#did simon's brother prank simon the same way

[paraphwrites]

i haven't seen anyone acknowledge the fact that simon got the book he summoned sa'al the demon from his BROTHER

what the fuckity fuck was simon's older brother doing with a demon summoning book?? hm?????

[queenofallimagines]

Satan if you were a satanist before you arrived in the devildom

A/n: listennnn in between getting dragged by the Lucifer chat bots, writing two really long fics and having brain worms about this Au I’ve had so many thoughts and Satan has landed in my radar☺️ asmo and Simon are NEXT bc guardian angels are a whole DIFFERENT can of worms

I’m gunna use like ACTUAL satanic lore mixed in w the game lore

Satan:

- okay so boom

- Right off the bat he can tell you are different

- Sitting back waiting to see how you react to everyone

- Takes note you’re much more respectful to him than the rest

- Thought you were walking on eggshells because you were terrified of him but you ain’t scared at all

- You see through all his pranks

- “He’ll probably see that coming a mile away. Try moving it over here Lucifer don’t check there.”

- Color him impressed

- Does see you don’t really freak out like his brothers when he goes into one of his little rage fits

- When he offered to make the pact with you to piss Lucifer off you were really caught at a pass

- Like for one you technically already have a soft pact with him being a devotee

- But also you don’t want to disrespect him by saying no

- Choosing to not get on Lucifer’s bad side because you still do have a mission to do in that attic, soyou politely decline

- “I’m sorry, but I’m not going to make a pact with you that isn’t built on a mutual trust and understanding”

- He’s always told you to sniff out a trap and you were NOT falling for it

- Blinded by rage for not getting his way, that’s when he lashes out

- He feels something weird in his chest when he looks at you in that moment but he can’t quite understand it. Like a tugging feeling at the back of his head trying to tell him something

- When you get caught I. The middle of the whole “they’re the same person thing” you just roll your eyes

- “No shit they’re not the same person🙄😒 Satan and Lucifer couldn’t be more different, Lucifer is the morning star and Satan is more tricker than anything :/ crazy how yall don’t do research”

- Ngl he almost fell for you right then and there

- He cannot STAND that especially when humans call anything and everything Satan and refer to him and Lucifer like they’re the same person.

- Looks at you with star eyes for a second before sticking to you like glue. He’s very fascinated with you and wants to study you under a microscope

- Ask you if you’re like Solomon and have been studying for years

- Did you manage to get your hands on some devildom textbook somehow?

- Maybe even some texts form the celestial realm

- “Not really but that would be super cool to read.”

- He himself hates misinformation so you be correcting all the demon brothers with the quickness

- Lucifer is very annoyed and Satan is elated

- Notices you looking at him a lot, like you’re analyzing him

- Ofc he’s blunt and isn’t gunna beat around the bush he asks you what you’re doing starring at him like that

- “It’s really nice to see what you actually look like… if you’re shape shifting all the time and this is the form you stay in full time it’s… nice to see you face to face”

- Confused for a second because he doesn’t often make trips directly to the human world even for a summoning

- “Well I mean, in the human world we don’t actually know what you look like. The only book that has a description of what you looked like and are has the pages mysteriously ripped out and have never been found. I assume that was your doing?”

- Shocked pikachu bc he fr forgot he did that in his younger years

- His mischievous tendencies have been delegated directly to Lucifer, he understands the value of books now

- “Ah,,, I do recall doing that. It would make sense why you’re starring at me so hard.”

- Blushes when you call him a pretty boy

- Like he’s in his room kicking his feet giggling

- You bring him his offerings directly

- He won’t even realize you’re doing deity work with him and is just excited to spend time with you

- Whenever you come back home from class or whatever you give him little things you got in your way back or snacks he likes

- Nobody has ever seen satan smile this much

- Lucifer peeps when it’s your turn to cook dinner you just so happen to favor foods Satan likes and uses ingredients he does to cook too

- Will be very suspicious of you mirroring his behavior

- Satan is none the wiser truly he’s assure at familiar feeling is like some star crossed lovers stuff and you were meant to meet by fates hands

- Has so many cute cat themed things in his room from you

- Lucifer is not liking how you seem to be trying to gain his trust for your own reasons but he can’t sense anything malicious.

- He can’t pinpoint any alternate motive for this behavior

- Satan will not notice until someone points it out to him

- Lucy straight up asks you why you’re getting so friendly with him

- Mammon also chimes in that you seem like you’re sucking up to him, and Satan feels conflicted be he doesn’t like how they’re accusing you but also the fact that you might be just being nice to him because you want something is setting his nerves on fire

- Rolling your eyes you shoot back at Lucifer that you’re just worshiping Satan like you usually do

- The old man is takes aback and Satan is like…. I beg your pardon?😀

- “Satan has been my patron for years now, the only thing that’s different is that I can give him my offerings and ask him for help directly”

- Mammon is chewing the carpet he’s supposed to be your first man!

- Satan is flabbergasted and is searching his memory for this information

- Before he remembers

- “How did I not notice??”

- “I thought you knew??”

- “NO???”

- Dinner is wild bc now asmo asking for embarrassing memories of you

- Rip bc Satan gon tell it ALL😭

- I feel like he’d be the type to keep a log so he might not remember every single face and name because he does fuck with some people who summon him

- Grabs your notebook from his room and starts reciting shit BAR FOR BAR

- “Oh yeah i remember this! You were quite a rowdy child picking fights with everyone. Your temper was awful”

- “YOU DO NOT GET TO FUCKING SAY THAY TO ME!!”

- laughing because he’s taking a stroll down memory lane and he’s dragging you along

- Can feel your anger a mile away, he’s in your ear now more than EVER going “don’t you want to go apeshit?”

- Constantly encouraging you to loose your temper on Lucifer

- He feeds off your rage and it feels almost euphoric to him, because he’s an instigator if anything😭

- “Where the fuck is your rage?? Lucifer was definitely disrespecting you👀👀”

- Exhausting

- Lucifer will get on him about having you up for hours on end reading and studying when you need to sleep

- You will NOT fail any class not on his fucking watch! He’s gunna make sure you excel in this exchange program academically

- Even if he’s not who you ask for things he’s helping you

- “Do NOT as belphie for help with dream interpretation I’ll help you!!”

- Very proud to show you off

- “Y’all see MY human?”

- Mammon is trying not to start problems on purpose

- He will probably bend you over Lucifer’s desk bestie it’s inevitable

- If you’re intimate before he knows he’s really gentle and makes sure to take his time with you

- If it’s after he will be rough and mean

- He definitely cares about you and loves you but he will pretend he’s using you as a toy

- As if he’s your god and you’re nothing but a lowly mortal designed to be used and filled up by him

- Choking you out and breeding you for hours on end

- Will be so incredibly gentle with aftercare it’s almost like he’s a different person

- “Look at you drooling and can’t even keep your eyes focused. Pathetic. You’re too stupid to think of anything other than how I’m ruining you”

- Makes you struggle to walk every time

- Gets carried away and marks you everywhere like diavolo asking you why there’s a hickey on your ankle😭

- Almost buys you a collar if Lucifer didn’t stop him

- Wants you to know you belong to him and you’re his little follower

- Tells you how good you are for him and gives you a nice reward

- “You’re so good for me, so eager to please and make me happy. My human deserves a reward hm?”

- Cocky asf for no reason PLEASE humble his ass!!

- Gets off on it when you pin him down and call him pathetic

- “The great avatar of wrath Satan himself bouncing on my lap like a whore desperate to get off.”

- He’s literally turning to mush for you

- Whimpering and looking at you with teary eyes

- “P-please I need to cum I’ll do anything”

- Bites back a moan when you coo at him that he’s so pathetic needing a mortal to get off

- He can feel how mean you are and your anger through your pact and it’s making his body buzz with excitement

- Panting and wiggling his hips he’s begging you to fill him up

- Call him a good kitty and he probably won’t be able to last

- Likes when you punish him like best his ass fr leave bruises make his ass bright red!!

- He’s really just attached to you and will cause a big issue when you have to leave the devildom at the end of the year😅

[i-have-a-sideblog-problem]

They grow up so fast: Teenage Luke Headcanons

I can't get out of my head Luke going through a teenage angst faze while in the exchange program and making it everyone's problem. Clearly, demons and angels don't age at the same rate as humans, but if I can blindly have baby Satan, I can have teen Luke.

The program takes place over four years. So sit with me for a minute and think about how everyone would react to sweet, annoying, and adorable 10-year-old Luke turning into a goblin of a 14-year-old!

------------- <3.<3.<3.<3.<3. ------------- <3.<3.<3.<3.<3. -------------

All the brothers (mostly Mams, Satan, and Luci) wondering when the hell did the Chihuahua get so tall. He can look Belphie in the eyes!

What do you mean he's still growing, Simone! He's already too tall!

MC having an uno reverse with Luke. He's now tall enough to use them as an armrest.

Luke is also at the stage where teens think the stuff they like or idealized as a kid is cringe. Being Micheal's assistant angel is the worst thing in the world because Michael is the lamest angel in the Celestial Releam.

He starts bad-mouthing Michael every time he comes back from a check-in. It throws everyone off the first time it happens. Simeon and Solomon questioned if Luke was cursed.

Luke also tries to like baking less since it's now lame due to Michael liking sweets so much.

He fails, he can't say no to Barbatos, Simoen, or MC asking him to bake with them. Plus he really does love baking. He's slowly learning how to make it his own thing, and not doing it to impress Michael.

Luke's envy really comes out as a teen. As a 10-year-old his outburst could be perceived as aww he's just a kid. But now he can get pushy and mean, like when the others try to take MC away. That's his best friend, and MC is spending time with me!

He's not above using his blessing to keep those nasty demons away.

The strangest and most agita-inducing thing to come out of Teen Luke is him and Mammon getting along. Barbots and Simone now know why Lucifer went gray so quickly.

Don't get me wrong, Mammon still teases Luke 24-7. It is this job as his adoptive older brother.

Luke now openly wants to hang out with Mammon, and they cause so much trouble together. Pranks, staying out past curfew, a classic Mammon scheme here and there.

Luke has definitely been strung up from the chandelier at least once. And he defiantly learned his lesson to be way more sneaky.

Luke making friends his own age! Just a weird bunch of young dorky demons and angles running around causing chaos. They are helping unite the realm but at the cost of every adult's sanity.

Luke is the cool one out of his friend group because he goes to RAD and hangs out with the future king and the seven lords!

[queenvreads]

REVIEW: One of Us Is Lying by Karen M McManus

*Contains Spoilers*

5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is one of those rare cases that I actually watched the tv show, before I read the book. The show was really good, and I figured since I loved it so much the book must be even better.

If you're wondering this book is like a mix of Breakfast club - gossip girl - Pretty little liars - and even revenge.

Its the epitome of YA murder mystery that I ADORE!

There were actually some really big differences between the first season of the show and the book. It didn't alter my rating, I am actually glad we get 2 alternate endings in both. One a little lighter, and one a little darker.

The #1 major difference between the series and the book is the identity of Simon's killer. In the show, Jake and Simon planned a prank where Simon would fake an allergic reaction to peanut oil, but Jake got scared when Simon revealed he had recorded their conversations. Jake stole the epi pens, leading to Simon's death. In the book, Simon died by suicide and involved Jake in his plan to frame others for his murder. The series added the detail of Simon being the mayor's son, which wasn't significant in the book. Simon brought Jake in to take over About That after his death. Jake was pure evil, as he also manipulated a conversation with Janae to blackmail her into compliance after Simon’s death.

I liked Simon’s story better in the series as it was less “13 reasons why” and more a murder situation. Jake & Simon were also more “friendly” in the series than the books and there was no mention of Simon’s funeral & the xbox in the book.

#2 Nate and Bronwyn's relationship had more development in the book. In the series, Bronwyn initially dated Evan but became interested in Nate after Simon's death.

I really enjoyed their romance more in the books. I understand that for tv they may have wanted to drag out them coming together a bit more for ratings, but the book did it well. Bronwyn does sort of ‘date’ Evan at the end of the book, but of course ends up back with Nate. I also liked both characters better in the book.

#3 Maeve in the book was the gang's tech expert but was not romantically involved with Simon or Janae. However, in the series, she had romantic ties to both of them. Bronwyn still had a reason to confront Simon in the book due to an About That post about her sister, and Maeve appeared on the app after getting drunk at a party, not for sexting as shown in the show.

I enjoyed Maeve way better in the book than in the series. In the series she was conniving and at odds with her sister at times. Bronwyn kept so many secrets from her and in the book they were very close, and Bronwyn told her everything.

#4 The detention teacher, Mrs. Avery, played a role in Simon's death in the series by being blackmailed to get the Bayview Four into detention. In the book, Mr. Avery was the detention teacher and had no involvement in Simon's death. Simon paid students from another school to create a fender bender to remove Mrs. Avery from the room.

I was expecting this to be the same in the book as they kept hinting that the police should look into the teacher but in the end they had nothing to do with it.

# 5 Cooper's outing as gay had more significant consequences in the book. In the series, his brother and girlfriend already knew about his sexual orientation, but in the book, Cooper was completely closeted. Cooper's father's reaction was also more homophobic in the book.

I preferred Cooper’s story more in the books than in the series.

#6 Kris, Cooper's boyfriend, had a minor role in the book since Cooper was not out. In the series, Kris knew Nate and attended Cooper's baseball showcase. In the book, Kris knew Cooper was in high school and not out, leading to a temporary breakup in the series. Despite his limited role, Kris was the one who connected the dots about Simon's depression and dark suicide plot in the book.

I loved Kris in the book, but not so much on the show. I felt like their relationship overall was much healthier in the book. Once Cooper was outed he and Kris were basically hanging out with the murder club openly and I liked Kris’ involvement.

#7 Janae knew about Simon's whole plan in the book.

I liked Janae so much more in the show. In the book she knew everything and let it happen. I found it very disturbing she knew Simon was planning on this suicide mission and she try to didnt prevent it.

#8 Jake was arrested, and not killed in the book. Whereas in the show, Addy kills him when he attacked them in the forest after a party.

This is a major twist and is different from the show. Which will make watching season 2 and reading book 2 completely different experiences.

There were other small differences in the series vs the books, I couldn't keep track of all of them but one that stood out was Ashton’s presence in Addy’s life. She was around for everything. She wasn't in the series.

✍️Befriend me on Goodreads: ⭐HERE⭐

[memelorduwu17]

Current comfort video

I've watched his 100 times

So here are my favorite quotes

Tommy- Gasp "Charlie Slimecicle in Brighton?

Charlie- "I'm the crime boy, I'm gonna kill someone"

Tommy- "Enjoy being poor"

Charlie- "Are you prey? "

The entirety of the raps from Tommy, Charlie, and Wilbur

Charlie "Can you cum?"

The tunnel harmonizing

Tommy during the tunnel harmonizing- "the council have found you"

Tommy- "Hello vlog Nation, Time for amersistadam"

Charlie- "Bagoogoo"

Toby- "We have a bomb"

Charlie- "You look like a right nonce"

Charlie- "How much oil do you think that thing takes? I'll take more not even a challenge"

Charlie- "Prank Channel"

Tommy- "You just pranked me on my prank Channel?

Charlie- "Bee Boop"

Tommy and Phil- "Such pretty eyes you have" "thanks mate" "I'm going to gorge them"

Phil and Tommy- Raspberry "I appreciated that father it boosted moral" "Good son"

Wilbur- "there's a cheese shop here, they give you free samples and I once ate so much I vomited"

Toby and Tommy- "thoughts on the Netherlands, Toby?" "It's really pretty, trams are awesome" "you're prettier" "please don't flirt with me" "oh- sorry"

Tommy and Wilbur- "Dalibjukfor" "Deb'jenkorf" "dalibjukfor"

Charlie- points to pidgon "Hello! Only in Amsterdam "

The whole "lib up" part

Tommy and Toby- "tubbo can you cum?" "Oh I would love too" "du- Charlie!" "Ya now you're uncomfortable"

Phil, Charlie, and Tommy- "I got soul but I'm not a soldier" "I got cum but I'm not a" "cummer" "cumster"

Tommy- "I am completely unstable" (my mental state)

Phil and Charlie- "do you want to stand in front and recreate the Titanic?" "Um not the whole thing"

Tommy- "Boat!"

