rules. Making Ed be strong, when he's becoming weak.

But it's not really about Ed. Fang demonstrates very definitely in the background that death doesn't end love or weakness.

This is about Izzy, and about how Izzy needs Blackbeard.

Izzy's own determination to see Stede dead has unintended consequences. He thinks he's trapping Stede when he sets up the fuckery. Thinks he's driving Stede to his own death when he tells him a story about how Ed "adores" him, and how Stede should "perform like it's your last night on earth." He's using truths to tell lies. But Izzy doesn't know what he's messing with. He doesn't know Ed, or Stede, as well as he thinks. And he gives Stede an idea that's going to change all their lives forever.

Because Izzy inspires Stede to see a way he'll connect with Ed, Stede then goes to the crew. And through the prism of Stede Bonnet's beautiful ridiculousness, Ed's solo idea of "fuckery" (a performance that was all about making him into a kraken, into a monster, where everyone else was a supporting character), becomes something done by "a company." It changes from order that looks like chaos to just straight-up chaos, with people doing whatever they think is scary complete with disappearing wigs and unplanned amputations. A fuckery changes from something that isolated and separated Ed into something that connects the whole crew.

And then there's the kraken. In Hamlet, a 'real' murder is re-enacted in a play to stir the guilt of the murderer. In OFMD, a 'real' murderer is brought to mythical life, and breaks open the lie of a murder.

All Ed's truth spills out. The thing he said was "the scariest thing he's ever seen"? It was himself.

His reputation is built on a story of murder and madness. But the truth is, he's not a bloodthirsty killer. He's never killed a man with his own hands since his father.

But this is also a story. There's still truths under this: Ed doesn't tell Stede that he became the 'kraken' to protect his mother. He did something terrible to do something good. It's all a mess of goodness and badness. It's easier to tell a story about how "I'm bad" than about how "good and bad don't actually make sense."

And that story Ed's told about how he's not a good person nearly led him somewhere very, very dark. Because Ed wasn't about to commit his second bare-handed murder to protect anyone. He was going to kill someone who was, at that very moment, trying to make something nice for Ed (like how a wife would make her husband a meal). Someone who was weaker than him, and unable to defend themselves (like his mother against his father).

When Ed sees the kraken and panics, he's shown gasping for air. And it's intercut with his father choking. Then Ed drops to his knees, and remembers how his father fell to his knees.

From someone defying the masculine order of the strong over the weak, to someone enforcing it. From killing someone he loved for a fundamentally altruistic reason, to killing someone he loved because those are the rules.

Facing the truth of the darkness you're capable of is scary as hell. That Ed is the one who killed his dad, that Ed could have killed Stede, And Ed gets caught up in a story about how terrible he is.

But Stede--even though he only knows half of what happened with Ed's Dad--knows that the story Ed's telling is wrong. So he offers Ed something true.

And then Stede tells a story, where they could pretend that Ed never really planned to murder Stede. It's a cheat, a way for Ed to avoid dealing with his darkness. Stede has barely begun to deal with his own daddy issues, and what he wants above all right now is for Ed to be ok, and for Ed to know Stede doesn't think less of him.

Some truths are so big that they can only be dealt with one piece at a time. So Ed and Stede agree to tell this story together. A true story, that they can use to find the an even deeper truth.

Then Ed's falsehoods come home to roost. He started this relationship with Stede by telling Stede one thing, and Izzy another contradictory thing. Both couldn't be true. One is going to be a lie, and the fact of that lie will have unintended consequences.

Izzy, knowing his story has turned into a lie, sets out to fix it. To make the lie true. "Blackbeard" must kill Stede Bonnet, because Stede Bonnet makes Ed weak. So if Ed won't do it, Izzy will.

And Ed doesn't have the courage to stop him, to move outside his old stories and intervene when Izzy stabs Stede just a few feet away from him. He and Stede hadn't told the kind of story that would give Ed room to step in here. And Ed isn't yet strong enough to stand up for Stede against the rules of a violent world.

So Ed clings to the lie--that Izzy's taken this out of his hands--and looks away. And in the end, maybe it's because Ed doesn't really know what to do. How to take sides in a fight like this, again, between two people he cares about, one strong and one weak.

Except that Stede isn't helpless like Ed's mum was. And this isn't all in Izzy's hands. Stede's not as dumb as he seems, and he thinks in ways that no one could anticipate. And Ed's vulnerability, the lies he told earlier to get at a truth, have their own unintended consequences.

Ed wanted to get closer to Stede. So, Ed showed him how to get stabbed but "miss the important bits." So, Stede is able to survive Izzy's duel and stay close to Ed.

The last scenes make for a messy ending. Stede's still pinned to the mast in the final scenes, Ed's sort of vanished, and Izzy's off to be the Caribbean's worst not-ex.

But there's more truth on the Revenge than lies, now. More feeling than falsehood. Stronger bonds than ever before--and a chance at even more.

[dragon-kazansky]

Spirit of the sea

Izzy Hands x Reader (GN)

SEASON 2 CONTENT AHEAD!!!

Blackbeard rules the sea. Despite wanting his captain back, Izzy realises his mistake. Protecting the crew is his concern. Protecting you is his life mission. Stede's return brings hope, but there's a lot of work to be done before this crew becomes a family.

{Masterlist}

{Previous Chapter} - {Next Chapter}

Warnings: Spoilers. Ed catches one fish one time. Stede is the shit. Also, the sea is on fire. Sorry Zheng.

Chapter Sixteen - Sea on fire

♡♡♡

You wake up in the morning with a smile. The memories of last night come rushing back to you immediately. You've never been serenaded before. You could almost still hear him singing to you now.

Izzy wasn't in bed, you noticed. His hear was gone, so he was well and truly up and at it already. You chuckle softly as you glance at the sparrow and the unicorn on the table.

