#camille's fire-breathing snake

[jedimandalorian]

Ahsoka Episode 8 “The Jedi, the Witch, and the Warlord”: The Story, the Symbolism, and the Score Part Two

If you missed Part One of this analysis, it can be found here:

After Enoch gives his report on the failed TIE fighter attack, Thrawn tells him to prepare for a ground assault. Sinister drumming accompanies Thrawn’s exit.

The scene changes to Ahsoka, riding Baylan’s howler, and Ezra and Sabine riding double on her mount, Tota.

“May the Force be with you,” says Huyang as he stays behind with the Noti to repair the ship.

Back at the henge atop the tower, Morgan addresses the stormtroopers who volunteered to stay on Peridea to fight the Jedi.

Ahsoka, Ezra, and Sabine arrive to see that the Chimaera is ready to dock with the Eye of Sion. Courageous sounding music plays as Ahsoka says, “Let’s try the front door.”

Thrawn, who has been tracking them, commands his men to “Rain hellfire on them.” He believes that there will be no negotiating with the apprentice of Anakin Skywalker.

Ahsoka’s Theme plays as the heroes ride toward the confrontation. They guide their mounts to dodge laser blasts from the belly of the Chimaera in a scene that reminded me of the orbital bombardment of Lothal’s capitol city in the series finale of Rebels.

Thrawn’s ship itself is a mythological reference, being named after the legendary Greek chimaera, a terrifying fire-breathing monster that is part lion, part goat, and part snake.

The Chimaera, with its enhanced firepower, rains hellfire upon the heroes who race towards the tower’s triangular gate. Ezra and Sabine are shown to be using the Force in tandem push open the gate with Ahsoka. It opens just wide enough for them to ride through before it slams shut again.

The three heroes engage in battle with the Nighttroopers, using lightsabers to deflect the blasts. Sabine uses her blasters to go on the offensive, doing the classic “sword and shield” maneuver from the Clone Wars, providing firepower against the enemy as Ahsoka deflects the blasts. The trio defeats all of their opponents.

In another callback to The Clone Wars animated series, the Nightmothers recite the resurrection chant from Season 4, episode 19, “Massacre,” which was written by Katie Lucas (George’s daughter). This is a clue to what the secret cargo aboard Thrawn’s ship might be: dead Nightsisters who will be returned to Dathomir for resurrection. The chant revives the dead troopers, who rise to continue their assault on our heroes. The creepy violin music that is heard during this scene sounds as if it was inspired by Danse Macabre, a popular orchestral work composed by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1874.

Here’s a recording of Danse Macabre (Dance of Death) being used to accompany a very spooky animated short that terrified me as a child. (I became a classical musician anyway.) Listen to the violin about 0:20 into the video and compare it to the music for the resurrection of the Nighttroopers scene.

Intense music plays as the zombie troopers assault the trio of protagonists. Sabine saves Ezra from a trooper who sneaks up on him.

“Nice moves,” Ezra says with genuine admiration.

“She’s been training,” Ahsoka explains.

“What’s your excuse?” Sabine asks, not missing an opportunity to tease Ezra.

“I missed you,” Ezra replies in a hoarse whisper, uttering that heartfelt admission like a spontaneous love confession.

*******

End of Part 2.

To be continued.

What are your thoughts? Please leave a comment

[carelessflower]

magnus doesnt love alec as much as camille cause where is alec's fire-breathing snake or any magical dangerous pets for that matter

[silver-lily-louise]

Licik - a Shadowhunters fanfic

In which Alec discovers he’s... not the biggest fan of snakes. A/N: ‘Licik’ is Malay for ‘cunning.’ Also, this fic is inspired by my cousin, who at around ten years old, didn’t know he was afraid of snakes - until he had one around his neck, at which point he promptly passed out. <3

~oOo~

Shortly after sending Camille to the Gard, Magnus makes another trip to India, and returns holding a medium-sized box covered by an ornately embroidered piece of red silk. ‘Question, Alexander,’ he says, before Alec even has a chance to say welcome back. The portal snaps shut behind him. ‘How do you feel about snakes?’

Alec frowns in confusion. ‘Snakes? I don’t know – to be honest, I don’t have a lot of experience with them.’ The penny drops, and he gives Magnus a suspicious look. ‘Why?’

In answer, Magnus removes the silk cover with a flourish, revealing a very large cobra slowly moving around a transparent carry-case. ‘This is Licik,’ he explains, smiling fondly down at the serpent. ‘He was a gift for Camille many years ago, and now that she isn’t around to take care of him, I felt I should.’ His eyes get a faraway, wistful look for a moment, and Alec isn’t jealous, per se – but one of these days, he really must ask Magnus what he saw in Camille, because Alec’s impression of her hadn’t exactly been relationship material. But the moment passes quickly, Magnus’ attention returning to the here and now. ‘He won’t have as much space here as at her mansion, of course, but I expect this apartment will still provide ample slithering room. Shall I introduce the two of you?’

‘Okay,’ Alec says, smiling at the way Magnus’ face lights up. He watches as Magnus slides back the lid of the carry-case, cooing a little as he gently lifts the snake out. ‘Wait,’ Alec says, some of his earlier confusion returning. ‘I thought you and Camille ended things a long time ago. How long do snakes live?’ ‘Oh, you’re right, an ordinary snake would surely have perished by now,’ Magnus explains, slowly advancing on Alec. ‘But I enchanted our friend here in various ways, one of which was bathing the egg for an entire lunar cycle in the stinging cells of Turritopsis dohrnii.’ At Alec’s uncomprehending stare, he clarifies, ‘The immortal jellyfish.’ Alec blinks. ‘There are immortal jellyfish?’ ‘Of course. You didn’t think we land-based creatures had a monopoly on eternity, did you?’ He chuckles. He’s right in front of Alec now, and the snake lifts its head towards the unfamiliar scent in curiosity, tongue flickering. ‘In any case, Licik here is unlikely to live forever, but I believe he has a good century in him yet – providing he’s well-cared for, of course.’ Magnus lifts the snake, hesitating just for a moment. ‘Oh – another thing. He breathes fire, but only a little, and rarely at anyone.’ Alec feels his eyes go wide, but he nods. Magnus slowly places the snake around his neck. ‘Okay. Say hello, you two.’

‘Hello, Licik,’ Alec responds – and if he wasn’t distracted by the way his heart was suddenly beating a little faster, he might feel silly for talking to a snake. ‘Wow, you’re a- you’re a big fella, aren’t you?’ He laughs a little, then clears his throat, not sure why his voice got all high-pitched there for a moment, and really, big fella? The snake pulls up its head towards him, and he gently redirects it. ‘Woah, easy there,’ he says, and there’s that nervous-sounding laughter again, and he tries to slow his breathing, tries not to picture the snake wrapping all the way around his throat, and how heavy is this thing anyway because the hand that’s holding its head is shaking-

The snake lets out a little puff of flames, and that’s it. ‘Nope, no no no nope- M-Magnus, Magnus, get it off of me-‘ His panicked babbling ceases as Magnus snaps his fingers, and the weight disappears from Alec’s neck. A quick glance confirms that the snake is back in its carry-case, the lid firmly shut, but Alec shivers and takes an involuntary step back anyway, almost tripping over the sofa. Magnus’ hand comes up to his shoulder as if to steady him, resting there gently. ‘All right, all right – it’s okay, he’s gone. Breathe, Alexander, okay?’

Alec does as he’s told, taking a deep breath in and letting it out in a whoosh. Now that the moment’s over, he can feel his cheeks starting to go red, and he looks away from Magnus’ half-amused, half-worried expression. ‘Okay. I’m okay.’ He stares at the floor, silently berating himself. He’s a Shadowhunter, for god’s sake; what’s he doing freaking out over a little reptile? A pet, no less? Okay, sure – a magic, part-immortal, fire-breathing pet. But still. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘You’ve nothing to be sorry for,’ Magnus says, a hint of mirth still in his gentle words. ‘I’m guessing that you aren’t the biggest fan of snakes, then?’ Alec shakes his head minutely, still not looking up – until Magnus gently places two fingers under his chin, raising his head up so their gazes meet. ‘Alexander,’ he says, and the amusement is gone, leaving only warmth. ‘Are you embarrassed?’ Alec knows his silence is as good as an answer, and Magnus’ face creases in sympathy and understanding. ‘My dear Alexander,’ he says patiently, teasingly. ‘You spend almost every day doing battle with things that most people dare not even dream of. Do you really think that I – or anyone else, for that matter – would think any less of you for finding one thing you’re afraid of?’

The words are reassuring in their logic and kindness, and Alec gives a half-smile in capitulation. ‘No. I guess not.’ ‘Exactly.’ Magnus leans in and gives him a soft peck on the lips, a glint of humour returning. ‘Actually, I think it’s kind of adorable.’