Wilbur- "I hope you're not expecting good travel"

Tommy- "let's rob the vulnerable Charlie come on my pirate brotheren. Ay caramba! That's the pirate noise"

Tommy and Wilbur- "let's mug someone" "go on" "hey!"

Charlie- talking about Tommy "what is going on in there? What is happening in there?"

Charlie just going "bruh" when the duck's were in front of the boat

Tommy and Toby- "tubbo you're always a sunflower to me" "please stop flirting with me"

Tommy- "please do subscribe this is the tom Simons channel. We love you too much here vlog Nation ™" kiss "no other channel- no other channel loves you as much" kiss "that's right dearest viewer no other channel has the same amount of love" kiss "please subscribe"

Charlie and Tommy- "Tommy are you manipulating again?" "With love" kiss

Tommy and Wilbur- "I can't cum™" "what did you say?" "I can't cum™" "what did you say?" "you've been edging me"

Wilbur- "if you arnt subscribed make sure you stay that way"

Charlie and Tommy-"I belong" "west vaginaaaa" "did you just butcher the name of my great state Virginia?" "Is that where you are from? I thought you're from Vermont" "nah I'm from northern vagin- vergin-"

Wilbur and Charlie- "throw a peanut for a bird when we see one" "this is literally cashews" "my brother in Christ"

Everytime they say "stroop me"

Tommy- "wait! The boats cumming"

Charlie- "new scoop here. I'm out of stroops, what am I supposed to do?"

Charlie feeding Tommy a stroop "stroop up"

Tommy, Phil, and Charlie- "Phil watch out for cringe" "watch out for cringe? Where's cringe? " it's me. Cringe"

The entire part of Charlie hanging in the bridge and Charlie immediately saying "stroop me!"

Phil feeding Charlie a stroop

Tommy- "only on vlog Nation" kiss

Wilbur walking through the bush

Toby- "I get to drive for longer"

Charlie- "more stroops for me"

Charlie- "not for tommyinnit. A long man"

The tommyinnit shuffle

Tommy and Wilbur- "captain Wilbur permission to pick up sailor Charlie?" "Permission denied" "really?"

Wilbur and Charlie- "Charlie do you know the layout of Amsterdam?" "I literally don't speak this language"

Them driving through the tree

Charlie standing on the dock. Wilbur- "Charlie can I just take a photo of you man. This is gorgeous" "can you what?" "Wait Charlie you look great right there" "are you fucking serious?"

Tommy swinging in the tree

Tommy- "Charlie can I just say you have tenderus calves"

Wilbur biting Tommy

Charlie- "hey Wilbur odds on throw up" "bLEuRgh"

"Smile like you mean it. Tub-tubbo Char-charlie Philza Minecraft" Wilbur eats camera

Charlie- "ya know it's um 420 today. Wanna get some legos?"

Charlie- "people are chasing after me. These pig people are chasing after me until i- until I put gold on and I give them gold and they give me pearls and they give me so so many pearls and I beat Minecraft in 10 minutes"

Charlie- "I'll eat it. If you give it to me early I'll eat it. I'm too hungry I can't wait" chewing "gulp"

Charlie- "I feel like I'm insane right now"

Charlie- *sometimes to stop yourself from breaking down you gotta build something else up. Blart✌"

Charlie- "Vlog Nation hungry" devours yummy ball thing

Charlie and Toby- "tubbo" "don't look at me like that I'm feelin aroused"

Charlie and Tommy- "can you straighten me out?" "Girls, breasts, vagina. Not dick" "men, balls, cock, balls" "no! no! no!"

Tommy- "I know every bad word. Fuck fuck fuck"

[hellojuiceboxbaby]

Simon headcanons

If we got more than 2 minutes to get to know the guy because it’s very obvious there’s a lot to unpack about him and inspect. Of the time we get to see Simon we learn about his motives for what he did to Edwin. How his actions were so innocent yet malicious at the same time. He was just a boy who liked another boy and did a nasty thing when his crush rejected him. (Which btw we always like to joke about how men take rejection, look at this kid doing a whole ass demonic sacrificial ritual cuz his crush didn’t look his way lol).

This story is constantly showing there are multiple sides to everybody. That without the full picture we can’t completely judge a person for their actions. For example, in the beginning of the story we see Esther Finch as just a witch that feeds her giant pet snake little girls to stay young. Later on through the Cat King we learn of her past with her husband cheating on her and her then inheriting her families magic practices to get revenge. We also learn that she goes on to seek even more power which leads her to Lilith and then we get the Esther Finch we see presently feeding little girls to her giant pet snake to retain the power she gained. Learning the whole story doesn��t necessarily make us sympathize with her but it gives us a bigger picture of why she does what she does. And then we the audience (as well as Niko and Crystal) get to form our own opinion of Esther.

The same goes for Simon. If we were only to see Edwin’s memory of his death it’s just be the natural conclusion to decide Simon was a dickhead bully. It’s because the story gave us a chance to understand him more by allowing us revisit his character when Edwin bumped into him in hell and comforted him about what he did to him and what Edwin had to suffer through. (Also did we ever find out why he died so young lol, I feel like that should have been talked about wtf). We get more insight into why Simon did what he did. It doesn’t make what he did any better, Edwin still suffered because of it but we get a chance to rethink our feelings toward him. Edwin gets a chance to look back at what was going on at the time of his death. We’re given a chance to humanize Simon. See him for the scared teenage boy he was back in 1916. The scared boy he still is. And while we rethink our opinion of Simon Edwin is faced with his opinion and feelings toward him. Momentarily he wants to respond with anger and gloat but seeing Simon for who he was he rethinks that and decides to forgive him and give him the hope he didn’t have in life. And in death that hope gave Simon a chance at a more peaceful afterlife.

Anyway the actual headcanons I advertised at the beginning lol:

I kind of see him as a Sirius Black/ Neil Perry variant

Very golden retriever energy

He’s not the most popular in his year but he’s known for pulling silly pranks or doing stupid things to disrupt class (mostly at his friends request)

That gets him sent to the headmasters office quite often

(Potential au where his father is the headmaster)

His parents compare him to his older brother constantly

His favorite subject is physics (don’t ask me why, all the shit I’m saying are based off vibes from his 2mins of screen time)

His father wants him to be a lawyer like him and his older brother is but he wants to be a teacher

Him and his mum used to go on weekly dates to ice cream shops and the library until his father decided he was too old to be spending so much time with his mother

I’m imagining a modern/not dead au where he’s Edwin’s ex lol

Also I’m just gonna say this isn’t anything serious. I’m just messing about cuz I’ve been thinking about Simon all day.

RIP Simon you would have loved Summer Child by Conan Gray

[thekatebridgerton]

I can see we don’t really see Elliot much during Daphne and Simon’s book.

Elliot, Penelope, and Edwina were quite the bestie trio during Kate and Anthony’s season, Elliot rolling his eyes when he is told Anthony sucked on Kate’s boobs.

Elliot rolls his eyes as he noted Benedict’s horniness when he looks at Fran’s lady maid, Sophie.

He spend celebrating that he is a full bachelor now with Penelope as a spinster only to nearly duel Colin for compromising her.

Then proceeded to dip to meet that sexy widow aka plant goddess and be nearly murdered by her two menace of children and fall in love.

Elliot was friendly with Michael but told Francesca to keep him away from Philly. “PHILLY IS MINE KEEP MICHAEL AWAY FRANCESCA!!!”

He definitely laughed when Gregory crashed Lucy’s wedding, a true Bridgerton.

also he was confused as F on why Garrett wanted to be with Hyacinth but oh well.

Okay given that male Eloise/Elliot and Penelope are the same age. It's very likely that Elliot was holed up in university during Daphne's book and was simply peacing out on yet another boring ton event in London. Too busy researching ancient literature or creating science experiments that would allow him to prank his brothers better.

Elliot Bridgerton is nothing if not intellectually stimulated. He's not like his horny brothers who made up ridiculous excuses to compromise their wives.

I HC that Colin is the brother that's always traveling but Elliot is the brother who's always at the University taking up a different field of study every season (the way Benedict goes from one art form to another) and never settles on which field he likes the most.

He spends the obligatory seasons in Town keeping Penelope and his family company and avoiding any debutante who makes the mistake of calling his purposeful rejections 'brooding and romantic' ( no thank you Jane Austen. When Elliot Bridgerton insults a woman he does it to intentionally drive her away!. Not with the intention of proposing, HE IS NEVER GETTING MARRIED)

And when finally, finally his best friend is on the shelf and all London has gotten used to the idea that matchmaking Elliot is futile. Colin the less handsome, less smart, reprobate, seducer of best friends swoops in and steals Penelope!!!

Penelope! Who was the only person who supported Elliot's master plans. Penelope who's been there for him trough thick and thin. Colin stole her heart! Like, like, Like a lovelorn idiot with no sense of respect for Elliot who always said his friends were off limits to rakes like him. And Penelope was happy about it, esctatic even ! Which means Elliot wasn't allowed to kill Colin.

So he did the next best thing, he went to check in on cousin Martin's widow. You know, because in her letters she may have mentioned she was looking for a husband and Elliot was curious about her. Totally innocently of course, Elliot Bridgerton is not a horny Id..... Wow that's a very pretty widow!

I mean Elliot expected her to be old and blind, possibly with a cane or some kind of physical impairment that had her stuck in the country. But no, Lady Philly Crane is actually very fit, very attractive and very good with shafts, I mean plants, I mean vines.. I mean shut up brain. She's good with her hands okay!! Oh gosh that sounded worse

Cue him actually deciding to stay in Romney Hall for a while, ostensibly to help Philly with the estate she's had to take care of in the absence of her husband. (Who was already... Mentally and emotionally absent even before his death) while he teaches Philly to get closer to her own children again. And kicks out the evil nanny. Nevermind that the kids want him dead, he's not leaving until he's sure Philly and the twins are going to be okay on their own.

He didn't leave. He discovered that he liked Philly, he may even want to marry her and be a father to her twins. And he would have proposed on his own if his brothers hadn't decended on the poor woman's door demanding to know why she kidnapped him only to later demand to know why he compromised her!! Honestly!! He didn't even get to see Philly naked before marriage!! Elliot doesn't know why nobody believes him

(it was probably the nightgown Philly was wearing when she met Elliot's brothers)

I think that Elliot was proud of Francesca being the only Bridgerton who's actually eloped but still demanded she keep her Merry rake husband away from Philly because Michael Stirling is too dangerous to be left alone in the company of women. Meanwhile Francesca laughs too hard at her brother

I think that Elliot did eventually find himself a career as a historian of all things. Analyzing and preserving letters and important historical documents, from the comfort of his home. Collaborating with Penelope and Colin in their books a few times. But I feel Elliot and Philly's real passion is Academia. And they would probably be more the type to publish essays, pamphlets, scientific papers and historically relevant documents than they would be of writing novels / travel journals. Like Colin and Penelope

By the time Hyacinth is getting married Elliot is better focused in training Amanda to be the top dog over all of Anthony's daughters and prove Elliot's supremacy as the best Bridgerton dad so much he misses half of what was going on with Hyacinth and Gareth and only pays attention when Violet insists that Hyacinth have a proper wedding

But I can bet you that Elliot & fam were totally sold on the idea of crashing a wedding to support Gregory's love life. It's the type of chaos they thrive on in his little family

[dwellordream]

If you could rewrite Alysanne and J****erys’ daughters to make them fully-fledged characters instead of paper-thin stereotypes, what would you change? (Censored you-know-who’s name because we don’t acknowledge him in my house 🙅🏿‍♀️)

Lmfao at you-know-who.  Daenerys: I actually think Fire and Blood does an okay job of building up Daenerys’ character (though of course it’s pretty obvious from her very first appearance she’s going to die tragically young, forever the ‘darling of the realm’). I don’t know, maybe we could have had a scene of her interacting with Aerea or Rhaena or something to get their reactions to her being heir for the first two years of her life before Aemon’s birth. Alyssa: My problem with Alyssa is not that she’s a tomboy. My problem with Alysaa is that she is a generic trope of ‘not like other girls!’ with no actual development. Unlike Arya’s very well-written arc in canon, Alyssa’s failure to conform to her society’s rigid gender roles and her interest in more traditionally masculine Westerosi pursuits like dueling, riding, climbing, etc is never examined in terms of how it effects her relationships with her family members and her thoughts about her future. There’s no scene like the one between Arya and Ned where Arya questions why she can’t be rule in her own right or build castles or advise kings, etc. There’s no detail given to how she got along with her mother and if Alysanne encouraged her ‘wild’ behavior or was more disapproving of it, etc.  Despite all this attention paid to how Alyssa refuses to conform to the expected role of a ladylike and demure princess, she seemingly has no problems with being married off at 15 and being expected to stick to being a wife and mother? There’s absolutely no conflict there, and there should be. Even if she was really in love with Baelon and had no issues marrying him, I find it hard to believe that she would pivot from wanting to spar with her brothers in the training yard to telling Baelon, totally seriously, “You were made for battles, and I was made for this. ...As soon as I am well, let’s make another. An army of your own!”  That seems like a pretty drastic shift in personality, and it’s never explained. Maegelle: Maegelle just needs more development, in general. She’s not this offensive character archetype, she’s just incredibly barebones, the barest outline of a character. Only one line is spared to her relationship with Alyssa, who was only two years older, and that is ‘Alyssa bristled at the baby at her skirts’. It would have been nice to see some interaction between them, any at all; they were close in age growing up, surely they spent time together, even if they had very different interests, and they must have been educated together by a septa. There’s also barely anything devoted to how Maegelle viewed Daella beyond being her ‘guiding star’. What does that mean? Was she protective of Daella? Did she spend more time with her little sister than the rest of the family? Was she upset when Daella was married off? How did she and Daella react to Alyssa’s untimely death?  What about Maegelle’s ‘gift for healing’? When did that show up? When did she begin to study healing? What motherhouse did she go to? She was very bright, so what else did she like to study? Did she ever wish she could study at the Citadel? Did she correspond with Vaegon? Did she do any writing of her own? How did she help her parents resolve their conflicts? Did she help resolve any other political or familial strife? Did she wish for Viserys or Daemon to join the Faith as boys? Daella: Daella seems to have been intellectually disabled in some way. How did that affect her everyday life? To what extent was she aware of this? How did it affect the way her siblings treated her? Was she scared of her father, who she seemed incapable of pleasing, no matter what she did? She liked flowers, did she like to spend a lot of time in the gardens, or did she have a personal flower garden of her own that she tended to, like Myrcella in canon? What caused her to be scared of gardens? Was she bullied in one by her siblings?  Daella didn’t speak until she was almost two. Was this scene as a cause for concern at the time? What did the maesters think? Did Maegelle teach her to read, and praise her when she was able to read aloud, albeit haltingly? Who were her other tutors? What did Alysanne and Jaehaerys think of her being known as ‘simple’? Why was she scared of Alyssa?  Was Saera punished for her cruel pranks on Daella? Did Saera single her out because Daella annoyed her or because she felt Daella took up attention from their parents that Saera did not get? How much did Saera and Vaegon’s bullying contribute to Daella’s obvious anxiety and many phobias? Why was someone asking the 9 year old Daella when she would marry Vaegon?  Why did Alysanne and Jaehaerys feel Daella needed to be wed at all? At the time they had plenty of healthy children who would presumably have multiple grandchildren to continue the Targaryen line. The overwhelming pressure for Daella to marry does not make sense when the family tree was still fairly vast in 77 AC. Why was Daella left alone with for young squires seemingly encouraged to flirt with and pursue her, a frightened teenage girl with a child-like mentality? Why was there no uproar over Simon trying to get her drunk, and Ellard forcing a kiss on her? Why was this incident seen as ‘Daella being picky’ and not an assault on a royal princess? What drew Daella to Royce Blackwood? Was he kind to her? Why did no one consider that Daella’s strong religious faith in the Seven might pose an obstacle to this marriage? Why could Daella not be permitted to wed in a sept and raise her children in an interfaith marriage, as Catelyn and Ned do in canon?  Why did Jaehaerys feel Daella needed to be married off by the end of her sixteenth year seemingly for no reason other than annoyance? Why would the marriage of a royal princess be treated so lightly? Why did Jaehaerys then threaten to send Daella to the Silent Sisters when Alysanne asked why Daella could not wait to be married? Why did Jaehaerys hold such animosity towards his 16 year old daughter that he would rather her be forced into a severe religious order where she would likely never see her family again, rather than simply let her wait to marry or not marry at all? Why were two of the men Daella was then ordered to choose between old enough to be her father? Why was she not offered the choice of Rodrik’s sons or Boremund’s son? What was to be gained from wedding her to Rodrik, since her children by him would never inherit the Eyrie? Jaehaerys just decided to chuck politics out the window in order to be rid of her? He loathed his daughter that much at that point? Daella is given no voice following her marriage to Rodrik, nor is there any interrogation of his frankly disturbing interest in a 16 year old girl he’d known since birth and watched grow up over the years, calling her his ‘precious princess’ and seemingly fetishizing her naive, child-like innocence and fragile physical state? To add onto this, there is then zero outcry towards Rodrik himself when he proceeds to impregnate Daella, leading to her horrible death in childbirth. Why do we not even get Jaehaerys’ reaction to the realization that he essentially pushed his daughter into an early, agonizing death?  Saera and Viserra: Saera is brave and clever but that gets one brief mention, and then the rest of the narrative spends all its time harping on how she’s an evil, sexy, manipulative teenage girl. Viserra is just a slightly watered down version of her. They don’t just need to be rewritten, they need actual personalities to work with, because they have none, they’re just plot devices with names designed to make their parents fight with each other.  The same goes for Gael, who seems to just be ‘Daella 2.0′ in terms of being regarded as ‘simple-minded but sweet’, and then being raped (I don’t think Gael was capable of giving proper consent to sex or understood what that meant) and left to commit suicide after her stillborn son.