A familiar thud echoes down the hall and your eyes are drawn to the door where Izzy appears. He leans against the door frame with a smile on his face.

"Morning, sleeping beauty," he says, his eyes shining with love and amusement.

"Good morning."

He grins and looks you up and down. "We weren't the only ones who had fun last night."

You chuckle. "Oh? Weren't they taking it slow or something?"

"Think last night got to them."

Right. Stede and forced Ned off the plank. He was long gone now.

"Come on, get up. We're at the Republic of Pirates." Izzy tosses your shirt over to you. You smile as it lands on the bed.

"No lipstick today?" You ask.

"Fuck off," he says softly, smiling as leave the room.

He can hear you laughing as he goes.

♡♡♡

You and Izzy walk together. The crew had a little time to themselves for now. Everyone was bound to end up at Jackie's later.

As you walk, you look at the ring Izzy had given you. It hung around your neck like it had done on Izzy all those years. It glittered under the sun.

Izzy walked quietly beside you. You made sure to go at his pace as with his leg he couldn't move quickly easily. He seemed content to stroll.

You eventually find yourselves down on the beach. It's quiet. Everyone else is in town. Izzy follows you down the bank, eyes looking out at sea. You smile softly.

"What?" He asks, having seen you in the corner of his eye.

"Nothing. Just... you and the sea go together, ya know?"

He turns his head to look at you.

"You belong out there on it," you say, smiling softly.

"Do I?"

"Course you do." You walk closer to him and take his hand.

"And you? Where do you belong?"

Your smile seems to get brighter, if that were possible. Izzy is almost mesmerized by the sight. You're so beautiful, and so... you. He loves that. He loves you.

"I belong right here beside you. No matter where you go, I will follow. I'm never having you again."

Izzy smiles. His eyes seem to sparkle. He is so open with you. "I'm never leaving you again either."

Izzy leans in to kiss you, but you smile mischievously and push away from him. He looks at you confused before realising what you're doing.

You stand there with your sword drawn.

"Duel me."

He laughs. "What?"

"Come on, like old times. Duel me."

He looks at the way you're standing, prepared for a fight. You're keeping him on his toes... so to speak.

Izzy draws his sword. "You asked for it."

You grin as he swings. You block. Izzy only holds back enough for it to not be lethal. He is, after all, an expert swordsman. He's still strong. You manage to hold him off.

Izzy appreciates your footwork. He taught you a lot about using a sword. He taught you how to survive. It pleases his heart to know you took his lessons seriously.

It's just the two of you alone outside on the beach. Not another soul to witness the two pirates practising down on the beach. You manage to keep up with Izzy really well. In the blink of an eye you manage to disarm him and get up behind him, wrapping an arm around him and holding him close. You keep your sword pointing away, not wanting to actually hurt him

"I win."

Izzy pants, turning his head to look up at you. "Yeah. I suppose you did."

You let go of Izzy and watch him as he steps away. He looks at his sword in the sand. A look overcomes him.

"What is it?" You ask softly.

"Nothin'."

Izzy places a hand over his thigh on his bad leg. You see his fingers twitch.

"Izzy?"

"I'm losing my touch."

You frown. You walk over to Izzy's sword and pick it up for him. Turning, you look at his face. "No you're not. You're still the best pirate I've ever had the privilege to meet."

"You're just saying that because I'm sweet on you."

"Shut up, Izzy. You know that's not true. You're one of the greatest men on the planet. It has been an honour to sail with you all these years. And even bigger privilege to be the keeper of your heart. I love you, silly fool."

Izzy looks at you with such a tender gaze.

"What would I do without you?" He asks.

"You'd probably be a bit lonely." You hand him back his sword. He takes it from your hand allowing his fingers to brush against yours.

"I love you."

You smile. "I know. I love you too."

You lean forward and give Izzy a soft kiss. He seems to melt under your touch, chasing your lips when you go to pull away. You let him draw close again and kiss him once more. His hands settle on your waist.

"Shall we get ourselves a drink?" You ask.

"Yeah, why not. Bet the crew already are."

You chuckle and take his hand. Both of you slowly make your way back up the bank heading back into town. No doubt everyone was at Spanish Jackie's by now.

As you pass through the docks you both spot Ed. Izzy brings you to a stop.

"You go on ahead, I'm gonna talk to him."

You nod, kissing his cheek softly before letting go of his hand. You give Ed a little wave as you walk past and carry on going.

♡♡♡

In Spanish Jackie's you find the crew all in there. The Swede is working the bar. It seems like the news of Ned Low got around quick. The crew were being celebrated.

You walk past Stede who seems to have a few fans gathered. He's telling them some tales. On the other side of the room Lucius and Wee John. You walk over to them.

"Having fun?" You ask, smiling at them.

"Isn't this totally crazy?" Lucius asks.

You chuckle. "Kind of. I never expected this crew to get so... popular."

Lucius smiles. "It feels weird."

"Stede seems to be enjoying himself," you point out, looking over at where the captain was.

"Yeah. People know his name now."

You wonder if this sudden popularity of Stede has anything to do with Ed sitting outside by himself. You hope Izzy might be able to enlighten you later.

♡♡♡

""Having a think, are ya?" Izzy asks, approaching Ed.

"Ya know what I did this mornin'? Bright and early?" Ed asks Izzy, watching the fishermen.

"Made your boyfriend blush." Izzy smiles. "Ya threw away your leathers, I saw ya."

"'Course ya did."

"How'd it feel?"

"Fucking great," Ed says softly.

"Maybe you should listen to it." Izzy tells him.

It was clear Edward had been doing a lot of thinking. Izzy could read it in Ed. Izzy knew he would leap at the chance to do anything, as long as he had you by his side. So, why shouldn't Ed do the same for Stede?

As long as they were happy.

♡♡♡

Izzy enters the bar and scans the area for you. He finds you sat with Lucius, laughing. He smiles as he watches you. Just seeing you made him feel lighter than ever.