Alec’s smile spreads, and he reaches up to his shoulder to place his hand over Magnus’. ‘Okay. Point taken.’ His eyes stray to the snake again, and rather than fear, he feels a pang of regret. He doesn’t like the feeling that he’s ruining Magnus’ plans, especially since Magnus clearly cares about the snake. ‘So what are you going to do with him? If-‘ Alec takes another breath before continuing – ‘if you wanted to keep him, obviously, it’s your apartment. And I could probably get used to him,’ he says, hoping he sounds more confident of that than he feels.

Magnus laughs. ‘Ah, see? There’s that famous bravery I was talking about.’ He clasps his hands at the nape of Alec’s neck, and Alec returns the loose embrace, looping his arms around Magnus’ waist. ‘But no, I don’t think that will be necessary. I’d much rather have your company than Licik’s, and I wouldn’t want you to feel uncomfortable here. Perhaps I’ll ask Simon to take care of him,’ he says thoughtfully, but there’s a spark of mischief in his eyes. ‘He seemed quite fond of Licik when they met the other day.’

Alec leans in again, and they kiss for a little longer this time. ‘If you’re sure,’ he says, needing the confirmation, and Magnus nods. ‘Okay. Thank you.’

With a flick of the wrist, Magnus banishes the snake from the room. Alec never sees it again, and honestly, he’s kind of grateful for that.

~oOo~

[camillemontespan]

her one constant [part nine: poker and romcoms] [drake the bodyguard AU]

Master List

@ibldw-main​​​ @jovialyouthmusic​​​ @katedrakeohd​​​ @moonlightgem7​​​ @pug-bitch​​​ @princessleac1​​​ @burnsoslow​​​ @notoriouscs​​​ @dcbbw​​​ @saivilo​​​ @rainbowsinthestorm​​​ @marshmallowsandfire​​​ @marshmallowsaremyfavorite​​​  @gardeningourmet​​​ @kingliam2019​ @nomadics-stuff​ @kimmiedoo5​

*******************************

'Are you sure you'll be alright by yourself?' Drake asked Camille as he prepared to leave Valtoria Manor for poker night with his fellow bodyguards. 'I can always cancel.' 

Camille shook her head and wrapped her cashmere cardigan around her tightly. 'I'll be fine,' she assured him. 'It's your night off duty, please just enjoy it.' 

Drake studied her for a moment. He didn't believe her assurances. She had been too casual about it, almost flippant. He had a feeling she was shitting being alone tonight after what happened at Applewood and he honestly didn’t blame her. 

'Drake, I promise I'll be okay,' Camille said. 'Go beat Lou's ass at poker and enjoy your night off. I'm just going to watch a film and have a glass of wine, I'll be alright.' 

Drake sighed, knowing she wouldn't budge. 'Fine,' he said. 'But if you feel afraid or anxious, call me and I'll come straight back.'

'It's your night off -' 

'I don't care,' Drake interrupted. 'If you start feeling scared, tell me.'

Before Drake left the estate, he did a final check of the Manor and grounds, ensuring everything was as it should be. Once he was satisfied, he said goodbye at the front door. 

'Enjoy your wine,' he whispered, giving her a wink. 

'Enjoy your bromance time!' Camille quipped, finally giving him a smile and relaxing. 

************************

Drake, Lou, Micah and Thomas were sitting around the oval table in Lou's dining room, cards in hand, glasses of scotch beside them. Cigar smoke snaked through the air. 

'Step up your game, Walker, I'm beating your ass,' Lou mocked. 

Drake smirked. 'Patience, Lou. Just you wait.' 

Micah eyed Drake above his deck of cards. 'So.. The Duchess of Valtoria.'

Thomas groaned and let his head hang back as he declared, 'the love of my life..'

Drake grimaced. 'Keep it in your pants, Tom.' 

'But she's so hot!' Thomas protested. 'Please tell me you have thought about getting with her.' 

Lou sniggered. 'Walker's in loooveeee..' he teased. 

Drake rolled his eyes. 'Shut the fuck up, Lou.' 

'He doesn't deny it,' Micah said. 'He loves her.' 

'Seriously, when are you gonna tap that?' Lou asked. 'You've been guarding her for four months now. You're basically married.' 

'How the fuck did you come to that conclusion?' Drake asked, sipping his scotch. 'Please. Enlighten me.' 

Lou chuckled. 'You both look at each other with puppy dog eyes. She always smiles at you and looks at you when she's dancing. She actually treats you like a human being.' 

Drake scoffed. 'Treats me like a human being - God, the standards are low. Besides, you guys are all fucking your Duchesses and you don't seem to care how you're treated so long as you're getting your dick wet.' 

'Jesus Drake, tell us how you really feel!' Lou laughed, shaking his head. 'You're so protective of her. Like, we're protective of our Duchesses but you're on another level.'

Drake shrugged. 'That's how I work. I take my job seriously and I'm not apologising for trying my hardest to keep her safe.' 

The group went quiet, awkwardly quiet. 

Thomas cleared his throat. 'More scotch?'

********************

Camille poured herself a glass of wine and settled down on the couch to watch My Best Friend's Wedding. Camille adored romcoms. Pulling her blanket up over her knees, she focused on Julia Roberts and Rupert Everett, wishing that she had a gay best friend like Rupert. Maybe she should convince Maxwell..

Not for the first time, Camille wondered how Drake’s poker night was going. She knew he hadn’t been keen to go based on the fact that she would be by herself. But they weren’t together. He was her bodyguard and this was his night off; he had to be off duty. 

She hoped he was swindling Lou out of his money and that he was getting along with the guys. Drake always seemed like a loner, never really part of a group, even when he stood beside his fellow bodyguards at court events. He never went for drinks and he never told her about having any friends. As far as Camille knew, Drake’s life evolved around his job.

Which meant his life evolved around her. 

Ignoring this realisation, Camille watched as Julia Roberts was introduced to a peppy Cameron Diaz. They were providing a good distraction from the fact that Camille was alone and feeling extremely anxious about it. 

She heard a noise come from the kitchen. 

Camille jumped up instantly. The rest of her staff had the night off too, so she was literally alone in the manor for the first time in four months. Great timing. Pausing the film, Camille slowly walked through the living room and down the corridor, steeling herself. 

She reached the kitchen.

Poking her head around the door, she found that there was nobody there. 

The noise was persistent though. Frowning, Camille ventured further into the kitchen before she realised what it was. 

The boiler.

‘Camille, you fucking idiot..’ Camille scolded herself. Sighing, she turned to leave the kitchen to go back to her film. But she still grabbed a knife out of the drawer and carried it with her, not wanting to take any chances. 

**********************

'Face it,' Lou said, after another fifteen minutes of solid poker. 'Your situation with the Duchess of Valtoria is different to ours. You gotta see why we're interested.' 

Drake poured himself another glass of scotch , submitting himself reluctantly to questioning. 'How is the situation different? Aside from the fact that I actually do my job while you assholes fuck the women you're supposed to be looking after.' 

Micah smirked. 'You say that like it's a bad thing.'

Thomas sipped his scotch, enjoying the gossip. 

'Okay, well, for starters, you live together,' Lou said. 'That's not normal.' 

Drake closed his eyes. He knew it wasn't normal. He knew he should have his own apartment and only work for Camille from 8am-8pm. 

But the others wouldn't understand. 

'Like I guard Olivia from morning until early evening,' Lou continued, 'then I fuck her till she comes then I go home.'

Drake wrinkled his nose. 'Jesus, Lou, you're such a dirtbag..' 

'I make her feel fucking wonderful,' Lou defended himself. 'I do my duty and then I go home and be myself. Drink scotch, watch porn, sleep like a baby until I have to do it all over again.' 

Drake stared at Lou. 'That is the saddest thing I've ever heard..' he said dryly. 

Thomas sniggered. Micah shook his head, amused, and helped himself to more alcohol. 

'Why do you live in her Manor anyway?' Micah asked. 'I'm genuinely interested.' 

Drake sighed and looked down at his glass. The others watched him, waiting for an explanation. 

'After she was involved in the assassination attack on Constantine, Camille became really afraid,' Drake said softly. 'She fired her bodyguard, Mara, for not keeping her safe. Camille was injured you see, ceiling plaster hit her head and she was knocked out. But what Mara should have done was get her out of the ballroom as soon as something became suspicious. But she didn't. '

Lou rolled his eyes. 'Mara was the worst bodyguard I had ever met,' he drolled. 'She shouldn't have passed her qualifications.'

Drake nodded, for once agreeing with Lou. 'Exactly,' he said. 'So I was hired because of my qualifications and experience. I'd protected politicians and diplomats. But Camille was terrified of everything when I met her. She couldn't set foot in the ballroom for weeks after what happened. She had panic attacks-' 

'Poor girl..' Thomas murmured. 