[invisibleinorange]

Chapters: 4/? Fandom: Bridgerton Rating: T Warnings: Presumed Character Death, Suicidal Ideation  Relationships: Colin Bridgerton/Penelope Featherington,  Eloise Bridgerton/Penelope Featherington(besties),  Bridgerton Family Dynamics, Simon Hastings/Daphne Bridgerton Characters: Colin Bridgerton,  Penelope Featherington, Eloise Bridgerton, Anthony Featherington,  Benedict Bridgerton Additional Tags:  Bridgerton, Polin Summary:  Unexpected bad news arrives for the Bridgerton Family (and friends) regarding Colin's travels. This will be a series that is set after "The Duke and I" or season one of the show. It is a companion piece to "Goodbyes". (#I’mHereToKillYouAllWithFeels)

---

Anthony and Benedict had expected a lot of different reactions from their younger sister, dead silence was not one of them.

They stood there though watching as she read the letter, complete and utter disbelief and confusion clear on her face.

Eloise Bridgerton was certain that Penelope Featherington told her everything.  Sure, Colin had always been nice to Penelope but so were the rest of her brothers.

If there had been something out of the ordinary, she would have picked up on it.  If one of her brothers was taking more notice or spending more time with her, she would certainly picked up on it.

Colin had barely broken off his engagement to Marina before he departed.  Why would he have been so concerned about Pen?

This whole thing felt ludicrous and the only rational explanation was that this was some cruel prank.  Sure, she knew that Penelope was incredible but her brothers were all idiots.   As much as she might have loved to have her best friend have become a sister, she’d never seen it as the remotest of possibilities.

Reading the letter, she felt almost guilty for having never given Penelope enough credit for being capable to grab the attention of one of her brothers.

After a long moment she raised a hand as if to tell her brothers to not even say a word.  She was going to get to the bottom of this.

“You had both better hope that I don’t have cause to leave Gregory my only brother when I return,” she muttered and then with was gone, leaving the safety of the drawing room toward the one person who could answer any of the questions she had.

--

The reason Penelope Featherington could get away with more than most was because no one actually ever paid her much attention. No one cared what she did honestly and that was why it was so easy to keep herself shut away in her bedroom, convince herself that it would be so much easier for everyone involved if she just disappeared.

There were certain things that she had to get in order though.  She had forced herself to sneak in the night to allow Lady Whistledown to honor Colin but after that, she’d begun to get her affairs in order.

She had every intention of it being the last thing that she ever sent to print. She intended to have the secret die with her so that those she loved could at least keep some self-respect.

There were other letters that she had debated putting together too but somehow the words that were the most important were the most impossible to put together.  Her family wouldn’t even put on a show of missing her. The only person left who might actually miss her was Eloise.

She kept plenty of things from her over the years though and perhaps, it was for the best if she never knew.  

The saddest part of it all was that her mother never learned.  The necessary toxins were still easily accessible in the home.  Penelope had listened when Marina had detailed what all she’d consumed.  Surely, if that could nearly kill her if she doubled it, it would actually do the job. If it didn’t work, she was pretty sure she would just throw herself into the sea.

Her normally healthy pink skin was pale, her hands trembled as she wrapped her hand around the deceptively sweet smelling cup of tea. She raised it to her lips, prepared to take a sip.

Her plan was interrupted by the door opening with a slam.

The look on her face must have said it all because all 167.6 centimeters of Eloise Bridgerton came at her with a horrified force, knocking the cup out of her hands letting it shatter and spill against the floor.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” the brunette bellowed.

It was enough the send Penelope crumbling into the ground, curling into herself.  She was shattering and a part of her felt selfish for this all. She no longer had the strength to lie though.

“I want to join him,” she sobbed.

Eloise was completely taken aback but she still descended to her own knees, wrapping her arms around the red-head trying her to best to calm the storm.  She didn’t have to understand any of this to understand that there wasn’t a chance in Hell of her letting Penelope actually harm herself.

“You will not,” she ordered. “I won’t let you.”

“This is all my fault,” Penelope cried.

Eloise didn’t see a possible scenario where that could be true. The letter that her brother had written was still clearly imprinted in her mind along with the millions of questions that followed.

She was starting to think her brothers might have been right to share it.

A loud sigh escaped her lips and she forced her friend to look her in the face.

“My brother would not want this no matter what happened between the two of you,” she said resolutely, knowing that without a shadow a doubt.  

It was Penelope’s turn for confusion to show across her features.

“Nothing happened between me and your brother.”

Eloise couldn’t help but wonder if this was one of those situations where someone protested too much. Sure, she’d clearly missed something but her eyes were wide open now and she just wanted to know the truth.

“Then why did he write to you?” she couldn’t help but ask.

If Penelope could have turned paler in that moment, she was pretty sure that she would have.  Eloise wasn’t sure if she swooned, she’d have been able to keep her up right.

“He … wrote … me?” she asked.

Eloise nodded.

“Before he left,” she said. “It just doesn’t make sense to me because you’ve never given me any inclination that you had any passing fancy for any of my brothers and – I know I’ve been busy with my investigation but surely, I would have noticed something.  Surely, if you were this in love with my brother, you would have told me.”

She didn’t say it because it was of no relevance now that Colin was gone but she was a bit hurt with the thought that she wouldn’t have been told. As much as it might have been weird, there was no one she would have rather had become a sister. In many ways, she’d always felt as if they were sisters.

Her words shamed Penelope.

“I didn’t tell you because he wouldn’t have felt the same. I’m not like you and your sisters. I don’t have Lords and Dukes fighting over my hand. The only men who ever dance with me at balls do so out of pity.  Yes, I … believe I loved your brother but he never would have loved me. Maybe he didn’t marry Marina but there would be another next season or the next.”

Eloise’s loyalties were completely and utterly torn. Did she defend her brother’s character? Did she argue her best friend’s virtues?

“ You’re incredible, Pen.  Maybe the men and the Ton are idiots but that doesn’t change the fact you are one of the smartest, kindest and most loyal people that I’ve ever know. Even if I am furious at you for not telling me all of this, I’ll keep telling you as much.”

There was a pause, the folded letter retrieved from where she’d stashed it in her haste to get there to investigate.

She extended it toward her friend after a long moment of thought.

“I was going to say my brother was daft but apparently you both are when it comes to romance. I’m sorry that he’ll never be able to tell you as much himself.”

--

My Dear Pen, Everyone in my family has a bit of a label to them. I love them all dearly. It’s sometimes a big heavy trying to live up to their accomplishments. Being clever has always been my method of disguising my discomfort in my own skin at times. If you are reading this, I was a coward who couldn’t be man enough to utter the very words that have taken to plaguing my every waking hour. When I am with you, you disarm me.  I am in awe of you to the point that it terrifies me. I’m not completely sure that you recognize how magnificent you truly are. I know that you think that no one takes notice of you but I do.  You’re also my sister’s most beloved friend and as such I may have taken for granted the fact you would always be there. I know that I have acted beastly in recent weeks, throwing myself head first at an ill-fated engagement with little consideration for your own circumstances, ignoring you when you sought to warn me and taking our friendship for granted. I cannot apologize to you enough. I am completely and utterly undeserving of the repeated forgiveness you have bestowed upon me. I had hoped I might throw myself at you for your mercy once more. I know that you are facing bigger issues than my own selfish need of your company though. I understand now that this is why you spurned my request at the ball.  I was wounded when you took leave of me but struggle to find sleep, I knew just how foolish I might have been to think that you would even want to spend the night dancing and talking with a rake like me. You have always deserved the attention of a man not a boy. You deserve someone who would  put you above his own boyish whims. You deserve to be cherished always. By the time I return from Greece, someone else will have seen how magnificent you really are. Perhaps one day, I will grow into the man that you have always had faith that I could be and when I approach you won’t feel need to take leave of me. I will never be as good as Anthony or Benedict but if when we can meet again you so  much as deem me worthy of friendship, I will not take such opportunity for granted.

Your most humble friend, Colin

[urbiggestdaydream]

fear street: a review

happy spooky seasons babes!!! for every week in october, i'll be posting reviews on spooky movies and tv shows inspired by this Instagram post https://www.instagram.com/p/CUN2Xeth3N4/?utm_medium=copy_link attached in case you want any ideas for a spooky night in. this first review will be on the netflix original movie, fear street. one of my best friends is OBSESSED with this trilogy so it's dedicated to her. i told her someday i would watch it and today is the day :) 

fear street is a trilogy set around 1994, 1978, and 1666 respectively. for the sake of the review, i will be watching the first one. it runs for an hour and 47 mins and is rated r. the first opening line states, “it started as a prank and ended in murder” already intriguing. it sets the stage of a rebellious teenage age that could end in an accidentally murder or an supernatural circumstances that leads to murder. either one sounds good. i’m getting a little ahead of myself. the general plot is about a group of teens from the town of shadyville that try to rectify the brutal killings that plague their town. for more insight, keep on reading. it will contain major spoilers so you have been warned. 

SPOILER the movie begins with heather (maya hawke, a queen) who is working at a book store. a relatable girl with her “not like other girls” personality, she exchanges teasing banter with her friend, ryan who works near her. as the mall begins to close (named shadyside mall which serves as a foreshadow), she encounters the killer wearing a halloween skeleton mask. they wrestle around for a little bit and she is then killed afterwards. just when i started to like her. before her death, she unveils the killer and it is revealed as her friend ryan who she was just conversing with. 

the opening scene provides an inner look into shadyside and its reputation for being a murderous town. we are then told that this is a common thing. it has a neighboring town called sunnyvale. like the name suggests, it is the complete opposite. it is safe, wealthy and comfortable. it had a record breaking year of no violence as opposed to shadyside which is cursed with murders. it is dubbed “killer capital usa”. i wonder if this is used as a social commentary on how certain towns cannot be saved and are riddled with crime. but that is a discussion for another day. we are also given motifs of a witch being executed. could this be an illusion to events to come? 

we are met with a new protagonist named deena. deena is going through a breakup with someone named sam. she is heartbroken and resentful as sam is the reason she left band. we meet her friends, simon and kate, who are there to support her throughout the whole process and with that they discuss the current standing of their town with the recent murder of heather. a possible reason for the killings is considered: shadyside creates murders. certain people lose their breaking point and take it out on unsuspecting victims. it makes people go insane.

a town left in shambles once again. a candlelit vigil is held for the victims of the mall massacre hosted in sunnyvale. it is clear that the neighboring towns have animosity towards each other. it is giving pawnee vs. eagleton (shout out to parks and rec). with the rising tensions between them, a fight ensues with the two football teams. it is also revealed that the reason for sam and deena’s breakup is sam moving to sunnyvale. deena is displeased at her decision and i would be too but at the same time, i don’t blame sam. i would have left too if my life would be in danger just by being there. but that’s besides the point. enraged, everyone goes back to their respective homes with a few football players plus sam tormenting the shadyside team. several hyped up chants later, the shadyside team retaliate by throwing a cooler directed at the car. the car begins to swerve and hits a tree harming the people inside. grasping at life, sam begins to see visions which could be due to the accident, but it is assumed as the witch. 

now at home, deena sees the killer at her home and he also comes after kate. due to the events prior, they believe it is peter (one of the football players) and they visit the hospital where sam is held. deena goes on a rampage telling sam to control her psychotic boyfriend. however, peter was in the hospital the whole time and is killed right in front of their eyes thus disproving the theory. good riddance to him. they run away from him and getting away safely but like heather, they unveil him and it is revealed as the same person as before: ryan torres. they go to the police but they are disregarded because ryan was killed by sheriff goode when he killed heather. they decide to take this into their own hands. outside the station, simon encounters this girl that tries to kill him. josh, (deena’s brother) who has done research on the various shadyside killers, identifies the girl who tried to kill simon as ruby lane. the weird part is that ruby’s killings were over 30 years ago. the witch from the opening scenes, sarah fier, was executed in the 1600s (when the first shadyside killing was reported). these massacres are somehow all connected to her and it could be how normal people are suddenly becoming murderers because she is seeking revenge by inhibiting unsuspecting bodies. sam is her next victim as the killers are attracted to her blood and she is seeing the visions. they make a plan to kill kate to wane away the bad spirits and bring her back to life with an epipen. it works in the end, but simon and kate are eliminated in the process by the demons. 

the remaining survivors (deena, kate, and josh) go to the police and talk about their experiences. because they aren’t willing to give up information (which i don’t know the reason; i might have overlooked it), the murders are planted on the now deceased kate and simon. (a mild rant). what is bothering me about deena is that she didn’t properly mourn her friends killed in the crossfire. she’s so selfishly in love with kate that she completely disregarded her friends death. life just seems to be all good for her as if nothing happened because she got back together with sam. freaking josh seemed to care more than she did. he stood up for them in his online chat but deena? where’s the energy. she seemed to care a tiny bit with the police officer (because as she claimed drug use is a perfect example to blame since the two sold drugs) but not enough to clear the air about the murders. idk that just rubbed me the wrong way. 

deena and sam are back together and living their best life good for them (i’m so petty lmao) deena gets a call from c berman (the sole survivor of one of the past massacres). she tells her its a little too late for the phone call because they could have used her advice when they still were fighting the demons. berman tells her that it never goes away and sarah always comes back. we see sarah etching sam’s name under ryan torres on a gravestone. sam is now possessed with sarah’s spirit and attacks deena. she ties up sam and tells josh that she isn’t acting like herself and they need to save her. to be continued. END SPOILER. 

final thoughts: i like this. i get why this is popular.  i’m usually not the biggest horror movie fan because they are always so typical and kinda corny. however, something about this feels fresh and new. the idea of a possessed witch is nothing new but i don’t think i have heard about a witch seeking revenge on her execution by passing on her witchcraft for generations. a woman’s scorn. plus we got some teenage drama mixed into it to add more dimension. i like knowing that the story continues on because i like the direction this is going. dare i say it i would put it up with scream as part of my favorites in the horror movie genre. someday i will watch the next two. i definitely recommend this movie for horror movie fans. i will give it a 8/10. 

[takingcourage]

Can I request Simon Montjoy x MC for telling ghost stories? And bonus if I get to see Simon as a father 🥺

Thank you so much for this request, Nonny! Writing Simon as a father was an absolute delight!

This story borrows from Roald Dahl’s The Witches: not a “ghost story,” per se, but one of my favorite scary stories to read as a child. All excerpts are in italics.