The familiar tap of his wooden leg on the ground brought your attention to him. You smile as he draws near. Izzy places a hand on your shoulder and walks past you. You chuckle softly to yourself knowing he wants to sit in the back away from most prying eyes.

Lucius smiles at you as you leave the table, following after your man.

You slide into the booth next to Izzy and smile softly. He watches you, a smile of his own upon his lips. He loved looking at you.

"Well?" You ask.

"I think Ed is having some thoughts."

"Oh. Shit. Izzy, you didn't feed him some bullshit that's gonna have him run off again, did you?"

"If he runs off, that was unintentional. I told he should probably listen to his feelings."

"Oh, Izzy. Have you met Edward? Is that a good idea? He panics when it comes to his own feelings. We've literally seen it before."

Izzy reaches out and takes your hand.

"Maybe..."

You sigh and lean over, resting your head on his shoulder. "You're not going to leave me, are you?"

"Fuck no. That's a promise, love."

♡♡♡

Night draws in. You and Izzy had been say in the bar for a while now. The crew were still having a great time. The number of times you had made Izzy laugh in the last hour alone was honestly the best feeling ever.

You laugh as you watch Frankie walk past sith planks in his hand, trying to sell them as merchandise. Izzy chuckles.

Pete and Lucius are selling "autographs" from Stede. Wee John is doing tattoos of Stede's face.

Stede had returned to the tavern alone, you had noticed. He had taken to sitting in the corner with his new friends, telling them more stories.

Izzy pats your knee as he gets up and makes his way over to talk to him.

You sip your drink quietly.

You watch from your table. Izzy talks to Stede quietly. It seems like Ed did leave. It seems like one of them always leaves the other.

You can't imagine ever leaving Izzy again.

At one point Izzy glances over at you. You smile at him, but can't help wondering what he's saying. Stede just nods beside him.

Izzy sits down beside Stede. They look at each other. A look of understanding.

You watch them a little longer.

Izzy looks up and turns back to you. He waves you over with a swift gesture of his hand. You get up and walk across the bar, joining them at their table.

"It's about seeing what's good for you," Izzy says. He's looking right at you. You look at him confused, not understanding what he meant by that, but your heart flutters pleasantly in your chest.

Stede just smiles.

Izzy then turns to Stede. "Let's get you back on the ship. You need it. Besides, you stay here much longer, you're gonna end up on the wrong end of a sword."

Voices at the bar draw Stede's attention over there. Zheng is with Olu talking to Jim and Archie.

"What's she doing here?"

"She's recruited half the island." Izzy tells him.

"She better back off my guys," Stede says, frowning heavily.

Stede gets up and makes his way to the bar, clearly unhappy with Zheng. You shrink down in your seat. "Shit."

"Oh, I see. We're all friendly now. Zheng, last we saw each other, you were trying kill everyone."

"Hi, Stede." She greets him politely. "Congrats on the Ned Low thing, that's big for you."

"Leave my crew alone."

"Are you sure they're yours?" She asks him.

"They are. We've been through hell together."

Olu tries to explain, but Stede gets the message. Olu wanted to go.

"You're gonna stab me in the back right in front of me? For her? I took her whole crew down with chamomile tea!"

"Let's not do this here," Zheng pleads softly.

"Do what? We're just talking, aren't we? Unless, you had something else in mind." Stede puts his hand on his sword.

"Shit," you whisper.

"I'm going to pretend you didn't just touch your sword."

"Should I pretend you're not pushing my crew?" Stede asks.

Izzy leaves your side to go stand by Stede. You quickly get out of your seat to join him. This is going to end badly if Stede didn't stop soon.

"It's not poaching if they wanna leave," she tells him. "Maybe go spend some time with your serial killer boyfriend. Or did he already leave you again?"

Stede steps forward. "Who told ya that?"

"Oh, shit, really? That was a lucky shot, but, yeah, figures."

Steak Knife steps in front of Stede.

"That was really mean."

"I'd back up." Zheng tells him.

"Now, I'll be mean."

"Okie-dokie." Zheng manages to take Steak Knife out with a very quick manoeuvre using only her hands.

You were impressed. Queen's got moves.

Stede draws his sword.

"Draw."

"Oh, Bonnet, no." Izzy sighs. This is what he was trying to avoid happening.

Zheng draws her sword work a wicked flourish. "I'll make this quick."

"You're gonna die quickly, are you?" Stede asks.

He swings, but Zheng manages to step on his sword. She hit him with the flat edge of her sword. "You fight like a towel boy."

He frees his sword from under her boot and swings again. Everyone backs up as the two fight it out, Stede backing himself into a table. Zheng stands over him with her sword pointed at his neck.

"I've killed mediocre men. I've killed exceptional men. But you're the worst kind: a mediocre man who thinks he's exceptional." She tells him.

"Thing about being mediocre, no one sees you coming." He throws a bottle at her, but Zheng ducks. It hits someone else instead.

Now he's done it.

The whole bar breaks out into a fight. You stand there with a hand over your eyes as Izzy throws a chair at someone who dared put their hands on him.

Jackie comes down furious. "Take this shit outside!"

Zheng takes it outside. She kicks Stede, getting him down onto the ground.

"Stay down Stede," Pete says.

"Stede, please don't get up." Zheng says to him. "Say mercy and this all ends."

"Just do it," Olu pleads.

"Sat it, Stede."

"Merci... beaucoup." Stede tries to throw some dirt at her, but misses.

You groan. Izzy leans on you for support as he watches this unfold.

Zheng picks up a plank that had been propped up behind Stede. She starts hitting him with it. "Is this how you plank someone, Stede? Am I doing it right?"

Stede is on the ground with nowhere else to go.

"Well, actually." He stands up. Zheng hits him in the head with it. He falls back down.

"Fucking hell," Pete mutters.