'So I decided to live in the servants quarters. It wasn't her idea, it was mine,' Drake admitted. 'She told me she would wake in the night screaming from nightmares that another attack was going to happen and she felt afraid to be alone in case she was targeted. She was a new noble and instantly part of the inner circle, thanks to Liam proposing to her. Easy target. So I moved in. I've been working with her on her confidence ever since and making sure I'm always with her so she can feel safe and secure. But at Applewood, something happened.’

Thomas leaned forward, his eyes widening. ‘...What happened?’

‘You tapped that ass!’ Micah hooted. 

‘Finally, Walker!’ Lou cried.

‘No, someone broke into her room and tried to force himself on her,’ Drake said bluntly. 

The other bodyguards stopped smiling and laughing. Lou was studying Drake with a frown on his face and he was gripping the glass of scotch in his hand. ‘You’re fucking kidding.’

‘Being serious,’ Drake replied, his voice remote. ‘I heard her scream. I kicked down the door and found her in the arms of this guy who was trying to kiss her.’

‘I hope you fucking killed him,’ Micah hissed.

‘I nearly did,’ Drake whispered, looking down at the table. ‘I was this close. Camille brought me out of it. She made me stop. But I swear, all I felt was sheer rage. It was running through my veins, like I couldn’t control it. I just kept punching him and punching him, determined to end him. I’ve never felt something so visceral before. But I needed to protect her and in that moment, I felt like I had failed. I had one job and I failed at it.’

‘You didn’t fail,’ Lou said strongly. ‘You did your job and you kicked the shit of the guy. He didn’t get far with her, right?’

‘No,’ Drake conceded. ‘But if she hadn’t screamed out.. God, I hate to think.’ He broke off and swallowed. He picked up the glass of scotch and tossed it down his throat. 

The others were silent for a moment. 

'When did you realise you loved her?' Thomas asked quietly. 

Drake blinked. 'That's what you want to know?' 

Micah smiled as if proven right. 'No denial..' he teased again, trying to lift the mood. 

Drake closed his eyes. The other waited with bated breath. 

'First time I laid eyes on her,' Drake finally said, his voice cracking. 'That first moment.. I knew I was done for.' 

*************************************

Camille continued to watch My Best Friend’s Wedding but she wasn’t exactly paying attention. The ‘suspicious noise that happened to be the boiler in the kitchen’ scenario had cast her mind with more doubts and anxiety. She couldn’t relax. Her ears were trained now on any new noise that presented itself.

I am alone in this manor, all forty rooms of it. If someone breaks in, all I have to defend myself with is a kitchen knife and I am not exactly Olivia Nevrakis. 

Pausing the film again, Camille decided she needed fresh air to get away from her inner thoughts. Opening the French doors that lead out onto the terrace, she sat down at the table and breathed in the cool night air. 

Yet again, her thoughts turned to Drake.. 

Maybe he can come home?

She sighed.

No. He is having fun with the boys. He is making friends. Also, though he may live here, I doubt he calls the manor his ‘home.’ Get a grip, you’re not married. You’re not his wife who’s waiting up for him to come home from a night out with the guys. You are his employer. 

But she took out her phone and scrolled to his name in her contacts. Her thumb hesitated over his name. 

Stop it. You’re being paranoid. Go back inside and watch Julia Roberts try to wreck Cameron Diaz’s life. 

Camille got to her feet and put her phone back in her pocket. She went back inside the living room and snuggled under the blanket, turning the film back on. 

*************************************

Drake wondered if Camille was having a nice time back home.

She probably was. She loved drinking wine and watching romcoms so really, this was her idea of the perfect evening. Drake hated romcoms but he liked how much they made her laugh and smile. 

He was now whooping Lou’s ass at poker. He was having fun, which he hadn’t expected to. Maybe he could come along to these things more. It seemed they had a weekly thing like this, every Friday night. Of course, Drake would have to ask Camille first.. 

He hoped she was relaxing right now. He didn’t want her to be sat by the phone, wanting to call him for reassurance, but being too scared to do so. Because if she was, Drake hoped she would call. He would leave this poker night in a heartbeat if Camille called him. She was more important.

****************************

Camille was sitting with her phone in her hand wanting to call Drake for reassurance but was too scared to do so. 

You are being pathetic. Keep watching the film, get drunk on wine and just have a fun, girly Friday night. Maybe get the vibrator out?! Just do SOMETHING that isn’t getting your panties in a twist about a hypothetical intruder. 

Camille wished she hadn’t thought of an intruder. Her mind instantly thought of Applewood.

Stop thinking about that creep. Stop it. He got into your room and had his hands on you but he didn’t get far because Drake stopped it. Drake broke down the door and rescued you. It’s done. 

Goosebumps formed on her skin. She felt her throat begin to close up and her heart beat more rapidly as she remembered that night in Applewood. His fingers digging into her arms. The stale scent of beer on his breath. His lips brushing her neck. The overwhelming claustrophobia that she felt as he kept trying to kiss her. 

Camille let out a choked breath. She tried to gather her bearings, relax. 

What can you feel, smell and hear? Focus on the present. Don’t let this get you. Don’t panic. 

Her breath was coming out ragged. She was sweating now and her body wouldn’t stop shaking. Camille took out her phone and her shaking fingers managed to swipe through her contacts to Drake’s number. Without hesitation, she pressed his name and listened to the ringing tone, clutching the phone to her ear with both hands in case she dropped it from shaking.

***********************************

Drake’s phone rang in his pocket. He reached for it but was instantly chastised by Lou. ‘No phones at the table, Walker.’

‘It could be Camille,’ Drake said, ignoring him. He took out the phone and saw that, of course, he was right. He wished he wasn’t. He had been hoping Camille was enjoying herself.

‘Camille, you okay?’ he asked as soon as he answered.

‘D-Drake,’ Camille panted, her breath coming out short. ‘Panic attack, I’m having a panic-’

Drake was on his feet instantly and shrugging on his jacket. ‘I’m coming back,’ he said. ‘Hold tight. Be with you in ten. Lay down, practice your breathing and count as far as you can go, alright?’

‘Okay.’ Her voice was so small and terrified. Drake’s heart ached for her. 

He hung up and waited for the others to berate him. But, to his surprise, they didn’t.

‘Is she okay?’ Thomas asked.

‘Panic attack,’ Drake said shortly. 

Lou stood up and walked him to the front door. As he opened it for Drake, he turned to him and regarded him with a serious expression on his face.

‘Drake, I know you love her,’ he said. ‘But you got to think of your priorities. Your job has to come first.’

Drake frowned. ‘I know that-’

‘No, you think you know,’ Lou interrupted. ‘But it’s clear to me that right now, your feelings are clouding your judgment. So let me give you some reality. Duchesses… they never go for us. We are there to protect them but they will never think of us as anything more than a human shield. Feelings don’t work in this job, no matter how much you feel for your girl. It means nothing in the end.’

Drake stared at him in shock. ‘But you always brag about fucking Olivia,’ he said. ‘And you make fun of me for loving Camille.’ 

Lou shrugged. ‘Because it’s fun to take the piss out of you,’ he said. He sighed. ‘Sex with Liv is the only way I can be close to her,’ he explained simply. ‘That’s why all of us fuck our Duchesses. Because we want an excuse to be in their bed and pretend it’s something more. But we won’t admit that. Instead, we sit around playing poker and brag about the tits and ass we got last night. But I’m saying this to you, Drake, and if you repeat it I’ll rip your fucking dick off.  Do I want to take her to a fancy restaurant and wine and dine her? Yeah, I do. But she made it clear that she only wants me for two things and fancy dinner dates ain’t one of ‘em.’

***************************************

Drake got back to the manor to find Camille hunched up in the corner of the couch, practicing her breathing. She opened her eyes when she heard him enter the room; guilt flooded her features.

‘I’m so sorry,’ she whispered. ‘I ruined your night.’

Drake moved quickly across the room to sit beside her. He gently took her hand, wanting to be a physical support. ‘You didn’t,’ he assured her. ‘If you ever feel unsafe or anxious in your own home and I’m not here, call me. Are you alright now?’

‘Sort of,’ she said. ‘But I still feel a little anxious.’

‘What were you thinking about?’

Camille swallowed. ‘Applewood.’

Drake pressed his lips together. Fucking Applewood. He hated how Camille was back to square one with her confidence. All the work they had done the past four months had been obliterated in one evening thanks to the Applewood Fucktard.

‘He won’t come here,’ Drake said quietly, keeping his eyes trained on hers. ‘He doesn’t know where you live.’

‘I wasn’t thinking he would break in,’ Camille explained. ‘Just.. the memories. I felt helpless.’

Drake’s jaw set. ‘You are never helpless,’ he told her. ‘You’re brave and strong-’

‘I screamed when he got in my room,’ Camille interrupted. ‘I could have hit him but I didn’t know the best way to do it. I screamed like a fucking loser instead.’