_____

They were only an hour in, and Cassidy was already on her third flute of champagne. She sipped from the top of her latest glass, grateful for the fleeting moments when she had the the fizz of bubbles to counter the booming monotone of Viscount Kirkley.

Her grandfather-in-law really did have the most tedious taste in friends.

With a glance toward the opposite end of the room, she saw that Simon was in much the same state. Even from this distance, it was easy for her to see that his eyes had started to look a bit glassy. As he caught her attention, his mouth kinked up in a trademark smirk.

Returning the look with a smile of her own, Cassidy traced a finger over the stem of her glass and tried to give the appearance of being interested in the proceedings. Aside from decorum and the show of solidarity, her real motivation for hosting the evening's festivities was the promise of dancing. It had been too long since she'd had an excuse to dance with her husband.

Behind her, there was a brush of fabric and a quiet titter that sounded very much like an apology. Cassidy turned over her shoulder to find Celeste at her side, one lip caught between her teeth as if steeling herself for something unpleasant.

“I’m sorry to bother you," she sidled close with the whispered interruption. "But if you could join me outside, Ms. Davison would like to speak with you.”

“Of course.” Cassidy followed the other woman through the ballroom and into an adjacent hallway.

Even with a fair amount of alcohol in her system, her blood chilled on reading the distress in Ms. Davison's features. It wasn't the first time the nanny’s face had matched the color of Mitsy's roses, but the florid hue was still a rather unnerving sight to behold.

“I’m so sorry to disturb you, ma'am, but they've disappeared." In spite of her appearance, she managed to keep her tone even. With a deep, resolute breath, she resumed her explanation. "I was only gone for a moment, but I can’t find them anywhere."

“They’re quite good at that,” Simon remarked, sauntering in to round out the little gathering.

“Where were they when you left them?” Cassidy inquired, disposing of her glass on a nearby windowsill.

“The nursery.”

She shared a look with her husband. Even with the size of the estate and its extensive grounds, that could really only mean one thing.

“We’ll find them.” With a slanted brow, Simon downed the rest of his drink and set the glass beside his wife’s.

Following his cue, Cassidy continued, “Why don’t you take the rest of the evening off? We’ll take care of getting them to bed.” No matter what awaited them upstairs, it was preferable to enduring the rest of the night’s speeches. It wasn’t quite the distraction she might have hoped for, but she was hardly going to turn her nose up once it had appeared.

The relief in the nanny’s eyes was immediate. “If you’re sure, ma’am. Violet hasn’t been any trouble; she’s been sleeping since half past. I'd just gone to check on her when the other two ran off."

The news was hardly surprising. Their youngest was still too small to get herself into much trouble unless prompted by the other two. Somewhat unfortunately, the eldest Montjoy siblings were more than capable of producing enough mischief on their own.

"We'll see that the other two are tucked in soon."

She and Simon broke off from the group, finding their way to the staircase with purposeful strides. Now that the initial shock had passed, Cassidy was finding it difficult to keep a handle on the laughter that kept bubbling up in her throat. “This is all your fault," she accused, wagging a finger in the direction of her husband's nose. "You must be regretting your decision to show them those passageways last week.”

“And miss this prime opportunity to teach them a lesson? Absolutely not!” The wink he flashed her couldn’t mean anything good. 

When he wheeled toward the left and away from the nursery on cresting the top of the stairs, she caught his meaning. With a quiet gasp of surprise, Cassidy followed close behind him.

“No doubt they’ve snuck in there to tell ghost stories or some such rot.”

“Like you did when you were their age?”

“I didn’t run away from my nannies in the middle of parties.”

From the corner of her eye, she glimpsed the telltale tilt of his smile. “You’re a terrible liar.”

“Well....” he equivocated, “circumstances were different. Mine knew about the passages and could follow after me if they wished. My disappearances may have been a nuisance, but they were never a hazard to anyone’s health. Did you see the vein in her forehead just now? I hope she goes home for a proper lie-down.”

“We really ought to give the poor woman a raise,” Cassidy considered as they passed into the Blythe Room. "Even with us, those two are quite a handful."

Simon slid an arm behind the headboard, easily locating the release for the passage door. "I wouldn't have them any other way: unspoiled by the world, free to let their imaginations wander wherever they may. They’re rather perfect."

Her heart clenched at the tenderness of his statement. Their children were curious and kind and compassionate, with a mischievous streak just wide enough to keep life full of excitement. It was little wonder their family and all the household staff were so fond of them. 

"...though I shall need to have a chat with them about this particular scheme -- how they thought they'd get away with it, I'll never know."

"Do we have a plan of attack?" She joined him at the entrance in the wall, starting to feel the adrenaline thrum through her extremities.

"We sneak in and scare the dickens out of them," he shared matter of factly. “Does that meet your approval?”

“I can be pretty quiet when I need to be.”

“I know you can, darling.” The flash of heat in his dark eyes sent a thrill across her skin.

She was going to have to get him back for that later. Removing her shoes, Cassidy hooked the thin straps over her fingers and tiptoed into the tunnel after him. Her anticipation rose as the light faded behind them, leaving them in almost total darkness. As they rounded the corner, she could just make out the glow of a torch around the next bend.

“Shhh,” Simon warned needlessly.

With great effort, she managed not to elbow him in the ribs. If he thought she’d be the one to ruin a prank, he was quite mistaken.  

They edged closer, Amelia’s voice growing more articulate with every step. "Don't stop! It's getting to the good part."

"How should you know? You've never read this book before."

"I can tell! My neck is tingling. Feel it!"

“Fine.” There was an indistinguishable grumble before Calvin resumed reading:

“Did you ever see that painting, Grandmamma, with the little girl in it?”

“Many times," my grandmother said. "And the peculiar thing was that little Solveg kept changing her position in the picture --”

From somewhere ahead of them, Amelia gasped at the revelation.

“One day she would actually be inside the farmhouse and you could see her face looking out of the window. Another day she would be far over to the left with a duck in her arms.”

Cassidy predicted Simon’s response even before she heard his measured intake of breath.

"Quack-wack! Quack. Wack-wack!"

The noises weren't terribly convincing, but it didn't matter: a pair of shrieks echoed before they'd even stepped into view. Two small bodies were huddled tightly against the wall, though they jerked apart as soon as their parents appeared. A flashlight rolled aimlessly before coming to stop at Simon’s feet.

"What do we have here?" he asked, retrieved the torch to spotlight each child in turn. Though the shrieking had stopped, they were still working to catch their breaths. Still clinging to the cover of the book, Calvin held his hand to his chest. "A pair of escapologists who think it's clever to scare their nanny to death?"

Amelia's brow plummeted at the accusation. "We didn't mean to frighten her."

"Yeah!" her brother joined in, dropping the book to his side with the force of conviction. "We just wanted to read! Ms. Davison said we couldn't because she thinks it's too scary --"

"--even though you and mama told us we could. It's not fa--"

Simon's level gaze ensured that his daughter’s pouting was short lived.

Heaving a sigh, Amelia dusted off the book cover and replaced the bookmark that she'd been worrying between her fingers. "We'll write a letter to apologize tomorrow morning. Is she still here? We could go and tell her sorry right now."

"We sent her home, but I think she'd be grateful for an apology tomorrow," Cassidy encouraged, wondering how it was possible to move from fear, to frustration, to regret quite so quickly. Amelia rose, coming to meet her with a hug that suggested the depth of her feelings.

"Can we get back to the book then?" their son piped up again. "We can’t stop in the middle of a chapter.”

Simon handed him the light and considered the question, carding a hand through his son’s hair in the meantime. Calvin made a show of shying away from the attention, though the attempt was halfhearted. “If you promise to pen your apologies first thing tomorrow morning.”

“We do!” the children chimed in chorus.

Simon chucked the boy’s chin and took a step toward the nursery. “Then perhaps we should finish the chapter together before we send you off to bed.”

“Really?”

Simon darted back at his daughter’s question. “You know I don’t joke about story time.”

“But the party!” Amelia objected, eyebrows slanting into a perfect facsimile of Simon’s.

“We’ll go back after you’ve gone to bed.”

Satisfied with the answer, she joined her brother in trekking back though the dim hallway.

“Don’t drag your heels now, into your jim-jams!" Simon cast an eye after them before falling back to walk with his wife. With practiced ease, he slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her near. “I rather like this turn of events.”

“We’re as bad as the children, running out on our own party.”

“It’s grandfather’s party.”

“That we’re hosting,” Cassidy reminded, making a mental list of all the ways their sudden disappearance must have violated conventions.

“My grandparents are more than capable of seeing to the guests. Besides, it’s not as if people aren’t used to us being a bit... unconventional now and then.”

As they made it back through the nursery passage, she considered the pronouncement. “I was never one for conventions.” His hold on her hip tightened, and she settled comfortably into his side.

“It’s one of my favorite things about you, darling. Now, let’s get these two miscreants of ours to bed. if we time it right, we’ll be back just in time for dancing.”

[planetjisungie]

détester- l.dh

characters; slytherin! haechan x gryffindor! reader ft. gryffindor! mark (its just a given at this point) and slytherin! jisung

summary; enemies to lovers, you and donghyuck had always just hated eachother. you dont know when it started, or why it started but it was starting to get annoying.

an; i WILL finish my hogwarts series tonight we only have chenle left but now we have more fluff than actual crack because simon says is playing

congratulations you have reached gryffindor level you lucky prick

only the finest gryffindor

you are the embodiment of courage, literally if there was a ditch and someone fell down while everyone was too scared to help them, youd dive in before they could even say ‘dumbledore’

and you just so happen to be the younger sister of mark lee

the infamous mark lee,, that is

lucky prick part 2

but one thing made you seem not so lucky

your sworn enemy, lee donghyuck

or haechan as he liked to be called because apparently all evil villains needed a fake name

thats what you said anyway, he just liked the name haechan for its meaning

but he was also the emodiment of a slytherin, ambitious, cunning, resourceful and he was a pretty damn good leader

hence him being the captain of the quidditch team (no we are not going down the jisung route)

you didnt actually know when you started hating him, in your first year he had just decided to tie your poor, poor cat like a pig for roasting (he was in his second year already)

mr snuggles was traumatized

after that day it was small things to annoy you

like when he put hair dye in your conditioner bottle, resulting in your hair turning out a seafoam green colour

which you actually didnt mind so the joke was really on him, you pulled that shit off

or when he put spiders in your school shoes

that was unpleasant

and he also put a cockroach in your pocket, scaring your poor best friend who was terrified of the creatures

jisung was shaking, he hates cockroaches

to this day you still didnt know why he was a slytherin, but you guessed it was because he was a pureblood, very ambitious and resourceful but not so scary

but today was no exception

you walked towards the gryffindor table, robe billowing behind you as if you were walking in a movie

you were a lee sibling, you were both good at literally everything and deserved all the praise on earth

you fucking go girl, i stan

jisung sat at your table, the gryffindors appeared not to mind, especially as he was actually super nice

"y/n haechan told me to give you this"

ah there it was

the small hufflepuff girl handed you the letter before scurrying off back to her table

"y/n im scared"

jisung was already frightened of what that letter would hold

and you were a good friend, who knew no good would come from that letter

so you shoved it in your pocket, letting it crumple up before turning back to your breakfast

rip donghyuck

that was a fat L for our boy

he just wanted your attention

at first at least, he just wanted to be noticed by you so he pulled the cat stunt, making sure he didn’t actually harm the creature because he is still a decent human being and the grey furry animal did nothing to him

but now he had taken things too far

and he realised that after the stunt he pulled which resulted in you

yes, you, the brave, courageous gryffindor, crying

yeah he fucked up

he casted an illusion spell that infiltrated your sleep, creating nightmares with your deepest fears

and he regretted that

prank gone wrong *nearly killed her* (not clickbait)

you were still pissed at him for that

but that letter in your pocket was no ordinary letter

it was a confession letter, because he; yes him, the infamous slytherin, was too scared to talk to you about it in person

yet you literally just crushed his heart

which he kinda deserved to be fair

but jisung sent you a grateful smile and you went back to your conversation of which cereal brand was better

the answer is obviously lucky charms or frosted shreddies pengers mate

so our baby slytherin needed to find another way to get his feelings across because he was failing

and brother mark was: not happy

mark was a friend of haechan but despite his complaints every goddamn time that he needed to stop his stupid jokes that weren’t actually jokes, he didnt listen

maybe he shouldve listened

mark knows best

apart from jenos fic, mark was a real bitch but this is mark 2.0

mark really doesnt know best

anyways moving on

its time for innovative hyuck™️

so its back to the drawing room, sitting next to yuta (his head boy) to discuss the next plan of action

cutie yuta felt that haechan opening up to him about his feelings was the biggest achievement during his time at hogwarts

so right, the next plan

it was to leave flowers on your bed and then when you turned around to see who put them there (hypothetically) he would be there and he could make his outstanding apology

but of course, this isnt some fanfiction where everything goes right

who do you take me for?

so later that day he gathered his flowers, tying them in a cute dark green ribbon

staying with the slytherin theme

and he put them on your bed

they were some seriously nice flowers

you noticed them as soon as you walked in and your heart swelled

unfortunately that wasnt the only thing that swelled

you were allergic to pollen, and your eyes had puffed up slightly, itching a little and you had some sniffles

that was another L for hyuck

and he ran, he fucking booked it out of his little hiding spot back to his common room aka the dungeon

"YUTA I FAILED"

"how the fuck do you fail giving someone flowers hyuck?"

"shes fucking allergic"

so you never found out who gave you flowers

but

but you did keep them, despite your obvious physical irritation to them

they were pretty :(((

so you pressed them into a random notebook you found, because seriously you couldnt just chuck them out

unfortunately for hyuck, he was not so slick to mark who narrowed his eyes on the boy

he knew something was up

what kind of torture device was flowers ?? this was too soft

and so he found out that the same boy who had been making your life a little

how should i say

s p i c y

had a fat crush on you and was just a pouty baby who wanted your love and attention

cute

mark didnt know whether to support this?? like ?? he knew that underneath your front of disliking the long legged boy, you had some feelings, maybe small but they were there

you wouldve called it fondness

because

i promise youre not a sadist or masochist

but you would see him in class

he was very focused and had a beautiful smile

and laugh

he may come across a little... stand offish and arrogant at first but hes actually a kind soul

from how he made a mess in the grand hall but when he thought everyone was gone, he stayed behind to help clean it, having fun conversations with the staff (elves? who tf cleans the great hall??)

that goddamn melodious laughter constantly ringing in your head

shawtys like a melody in my head

but moving on

you noticed the pranks he pull decreased

and that was because he was spending time with yuta and mark, planning the perfect, foolproof (unfortunately not jeno this time) way to confess

and he sent you small smiles ?? what ??

this is so unlike the hyuck you knew

like he did a 180

i did a full 180 baby crazy

i said this was gonna be less crackish but when regular comes on and you hear jaehyuns queso line you cant not feel qUirKy

(bbq- bb—s mY DIAMONDS I DONT NEED NO LIGHT TO SHINE- jungwoo)

okay so the next plan

you loved quidditch too, mainly because your brother was the captain for the gryffindor team

so the plan was for you to attend the slytherin v gryffindor match and

mark somewhat willingly agreed to have a friendly match so that hyuck could show off his skills

this was an awful plan

because it was raining the day of the match

so you and jisung huddled together for warmth, shivering as you watched the match

and hyuck couldnt feel worse, he felt like you were now going to be sick because of him

damn, you really couldnt catch a break

the groan of pure frustration yuta let out was amusing at least

he was just as invested in this as haechan at this point

like he was germinating a seed??? he was fathering this relationship

so with another L, haechan felt super super bad

and this baby cooked for you

he got his best friend jaemin to teach him how to make chicken soup

because you were actually not a herbivore

(thats the category i put vegans and vegetarians in)

omnivore tings

so he carried his little pot of soup, his fingers kind of burning as it was piping hot

he legit walked right past a suffering jisung in the slytherin dorm, the pot of soup still in hand not even sparing a thought about taking pity on the poor kid and giving him some

so he walked to your dorm, being let in by mark who was being big bro™️ and looking after your sick ass

you looked dead

pale skin, eyes closed, lips tinted blue, your body was shivering but you felt fucking boiling

peak peak times

but haechan still thought you looked gorgeous

mark vacated the dorms, leaving to his lessons so hyuck could look after you

this wasnt a plan ?? but hyuck rolled with it

setting his lil pot down he sat in a seat next to you, staring at your asleep awake form with closed eyes

his eyes held so much love and adoration for you, you really are lucky

he took off his robe, just sitting there in his shirt, trousers and green tie and watching you sleep

you were actually awake, just vibing and breathing to stay alive

and he had a lot on his chest

"i know ive been a massive prick to you and im really sorry. i know you’re asleep right now but im too much of a coward to say this to your face. i really only just wanted your attention because i seem to have feelings for you and i am sincerely sorry for going about it the wrong way"

your ears were {}

wide open

boy were you listening and taking this all in

oh shit

realizashun xx

so you fluttered your eyes open gently, watching his face morph into an expression of pure terror from his previous one of literal love