You're finding it very hard to keep watching. Izzy's hand slips into yours.

"Now the plank walks you!" Zheng says, holding it over her head.

Everything that happened in the next few seconds was unexpected. You would never had predicted any of it happening.

Just as Zheng was about to hit Stede again the sea lit up in flames. Zheng's fleet had been sitting in the water just opposite where you all were. Each and every one of those shops exploded before your eyes, lighting the water up.

Canons fired in the distance.

Izzy instinctively grabbed you, pulling you away along with the crew as the town was shot at. You grab onto him tight and flee back the way you all came from.

Stede scurried away as Zheng was left to watch her empire burn.

The Republic of Pirates was under threat.

♡♡♡

@grippleback-galaxy - @askmarinaandothers - @godlikegallagher - @for-fuck-sake-im-alive - @whiskeyswriting - @lxsm2 - @bloody-bunni666 - @the-chocoholic-writer - @bugbugboy - @callmemana - @the-shenny-of-azkaban - @cool-ontherun-world - @outer-space-beech - @ahewi24 - @grace585 - @innertimemachinegirl - @dmitrytherat - @emilynissangtr - @fruitymoonbeams-blog -

[meanbossart]

I love Izzy so much, I feel for him tremendously.

Can you tell us something about his future relationship, whatever it might be, with Grodderick? Or is it under wraps for spoilers? 👀

Sure! The details of their relationship are never relevant to the plot, it's more of a background thing that changes some very minor character interactions in ways I doubt one can predict by simply learning about it - I'll still leave it under a cut for anyone who wants to avoid it. I'll also skip certain story beats which allow their relationship to happen in the first place that are most definitely spoilers, and only talk about the actual dynamic between them and post-ANE events, so if details feel amiss, that's because they are.

So it's probably obvious that they're meant to develop a romantic relationship lol this happens after Grodderick gets somewhat "stuck" with Izzy around through certain circumstances. Izzantar, in his predicament, happens to be far more comfortable around him than anyone else because of his predisposition to feel safe around "slave" races. Now, that's obviously not a great start to any relationship, romantic or otherwise lol but it is what it is.

They grow a little closer through Grodderick's endless patience and sincere curiosity about a culture he isn't familiar with. Izzantar, despite his experiences, considers the underdark his home, he can only properly conceptualize of surface customs by comparing them to his own culture, and Grodderick is the only one willing to hear it without judgement - with the eventual wisecrack or pushback. But the way he does it is one Izzantar comfortable with.

Likewise Izzantar would probably defy Grod's own generalized negativity around the orc-ish side of his culture (and frankly be positively shocked it has any merit at all). It's a funny little game of "no, YOU have internalized hate" they keep playing between themselves by accident.

Another major point here is that Grodderick is a) the only person who sees Izzantar as an adult and b) someone who immediately recognizes him as someone with an anxiety disorder. With time he would help Izzy to calm the fuck down and not always assume the worse out of people. His company also allows Izzantar to feel more at ease in public settings in the surface as a drow, and Izzy's brazen company and completely unfiltered perspective is a breath of fresh air to Grodderick. He thinks he's funny, he recognizes and participates in his dry humor, he doesn't offend easy, and he's the furthest thing from a drow. This makes him an apt friend choice and later a romantic interest. Being hot and having cool tats helps LOL

Also they both like to partake in a little devil🌿 which is likely how their first meaningful interaction ever happens (Izzantar sees him smoking and is like "oh boy I could really fucking use some of that right now")

They probably starting fucking kind of casually. It's entirely on Izzantar to pursue him since Grodderick isn't interested in feeding a drow's ego, which is a funny interaction of its own where Izzantar just blows up frustrated that he won't make the first move, since he's used to being a very passive partner. Something along the lines of "WHY DON'T YOU WANT TO FUCK ME" probably comes out his mouth verbatim LOL they get over this non-misunderstanding quickly and Izzantar is just happy to have sex in a way that's completely the opposite of what's expected of him in the Underdark as a popular breeder. Obviously he also finds Grodderick profoundly attractive both for his confidence, smarts, appearance, and frankly his imposing presence because he's not immune to a little bad-boy charm.

I think they catch feelings around the same time as one another, and proceed to get on a long-term relationship.

Izzantar (this is post ANE and never mentioned) eventually sets shop somewhere as a jeweler. He gets a lot of business based on the fact that he's a drow and knowingly plays up the part of someone who's mystically more knowledgeable and skilled about precious stones and minerals than most because of his race (on top of his genuine talent). His bad attitude is also hysterically seen as charming drow bedside-manner and indicative of the quality of his work to wealthy clients.

He lets his hair grow out and for semi-plot-related-reasons starts passing as a female drow (also, he just likes it) Grodderick doesn't care either way. At that point they're living together and get a cat that Izzantar names Angkacha. To his despair, Grodderick nickanames it Chacha and it sticks. Izzy wants the cat to be a vicious killing machine but whenever he casts animal speak on it the cat's just like OOOO MAMA ME LOVE MAMA and he hates it (but not really, he would kill for this cat)

aaaand here's some old doodles of him from that point of his life! The last two have been uh cropped for uh reasons

[follows-the-bees]

I've seen a lot of people searching for the word to call the main secondary characters in OFMD. Like Jim in S1 and Izzy in s2, etc

So I offer the following:

The word and role of the main secondary character (that get their own arc and can change who it is over the course of an episode or season) is deuteragonist.

In the context of OFMD, the genre is romantic comedy. (I know it's been called other things, workplace comedy, etc, but those are all slightly off) the main genre of the show is romantic comedy — particularly of the Shakespearean variety (meaning it deals with trauma, violence, and the human condition) with bits of 90/2000s sprinkled in (love letters in a bottle, reuniting on a beach after.)

So under that genre, the protagonists and main characters are: Ed and Stede. There is also an argument to be made that Stede is the main protagonist and Ed the love interest.

