#jimon fic

[la-muerta]

SH Spooky Fics Self-rec for Halloween

Shadowhunters edition first (because that's what I have the most of lol)

Monsters [Read on Ao3]; Rated E, ~93.7k words, SPN-verse AU, Lightwoods as hunters, Prince of Hell Magnus ---

Salem [Read on Ao3]; Rated E, ~61.4k words, College AU, modern witches, SE Asian magic & Salem Witch Trials ---

The Haunting of Blackthorn House - Part 1: Red Door on the Right [Read on Ao3]; Rated E, ~32k words - Part 2: The Secrets of Blackthorn House [Read on Ao3]; Rated E, ~28k words ---

Alexa/Alexander [Read on Ao3]; Rated E, ~3.7k words, Major Character Death; Magnus loses his husband in a car accident – but the ones we love never truly leave us. ---

Black Dog [Read on Ao3]; Rated T, ~1.8k words; Magnus Bane, a travelling demon hunter, wanders into a town that is being terrorised by a monstrous phantom dog. ---

The Lighthouse on Lightwood Island [Read on Ao3]; Rated T, 614 words, Major Character Death; A strange lighthouse stands alone at the far end of Lightwood Island. ---

The Goddess [Read on Ao3]; Rated T, ~4.1k words; Fearless explorer Maia teams up with a slightly shady sorcerer in an attempt to beat the Lightwood siblings to the lost temple of the dancing goddess. ---

Bloody Mary [Read on Ao3]; Rated T, ~1.6k words, Major Character Death; Clary hadn't planned to fall in love with the ghost in the mirror. ---

Sharp Teeth [Read on Ao3]; Rated T, 810 words, Major Character Death; Jace convinces Simon to explore an abandoned old house on their first date. ---

Afterschool Special [Read on Ao3]; Rated T, ~2.9k words, Major Character Death; School legend tells of seven haunted spots in Idris Academy. What better night than Halloween to find out if all the stories are true? ---

what is yours will find you [Read on Ao3]; Rated E, 17k words, Modern with magic, Human-ish AU, Alec with magic ---

the treachery of beautiful things [Read on Ao3]; Rated E, 44.6k words, Major Character Undeath, Vampire AU, Indonesian folklore ---

swirling black lilies, totally ripe [Read on Ao3]; Rated E, 6.6k words, Magnus is a God, Indonesian folklore ---

Definitely Not Haunted (Anymore) [Read on Ao3]; Rated E, ~50.4k words, Fluff & Horror, haunted house meet-cute, case fic, Indonesian folklore

[claryfrayed]

@storybook-tiles thanks for the tag!

(posted fics; only 4 currently)

i’m gonna wade out past the shadows

There were vines growing underneath his bed and no one else could see them. It sounded crazy, he’d been to enough therapy to know that. But there was no other explanation. Just last Tuesday, Dustin had climbed under there to reach his pen and when he popped back out he was completely oblivious to it. Almost as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

a ghost never leaves a haunted house

There was a leftover of something sinister in the air. It was the middle of August and Will was baking to death in the dry heat, but he could still feel the cold biting at his heels, sticking to him like a shadow. He rubbed at the back of his neck, agitated. Though he didn’t feel anything besides the slickness of his sweat collecting just underneath his hairline. The MindFlayer was gone, he knew that. It just seemed like his body was having a harder time adjusting. He still jumped at dark corners and stared suspiciously at swaying trees. It was like someone had taken control over his nervous system, winding him up and watching him shake and rattle like some sort of ballerina doll.

i do most of this (alone)

Dustin,

It seems like with all the other letters I’ve written I’ve been able to picture the look on everyone’s face as they read it. But for some reason I can’t figure out what your reaction is going to be. I mean, that sounds wrong. I just genuinely cannot fathom the idea of you being sad or upset. It’s wrong.

bring you home again

The first mildly coherent thought that entered the Soldier’s brain after he escaped from Hydra was revenge. The second thing popped up as he passed a crowd gathered outside a window in a marketplace, he could barely see through all the outstretched limbs and tucked in heads, and he wasn’t sure what country he was in, but the people were speaking Russian and crying about a falling city and the Avengers. It was from his vantage point across the filthy street that he saw a flying metal disk on the television. An earth shatteringly familiar red and white and blue metal disk. Which led him to his second thought which was: what the hell was Steve Rogers doing alive. Then of course his third, who the hell is Steve Rogers?

(wips, not posted atm)

to dine upon a fly

Mike was wearing the same outfit again.

“Hi,” Will said, opening the door and welcoming him in. He smelled Nancy’s strawberry shampoo as he passed, he breathed in deeply, almost subconsciously. “Didn’t you wear that yesterday?”

i save the world only to end it

There was a man in Will Byers shed. A man who had large, infected wounds in his chest and the kind of trauma unknown to human kind. A man who half the town treated like a God and the other like a ghost story. And no one knew about it. Not even his sister.

scars from tomorrow

The Soldier had never failed a mission. Not once. He was deadliness personified. A weapon, a machine, the first of HYDRA. His handlers called him horrifying, remarkable, a miracle. But the woman… the red woman had called him James. And he’d been unable to kill her. This unimportant SSR agent. This woman who his handlers whispered about in awe. Neither of them had been able to pull the trigger on the other. Although there had been a part of the Asset who had raged and screamed and begged for her to end it. And now the Soldier required maintenance but he couldn’t go back. Not without killing Peggy Carter.

dear lord (when i get to heaven)

Bucky was sleeping on the street on a cool September night when he woke up to an ache between his shoulder blades and felt a loss so profound that he started crying right there on the dirty ground. What happened to me, he wondered, catching sight of his face in a puddle. And then, with sudden clarity; what did they do with my wings?

i’m rocking in my faith

Simon looked down at the Runes of his arms and swallowed back vomit. What was he doing here? Everyone in the Academy had been right. Simon Lovelace wasn’t a Shadowhunter. Hell, he wasn’t even the hero they all thought he was. He was a Downworlder, a mundane. A useless best friend who had just gotten in the way. His name wasn’t even Simon Lovelace. It was Simon Lewis.

the only one i’d do this for

Merlin woke up face down in the middle of a stream. Gasping, he stumbled backwards and wiped his face on his sleeve. His first thought was of Arthur, God Arthur. And that’s when he noticed that the magic was different. Then he saw a face ten years younger looking back at him and fainted.

tagging anyone else who wants to do this!

Writing Patterns

rules: list the first line(s) of your last 10 (7 + 3 wips) posted fics and see if there's a pattern!

thank youu for the tag @loverslakes <3

when you kill the lights (and kiss my eyes)

Sarah tilts her head toward the sky, letting the cool morning breeze waft past her. The distant scent of freshly baked bread drifts by, making her glad that she ate before she left.

it’ll all work out

Nat rubs a thumb over the cuff of her leather jacket, staring into space as she waits. The pub chosen for tonight is dingy and packed to the brim. All those with nowhere else to go on New Year's gathered at shitty wooden tables that wobbles when any weight is placed on them.

the future’s unwritten (the past is a corridor)

The new house is too cold.