*whipping noise*

"youre awake!" he squeaked out, eyes darting around the room to look at anything but you

which you couldnt help but smile at

shifting to the side in your bed slightly, you lifted the covers, lazily patting the now open space

"c’mere"

your voice was kind of croaky and hoarse

that made hyuck feel guilty

baby it wasn’t your fault

but he complied, kicking off his leather school shoes and sliding besides you, staying as far away from you as possible

not to offend you, his heart was just going a million miles a second and there was no way you wouldn’t be able to hear it

this boy was like blushy sausage face part 2

arrogant hyuck has left the chat

you pouted seeing him shuffle away from you, shuffling to move yourself closer instead

power move, he either had to cuddle with you or fall off the bed

"can we just forget what i said earlier?"

that made you frown

the fuck?

hell no

"hyuck wait-"

"no dont bring it up its embarrassing"

whiny baby is back

"hyuck i-"

"nope nope nope nope"

"LET ME SPEAK FOR FUCKS SAKE"

he had no choice but to listen

your voice sounded strained already and he didnt want to make you feel worse

"i have feelings for you too you big baby"

double take

you what now?

haechans mouth just kinda froze open

so you shut his jaw gently

cant let him get jaw ache

"wait what?"

his soul has returned

he felt elated, completely happy, dare i say like he was high on a drug and said drug was not THC it was your TLC (LMAO GET IT IM PROUD OF THAT)

and so thats how mark returned to your dorm room to see you and hyuck cuddled in your bed, your head laying on his chest as his chin rested on your head, nuzzling into your hair (which was still half seafoam green might i add)

hyuck wasnt awake to celebrate, so yumark had their own small celebration, counting this as their success

you only found out he had put the flowers on your bed about two months after you started dating

a month after that you read the letter he gave you

[soapsilly]

Why not? - Isabelle Lightwood Imagine

Pairings: Izzy Lightwood x reader, 

Summary: (Y/N) is Simons younger sister and usually known as a outgoing and fun person but when she meets Izzy Lighwood her confidence fades and she feels like a schoolgirl having her first crush all over again.

Requests are open

This was originally a request, that I cant seem to find anymore. The pairing and setting were given to me per request so I really hope this is what the requester had in mind.

I did have something different in mind originally but got kinda carried away. I’m not sure if I’m 100% happy with the outcome but it is what it is.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“You’re gonna love her, I promise! She’s seriously so fun” Clary was excited to finally introduce (Y/N) to her new friends. Ever since Clary found out about her mother and her true identity, a lot of things changed for her and she kinda had to let her old life behind, which included her friends. 

She was lucky that she had people that cared about her and helped her to come to terms with everything that was going on around her but that didn’t stop her from missing her old life every now and then. 

Right now her, Jace and Alec were waiting for Simon to bring his sister (Y/N) to meet them. (Y/N) shouldn’t even know about the shadow world but her brother couldn’t ever keep any secrets from her for long. 

“There they are!” Clary exclaimed.

Simon entered the room and closely behind him was a girl about the same age. 

“So (Y/N), this is Jace” Clary gestured to the blond guy sitting across from them. (Y/N) sent her friend a suggestive look and mouthed a ‘Wow. He’s a catch’.

“You’re right, Clary, I love her already” Jace, of course, always enjoyed a little stroke to his ego.

“And this is Alec” she motioned to the broody looking man sitting next to Jace. He sent her a little nod but it seemed like he wasn’t satisfied with her presence. 

“Don’t worry about him. He’s just worried. Technically you shouldn’t even know we exist. It’s kinda against the rules for mundies to know about shadowhunters. He’ll come around” Jace reassured the girl.

“What the hell is a shadowhunter?” (Y/N) asked, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Jace’s eyes widened. Did Clary not tell her? Did he just out them to her?

“Nah, just joking. Of course I know of you lot. When your brother turns into a vampire it’s kinda hard to miss, you know? Especially, when he’s having a nervous breakdown in the room next to yours.” (Y/N) explained.

That even got a small chuckle out of Alec. Ever since he got used to Clary being around he loosened up a bit. But maybe a certain cat-eyed warlook also played a part in that.

“Where’s Izzy though? Wasn’t  she supposed to be here with you guys?” Simon asked.

“Yes, but there was some business in the institute that had to be taken care of. She’ll meet us here” Alec explained. 

For the next one and a half hours the group got used to each other. Clary, Simon and (Y/N) got to catch up and (Y/N) got to know Alec and Jace a little better.

Right in the middle of a story about a prank Simon and (Y/N) used to play on their older sister Elaine when they were younger, a stunning black haired woman walked up to them. 

“Ah Izzy! Come over here. Meet (Y/N)!” Alec shouted happily. By the time Izzy showed up everybody was several drinks deep into the evening and tipsy Alec was just really enjoying the well deserved off-time.

Izzy sent (Y/N) a big smile, “Hey it’s so nice to to meet you, I’m Izzy. I see you guys are having a good time. Even my dear brother is letting his hair down.” 

That earned her a huff from Alec, who then mumbled something about him being not as stuck up as they’re always making him out to be. Which made the group fall into a fit of laughter but (Y/N) didn’t really care about any of that. 

“Uhm.. Hi? I mean, nice to meet you too,” (Y/N) stumbled over her words a little, which, however, earned her weird looks from Clary and Simon. Both of them not being used to (Y/N) being timid or shy. 

“Well, I’ll get a drink too then. I think I’ve got some catching up to do,” she made her way overt o the bar, (Y/N)’s eyes following her every step.

“What was that?” (Y/N) was pulled out of her trance by Clary’s question.

“Hm?” she looked at the red head. 

“You just did a complete 180 when Izzy turned up.”

“Well how do you expect me not to? She’s gorgeous! Those red lips and that leather jacket! Leather jackets make everybody look amazing... and she was looking amazing to begin with. Damn, you know I’m a sucker for the bad bitch look”, she whined.

“Wait.. I know that talk. You talked the same when you just got together with that Eustace dude, that turned out to be a creep. You’re crushing on her! You’re crushing on Izzy!” Simon exclaimed, making his sister whince at his volume. She didn’t want Izzy to possibly hear.

“Wait, so you dated a dude named Eustace and were surprised when he turned out a creep?” Jace asked (Y/N) with an amused expression on his face.

“Simon I swear! If you don’t shut up I’ll tell everybody about that time you wet your pants because you were so excited to meet Celine Dion at the mall when you were seven! ...Oopsies,” she sent her brother a cheeky grin. 

Jace almost choked on his drink when he heard that.

“And as for Eustace..” - she directed her answer towards Jace - “that boy way fine. It’s not my fault he turned out to be a ‘nice guy’.” she retaliated.

“You know you can joke about me all you want- “ 

“Oh, I will”

“As I said. You can joke about me all you want but you know I’m right. You like Izzy and you should totally ask her out.” (Y/N)’s big brother got serious for a minute. 

Simon wanted his sister to be happy. It wasn’t only his and Clary’s lives that got turned upside down. The three of them were really close and with both Simon and Clary gone (Y/N) completely lost her support system. It hurt Simon to know that he couldn’t always be there for his little sister so every chance he got to take care of her, he was determined to use.

“Simon, I don’t even know if Izzy likes girls.” 

(Y/N) was starting to grow frustrated when Alec spoke up, “She does... I thought you’d like to know”

(Y/N)’s head whipped around to face Alec and then looked back to her brother, who had a knowing smile on his face.

“Doesn’t matter anyways. She doesn’t even know me. I don’t know her. Why would I ask her - “ (Y/N)’s answer was interrupted by Izzy’s return.

“What are we talking about, guys?” she asked while finding a seat between her brother and (Y/N), sending the girl a smile that made her blush more than (Y/N) cared to admit.

“Oh, just Simon’s inability to hold his bladder,” Jace tried to sound nonchalant but couldn’t keep the smile out of his voice.  

“Well, that sounds interesting ... anybody care to explain?” Izzy grinned at Simon.

Right as Jace was about to open his mouth Simon interrupted him, “Anybody care not to?”

After that the group got talking again. Izzy got filled up on everything she’s missed while she was busy at the institute. 

“(Y/N), Clary told me your in college, yes? What are you studying?” Izzy turned to the girl next to her.

“It’s something called sociology. It’s basically the study of human interactions and social problems.  It’s really interesting. I mean to me at least.” she answered. Izzy seemed interested but (Y/N) was too flustered to actually keep a conversation going. And it didn’t help that Simon stirred the conversation to (Y/N) every chance he got.

“Izzy! Did you know my sister has a thing for leather jackets? Where did you get yours? She told me she really liked the way the jacket looks on you when you were over there getting your drink.” Simon asked her. On one hand he really wanted his sister to act on her crush but on the other hand he also enjoyed teasing her a little bit like she always teased him. 

(Y/N)’s eyes widened when Simon said that, cursing him for being  so forward.

Izzy’s eyes lit up, she loved talking fashion and makeovers especially.

“Really? That’s great! I dont remember where I got this particular one but I have some more in my room at the institute. Leather jackets are actually kinda like work attire for us shadowhunters, you know? You should totally come over sometime and I’ll set up a whole outfit for you. I already have some jewelry in mind that could really enhance your eyes. You’ll look just great. I mean.. not that you don’t look great now. You’re beautiful obviously..” Izzy got a little carried away but got more quiet towards the end when she realized that she started to ramble.

(Y/N) blushed even worse than before. Izzy called her beautiful. She couldn’t believe her ears but quickly got her act together and answered the dark haired shadowhunter beside her, “Yeah sure. That’d be cool. Let’s do that sometime.” She sent Izzy a little smile. 

“Yes! Sounds like a date, guys”, Simon chimed in, “speaking of dates, (Y/N) you’re not seeing anybody lately, are you?”

“Simon stop.” Clary warned her best friend. She knew what he was up to and she agreed that Izzy and (Y/N) would be a great match. Their personalities would compliment each other amazingly if (Y/N) just stopped being so insecure. But setting them up like this wasn’t the right way.

“And what about you, Iz? Is there a special someone in your life right now?”

Simon was acting strange. Izzy furrowed her brows and sent a look towards Simon first and towards (Y/N) after. 

“Sorry guys, I gonna go catch some fresh air.” (Y/N) excused herself and left the bar.

Clary hurried after her, throwing Simon a disappointed look on the way.

When she arrived outside she found a pissed (Y/N) pacing the pavement. 

“That idiot. Who does he think he is? Dr. Phil? Oprah? Is a simple nice evening of hanging out to much to ask for?” 

“See, I get that you’re angry with Simon but he’s really just trying to help. We’ve all seen the way you look at Izzy. You two’d have chemistry, (Y/N). Don’t you see that? You’re his little sister and he wants to make sure you’re happy. I know he took it too far but he had good intentions.” the red head tried to reason with her friend.

“No, Clary. I don’t see that. And Simon should really know better. I’m not part of your world and let’s be honest - I won’t be Simon’s little sister for long anymore either. Give or take one, two years and I’ll be older than him. I get it. I really do. You got new friends, new lives and shit  and I’m really, really trying to be as supportive as I can be but I’m still back home and trying to forcefully insert me in your situation will only do harm. Look at you, look at Izzy, look at Jace and Alec. Hell, even Simon looks cool lately. Why would a girl like Izzy go out with me? I’m not even supposed to know of her existence. So I appreciate your concern but I will not ask out Isabelle Lightwood!”

“Why not?”

(Y/N) was rigid, she knew exactly who this voice belonged to but she still prayed that it’d be anybody but Izzy standing behind her. But no such luck, when she turned around the one and only Izzy Lightwood stood before her with a worried expression on her beautiful face but nonetheless her arms crossed firmly across the chest.

“I should leave you two to it, I think,” Clary mumbled awkwardly while stepping around (Y/N), sending a sympathetic smile towards her.

(Y/N) sat down on the curb rubbing her hands over her face. She was exhausted. Izzy took that as an invitation to join her.

“How much of that did you hear?”

“Enough. Even though I don’t understand what you were saying. Why are you so hard on yourself?” she looked at (Y/N) for a long time. When she didn’t answer the shadowhunter continued, “You’re beautiful. I meant what I said earlier. You’re really pretty and I would love to get to know you. I saw how you were making everybody laugh with your personality - even my brother. I don’t know if Clary told you but Alec is really suspicious of strangers, especially ones that aren’t part of our world. This life we’re living is often very serious and we all had our fair share of grief. So maybe an outsider to lighten up the mood is just what we need. It’s certainly what I need.” 

By the time Izzy finished (Y/N) didn’t feel as bad anymore but she was still insecure, “I just don’t understand why would you like me if there’s-”

“I’m gonna kiss you now”

“You’re gonna do what now?” 

(Y/N) hadn’t even finished her question before she felt Izzy’s soft lips upon hers. It only took her a second or two to react but then she kissed her back. It wasn’t a lustful kiss, nor was it just a little peck, but it was an innocent and pure kiss, that the both of them shared. 

When the two separated neither of them said a word. They sat comfortably until (Y/N) broke the silence, “So... was this red lipstick transfer proof or..?”

That earned her a giggle, which (Y/N) thought she could get used to.

“Okay, how about we’ll go out sometime and see where this will lead us, huh? I really want to get to know you,” Izzy asked the girl next to her.

“I feel the same way,” (Y/N) smiled.

Isabelle scooted over a little closer to her and they switched back to sitting in comfortable silence with the occasional nudge and giggle.

“Hey? Everything alright out here?” Alec was sent out by Simon and Clary to check up on the two girls because they didn’t know if (Y/N) was still angry and Simon didn’t want to risk being of the receiving end of it, eventhough he would have deserved it. 

When Alec saw the two lovebirds all huddled up together a smile found it’s way on his face, “How about we go back inside now? It’s cold outside and Jace just volunteered to buy another round”

(Y/N) was the first to get up, offering her hand to Izzy to help her up, which she gladly took. Not that she needed it, it was just a nice gesture.

Back at their table they all took their former seats but this time (Y/N) was a lot more relaxed. 

When Simon noticed the change in his sisters demeanor he tried to tease her a little, assuming that she’d not be angry at him anymore now that everything worked out, “I knew you two would get along just fine, little sister. That’s why you always trust in your big bro.”

(Y/N) raised her eyebrows at him but two could play that game, “Hey, Iz... you know Celine Dion, don’t you?”

Before she could answer Jace’s laughing voice interrupted the girl, “Man, I just LOVE that story.”

[lucastheunlucky]

furniture hunt | simon&luke

Date: 6/3/20 Location: Antque Store With: Simon @inconvenientsimonstrocity​, & Luke

Summary: Luke invites Simon to help him find some new furniture for Yum!Pizzeria as he’s in the middle of a small remodel right now. The two try to be a little more open with each other. 

Lucas felt stuck between a rock and a hard place right now mentally and emotionally. This past week was seriously hell, and now the sun was-- no. He wasn’t going there. He was feeling really off ever since he saw Gotch again through the window, and he hadn’t told everyone about the fight either with Ariana needing the attention, and with Winn trying to explain himself. It was always easy for Luke to hide away though. It was terrifying seeing that shotgun pointed at Salva’s head. His nightmares have gotten pretty gory and the constant explosion of a gun going off always had him jumping awake. He’s not sleeping more than an hour or so a night. Well. He wasn’t going to keep whining. The wolves were a mess, but he didn’t think it was their fault. It felt reactory. If they found out about Salva through whomever, fine, he’d explain a little. But his mind was foggy, and it was difficult to push down the despair always swirling in his stomach. Distraction was really necessary for him. “Hey Simon,” he waved lightly, “be patient with me. I’m not sleeping again.” He admitted, “I’m so glad you’re helping me with this. I have a list. I need six bar height stools, five chairs, and maybe we can find some new hanging lights for the tables.”

