#has he ever even spoken to izzy

[itachi86]

i'm surprised lorenzo consented to sharing the heavenly fire thing to help izzy

[alexanderlightweight]

Happy Wednesday,

Sadly, my week has been filled with unfun drama, so I was hoping to ask for some fun drama? Maybe magnus being petty towards the siblings/Clary? Something fun and dramatic but not *too* serious? (Sfw or nsfw)

Thank you 🩵

I'm sorry your week has been so hard. unfun drama is really the worst. it's kind of soul sucking so I hope your days get better!

and I hope you enjoy this as some fun drama! its dramatic but its not really serious?

Magnus being petty and dramatically threatening Simon with a little curse. I think think this counts as fun drama? I think it's fun. even if Simon doesn't. If it doesn't i'll try again so let me know.

The Incident described in here happens in dressed to kill where Simon got really drunk on plasma shots or whatever and danced naked on the Institute roof in the sun and when Alec for the sake of the shadowworld(after Izzy begged him) sacrificed himself by going to get Simon down. Simon hugged him, yelled 'teach me how to fight future brother in law' and then because Simon has terrible impulse control. he groped Alec's ass with vampiric strength. hard enough to leave bruises and Alec used an iratze because 'magnus would be upset' and threatened Simon into silence. which lasted until the next time Simon forgot how bad plasma shots are for his continued life expectancy.

part leading up to this (because its been a while)

um part of the reason its supposed to be fun drama is because of how ridiculous by outside standards Magnus and Alec are for each other. seriously if its not your cup of fun enough let me know!

<3 lumine

-

dressed to kill

Simon steps into the Institute greenhouse and inhales.

Even if he doesn't need to breathe, the greenhouse smells fresh and clean and alive in a way that’s rare.

It’s also a lot less intimidating to come here alone after he got to teach Alec how to act like a mundane. Not that Simon is sure he actually succeeded.

The thought of Alec makes him wince.

Simon really, really hopes that Lily was also too drunk to remember what he said several weeks ago. And that Maia just won’t bring it up. Ever.  He and Jace had gone out drinking after they’d both had separate instances of seeing Clary. Without her noticing them at all.

Jace had eventually been hauled back to the Institute by Alec, but after Maia had offered to continue drinking with him and Lily had joined, Simon had drank to forget and have fun. 

It had been a mistake and Simon still has regrets that he’s trying to not think about. Which is why he’s trying to settle his mind before he and Izzy go on their date. Since Simon isn’t busy and doesn’t want to run over right before, he’d decided to let himself have a moment to just relax and pretend he is still alive.

Breathing in and out the calm peaceful air of the greenhouse.

“Hello Simon.”

Simon has never heard a sentence sound so deadly, or his name be spoken so viciously. 

Magnus melds from the shadow of a tall, dark tree and the shadows seem to follow him.  The bright light of the greenhouse that Simon once thought of as dangerous now seems a flickering ray of hope. Dimming until the greenhouse is covered in a thick, dense fog that’s suffocated all light.

Simon swallows his own venom, terror flooding him.

“I’ve heard some rather interesting rumours of late.”

Simon swallows another mouthful and tries desperately to hide a whimper.

His unbeating heart suddenly feels like it’s trying to pound its way out of his chest, just from how much he’s shaking.

He feels cold.

Like he’s died all over again.

“Magnus.” It comes out in a squeak of dismay and when Simon tries to clear his throat and start over, he chokes on it instead. “Uh, rumours? Yeah. I’ve heard a few. Oh! Like Raphael was telling me the other day that—”

“Simon.” 

Simon stops talking, not even bothering to think of a protest at the interruption. He hadn’t really thought his attempt would work. But hey. At least in his final and permanent death he could promise himself and Izzy that he’d tried to save himself.

No matter that if he hadn’t drunk too much with Lily and Maia that none of this would have happened.

Either time.  He really should know better by now.

He’s been pointedly avoiding Magnus’ eyes because currently Simon thinks they might burn him alive like the sun used to.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about. Or did you think Alexander and I wouldn’t realize who started it.”

“You told Alec about the rumor?” Simon has a sudden and horrified realization. He had realized that Magnus would end up hearing the rumors.  He just hadn’t thought so far ahead as to realize Alec might also know.

“Alexander told me. About everything.”

Simonis fangs shiver in terror.

Oh no.

That’s worse.

Alec has to be furious. Even more furious than Magnus considering he’s made Simon promise to keep his mouth shut about this.  And Simon had meant to. Until that last plasma shot and Maia had mentioned something about Magnus always walking around places with his hand on Alec’s back or ass.

And Simon had just mentioned a tiny little thing.

About having grabbed that same ass.

And maybe about how it felt, since no one else living or dead besides Magnus — who was not telling — knew.

“I was drunk!”

“Both times? How convenient for you.” Magnus hisses the words and Simon really wishes that time travel or shadowtravel or any kind of travel that would get him out of Magnus’ range was possible.

He tries to run but his feet won’t move.

Rather by magic or his own fear he really doesn’t know but Simon hopes he has more self-preservation than to just stand here with Magnus, an avenging and possessive god of wrath.

“I think that perhaps, you haven’t quite learned your lesson about how things work.  You don't touch what belongs to me, especially in my territory. Even after I’ve been so gracious with you. You especially don't mark what's mine.” Magnus takes a step closer and Simon feels his spine curdling in despair and he wants to wail.

“No downworlder bar in my territory will serve you. If I find anyone who has, I’ll shut them down and make them wish they were dead. And I’ll make sure everyone knows it was because of you. To the point where you’ll have nothing but enemies no matter where you go.”

With that Magnus steps back, the fog receding from around him and Simon feels like he can move again.

Simon is relieved. So relieved. Besides after this he really does think he might never drink again. So Magnus making that decree is fine. More than fine. Its downright generous since Simon once saw Magnus set someone on fire for ogling Alec too long.

“And Simon.  I’m sure it won’t be a problem for you but just in case. Any impure, covetous and vile thought you have about Alexander will only curse your dreams and feed your nightmares until the ability to desire no longer remains. Not that you’d dare, of course.” 

The worst thing is, Magnus smiles as he says it. All deadly teeth gleaming in a maw that threatens to maul him and then spit him back out.

Simon nods in what he hopes is a believable manner and runs.

He’s fucked.

—

“He’s not going to be able to speak to either of us for months again.” Alexander mutters from the hidden swing that he and Magnus had been cuddling on. The warm lights of the greenhouse dapple over his face, the only place having actually turned dark in Simon's mind.

Magnus would never risk Alexander's plants with weather magic.

As it is, Alexander doesn’t sound upset. If anything there is a smile on the plush, bruised curve of his mouth.  Magnus’ darling shadowhunter had remained silent and hidden, letting Magnus deal with the invading pest rather than let his presence be known.

A rather thoughtful endeavor.

For Simon. Which means that it was probably actually for dear Isabelle's sake.

Magnus might have actually smote Simon if he’d dared to look at Alexander with how angry Magnus currently is.

“Oh please, if that turns out to be true you’ll be thrilled.” Magnus gives one last glance to where Simon disappeared to before fully devoting his attention where it belongs.

On Alexander. 

“And besides, sweetheart.  I’m being very generous. Normally I’d do far worse than just scare, threaten and mildly curse someone who dared to touch my ass. Leaving irazte-deep bruises on it of all things.”

“Still actually my ass.” Alec mutters, a gentle provocation to tease at Magnus’ possessiveness.  Which is already rather heightened considering that until recently, Magnus had been the only one with the privilege of knowing what Alexander’s ass felt like.

And until a week ago he’d still been under the impression that he remained the only one with that privilege.

The fact that he isn’t makes him murderous.

"Oh you still think its yours do you?" Magnus' question is met with a smoldering gaze and a flirtatious smile that strike true.

Simon is utterly lucky that Magnus is amiable enough towards him to not take his hands for such an offence.

Looking at Alexander, beautiful and decadent and absolutely tempting causes bitterness to course through his body as he rejoins his boy. Nightmares are a small price to pay for what Simon stole.  If anything Magnus is being far too nice. If only because it will upset Izzy who will bother Alexander.

Simon doesn't deserve the honor of groping Alexander's ass and worse, he's insulted it through the Shadowworld. Alexander's ass is perfection incarnate. It's not Alexander's fault he doesn't have enough time to rest and properly eat enough.

Magnus is still working on that.

Still, it makes something in him seethe. It wasn’t enough that Simon groped Magnus’ ass — by proxy of Alexander — and left marks that had no business being there. Or the fact that he's spreading rumors deriding the sanctity of Alexander's body.

No. 

Then he had to come and interrupt Magnus’ sacred time with Alexander in the Institute greenhouses. Which has ruined the mood for their current location.

Still, Alexander has redirected his ire by provoking him and since Magnus can’t kill Simon he might as well prove Alexander wrong.

Because it is Magnus’ ass. 

Because Alexander is Magnus’.

“I rather doubt you’ll be able to say it’s not mine once I’m finished with you.” Magnus purrs, opening a portal and offering his hand invitingly. A daring smirk on his face as Alexander quickly entwines their fingers before devotedly kissing Magnus’ knuckles.

Then his boy smirks, smoothing tempting and daring in the curve of his lips as his eyes glint playfully.

“I look forward to your attempts to change my mind.” 

-

AN:

Alec wasn't trying to save Simon. he doesn't want to talk to Simon. he can't believe that he's having to deal with rumors of his ass going around the shadowworld because Simon can't handle plasma. all while also dealing with mundanes constantly in this verse. alec's mundane (Simon counts still) limit is exceeded. he's magnus' problem now. Magnus is the high warlocks. Simon is a vampire. therefore its now a downworlders problem and Magnus' right to deal with his partner being insulted. it's not just because Alec is too tired to deal with him at all (100% is even if alec's reasoning is valid)

Yes Simon is incredibly stupid to be more scared of Alec knowing than Magnus. Magnus is the one who's still mad, Alec is irritated and annoyed but the only reason he's actually upset is because it upsets Magnus. Magnus is the one writing a dossier on Simon and planning on infiltrating his dreams just to be safe. he'll take Simons memories if he has to. he's just that extra.

Alec is trying redirect Magnus tho because he's a good partner like that and Magnus can be productive rather than destructive. like neither of them lose if Magnus wins their latest game. Alec is very pleased that Magnus is so possessive of him. He'd preen about it more except he doesn't care enough about other people to go out of his way.

if it was anyone else Magnus probably would have killed them. he's being super nice to Simon and its killing him inside a little. he's like 'YOU CANT TRUST ANYONE THESE DAYS'

Izzy is going to find out about this and is going to have so much fun all:"Alec and I have similar training regimes, is my ass flat too? whose do you like better?" and Simon is going to want to die. more than he already does.

[biceratops7]

*Wakes up in a cold sweat*

Ed and Stede give eachother exactly what they need. It’s the way Ed looks at Stede and the way Stede says Ed’s name. They share these rituals together in a way neither dreamed possible.

There is a running visual motif of Stede being looked at. In these moments we’re placed (literally, talking about the camera here) in his point of view, where we can feel how… confronting it all is for him. His father glaring down at him with dissatisfaction that’s long since boiled into anger. His wife staring at him in an awkward silence like the frustration of being lost in emotional translation isn’t even worth a comment anymore. Nigel’s mocking gaze, Izzy’s calculated focus, It’s all to make you feel how unflinchingly exposed he is… but not vulnerable. He doesn’t get that because in order to be so you need to be understood. Stede lives with all eyes on him, but is not seen.

Then there’s Edward, who essentially has the same crushing issue but with a different presentation. His motif is his name, and what the other characters choose to call him is indicative of if they know him, or just know of him. Blackbeard is what he answers to most, but it’s not something he identifies with in the present, at best he has a very complicated relationship with the person that name represents. The greatest sailor who ever lived, the devil pYrate, a persona he perfected that has flown to the tallest mountains dragging Ed behind him. The only characters that call him Ed/ Edward unprompted or unironically are Stede, and interestingly… Izzy. We’ll come back to that later.