It’s a stupid thing to be stuck on given everything, but Mike can’t help it. It’s barely Fall, he’s already thrown on a hoodie, and it’s still not enough. It’s like you can’t go anywhere in the house without feeling like you’re outside.

hold me like a knife

Nat doesn’t know if she can bring herself to hate Misty.

The realization comes as quietly as the first few snowflakes in Winter. As unsurprising as the seasons changing—Winter to Spring to Summer to Fall. It’s the building feeling of dread in her stomach, the deck of cards being passed around the cabin. The hazy acid trip of a fire pit and a girl on the other side.

you start to kiss (and the record skips)

It starts the way it always does.

For a brief moment, there is only darkness. All Will can hear is the heavy breaths of his friends surrounding him–the murmur of the crowd. Will’s sweat-slick hands grip his bass guitar and he can’t help himself from glancing to his left where he knows Mike stands.

always in this twilight

Mike is beginning to realize there is no end to the shield that stretches around the clearing and he is starting to get desperate. Distantly he can hear the thudding steps of the massive Fang Dragon that has made himself the keeper of the surrounding area. Mike has no idea how much time he has left. All the knights the king had sent had reported being attacked and mauled before they even had the chance to think. Mike isn’t sure if it’s a curse or a blessing that he’s lasted this long without detection.

the only thing i’ve ever had any faith in

Mike hates this. He hates everything that has led up to this moment. Hates Creel for kickstarting the fucking apocalypse. Hates El for dumping him and Will for avoiding him like they hadn’t spent multiple days on end in a weed-filled pizza van together. He hates Eddie for dying without warning and he hates Dustin for snapping at him over it. He really hates the way his head hasn’t stopped pounding since they crossed state lines. But most of all he hates Nancy for the iron-tight grip she currently has on his arm as she drags him out of the house.

wip #1: the future’s unwritten (the past is a corridor) -> ch. 2

Mike’s breath strangles in his throat. His eyes dart around the room, searching wildly for any sign of Will. All is as it should be. Not even the curtains are moving. Mike hopes desperately that Will has left–flown through the wall and booked it down the hall.

wip #2: suburban legends

The clock ticks steadily as Shauna considers giving up on her homework altogether. Stupid Ms. Miller and her stupid fucking math problems and her inability to ever make sense when she teaches. Shauna’s head is swimming with numbers that don’t fit together and honestly, at this point, she doesn’t think that there’s much else she can do.

wip #3: there is love that doesn’t have a place to rest

Mike doesn’t know how long he’s been walking for. An hour? Five? All he knows is the crunch of his boots over the caked-in snow and the sting of his cheeks in the cool air.

no pressure tags: @booksandpaperss @suzieburself @snowangeldotmp3 @claryfrayed

[themagnusbane]

Murder at the New York Institute

Title: Murder at the New York Institute

Artist: @la-muerta

Rating: Mature (Chapter 7 only. Will give a heads-up)

Pairings: Magnus Bane/Alec Lightwood, Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood, Jace Herondale/Simon Lewis

Word Count: ~27k

Summary: Pull out the Cluedo board they said. It would be fun to play they said. Nothing could possibly happen on Samhain they said. And now, Magnus and Alec, Clary and Izzy, Simon and Jace have been pulled into an alternate New York Institute, with no powers, no idea what has caused it, or who has brought them there. Oh. And there’s been a murder. Except, can you kill a dead man twice? And can Valentine Morgenstern just SHUT THE FUCK UP!

Author's Note: This fic was inspired by the brilliant art, created by the talented @la-muerta. Together with the prompt they shared, it set the plot bunnies running, and led to this almost 30k words, first multi-chaptered fic I've written in 8 years. Which is INSANE!!! But I'm so happy.

Here is the fic's art.

Please show my artist all the love!!!! :D.

If like me, you find it a bit more inconvenient, reading long fics on Tumblr, I'm posting this on AO3, with one chapter dropping every day, until I'm all done.

AO3: Link to the FIC

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

Prologue: Simon Lewis

Chapter One: Miss Lightwood

Chapter Two: Doctor Bane

Chapter Three: Mister Lewis

Chapter Four: Reverend Lightwood

Chapter Five: Miss Fray

Chapter Six: Colonel Herondale

Chapter Seven: Malec|Jimon|Clizzy

Epilogue: Simon Lewis

[constantfluxx]

Interstellar, Ch 16: Everglow

"I think it’ll be safer to set up one of our holding cells for the test. We minimize the risk to Mundanes, and if anything goes wrong that has us opening up a demon portal or something it’ll be in a controlled area flanked by plenty of Shadowhunters to deal with it.” Izzy snickered. “Guess my brother’s on board after all!” She gave him a playful pat of his shoulder on her way towards the main elevators. “I’ll go get a cell set up for the test. Text you when I’m done?” “Likewise,” he replied with a nod, moving to one of the armament panels lining the Institute’s control room. As he retrieved a bow and fresh quiver of arrows, he grumbled, “Let’s go catch us a Ravener.” “‘Catch’?” Alec’s eyes widened. Alarmed, he swirled around to intersect what he knew would be an at-best awkward situation— —but the other Izzy already had her bracer leveled between his mother’s eyes, lips pursed so tightly they’d nearly turned white. Beside her, Magnus’ arm mirrored hers, though his sported a split hand to expose an embedded blaster humming with swelling energy. An intense, yellow glow consumed his eyes, though it remained clear they focused upon a small, blue dot the other Izzy’s bracer projected upon Maryse’s brow. “Isabelle?” Maryse was murmuring, hands raised and anxious gaze fixated upon the bizarre and unsettling version of Magnus staring her down. “What’s going on?!”

Read the rest on AO3.

[sprolden]

when youve got a drawing in your head and the actual drawing turns out as good as the idea...... better than sex and alcohol and every drug on the planet combined

[malecdiscordserver]

Welcome to the Shadowhunters Mini Bang 2023: Presented by the Malec Discord Server ➰

Sign ups are NOW OPEN!

Writer: https://forms.gle/cwSbK9CBRxjmqATH6 Beta: https://forms.gle/8FV58WYhEUXBJA1t8 Artist: https://forms.gle/KdVyuLaPEWyDCVxC7

What’s a Mini Bang? The Shadowhunters Mini Bang 2023 is a collaborative fandom event that combines writer and artist talents! Writers create never before seen stories, betas test their editing skills, and artists choose a story that inspires them to create! Not only is this a great chance to create something new for the fandom, but it also gives an opportunity to work with new people and make new fandom friends through the Malec Discord Server.

Who can participate? In order to participate in this Mini Bang, you must be a member of the Malec Discord Server. This is a requirement as, instead of emailed check ins, all Mini Bang announcements will be made in the server.

You must be at least 16 years old to join the server and participate in this bang. You must be over 18 years old to create/read explicit works.

What is the schedule? The schedule as it currently stands is below. This schedule is subject to change depending on the situation. You will be notified of any changes once you sign up.

February 25: Writer, beta and artist sign-ups begin March 26: Writer and beta sign-ups closed March 29: Brief summaries from writers for beta claims April 2: Beta claims May 10: Writer and beta check-in 1 May 10: Summaries due from writers for artist claims May 10: Artist sign-ups close May 13: Art claims May 15: Last day of art claims June 11: Artist check-in 1 July 17: All check-in 2 August 21: Final drafts and art due August 27: Posting begins

Join the Malec Discord Server or check out our Tumblr for more information!