The thoughts that churned through Simon’s head like foamy waves biting at a black-salted shore were conflicted. They felt diseased, almost, like they shouldn’t have been there and he tried to get rid of them but they clung to him like the parasite he felt under his skin. This was the first time he was going to meet Lucas since what the other members of… whatever they thought they were called a “pack meeting”; nothing was accomplished, nothing felt satisfying. He felt like he wasted his time at the crime scene and though it gave him a chance to fall in favour with the rest of the WCPD, nothing came of it. It was a distraction at best. Every single other member of the pack seemed to be reeling from a decision that happened this past week with the possible exception of Salva, who he just assumed was either too drunk, too busy or too bored to bother messaging him back. At least Lucas bothered to get back to Simon on his suggestion to do something. Eventually. See, it was THOSE thoughts that felt unnatural to him. Why was he thinking like that? Everyone was just very busy; he completely understood that - even Layla must’ve been terribly upset by what happened to Ariana and Celeste. And what Eldon had told him did him no favours,either; hiding as a means of survival, what the power of fear did to the hearts of mighty creatures, like… them. He pushed everything as far down as they allowed, threw the now-empty pill case of Allegra into a passing trash can and stepped into the antique store where he found Lucas almost as quickly as the nostalgic scent of time, paper and old wood found him. “Hey, Lucas,” He replied as he approached the younger man, voice still a little thick though at least he could breathe and probably wouldn’t be arrested by paroxysms. “And you’re all good; no judgement here. We can go as slowly as you’d like or feel comfortable with,” He added with a gentle smile. “I’m sorry you haven’t been sleeping, though… same phantoms?”

“Yeah, gotta love dreaming about getting buried alive or shot in the face,” Luke sighed, but his smile was there, ever honest in that he struggled a lot but didn’t let it ruin his life entirely. “It’s just what it is, I’ll be okay.” The words were stale on his tongue, and Lucas wasn’t sure how much more he could actually take before it felt better to go down different routes. “In good news, I’m mostly healed up. Tore it up a bit this week with shit, but the next moon will sew it up. Let’s go shopping. I hope we find some stuff. You should see the place all clean, and repaired up. I’m so glad I took the time to close it for a week. Insane what a difference it’s made. I really need to cook for you again, Simon.” As he said this he yawned, but he pushed into the aisles, the scents musky and pleasantly calm. “Have you met anyone new in town yet?” Seemed like Simon wasn’t the only one having problems sleeping, regardless of the reason. “I’m glad to hear you’ve been mostly healing up.” He wanted to ask about what happened but he told Lucas he wouldn’t ask about it anymore in their previous conversation so he kept the question to himself and instead moved on to what they were talking about - furniture. “Shopping, sounds good,” He gave a small nod of agreement and proceeded to follow Lucas, glancing off from side to side absently as he reran Lucas’ list through his mind. He wasn’t aware of the small smile that crept onto his pointed face when the younger wolf mentioned both cooking and if he’d met anyone ‘new’ in town. Three weeks ago, he would’ve said ‘Nora’ easily and that answer was still true but he would’ve been lying if he didn’t say Lydia, whether purposefully or not, was the first face to flicker through his mind. “I, uh… I’ve met some people, yeah.” He admitted with a small half-shrug. “And that pizza you made last time was really good. What do you like to cook the most?” He asked.

“I just like to cook for friends the most. Maybe, I’ll make us all some curry, that is always my favorite. My birthday is coming up on the 21st, I could make that if people want to come over. I’m sure Miles will take a chance to throw me a party since it’s been four or five birthdays without me around,” he said that easily to the ears, but his insides always hurt when he thought about it. Lucas grabbed a cart because he knew he’d probably find other things and didn’t want to hold them all. “I’m relieved you are finding some new people. This place isn’t big, but it’s got of decent people in it. I know I haven’t been around to hang out much.” Oh yeah, Lucas had been in hiding for some years now, assumed to be dead to the world except to one. Simon didn’t have to wonder too much about how hard that must’ve been for him, but he also took into account that Lucas probably had an actual life before the incident with Gotch; the way he talked about what it felt like to him to be a wolf, the freedom to be who you were before being forced into hiding… The only difference was that Simon was always a nobody. “Four or five years with your life drastically altered because of something you couldn’t control,” He opted to say casually as he picked up an old cracker tin, pretending to inspect it (though really, he just liked the texture of rough metal) to avoid making it seem like he was lecturing. “I’m sure he’s excited to throw one for you; it’ll be long overdue,” He placed the tin down, for some reason remembering that he placed the tin that seemed to whisk Lydia’s snapping at him away. “...Not to worry, I completely understand,” Simon replied, still avoiding looking at Lucas though he figured that that wasn’t unusual for him at this point. Now, though, it was because he felt the parasite frothing inside, wanting to snap and overwhelm and lash out like a spoiled child. “You’ve had some very important things happening, especially recently; majour changes, entire shifts in dynamic, et cetera. It’s vital to address and fix those problems before you can move forward.”

“Mhm, Gotch’s been messing with me since I was sixteen, Simon,” Lucas picked up a few glass bottles that had some interesting shapes and could look really good on the wall and put them in the cart. Thinking about Miles in any capacity was always a mixture of feelings. The undercurrent whispered that he wasn’t supposed to speak to him, demented words spoken in his ear as a whisper, ghosts of fingers tightly curled over his shoulders and telling him that it wouldn’t end well. And then the little brother in him, in the echoes of memories riding on Miles back, and trying to prank him (never ever successful he's such a punk!!) let Luke want to scream to the world how much he loved him and grab Miles and not let go. “He better,” Lucas laughed, and he was excited actually. “Well, when my family was here, I mean all of them. There were six of us. That pack life was way different then this mess, but then again, my dad was sorta in charge. I don’t think we can go back to that way of living. Feels, like I’m enlisted. I miss not caring so much.” Part of Simon felt guilty for getting the number wrong; did he know that? Was he told that? And yet, part of him, a dark, twisting part, couldn’t have cared less. No, he didn’t know that. No, he wasn’t told that. He popped his neck sharply, a relatively new habit of his and something he found gave him some form of emotional release. He remembered the people that did that in high school; controlling, aggressive. When he was younger, he thought it made them feel superior or like they were in charge… maybe they were just trying to keep the wolves inside of them from tearing them apart. He lightened his expression when he heard the genuine emotion in Lucas’ laugh, however, and he glanced down briefly, unclenching his hands that were white at the knuckles. “Big family,” He returned a small smile as they walked. One of his hands decided to go into his pocket for the time being while the other subconsciously reached up to scratch at his neck. “Yeah, I can imagine,” He scoffed lightly, his tone amiable. “The halcyon days of youth; there and then gone, waiting for you to pick up the pieces.” He pointed off to the side. “Those stools strike your fancy at all?”

Lucas glanced over, “yeah, my family is pretty big. Still, different sets of problems. Things can be easy in some areas, and only get more complicated in others having your biological family in your business all the time. If you can believe me, even if this all seems bleak, I have hope it will be okay-- I really want this all to work. I want to have a family again, even if it’s really hard and we fight, it’s okay.” Lucas knocked his head gently on Simon’s shoulder in passing, “you included.” He looked at the stools and got a little excited. “You have a good eye, holy shit. I love these. Let’s see if they can handle my heavy self.” He quickly sat down and did a few wobbles on it, and flipped them to see if they were all sturdy. “I like that they are all different. What do you think? Would you eat a slice of pizza and drink a beer on this?” “Different sets of problems,” Simon murmured, definitely more to himself than out loud as he ran that sentence through his head. As an only and friendless child, Simon often wondered how his life would’ve changed if he had even just one sibling; someone to fight with, to love on, to tease and fairly criticize but then to subsequently build up to be stronger than before. The closest he supposed he got was a ridiculously neurotic aunt who he assumed was responsible for half his allergies through the power of suggestion… yes, he COULD eat white bread and it was delicious. He was shaken out of that thought when he felt Lucas’ head against his shoulder. I have hope. I really want all this to work. That combination of words seemed to push the wolf further down, further than it had been all day and muzzled it, at least for a few moments. THAT was Simon and Lucas: hopeful. Despite all the bad things that happened to both of them, despite that neither of them made the life-altering choices that turned them into what they were today, Simon did believe Lucas when he said that because Simon wanted to believe that, too, desperately clinging to the threads that sometimes dangled in front of him and terrified to let them go once he had them. He’d let so many of the threads go already but he was still trying to sort through the ones he had left. Hope. “I’m going to be honest with you, Lucas,” He spoke up gently, a genuine smile on his face this time. “I’d eat a slice of pizza and drink a beer on the floor so long as I was enjoying it with someone else.” He admitted. “That being said, I’m no fashion or decor expert but I believe their asymmetry would lend themselves well to the aesthetic of your pizza place.” He added. “Plus, there ARE at least six of them and they all obviously belong together in their own strange ways…” He gave a light, somewhat playful shrug. “I say go for it. I can pay for them.”

“Same, I might even eat a piece that fell on the floor,” Lucas playfully said. “You know. When I played football we’d eat the craziest shit. I’d like that though. Sitting anywhere and munching yummy food.” He nodded, standing up from the stool.  “I like them. You want to treat me?” Lucas though in his thirties could be a little boy way too easily, and his eyes seemed to sparkle in excitement. “That’s really nice. Thanks. I’ll make sure one is just for you in the shop. Have it engraved. Hehe.” He waved down the sales clerk and let them mark it as sold while he hunted for some lights. “Have you considered getting back into forensics? I know you helped a lot with that piece for me. Do you miss that?” It didn’t surprise Simon that Lucas used to be a football player; indeed, it seemed like sports were a good outlet for the wolves to get their energy out. Sports were team-building, encouraged communication, gave people something to work towards. He could never play sports and he needed to stop thinking about and comparing everything to wolves; despite what Orobas said and how he was referred to, he wasn’t the same. “It’s really not that big a deal,” Simon replied but he knew finding positivity in small gestures when he heard it; no, bar stools at a pizza place was rather mundane but there were a handful of little things to be happy about. He didn’t speak again until Lucas asked him another question, shifting the topic and he remained quiet for a long moment. “I have, but…” Would Regan allow it after he (rather stupidly) got so bold to her? Did they even need someone else in the department? Surely they were busy given the death rate… normally he wouldn’t have minded the workload so much. “I might once I get Beans more used to the house,” He admitted quietly; the last thing he wanted to do was radically change up his schedule so soon after getting the… HIS dog. “And I didn’t help much; no one at that crime scene thought you did it, Lucas,” He felt the need to affirm. “And the guys we found evidence for either couldn’t be found or didn’t give up any information. It was a waste of time.”

“Beans--” Luke tried to flip through what he remembered, but sometimes details like that were hard for him to retain since his brain injury. “Is that the dog you posted about? You decided to keep it?” Lucas was surprised Simon felt like he didn’t do anything to contribute. Even with the police looking into it, Luke was glad someone with his interest was there. “You mattered then, it could have been so easy for Gotch to put one of his cops there to fuck it up, plant evidence, or not get the right stuff. I think if you and Sargant Rolands hadn’t been there-- it could have been different.” Lucas sighed. “I mean, I’m not fucking surprised, but it’s not a waste of time though. I had zero of this information for over a decade man. Rich kids will always get away with shit. They probably weren’t even from here. Someone did find one of those guys though, roughed him up, but they kept playing the same tune. They bought the hunt off Gotch.” “Sgt. Hills is a really good guy,” Simon said first, remembering how receptive he was of whatever information could be found and how they worked well together. He supposed that though they didn’t actually catch anyone, it WAS more information than they had… even if it was unsubstantial and ultimately worthless despite Lucas implying otherwise. He supposed Lucas DID have a point regarding planted evidence or corruption in the system… he hadn’t thought about those aspects.”You do bring up good points,” He replied mildly. “I just wish there was more that could’ve been done.” He said, resisting the urge to say ‘more *I* could’ve done’. “But hey; you were exonerated so I guess you gotta take the little victories,” He exhaled and continued to look around for the chairs, deciding to leave the lights to Lucas for now. “Oh! Yeah, sorry. Beans is the dog,” He decided to switch conversations to something lighter but he wasn’t sure if it was more for Lucas or him. “And I’m really thinking about keeping him; I’ve never owned a dog before so I never realised how… great they are.”

“Dude, I love dogs. Duke and I? God, Miles got him right when he moved into his cabin a few years ago and he had the BIGGEST ears and feet, and was all floppy. I’d let him train on me.  When I was healing up and on those crazy meds, Duke and I kept yelling at squirrels. It was nice, they are good companions, I’m glad you want to raise Beans.” Luke found dogs always very easy to get along with, maybe it was the scent or the natural energy he had, but he also knew that coming home to someone, even a pet, was the best feeling in the world. Lucas pointed out a few lights and decided on two that caught his attention when the woman came over to mark them sold. “You should have Duke and Beans meet. Miles could use the company. I’ve been worried about him. Do you have his number and stuff? He just got back in town.”

Good, talking about dogs seemed preferable. Simon smiled softly as Lucas opened up about some more of his personal life yet the thought of him having his own dog was bittersweet… Definitely more sweet than bitter, though; Beans' company was definitely worth the physical misery. However, his smile faltered ever-so-slightly when he recalled how Lucas described Duke as a pup; big ears and feet… That sounded like a big dog and that thought tensed him up slightly, instinctively. His hand started scratching his bite again, suddenly feeling a little spike of nervousness. "We talked briefly on the forum," He mentioned first. "I'll, uh… Yeah, it'll be good to meet up with them… I…" He cleared his throat. Spit it out. "I need to get over my fear of big dogs, anyway." Admitting those types of flaws of his were embarrassing but he didn't know why… Allergic to dogs, AFRAID of dogs, what a useless werewolf he was. "Miles seems like a good guy. You guys are good people."

“Oh? Duke is the bestest boy to help with that. He’s a search and rescue dog, very trained. He saves people, man. Knows how to calm people who are hurt down and never bites unless ordered to by Miles,” Luke took full advantage of Duke when he was healing up, not that he had a choice, Duke would come to him anyway cause the dog already knew he was in pain. “Miles is the best out of all of us. Probably the best in White Crest. He’s my hero, he’s really someone who puts others first. You can trust him with anything--” Luke easily rattled off, clearly the younger brother who idolized his older sibling without embarrassment. But as he was saying all that, he felt the faints presence swirl behind him. Reminding Luke of the horror attached to him causing so many issues for his mental health. “Did something happen that made you scared? Baby steps if you do, plus, it’s also okay to just be scared.” Simon had never met Miles save the one instance where they had their ‘pack meeting’ and there was with no uncertainty that Lucas was very proud to be the related to and the younger brother of Miles but if nothing else, Simon was in possession of the rare quality to be able to hear how people thought of someone and still be able to form his own opinions. He didn’t doubt that Miles was a good guy - he did Search and Rescue and from how Lucas talked about his own upbringing, something like a secretly-bad-older-brother would stick out like a sore thumb in the otherwise idyllic way Lucas recalled the memories of his past before all this shit with Gotch hit the fan. Lucas’ question pulled him out of his thoughts though and one of his nails unintentionally tore open his skin on his collar bone sharply as his hand clenched for a moment. “Yeah, it is…” He said quietly, lidding his eyes partially as he glanced off to look at a particularly ugly doll that stared back at him with unblinking glass eyes. “I got…” He couldn’t bring himself to finish the sentence, feeling blood well up under his finger as it oozed from the scar tissue he opened. I got mauled by a werewolf. It ruined my life. That was one of the hardest combination of sentences he’d never said. “Yeah, you’re right. It’s okay to be scared in moderation.” He replied just as quietly. He remembered what Orobas said. “But it’s also important… to not let it control you.” He almost said that more to himself. “Baby steps.” He gave a small nod.