Now here comes Ed, sauntering out of the hell fire and into Stede’s life like the patron Saint of leather daddies. And here we see that same familiar pov shot, and boy does Ed fucking LOOK at him. The last sight Stede sees before he conks the fuck out is this beautiful man who’s heard so much about him at his… well, Stede-iest, and is gazing at him like the loveliest thing in the world right now would be to know him even more. Ed’s heart eyes are no joke, they’re famous for a reason. Each time he looks at Stede, it is giving, it is wanting, it is a deliberate act of love.

Of course in the same sense Stede fills the hole in Ed’s life as well (not that one shut up), the desire not to be revered, but beloved, known. To just be… Edward.

Stede used to have no noteworthy opinion on the matter of Blackbeard, enthralled by the legends as anyone else… until he met him, saw this kind and excitable man who loved all the things everyone else found silly. And suddenly now it’s none of his business. Stede doesn’t push, gets offended when information is revealed to him without Ed’s consent. He treasures all the ways he can get to know Ed, and holds space for whenever he can’t. He still admires Blackbeard sure, but only because he’s one of many facets that create someone far more interesting: Edward. From Stede, Ed’s real name is spoken with love, playfulness, simple familiarity, returning the warmth of the way Ed looks at him like another fine thing he deserves. Even when he’s not actually around to hear it, the natural thought process in Stede remains.

I think it adds nuance and depth to each relationship that this is presented in foil with Izzy, because Izzy uses Ed’s real name as a commodity. It has value only as a threshold of hierarchy for Blackbeard’s inner circle, which as the previously sole member, Izzy is preoccupied with keeping exclusive. He’s possessive of a concept, and the more he learns just how different “Ed” is from it, the more the simple notion of Ed becomes ridiculous. Though both call him “Edward”, it’s only Stede that does so as an unconscious demonstration that he accepts Ed’s autonomy of personhood and is adoring of whomever that is.

The last time we hear Izzy say “Edward”, it’s mocking. To him the name now only represents the pitiful death of a greater ideal “Ed” decidedly is not. The last time Stede says it, it’s when he’s confessing to Mary that he loves him. One instance treats Ed’s name as a mask of his true self, and an inferior one at that, and the other is quite literally revealing.

The image he holds when he tells Mary he’s in love is Edward looking up at him smiling, breaking bread, completely un-pedestaled and joyful to be so. And Stede knows understanding now, being wanted, vulnerability, comfort. He calls those all Ed.

[jellybeanium124]

Are we supposed to agree with Jim?

This is a question that has been circling my mind ever since I watched 2x02. Are we supposed to be like "yeah! Izzy was Ed's friend! Izzy did some fucked up shit but Ed shooting him was too far." Because recently I've been seeing posts going around saying "no, he wasn't Ed's friend, Jim. You just don't know all the context."

And I agree! Izzy wasn't Ed's friend. That's made pretty clear in season one. But has the show changed its tune?

Jim is never positioned as in the wrong for their anger towards Ed this season. The show frames them as correct for being angry and wary of Ed, and like, yeah, they have every right to be! But this one damn line...

It gets me thinking about s1, and the times when Izzy said things that weren't true. Maybe they weren't necessarily framed as lies in 1x04 and such, but by the time we get to the end of the season Izzy has graduated from "angry little bastard man" to "full on antagonist," and you don't trust antagonists who do evil shit to the heroes. But Jim's not an antagonist! They're one of the deuteragonists! Not a single thing they've ever done in the show has been "bad."

And I can't ignore doyalist factors too. We know Vico and Con are friends, and Vico has posted/spoken before about an imagined Jim & Izzy friendship arc. This never happened in the show, but it probably affected their choices, right? I can't know for sure, but I feel comfortable guessing that Vico was probably imagining that Jim & Izzy bonding had happened between seasons when they said this. Or anything else about Izzy.

It just feels like such a weird line to put in the show if it's not meant to be taken at face value. Casual viewers probably don't remember that Jim was even gone during 1x08 and 1x09. I'd guess a casual viewer's response to this line would be thinking about how Ed and Izzy started the show in what seemed to be a somewhat functional relationship, and now it's been brought to this.

I don't have a very good conclusion for this post. I have no idea what to make of this line. Agreeing with Jim doesn't make any sense, but Jim thinking they're friends doesn't make any sense either. It doesn't make any damn sense.

[tkwritesdumbassassins]

OC Tag Game

tagged by @imrowanartist (Thank you so much!)

I (no pressure) tag @say-lene @selunesdreams @zealousdetectivegladiator @novarunestone @dell-amor-te and whoever else wants to do this!

GENERAL

Name: Isotta Flavia Grimaldi de Riva

Alias(es): Rook, Izzy, Iz, Idiot (Thanks to Viago)

Gender: Female

Age: 30

Place of birth: Murano--a minor city northwest of Salle

Spoken languages: Trade, Antivan (Modern and Old), with a passing in Tevene (Both). While she was taught Qunlat during the Inquisition, she's better at writing it rather than speaking it. Last but not least: some elven, courtesy of her stepfather

Sexual orientation: Bisexual

Occupation: Antivan Crow, Inquisition Scout, Information Broker, Code Breaker

FAVORITE

Color: Purple!

Entertainment: Hitting up dockside taverns, book club with the rest of the Veilguard, sharing stories about bad jobs and her adventures with the Inquisition, the occasional opera (or three), aiding Bellara in springboarding ideas for her stories, making up the worst punny names for Lucanis (her favorite is "Ser Surleigh of Stabbington". He says he is not amused.)

Pastime: Cooking, bookbinding, reading, editing, occasionally tries her hand at making her own wine. Likes to translate and read political theories for fun

Food: Isotta is not picky by any means since one can't exactly have luxury food while out in the field or on a job. Although she will absolutely devour a bag of those Tevene fire sticks (Theodosian version of hot cheetos) or a plate of agnolotti del plin if it's placed in front of her. She's got quite the taste for expensive Murano chocolates, too--something she often has to bribe Spite with once or thrice.

Drink: Biccerins, marocchinos, Antivan Apple Brandy, coffee (hot and iced--shh don't tell Lucanis), and a glass of Antivan red--the finest and most expensive, otherwise Viago would have her head if he heard otherwise

Books: Maker's Breath, don't make her choose. She loves all the books. EXCEPT romance (so she says)

HAVE THEY

Passed university: In a sense? Her mother and stepfather were both highly respected academics in their fields

Had sex: Yes.

Sex in public: ...Possibly.

Gotten tattoos: She has several. The crest of House de Riva on her forearm, a royal elfroot with its roots wrapped around a piece of cheese on her ankle (it matches with her closest friends in the Scouts. This is what happens when three women are camped for the night, drunk in the middle of the Dales, and one of them happens to be a hobbyist tattooist lmao.)

Gotten piercings: She has a nose piercing that's a twin to her friend Silvana. She often changes it out to match her outfits

Gotten scarred: Izzy has several scars from various jobs, trips/stumbles, and excursions, but most prominent is the one on her face. She got that one trying to impress one of her first crushes at around 14 by trying to do cool things with a stick. Needless to say: it didn't pan out the way she wanted to.

Had a broken heart: More than once.

Been in love: She's had several crushes over the years, but there was ever only one love, and it went down horribly in flames. As she put it herself: "I was young, dumb, and naive." Luckily, a broody Crow with a soft spot for wyverns, coffee, and knives sweeps her off her feet and treats her like the queen she is. ;)

ARE THEY

A cuddler: Let's put it this way: poor Lucanis has woken up more than once absolutely koala hugged by Isotta. Like we're talking he cannot move. (not like he wants to anyway lmao)

Scared easily: Isotta has seen some shit, so no. ...but she also tends to focus a lot on her work. So needless to say she can get jumpy lamo

Jealous easily: Nope.

Trustworthy: Yes. She's considered one of the few Crows Viago trusts above all else even if it appears he doesn't show it. She's also a respected information broker

FAMILY

Sibling(s): She had two younger half-siblings. Tommaso and Dalia who tragically died very young. Her adoptive sibling however is @redhairedmuses' Lennox Mercar who she jokingly calls "Fratellino." While yes, Viago de Riva is her cousin, Isotta considers him more her older grumpy brother

Parents: Sofia Belmonte, the youngest daughter of a Merchant Prince House and Nicolò de Riva, an Antivan Crow otherwise known by his infamous moniker "El Cazador." They met while Nicolò was on a group contract with the fellow Houses of Aranai and Dellamorte to bring down the inner circle of a blossoming Blood mage cult. Being a powerful mage herself, she had been on their radar for years, and the Crows used that to their advantage. It was only a fling between them due to this betrothal, and they parted ways not long after.

However, Isotta considers her stepfather, Alessandro Grimaldi, more her father anyhow.

Children: After defeating the Gods, Lucanis and Isotta eventually welcome three children: Sofia, Federico, and Emilia.

Pets: Felix, her orange fluffy boy who doesn't trust easily. Post-Veilguard, I suppose you can say a wyvern (But Belladonna is more Lucanis' baby than hers). I do see her eventually picking up her cousin's habits and keeping several vipers on hand.

[im-out-of-it]

PSA: SNEAK PEEK 3x07

there’s a lot that I can’t stand about this episode so as a warning, it’ll be long but let’s look what’s ahead

Simon being a comedian

let’s get something straight. this is not on Magnus. Lilith would have found other means. this is on clary and jace. Clary because she brought jace back and jace because of his dumbass choices

I love seeing Catarina here and being supportive. I swear if they had Magnus go through something traumatic again and have no friends in his vicinity, I would lose my shit

so instead of saying “no Magnus, I can’t lose you, please don’t talk that way” Alec says thank you????

I cannot stand how they wrote the whole Jordan/Maia abuse/redemption arc. so instead of focusing on Maia’s pain, it’s focused on “well Jordan is back so let’s feel bad for him” HE LEFT MAIA THATS NOT JUST A LITTLE APOLOGY TO MAKE UP FOR IT

Jordan lied to Maia, stalked her when she left him, and then bit her in a wolf rage, and never came back for her. that kind of scar never goes away

I get that there are certain things downworlders have a hard time controlling but Maia is not his possession. she’s not his property. Maia would have understood if Jordan told her the truth. but he took the coward way out. and I will be focusing a lot of my energy on this. I’m a huge Maia fan and I hate that this is basically the end of Saia. and I hate how Izzy almost tries to make Maia feel bad when Simon goes through the whole Heidi thing. Maia has every reason to step away and take time for herself. Jordan did a number on her and some people need space and time to process

bye imogen, season two me would have been psyched but it is sad to see her go

yeah, this is honestly so appealing to see a person not be in love or worship clary. but can’t believe they needed to make jace a villain to do it. NOT EVERYONE HAS TO WORSHIP AND BE OBSESSED WITH CLARY AND JACE

IF ANYONE THINKS ALEC WAS THINKING ABOUT JACE YALL WERE NOT WATCHING. this is not a parabatai moment. they would not show Magnus’s reaction for no fucking reason. Alec means Magnus and I will defend it to anyone who suggests otherwise. even Matt says it’s about Magnus and has confirmed this. like I’m pretty sure it’s fucking canon

STOP NO WE ARE NOT GOING TO ACT AS IF THE HETEROSEXUAL TOXIC PERSON WHO HAS BEEN TREATING ALEC LIKE SHIT SINCE THE BEGINNING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANYTHING MALEC GOES THROUGH

and part of me understands and recognizes that Alec goes insane over the bond but when jace doesn’t do the same, it makes the bond useless and worthless. you’re saying to me “hey the bond is more important than anything Malec goes through” fuck Malec because let’s drop everything for jace again even though he’s awful to Alec, has been the reason Alec has almost died four times, and can’t ever be supportive to Alec. yeah jace is sooo important GET THAT SHIT OUT OF HERE (see I’m already mad lmaooo)

they’re like oh noooooooo jace has been possessed this whole time. LETS DROP EVERYTHING. and they all forgive clary and act like she didn’t do anything wrong. everything clary does is forgiven and silently spoken as it’s okay clary, we aren’t mad

for those who find comfort in Magnus’s apothecary

at least they let Alec be semi supportive

Magnus is too talented and too powerful. BUT Lilith would have found another way so babes please stop blaming yourself and acting as if this is all your fault. the blame is on CLARY

it makes me sad 1. Magnus blames himself, 2. he thinks this is his fault, and 3. he’s always sacrificing himself for people who can’t be there for him when he has his own shit

Izzy unimpressed, keep this going please. I’m just saying that if I had known someone for 10 years and they became my brother (and let’s not get into how he treats Izzy yet) and they were brought from the dead and this girl who is supposed to my friend lied, gaslighted my brother about it, and was the reason for everything terrible that happened, plus 33 murders is technically on her hands and SHE SAID NOTHING, I would be hella mad. Clary didn’t kill those people- that’s on Lilith and Jace but she brought jace back, thinking there wouldn’t be any consequences. that blood is partially on her hands

Alec and Izzy always protecting jace but stop it you two. he does nothing good for y’all but you’re still ready to drop everything to save him

IS THIS ALL WE GET? APPARENTLY

“I was wrong” “I said things I shouldn’t have” not “I’m sorry for calling you a child, let’s keep talking about this, Magnus I overreacted but this is why it bothers me, this is our future and we need to keep discussing it?????”