A lightbulb went off in Drake’s head. Why hadn’t he thought of this before?

‘I’ll teach you self defence,’ he said. ‘Starting tomorrow.’

Camille blinked in surprise. ‘Really?’

‘Yeah, really,’ Drake said, determination and hope flooding his veins now. ‘I’ll teach you basic moves so if you’re ever in that position again - which you won’t- at least you will be prepared. How does that sound?’

Camille threw her arms around Drake’s neck, making him chuckle in surprise.

‘Yes!’ she cried against his neck. ‘Make me a badass!’ 

They remained in each others arms for longer than necessary. Drake held her close, glad he could provide some light for her. That was all he wanted; for her to feel safe, light and happy. No worries. Just peace. 

They broke apart. Drake gave her a warm smile and his eyes flicked to the TV. ‘So,’ he said. ‘What’s Leathery Face Mulroney up to now?’

Camille let out a laugh and hit Drake on the arm. ‘Don’t call Dermot Mulroney that!’ she cried. ‘He is gorgeous!’

Drake raised an eyebrow. ‘We’ll see about that. Come on, play the film, subject me to the fluffy and ridiculous plot..’

And so they sat together to finish watching My Best Friend’s Wedding. Drake’s arm stretched out down the back of the couch; Camille leaned back and rested her head against his arm. Drake’s finger reached out to curl a tendril of her hair. 

[claryfightwood]

catarina saying magnus hates reptiles when he literally gave camille a fire breathing snake that he spoke to in a baby voice to in season 2 sh writers true queens of inconsistency

[lightwormsiblings]

Nobody Said It Was Easy

Read on AO3

(Contains 3x15 spoilers)

The silence was thick. Simon was quiet next to Izzy, Clary and Jace were in the chairs across from them, and they too were uncharacteristically silent. Izzy hated it.

The last time she had sat in this hallway it had been Alec in the infirmary bed. The hall had been much emptier that time. There had been so much going on then. Clary had been gone, Simon was still reeling from his family and his guilt, Jace had been a mess. It had only been Izzy and Magnus that day, clutching at each other’s hands and refusing to believe Alec would die.

Somehow having more people made it worse. The silence felt more uneasy, more purposeful.

Izzy and clenched her fingers into a fist, nails digging into her palm. And then Simon let out a breath next to her.

When she turned to look at him, he was smiling faintly.

“Did you know Magnus had a fire breathing snake?” He asked abruptly.

The question was met with stunned silence for a long drawn out moment in which Clary and Izzy’s gazes caught and Clary’s eyes seemed to clear just a tiny bit.

And then she smiled and all of them broke out into quiet breathy laughs.

“What? When did you learn that?” Clary asked.

Simon shrugged, “when he was helping me try and track down Camille,” he laughed again, “he hissed lovingly at it.”

They all giggled and somehow the worried tension that had been keeping them all on edge was gone.

Izzy wanted to hug Simon but settled for sending him a grateful smile.

“He definitely has a penchant for animals,” Jace quipped, “there’s at least half a dozen cats that basically live on his balcony.”

Izzy smiled, remembering Alec telling him the same thing, eyes fond.

“Alec told me he comes up with the most ridiculous names for them,” she added.

“I think he uses the ridiculous nicknames for humans too,” Simon commented, sending Clary a glance.

She laughed, brighter than Izzy had heard since they’d gotten her back from Jonathan. Izzy smiled at the sound.

She smiled wistfully and toyed with the hole in her jeans. Her voice was softer when she spoke.

“It’s stupid, but I kind of love when he calls me Biscuit.”

Her voice sobered the air between them again and Clary shot Izzy another glance.

“Magnus, he- he’s always been there for me,” her eyes flit from person to person,” “for all of us.”

Izzy dropped her gaze to her hands and wrung them together.

Clary was right. Magnus had been there for all of them since the moment they’d met him. And yes, maybe some of it was because of Alec. But mostly it was because he was an irrevocably good person. He cared.

It showed in the way he’d whisk Izzy on impromptu shopping trips when he somehow knew she was having a terrible day. It showed in the way he’d sealed the rift to Edom despite being on terrible terms with the shadowhunters because it would save lives. In the way he’d opened his home for Jace to stay, helped Simon navigate the Downworld. The way he’d given up his magic to save Jace. It showed in everything he did for them.

And they’d never even said thank you.

Now she was afraid they’d never get the chance.

“Magnus is strong,” she said quietly, “he’s going to make it.”

She looked up at Simon, Jace, and Clary. They all had emotion burning bright in their eyes and Izzy swallowed against the lump in her throat.

“He has to.”

[seven-seas-of-rhye-bread]

Ben X Reader Part -Who Knows

Oh, hi again.  This is the last part of the Ben fic I’ve been working on since December (yikkkessssssss). 

This is SMUT-- pure and simple.

Also, don’t ask me where the other parts are, they have been lost to the depths of Tumblr because I forgot to bookmark them, weeeeeee....

The hot water beat down on your head and rolled off your shoulders, the smell of sweat and sea washing off your body. Despite Honolulu's soaring temperatures, the hot water felt like a godsend as you tried to get the sand out of every nook and cranny-- which was proving to be a difficult feat.

 It had been well after nightfall that you and Ben had parted ways-- having spent the whole day together, exploring Oahu; Kailua beach, Waimea bay, shave ice at Matsumoto's, the pineapple maze at the Dole plantation. It had occurred to you, as Ben gave you a taste of his rainbow shave ice, that you had never felt this comfortable with a man. 

Your dating life had been plagued by aloof guys who played games like their lives depended on it, but Ben was different; he didn't play hard to get, he wasn't afraid to let on how much he liked you-- it was as foreign to you as it was wonderful. 

After dinner and a couple rounds of drinks in the hotel restaurant he had walked you to your room. "I had a great time today-- thanks for coming with me..." he had said as you two laced your fingers together. You had thought he looked so cute, with his nose pinched pink with a slight sunburn. He leaned in and kissed you; lightly sucking your lower lip as he pulled away. You had watched him walk away, slowly, towards the elevator, before shutting your door. 

Camille finally had a free day tomorrow, so you had told Ben you'd be busy for the day, and as much as you wanted to hang out with Cam, you'd certainly be missing him.

 Determining that you were finally sand-free, you turned off the faucets and wrapped yourself in one of those plush, terry-cloth robes the hotel provided. Grabbing a towel, you started to squeeze the water out of your tresses as you went back into your room, laying down on your bed. You were about to reach for the tv remote when there was a slow, tentative knock at the door. You made your way slowly to the door and standing on your toes, you looked through the spyhole and saw Ben. 

He looked almost nervous, chewing on his lip with his hands in the pockets of his sweats. Opening the door, he looked up and gave a small, relieved smile.

"Hey..." he said his voice quiet and soft."Everything alright?" you asked, opening up the door so he could come in.

 He walked through the threshold and into your room, looking out the bay window over the inky black ocean before turning back around.

"Yeah, I just--" he paused, considering his words, the hint of a smile on his lips. "Just...?" you coaxed, leaning against the teak bureau.

 "I couldn't stop thinking about you..." he confessed, a boyish flush creeping up his cheeks. You smiled to yourself, the words taking root inside your heart, igniting a fire in your belly.

"I'm sorry-- that was probably weird to--" But before he could finish, your lips were on his; you kissed him deeply, your hands on either side of his face. His hands found its way to your waist, his fingers hooking onto the sash of your bathrobe, pulling you in closer. 

Soon, your hands were under his t-shirt, snaking up the smooth, muscular landscape of his back-- his skin still hot from the sun. You hoisted his shirt above his head and tossed it behind you. His fingers pulled at the knot on the front of your bathrobe, undoing it slowly and opening the robe up. You shrugged the robe off, letting it pool at your feet.

 Ben looked you up and down, his eyes unblinking, "Christ, you're beautiful..." he whispered, pulling you in closer, so your bodies were up against one another. 

You could feel his hardening cock pressing against you through his sweats, and trailed your hand down his body. You tugged at his waistband and pulled the sweats down, revealing his perfect pink cock.A low moan escaped his lips as you ran your fingers along his length and he stopped kissing you, his head lolling up towards the ceiling. 

He looked back down at you, his eyes bright and determined, "Lay down. Now."

You obliged him without a word, feeling desire pulsing through your body. He settled between your legs, holding your gaze as he took his time placing kisses on your inner thighs towards your core. Ben trailed his tongue up your slit before kissing your clit gently, your hips bucking up slightly in anticipation. 

His tongue felt hot and velvety as he flicked it across the rosy nub of flesh again and again, eliciting soft moans that grew louder as his pressure increased. "Fuck, Ben..." you breathed, grasping the comforter in your fist, while your other hand caressed the back of Ben's head. His tongue worked your pussy tirelessly, his mouth devouring every inch. He suddenly pushed your legs back, burying his tongue in your cunt. 