“Yup--” he emphasized the P with a pop, and nudged his shoulder with Simon’s, the scent of blood caught his nose instantly, but Luke could tell the duress was making Simon’s mind spin and body react. Luke knew deep seeded fear. He sat there while Gotch cut open his arm frozen in it. Luke, however, wasn’t ever a person who had to fix people, but he was someone who cared about them deeply. He tossed his bad arm over his shoulder, letting it hang comfortably, and pressed in close to his side on instinct. “We’ll get there, you know what I’ve been saying lately to myself?” Luke asked, and with his free hand releasing the cart he waved it in front of them. “Life is okay--” He snorted a little, smiling easily. “It’s not entirely good, but okay isn’t too bad either. At least we’re alive. At least we can have a future, even with fear of dogs or fear of one man. Ah, we are shopping for chairs and lights right now. Pre--tty domestic and, well. Okay right?” Lucas’ nudge and subsequent, instinctual intimacy somehow relaxed Simon considerably, though he obviously wasn’t expecting it to; was this because he was touch-starved? Was it a wolf thing? Either way, he heard his heartbeat that increased subconsciously start to slow down and he licked the blood off his finger while the other hand pressed his shirt into the small wound to stem the flow, watching Lucas wave his hand and listening to the words he was saying. Life is okay. It’s similar to what Lucas said earlier about having hope for the future. Don’t let fear control you. Believe it’s going to be okay. It IS okay. Baby steps. He inhaled, the scents of Lucas, his own blood, the wood and dust and an elderly woman’s perfume as it floated around the store. “Yeah,” He smiled again, gentle and genuine. “Life’s pretty okay. If anything, it should fear US,” He added, perhaps a little uncharacteristically but it was close to the full moon and Lucas had bolstered his own confidence just enough. “The future better be prepared for what we can bring to it.” The word ‘we’ struggled to form instead of him saying ‘you’ - strictly referring to the younger wolf - but he managed to get it right the first time, only feeling a little self-conscious about it.

“Exactly, heh,” Lucas was a person who had zero problems being close and hanging off people, not to the point of being annoying about it, but it was something he did instinctively. Even in school everyone always expected he’d be hanging on someone, and sometimes people even fought over him playing favorites. So Simon accepting it, and not flinching from it made him happy. Touch was important to werewolves, and closeness was an easy thing to give. Luke did find an awesome light and picked that up along with the stools, and a few weird looking chairs that were apparently bright gold thanks to the clerk who asked if it would fit with the look of the place. As they loaded it up in a truck, he felt relaxed. “So, thanks! This is awesome. Wanna come with me to drop it off? We can eat something too-- let’s just chill today? I need a chill day.” There was another exhale that came from Simon after they finished with their shopping, a sense of satisfaction from having found everything they needed that Lucas decided was preferable. While he still thought about how he sounded earlier and the negative thoughts that burned under him before that alongside the sensation that he still didn’t belong or have a sense of agency in relation to the other wolves, he had to think in the ‘now’ and right ‘now’, not being able to tell Lucas what he was truly afraid of aside, he felt… comfortable. The wolf that had been restrained and muzzled still thrashed around but it was deeper down and he could ignore it more willfully. “Yeah,” He replied in his same quiet tone, his natural tone; compliant, agreeable. Really, he felt like all the wolves could use a chill day. “Yeah, that sounds good.” He reaffirmed. A chill day. Sounded ideal.

[nbbkatherine]

Connecting the Dots

Homeland by Cory Doctorow; Charlie’s Angels, 2019 Elizabeth Banks film; Numb3rs tv show; You Look Like a Thing and I Love You by Janelle Shane; Parasite, 2019 Bong Joon-ho film; the chilliad by Molly Of Geography webserial; Westworld tv show; Future Friends album by Superfruit; Dickinson tv show; after-words bookstore in Chicago, IL; webcomic name by Alex Norris; American Gods by Neil Gaiman; GINGER by BROCKHAMPTON; Russian Doll tv show.

Woohoo it’s been two years of Never Be Bored! This blog is all about relating different types of media together, and in the twenty-five posts so far, I’ve written about over one hundred books, movies, tv shows, and more. We could plot out each of these posts on a graph—nodes for individual recommendations and edges connecting recs in the same post. So buckle up folks, today we’re going to connect those dots so that we get one, big, beautiful connected graph.

Already some of the work is done. Too Like the Lightning is featured in Really Big Worms and The R Smith Edition. Worm is featured in The R Smith Edition, All Superheroes Need Therapy, and It’s the End of the World as We Know It and I Feel Fine. The first twelve posts all got a bonus recommendation from A Year In Review. Kurt Vonnegut wrote both Slaughterhouse Five from Nonlinearity and Galápagos in And So On. Elsewhere University from Strange and Yet Familiar got a shoutout in A+ in Applied Magics.

Let’s start off easy, making connections with what we’ve already got.

Do you hear that? Arrival, from Nonlinearity, and The Vast of Night, featured in Something in the sky, are two sci-fi movies about listening to aliens. For a modern take, with lots of scenes about trying to figure out xenolinguistics, go for Arrival, but if you’d rather something creepy and retro with dramatic monologues, give The Vast of Night a try.

Takeshi Kovacs is one bad ass mother fucker who is just over this shit, but still somehow gets roped into flashy fight scenes. If you liked that character in Altered Carbon, from To Whom Am I Speaking?, you’ll like the story of Duncan Vizla, aka the Black Kaiser, an almost-retired hitman in Polar, a Year in Review bonus rec to Floor It.

Bright Star (featured in The Northwestern Edition) and Hadestown (featured in It’s an old song) are both blues/jazz/folk musicals about a double love story. Bright Star is loosely based on a Missouri folk tale, Hadetown is inspired by Greek mythology. Both are excellent.

Cosmo Sheldrake (The How How Much Much and I from Strange and Yet Familiar) and Hozier (Hozier and Wasteland, Baby! from Daisies & Death) both create music that makes you imagine old fairy magic in the forest. Cosmo Sheldrake’s “Hocking” is like what I’d envision playing at a fae celebration of summer solstice, while Hozier’s “Wasteland, Baby!” is the sad love song from after the party’s over.

And now, let’s add entirely new nodes to our graph with new recommendations to connect posts.

Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer (Really Big Worms, The R Smith Edition) is a very idea-forward book, and (one of) the catalysts that kicks off the story is a stolen newspaper article draft. Ada Palmer is a professor who researches intellectual history, and it absolutely shows in her writing as her books explore the implications of a society based on certain ideas. Cory Doctorow is another favorite author of mine who also writes idea-forward fiction—if you liked Too Like the Lightning, try his Homeland, in which Marcus Yallow is entrusted with an archive documenting government and corporate crime, and has to figure out how to publish it without getting arrested. I would also highly recommend this book, available to download for free from Doctorow’s website, if you liked The Information: A History, A Theory, A Flood by James Gleick (Something in the sky). Although Homeland is fictional, as you read you’ll learn things too—about information security, the darkweb, evading surveillance, and protesting tips.

I want more action movies starring women, because I love a good fight sequence and watching things go boom, but I’m tired of watching men with big guns in movies with, like, one named woman character. Kingsman: The Secret Service (A Year in Review bonus rec to Non je ne regrette rien) just barely passes the Bechdel test, but I will give it a bonus point for having two badass women main characters who aren’t love interests (ugh, the bar is so low). And if you liked the aesthetic of Kingmen’s gentlemen spies, then you might like Elizabeth Bank’s 2019 reboot movie Charlie’s Angels. Naomi Scott, Ella Balinska and Kristen Stweart all kicking ass on screen? Yes, please! Continuing in that vein, see also Ocean’s 8 (Floor It) for an all-women heist crew, set on stealing diamonds from the Met Gala.

My favorite episodes of Hannibal (Daisies & Death) are the one-off monster-of-the-week type episodes, where the FBI is investigating a murder and Will Graham, profiler extraordinaire, is called in for help. If you’re into crime shows like that, try Numb3rs, streaming on Hulu, a tv show about two brothers—one, Alan, an FBI agent and the other, Charlie, a mathematician. Together they solve crimes, using fluid dynamics, disease spread modeling, wavelet analysis, and many more areas of applied math. (I learned a little about sabermetrics, the statistical analysis of baseball, from one episode, so I dropped that term in conversation with a sports-obsessed acquaintance freshman year in college. We became good friends, and I’m pretty sure that conversation was part of why.) For more on applications of mathematics to real world problems, read The Code Book by Simon Singh, featured in On Computability, which details the math theory behind creating and cracking encryption over the centuries.

The Imitation Game, a Year in Review bonus rec to On Computability, is named for an artificial intelligence thought experiment proposed by Alan Turing in 1950, before anything resembling modern computers even existed. In Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson, robots across the globe gain sentience and begin to turn against their human makers—hilariously in retrospect, I recommended this book in It’s the End of the World as We Know It and I Feel Fine back in March. Anyway, between those two extremes, where is the field of artificial intelligence today? To learn more, try You Look Like a Thing and I Love You by Janelle Shane, a truly delightful book that will both show you how far research has come and will reassure you that the robot uprising won’t be happening anytime soon.

Bad Times at the El Royale (Just you, and me, and this gun) unsurprisingly takes place at the El Royale hotel. For reasons that would be spoilers to name, the setting is essential to the plot of the film—the story could not have unfolded in the way that it did anywhere else. This is also true of Parasite, 2019 Bong Joon-ho film currently streaming on Hulu, where many scenes take place in a rich family’s house—which was actually designed and built in pieces for the movie. An absolutely incredible dark comedy/thriller, Parasite explores the things a person might just do to get ahead. For another thriller with characters willing to go to extreme lengths for their own personal reasons, try Thoroughbreds, from Non je ne regrette rien.

Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe, featured in It’s an old song, retells the story of Persephone and Hades but in a vaguely modern setting—where the two first meet in a crowded bar. For more modernized Greek myths, check out the chilliad by Molly Of Geography, a wildly funny adaptation of the Illiad. Follow along with Homer Bard, undeclared freshman Alpha Sigma Phi pledge, as he recounts the story of the epic prank war against the Trojan House. If your favorite characters from this ongoing webserial are Achilles “AC” Myrmidon and Pedro Klaus “PK” Liebling but were looking for something a little more traditional, then you might like Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles, a retelling of Illiad from the point of view of Patroclus, recommended in Is it better to speak or die?.

Firefly (The Family We Made Along the Way) is a tv show with an interesting blend of aesthetics—some people wear dusty cowboy hats and some people live in floating mansions and there’s a scene where the crew get a job to transport cattle from between planets. If you’re into that, try the tv show Westworld, streaming on HBO, about a Western-themed amusement park, populated by android hosts—who talk and dress and live as if it’s the 1800s, looking exactly like humans, with no idea that their entire world is a vacation destination for the wealthy. As the series continues and secrets are revealed, plot twists will keep you glued to the screen. See also Sense8 (To Whom Am I Speaking?), which likewise features lots of action and a cast of characters who keep secrets and deals with the question—what makes us different from each other?

In The Northwestern Edition I wrote about the different a cappella groups on campus; if you like that style of music then you might have heard of the group Pentatonix, the first a cappella group to win the Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement. Two members of the group, Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying, also make up the duo Superfruit, and I adore their (synth-pop, not a cappella) album Future Friends. “Imaginary Parties” (which has an excellent music video) and “Bad 4 Us” are my song recs for Freckle and Caleb respectively, characters from The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo, the five-episode series from Baby if you love me, won’t you please just give me a smile?.

If you’re interested in queer art history, consider following Dan Vo on Instagram, one of the tour guides of the V&A’s LGBTQ tours, recommended in The Eye of the Beholder. You might also like Dickinson, an Apple TV show about Emily Dickinson growing up, writing poetry, getting into trouble with her parents, and falling in love with her friend Susan. Although it’s set in 19th century Massachusetts, the dialogue and music are thoroughly modern, which makes for a fun juxtaposition—in the first episode, Emily imagines going on a carriage ride with Death while “bury a friend” by Billie Eilish plays in the background. For more stories about the life of a queer poet, try Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde, featured in Looking Forward, Looking Back, about her experiences growing up, writing poetry, getting into trouble with her parents, and falling in love with lots of people, in 1940s and 50s New York City. 

Here’s how you spend one perfect day in Chicago: you wake up late one November Saturday. Down in the Loop, you visit the beautiful Chicago Athletic Association, which despite the name is actually a hotel, for Chicago Art Book Fair (A Year in Review bonus rec to The Northwestern Edition). You browse brightly colored lithographs and maybe pick up a zine or two. Then you take a walk north, across the river, to E Illinois and Wabash, to after-words bookstore. Down in the basement, you look through the new and used books in search of something interesting. Take your time in River North, find something good to eat, because you have plenty of time before taking the Red Line up to Argyle, to catch a performance of the The Infinite Wrench by the Neo-Futurists, featured in Next!. 

In My Favorite Shapes (This Might As Well Happen), we get to hear Julio Torres talk about, for example, an oval looking at his reflection in a pond and wishing he were a circle. Some of my favorite shapes are the pink blobs from Alex Norris’s webcomic name, three-panel comics with a repeated punchline—an excellent of example of how sometimes you don’t need a lot of fancy detail to convey emotion. For another webcomic about the absurdities of life, check out Poorly Drawn Lines by Reza Farazmand (And So On).

Forgotten gods and old magic tied to old places. In Digger (webcomic featured in The Family We Made Along the Way), a perfectly respectable wombat finds herself traveling strange lands and meeting a couple of gods (well, sort of). For another story of an ordinary person who gets caught up in the affairs of gods, try American Gods by Neil Gaiman, about an ex-convict who meets Mr. Wednesday, an American incarnation of the Norse deity Odin the All-Father. The things we are allowed to forget shape us—at one time, Odin had power because many people knew that he was real, but in this book, Mr. Wednesday is weakened because so many people have forgotten him. One of my favorite moments—in just about any written work I’ve ever read— is the line of dialogue in The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin (A+ in Applied Magics) that Revealed a Thing Forgotten. You’ll know it when you see it, and any further description would be a major spoiler.

On the scale of how much singing is involved in rap albums, on one side you have something like neo-soul Overgrown (Looking Forward, Looking Back), where Ivy Sole shows off her vocals, and on the other you have R.A.P. Ferreira’s purple moonlight pages (Something in the sky), which has more of a jazz-rap feel. Somewhere in between is GINGER by BROCKHAMPTON, which has both catchy sung hooks and rapid-fire bars; two of my favorite songs off this album are “SUGAR” and “IF YOU PRAY RIGHT.” I’ve seen them in concert twice and I look forward to being able to again, someday.

Lastly, if you liked Palm Springs, from This Might As Well Happen, a rom-com in which Nyles and Sarah fall asleep and wake up on the day of Sarah’s sister’s wedding over and over again, but were looking for something a bit darker, then you might like Russian Doll, a black comedy tv series that begins when two people keep dying and reliving the same night. For another duo of characters with great dialogue bumbling through life and death together, try Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard, featured in It’s an old song. 

Here’s a visualization of this blog, with and without labels:

[imaginesmai]

Jace Wayland- W for Weak (2)

Some of you asked for it, so here it is. I hope you like it! Shout out to @holydream who was the first one suggesting this second part. You can find the first one here.

Plot: Jace’s focus is on your recovery and on the little black box he can’t seem to hide well enough

Alec cared about few things in life. His sister Isabelle who he would die for, his best friend Y/N who always dragged him into the best adventures, and his parabatai Jace who was his anchor. In less than two days, it seemed that he had lost two of them. Jace was the shell of the loving and funny boy he was once. He hadn’t moved from the medical wig since they brought you in, sitting in a chair and sleeping in an uncomfortable white bed. Everyone was worried about him; he didn’t eat, didn’t talk or smile, Jace Wayland was almost as silent as you.

And you, well, you didn’t wake up. Brother Enoch said that your body had taken too many poison and lost too much blood. He had taken away most part of it, yet your body was weak and it was unlikely for you to wake up. From all of them, Jace was taking it the worst. It didn’t matter if he wasn’t the one almost killing you or who sent the vampire after you; Jace was drowning in guilt and sadness.