Bat being supportive

THANK YOU CATARINA

okay I need to calm down before I start this so I’ll be doing this one later today ✨ yes it’ll be long, salty, expressive. it’s funny this episode is titled “salt in the wound” when we just had Alec salty in the last episode. the next couple episodes are going to be hard to do and this is just the beginning so buckle up bitches, you’re already on this ride and can’t get off 👀 I’ll be seeing y’all soon ⚔️

[gardens0feden]

❀ you’re not from around here , are you? i figured because you totally just missed { EDEN DE LOS SANTOS } walking by. don’t tell me you don’t know who { SHE } is? they kind of look like { ADRIA ARJONA } and i could be wrong but i think that they might be { THIRTY-TWO } years old right now. they’ve been living in palmview for the last { FIVE YEARS }. and i don’t know if anyone has ever told them this before but they kind of remind me of { IZZIE STEVENS } from { GREY’S ANATOMY }. if you stick around the town long enough you might catch them in action working at { KIM AND PENN ARCHITECTS } as a { ARCHITECT }. you see this town isn’t really that big of a place, some folks like to call them the { ROSE COLORED GLASS } of palmview! they took a liking to the name too after a while, go figure. oh crap, they must have heard me yapping. they’re coming this way. i got to warn you though, rumor has it they can pretty { IMPULSIVE } at times. i wouldn’t take it too seriously though, from the times i’ve spoken to them they seemed pretty { COMPASSIONATE } to me. we see each other all the time since they live in that { 2 BEDROOM } apartment beside me over in { SEAGLASS HEIGHTS }. i better leave you to it. it was nice meeting you!  

—

FULL NAME. eden yajaira de los santos

NICKNAMES. ed, denny, eddy

AGE. thirty-two

GENDER / PRONOUNS. cis woman, she/her

SEXUAL ORIENTATION. straight

PLACE OF BIRTH. miami, fl

ZODIAC. pisces, february 28.

HEIGHT. 5’5”

BACKGROUND

born and raised in miami, eden is the youngest of three—aka the baby of the family, which she absolutely milked growing up.

guatemalan roots, loud family, louder opinions. sunday dinners are a sacred ritual, and if you miss one, be prepared for five different guilt-trip texts.

her dad is in high-end real estate, and he really wanted eden to follow in his footsteps, but she had other plans. she was never about selling buildings—she wanted to create them.

architecture was always her thing. as a kid, she’d build entire cities out of legos while her brothers destroyed them like godzilla. later, she traded legos for sketchbooks and blueprints.

naturally gifted artist—the type to doodle on napkins, sketch on scrap paper, and absentmindedly draw floor plans when she’s supposed to be paying attention.

moved to palmview grove five years ago on a whim. didn’t expect to stay. yet here she is.

works at kim and penn architects—good at her job, but also the type to show up to meetings with coffee for everyone and an unnecessary amount of enthusiasm.

she believes in people, even when they don’t deserve it. makes her endearing. also makes her a magnet for bad decisions.

impulsive as hell. spontaneous road trips? yes. adopting a stray animal she swore she couldn’t keep? also yes. cutting her own bangs at 2 am? regretfully, yes.

loves the idea of structure but lives in organized chaos. her apartment is full of half-finished sketches, random diy projects, and post-it notes with ideas she forgot the context for.

big on emotions. she cries over feel-good commercials, fights fiercely for the people she loves, and gets way too invested in her clients’ dream projects.

a hopeless romantic who pretends she isn’t. she’s been burned before, but she’ll still fall for someone who says the right thing at the right moment.

[riverhag2]

my favorite characters die in my favorite media all the damn time

my current hyper focus is a tragic opera that ends with my blorbo having his life flash before his eyes in a horrid fever dream where he's confronted for perhaps the first time with how horribly he's failed everyone he's ever loved and then he dies

death isn't the problem

pointless and hurried stuff-her-in-a-fridge death that doesn't actually even serve the narrative purpose cobbled together as an after-the-fact explanation is the problem

the idea that Izzy's arc was "over" is frankly ludicrous

he'd only just begun to rediscover the parts of himself he'd buried away or lost to piracy, to Blackbeard, to Ed

he'd only just found love with the crew

he'd only just started the arc that Stede and Ed set off on in the beginning of s1

his death does nothing for his character

it also does nothing for anyone else's

smarter people than me have spoken extensively on why the "mentor/father figure" thing is just outright non-existent in the text

even without that, the show is obviously trying to use Izzy's death to free Ed from the mantle of blackbeard and that would be a valid and interesting narrative choice if you'd set that up at any point before the last five minutes of the last episode but um

Ed had already begun the work of releasing himself from blackbeard, and even when he dons the leathers once again, it's not even the tiniest bit for Izzy's sake nor in any way at Izzy's insistence or encouragement (and in fact, Izzy had already encouraged him to step away from it)

whatever is still tying Ed to blackbeard, it is textually very much not Izzy

Izzy's dying sentiment of "they love you" holds no water because out of Ed, Stede, and Izzy, only one of them has actually connected with the crew this season and it sure as fuck isn't Ed

Izzy's dying admonition of "you're surrounded by family" is immediately followed by Ed and Stede fucking off and leaving the ship

there's nothing in Izzy's death that serves Ed narratively

there's apparently then the argument that Izzy is representative of old piracy, a dying world, and therefore he must die (which, ok, fine, but to what end?) but that's *actually insane* in the context of a show entirely about starting over in middle age

killing a character is often a good narrative choice, but if you're gonna kill him, doing it with a stray bullet in the middle of his arc in a way that does nothing to further anyone else's narrative is at best a cheap emotional punch

death also is the problem though

in a show where mortal wounds seem to pass almost unnoticed amongst our heroes, casual death by a stray bullet is bonkers

in a show where the only real villain is a cruel and corrupt state, to punish with death someone at the mercy of that cruel and corrupt state is bonkers

most importantly: in a show that presented itself as ultimately being about queer outsiders finding family in each other, there's no good reason for any of the foundlings to die

even assuming they're planning some miraculous resurrection for Izzy in s3, they work very hard to show you precisely how dead he is here

they want you to know and believe that he absolutely is dead

Lucius falls into the sea in a way that no one ever once believed actually meant he was dead

in contrast, we watch the light go out of Izzy's eyes after he tells Ed he's ready to go

we see him buried in the dirt

if this truly is meant to be impermanent, then it is even more cruel and meaningless than if they actually just killed him for nothing and no amount of "indestructible little fucker" foreshadowing redeems it

I hate everything about this ending, for everyone involved

it's such a disappointment

[my-favourite-zhent]

New Tricks - Chapter 15

Status: Work In Progress Version: 1.01 Pairing: Rugan x AFAB!OC Rating: NC-17 (This chapter NC-17) Genre: Adventure/Romance Summary: Misadventures of Rugan and the original Zhentarim Gate's crew before and during the year of three sailing ships.

Notes: This one was a tough one to push out, and I had a lot of help doing it.

As usual characterization chief @fistfuloftarenths played a big role. Whenever I have a feeling about a character that I can't articulate she has all the missing words on the "why" of it. You should definitely read Isn't it a marvel? by her!

@dustdeepsea of Trouble will Find me fame (go read that and Performance Review!) and @thisaccountisagainstmywill (read What Else Would We be!) acted as lovely beta readers.

Table of Contents Read Here on AO3 as this is an *adult* chapter.

Milder excerpt below the cut.

New Tricks - Chapter Fifteen Excerpt

Sal sighed as he sat his pack down and collapsed onto the inn bed. The road from Crimmor had been rough. Conditions had been fair, no beasts nor bandits had accosted them, and yet the mood had been nothing short of dour. Olly had sulked the whole time and Bellar had been terse and demanding. Sal was certain if they had spent another day on the road the two of them would’ve come to blows. For all his talk of seniority Sal had a feeling that Bellar did not actually enjoy the mantle of leadership. Bellar was more for fighting, less for responsibility and morale.

“Don’t forget to send Izzy.” Olly was kicking his boots off as he stretched out on his own twin bed across from Sal’s.

“Give me a minute to get my bearings, Olly.”

“Right.” Olly replied but continued to stare at Sal expectantly.

“Dammit, Olly.” Sal sat up and crossed his legs, closing his eyes so he could focus on the spell. “I can still feel you staring, Olly. Give me some space.”

“Sorry.” Came the sheepish reply, and he heard the lad shuffle to look the other way.

Sal exhaled slowly and envisioned the glyphs in his mind, his fingers tracing their various shapes in the air. Thinking carefully to ensure his message was clear, concise and no more than twenty-five words.

‘Hello, Izzy, we’ve arrived in Athkatla. We’re staying at the Adamantine Mug. How fare you and our illustrious leader?’

‘Sal,’ Came the swift reply. ‘he is well enough to speak. I will send him soon as he’s able, sooner if he doesn’t learn to hold his damned tongue.’

“Shit.”

“What did she say?”

“Patience, Olly.”

Sal focused on casting the spell a second time.

‘Rugan, what in the nine hells did you do to fuck up the best thing that ever happened to you, nay any man?’

‘Sod off wizard.’ Came the terse reply.

“Fucker.” Sal hissed, regretting wasting the spell slot.

“Well?”

“He’s awake and making an ass of himself.”

+++++

Izzy hadn't come to see him again that evening. He had hoped she would return for supper, but a maid had delivered his meal in her stead.

As much as her constant coddling grated on him, being left to his thoughts was even less agreeable. What would Zarys say, or worse yet, do when she found out about him taking ill, and exactly why he had taken ill? He'd have to confront Olly about that too. He didn't look forward to the chastisement the lad was in for, but it was necessary. Probably sounded damn hypocritical coming from him, laid up as he was because his heart had taken pity on poor, sopping wet Olly.

Sal’s sending only added to his anxieties. If Sal knew he had fucked up, that meant he had ‘spoken’ to Izzy, and that Izzy had been angry enough to say something about it.  Why was everything so difficult here when it had been so easy in Waterdeep?

He had hardly eaten, and spent what energy he did have pacing his room that evening.

When Izzy arrived with his breakfast the next morning he felt a rush of relief. He stood from his seat to greet her, having felt well enough to dress himself from his pack, and anxious enough that he had woken early. She didn't seem angry, but she was guarded, her usual easy smiles absent when she greeted him and set down his tray.

“You seem much better today,” she said tentatively and pressed her hand to his forehead to gauge his temperature. “No fever either, I think you might be able to stop with the tea now.”

“Thank the gods for that.” He smiled at her, hoping to coax her out of her shell. “I’ve had worse medicine in my life but only just barely.”

She gave a polite half smile and he felt his own falter.

He bade her sit with him while he ate and Izzy assented, though while she sat across from him her mind seemed to be somewhere faraway. Her expression was anxious as she gazed out the window.

Rugan took the opportunity to admire her as he ate. She was beautiful, with her high cheeks and bright eyes, that soft mass of raven hair. It called to mind another memory, their first morning on the Prow: her hair pooled out across the pillows, mouth parted in a silent cry as he had moved inside her. The way it had felt to have her fingers intertwined with his own as they had rocked together.

As if sensing his gaze she turned to meet it. She must have noticed just how intense his scrutiny was because her cheeks reddened when their eyes met.

“You didn't come to see me last night, Iz.” He gently chided.