The others make up the secondary (or tertiary) characters, many of them get their own completed arcs. That includes the antagonists, foils, crew members, etc.

So depending on the episode, the main deuteragonist can change. For instance, in 1x7, This is Happening, Jim is the deuteragonist and makes up the B plot. In 2x5, Izzy and Lucius are the deuteragonist.

Here's a basic breakdown of those two episodes and how it ties into these titles.

1x7 This Happening

A plot: Ed and Stede (and Lucius) on the treasure hunt. Ed and Stede serve as the protagonists/leads.

B plot: Jim, including their background, and relationships with Olu and Nana. That makes Jim the deuteragonist.

C plot: The rest of the crew getting oranges and building the wall, as well as Izzy going to Jackie at the end (that's closer to a D plot)

2x5: The Curse of the Seafaring Life

This one is a bit more complicated since Ed and Stede are separated.

Aa: Stede getting comfortable with being captain again. Includes his talk with Ed, training with Izzy, all of his talks with the crew.

Ab: Ed and his journey of healing and making it right. So his talk with Lucius then Fang.

Aa and Ab (the two protagonists/leads) come together at the end with the moonlight scene.

Ba plot: Izzy and his learning to find a place on the ship.

Bb plot: Lucius and Pete.

Those are tied together as well with the shark sculpture scene. This makes the B plot secondary characters the deuteragonists.

C plot: The rest of the crew. Frenchie and Roach in the kitchen, the throuple. They are the tertiary characters in this episode.

[heleeanthea]

There is only one thing that I feel having watched last episode and it's disappointment. Not even sadness, not even anger, im just disappointed.

Izzy Hands deserved better.

We all, as the audience, deserved better.

You know, when the first season came out I was one of those people who really did not like Izzy at all. I almost couldn't believe that his fans even existed. Then, before second season I thought, well, Im sure that they will give him a redemption arc but Im going to hate him anyway as there is nothing that can redeem him in my eyes. I was so very sure of it.

Wrong, I was wrong. I admit it.

I loved his arc in second season, I loved every second of it. Truly. It has done what seemed utterly improbable to me - made me Izzy Hand's nr. 1 fan. It was just such a great piece of writing. From his initial first disobedience towards Blackbeard and then his finding himself and his worth outside of Blackbeard. His singing (he's great), doing drag (so beautiful), helping Stede, being a friend to him, helping Lucius, finding a family within the crew and finally, finally achieving what - as he said himself - piracy is about: belonging. He found his place, became the new unicorn. He begun to accept himself, to finally let go of all that bitterness that he had inside him in the first season. He allowed himself to be true to himself, to show his more vulnerable parts to the world. He was starting to feel better.

And then they killed him. And what makes it even worse, they did it in such a stupid, useless and anticlimactic way.

You see, Im generally against killing Izzy. I find it to be an utterly disappointing conclusion of his arc. The guy changed so much for the better during this season, becoming a better person as well as becoming more mentally stable and I believe that his arc deserved to have a much brighter and more optimistic conclusion. Where is a scene where he becomes a captain on The Revenge and finally is at peace? Free from Blackbeard, with his found family next to him?

Where is a promise to all lost, young, queer people that thing will get better even though now you may feel no hope?

We didn't get it. What we got was a rushed sequence that was directed more toward serving Ed's arc than Izzy's.

Why did he get shot? No reason, it was just random; it wasn't in a fight, it wasn't the unicorn protecting someone from his crew (which would make his death slightly less bad). The sole reason of him getting shot was to kill him off.

Was it needed for his arc? Well, it could have been done better and make more sense, yes. But wouldn't it make a more satisfying ending to give poor guy some happiness? When the whole season was focused on him earning it and allowing himself to feel it? It would turn out much better to acknowledge his growth and give him space to grow even more.

I don't even feel like Izzy's death was necessary for Ed's growth; not when both their arcs focused on finding themselves outside of constituting Blackbeard.

That's why I hate how Izzy's actual death moment is played out. The scene isn't about Izzy, it's about Ed. It's so focused on him that it almost hurts. Why is Ed the only one who's close to Izzy? Why is the crew so far away? Izzy loved them, they loved him, why don't they come closer and show it, he deserved it. And even Izzy's words, they are so focused on him telling Ed thing's that he needs to hear to grow further but... he doesn't need to hear it from him? It doesn't have to be Izzy who tells him that the crew loves him (which, arguably, is not really true as they are still wary of him after all that happened in the beggining of the season??), especially not when it's the last chance for Izzy to be told that he is loved, he is a part of the community, to be forgiven and apologised to.

And then they get over him so so fast? Just seconds after the funeral Stede is standing there and... trying to boast what great piece of pirat he is? Trying to make Zheng compliment him?

Also, why shoot him in his left side, missing all the important bits, and then have him die anyway?

[onetimetwotimesthreetimess]

If you still want prompts, I need more drunk Alec in my life

I’m always up for malec prompts babygirl. Especially drunk Alec is a babe. I haven’t written canon malec in a while so here’s them being dorks as always.

_______________________________________________

“No matter how far, don't worry, baby.

“Just call my name, I'll be there in a hurry

“You don't have to worry,” The voice yells through the loud pub as Magnus steps through the portal.

His eyes glances through the crowd to find his idiots but it doesn’t take him long, takes him barely a single second because said idiots are on the stage, yelling on the karaoke.

Magnus cuts through the crowd to reach at the centre when he hears his name called.

“Magnus!!” He turns to see Jace waving towards him excitedly, Isabelle standing next to him, jumping and shouting at the stage.

He reaches the two of them and asks, “On a scale of 0 to what happened on 15th May; how drunk are these three?”

Jace chortles, smacking at his shoulder and Magnus punches him back.

He’s not drunk enough to take up with Jace’s incessant habit of treating him like a ‘bro’ when he’s drunk.