You watched in amazement as Ben fucked you with his tongue, his eyes barring down into your own until your eyes snapped shut, the pleasure almost too much to handle.

 "Ben, I'm gonna-- I'm gonna cum.." you whispered out breathlessly. 

And just as you were about to go over the edge, Ben pulled away. Your head snapped up as you looked at him in confusion and frustration-- you were almost seeing red. 

His glistening lips curled into a small smile, "not yet, baby girl..." 

He positioned himself between your legs and straddled you, his lips pressing hot kisses all over your body.You grabbed Ben's face gently and pulled him in, tasting your salty-sweetness on his mouth in hungry and sloppy kisses. Ben reached his hand down to his cock, positioned himself at your entrance, and slowly slid in. You broke from his kiss and cried out, from both pain and pleasure. He was thick and your walls definitely felt the strain. 

He looked up at you in concern, his brows furrowed together, "you want me to stop?" 

"No, god-- please don't stop." 

He smirked and continued to fill you with his length. You wrapped your legs around him, pulling him in closer, till he was completely inside you.

"Fuck me, Ben-- please fuck me..." you begged, the heat in your belly becoming almost too much to bear. 

Ben didn't need further coaxing. He began to fuck you proper, each thrust bringing you closer to your inevitable orgasm. With your hand braced against the headboard, his thrusts became deeper, hitting the spot that sends you over the edge. Your back arches up towards Ben as you ride out the electricity pulsing through your body. Ben moans as your walls tighten around his sensitive cock and he leans down to plant deep kisses along your collarbone. 

 You  whispered sweetly to Ben, "can I get on top?" 

His hands found their way under you and with a swift move he flipped over so you were now on top. You loved the view of Ben; his body slightly sweaty, cheeks flushed with sun and exertion. 

You slowly lowered yourself onto his cock, a sigh of relief and pleasure coming from both of you. Slowly grinding into him, you placed your hands on his chest to steady yourself. Ben had closed his eyes, his face twisted in pleasure. He reaches up and grasps your hips, his fingers pressing into your flesh, and sets the pace. You grind down onto his cock, relishing the feeling of him inside you. You can feel Ben's hips start to thrust up into you, and that's when you stop.

Ben's eyes snap open and he looks up at you, the green of his irises somehow looking darker.

"Not yet, baby boy..." you say teasingly. 

You hold his eyes as you slip off of his cock and position yourself between his legs, giving his cock an agonizingly slow lick up the entire length. Ben groans and runs his hands over his face. 

You love seeing him like this, at the mercy of your mouth. When you take his whole length into your mouth, another groan escapes his rosy lips. "Fuck, you're gonna make me cum, Y/N" he breathes out, his head lolling back onto the pillow.

 You take his cock deeper and deeper, eventually letting it hit the back of your throat, loving the feel of his veiny cock in your mouth. Working the tip with your mouth, and the length with your hand, Ben moans softly, his breathing becoming more shallow and erratic as he reaches his orgasm.  His hips buck up ever so slightly, and you watch Ben as his cum fills your mouth. His cock twitches as you release the tip with a soft pop and swallow. 

As soon as your head hits the pillow, Ben pulls you in for a kiss. He rests his forehead against yours, and mumbles sleepily, his voice full of sex, " you are fucking amazing..." 

[thranduilland]

Okay, but remember that Magnus literally bred/created a fire breathing snake as a gift for Camille, apparently just because.

Can we please just imagine all the ridiculous and extra shit Magnus would create/get/breed for Alec just because he goddamn felt like it? 

Alec mentions some dumbshit thing in passing, like as a joke, and then comes home one day and Magnus has literally played god and created this THING and Alec is just like ‘!!!’

[canon-facts-about-magnus-bane]

magnus has had many strange pets over the years, included by not limited to:

an endangered species of songbird, which he later gifted to a warlock friend who was a bird enthusiast and conservation expert

three domesticated rats.

a small dragon (who was less of a pet and more of an adopted child until his mother came for him) 

a hellhound (or three) 

a fire-breathing snake

a cat with a habit of walking between dimensions who just shows up every once in a while. she was gray, soft, and missing an eye.

a large greyhound puppy he got shortly after his last breakup with camille. she hated dogs.

a tiger. an actual, whole-ass tiger. 

a hairless cat with the ugliest meow ever. magnus adored her. 

a crow that kept stealing his jewelry 

some sort of demon that was shaped like a friend 

an iguana named bob, gifted to him by ragnor  

a chimera created by a warlock criminal experimenting with animals

a whole-ass deer

some fish (named harold, jimothy, and socks respectively) 

a completely ordinary cat named gus, who was very fat and fluffy 

an enchanted goldfish catarina got him for his birthday that swims through air. it floated around his apartment for a while before it was stolen by an irate client

a husky. his name was jake and he was very excitable.

a parrot who only knew one word and that word was fuck

each and every one was close to magnus’s heart in one way or another. and when they died (well, some of them died--a few are still around) it was devastating... especially because sometimes magnus formed bonds with these animals because he had a painful lack of friendly human contact or emotional bonds. he felt very lonely, and these were his only friends. losing them hit him just as hard as losing a friend or lover. 

[selowyn]

It has a little ring to it.

The ocean was always partially frozen up here; jagged ice floes warring with frothing brine from land’s edge to beyond where mortal eye could see. Perched upon a low bluff against the cliffs, she observes with cold detachment as a throng of Scourge shamble along the shore below. The avian exhale of her Argent hippogryph, the only other living being for leagues, provides faint comfort. Snaking out a gauntleted hand, she gently touches the creature’s face - a gesture of connection in this forbidding place. Grasping the reins, she vaults astride with a practiced motion. The steed launches upon contact and they take to the skies, intent upon rousing a warning; however, the creature betwixt her legs does not...move. Pursed lips turn to a frown; strong thighs squeeze, urging the beast onward. Wing-beats grow more flurried, though still they do not make progress.

The faint metallic whistle of something pitched is rewarded with a massive jolt which nearly knocks her from the saddle, followed by a high-pitched squawk. Ensnared by Scourge trickery, the breath is knocked out of them both as they tumble downward in a flash of silver, gold, chestnut and white, crashing to earth with an explosion of gritty sand, encrusting her armor in a hissed dusting of glinting crystal.

Dazed, stars spark in her dimmed sight with each breath. “Get up…” she murmurs to herself, “get up and do your job.” It’s no use; yet again the world does not obey, mired by cold and disillusionment. Loud splashing, leering grins as boney hands strong as iron ring her ankles to yank her toward the roiling sea. Mithril fingertips futilely claw for purchase through the sand as she is pulled toward doom. Reaching for her hip - her scabbard is empty. ‘Why so unprepared?’ she thinks idly, shivering as the surging tide begins to claim her.

Sand below turns to ice above; it scrapes her armor, whining as they clash. Heaved upon the surface, her form floats outward for but a few stoic moments as a funereal gesture before it is sucked into the undertow. The sea proves a cruel mistress; the weight of her armor and the world so heavy. Weak cries for help, croaked as she tries to swim, do not move the undead who merely watch her with vacant gazes from the shore.

“Please...I will drown...”

                               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A ragged in-breath; a macabre hovering within the liminal space. Clutching tendrils of frozen nightmare vying with the golden light of a Quel’thalassian morning. A choked exhale, thrashing away from the leviathan of fear, relentless, occluding her senses. Fingers clutch sheets, scraping for purchase, slit eyes attempt to crack open. I will drown…

There is a flash of amber, a searing of fire; a saturation of color that distracts from the abyss. An echo of clasped hands passing warmth amid the throbbing of a pulse - the sound of celebration; the sound of life. Urged thus forward, that practiced part deep inside kicks in and, with a whispered prayer, a benevolence of serenity replaces all else for a brief blessed moment, allowing an escape. Her eyes finally open and she peers down into the faceted orange depths of a fire opal, burning away the last vestiges of the nightmare. Awareness of soft coverlets, warm sunlight and birdsong replace falling, gasping and jagged ice.

With a heavy sigh, she pushes herself up into a sitting position and takes a few deep breaths before spending a good while in meditation and prayer, clearing her mind. The nightmares come and go. Years of training in thwarting the addiction assist in relaxing her body, slowing the racing of her mind until there is no yearning, no fear; only a singularity of purpose and experience. Stars and darkness and light merge into the promise of a realm beyond, crafted of quiet knowledge and peaceful benevolence.

Once satisfied, the fear abated for now, her thoughts turn to more pleasant mundane things such as brewing tea and recalling last night. The Maelstrom. That nightclub certainly proved rich for the study of others, and Miss Melisande’s dark and stormy was quite good indeed. A pleasant enough diversion surging with a mass of writhing bodies, scrappy, hungry and seeking. ‘Not entirely different from the undead,’ she muses, a bit morbidly, as she waits for the little kettle to boil…

...