[jakeluppin]

sometimes to feel better all you really need is to reread a soulmate jimon fic you wrote eight years ago.

[bookishjules]

tumblr caught on to the fact that i have seen/made every sizzy post since returning to tumblr like 2.5 years ago and has started showing me posts from the tag (which i ofc follow) from my hiatus and most of me is grateful but also.. some of these takes man..

[moonlightperseus]

my god is this unfinished fic i wrote when i was fourteen actually... good?

[mangoob]

I wrote my first Jimon fic if anyone is interested 👉👈 Also I'm a little rusty in the writing world so I hope it's decent enough

read on AO3 or down below the cut!

Strumming Heartstrings

rating: teen, word count: 3,529.

Pairings: Jace/Simon

No content warnings, just some fluff and some first kisses!

Summary:

While waiting for his friends to return to the institute, Simon decides to have some me time with his guitar in the library. Little does he know, Jace had heard him from afar and is quite interested in his music.

After a whirlwind of interactions, far from their norm, Jace and Simon find themselves playing their instruments together, getting along, and somethings else that tops it all.

Jace was wandering through the long corridors of the institutes, no real direction in mind. It was a slow day today, no one was around and there wasn’t much for him to do. Jace had been feeling awfully tired lately and Alec could feel it. So Jace stayed put for the day, whether it was of his own volition or not. In the meantime Izzy and Clary had decided to take the reins on patrolling and Alec was, once again, off somewhere with Magnus. Not that Jace was complaining. He loved his parabatai, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t mind an occasional evening without his judgmental stare. Unless it was directed towards Simon, that was always popcorn worthy. ‘ Simon! Where was he anyway?’ Jace thought to himself. 

He’d almost forgotten about the little bloodsucker. Simon came by the institute early that same evening to visit Clary and discuss a few things with Magnus, but now that Jace thought about it, he never saw him leave. Just as he began to wonder about the vampire‘s whereabouts he heard the faint sound of a guitar coming from the library. ‘ That must be him.’ Jace thought, as he picked up his pace to the library to investigate. As he neared the entrance the music grew much louder, and Jace wondered, with a slight annoyance, why Simon would be listening to his music so loudly, until he heard a voice accompanying it. 

Was that Simon singing? 

Jace turned the corner and peered into the entrance. Jace’s eyes widened with surprise and curiosity. Simon wasn’t listening to music, he was playing it! Jace had heard of Simon being in a band in passing, but he never actually heard him sing. And by the angel, he had to admit, it was better than he expected. Not that he necessarily expected it to be bad . As much as he found Simon to be annoying at times, he didn’t really hate the guy, at least not nowadays. And he certainly wouldn’t denounce a fellow musician if they didn’t deserve it. While Jace was caught up in his own thoughts, ears flooded with Simon’s beautiful playing, the song came to a comfortable close. Jace snapped back to reality and decided to speak up about his presence, Simon still not noticing anyone was watching him. 

“Not bad, fangs.” Jace called out. 

“Wh- ah! Uh yeah, th-thanks?” Simon stuttered in response, shocked and a little horrified. 

“How long have you been standing there??”

“Oh don’t get your panties in a bunch Lewis, I didn’t hear your whole ballad.” Jace replied smugly, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed.

Of course it had to be Jace that walked in on him practicing as he waited for Clary to get back. Sure, Simon was playing in the middle of the library, and sure he could’ve gone back to his apartment, but staying at the institute was far more convenient than making the trek back. Not to mention he already brought his things with him since he was with his bandmates right before heading to here. Jeez, this was bad, Simon just knew Jace wouldn’t let him live it down. He was definitely going to make fun of him! At least that’s what Simon’s racing mind thought before Jace spoke up again. 

“You should play another. I wouldn’t mind hearing a complete song. It does get quite boring wandering the halls.” 

Simon stared blankly at him for a moment trying to wrap his head around what he just heard. Did Jace really like what he had listened to? If Simon could still blush, he would’ve at that thought, much to his own surprise. It’s not like what Jace enjoyed mattered to him, he knew neither of them really wanted anything to do with each other. At least he had thought that up until now, and for some odd reason Simon felt a slight flutter in his heart at the thought of Jace liking what he played. Simon finally broke out of his own whirling emotions to break the far too long silence. “Um, y-yeah. I guess I can do that.” Simon croaked out, still not entirely sure what else he wanted to say to Jace. But before he could let the situation get any more awkward Simon let himself simply comply with Jace’s request. He might as well. He hoisted up his guitar and readied himself to play. 

As soon as Simon began to strum his guitar all his stirring thoughts drifted away. Although Simon played onstage without a hitch, music was quite personal for him. He always drifted into his own world when he played, melting in with the notes, lyrics flowing out as if they were a natural part of him. It was a special connection, which is why Simon found it so odd he was now sharing that with the man he had been convinced was his sworn enemy on the best of days. But onward he played. 

Jace made his way into the library towards Simon, as he continued to serenade the room. As Jace meandered forward he kept his eyes on Simon. He watched closely as he plucked at the guitar strings and kept a perfect steady beat. Eventually Jace found himself sitting on the plush chair beside where Simon was standing. Jace made himself comfortable and remained silent as he listened to Simon sing. Simon harmonized gently with the chords of his guitar as Jace sat and listened, Simon becoming slightly flustered whenever he looked back at Jace’s intent, yet soft gaze. 

Simon struggled slightly to continue his song as he fought off his own confusion at the feeling that was nipping at him, something he couldn’t, or wouldn’t, place. Something about Jace staring at him so gently made him feel off. Why was he feeling like this? Maybe it was having a one person audience? Playing for a smaller group could be much more personal and nerve wracking than a whole venue. At least for some musicians, but not really for Simon. That couldn’t be it. Maybe it was the fact that Jace never interacted with him much in such a calm manner and it just took him off guard, certainly that was it. It definitely couldn’t have been how Simon noticed the cute little dimples that flanked Jace’s content smile. Or the pretty way Jace’s hair fell over his face when it was unstyled, and he was more relaxed. Simon would be lying if he said that he had thought Jace wasn’t good looking when they first met. Maybe in a far far away universe he’d even date a guy that looked the part, but his negative feelings towards Jace far outweighed anything looks could do for the blonde. I mean they hated each other… right? 

However, that may have been just something the two boys had been telling themselves. Perhaps just to keep a sense of normalcy. Things certainly did shift after Jace let Simon feed off him, whether or not they changed their behavior. Jace did risk his life to save Simon’s after all, of course things had changed. No matter how much they fought or how many times Jace told himself otherwise, maybe Jace had started to care, just a tiny bit, for the idiot vampire. But not in a warlock's lifetime would Jace admit that.