“Clary is a solid 15. Simon already puked seven times. And Alec, Raziel, Alec is worse than Izzy on 15th May.”

Magnus turns towards the stage, where the three idiots, with his main idiot in between stand, yelling and singing loudly.

Alec‘s unbuttoned his top two buttons, his hair is a mess—the sexy, hot kind, and he has an arm loosely around Clary, who looks as drunk as him. Simon is also there, with his hot nerd face that’s getting hotter ever since he got engaged with Izzy but Magnus for the life of him cannot care—even if he tries to look at anything but his Alec.

There’s just something about him right now, the carelessness that he’s been missing for a while, since he’s become to Consul and their world has gone to shit.

Right now, the man looks like he doesn’t have a care in this world and while Magnus loves Alec in his serious consul mode, this, this is how he wants his Alec to always look like.

With his cheeks flushed and a million dollar smile on his face.

Like always, the same way it’s been happening for a decade now, Alec feels his presence in the room before he even sees him and he tracks how his husband’s eyes wander across the room, searching for him.

And then they land on him and, somehow, Magnus isn’t sure how, doesn’t think it should be legal but the smile and happiness on Alec’s face increase tenfold. It cracks his chest and threatens to burn him.

“Magnus is here!!!” Alec yells, excitedly.

Clary and Simon look in his direction and wave at him too.

Alec pulls away to get to him but Clary stops him, eyes all fiery as she speaks, “Finish the song first.”

Magnus chuckles at the small pout that Alec makes before his husband launches back into the song, only this time, he’s staring directly into his eyes as he sings.

“Cause, baby, there ain't no mountain high enough.

“Ain't no valley low enough

“Ain't no river wide enough

“To keep me from getting to you, babe,” Alec sings with a stupid smile and Magnus’s face softens at him, his cheeks widening.

The shadowhunter finally escapes Clary’s grasp and jumps off the stage; infront of him and Magnus thinks Alec’s going to kiss him now, with the proximity as he comes closer but the man shouts in his ears, “Cause baby, there ain’t no mountain high enough.”

Magnus laughs loudly, before winding his arms around Alec’s waist who in turn places his arms around Magnus’s neck.

“Hi.”

“Hi, my darling.”

Alec’s hair is all wet and Magnus runs a hand through them, pushing them in place but they fall on his face again. The man is skipping on his feet happily.

“Alec, brother. That was fucking amazing,” Jace wipes fake tears, or wait—Jace wipes actual tears off his face as he pulls his parabatai in a hug.

His husband hugs his parabatai back as tightly as he can and the two have a moment in the middle of the pub for no bloody reason.

He shakes his head in affection at the two idiots, but he’s glad Alec has that, he’s always admired the relationship the two shared.

Alec Lightwood will always love Jace Herondale more than his own life.

“Why are you two morons hugging like you were separated in a war,” Magnus comments because he can. Alec turns towards him and jumps in his arms again.

“Hi.”

Magnus chuckles. “Hi again.”

Alec lays his head on Magnus’s shoulder, nuzzling in a way very familiar to Chairman Meow.

“Magnus.”

“Hmmm.”

“I have to tell you…tell you something.”

Magnus runs his fingers through Alec’s hair. “What is it?”

Alec pulls back, and peers at him. “I’m very drunk.”

A breathless peal of laughter leaves his body and he kisses Alec’s forehead. “Oh, honey. I know.”

He grabs Alec’s face in his face, his gorgeous gorgeous face, free of any troubles and caresses his cheeks. “You look very happy, my love.”

Alec beams at the words.

“I am happy.”

“I like you when you’re this happy,” he whispers against his mouth and thumbs over his eyebrows, over the frown lines that are usually there.

“I like you all the time.”

Magnus rolls his eyes.

Asshole.

“Don’t try to one-up me while I’m being sappy, Alexander.”

Alec giggles and Magnus wonders why and how on earth has he not kissed Alec yet. So, he leans in to kiss his husband. He brings their mouths together slowly, exploring like he can’t create an exact replica of Alec’s mouth if he wanted to.

“Oh fuck!” Alec explains suddenly, pulling back.

“What?” He whines.

“We forgot Max and Rafe.”

“We did not forget. More important, you did not forget,” Magnus assures him. “They’re with Cat.”

“Oh,” Alec says, then beams. “Okay.”

“What do you want to do tonight?” He asks.

Magnus wishes he can give Alec more nights like this—more nights when he can just ask Alec what he wants and Alec has the freedom to say yes. When the burden of saving an entire race isn’t on his broad, and sexy shoulders.

“Marry you.”

He snorts.

“What?” Alec pouts. “Will you marry me?”

“No.”

Alec puts a hand on his chest. “Wow.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“Is that why you won’t marry me? Because I’m an idiot.”

“Yes.”

Alec pauses for a second, thoughtfully.

“If I say ‘I’ll try not to be an idiot’ in my vows, will you marry me then?”

“Nope,” he grins.

“Pretty please?” Alec flutters his lashes and Magnus feels his heart in his mouth.

He recalls a time when Alec was shy, when every single smile was rare, when the shadowhunter boy with the sure and steady heart didn’t understand the effect he had on Magnus. When he was careful in every step he took.

When he didn’t know how much Magnus’s ass was obsessed with him.

It’s not the case now.

Now Alec knows.

Alec knows how every breath he takes, every action, every gesture, how it makes Magnus fall in love with him even more. He knows how to capitalise on that now.

“Please, baby.”

“Have you forgotten that we’re already married?”

Alec rolls his eyes, the first of his night surprisingly. “Of course I remember.”

“And?”

“And what?”

“You want to do it again?”

“Yep.”

“You’re a dork.”

“Is that a yes?”

“No.”

“MAGNUS!!!!!!.”

[demy85]

Drawing you in

This fic was created for the Shadowhunters Reverse Bang 2024: Presented by the @malecdiscordserver

It was inspired by @kasper-tag beautiful art and betaed by the lovely @maplemachiato

If you'd like to read it on Ao3 you can find the first chapter here.