...no no, keep those thoughts away, now. As the tea is poured, cyan eyes follow the splash of liquid into porcelain...there was talk of the sea, last night. The gray-blue of the north sea is as the hue of her new acquaintance’s skin. Camille, soft-spoken and mysterious, with wisps of the void all about her. ‘She carries a sadness with her, and a love of the sea, like me,’ she reflects, watching steam rise and dance in spirals within shafts of sunlight. The sea in this enchanted land is warm and calm, and she feels a pang to sit beside the water with the Ren’dorei and learn more about her, to ponder the intricacies of finding one’s way in this convoluted world...

Frowning slightly, grabbing a spoon to stir in some honey to sweeten things up, the blonde pauses at the *clink* the fire opal ring makes against the utensil. Ah yes, that eye-catching hunk of jewelry, gifted in an impulsive moment at the club’s threshold by the elf with the dark curls and roiling emotions. Upon noting her admiration, he had passed it to her without a second thought, his hands clasping together with hers for a lingering moment. She had privately likened the gesture almost to a prayer, though no doubt his stance was much different.

She wore the ring around all night (ah, Miss Melisande seemed to recognize it?) and even after returning home and falling fast asleep. Odd that she would do that; must have been her exhaustion. But glad she is for her little savior. “I think I will keep you with me for a while, my firey friend.” Stroking its polished surface, she hums thoughtfully and smiles--the irony is not lost upon her. From him, the capricious carrier of that little tin, yet another little piece of the world has been thrown to who needs it in a moment of chance.

Or fate?

(( @audemus-dawnspark @camille-silversun @melisandemeadowshine for mentions ))

[magnvs]

@remembcr ♡‘d for a starter.

        ❝Speaking in complete hypotheticals, how would you feel if I brought Camille’s snake to New York? You know, the FIRE-BREATHING one?❞ If Magnus is being completely realistic, he knows that the reptile would likely upset his cats, but sees no harm in posing the question anyway. ❝He must be feeling rather lonely, now that she’s preoccupied with-- well, the Clave and their wrath.❞ He’s trying to not sound too e c s t a t i c at the thought, but a corner of his lips quirks up all the same.

[fandom-madnessess]

This can surely not be an original thought but what I need in life is Simon referring to Magnus and Alec as Malec and Magnus gets it because duh hes Magnus but Alec is like ??? And Clary explains to him this important part of Mundane culture. Magnus gets them coffee cups with Malec printed on them.

Magnus Bane/Alec LightwoodRating: G, Word Count: 615Canon Universe, Fluff, POV Alec, Alec doesn’t understand Mundane culture♥Read on AO3

They don’t getmany days like this, where they can just hang out and do nothing. Now that thewhole mess with Valentine and The Circle is over, they’re a little more frequent, but there are still Demonsslipping into this dimension, there are still Downworlders and Shadowhunterswho think the Accords don’t applyto them. So when they get a chance to relax, they take full advantage.

They’re allat Magnus’ loft, Alec and Magnus, Jace,Isabelle, Clary, Simon, and Maia said she might stop by when her shift at thebar is over. Alec would’veloved to have Magnus to himself, but having his boyfriend curled into his sidewhile watching Jace and Simon argue over the rules of Snakes and Ladders, is almost as much fun.

‘Whatdid I miss?’ Isabelle asks from behind astack of pizza boxes. Clary immediately jumps up to help her, and the twodistribute the food.

‘Youwere gone for five minutes,’ Alecpoints out.

‘Withall of us here, a lot can happen in five minutes,’Isabelle says.

‘Notthis time,’ Simon says. ‘Jace is being a stubborn ass–’

‘My mostcharming trait,’ Jace grins.

‘–andMalec is being adorable. Nothing new,’ Simonfinishes.

The entire room falls silent. Alec frowns. What did he just miss? Andwhat the hell is Malec? Helooks to Jace for help, but his brother is looking at Simon with viciousdelight. Isabelle looks just as confused as Alec feels, but then her eyes widenand she lights up with pure joy. Clary has her hand clapped over her mouth likeshe’s trying to hold back her laughter. 

Alec looks to Magnus next, but his boyfriend has hisphone out, scrolling through websites with a soft smile on his face. There’s a glint in his eyes that Alec knowsto be wary of. The last time that glint appeared, it ended with Magnusassigning one of the lesser used guestrooms to the fire breathing snake he tookback from Camille.

‘Whatjust happened?’ he finally asks.

‘Uhm…’ Simon looks pained, and if he werestill able to blush, his face would be bright red.

‘Yougave them a ship name,’ Jacegrins, then starts laughing.

‘I loveit,’ Isabelle says, patting Simon on theshoulder.

Simon drops his head on the coffee table with a groan.

This doesn’t helpAlec figure out what just happened. If anything, it makes things moreconfusing. He raises his eyebrows, waiting for anyone to actually explainthings.

‘It’s a Mundane thing,’ Clary says.

No wonder he has no idea what’s going on. Out of everyone here, he’s the least versed in Mundaneculture.

‘Whenpeople are in a relationship, or others think they should be in a relationship,they mash their names into one word.’ Clary scrunchesher nose like she’s thinking. ‘There’s a lotof variations actually. Sometimes they take traits of the people and mash themtogether. And they do it with friendships, too.’

That sort of explains it. A little.

‘Anyway,Malec is Magnus and Alec,’ Claryadds, realizing he’s not really following.

‘That’s ridiculous,’ Alec says, unwilling to admit he kind of likes it. There’s now a word that specifically meanshis relationship with Magnus.

‘Toobad,’ Magnus says, holding up hisphone. On the screen there is the order for two mugs with “Malec”written in beautiful cursive. One mug is gold, the other green.

‘Couldn’t you just have snapped your fingers?’ Alec asks.

‘Neveruse magic when there are true craftsman out there, my love,’ Magnus says.

Alec smiles and presses a kiss to the top of Magnus’ head. At least it’s not another fire breathing snake.

[malecficlibrary]

The Best Gift by Alice_Writes_Stuff

Chapters: One-Shot Genre: Canon AU Length: 1K to 5K Rating: General Audience Secondary Characters: Camille Belcourt, Simon Lewis Secondary Pairings: Camille Belcourt / Magnus Bane   Collective Themes: 2x02, 2x03, Alec POV, Domesticity, Established Relationship, Fluff

Summary:

Alec is surprised to find Magnus redecorating, of all things, and Magnus wonders how exactly he's going to be able to top giving somebody a fire-breathing death snake as a present.

[my-nameless-bliss]

id like to know your thoughts on another missing malec scene. when they went to check the perimeter at camille's?

Don’t get me wrong, I love jumping on the classic bandwagon of “they were getting it on, hence why they got caught so easily”. But let’s be honest, that’s just not realistic.

I know it’s not a particularly exciting answer, I think they were honestly just checking the perimeter. Yes, all of this Big Stuff has just happened between them, and I would love if something more significant happened, but I don’t think the timing was right. Magnus knows exactly what sort of bullshit Camille could have lying around to deal with intruders (I mean, he knows that she literally has a fire-breathing snake, so anything is possible), so he’d be on alert. And Alec is far too much of a professional to get distracted by anything when he’s on a mission. 

I do think they probably had the opportunity to talk for a bit, but probably not much, and not about anything too important. It’s not the right time, and it’s definitely not the right place. They had more important things to focus on. Yes, I think Magnus might have found a few things in Camille’s possession that actually belonged to him (and I think he’d take the time to be appropriately outraged and poof it back to his apartment), but that’s about it. I think their focus would have been on actually securing the perimeter, and while I think they talked during any extra time they had, I don’t think it was about anything particularly important. It was a serious situation, and I think these are two men who would respect that severity.

However, that doesn’t explain how the fuck the High Warlock of Brooklyn and the acting head of the New York Institute managed to get taken hostage by like, two Valentine mooks. The writers could never give me an answer that I’d find satisfactory. Highly unrealistic. 0/10. 

[ffsdownworlders]

"Luke, Magnus, Alec, Simon, and a very Unexpected Roommate"

Written with help from the amazing @raphaelsdumort

As soon as it got dark, Simon headed to Magnus’ apartment. In the elevator, he found himself once again thinking about the almost impossible mission Raphael forced him to do. The weight of it still felt heavy on his shoulders, but, thinking back to the failed mission with Magnus in Agra still made him feel better.

Even if the mission was a total failure -aside from the fact he had finally used encanto successfully and Magnus got his stuff back from Camille- it was encouraging to know that he  had Magnus by his side. He was a great help and a comforting presence. Simon wished that he could have Clary here with him, but knew that it was impossible. He hoped she had at least decided to stay put in the institute, where she would be safe. Knowing Clary, though, she might be out hunting for Valentine at the moment.