-          Hey, Jace. -Alec entered the room, finding the blonde in the same place as always. -Clary made some carrot cake with Izzy. It’s not very good, yet it’s not poisoning.

Alec was met with silence, and he let out a soft sigh. His parabatai was sitting on the chair next to your bed, holding your pale hand and looking at your bruised face. The vampire who attacked you had managed to throw you so hard on the ground that he had broken your bone cheek, leaving you with a nasty bruise which Jace couldn’t stop looking at. The hand that wasn’t laced with yours, was holding the ring that Jace had been looking for so long. It almost worried Alec how hard was he gripping the box. Putting a hand on his shoulder, he spoke again.

-          You should eat something, Jace. It has been two days. Go to your room, try to sleep, take a shower. -again, Jace didn’t look up from your face. -Y/N wouldn’t like see-

-          Y/N would like a lot of things, Alec. -Jace said, his voice rough from being unused. -For example, the proposal I had planned or having lunch in her favourite restaurant. None of them are going to happen because she’s unconscious in a fucking bed.

-          Jace, you can’t-

-          You need to stop telling me what I should and shouldn’t do! -he interrupted him. -I really appreciate your efforts, guys. But I won’t be moving from here until she opens her eyes again.

Everytime he closed his eyes, imagines came to his minds. An scenario where you didn’t have a pulse where he found you. How, when he opened them again, you wouldn’t be breathing any more. If he heard a movement and he had his eyes closed, he thought the vampire was after you again, trying to finish what he started. Jace Wayland was scared to even blink.

Alec left eventually, giving up into making Jace say something more. After his sudden outburst, he went back to look at you in silence. He was worried about his parabatai, as everyone else was; his cheek’s were sharper, he had dark big bags under his eyes and his lips were dry and cut. Besides your bed, there were some plates with different foods, from a sandwich from Clary to some chicken from Isabelle: they were all untouched. The only thing that Jace placed into his body was coffee. Simon left a cup by his side the first day, and they watched as, for the first time, Jace moved his hand to get it. Since then, the brothers or Clary made sure he always had coffee in the table next to him.

While they worried about him, Jace’s mind was… chaotic. He played again and again the happy memories you two shared; the day you met, your first kiss, the pranks against the brothers… Sometimes, he got lost in a memory; he really thought he was living again that moment. Maybe it was because of the coffee or the lack of sleep, but it always ended the same way. Jace would be looking at you, enjoying the warmth in your smile when the right side of your cheek would darken slowly. Little bites would appear in your body then, but you wouldn’t notice them, neither would notice Jace trying to warn you about them; and he would have to stay next to you watchin as you bleed out to death. Then, he would wake up to find you still in bed, with that dammed bruised in your cheek that made his nightmares turn to live.

Jace must have zoned out again because, when he came back to himself with his heart-rate wild and his eyes teary, he wasn’t looking at the nasty bruise in your cheek, but at your beautiful eyes which were looking worriedly at him.

-          Baby? -your voice was nothing more than a whisper. -A-are you okay?

He blinked. Once, twice. Jace blinked at least four times, and opened his mouth like a fish out of the water. In the past two days, he had thought about what he would do when you woke up; hug you, apologise, kiss you, propose… Then only thing he did was look at you with a confused glance. He wasn’t the first one to say something; it was Izzy, who came into the room to look for his brother.

-          Alec, you need to come back -her eyes widened when she saw you awake. -Oh my god, Y/N! You’re awake!

-          Izzy. -you said as she hugged you, your body too weak to even make her stop. -Izzy, I can’t-

-          Yeah, yeah, I’m sorry. -she let out a giggle. -I’m so happy you’re awake, Y/N. I really thought I would have to keep your closet to myself.

Your eyes did not leave Jace as Isabelle talked about how happy she was for you. Even if you were fighting for staying awake and discovering what was wrong with your boyfriend, your eyes closed again shortly after you woke up.

-          Y/N? -Jace interrupted Isabelle. -Y/N, you okay?

-          Wh-oh. -Isabelle realised then that you were unconscious again. -Don’t worry, Jace, she’s fine, just tired.

-          Bu-ut she was awake? -he asked. -She was awake, right? I wasn’t dreaming?

-          Yeah, Jace, she was. -she put a comforting hand on his shoulders, watching as tears flooded down his cheeks. -She’s going to be fine again.

Jace let out a breathy laugh, taking your hand again between his and kissing it softly. He decided to believe Isabelle, and hope for you to wake up again.

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Your recovery was long and hard. You spent nearly a month in bed; you woke up some times, when your body was strong enough to give you your conscious back. Most of that times, however, you were too weak to even talk. Jace was still sitting beside you all the time, giving you soft smiles the first times and talking to you when he found his voice back. It was one of those days when your body hurt too much to even lift your head when Jace thought it was time to apologise.

-          What’s on your mind?

-          Hm? -he looked up from his feet to you.

-          You’ve been quiet today. -you said softly, smiling a little. -More than usually.

-          You don’t have to worry about me, babe. -Jace smiled too. -Do you want me to read to you? Or put on a film?

-          I want to know what are you thinking about.

It was silent for a moment, as Jace looked down to his hands. There, as always, was the little box with your ring. He had managed to hide it from you until then, yet he wasn’t sure how much time would it pass until he gave himself away.

-          When it happened, Izzy told me you thought I was cheating on you. -his voice was low and deep, full of emotion. -It was true that I spent too much time with Clary, I know. But I had a reason, and I wasn’t cheating on you, I swear.

-          Jace, I-

-          No, let me finish. -he interrupted you. -I love you so much, Y/N. You’re the only thing that makes me want to keep going. Just- you know, thinking that I gave you a reason to think I have been cheating on you… I-I

Making a big effort, you moved your hand to his cheek. Jace hadn’t noticed that he had started crying, and by then he was a mess of sobs. You didn’t say anything, because no words could lift the huge guilt Jace was carrying on his shoulders. You figured out the third or fourth time you talked to him; he wouldn’t meet your eyes, always worrying about what you might need and not leaving your side unless it was completely necessary. Between sobs and apologies as he gripped your hand for dear life, you saw the box. It was tiny, black and could easily go unnoticed. It would have if it hadn’t hit the floor with a loud thud. Jace was to busy drowning in incoherent words to notice it, but you did.

-          Jace? -you asked. -What’s that?

-          What? Oh. -he looked at it once and didn’t really pay attention; then, he realised what it was. -Oh! Th-that’s nothing! Nothing at all.

-          If it’s a new med, you can tell me. -you groaned. -God, I can’t believe they taste so bad.

-          Just a little longer, Y/N. -he got up and sat in bed with you, stroking your cheek. -Then you’ll be able to get that horrendous ice-cream.

-          Hey, it’s not that bad. -you laughed softly. -It’s better than mint ice-cream. You know why there is always so much? Because no one buys it.

-          Okay, that hurt. -Jace raised a brow. -Did you just call me weird?

-          We can be weird together. -you said, enjoying the smile at his face. -Maybe you could ask Magnus if I could eat some ice cream already. I’m sick of those soups.

-          Hey, better safe than sorry. -he winked. -But I will talk to him next time he comes, I promise.

-          I’m-I’m going to close my eyes for a bit, yeah?

Everytime you felt too tired or sleepy, Jace understood. He was the first one to tell you to rest, making sure people didn’t bother you too much. But it didn’t make you feel any better. After nearly all morning awake, you were starting to fall your eyes dropping.

-          Whatever you want, babe. -he smiled. -I’ll be here when you wake up, as always.

-          You don’t have to do that. Our room is much comfier than the plastic chair. I’ll be here for a while.

-          Then I’ll be here for a while too. -Jace said. -I’m not moving until you come with me, Y/N.

With a smile and a happy heart, you fell asleep again. You dreamed with Jace, with a world where you didn’t have to be worried about death and horrendous monsters that want to hunt you down.

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-          Just a little bit longer, come on. -Isabelle told you while she supported more than the half of your weigh. -Until the door.

-          I can’t Izzy, I can’t. -you let out a few tears feeling your knees too weak. -I-I need to sit down, for a second.

-          If you don’t push yourself for a little longer, you won’t-

-          Please, Izzy. I need to stop.

Isabelle scoffed and helped you into a chair, as you let out a shaky breath. A few days ago, Magnus thought your body was ready for a little bit of movement. It was still weak; yet if you didn’t force yourself a little, you wouldn’t be able to be a shadowhunter again. The first day you didn’t make it out of the medical wig before Jace caught your unconscious body in his arms before you fell and shouted to Magnus to hell and back. The second day, you made it to the door where you fell to your knees; and that day, you were trying to make it to your room.

But it felt impossible yet, even worse without Jace. He really wanted to stay with you; but he was still a shadowhunter, and had duties to attend. So you had Isabelle with you.

-          Do you want some water? -she asked, kneeling by your side. -Should I call Magnus? I think he’s with Alec but he won’t-

-          Izzy. -you gave her a small smile. -I just need to stop for a bit, but I’m fine.

-          I thought you could do it Y/N, I’m sorry. -you nearly winced at her words, and she realised that they were a little harsh. -I mean, you’re doing great! I-I just thought, you know-

-          It’s okay. -you interrupted her, and sighed. -Magnus says it will take time, but I didn’t think it would be this slow.

-          You were nearly dead. -she put her hand on your knee. -It’s like rebirthing, Y/N. You have to start over.

-          Yeah but-

Your words were cut off by the sound of the door at the end of the hall opening. Jace walked in with Alec, weapons stained with blood. As soon as his eyes met yours, you knew you were in trouble. He frowned and walked faster, arriving to your side and taking your face between his hands.

-          What are you doing here? And why are you so flushed? You’re-you’re burning, Y/N!

-          We were just walking Jace.

-          You walked here? -he sent daggers to Isabelle with his eyes. -Do you realise that this is fucking far from the med wig, right?!

-          She was fine! -she said.

-          She doesn’t look fine now, does she? -Jace turned his attention to you, smiling softly. -Hey, don’t close your eyes.

-          I really want to take a nap right now. -you said, feeling the energy leaving your body.

-          Yes, of course, yes. -he helped you up. -Come on, I’ll carry you to-

-          We could go to our room. -you shrugged, making everyone look at you. -What? I’ve been without the serum for a while, I can take it.

-          I don’t think that’s a good idea, Y/N. -Alec answered.

-          Call Magnus, ask him. -you leaned on your boyfriend. -Please, I just want to spend one normal night.

After calling Magnus, Brother Enoch and nearly every magic doctor Jace knew, he agreed on sleeping on your old bed. He scolded Isabelle for nearly an hour, screamed at every person he found in his way while he took your toothbrush from the med wig, and mumbled under his breath about being responsible and a good friend; then, he laid in bed with you.

You had almost forgot how good was laying in a proper bed with Jace. He wasn’t only a walking heater, but also soft as a cloud. You didn’t know if it was because of the lotion or because of his skin; Jace Wayland was soft as cotton. And most of the times you had to physically stop yourself from rubbing against him like a kitten. Not like he didn’t know your intentions.

-          When I get older, will you love me the same?

-          What kind of question is that? -you frowned, looking up to his face.

-          I mean, old people have harsh and rugged skin. Between the wrinkles and the skin drying out because of the sun, I won’t be as soft as I’m now. -he joked. -Will you love me then, or are you with me just for my soft skin?

-          I was planning on skinning you alive and making a pillow. -you laughed. -Your skin is just so soft, baby. Like, I don’t think even a baby can be this soft.

-          A-are you comparing me to a baby?

-          A beautiful blonde baby? Yeah. – you said, running a hand through his scrub. -I’m saying that, instead of a boyfriend, I have a cute baby by my side.

-          Wait until you get better, babe. -he winked. -I’m gonna show you I’m far from a baby.

Between laughs and jokes, finally the conversation died down. Your tiredness disappeared when you were between his arms, and you talked about his day. Jace was telling you something about nearly finding Magnus and Alec on it when you saw the box. At first, you didn’t recognised it; but then, you remembered how you had seen it already. That time you suggested it was some medicine, and Jace didn’t prove you wrong; neither right. The more you looked at it, the more intrigued you became. Until you couldn’t hold it anymore and interrupted your boyfriend.

-          What’s that box? -you said pointing it.

-          O-oh. -he let out an awkward laugh before moving a little and putting in behind a photo of the two of you. -Nothing important, Y/N. I’m keeping some shit for Alec. Or Magnus. Yeah, there are some herbs in there. Type of shit he smokes.

-          Magnus doesn’t smoke? -you raised a brow at him. -I saw the box a while ago, it was in the medical wig. What’s inside?

-          I’m telling you, there’s nothing to worry about. -he moved around uncomfortable.

-          Then can I see it?

-          No! -he said too quickly.

Your eyes widened and then saddened; and Jace felt like the worst person in the world. You two hadn’t really talked about what happened before the attack, but he felt he was doing the same thing again; hiding something from you in the wrong way. He had been thinking about giving it to you sooner, yet he didn’t find the right moment. However, no moment would be perfect if he kept hiding things from you. He was a terrible liar, and he was really tired of lying.

-          I got it a while ago. -Jace whispered, and you nearly missed it. -Before, you know, things happened to you. I’ve had it with me all time.

-          What have you gotten? -you frowned, as he moved and took the black box.

It wasn’t the proposal you deserved, he thought. Before shit went down, he had planned everything; music, romantic dinner, even a pigeon. But in that moment, having you between his arms as you had just avoided death, he thought it was even more perfect.

-          I didn’t forget about the lunch, you know. -he talked again, playing with the box in his hands. -Well, I did. But I had my reasons. I-I was not cheating on you, Y/N.

-          Jace, we’ve talked about this. -you smiled.

-          Not enough. I know how it looked, and I’m so sorry. I didn’t thought about it until Izzy made me see it. -he breathed slowly, wanting to forget that moment. -Back to what I was saying, I spent two weeks preparing something nice for you, Y/N. Clary and Simon had to help me. And I just knew that, if I was with you, I would screw it. Because you know I can’t keep secrets.

-          Jace, where is this going? -you asked, not understanding a thing.

-          I-I bought you this. -his hands were shaking. -I wanted it to be special, but Y/N, you’re already special enough. I meant it when I said you’re the only thing keep me going. I can’t imagine a life without you, so I intended to make it official.

Jace tried to open the box a few times with his shaky fingers, letting out an awkward laugh; he hadn’t been so nervous on his life. As it the universe was laughing at him, when he finally opened the ring fell down in the bed. He moved you aside as he looked for it frantically, only to stop when he heard your soft voice calling out his name.

You were sitting on your knees in the bed, with just a big t-shirt and messy hair; and in your left hand, stood the shiny ring. Your mouth was wide open and your eyes were looking at him with a masked hope; praying that it meant what you thought it meant.

-          It can’t go worse, can it. -Jace groaned, blushing like a mad man. -It-it was supposed to be pretty romantic. I can still get on one knee, if you want to, or-

-          Jace. -you smiled, trying to blink the tears away. -You didn’t even asked the question.

-          It can go worse, yeah. -he complained. -Can you just, you know, give it back? So at least I won’t feel such a failure.

-          You’re not a failure, baby. -you laughed, giving him the ring. -If it had went in any other way, it wouldn’t have been us.

He smiled a little before kneeling in front of the bed. Jace made you move until you were sitting in front of him, with your legs crossed and a grin on your face. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he spoke again.

-          I…Y/N Y/L/N, would you like to be Y/N Wayland? -before you could answer, he interrupted you. -God no, that was awful. L-let me try again.

-          Jace, I don’t-

-          Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be. Will you spend the rest of your life with me?

A fit of laugh made it impossible for you to answer. Jace blushed again, looking slightly annoyed; he has asked Simon to help him to write something nice. When he tried the words for the first time in his mouth, he discovered it wasn’t a good idea.

-          I swear, I can-

-          Yes, Jace. -you smiled at him, having recovered from your laughs. -I will marry and love you even when your skin runs rough.

The ring fit perfectly in your finger. It was rather simple; with just a band a three diamonds inside. Covered by silver, it seemed made for you. Both of you kept staring at your hand for a while, letting out little giggles and chuckles every once in a while. Y/N Wayland. It did sound right.