Fandoms: Shadowhunters (TV)

Warnings: Rated E.

Relationships: Alec Lightwood x Magnus Bane

Words: 28,366

Chapters: 8/8

Summary:

Magnus, a student in the theater/dance department, was close friends with Isabelle. He had been infatuated with her older brother Alec ever since he met him at a party. When the art department was looking for nude models for a course, Magnus saw it as an opportunity to get closer to Alec.

Chapter 1 is below. You can find the other chapters here:

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Epilogue

Chapter 1 - First Impressions

Ever since the night Izzy had persuaded Magnus to accompany her to one of her parents' dull parties, he simply couldn't get her older brother out of his head.

Alexander Gideon Lightwood was, inarguably, the most beautiful human being to have ever graced the face of the earth.

But Magnus realized sooner than he would have liked that Alec had no interest in getting to know him better. Even though it was evident that Alec did find him attractive, after that evening Magnus was sure that Alec was struggling with his own sexuality and that he might never follow through on his instincts. Definitely not at his parents' house and certainly not at a party where not only his parents were present, but also many of their business partners.

It was clear to see that Maryse and Robert were extremely unhappy with some of their children's decisions. You could read it in their eyes, gestures and facial expressions when Izzy and Alec introduced themselves to their business partners and told them about their studies.

Magnus couldn't imagine how difficult it must be for them to deal with their parents' apparent disapproval. But he didn't have to wait long to find out what it felt like to be under the scrutinizing gaze of the Lightwoods, which was laced with contempt.

It was by no means a pleasant experience when Izzy introduced him to her parents, and he swore to himself after that evening that he would never accompany Izzy to such an event a second time. 

His decision wasn't just due to the fact that Alec had given him the cold shoulder, no, it was rather because of the disdainful look Izzy's parents had given him when she had introduced him and he wanted to avoid meeting them again at all costs.

He knew that the Lightwoods were deeply involved in the history of Idris, the college where he studied. They were descendants of one of the founding families and therefore had great influence. Magnus just hoped that they wouldn't make his life at college more difficult now that they had actually met him.

𒐣

Alec had no idea why he had agreed to attend the annual Christmas party organized by his parent's law firm. He knew he would regret it, as these parties were always strenuous. He always ended up feeling drained.

However, Izzy had mentioned that she was going and that Magnus had agreed to accompany her.

Now that Alec knew Magnus would be there, how could he possibly resist?

Izzy hadn't stopped raving about Magnus since her first day at university and Alec was fascinated by all the things his sister had told him about Magnus.

Magnus was apparently two years older than her, had taken a sabbatical after high school and had been exploring the world.

She had told her brother so much about Magnus that it almost seemed as if Alec himself was friends with him.

However, that wasn't the case. Alec had difficulty making friends, especially with men.

So far he had successfully managed to avoid Izzy and her wonderful fellow student on campus, but that night he would be coming face to face with Magnus Bane and he wasn't sure he was prepared.

𒐣

Magnus was at a loss as to why he had agreed to accompany Isabelle to her parents' party. He was feeling rather nervous, after all he had seldom heard any nice stories about her parents. But at least it gave him the opportunity to visit his father in New York, or rather both his fathers.

Ragnor Fell had adopted him from the orphanage,taken him in, and raised him with much love and affection. Together with two other children, Raphael and Catarina, Magnus spent a wonderful childhood with Ragnor.

He had never felt a desire to find his biological father, even though Ragnor had assured him that he would help him if he wished to do so. But Magnus would prefer to forget his past. Forget finding his mother’s lifeless body and what his stepfather had done to him as a result.

Looking for his biological father at that time would only have created another wound 

But  the decision was snatched away from him one day when a man suddenly appeared on their doorstep.

Asmodeus Yeung.

Asmodeus got along well with Ragnor  from the start which allowed Magnus to open up to him more quickly than he would have thought possible.

Even though he had decided to keep his name and continue to live with Ragnor, he was still in regular contact with his biological father and the relationship between the two of them created many opportunities for Magnus and his siblings.

Magnus was well aware that without Asmodeus, he would probably never have been accepted into Idris.

He was pulled from his thoughts when he heard someone say, "You look quite handsome, son." Magnus turned to see Asmodeus standing in the doorway with a wide grin on his face.

"I hope you have a wonderful evening with Isabelle Lightwood. I'm sure you'll enchant them all with your good looks and charm," Asmodeus said, giving his son a hug before bidding him farewell and retreating back to his study.

After that, Magnus was convinced that the evening would be a good one. After all, Izzy would finally introduce him to Alexander. He had been waiting for this ever since he had first seen him on campus.

So he made his way to the venue in high spirits.

𒐣

For Alec, being introduced to Magnus by Izzy was a truly life-changing experience. It made him wish for the floor to open up and swallow him as he noticed the heat creeping into his cheeks.

Magnus seemed to be enjoying the sight, which only made Alec all the more nervous.

Izzy was beaming brightly at him as she began to address him, "Hey, Alec. I want you to meet Magnus, my dance partner."

Magnus gulped as he let his eyes roam over Alec unfiltered for the first time. Of course, he had seen him in passing on campus, but never up close.

He was tall and had dusky brown hair that seemed to fall over his forehead as if he'd been running his hands through it. His pale skin stood out against the dark clothes he wore, and when Magnus looked at him, it was almost as if his brain blanked out. 

As he finally lifted his gaze to lock eyes with him, he saw beautiful hazel colored eyes staring straight back at him, making his stomach twist with excitement, and a smile that made Magnus weak in the knees.

Alec couldn't help but stare at Magnus. He exuded so much confidence and appeared to be comfortable in his own skin. Alec admired and envied him at the same time.

He held out his hand and when they made contact, it was almost as if an electric shock shot through his arm.