The elevator stopped and the doors opened, forcing Simon to redirect his train of thought back to its tracks. Relieved, he stepped out of the death trap (elevators have never been his thing), and walked past a couple of doors before he found Magnus’. Just like all the others, Magnus’ door was dark, almost black rosewood. However, Magnus being, well, Magnus, had to have something to spice it up. That something comes in the form of a gold plate on the door with the words, “Magnus Bane, High Warlock of Brooklyn” engraved in the center.

Simon rang the doorbell, but no one opened the door. Persistent, he rang a couple of times but still received no answer. He and Magnus had talked just an hour ago, so Magnus knew that Simon was coming over. Shrugging, Simon put his hand on the cold doorknob and twisted cautiously, still afraid of intruding. To his surprise, it wasn’t locked. Although, he doesn’t really think a badass warlock would need a locked door when he had the power of wards and protective spells. Or maybe Magnus simply knew that he was already here, Simon thought to himself as he walked into the loft.

“Hey, Magnus, I’m here”, he shouted as he walked into the seemingly vacant loft, looking for a certain badass friend. Listening carefully, Simon manages to pick up the sound of the shower in the bathroom. Well, maybe that explained why he didn’t get an answer from Magnus. Simon decided explore the loft as Magnus continued singing along to the foreign tunes playing softly in the shower.

He wandered into the lavishly decorated living room. Like the last time he was at the loft, the coffee table was covered with organised chaos -bowls, strange ingredients and test tubes are scattered all over the place- and there’s a faint smell of herbs in the air. Simon held back the impulse to pick up a test tube with blue, glowing liquid in it. It looked like something Magnus would put in his hair. Knowing Magnus, it might as well be. Leaving the makeshift lab behind him, Simon makes his way to the huge windows on the far wall and stops to admire the view. The city was aglow with millions of tiny lights and he felt himself slowly start to relax.

If it wasn’t for his vampire senses he probably wouldn’t have heard the low, sound of something hissing. He spun around quickly, scanning the room with wide eyes, not noticing anything unusual at first. Once again, his vampire senses saved him just in the right moment. Something was hiding under the coffee table. Just as he started to realize what the creature was, it hissed louder and snapped at him. A a ball of flame shooting past his face confirmed his fears. Of course, of course it was the fire breathing snake. He quickly leaped back, the snake following after.

“No no no! Leave me alone! I’ve already died once and that wasn’t any fun at all,” he said frantically -and no, his voice did not crack or squeak at all thank you very much- as he jumped up onto an armchair. The snake started to circle around it, just as it did in Camille’s house in Agra. Simon knew, though, that the scaly asshole could lunge up and reach him within milliseconds. It was just toying with his nerves by now, the little shit.

If his heart still could beat, it would be pounding like crazy at the moment. Wasn’t 200 beats per minute maximum speed? Or was it 150? He thought he had learnt something like it once in a biology class. Once again, his old fear of snakes clouded judgement, causing him to temporarily forget about his vampire abilities. It wasn’t until the snake rose to shower him in flames that he remembered how he used encanto on it before.

Immediately, he tried to calm his nerves and focus as before. He held his hand out in front of him and said, with something he at least hoped was an authoritarian voice, “encanto… Encanto.” Pausing when he got no reaction, Simon thrust his hand out again. “Encanto, you asshole,” he exclaimed, the power in his voice almost echoing around the loft. He wasn’t aware of it, but he had never acted more like a real vampire than in this moment.

With relief, he saw that the snake’s eyes went blank as it fell under his control. Then he told it to leave him alone and the snake followed his orders and left the room. Simon let out a big sigh of relief -even though it was more out of habit than need- and let the fear drain out of his body. Then, he threw himself onto the armchair and took his phone out. But he kept an eye after the snake, in case it wanted to return for  round three.

“Just come at me, snakey, I’ll be ready”, Simon said with the confidence that only came from defeating an evil, reptilian beast twice. He could bet that it gave him the evil eye from the kitchen. Where had that thing come from, anyway? Thinking about Magnus’ reaction to the snake yesterday, he suspected that he was simply missing his pet snake and took it back with him to the loft.

Confident or not, he gave up his plan to explore the loft. Who knew what else could be lurking behind the closed doors in this strange place?

Drying hair with a hairdryer was always annoying. Magnus didn’t really see how mundanes tolerated it. It made an unpleasant and irritating noise, and it always made his scalp uncomfortably warm. Most of the days he would just use magic to style his hair just the way he liked, but today he he needed all the energy and magic he could spare, and he had to admit that using it on his hair would be a waste.

Tonight, Simon, Luke and Magnus would continue their search for Camille. As soon as Luke heard about Simon’s troubles, he immediately offered his help. They would try to find one of Camille’s most loyal vampires, from the time when she was the leader of the Clan. Hopefully,  she had chosen to trust one of her most loyal servants with the details of her location.

However, with Valentine and his people on the loose, the Clave who’s never able to stay out of Downworlders’ business, and Magnus’ ordinary enemies out there it was better to be safe than sorry. And he actually enjoyed the rest of the styling, so it wasn’t really a problem. Maybe he should come up with a hairdryer that had the perfect temperature and made no noise at all?

He put the hair dryer down as the protective wards informed Magnus that someone was entering the loft. It didn’t bother him; the wards would never let someone unfamiliar through automatically. In his mind, the spells showed him a picture of Alec who was walking into the livingroom. What a pleasant surprise! Magnus wasn’t near done with his hair and makeup, but Alec could wait for a little longer.

Not for the first time, he sent a thankful thought to the protection wards. He had been informed the same way when Simon arrived about a half an hour ago. Then it hit him. Simon was at the loft, together with the snake and Alec. He quickly put on some clothes, ignoring the fact that he looked like a mess, and went out to witness the catastrophe.

He found them in the living room. Alec was facing the other way, making it harder to tell what he thought. His tense shoulders said enough, though. He wasn’t exactly happy to see the vampire. It looked like Alec just spotted Simon, because he was just staring at him as if he had grown an extra two, very offensive heads.

“What the hell are you doing here?” he spat out. Magnus stopped, waiting for Simon’s answer.

“Oh, hey Alec. Good to see that you’re feeling better, after that whole thing with the coma,” Simon said as he looked up from his phone. Alec’s hard words didn’t surprise him.

“What are-” Alec started, but cut himself off abruptly in favour of saying something else. “Did you sneak in or something? Do you even have the right to be here?” Alec said, not sounding too happy. Magnus knew that it was now time to step in.

He walked up to Alec, touching his shoulder to get his attention. “Alexander, what a lovely surprise,” Magnus said in a relaxed voice, with the intention to calm Alec down.

Alec turned around to face Magnus. “Magnus,” he said, breathing out. “Please tell me the vampire has a good reason to be here”.

“Me and Magnus, we’re roomies now”, Simon said, with no sign of being offended by Alec’s harsh words.

“Why would- why- what do you mean by roomies?” Alec stuttered the way he often did when he got overwhelmed.

Magnus knew that it was the stress that made Alec act this way, but that didn’t mean that Magnus would let Alec treat his friend like this. “Alec, there is no need to treat Simon so rudely. Besides, I prefer the term lodger.”

“Lodger? Like, he’ll live here, at the loft?” Alec looked like he couldn’t believe his ears.

“Yes, until the situation looks better. And besides, this isn’t the first time I’ve helped a new, lost downworlder in need,” Magnus said, trying to calm Alec down.

“Magnus is gonna be my Downworlder mentor. How cool is that?” Simon said, excitement practically rolling off his body in waves. As he tuned into Magnus and Alec’s dialogue he forgot to keep an eye after the snake. The snake saw its chance to revenge and started to move towards Simon. It snapped after his legs as he sat. With a scream, Simon jumped out of the armchair, causing both Magnus and Alec to react. Alec already had a seraph blade in hand.

Magnus realized that his beloved snake was in danger and immediately jumped to stop Alec from slicing it into tiny pieces.

“Alexander, stop! I might have forgot to tell you that I have another new lodger”.

Alec turned to Magnus. “Let me guess, is it the fire breathing snake, who is trying to kill your other roommate?” he said, rising his eyebrows. In the background, Simon was once again running from the snake, shouting threats and insults and repeating the word encanto over and over again.

And that was how Luke found them, just some minutes later. Outside the door, he heard loud voices, and was that screaming? Luke instantly threw the door open and rushed into the apartment, ready to fight demons, Circle Members, or the Clave. But, as he reached the living room the strangest scene was playing out in front of him. Magnus and Alec were almost fighting and the words “the snake”, “Simon” and “the vampire” was used a lot.