Simon noticed his tone waver a bit as he got caught up in thought about whether Jace truly hated him or not, and quickly pulled himself out. He knew he was coming out of his performer state of mind. Jace had noticed it too, with a slight amusement, but made no comment. He was far too busy admiring the musician in front of him. Jace never thought such a dork could write a decent song, but whether Jace wanted to admit it or not, it was more than decent. Jace enjoyed the influence of sweet indie pop that saturated Simon’s song. He liked the gentle and seamless progression of his chords and riffs. He most certainly enjoyed that he could hear a bit of Simon in the way he played guitar, it was his own unique flare. It wasn’t like anything Jace often heard. And Simon’s voice, well it fit perfectly with the song, like it was made only to be sung by him and no one else. Jace had to confess, he was impressed. Impressed by the annoying little geek named Simon. He also had to admit he wasn’t mad about it, he was actually quite enjoying spending more tranquil time with Simon. This was becoming quite the interesting evening. Jace gazed up at Simon’s lips, following the lyrics with his eyes as he sang. He began to zone out slightly with the soft music filling his ears and his eyes locked on Simon.

Simon and his suddenly rather attractive lips…

Jace’s eyes widened and he blushed a rosey pink at his own intrusive thought, catching himself still staring at Simon’s mouth. Jace’s eyes darted away as he pushed aside his thought. Surely Jace never felt attracted to Simon before.  

‘And there’s no way in Raizel’s name I would ever be!’ Jace thought to himself.

‘Not that bloodsucking dork.’ He thought, defensively.

Sure, Jace didn’t hate the guy, hell, maybe a small part of him had a tolerance for him, but he certainly didn’t think he liked him. But something about this moment was just different from normal, and not just because they weren’t bickering at each other. The way Simon effortlessly performed a seamless waterfall of beautiful notes and the moonrise coming through the window began to trace Simon in a dazzling silver glow. It was just…different. Simon was different. And Jace wasn’t willing to admit that maybe his feelings were becoming a little different too. 

Simon’s song finally came to close and Simon let his guitar rest at his stomach, hanging onto the neck strap thrown around his shoulder. “That was beautiful, Simon.” Jace said with a smile. “Thanks. Never thought that’d come from you.” Simon almost whispered, and with a slight laugh in his voice. He was still in shock at the whole situation that had unfolded. Especially at receiving a compliment from Jace that wasn’t backhanded, or at least made in a snarky tone. Jace piped up. “Well life is full of surprises isn’t it?” Jace stated in his usual cocky tone. “Hey, I have an idea.” he continued, lifting himself out of the chair. Simon looked at him questioningly as he watched Jace make his way across the room. “Oh really? That’s never good.” Simon teased. Jace let out a small chuckle, much to Simon’s surprise, and delight. “Quiet, my ideas are excellent! At least… 90% of the time.” Jace joked back with a smile. Simon certainly wasn’t used to that tone. Jace strolled across the room until he eventually reached the piano placed by the right window of the library, in clear view of the entryway. Jace took a seat on the oak bench and readied himself to play. “Are you serious? Are you trying to say you want to play with me?” Simon asked and huffed out a weak laugh, more out of shock than amusement. “Well, what could be the harm in giving it a go? C’mon fangs, you’re used to playing alongside other people, and it’ll give me something to do.” Jace replied.

’ He was really serious wasn’t he?’ Simon thought. This night was getting more interesting by the minute. “You’re telling me Jace ‘screw you  vampire’ Wayland wants to play with me? Who are you and what have you done with the real Jace?” Simon said, a slight smile could be heard in his tone. “Hey, I haven’t said ‘screw you’ in at least 3 weeks, shark teeth.” Jace said with a chuckle. Jace then smiled, “C’mon, I’d like to try not playing in solitude for once and you seem qualified for the role, surprisingly. Throw a few chords my way, you dork.” Simon felt his heart flutter once again, but he didn’t push it away this time. He couldn’t believe it, him and Jace were… getting along? They were teasing and chatting like regular people? Surely this was a dream. But hey, it wasn’t a bad one. Maybe Jace wasn’t really half bad. Simon surely was more open to the possibility now. “Well this is the most interesting night I’ve had in a while. Why not?” Simon sighed and smiled. He began to strum a few melodic chords and Jace followed his lead, gently pressing on the piano’s keys. 

It wasn’t as hard to play along with Jace as he thought it would be. Despite there being no real written song and no rehearsal at all, the flow of the music seemed to come naturally to them. Simon would strum a collection of bright, steel strings and Jace would follow him up with a soothing symphony of piano keys. They felt intertwined in that moment, like no matter what they played, the other would always be the puzzle piece that completed the chorale. It felt for a while that this moment was only for them to indulge in and they both felt a small hint of butterflies at the experience. 

Jace had set out for this moment to finally try and bring a semblance of peace between him and Simon, not really much more. He didn’t ask for more. Simon agreed to this moment hoping, just maybe, Jace and him could be acquaintances, maybe even friends if he was lucky. He wouldn’t mind getting to know Jace beyond whatever bickering they engaged in, he wouldn’t mind if the bickering lessened. He hoped it might. But both of the boys felt a lot more than what they’d set out for in that moment. The mystical starlight peaking through the window, the gentle click the piano keys made when pressed, the beautiful mahogany room filled with nothing but the warm sounds of a soothing composition; entirely coming from each musician’s hearts and equally personal to each. It was all a bit too perfect, and each felt a pull at their heart strings, just as melodic and pleasurable as the plucked strings on Simon’s guitar. It felt like the most vulnerable moment they had ever shared, even more than when Jace saved Simon’s life, somehow. Something was just so much more about this moment. They struggled with it for a slight moment, but they both knew it. They knew the unmistakable feeling of love was floating in the air alongside the tune of instruments. It wasn’t what either was expecting, but somehow it felt comfortable, not outlandish or repulsive like they thought it would be. Both began to wonder if this feeling had been sequestered in the back of their minds for much longer than just this moment. 

“That was really good.” Simon started with a mild grin, their musical improvisation coming to an ending they both silently agreed on. “Yeah, not bad, Simon.” Jace replied, a soft twinkle is his mismatched eyes. Simon’s grin widened slightly when Jace said his name, his real name, not one of his thousand nicknames Simon was convinced Jace spent every night coming up with. Simon walked a few paces over to the piano and rested a hand on the stained oak. “You know, if you ever got the feeling, I bet we could incorporate a piano into the band.” Simon inquired, a bit jokingly. “Oh really? That’s quite the proposal, fangs. I could consider it, though I haven’t been known to be the type for warming up a crowd.” Jace laughed with a playful grin. ”We should do this again. I didn’t mind it.” Jace said softly, a slight shyness to his voice, contrasting with his previously confident tone. “Yeah, I guess I didn’t mind it either.” Simon replied sweetly. Jace scooted over on the bench and gestured for Simon to sit next to him, a slight blush to his cheeks. Simon lifted his neck strap over his head and placed the guitar down, leaning it against the piano. He adjusted himself and sat down beside Jace, his stomach filling with butterflies and feeling a bit confused as to why Jace wanted Simon to sit with him. Jace then warmly said, “Let me show you something.” and took Simon’s hand. 