Alec hoped they wouldn't notice what was transpiring in his head as he literally squeezed out the words, "Nice to finally be able to meet you, Magnus."

It was a mystery to him how he had managed not to make a complete fool out of himself and to be able to utter a full sentence. The elation didn't last long, however, and when he saw Magnus' smug grin, he knew that he had revealed more of his inner turmoil than he would have liked.

𒐣

He had no intention of appearing rude, but Alec was well aware that there was a good chance that if he remained in Magnus' immediate vicinity for much longer, he would be unable to hide his feelings.

Instead of speaking to his sister and Magnus, Alec excused himself and proceeded to find the only friend he had made among his parents' fellow attorneys.

Jem Carstairs was a young, sympathetic man who was very different from all the other attornies that worked for Alec's parents. Alec could talk to him about anything without fear of condemnation or disapproval.

But that evening, as Alec made his way through the crowd in search of Jem, he found him in a heated discussion with some of the older partners at the law firm. Alec didn't want to intrude, so he decided to back off and get through the event alone.

He found a quiet corner, away from the noise and the stares of the other guests. Leaningagainst the wall and watching the crowd, his gaze constantly drifted to Magnus and Izzy. He couldn't deny that Magnus had an intriguing personality. He was charismatic, charming and had a special way of moving, as if he was dancing to a tune that only he could hear.

Alec couldn't help but to wish that he could be a part of that melody.

Yet , he was aware it was impossible. He just knew there was no way he could come out, not in front of his family and certainly not in such a public setting.

𒐣

Jem caught a glimpse of Alec walking towards him out of the corner of his eye and immediately reversing his direction when he noticed the person Jem was deep in conversation with.

If he was honest, he could hardly blame Alec for not wanting to be part of their conversation. A talk with Valentine Morgenstern was certainly not a pleasant experience. That being said, he was a very close friend of Robert Lightwood's and therefore it was best not to offend him.

However, Jem was more than relieved when Morgenstern finally dismissed him after a few more minutes and turned his attention elsewhere.

He didn't hesitate and set off in search of Alec.

After finally finding him, he momentarily hesitated as Alec seemed oblivious to the world around him. His gaze was fixed and when Jem followed him, he understood what must be going on in Alec's head.

Alec was staring unashamedly at a flamboyant young man who was engrossed in conversation with Izzy. 

Jem could see the longing in Alec's gaze, the conflict going on inside him, and his heart broke a little for Alec, because he could empathize with how Alec must be aching inside.

He wanted to help him, to show him that it was okay to not conform with the established social norms and an idea began to blossom inside him.

𒐣

Christmas had slipped past them in a blink of an eye. Alec had spent most of his time holed up alone in his room and had even avoided his sister. His parents were once again working on an important case, so it wasn't surprising that they were hardly ever seen.

If he was honest, he couldn't even remember the last time his family had spent Christmas together, especially when they had all been living in the same house.

One of his parents was always busy with work, and since Jace had left for California, he hadn't spent Christmas with them either. Jace played for the USC Trojans, the University of Southern California’s football team, and his excuse was that his training schedule wouldn’t allow enough time to come home to New York for the holidays. 

Alec and Izzy tried to make the best of it. They usually spent a lot of time wandering around New York, stuffing themselves with all sorts of goodies they found at the various Christmas markets.

Alec had always really enjoyed spending quality time with his sister, as they rarely got to just relax during the semester.

But this year was different, because Izzy was pissed and still hadn't forgiven him for the way he had treated Magnus at the Christmas party. He could hardly  blame her. However, he was also unable to tell her the reason why he had been so short with Magnus.

And so, she had given him the cold shoulder until the moment when she had walked into his room on Christmas morning and stared at him with sorrow in her eyes.

𒐣

He had a sheet of paper lying in front of him and had started to sketch a person. And even though the drawing was still in its early stages, it was clear to see which person he was drawing.

Alec observed as Izzy began to open her mouth and he was already expecting the worst. Thinking that she was going to reprimand him again for his behavior towards Magnus, he was surprised when he heard what she said to him instead.

"Hey, Alec. Something's bothering you, hasn't it? You seem unhappy, do you maybe want to talk about what happened at the party when I introduced you to Magnus?" said Izzy as she came into the room and sat down on the bed, commenting casually, "The drawing is beautiful, you know."

Alec turned the paper over, he didn't like people looking at his art before he'd finished it. But obviously he hadn't turned it around fast enough, because Izzy had seen it. 

Shyly, he averted his eyes from her. "Nothing's happened. You introduced me to Magnus and I joined the crowd afterwards to socialize like our parents expect me to," he said. 

"Alec, I can see that something has happened."

"Nothing has happened, Izzy. You're reading too much into this. Please, just let it go." 

Ever since he'd seen Magnus at the party, he hadn't been able to stop thinking about him. And at night, while he slept, his dreams were filled with Magnus. But he couldn't afford to tell his sister about it, because it would mean revealing a part of himself and he wasn't ready for that, not quite yet.

𒐣

He gave his sister a pleading look on his face before pleading with her again, "Just please let me be, Iz. It doesn't matter. Besides, even if something had happened, it really wouldn't be any of your business." 

Alec witnessed the exact moment his words stabbed straight through his sister's heart, and he would have wanted to slap himself for the harsh words.

Izzy shook her head, she couldn't believe Alec wasn't able to open up to her, but she knew when it was time to back off and stop bothering him. Still, she was unable to hide the hurt that his words had caused her from her expression. 

"I love you, Alec, and I hate seeing you like this. If you don't want to talk to me about it, then maybe you should talk to Jace. You might find it easier to confide in him and I'm sure he can help you," she sighed as she stood up. Izzy walked over to Alec and gave him a kiss on the cheek before leaving the room again.

Relieved, Alec lay down on his bed and wished that the time until the start of the spring semester would pass more quickly.