Then, Luke saw Simon -it wasn’t hard to discover where the shouting was coming from once he saw him- running for his life from a fire-breathing snake. Luke was so surprised by the weird scene that the only reaction he could think of was a loud laugh. All the heads in the room, including the snake’s, turned to the laughing werewolf. They all went silent.

Magnus’ words finally broke the silence after a few seconds of direct staring. “It warms my heart to see you happy Luke, but what is so amusing?”

Luke’s smile was wide and cheerful. “You really don’t see it? You are fighting over something as stupid as roommates, and Simon is literally being chased by a fire-breathing snake, running for his life”. 

He laughed again, not even stopping to wonder why he wasn’t surprised by the knowledge that Magnus somehow had a fire breathing snake. “After this, we have to be prepared for anything, right?”

That pulled a laugh from everyone in room, including Alec, who sounded a little startled at the noise. Even Simon, who was now hiding behind Luke in an attempt to protect himself from the snake, scrunched up his face and laughed.

[imaginefan]

Stolen Innocence *Part 2* (2nd Half)

Jace Waylan X Reader

Word Count: 1525

Requested: @florenceivy 

Request: Part two of the stolen innocence (part two)

<< Part 1 (2nd Half)

Alec walked into the institute carrying you, you were asleep you’d fallen asleep on the way back Magnus and Alec spoke about keeping you with Magnus but thought it was better for you to come back just in case the Clave decided that you were to close to the downworlders to be any use. “Alec hold on!” Victor called. “What?” Alec asked turning to him. “I want to talk to her.” he motioned you. “She’s sleeping,” Alec answered shortly. “Well then wake her up.” Victor faked a smiled before walking over to one of the tables. “He’s a douche.” You noted. Alec put you down his arms are still around your shoulder as if you’d loose your balance. Victor noticed that you were up and walked up to you. “(Y/N)” he smiled. “It’s the villain.” You mumbled looking over at him. “From what I’m told you let Jace go,” Victor informed you. “You heard right,” You answered. “Is that so?” he asked. “Mmmhm” You hummed looking over at Clary who had stormed out her mother and Simon following her. “Why?” Victors asked. “I love him.” You answered, you walked passed him and back to your room passed Clary and her mother.

You sat in your room doing nothing in particular and trying to occupy your mind when Clary walked passed, you frowned and got up, you walked out of your room and down to hers you saw her sitting on her window seat. “Let me guess…” she looked over at you “Alec.” “How’d you know?” she asked deflated. “He’s the only one that doesn’t trust you.” You answered. “You don’t trust me.” Clary pointed out. “No, I don’t like you, that’s different.” You answered walking in “we don’t get along because we are similar in certain senses… We’re both very stubborn, we are both pushed into something we never wanted and we both want our old lives back.” “Why are you telling me this?” she asked. You shrugged as your eyes welled up. “I miss him I guess…” You answered. “Alec pines for him and Izzy… I don’t know they're all different and it’s suffocating but you miss him the same way I miss him and you don’t care about the laws you just want him back.” “Thanks, I guess” Clary smiled. “Anyway, I’m about to sneak out because I’m bored.” You shrugged and Clary smiled. “I might do the same.” She smiled. “Be careful.” You warned. She raised an eyebrow. “Jace isn’t here to tell you.” You left after than sneaking out and going to the Hotel.

“(Y/N) what are you doing here?” One of the vampires asked as you walked up the stairs. “Why does it matter to you?” You asked. “(Y/N)? Where have you been?” Raphael asked as you rounded the corner. “People keep trying to ground me… It’s not fun.” You mumbled. “I don’t imagine it would be.” Raphael smiled walking over to you. You went on to explain what had happened to you after Raphael had pointed out that your collar was gone, he then told you about what Simon had done. “Don’t blame him.” You defended the absent vampire. “Why?” Raphael asked lazily. “Because that Shadowhunter is tricky, if I didn’t have the assurance of the Clave I would have been kicked out about 3 times.” You explained. “You're different,” Raphael answered, “Yeah, he can’t manipulate me.” You answered. “But Simon can be manipulated and he probably doesn’t even know it.” “So help him find Camille,” Raphael suggested and you rolled your eyes.

“So why are we in India?” You asked. “What are you doing here?” Magnus asked. “Disappointing the Clave, Impressing Raphael.” You answered. “Is that a good thing?” Simon asked. You gave him the so-so gesture and he nodded. “So what are we doing?” You asked. “Looking for Camille,” Simon answered. “In India?” You asked as you walked down the corridors into the house. “Camille lives wherever she wants. Homes all over the globe. She's always liked to spend the winters in Agra. She loves the smell of lotus blossoms.” Magnus explained. “Who doesn't?” Simon asked as you walked into the first room. “Hmm. I recognise that. Ming dynasty.” Magnus hummed. “Of course I recognise it. It's mine.” “Well, unless she's in that vase, she's not here. So, come on. You said there are, like, 62 other rooms we have to search.” Simon said walking towards the door. “You go on. I have a few things Camille never returned after one of our many breakups. I wanna find them.” Magnus explained and you rolled your eyes. “So you're not going to help me find her?” Simon asked pointing the sword at him. “I Portaled you to India. The rest of your sire squabble is all on you. Now go. And find me when you're ready to leave. Preferably after you dealt with Camille.” Magnus clarified. “Right, because why would you need a powerful warlock when you've got a scrappy nerd from Brooklyn?” Simon said through gritted teeth jabbing at the air with the weapon in his hand. “What are you so afraid of?” Magnus asked still cradling the vase. “Where do I start? Elevators. Snakes. Clowns. Raphael trying to burn my junk off” Simon listed. “You're dead you have no use for that stuff.” You smirked. “You're a vampire, Simon. You're tougher than you think. Honestly, it's time to man up.” Magnus said taking the sword off of him and gesturing the next room. Once Simon left he looked at you and you nodded following him. You followed Simon as he called for Camille, you both walked into a room and Simon was immediately attracted to the statue. You sat on the chair next to it. “Whoa” You heard Simon say and you looked around to find the snake on the floor slivering towards him, he ran over to the door but it wouldn’t open, he then turned to the snake  “Hey, hey, snakey. Nice snakey. Go away, please. Encanto. Who am I kidding? I still suck at encantos!” Simon frantically looked around eyes landing on you, you were lazily laying around in the chair. “Do you want to help me!?” “No, I don’t think I do.” You smirked. “You need to learn… So learn.” “Oh, God. Okay. You're a vampire, damn it. There are no pointy objects. There's no fire. Nothing to be afraid of. Everything's gonna be fine. You're gonna be fine.” Simon mumbled to himself as he watched the snake, he was standing on a stool now, but your attention was pulled to him when the snake started breathing fire. “Oh… That’s… Mmm” You hummed as he backed up towards the door. “Magnus!” Simon yelled. “Magnus! Magnus! Get me out of here!” No one answered. “Okay, you know what? I'm a vampire I'm a vampire and I'm gonna prove it. Right now.” Simon encouraged himself up before throwing his hand up and successful using Encanto to get rid of the snake. “Yes! That's right! Get outta here! That's what I'm talking about!” Simon cheered and you high fived him. “Hey, Magnus.” “There you are.” Magnus sighed and then noticed the snake. “And there it is. My baby.” “Your baby?” Simon asked. “I created it for Camille ages ago. The best gift I ever gave.” Magnus nodded and you smirked. “Couldn’t do a dragon then?” You asked, he just glared and you laughed. “Great. Well, then, maybe don't include me on your Christmas list.” Simon informed. “He didn't scare you, did he?” Magnus asked. “No, of course not. I encantoed him. No big.” Simon answered and Magnus smiled at him. There was a ringing in the room and you pulled your phone out and answered. “How do you have my number?” You asked. “That’s not important I have a plan to save Jace, I’m on Valentine’s ship, Dot is here-” “Hold on, I thought Dot was dead.” You frowned. “We thought she was but we have a plan to make sure that we can all get off the ship but we need your help,” Clary answered. “Okay, talk.” You ordered. “The wards around the ship can be broken but we need you to make it seem like you did it not Dot,” Clary answered. “Okay, if you temporarily break the wards so that I can track you and get in I can help, although you assuming I couldn’t do that is quite a blow to the self-esteem.” You smirked.

You arrived just as Clary and Jace were starting to run so you stopped the two guards before they became a problem stabbing them both. “Ah (Y/N)!” Valentine greeted. “Hi.” You waved, you noticed that Jace had staggered to a stop. “You can’t break the wards.” Valentine smiled. “No, my magic isn’t strong enough on its own but that’s what unconscious warlock is for.” You smirked drawing his attention to Dot, who was knocked out on the floor “I can syphon her magic and break the wards see.” You smiled breaking the wards and watched as Jace and Clary jumped overboard. “Bye.” You waved before jumping and letting the wards close.

Part 3 (2nd Half) >>

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