Simon’s heart felt like it was going to burst out of his chest. He couldn’t quite fathom how he got here or how quickly he felt feelings for Jace, or at least recognized something that may have been building inside him. Simon didn’t try to wrap his head around it for long though as he watched Jace place his hand on the keys of the piano, gesturing for his other hand afterwards. Simon pivoted himself a bit and gave over his left hand swiftly as Jace grasped it and guided it over a set of keys. Suddenly, Jace began to press the keys while keeping Simon’s hands underneath his. He gently guided Simon’s hands to play a simple melody along the piano. Jace moved closer as he reached for a lower section of the piano. Their shoulders touched and Jace pressed up against him, still guiding his hands. Jace seemed focused on the piano keys but Simon’s senses could feel Jace’s heart beating, and it was fast. As they ended on a delightful sounding major chord, Jace let go of Simon’s hands, a small disappointment creeping into Simon when he did. “Look at how talented you are! Who needs me to join the band, I think you got it covered, fangs.” Jace brightly chuckled, still shoulder to shoulder with Simon. Simon let a small laugh escape him and couldn’t help but indulge in this moment. He’d never really seen this side of Jace, at least, certainly not with him. He was pleasant and soft, he could hardly believe this was the same guy who killed demons and brooded through the hallways almost every time he passed him. 

“Y'know, I never properly thanked you for what you did for me. I should’ve. I don’t think I would’ve been too happy if I never got to do this with you. You’re not so bad.” Simon said, a bit nervously. Jace’s eyes got a bit glossy at the memory. Simon didn’t say, but he knew what he was talking about. He appreciated Simon’s courtesy of being vague. “You’re not too bad yourself, needle teeth… Or, Simon, I should say. I don’t think I ever properly told you that.” Jace replied with a charming smile and a whisper of a laugh. Simon glanced at Jace’s beautiful eyes, admiring the way the moonlight hit them, making them look like silvery koi ponds filled with life. Jace locked eyes with Simon’s deep brown irises, then darted his gaze at Simon’s lips. Before either of them could really comprehend it, they had leaned in to steal a kiss from one another. Their lips pressed softly before deepening into a gentle, romantic kiss. Simon’s hand moved to cup Jace’s jaw as Jace’s hands moved as well, one lovingly placed around Simon’s neck and one intertwining with Simon’s free hand. They remained in the kiss for a while, not wanting the feeling to end, and only pulling away for Jace to breathe. They pressed their foreheads together, smiling, not letting go of each other.

Simon stuttered "Wow, um… I-"

“Funny.” Jace cut him off.

“Huh?” Simon question his response. 

”I always thought the fangs might get in the way.” 

Simon pulled back a bit and laughed at Jace’s remark, “You’re awful, yknow that?” 

“Very aware.” Jace smiled and pulled him in for another kiss. The moonlight casted across the room, the silence felt comfortable as they indulged in a honeyed kiss. All the while this precious moment unfolded, a trio of quietly snickering shadowhunters and a very smug warlock watched through the entryway. 

“I knew it.” Magnus proclaimed, Alec chuckling in agreement. “Yknow this means I won the bet, don’t you Clary?” Izzy questioned, very self-satisfied. “Oh yeah, yeah.” Clary responded, pretending to be annoyed, but she was far too caught up in seeing her best friend kiss his enemy to care. Although the group tried to remain quiet, Jace and Simon caught wind of the sound of whispers coming from the entryway and flicked their heads to the doorway in an alarmed response. “Hey, how long have you been there?!” Jace yelled at the doorway, incredibly flushed. The gang quickly rushed out of their positions at the moment Jace caught them, giggling all the way through the halls. “Hey wait!-“ Jace tried to call after them, but to no avail. “Oh boy…” Simon said with a sigh as he plopped his head on Jace’s shoulder. 

Jace hummed a quiet chuckle and wrapped his arm around Simon, pulling him closer. Although they thought about chasing after the small troop that rudely interrupted them, they sat there and embraced each other instead. Neither could be bothered to figure out right now how the hell they were going to explain all this. They both knew they’d rather let the others stir than let go of their new love.

[la-muerta]

ART PROMPT for "Murder at the New York institute" by @themagnusbane

Pull out the Cluedo board they said. It would be fun to play they said. Nothing could possibly happen on Samhain they said. And now, Magnus and Alec, Clary and Izzy, Simon and Jace have been pulled into an alternate New York Institute, with no powers, no idea what has caused it, or who has brought them there. Oh. And there’s been a murder. Except, can you kill a dead man twice? And can Valentine Morgenstern just SHUT THE FUCK UP!

[Read it on AO3]

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

[xnicowritesx]

Truth or Dare

Fandom(s): The Mortal Instruments Series - Cassandra Clare, The Shadowhunter Chronicles - Cassandra Clare, The Shadowhunter Chronicles - All Media Types

Relationship(s): Simon Lewis/Alec Lightwood/Jace Wayland, Simon Lewis/Alec Lightwood, Simon Lewis/Jace Wayland, Alec Lightwood/Jace Wayland

Archive Warning(s): No Archive Warnings Apply

Series: Nico's Multiamory March 2023

Summary: Jace, Alec, and Simon have a sleepover together, despite the fact that they all live in the same Institute.

@polyamships

[themagnusbane]

Murder at the New York Institute

Title: Murder at the New York Institute

Artist: @la-muerta

Rating: Mature (Chapter 7 only. Will give a heads-up)

Pairings: Magnus Bane/Alec Lightwood, Clary Fray/Isabelle Lightwood, Jace Herondale/Simon Lewis

Word Count: ~27k

Summary: Pull out the Cluedo board they said. It would be fun to play they said. Nothing could possibly happen on Samhain they said. And now, Magnus and Alec, Clary and Izzy, Simon and Jace have been pulled into an alternate New York Institute, with no powers, no idea what has caused it, or who has brought them there. Oh. And there’s been a murder. Except, can you kill a dead man twice? And can Valentine Morgenstern just SHUT THE FUCK UP!

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

Chapter Six: Colonel Herondale

The infirmary had always smelled like home to Jace. 

Beyond the fact that it was physically located within a structure that had been home to him for almost two decades now, it was also that the infirmary was the one place in the Institute where Jace had spent a lot of time , trying to prove himself and defend his right to be. 

He chuckled bitterly. 

Not like it helped anyway. The ones who still gave him a wide berth because of the tangled mess of his history and being the “Wayland boy” continued to do so. And the only ones who didn’t care were so few in number that they basically informally adopted him into their family, and that was how his turn as a de facto Lightwood sibling was born. 

He smiled. 

Jace’s hand wandered beneath his shirt; reaching for the ring that settled between his clavicle, nestling directly at the base of his throat. He reached for it, unhurried, gently running his fingers over it, as a sort of soothing mechanism. Like he had all the time in the world. Jace shook his head, to clear it, and rubbed the ring twice for good luck. 

He never did mention to Alec how satisfying, and just a tad bit vindicated  it was to be seen as not just one of the Lightwoods, and one of the team who helped save the world. But to also be part of a family that was as honored and respected amongst their kind, like the Herondales.

To watch the eyes of people who had initially felt nothing but contempt for him, slowly shift to grudging respect, some awe, and a bit of fear. Like they were terrified of payback. 

Jace laughed and shook his head. 