“I had an errand to run.” She replied softly, but Rugan felt strongly that wasn't the principal reason.

“An errand, at that hour?” He asked sceptically.

She nodded. “I have something for you, let me go fetch it.”

Without another word Izzy slipped out of the room. She returned with a folded bundle of cloth tied with twine and presented it to him with both hands. Rugan stood to gingerly accept the package and placed it on the bed to unwrap. Even before undoing the twine he could tell the material was a fine black wool. Slipping it free from the strings he held it out and realised it was a rain cloak. It was lined with another layer of wool dyed mustard yellow, and he guessed that it would fall to his calves.It was a fine cloak to be sure.

Mercenary work would earn you a fair bit of coin compared to common trades but you wouldn't get rich by it. And a cloak like this could be a month's wages. An amount he could scarcely part with. Hells, half his kit had been scavenged from the cooling bodies of friend and foe alike.

He had extorted for less, killed for less. It would have been one thing if he had bartered or threatened her for this, but to receive it as a gift? 

“Iz… how much coin did this cost you?”

“It’s considered rude to ask the price of a gift you know.”

“I can’t repay this, Izzy…”

“It’s also customary in many cultures to give a gift without expectation of something in return.”

Rugan continued to stare at the fabric clutched in his grasp as if it were a snake ready to strike. “How could I possibly accept this?”

“Olly still has your old cloak, it would be foolish of you not to.”

She was right of course. He couldn’t afford to fall ill a second time, could afford a new cloak even less, especially one nice as this. But the thought of taking it made his stomach turn.

His taking pity on Olly had been a chink in the armour. An unacceptable weakness that had left him in a position of vulnerability. And now she was heaping favours and gifts on him he could never repay, nor could he afford to refuse them. Were he hale he would've turned his nose up at the charity of any noble. But he wasn't, and Izzy wasn't. Even so.

“You can't just keep lording over me like this.” 

“I'm not lording.It's a gift.” He could hear the frustration in her voice.

Exasperated he dropped the cloak to the bed and turned to her, running his hand over his face and hair.

“I don't know what you want from me in return for all this.” 

“I don’t want anything from you, I want to help you.” Her tone was pleading.

Rugan searched her face, trying to discern what she was thinking, what agenda might be served by her generosity.

“Why?”

“Why did you give Olly your cloak? What more reason do I need to have?”

“You’re a soft hearted fool, Iz.” He breathed.

“In fairness to me, I commissioned this before you threw a tantrum over taking a bath.”

“I did not-” Rugan started darkly, and then thinking better of it, he instead took a deep breath and pulled her into a tight embrace. “I don’t want to fight you, Iz.”

“Then don’t pick fights with me.” She whispered back, her own arms wrapping tightly around his waist, her face desperately pressing into his chest. That broke what little resolve he had and he buried his face in her soft tresses. He breathed in her heady scent and when he finally pulled back Izzy lifted her head to stare up at him with wide eyes and parted lips. 

Gods, when had he last kissed her? Not since Waterdeep. Not since they had said goodbye in that darkened room. He dipped down to kiss her now, his mouth seeking hers out eagerly. Izzy broke the kiss first, panting softly, her hands fisted in his shirt. 

Read the rest on AO3

[girlbossblackbeard]

brain thoughts whilst watching s2 ep1

if u saw me post some of these as their own posts no u didnt

-y'all are so smart for predicting that the steard HAD to be a fantasy/dream sequence

-"I never made you leave him. You did that yourself" *stede kills him* hmmmmmm definitely not a metaphor for stede trying to kill/silence the part(s) of himself and his actions that he hates and is ashamed of and that story arc DEFINITELY isn't a parallel to Ed's comatose dream journey we see later in ep 3 when he confronts Hornigold's ghost only to realize that it's actually a manifestation of Ed's self-hatred. this is just a silly little pirate show with silly little fake sword battles that's all :)

-Okay. We know this is a fantasy. We know this is a silly little pirate show. We know it's a haha funny comedy with two of the best comedic actors the world has ever seen in the starring roles. And Yet. The ungodly heartbreaking "Ed" that Stede yells the second time just before running to him is so gut-wrenching, so full of desperation, so overwhelmingly breathtaking in the undeniable agony laced throughout that one syllable, I wish god had put me in Izzy's place instead bc it would've been a thousand times less painful to literally be stabbed directly through my abdomen than to hear Stede say Ed's name like that while tears well up in his eyes

-watching stede and ed run like that gave me the ick im so sorry yall i wanted to be brave about it but i just cant be

-okay but WHY am i blushing when Ed looks directly into the camera for his lines in the fantasy sequence.........how in the hell did stede not spontaneously combust the second those stupidly big brown beautiful doe eyes made eye contact with him

-EVERYONE SHUT UP STEDE'S FACE AFTER HE AND ED COLLIDE AND ARE ROLLING AROUND IN THE SAND IS A LOOK OF ABJECT DESPERATION AND AGONY WHAT THE FUCK HE MISSES HIM SO MUCH AND FEELS SO GUILTY HE CAN'T EVEN BE TRULY HAPPY IN HIS OWN DREAMS

-"I knew you'd find me, babe" "You're not mad?" "I knew you'd find me, love" "So, we're good? About everything?" "Fuckin' love the beard, mate" Even in Stede's dreams Ed does not confirm that everything is alright between them. I'm starting to think this dream sequence is actually a nightmare sequence because he gets confronted by his fears by not only Izzy throwing it in his face that Stede left Ed of his own volition but Ed steadfastly refusing to answer Stede's questions about their relationship being okay

-in stede's dream ed has his full beard because that's a marker of the last time/era stede remembers being truly happy with ed before he ruined everything at the naval academy and broke ed's heart so severely it turned him into the very monster the rest of the world always wrongly made him out to be

-"can't be worse than you moaning 'ed, oh ed' all night long" black pete my beloved

-GOD stede's hair and scruff look so GOOD on him what the HELL

-WEE JOHN'S HAIR AND EYELINER AND PIERCINGS AND EVERYTHING LOOK SO GOD DAMN GOOD HE LOOKS SO GOD DAMN GOOD

-stede's silly little thumbs up to the swede as jackie makes him throw that ass in a circle reblog if u agree

-stede talking to the patrons at spanish jackie's is just a typical customer interaction working in the service industry

-ayo i think spanish jackie's is serving food now?? guess that overhead issue she mentioned to geraldo in s1 is no longer an issue bc that place is popping

-if ricky was able to clock stede immediately and doesn't think he's dead even after his very public and very loony-tunes-esque death then how many people in barbados actually believe he's dead??? does the whole town just kinda know he faked it and have accepted that he abandoned his family, became a pirate, came back home, drunkenly bisexualized his ex(??) wife's new boo thang, then faked his death so he could abandon his family again???

-"Demon? I'm the fuckin' Devil" I can't accurately put into words how hearing this line so softly spoken paired with seeing Ed's beautiful kohl-covered eyes as the guitar and xylophone from the song kicks in has affected me but I can say with 100% certainty it is the root cause of my new mental illness, whatever that may be

-fuck OFFFFFFFFFFFF EVERYONE LOOKS SO FUCKING GOOD ON THE KRAKEN CREW IT'S ACTUALLY INSANE

-LOVE LOVE LOVE the freeze frame with the day of the week overlay it is SUCH a visually excellent component of those scenes

-i know we're all supposed to be very sad and upset at ed shooting a guy (that was BASICALLY ALREADY DEAD) but for the love of GOD that man has never served so much princess babygirl gender in one cocking and shooting of a gun as he did in that scene

-JUST REALIZED ED IS WEARING A LONG TRENCH COAT JACKET THING IN THE SHOOTING SCENE AND THAT'S WHY THAT SHOT IS AFFECTING ME SO MUCH IT LOOKS LIKE A DRESS

-the immediate stoppage of the music with the smash cut to the crew trying to process the trauma that they've been through is so fucking funny, the editors have absolutely mastered the science of comedic timing

-"i dunno, i've never really been to a wedding before so i've got nothing to compare it to really" archie my beloved

-"i've never seen blackbeard like this. he didn't even bat an eye when ivan got killed" i don't have the energy to really put all my thoughts about this into coherent sentences, so all i'll say is that i'm really disappointed this is how they chose to deal with ivan not being in the show anymore. idk what went down with guz khan and whomever made the decision not to invite him back for s2, but at the very least i feel like they could've either written him off in some other way or simply not mentioned him at all. killing him off in one sentence that gets immediately interrupted with a comedic line just doesn't sit right with me

-"i lock the box and then i don't open it again" frenchie just like me fr

-i know stede did NOT just say "he's just blowing off some steam" in response to olu pointing out that ed has been committing so many crimes they literally had to start listing them on the back of the wanted posters. it's giving "girlfriend whose boyfriend acts like a massive asshole to her in front of her friends but she tells them he's actually soooo sweet when it's just the two of them together"

-"well, we can't turn up with any old ship. we need to look good" stede you literally haven't touched clean water in who knows how long, i think pulling up to the revenge in a dope af whip might need to be a little lower on your priority list babe

-the way ed gently strokes that cake topper before stuffing it in his jacket right above his heart like he used to do with the red silk bc stede's entire being eclipsed the silk when he became ed's whole heart. cinema

-i said it before and i'll say it again: izzy looks like a sad clown with his rudy giulliani lookin ass hair dye dripping down his face and the black panda rings around his eyes as a sad excuse for war paint

-when watching the first ep for the first time, i found myself becoming extremely uncomfortable and even anxious at times watching ed doing drugs and having a very public spiral that he takes out on the crew. massive props to taika and the writers for being able to make me genuinely a little terrified of Blackbeard in those scenes

-conathan o'neill. words cannot describe how enrapturing every single second of screentime you get is. every pixel of your performance is pure perfection. every tear that glimmers in your eye but refuses to fall is gloriously gut-wrenching. every laugh out of izzy's mouth is uniquely, ineffably uncomfortable in ways that should be futilely studied by science. also u look really hot when you're leaning on the rigging in the storm

-the swede shaking his head "no" at stede trying to warn him not to talk back to jackie when she steals their savings. he was trying to help his friends :(

-"i know that guy, we had breakfast together :D" "you'll be having a lot of breakfasts together" "oh okay :))" the swede my beloved

-buttons opening his mouth when it starts raining. buttons my beloved

-"im afraid your...your life is better without me" is SUCH an amazing line read from rhys, the way stede's voice hitches and you can hear the tears in his throat as he tries to voice his deepest fears is so incredibly moving which is why i got both the ick and medically diagnosed whiplash when he busts out that extraordinarily cringe ed voice to RESPOND TO HIMSELF. idk what's wrong with that man but it's not in ye olde DSM-5

-the fact that, once again, in stede's own imagination ed is not refuting stede's fears but is rather confirming them in the case of him talking to ed's wanted poster about how he's worried ed's life is better without stede in it and stede responding "could be...could be mate" in "ed's" voice is actually really desperately tragic and heartbreaking when you think about it ! :)

-"i know everything about you" i truly hate to say it but SOME of us, and im not saying who (me), are unfortunately extremely ricky-coded. it's giving "hi kevin" in spongebob

-"i, too, am a child of wealth" STOOOOPPPPPPPP I WAS ABSOLUTELY HOWLING AT THIS LINE IDK WHAT THE WRITERS ARE GETTING PAID BUT IT NEEDS TO BE ON PAR WITH WHATEVER RICHES RICKY WAS CLEARLY STRUGGLING WITH AS A CHILD VICTIM OF TOO MUCH MONEY

-someone smarter than me should do an analysis on how quickly stede's attitude towards ricky flipped once ricky told stede he was his hero and the gentleman pirate saved his life and how stede maybe saw a lot of his past self in ricky and is intimately aware of how the mundanity of living a life that's been prescribed to you from birth with expectations you could never live up to can drive you to the edge unless you choose to do something drastic to change your situation and how stede already feels like such a failure because of both the situation with his family/old life AND with ed/his new life that he took the opportunity to be the kind of gentle guide he could've used when he was starting out in the same situation ricky is before stede met ed and started to learn the ropes more. so if ur reading this please get on that thx <3

"my time with jackie has been the happiest of my life. her love has helped me locate parts of myself i didn't even know existed" (his prostate) "and reclaim others that i had long missed" (his teeth and nails)