He might be a tad vindictive and vicious, but he was never cruel. That was thankfully a lesson that he never learned at the hands of Valentine, no matter how much, and how hard Valentine had tried drilling it into him. 

No. He was thankfully always able to resist that particular lesson. 

And now, here he was. In an infirmary that occasionally looked like such an exact replica as the one they had back home, he half expected to see Izzy with one of the concoctions she’d made, begging them to give it a taste, For “Research” purposes. 

Of course, the last time he’d paid attention to Izzy, and tried to accommodate her “research”, it had seen him, interestingly enough, in the infirmary, for six whole weeks, unable to receive visitors or swallow solids. With his distorted belly and parched throat, he vowed to himself that even at the point of death, he would rather die than have Izzy feed him ANYTHING ever again. Whether it was food or medicine. 

Better to just die at the hands of an injury caused by a demon, than to suffer the injustice of being a test subject for one of Izzy’s failed experiments. 

He thought back to his sister and grinned. 

And with Izzy, there was always a ton of failed research. Her mind worked at a quick pace, cataloging and categorizing whatever information she came into contact with, as she loved to puzzle out what role it played in their world, and how it could be best utilized to see that desires fulfilled. 

Isabelle Lightwood was a firm believer in the fact that everything had a place, and that EVERYTHING was important, and that was something that Jace loved about his sister and sought to protect at all cost. 

And so, if it meant resolving whatever damned puzzle had them trapped in this space, unable to return home, then resolving the puzzle it must be. 

His eyes ran over the features of the room. Taking note of the cabinets filled with medication that he would ideally have no problem reaching for, in another world. Fully trusting that nothing in them would harm him. But that was in another world, another place, another New York Institute, where he could trust that the people he lived and worked with and would die by their side, would never make medication to cause him harm. 

But that was home. And this was here. And those were two very different places to be. 

And so he continued, turning around to take note of everything in the room. The syringes filled with unknown substances. The beds with straps for patients who proved particularly disagreeable. The office of the head nurse who usually oversaw things, to make sure that everyone was in line. Now empty because of course whatever pocket world this was, wouldn’t have the capacity to create a head nurse. 

It would be unnecessary. 

At the words, Jace paused. Was it unnecessary? It was an interesting turn of phrase, but definitely something that spoke a lot about the situation they found themselves in and how they could possibly get a resolution. 

Whoever had pulled them into this universe only did so, to serve a direct purpose, and provided them with the basics of their essential needs, to help them get by. Everything and anything else wasn’t even considered. 

So, Ego. A lack of consideration for others. For what might be considered important to everyone else. A refusal to consider that they’re all complex people with desires and wants and needs, and that should therefore be taken into account when making decisions on their behalf. 

He hummed. 

“Figured out who committed the murder and where?”

Jace pushed back from the wall he’d been leaning against and stood ramrod straight, powerful legs spread apart, hands crossed behind his back as he stared ahead. Refusing to give Valentine a smidgen of an answer. 

“What. Is that your plan? To ignore me? Pretend I don’t exist?”

Jace continued to ignore him, staring at nothing in particular. 

He heard Valentine tsk. “You always were a tad bit too emotional for your own good, Jonathan Christopher. A tad bit emotional for your own good.”

Still Jace said nothing. It had taken him months, almost two years of support, before he’d worked through his trauma with a therapist that had been recommended to him, and had learned how to be emotionally vulnerable, in the truest sense with those he knew and loved. 

He neither knew nor loved Valentine, nor did he need his approval anymore, and so he felt absolutely no inclination to even consider the man’s words anything but the sound of an annoying gnat that if it had been another house, they would have smacked the thing dead. 

Jace continued to stay silent. 

Valentine continued yapping. 

Jace remembered back when he and Clary had compared notes on their relationship with Valentine and how he always seemed to approach each of them with a different template, most suited with his relationship with the person, so they could be easily manipulated. 

Clary hadn’t believed Jace then. But Jace hoped she was remembering his words now, and could see that maybe he had a point. 

Because the one thing that Jace has been trying to figure out all these while was WHY Valentine? What made him so important to the situation? What made him special? Who liked him that much to bring his magpie self back from the dead? If they ever figured out who was responsible for the pocket world they were currently stuck in, Jace fully intended to ask the question. 

And finally, he was greeted with some much needed silence. 

Either Valentine had run out of things to say —which was highly unlikely given the man in question. He did love to hear himself talk after all—or it finally occurred to him that Jace literally did not give a fuck about him or his opinions. 

Whatever the case, and whatever the reason, Jace was grateful. 

He dropped into a green sofa that was eerily similar to the one that Robert had assembled for them back when they were kids and Alec had fallen off a bicycle, and smashed into the side of the building because he had been careening too fast for anyone to stop him. 

Alec had been unconscious for almost two days and Jace had been beside himself with worry, terrified that his brother and parabatai had been hurt and there was nothing he could do to help ease the pain. 

Ah. The infirmary. Good times. 

His eyes wandered to the jars on the opposite end of the room that held a collection of salves. 

Maybe not so good times as well

He was grumpy to himself when he had the thought. And honestly, he dared anyone to find themselves the subject of Izzy’s obsession with poison ivy, back when they were kids, and not be grumpy as well. 

To think that the mirror survived. That was interesting. 

Just as he was about to start climbing the walls, he felt a tingle, like a pull at the back of his head, and just barely found a smile curving his lips, the exact moment he was yanked back into the library. 

As his eyes landed on everyone, Alec and Magnus, Clary and Izzy, and Simon —who winked at him when he caught Jace’s eyes. Jace laughed. 

“So I’m the last one here?”

Alec nodded his head. “Yes.”

“Were you able to inspect the infirmary?”

Jace gave him the thumbs up. 

“Everyone else,” he heard Alec ask.

“The kitchens for me. And might I add Alexander, that your food options are so utilitarian, it’s almost distasteful.”

Jace caught Simon’s eyes who was watching the impending drama unfold with unbridled glee, and had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing, so he wouldn’t distract Magnus and Alec. 

Once a couple of months, they fought about the absence of, in Magnus’ word “good quality, and affordable meals.” To which Alec without fail would point out that they weren’t in everybody’s budget. Besides, most Shadowhunters didn’t have the luxury of having a boyfriend who could feed their every craving for food from all over the globe, with just a snap of his fingers. 

To which Magnus often pointed out that that’s why Shadowhunters needed to collectively remove the sticks up their asses and date Downworlders who could make that happen. 

A suggestion that in Jace’s personal opinion was a very fine one. After all, he too had a Downworlder boyfriend, and all he could say was that Shadowhunters letting the bigotry they’d been programmed to feel, about the group of people they were to protect, as well as protect others from, keep them from realizing the possibilities of a happy, fulfilling, relationship, was a very stupid thing of members of his kind. 

“Fine. Maybe eating Pad Gaprao, after an afternoon shopping in Bangkok’s floating market, would work, when we get out of here. Right Alexander?”

Jace didn’t need to see Alec’s face to know his brother was looking adoringly at his boyfriend, their disagreement already a thing of the past in both their memories. Until the next time Magnus remembered the abysmal state of their kitchens and was set off again. 

For today though, Jace thought as he watched Alec lean forward to meet Magnus in the middle, with a kiss, the disagreement had been resolved. 

Alec pulled back from the kiss and turned expectant eyes at Izzy, who responded with a thumbs up. “Your office.”

He looked at Simon, who jerked his head in the direction of the door. “The war room.”

Alec nodded. “And I took Cafeteria.”

“Ah. How did it feel” Jace asked. 

Alec frowned. “Like it was all kinds of wrong.”

Jace clicked his tongue. “Same. The infirmary doesn’t feel right either.” He turned to look at Izzy. “If anything, because no amount of empty jars can make up for the fact that they do not hold the salve to help undo Izzy’s handiwork.”

Izzy grinned. “Don’t tempt me, Jace.”

“In this pocket universe?” Jace asked. He smirked. “I want to see you try.”

He chuckled at Izzy attempting to launch herself at him, only to be caught one-handed by Alec who dropped her back on her seat. 

“Now’s not the time Izzy. We are trying to get home.” He slid his eyes in Jace’s direction, and Jace held up his hands in surrender. Although, with the wicked glint he caught in Alec’s eyes, he already knew that it was too late. “You can plan out your revenge slowly.”

Jace groaned, as everyone else collectively laughed at Izzy’s brightened expression. 

“Okay, so are we ready to make our accusations?” Alec asked. 

Everyone nodded. 

“Good. Who wants to go first?”

There was a moment of silence, and then Clary jumped to her feet. “I’ll go first.”

Alec nodded and indicated to her that she should take the floor. 

“So, I got to examine the prison cell in the lower floors. And I personally think it’s an excellent location for a good murder. It’s separate from the crowd. Nobody would be able to hear the victim should they call for help. And the murderer would have all the time they needed to enact their vengeance in blood.” She grinned as she said the word “blood” and Jace shook his head. Truly, Izzy was such a terrible influence on her girlfriend. How had she turned happy, sweet Clary into a blood obsessed hunter like herself? It needed to be studied! Isabelle Sophia Lightwood’s influence needed to be examined by the Iron sisters!

Jace shook his head as he turned his attention back to Clary.

“And I do believe the murder weapon was a revolver. Small enough to carry past any guard they might have run into on the stairwell. And with the cells so far away from everyone else. Nobody would have heard the sound.”

Alec nodded. “Makes sense. And who do you think the killer is?”

Clary gave a dramatic pause. 

Jace found himself rolling his eyes. Really, his sister’s girlfriend was picking up ALL of Izzy’s worst traits. 

He glanced at Izzy, who was staring up at Clary with unbiased adoration in her eyes. He smirked. Those two were so sickeningly in love, it was sweet to watch at this point. 

His attention was brought back to Clary however when he noticed that she’d passed her dramatic pause stage and now had her finger pointed in his direction. 

“Me?!”

“Why Jace?” Alec asked.

“It’s obvious really. It was because of Valentine’s actions that he was imprisoned in the City of Bones, and tortured by Aldertree to give them information on Valentine. Plus, Valentine lied about Jace having demon blood, and made everything so much worse for him whilst he was imprisoned.” Clary shrugged. “It makes perfect sense that Jace would choose Valentine’s own spot of imprisonment as a place to kill him.”

“Makes sense,” Alec agreed. And Jace found himself agreeing too. “But, why would Jace use a mundane weapon though?”

Clary smirked. “What other weapon would be as insulting to Valentine Morgenstern than to be killed by a weapon fashioned by mundanes, after he’s been rendered practically mortal, with his runes all burned away.”

“Excellent deduction skills right there, girlfriend.” Izzy crowed. 

Clary did a little curtsy and blew a kiss in her direction. “Thank you sweetheart.”

“Well then, you have the floor,” Alec said. “Make your accusation.”

Clary cleared her throat, and spoke the words calmly. “I accuse Colonel Herondale. In the prison cells. With a gun!”

They all waited for a beat. 

Jace would take this secret to his grave, but he found himself unable to breathe. Waiting to see what the result would be. 

After a couple of minutes of silence, that had Jace wondering if maybe the system hadn’t heard Clary after all.

It responded. 

That is a false accusation. Miss Fray has therefore been removed as an active player. She cannot take a turn. And cannot win the game. 

Fuck! 

Everyone looked at Clary who looked more deliberative than upset. “I wondered if the game would tell us if maybe any of the cards was right though.” She turned to Simon. “Like was I spot on with the murderer? The murder weapon? Or the location of the murder? It sucks that we don’t get that.”

Jace watched his boyfriend nod. And then Simon got up and stood in the middle of the room. “I think I want to go next.”

Alec gestured at him to go ahead.

“Like I said, I took the war room. And I do think the prison cells are the only location that is set apart from anywhere else, that would thus give the killer enough time to carry out the kill.”

Everyone nodded. 

“So I figured that our killer would need a weapon that can be hidden easily, and wielded quickly. Fast enough before anyone else would notice. But leave enough of a minor impact wound that a lot of people might not immediately suspect murder.”

Alec did that thing where he looked far ahead, like he was picturing everything that Simon was saying. “Go on.”

“I think the killer used a pipe. It’s easy to hide within a coat. It’s pretty easy to maneuver. You don’t even need that much strength to wield it. And it won’t make a sound, except for that of Valentine’s body hitting the ground of course.”

“And who do you think did it?” Alec asked. 

“Honestly. I think you, Alec.”

“Me?”

They all turned in unison to gape at Simon. 

“Yes. You make logical sense. We already established that you consider Valentine a threat that needs to be exterminated quickly. “

“Ah. Extermination. The charming word when I think of cockroaches… And myself.”

They all ignored him. 

“Wielding the pipe with enough skill and force to cause severe hemorrhaging in his brain, without showing any visible dent on his skull, is something few can pull off. It requires a certain… precision, that quite frankly, I think only you can pull off.”

And for the first time since Simon had entered their life, Jace caught his brother giving a pleased smile to his boyfriend. An action that startled not just Simon, but everyone who just witnessed it. 

Not like Alec cared though. He merely gestured at Simon to take the floor and make his accusation. 

“I accuse Reverend Lightwood. In the War Room. With a lead pipe.”

Another prolonged pause, that made Jace almost bite his nails. Although he would never admit to that. 

And then…

That is a false accusation. Mister Lewis has therefore been removed as an active player. He cannot take a turn. And cannot win the game.

“Fuck!”

Jace and Izzy said it simultaneously, and then glanced at each other. 

Two failed accusations meant that with every wrong one, their chances of being able to return home was fast diminishing into nothingness. And there was nothing any of them could do, except keep going, and hope that one of them got it right at least. 

Izzy pushed off from her seat and took over from Simon, in the center of the room. 

“So, I took the Head of the Institute’s office.” She threw a salute and a wink at Alec, who snorted and shook his head at his sister’s antics. 

Jace wasn’t as well behaved and laughed outright. Laughing harder at the sight of Izzy sticking her tongue out at him. 

Sometimes she acted so childish, it made him want to needle her even more. 