-"but...i owe you a life debt and i am bound to honor it" something something mary telling stede "we made a contract in front of god and i am bound to honor that" something something stede being told by multiple people he cares about that the only reason they're dealing with him is because of societal convention

-i was gonna start this post off with "sorry" but i actually will not be apologizing for the unabated foaming-at-the-mouth level of hedonistic intoxication i experience every time i look at ed in his warpaint. if you have any issues with this that's between u and god buddy

-"i have...love for you, edward" actually made me gasp so hard i choked

-"i heard that you think the vibe here on the ship is poisonous" ed said VIBE CHECK and then took izzy's leg

-fang whimpering is actually illegal

-ed asking blackbeard about the vibes on the ship was such an incredibly well done performance from taika because i was genuinely so uncomfortable watching that go down i almost had to look away

-frenchie shaking his head "no" at izzy after izzy yells at ed to stop with his insane blackbeard monologue about the vibes on the ship is such a tiny moment but speaks VOLUMES about how trauma-bonded that crew has become under the kraken's rule. frenchie doesn't want to see izzy get even more hurt than he already does on a daily basis but i think he also knows it's already too late

-god the way ed just casually turns away and shoots izzy the second he hears the first "st" syllable of stede's name is so chilling

>>>side note: does ed look away because he can't watch himself actually hurt izzy THAT badly? he later turns his back to izzy in the hopes izzy will shoot him and when he doesn't, ed leaves before izzy shoots himself

-izzy's resigned inhale and small smile before starting to say "your feelings for stede bonnet" is so unbelievably heartbreaking because he knows. he knows he's about to get majorly fucked up for what he's about to say but he's tired of everyone walking on delicate shards of glass around ed

-the fucking joke of "how are you so good at this" because he's literally doing the swedish massage. credit goes to my friend shane for realizing this right away when it would've taken me 20 rewatches to come close to getting it

-"I can't believe how well this is going" black pete my beloved

-"this is where you went wrong with the whole gentleman pirate thing. details like this are important to build a brand" she's an influencer

-"i cant believe you guys robbed jackie. wow. so bad" the swede my beloved

-wee john covering his nose as jackie says she's about to get more noses for her nose jar

-"aint you that soup bitch" "im the money bitch" well im gay and i want them both to step on me

-"it's okay sexy dutchman"

-ed crying on the bow of the ship is sooooooooooo insane to me like i keep getting reminded of the fact that he's literally been crying every single night for MONTHS over stede

-"never going back to land. we're gonna sail, rob, and raise hell forever and ever without end" "sounds like a plan" frenchie's face as he realizes he's probably gonna spend the rest of his life on that ship may have actually caused heart damage

-HI THE TRANSITION FROM ED SAYING "FUCK YOU STEDE BONNET" AND LOOKING AT THE MOON TO STEDE LOOKING AT THE SAME MOON AND SAYING "GOODNIGHT ED TEACH" SHOULD EITHER BE GIVEN AN OSCAR OR CODIFIED AS A VIOLATION OF THE GENEVA CONVENTION I JUST DON'T KNOW WHICH ONE YET

[petrifiedcrange]

❝ You do know you have your own quarters now, Captain? ❞ Izzy asks when Edward sneaks into his little cabin in the middle of the night even as he shifts to the side to free up some space for the other man and lifts his arm in a familiar gesture, waiting for him to snuggle up to his side like he used to.

The phrase is spoken softly, almost fondly, with no annoyance because Izzy is slowly learning to let go of all that tension that came with being under Hornigold's command. Not let his guard down, no, they are still pirates and he is the first mate now so he is even more of a target now, but relax a little, feeling safer on their new ship and under Edward's command than he remembers ever feeling ( well, except for a handful of years in his childhood but he is not about to open that box ).

The phrase itself is a call back to the nights they spent squeezed into his hammock, intertwined so intricately under their shared blanket that it was getting harder to tell where one ends and the other begins, to ward off the chill in the air ( though, it wasn't about the chill in the air at all, Izzy would have to admit if he was being honest with himself, it was always about comfort and knowing they are not alone and sleeping better when there's another heartbeat beating steadily against your chest... and a little about warding off the chill, yes at least, that's what it was always about for Izzy, he's not sure what it was about for Edward and he's not about to start that conversation now, but considering Edward now has a perfectly comfortable, warm bed himself, Izzy dares to hope him choosing to spend the night on his little and not so comfortable bunk instead means that his motives are not practical as well ), while they were still just regular members of Ben Hornigold's notorious crew, and now they are captain and first mate, and they've got their own ship and their own crew and their own legacy slowly beginning to develop along with Edward's beard... but deep down inside they are still Edward and Israel, Eddie ( if Edward was going to call him Izzy, then Izzy would have no choice but to retaliate ) and Izzy, and it feels nice to just be them when they're alone with each other.

❝ Your new captain's quarters are too chilly or you couldn't sleep and decided to bother me as well? ❞ Izzy finds himself asking before he can stop himself, his curiosity and desperate need to hear that Edward needs this as much as he does, that his feelings are returned getting the best of him, and well, guess they are having this conversation after all ( not that Izzy is going to openly ask Edward what their sleeping arrangements back on Hornigold's ship meant to him, that's for sure ).

[ OPEN for Ed, maybe, a couple of months after they led the mutiny against Hornigold, because we need more young cute edizzy 🥹; inspired by this thread @blackflcgs and I have because the idea of them sleeping together is too cute and because I imagine Ed wouldn't want to part with this lovely tradition just because it's no longer can be considered a practical choice ]

[youwouldntlietopapa]

The Words That Were Never Spoken (OC Re-Edit) - Chapter Eight

[bethbrutte.nholm contributed Aviva to this chapter.] _________________________________________________

The meeting with Sister was a short one, thankfully. Izzy manages to keep her smile in place and her tone even, a minor miracle, until she’s dismissed. Without Copia waiting for her in the dining hall, there isn’t much point in going there. Instead she collects herself and him a coffee and a few pastries, drops them off in his office, and goes to check her own small office. More like a glorified closet with a desk and a computer stuffed into one corner and an overflowing filing cabinet in the other. It’s nothing glamorous, certainly, but at least she doesn’t have to share and there’s a door she can close. Perks she doesn’t take for granted. She likes the privacy it affords, and the job too, if she’s being honest. Being one of a handful of floating research assistants makes the work interesting and always a little different. Most of the senior Clergy simply send requests and they get divided up between her and the others. Rarely spending much time working with the requesters directly, apart from maybe dropping off items from the archives.

Most of them, anyway.

Early on, when she’d picked up a request from Cardinal Copia, she’d expected more of the same. He had needed an assistant, personally, in the archives. A full day of helping out that turned into two, and then a full week. Right from the start, he’d been sweet and charming, if a little timid and awkward. But the conversation flowed easily and the silences never felt oppressive or unpleasant. She’d taken to looking for him at meals and sharing his table. Spending more time in his company than without. As years passed by, he’d become such a permanent and irreplaceable part of her life, that the thought of even a single day without him at all seemed like a punishment.

And you’re risking it all for what? She curses herself silently. One stupid cuddle? Acting like a creep. How are you ever going to explain that to him? Why would he ever trust you again after that?

The thought of losing him washes over her again, the sick, panicky feeling twisting her stomach and crawling uncomfortably up her back. Whether it’s a look of pity and pulling away because the answer is no to begin with or telling him how she overstepped now and watching him recoil. She all but jumps out of her chair, struggling to get the thin window she has open. Desperate for a cool breeze. Something to ground herself with.

Who was there to even talk to? Not Papa, certainly. Not any of them. Papa Terzo would laugh. Papa Secondo would give her that cold stare if he didn’t simply yell. And Papa Primo… the thought of him looking disappointed in her is almost as bad as the thought of disappointing Copia. Even in confession… they’re still his brothers.

The only option that comes anywhere close without feeling so much like… like telling on herself or ending up with Papa staring her down, was the next in line as far as power within the ministry. Papa’s Prime Mover.

Aviva.

She takes a few more deep breaths and tries to focus on keeping the panic contained. Walking out of her office and headed at, what she hopes might look like, a casual pace to speak with her directly. Praying that she might have some kind of advice or answer. That there’s a way out of all of this without losing everything.

Izzy knocks on the Prime Mover's office door. It seems so silly calling her that. She's Papa Primo’s wife, certainly, but her title is more of an honorary one. She'd never even officially joined the church. Just Papa. If she were being honest, it always seemed very romantic. But deciding exactly what to call her during office hours felt tricky.

"Ma'am?" Ma'am? Really? She curses her own stupid decision. "Aviva? Are you in?"

“Yep! Hi! Over here,” Aviva appears behind a massive bouquet, “Just trimming these up. Primo - I mean Papa - brought them this morning,” she shuffles them around her desk, struggling to find a spot for the massive arrangements, “you know what?” She takes them over to the end table next to the couch, “Here. Done,” she turns back to her, “How can I help? I haven’t seen Copia, I’d suspect he’s in his office.”

"That's not... I mean it is sort of what I wanted to talk about but not where he is. I know where he is. I mean, I know where he probably is." She catches herself rambling and takes a breath. "Sorry. If-if you're busy, I can come back. It's probably not important."

She smiles, “I was just about to make tea. Do you want to join me?”

"Yes, please. If you don't mind."

“Wonderful,” Aviva flicks on the electric kettle and arranges a tray with sugar, cream and a selection of Primo’s finest, “Is everything all right?” She asks as she transfers the boiling water to the pot.

"Yes! Yes. I mean.... mostly. I think." She closes the door behind her. Gossip around the Abbey is bad enough without everyone who might be in the hall hearing her. Settling, or as close as she can get, in the guest chair at Aviva's desk. "You heard about my room, I assume?”

“Oh, gosh. I’m sorry. I didn’t even ask. Primo told me,” Aviva says, setting the tray on her desk, “Help yourself, please. Primo said you were staying with Copia. That must be… nice. You two were always so close.”

"Yes... he sort of arrived just after the pipe burst. Coming to pick me up for breakfast." Izzy takes the offered cup, focusing on that more than anything. Nice. Close. She can practically hear Papa Terzo’s voice, saying the same things with that smug smile he gets. He hasn’t exactly made a secret of his suspicions that they’re both up to something. "He was very sweet, offering me a place to stay. He's... He's been very sweet about everything, really."

“Well, that’s fortuitous, isn’t it? Like someone just plucked him in there at the knick of time,” she smiles at Izzy over her mug of tea, “He really is sweet.”

"He is." Her eyes itch and she swallows hard. Why is it so difficult to hold it together? She knows how stupid it all is. How ridiculous that in this place of all places she’d be so worried about it. But it’s not just betraying his trust or taking advantage. One of the core tenants of her beliefs, of the ministry as a whole. Your own body is inviolable. "Very... He's so sweet and I think... I think I've done something very stupid and selfish."

“Oh. I see. Do you… do you want to talk about it?”

If she’s being honest? No. It would be so much easier to bury the feeling and pretend it’s all fine. But it’s not and she knows it. "I don't know who else to talk to. Any Papa seems like a bad idea for their own reasons, and he's their brother. Even confession…"

“Oh, no. No, I get it. And I understand if you’re even feeling uncomfortable here. I could get an Imperatrix?”

Every impulse in her body screams to run at the mere suggestion. It takes every ounce of willpower for her stay seated. "No! No, please. I'd be obligated to talk to Sister Imperator, and I can't talk to her about him."

“Oh, god. I mean… oh, Satan. Yes, of course. I’m here to help.” At least she seems to understand how bad an idea that would be.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't be dragging you into all this, but the person I usually talk to is... Copia. Who the hell am I supposed to talk to about Copia?" Every bit of advice she’s gotten since arriving about making more friends and opening up to people coming back to bite her in the ass. As if not needing or wanting a lot of people is wrong. Though, she has to admit, it’s making this very specific situation more difficult.

“Do you… want a glass of wine, instead? I’ve got a mini fridge. And some of the good stuff stashed away from Secondo. I mean Papa.”

It's terribly tempting, it’s not often she gets a chance for anything that would need to be hidden from Papa Secondo, at least not out of shame. But Izzy shakes her head. "No. No thank you. Technically I'm still working."