“Now, just as we’ve established, we’re working with the assumption that the Institute is much busier and filled with more people at the time of the murder.” They all murmured sounds of agreement, and Izzy continued. “But, just as with the prison cells, there is a bit of privacy to be had in the head’s office. Of course, more people go there with a certain level of frequency, compared to Shadowhunters, only heading down to the cells when we are transporting a prisoner, or going to interrogate one. In Alec’s office however—“ She broke off. “Sorry. I meant, in the office of the Head of the Institute, people can walk in whenever they want. Of course they knock first and wait for permission. And it’s basically expected that it would be given. However, because of the high traffic, it means that the murder weapon in this case, has to be something that wouldn’t cause a lot of noise.”

Jace nodded. That made sense. 

“So therefore, I postulate that the murder weapon was a rope. A quick loop around Valentine’s bastard neck. A good pull to cinch it tight. And we can choke that motherfucker until he’s gasping and clawing for breath, til his time runs out and he’s deader than Paris Hilton’s attempt at a music career.”

Jace heard Alec splutter, Clary cackle, Simon give a whoop, Magnus give a delighted snort. 

He shook his head. Of course Izzy was going to be as dramatic as possible when it was her turn. 

“And the murderer?” Alec asked. 

Izzy jerked her chin behind him. “Your boyfriend.”

Jace was as surprised as Alec. “Magnus?”

Izzy shrugged. “I’ve seen him work out shirtless Alec. Your man’s got guns. Great, powerful guns, that make me suspect that he totally knows how to put them to work.”

“Yes, his man does,” Jace heard Magnus say, and smiled at the chuckle that Magnus released. Even Alec couldn’t help smiling. 

“Well then. The floor is yours Izzy,” Alec said. 

Izzy took in a deep breath, and Jace found himself holding his breath as well, as Izzy made her accusation. 

“I accuse Doctor Bane. In the Head’s Office. With a rope.”

Another long dramatic pause that honestly, at this point, Jace was certain that whatever the fuck was the system that was watching them play this all out was, it was having way too much fun at their expense. 

That is a false accusation. Miss Lightwood has therefore been removed as an active player. She cannot take a turn. And cannot win the game.

“Fuck!”

Jace looked at Alec, and Alec shook his head. 

They really were running out of options way too quickly. 

Jace saw Alec take in a visible breath, and then pull himself forward, to take up his position in the center of the room. 

“I got the cafeteria. And I’m pretty sure you all agree that to get away with murder in the most public space in the Institute would have to be very stealthy. Less a murder, more an assassination.”

They all nodded. 

“So I think the murder weapon is poison. To be precise, poison in a glass of margarita that was probably handed over to Valentine, and which he drank, because of course he’s an idiot. What do we expect?”

“Hey!”

They all ignored his objection, and Jace nodded in agreement to Alec’s words. 

“And honestly I think it was Izzy. She does that charming, I’m smiling at you, whilst I’ve put a dead centipede in your oats, look very well. “

Jace shuddered. Didn’t he know it? His sister had taught him well, to always check, and triple check whatever he was eating, before he shoved the food in his mouth. You never could guess when Isabelle Lightwood would get her payback. All you knew to do was be on your guard. Because she always did get hers. 

“It’s a solid accusation, Alec,” Jace said. And the others all made murmured sounds of assent. 

“Well, here it goes,” Alec said. “I accuse Miss Lightwood. In the cafeteria. With poison.”

A pause, even longer than all the ones they’d experienced so far, and then… 

That is a false accusation. Reverend Lightwood has therefore been removed as an active player. He cannot take a turn. And cannot win the game.

For the first time, even Alec joined them in the whispered curse. “Fuck!”

When they’d agreed to go exploring the area, and figure out who they wanted to accuse based on reason, it had made so much sense. They’d all taken it as a foregone conclusion that of course one of their accusations would turn out to be right. 

To have them all be declared wrong, in such a manner, was not what Jace had been expecting at all. 

But it looked like it was his turn to make an accusation. So he stood, and walked to the center of the room. 

“I got the infirmary. Like Alec, I also think it’s a pretty public space. But it’s a good area for a bit of misdirected chaos that can work just as well for a stealthy assassination.”

Everyone nodded. 

“So what I think happened is the murderer was in the infirmary. Maybe Valentine was brought in for something. Probably injured during his capture or something. They saw an opportunity, before the doctors could get the chance to look at him and figure out what kind of treatment he would need. A quick stab to severe his carotid artery and he would have bled out before anyone would even know what to do. They would consider it a mishap from him being brought in; that the first responders didn’t actually notice how severe his injuries were. And that would be the end of it.”

“Logical. And practical. It makes sense.” Alec said. “And I’m guessing, Clary?”

Jace nodded, and smiled at her. “She is our resident stabbing queen after all.”

That brought a brief moment of levity as they all laughed. 

Then Alec gestured at Jace to make his accusation. 

He took in a deep breath and then said clearly “I accuse Miss Fray. In the infirmary. With a knife.”

This time around. It was the longest pause they'd ever experienced. Ten minutes of absolute silence. Just them looking at each other, waiting for what the system would say. 

Finally, there was a soft ding. 

Jace’s brows furrowed. That was a first. 

And then…

That is a false accusation. Colonel Herondale has therefore been removed as an active player. He cannot take a turn. And cannot win the game.

Motherfucker!

Jace sank back into his seat. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck! What did that mean? That they were stuck forever in this fucked up pocket world that was just them and no one else’s??? Like it was a great place for a vacation. But to spend the rest of their lives here? Trapped?

Jace could feel himself starting to ventilate. His airways felt tight. His eyes were blurring together. 

He opened his mouth to take in a deep breath, and felt cold hands slide against his, intertwining their fingers with his. 

“It’s fine. You’re okay.”

He turned to look at Simon who also had that air of panic, but was clearly managing it, so he could attempt to calm him down from his panic attack. If not that it was already a struggle to breathe, Jace would have definitely kissed him!

“Well then. I guess it’s my turn.” 

Everyone collectively lifted their heads, staring at Magnus who smiled back at them. And Jace realized. That’s right. They’d all made accusations, except for Magnus. Who had been accused, but never made his. 

Although with the way they kept getting told that their accusation was false, Jace didn’t hold much hope. Clearly this system was rigged against them in some way, and he didn’t see how Magnus could possibly get them out. 

“I think I recall asking you all to join me in having some bourbon, because like I said then, and it still applies now. Getting out of this space requires that we lose all sense of logic. “ 

He shrugged. And then looked up at the ceiling. 

“I accuse The Seelie Queen. Of coming up with the most fucked up game ever. There’s no dead body. Because Valentine Morgenstern is already dead and cannot be killed twice. Now, your Majesty. Send us the fuck back home. It has been a long long night.”

[beautifulwillfulldead]

[ID: Four gifs Shadowhunters. The first and second gifs show Simon Lewis and Jace Lightwood at their first meeting, Simon looking hesitant and Jace nodding at him, smiling very slightly. The third and fourth gifs show them at a bar, Simon smiling charmingly and Jace watching him, looking soft and fond. Falling pink petals accompany text on the gifs that read 'I've been in love with you/ for so long/ I don't remember/ how not to be/'. End ID]

I don’t like you, I’m in love with you.

insp. by @eversall‘s fic: love by any other name