“Right. Of course,” she grins, “I’m on the clock but, technically my clock is just. For looks. Anyway. What happened and how can I help?”

She can feel her face getting hot and she silently prays for the Old One to open the pit beneath her chair and drag her into the deepest depths of hell. "I... I took advantage of his trust last night and I think he blamed himself this morning."

Aviva stares, trying not to judge but, a protectiveness comes over her for a moment, worrying about Copia, “Alright. Okay. Can you tell me what happened? Last night?”

"We've been mostly spending time in his quarters. I know there are more than a few people who want to ask me about my room and what happened, and a few that are angry about the water shut off to that wing. So we stayed in. Got food. Wine. Nothing happened! Not really. I lay down on the couch to watch him playing his game and I dozed off. When I woke up, I was in bed. I mean, we were in bed." She freezes and looks up at Aviva. "That sounds bad. I just mean we were sharing the bed. I wasn't going to make him sleep on the couch and he wouldn't let me sleep out there either. So we agreed to share."

“That doesn’t sound so bad.”

"But I woke up in bed. I was on my side, facing the wall, and he was behind me. Same way. Facing the wall. And he was so close and we both had too much wine and it sounds like I'm making excuses... But I slipped his arm around me and he... he ended up pulling me into him, in his sleep. I should have moved or... or something. And I didn't. I just went to sleep. But he must have woken up before me and I guess he was still there. He practically threw himself off the bed. Claimed it was just a dream."

Aviva stares at her. For far too long before she speaks, “My love, are you… are you saying that you think you’ve done wrong by initiating that? God - I mean Satan - I don’t want to sound dismissive but, you just put his arm around you?”

"Yes. But he was asleep and the way he acted this morning, like he'd done something wrong. If he feels guilty because of what I did.... and then how do I tell him that? He's my friend, my best friend. I'm not supposed to take advantage of his trust like that. And the night before... I woke up in the morning practically sleeping on top of him. At least he wasn't awake then."

“I don’t think - and I’m saying this as his sister - that Copia was offended by you. I… I mean it.”

"... maybe. If it was just... friends. If that's all it was." Her blush deepens and she stares hard into her cup.

“Oh? ………………Oh.”

"Not that he isn't. Of course he is. Just... I've asked for a sign. And nothing. I just… I can't risk losing him. I can't. He means the world to me and I can't fuck that up. Not over something that I can live without.” She sighs and rubs her face. It all sounds so idiotic out loud. "You're right. He is sweet. And I'd rather die than hurt him."

Aviva opens her mouth to speak and then shuts it, pressing a finger against her lips. She stares at Izzy, “I just wanna clarify. I’m just… so we’re on the same page. You’re telling me that. You’re feeling like you’re having feelings? Those feelings. For Copia.”

Fuck. Just kill me now.

"… He's been one of my only friends here from the fourth week after I arrived at the Abbey, and the only person I've thought about, every single day, since then. And now I am staying in his quarters, sleeping in his twin bed, and doing stupid, selfish shit like this because it's slowly driving me mad." She works her jaw and looks back up at her. "Is that clear enough?"

“Oh, it’s plenty clear to me,” Aviva smirks, “The question is, is it clear enough to you?”

"Clear enough to beg the Old One for a sign like a child. More than once. As if there aren't more pressing matters than me, acting like a schoolgirl with a crush." Maybe staying in her office and panicking herself to death wasn’t such a bad option.

“Colour me nosy but what kind of signs were you asking for? The kind of sign that… has you sopping wet with Copia knocking on your door?”

She sighs and shakes her head. "I was just making my morning prayers and the pipe in my room burst. I didn't even get to finish, really. And Copia picks me up most mornings if I'm not already in the dining hall waiting for him."

Apart from the mornings he has meetings. Either she gets coffee and breakfast for them both and snag a table. Or he comes and gets her. The morning routine they’ve shared practically since the beginning. It would have been more odd if he hadn’t shown up.

“Go on. Tell me the rest. I don’t want to get spiritual here but, I can smell it.”

"It's so stupid. When I was in the shower after I got to his quarters. And yesterday. I was on the couch waiting for him to finish in the shower so I could get a turn."

“And what happened?”

"Nothing! I keep getting interrupted. If anything, it's a sign to shut up and stop asking. In the shower, Sister called for me and Cope knocked on the door to let me know. And then on the couch, he called for me to ask if I remembered to make the list for Sister."

“So you keep asking for a sign and Copia keeps… showing up.” Aviva stands and comes around the desk, sitting next to her in the spare chair, “Love is amazing. Love is… I can’t quite put it to words but once you have it - truly have it - you don’t know how you lived without it. It’s like air. And that is terrifying. And for you? To be here with Copia? I can’t imagine - what a nightmare,” she laughs quietly and takes her hand in both of hers, “the fear of losing him is greater than the joy of loving him, I know that well enough.”

"It's fine. Really it is. It's not like Papa Terzo doesn't bring it up every time I see him. I just... I should just let it go and be grateful for what I do have."

“I’m not saying you should run to Copia and profess your love. I’m saying… spend some time with the idea of it. It’s alright. Terzo runs head first into love every other day. Ignore him.”

"I've spent three years with it."

Aviva stares at Izzy, smiling, eyes full of love, “I don’t think your request for signs went unanswered. And I don’t think you’re alone with these feelings.”

She smirks. "Why? Did you pick up a note that I missed?"

Aviva stands and dusts off her skirt, “I’m Prime Mover. I know things.”

“Technically Prime Mover." The tiny attempt at a joke started to feel necessary and the opening is wide open.

“Oh, she jokes?” Aviva winks, “Well, as your Prime Mover. I am ordering you to take the rest of the day off. Find somewhere to lounge and do as I say. Just,” she sighs, smiling again, “Just sit with it. Not as you have for the last three years. For right now.”

"It's the same answer every time. I'd rather be his friend than not have him at all. Right now, I just don’t know how to tell him I’m sorry without telling him why I’m sorry.”

“There is nothing to be sorry for. If I tell you to do anything it’s that you shouldn’t be sorry.”

"He just... he looked so panicked this morning. I know how he holds on to guilt.” She freezes, realising just how much she’s said already. "You won't tell him, will you? Or the others? Papa Terzo will say something and then make a joke of it and then Copia will end up thinking it's all just to tease him."

“No, not at all. Of course not.” She offers while Izzy considers just how much Papa Primo loves to gossip. “I realise that did not sound convincing.”

"Not really, but thank you." She sighs. There aren’t really any options beyond trusting her. "It will be fine. I just need to... be normal, and share his bed, for the next..... Week? Maybe?"

“I’m sorry - I apologise that was inappropriate. But also, you should know this. It isn’t a secret, Iz.”

She groans softly, already knowing exactly the sort of rumours bound to be going around. "I know. Everyone knows I'm staying there."

Aviva blinks at her and nods, “You’re right. We do know about that. But also……. That’s it.”

"What? But also what?"

“I, uh…. Was going to suggest that you have your mail and work things forwarded to Copia’s room. The situation might last longer than you think. Plumbing is a…. Slow business.”

"Cope was bitching his tub drains slowly already." She huffs, trying not to let her mind wander to using the tub. Definitely not using the tub with him. "At least he has an endless supply of old shirts to sleep in."

“See? We’re backed up. Everything around here takes so long to come together. And thank god… you’re sleeping in his shirts?” Aviva stares at her and then blinks quickly, “Well that guy. He’s so full of love, isn’t he? Gives you the shirt off his back.”

Izzy blushes deeply. "I wasn't exactly planning for my room to flood and to lose most of what I own, so I don't really have access to all my waterlogged clothes. There weren't a lot of options."

"No, no. Of course not. No judgments here. I can make arrangements for you to go shopping so you don't have to wear those old shirts."

She cringes. "... Aether dropped off the laundry that hadn't come back before the pipe and there is a nightgown in there." If her face gets any hotter, she’s sure it will burst into flames. "I didn't tell him because... I like his shirts." Kill me now. "... they smell like him." Why? Why would you say that out loud? To Primo’s Prime Mover of all people? Four words to prove that she has absolutely lost her mind and should probably be on some kind of watch list. "You know what, this talk has been very illuminating for me. I think I've decided it would be best if I just climb up the bell tower and see if I can fly far far away."

"I think Copia would fly right after you. But! What do I know? I'm just a Prime Mover."

"Tell him everything I just said and I'm sure the feeling will pass immediately." She cringes so hard, she’s sure she might actually explode from embarrassment. "They smell like him? Who even says that???"

Aviva gives her an exasperated look and sighs, "I can't tell you what to do with this. I know what you should do. I know what I want you to do. But, none of that matters," she holds up her hand, silencing Izzy, "Why don't you take a nap? It sounds like you could use some sleep. And... I'm gonna see about getting him a bigger bed. My god."

“No!” She blurts, immediately regretting everything. “No, thank you. I’ll ask him if he wants a new one. He’s not a big fan of surprise changes.”

"I'd ask him first, I'm not a monster," Aviva eyes her, "Go. Take a nap."

“Right. Nap. And you’re not going to tell him about this.” She sounds as convincing as Aviva did, already picturing waking up to him kicking her out of his quarters.

"You have my word," Aviva says, nodding. She fishes out a few packets of tea, "Here, Primo's special sleepy time. Now go. That's an order."

“Yes, ma’am.” She takes the offered tea. “Maybe I’ll get lucky and die in my sleep.”

Aviva comes around her desk and pulls Izzy into a tight hug, "Come back if you need to talk, okay?"

“I will. Someone else needs to suffer with me.” She huffs. “I’ll have the tea and a nap. I promise.”

"Good."

Izzy sets aside her tea cup, realising she hasn’t taken a single sip, and starts the long walk back to Copia’s quarters.

[bubblepopsims]

Next day...

Andres and Izzi were checking to see how the weather was going to be like today, since they had a special project they wanted to get start on today since Conrad was spending the next few days with his best friend who returned from visiting family. An: "doesn't seem to bad right?" Izzi humed "Mmmm i mean so far we are seeing everywhere but here." While they were trying to be patient and wait to see the actual forecast of today. Alma was getting ready for a girls day with her daughter.

A: "little bear i dont know about this... i mean don't you think i am OVER dressed?" J: "excuse me ? ABSOLUTELY NOT! you look absolutely stunning! and ill prove it come on. " A: "what are you planning...." J: "just come on.." Juju lead her mouth out of the master bedroom and towards the noise of the tv in the living room. Both Andres and Izzi were discussing the idea of the project. I: "oh fuck yeah, put a rocketship on it somewhere. damn this kid is lucky" Izzi laughed and shook their head while andres wiggled a bit at finally after weeks of weird weather to finally get a good couple of days of sunshine.

An: "you up for the challenge future new member of the Becker wagon?" Izzi laughed "Oh absolutely i love building shit." An: "my daughter knows how to pick em." J: "speaking of daughter knows how to pick him TA DAAAAA!"

Andres and Izzi both looked over their shoulder, only for Andres to fully turn and examine the beauty that was in front of him. An: ".........." A: "our daughter is being overally dramatic, its not a big deal." Izzi raised a brow and juju let out a loud groan ready to say something but Andres cut everyone off. An: "not a big deal my ass." Andres grabs Alma and pulls her close to him, the height difference between them always seemed to effect Alma, something about it always had her feeling safe. Her breath hitched at Andres hands caressing along her lower back leaning down to keep their eye contact in tact.

An: "dont ever say that when you look absolutely beautiful. you always do.. but yet you keep surprising me even after 25 years of marriage."

Juju giggled and wiggled her brows at Izzi who just stared at her with a smirk I: "so pleased with yourself aren't you." J: "oh absolutely.. i mean look at them.. i think i just made my dad fall in love all over again."

Alma couldnt get a word out the gaze of Andres eyes had her lost, humming when he turned them and attempted to pin her to the wall. A: "maybe i should dress up more often... if this is the kind of reaction i get..." Andres huffed "Woman you can wear my sweat pants and a stained shirt and i would still feel this way about you. i am very tempted on saying you are not going anywhere.. but..." J: " NOPE IM TAKING MOM OUT!" Alma chuckled and gave andres a sweet kiss on the lips. "our little bear has spoken." J: "i have." An: "shhh ! go say goodbye to izzi." Juju chuckled and rolled her eyes skipping over to Izzi with a bright smile and planting a kiss on their lips. "don't work to hard okay? and don't forget to stay hydrated. also dont miss me to muchhh that the big one!"

I: "and you try not to get yourself and your mother in trouble now." Juju chuckled and gave izzi one more quick kiss. "no promises my love."

I: "well if you do, its fine i have your location." A: "and Andres has mine correct?" An: "mmmm... what ? oh yeah i do.. damn.."

A: "we can revisit that later.." she giggled and gave him a wink. juju groaned lightly "mom ew.."

A: "oh hush we are all adults here, and you should be happy your parents are still this active." J: "oh.. my god..." Izzi laughed and shook their head "yeah baby be happy, that's what you get to look forward too."

Previous-Next

[demy85]

Chapter 5 - Showing your true colors

He had been standing in the kitchen, about to pour coffee into his insulated mug, when his sister came rushing into the kitchen.

“Good morning, Alec. So, tell me, how was your day yesterday? When I came home last night, you were already in the land of dreams and I didn't want to wake you up. Now, please, tell me all about yesterday.”

And how could he have resisted the doe eyes of his twin sister. Nevertheless, he was unable to hold back a snort and the rolling of his eyes.

All the same, his annoyance suddenly transformed into a broad grin. Of course, he had already figured that Izzy would pester him with questions as soon as she came face to face with him. He had no doubt that she certainly had already spoken to Magnus. The only good thing was that he had kept his drawing in his allocated drawer in the plan cupboard, of which there were several in their classroom, otherwise Izzy would certainly not have left him in peace until he showed her the artwork.

Alec looked into his sister's almost pleading eyes and wondered how anyone would ever manage to refuse her anything.

Then he turned back to the coffee maker, grabbed another thermal mug and made his sister a coffee, even though he knew he would have to fill both mugs again before they left for college.

𒐣

Magnus was sitting at the breakfast table with his siblings while they talked about what had been going on the previous day.

Raphael was a little miffed that Magnus had missed his hip hop class again, but he also knew that his brother was only doing him a favor by continuing to attend, so he couldn't really be angry with him.

Of course, both Raphael and Cat were aware that Magnus had been a nude model in Alec's class yesterday and they were eager for Magnus to tell them about it.

Magnus took a sip of his coffee and as he looked over the rim of his mug into the faces of his siblings, he knew he couldn't avoid it any longer. To be honest, he was surprised that they hadn't already been pestering him with questions.

He raised an eyebrow, set the cup back down on the table in front of him, and then asked, “ Is there something wrong with my face, or why are you looking at me all weird?”

Cat threw her head back and laughed, while Raphael rolled his eyes and shook his head.

“Dios mío, Magnus, you know exactly what we're waiting for. Just spill the beans,” Raphael said, slightly irritated.

Magnus started to shake his head at his sibling's silliness and yet he began to recount what had happened the day before when he had been modeling in the nude for Professor Fray's class.

𒐣

Izzy, who had already heard from Magnus what had transpired in the life drawing class, listened to her brother's words while sipping her coffee. It was a mystery to her how Alec always managed to make the coffee taste so fabulous, with a slight hint of cinnamon.

“God, Izzy. I think I've made an absolute fool of myself,” he said and Izzy laughed heartily. She patted his hand and gave a shake of her head from side to side.

“Trust me, Alec, no way. Magnus has been gushing, practically raving on about every little interaction that the two of you have had.”

It made Alec's eyes widen and he stared at his sister in disbelief, which only made her laugh even louder.

“Oh man, you really have a massive crush on Magnus, don't you? Good for you, Alec. It's about time you finally threw yourself on the market,” she cheered.

Alec shook his head, but a broad grin spread across his face. He knew he could confide in Izzy and perhaps she would be able to give him a tip or two on the best way to pursue and win over Magnus.

“I can tell you with certainty that Magnus enjoyed your attention and the way you looked at him. He almost couldn't stop raving about your drawing, Alec.”

Hearing her say that caused a warm feeling to spread throughout his chest and he decided to take that as a good sign.

𒐣

As the week had flown by, with all the studying and chores to do, Alec had found little time to develop a plan with Izzy to win Magnus over. And the fact that his sister spent almost every spare minute rehearsing with Magnus for their performance on Friday didn't help in the least.

But then she had handed him an entry ticket on Thursday evening and said, “ You better show up and be dressed in what I'm going to lay out for you.”

She winked at him before disappearing.

Now it was Friday morning and he should have been concentrating on what his professor was trying to teach them, but his mind kept wandering to the ticket lying on his desk at home and then he went through every scenario of how the evening could unfold.

In the best-case scenario, he would go home and have a date with Magnus in his pocket, but in the worst-case scenario, he would end up humiliated in some bar and downing a drink or two.

He was completely lost in his thoughts when he suddenly felt one paper ball after another hit his face. Annoyed, he turned in the direction the balls were coming from and suddenly found himself face to face with Clary.

She stared at him questioningly, knowing full well that he wasn't paying any attention to what was happening in class. But all she got in response was a shrug.

𒐣

Once the class was over, Alec packed up his things hastily, determined to get out of there as soon as possible and make his way home. He was nervous and barely aware of his surroundings as he walked out of the lecture hall, still absorbed in his own thoughts.

That was until a petite hand wrapped itself around his wrist and held him tightly.

Alec stood rooted to the spot.

“What the hell is wrong with you, Alec? Did you catch anything of the lecture at all? Did you take any notes?”

Clary was in a rage, she hardly recognized her best friend. Never had she seen Alec like this before and she was worried about him. It wasn't like him to be physically present during one of the lectures but entirely lost in thought.

She had been aware that there had been something strange about him coming back from Spring Break. Clary had tried to talk to him about it, but he had always waved her off.

At this point, she was no longer willing to let him off the hook. Because she wanted to know what was going on with her best friend and wouldn't rest until Alec told her everything.

She stared at him hopefully, waiting for him to finally answer her, to trust her enough to open up to her.

Alec met Clary's eyes and understood that he really needed to talk to her. After all, she was his best friend. He didn't really know why he hadn't confided in her yet, why he hadn't told her what had happened right on the first day after Spring Break.

𒐣

Izzy had been a nervous bundle of energy all morning and who could blame her, after all it was her first big performance that day in which she had the leading role.

Of course, she knew that she and Magnus had given their all in the training sessions and that she knew the steps inside out.

Nevertheless, she was in the grip of stage fright.

Magnus approached her with a broad smile and tried to make her feel better.

If he had known that she had invited Alec to the performance and had given him a place in the front row, he would certainly not have been so relaxed. She knew he was head over heels in love with her brother. However, she didn't want to spoil the surprise, so she refrained from saying anything.

All she hoped was that he wouldn't be thrown off by it when he saw Alec sitting in the audience.

“Hey, Isabelle, are you all right?”

Magnus looked a little worried as he sat down next to her and put an arm protectively around her shoulders. He waited briefly, but she made no move to answer him, so he continued, “You know you have nothing to worry about, right? We've practiced so much that tonight will be a breeze.”

Izzy snuggled up to his side and let his reassuring and encouraging words wash over her. What he had just said to her was helping her to calm down immensely and the stage fright was gradually fading away.

There were still a few hours to go before call time and she knew that they would have to go through the choreography at least twice more before they would squeeze themselves into their costumes.

She could hardly wait to see the look on her brother's face when he saw Magnus.

𒐣

Alec was still feeling Clary's firm grip on his wrist and he let her pull him away from the lecture hall, even though they both knew full well that he could break free of her grip at any time.

Now they were outside the art building, away from any nosy students.

As it was, Clary stopped abruptly and turned to face Alec; if he hadn't been so focused on her, he surely would have collided directly into her.

Cocking an eyebrow, she stared at him questioningly, but made no further comment. She knew he would understand where this was going and waited for him to finally open up to her.

It wasn't the first time they had found themselves in such a situation. At the beginning of their friendship, Clary had often looked at him with such a stare until he finally told her what was on his mind, and that was exactly what happened this time.

Alec raised his hands in a placating gesture and began to speak, “It's okay, Clary. I'll explain everything to you, but we should find somewhere more comfortable.”

Then he took her hand and now it was he who pulled Clary along with him. He already knew exactly where he was about to take her.

𒐣

Izzy and Magnus were just about to go through the choreography again when Professor Rollins came into the theater with the other dancers.

“Great, you're already here. Not that I expected anything else,” Professor Rollins said and then she turned to all her students who would be part of the performance, ”Take your positions. We're going to do a final run-through of the choreo before you all go backstage to get ready.”

Izzy and Magnus walked to the center of the stage and stood facing each other, the other couples lined up in a semi-circle behind them encircling them. It was then that Dot started the music.

The soft tones of Lenny Kravitz's “Here to love” poured out of the speakers and enveloped the dancers in its spell.

They were like a well-oiled machine, every step came naturally and before they knew it, they had reached the end of the choreography.

Instead of music, all one could hear was the sound of loud clapping.

They broke free from the embrace that marked the end of the choreo and all of them stared into the joyful, tear-filled eyes of their professor. 

“I'm so proud of you, all of you. You're going to do great tonight, I'm sure of it,” she said happily. Clapping her hands once more, she continued, “and now off you go to the backstage. You need to get your make-up done and dress up in your costumes. There's not too much time left before the show starts.”

𒐣

Alec was sitting with Clary in the small café, which was not far from campus and which they used to go to a lot, because the coffee was so much superior to the stuff they sold as coffee in the campus canteen or the concoctions you could buy from the vending machines that were all over the campus.

They both had a steaming cup in front of them. Clary had decided on a latte and Alec had stuck with his signature drink, the Red Eye.

While Clary could be patient, even her patience was wearing thin and on the verge of jumping across the table and finally getting Alec to talk to her, he raised his head up a bit from the table and looked her straight in the eye.

“Okay... um... maybe I should...” he stammered under his breath and Clary couldn't hold on any longer, “Just tell me what's going on, Alec. What happened during the break and why have you been so preoccupied in class today?”

Alec cleared his throat and sat up a little straighter, sliding back and forth in his seat. When he heard Clary's exasperated huff, he knew that he had to at last make a start on explaining himself.

“It's okay, I, um... well, you know Izzy and I were in New York during Spring Break with our parents for this benefit gala my mom hosts every year,” he began and when Clary nodded at him, he went on, “Well, it didn't go quite the way she'd hoped and not at all according to what I'd expected. Jem ... um ... he came with his wife and husband and ... well, you know my parents. One thing led to another and ... I told them that I'm gay.”

It was then that he held his breath, not quite realizing it, and stared at Clary. Tentatively watching for the slightest hint of a reaction.

However, he hadn't been at all prepared for her to jump up and throw herself around his neck while she was cheering and letting him know how proud she was of him. Nevertheless, he let himself be carried away by her joy and started laughing heartily.

𒐣

Izzy was sitting backstage waiting for her make-up to be applied when Magnus suddenly appeared behind her and smiled at her through the mirror. He was already in his costume, if you could actually call it a costume, and his make-up was already done.

He looked fabulous with his hair styled back and his eyes rimmed with black kohl, not to mention the skintight pants that hugged his legs perfectly. Izzy was sure that her brother would not be able to stop marveling and it made her smile mischievously.

“I know that look on your face, Izzy. What have you cooked up this time in that pretty head you call your own?”

She raised her eyebrows, turned around in her chair and looked at Magnus with doe eyes. “I don't know what you mean at all,” she replied, batting her eyelashes.

Magnus just resigned himself to shaking his head, he knew he wasn't going to get anything out of her so he didn't even try to poke any further.

It was then that Meliorn, one of the other dancers, came and first ran his eyes up and down Magnus' body before repeating the same with Izzy.

“You two look scrumptious,” he said with a naughty grin and then he walked away.

Izzy and Magnus stared at each other before they burst out laughing.

𒐣

Alec's emotions were all over the place. 

Izzy had laid out a dark blue suit, white silk shirt and dark blue tie with white stripes for him and he had promised her he would wear everything she had prepared for him.

But Clary, after confessing to her how he felt about Magnus and where he was going that evening, had insisted that he keep the tie off and that he would leave the top two buttons of his shirt undone.

Now he stood alone in front of the theater where the performance was about to begin and he felt a little silly with his two small bouquets of flowers. 

When the doors opened, Alec took a deep breath, showed his ticket at the entrance and then went in search of his reserved seat.

He was relieved to see that there were other people sitting next to him in the front row who had brought small as well as large bouquets of flowers.

Once he had taken his seat in the middle of the front row, with a breathtaking view of the stage, he could hardly wait for the curtain to come down so he could marvel at how his sister and Magnus would wow the audience with their dancing skills.

Alec was absolutely certain that they would deliver a marvelous show.

Then the lights dimmed, a sign that the show was about to start, and when the curtain finally fell, a murmur went through the audience.

It was all in pitch darkness except for a small cone of light that was aimed at a couple standing in the middle of the stage.

Alec's jaw dropped when he realized who exactly he was looking at.

𒐣

Magnus held Izzy's hand as they made their way to the stage and then got into position. There were now only a few seconds left until the curtain would fall and they were due to begin their performance.

The first notes of music began to resound and Magnus and Izzy stood entwined in the center of the stage, illuminated by one of the spotlights. It was pitch black around them and the other dancers were standing in the background.

And then, as Lenny Kravitz's voice flooded through the hall, the dancers began to move, the other couples came out of the shadows and danced around Izzy and Magnus.

Alec could only sit in his seat and marvel, the feelings coursing through him at the sight before him were completely new to him. His focus was solely focused on Magnus, completely ignoring the other dancers. What he felt now went beyond banal exhilaration and bordered on pure and utter adoration and worship, as if he were watching the night sky take on human form right in front of him.

Magnus looked marvelous, the skin-tight, shiny pants making his strong thighs stand out. His flexibility amazed Alec, and the sight of his muscular legs made him wonder what they would be capable of in a completely different environment. Even the sight of the individual beads of sweat running down Magnus' naked torso only made the arousal in Alec boil even higher.

He curled his fingers into his own knees, trying to focus on something else, to clear his mind of images of worshiping Magnus' body.

But the desire burned inside him, and with each passing second of watching Magnus move on stage, it grew stronger. The only relief he could feel was that it was dark enough in the hall for no one to notice his precarious situation.

𒐣

When the performance came to an end, Izzy and Magnus were once again intertwined on stage, but this time they were closely surrounded by the other dancers.

It had been a beautiful dance performance and the audience clapped and cheered them on. 

The dancers broke away from each other and then came to the front of the stage to bow to the audience. It was at this precise moment that Magnus noticed Alec standing in the audience. He hadn't been paying attention to the crowd before, completely blocking out the fact that they would have an audience this time.

Magnus' breath caught in his throat when he saw Alec standing in the front row and the two of them locked eyes. Alec did look breathtaking in his suit and Magnus could only think that he would surely look even better with him helping him out of it.

His knees gave way and he was relieved to be pulled off the stage by Izzy, but at the same time he was starting to come to a sense of realization.

He realized that this was the reason why Izzy had grinned so mischievously before the show. You had to hand it to her, she didn't give in when she set her mind to something. And even though he was pleased that Alec had come, he wanted to keep Izzy in suspense.

But she beat him to it, “Magnus, you're not angry that I didn't tell you about Alec coming to watch us today, now are you?” And of course she used her big doe eyes again and batted her eyelashes.

He had to resist, and before he fell for her innocent expression again, he said, “We'll see.” Then, without another word, he made his way to his dressing room. 

Izzy called after him, “Don't forget that we were supposed to go out celebrating together!”

𒐣

Alec found himself standing in the foyer, waiting for Izzy and Magnus to come out. He was joined by a few other people, some of whom he had seen on campus from time to time.

Then the person of his desire came out of the door leading to the backstage with Izzy in tow and Alec was once again left utterly gobsmacked.

When Izzy saw him, she came running towards him and he automatically opened up his arms to catch her and spin her around. They both laughed and Alec told her how proud he was of her and that the show had been amazing.

Then they heard someone clear their throat next to them and they broke free of the embrace and turned around so they could see who had joined them.

“Hello Alexander, what a pleasant surprise to see you here,” Magnus was almost gushing.

Alec looked at him sheepishly and then said, “The pleasure is all mine. It was wonderful to watch you dance.”

Then he felt a sharp elbow jab him in the ribs and saw Izzy lift her chin in encouragement.

He stared at his hands, a little embarrassed, and then looked back over at Magnus with a charming smile and slightly flushed cheeks. But then he turned to Izzy first and gave her the small bouquet of a few small yellow tulips and roses.

After that, Alec mustered up all his courage as he turned back to Magnus and held the second bouquet out to him.

“A little something for you. You were stunning up there on stage.”

Magnus was overwhelmed and was about to respond when Alec suddenly stood closer to him and stammered, “I... um... I was going to ask, um, would you like to go out on a date with me sometime?”

And before Magnus, who was standing in front of him with his mouth slightly hanging open because he had difficulty believing what he had just heard, could answer, Alec, encouraged by his sister, asked, “And... um... would you model for me for my final project?”

Magnus, holding the bouquet of purple tulips and daisies in his hands as gently as if it would break any second, could only nod, unable to utter a single word.

[ofuntamedhearts]

𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑹𝑨𝑪𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝑺𝑯𝑬𝑬𝑻

𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐬 !

FULL NAME.  Isaac Jasper Steele

NICKNAME.  Izzy (Oliver)

GENDER.  Cis Male  

HEIGHT.  5′11″

AGE.  27  (Born on November 18th)  

ZODIAC.   Scorpio sun (vindictive, defiant, passionate), Gemini moon (charming, versatile, short-tempered), Virgo rising (increased body awareness, detail oriented, savior complex)

SPOKEN LANGUAGES.   English, Spanish, some French

𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 !

HAIR COLOR.  Dark Brown

EYE COLOR.  Hazel

BODY TYPE.   Mesomorph

VOICE.  Bass

DOMINANT HAND.  Right

SCARS.  He has a several scars all over his body, the product of having a brother so close in age and of impromptu boxing matches with the pack. He has two incredibly noticeable scars: his left shoulder is shredded and marred from road rash after crashing his bike. The second is a three inch long wound on the left side of his abdomen from being stabbed in jail.

TATTOOS. 

64.media.tumblr.com

64.media.tumblr.com

64.media.tumblr.com

64.media.tumblr.com

PIERCINGS.   One, below the waist.

BIRTHMARKS.   None

MOST NOTICEABLE FEATURE(S).   Smile, physique, tattoos.

𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 !

HOMETOWN.   New Orleans

SIBLINGS.   Oliver Gauthreaux   

PARENTS.  Jasper and Althea Steele

𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 !

OCCUPATION. Professional grifter (mostly internet webcam shows).  

CURRENT RESIDENCE.  New Orleans  

CLOSE FRIENDS.   Olivia Steele (his daughter, his reason for living) Oliver Gauthreaux (none of that half-brother shit, that is his BLOOD), Jackson Kenner (his alpha, his guiding light)

RELATIONSHIP STATUS.  Single and letting his freak flag fly while consistently putting his heart in turmoil because he refuses to let himself fall in love

FINANCIAL STATUS.  lol two pennies and stick of gum.

DRIVER’S LICENSE.  Both his motorcycle license and regular driver’s license

𝐬𝐞𝐱 & 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 !

SEXUAL ORIENTATION.  Bisexual

PREFERRED EMOTIONAL ROLE.  Prefers to be the more stoic in a situation, the protector and the shoulder to cry on. He doesn’t enjoy breaking down in front of other people, would always like to be seen as the strong one. 

PREFERRED SEXUAL ROLE.  True dominant energy.

RELATIONSHIP TENDENCIES.  Won’t commit to a long term plan, prefers to take things day by day and “see where it goes”. He is often dating multiple people at once. Scarlett is the only person that has ever been able to get him to be monogamous. While monogamous, he was very committed to that concept and didn’t even look at other people. Prefers to be the aggressor in relationships, enjoys the chase.

LIBIDO. High.

TURN ON’S. Protectiveness, aggression, witty conversation, being fed from, random acts of passion. Very into sex in nature. Thinks drug use with his partner is romantic.

TURN OFF’S. Trying to lock him down before he’s ready, attempting to change his point of view when he’s made it clear how he feels. Certain songs. Pretentious, flaunt-y rich people. 

LOVE LANGUAGE.  His preferred love languages to receive are physical touch, words of affirmation and quality time. His preferred love languages to give are words of affirmation and physical touch.

𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 !

CHARACTER’S THEME SONGS.    Raise Hell by Dorothy / Immortals by Fall Out Boy / idfc by blackbear / Criminal by Britney Spears / Summer by Calvin Harris / Ghost by Halsey / Darkside by grandson / RIP 2 My Youth by the nbhd / Single by the nbhd / Daddy Issues by the nbhd

HOBBIES TO PASS TIME.  He’s not really so good at the hobbies thing. He likes eating when he can, fucking when he can, fighting when he has to. He hasn’t found a whole lot of past times that he was allowed to enjoy growing up. Getting tattoos is his most creative outlet. Drinking is probably the thing he spends the most time doing, when he's not with Olivia.

MENTAL ILLNESSES.  Depression

PHYSICAL ILLNESSES.  None 

SELF CONFIDENCE LEVEL.  Isaac is incredibly confident in pretty much every way. It’s part of surviving the way that he has for his entire life. He knows that he will find a way to survive, he knows that he is going to find a place to sleep, and he has had to depend on himself and no one else for a long time now. He knows he’s attractive and good with flirting. He knows he can protect himself and others. He is completely confident but not cocky.

[im-out-of-it]

“Fairies, on the other hand, were half-demon and half-angel, and therefore possessed both great beauty and an evil nature.” -clockwork angel, Tessa’s thoughts

it’s comical how much CC will make the fairies seem like the most vile beings in her series. it’s her series so yeah, I guess she can do what she wants but I can count on my hands more shadowhunters who are evil than fairies. I don’t post much about them but they’re done dirty in the series. the fact that she pulls your Queen is the one who tied herself to an insane, evil, tyrant of a shadowhunter but I’m going to punish you all because isn’t that fair???????

I don’t think I’ve ever really seen any of the shadowhunters (and y’all can correct me if I’m wrong) actually speak negatively of their own families and other shadowhunters. I think some lightwoods have spoken about their own family doing shitty stuff but it’s always put to the side. if there was some mention in TMI, I don’t remember it since I blocked that whole series from my mind 🥲

but it’s always the omg vampires fairies and warlocks are sooooooooo evil!!!!!! Lucie committed necromancy (in a way) and doesn’t really get any punishment but when a warlock does it, fucking hell he’s evil. I don’t agree with the way Malcolm went about things (and I hate Annabel) but I don’t recall Lucie ever getting punished for it. belial dying and Lucie losing her powers can be seen as punishment in a way if you want to call it that

even when Ty did it, I think the whole thing was kept under wraps and he was sent to some school or whatever (I also blocked out that series lmao)

it’s just the fact that the shadowhunters go on and on how they are here to protect the mundanes they don’t seem to even like and the downworlders who they are quick to punish for shit they get away with. and this happens in the show too. the shadowhunters go after the mortal cup and they’re seen as victors but when the wolves and vampires do it, OMG THEYRE AWFUL! (Izzy almost gets deruned for trying to save a fairy in the show and it’s never really mentioned until alec rightfully calls clary out)

I mean they do take Simon hostage which I don’t agree with but it’s more of the fact that they’re all doing the same thing and the only people who get away with it is shadowhunters. and it seems to stem off that shadowhunters are part angel and part human, where warlocks are derived from demons and fairies are half demon and angel, and vampires have “demon diseases” or whatever

does anyone feel this way? like none of the downworlders are really allowed to stand up for themselves and the fact they’ve been hunted for centuries never seems to come up often. the fact that shadowhunters are equally as evil isn’t ever mentioned. because devil forbid, shadowhunters are bad!!!!!!!! it’s mainly the writing in the books that this irritates me because CC has been writing for decades. she’s had time to adapt and change but she’s never going to. I do like some of the shadowhunters but I wish they’d call each other out more often lmao