#or even Izzy full on just...being brought back WRONG WRONG

[mysteriouslybluepirate]

Hey guys, as a fandom when we revive izzy can we wait a few weeks before we do the 'comes back wrong' trope? Just so we have some time to heal? I'm just asking the collective. I know izzy coming back with fucked up memories is an amazing concept but we're all VERY fragile right now, and I personally don't know if I can take it.

[eliza1911o1]

So interesting that, when we have gotten communication between Ed and Stede this season (particularly in ep 4), Stede has never once brought up Chauncey. The dude not only stole Stede away from eloping with the love his life, but also died right in front of him in the same way as his brother moments after verbally abusing him

S1 was heavy with Stede’s internal thoughts and feelings, from the Badminton ghost to full childhood flashbacks; in s2, we’ve seen this shift over to Ed, such as with Hornigold and memories of his past. Since the emphasis has been on Ed’s, we have rarely been shown obvious cues to Stede’s anxieties and insecurities, though we’re well aware of them. Then, just as Stede has finally achieved everything he thought he needed to be, it all falls apart and, for the first time in quite a while, scenes of Stede as a child come back

This post reminded me that Stede has actually become more and more unhappy with himself and never reconciled with his emotions of inadequacy, no matter how happy he seemed. This is what makes Chauncey important, or, at least, his lack of mention

The Badmintons represented everything Stede was born into (particularly the insecurities his father imprinted onto him) that persuaded him into piracy. They aligned with norms, they bullied him for acting differently, and they even succeeded due to/within the limitations of norms as officers. Stede has always been told that being kind, liking nice things, enjoying intellectual activities, being adverse to violence — all that made him, him — were the wrong things for a man to be. This doesn’t change when he becomes a pirate; others still continue to point out his failings (Izzy in ep 5, Ned in ep 6, Zheng in ep 7). Stede has long internalized his strengths as his shortcomings, so while his personal methods and, truly, some luck are the real reasons things always manage to work out, he attributes his growing skill in piracy to be the true answer

Both Badminton’s die right at his feet and though Stede still takes on the responsibility and guilt, they really die due to their own carelessness. Killing Ned is done to cement his position, paralleling Nigel’s death in s1, but different in that it is an active choice. When Stede becomes a “real pirate” after killing Ned, for the first time this season (someone can correct me on this but it’s 3AM and I’m not double-checking rn) we see flashbacks, a moments of doubt and anxiety, quickly squandered because everyone likes him now, right?

Just when Stede finally manages to prove himself notorious as a worthy pirate, everything else begins to fall apart; Ed leaves, his crew almost leaves, he almost dies, yet again, and he’s back to feeling as weak as he always has. Everything, literally, blows up

Stede knows he isn’t a capable man (people always keep reminding, so it’s hard to forget), he knows he’s a failure and a mistake, he knows trying hard just brings misfortune to those around him, but he so badly wants to prove everyone otherwise and the only way he knows how to do that is by becoming something in their eyes. however, in doing so, Stede keeps surviving, untouched, while everyone continues to be put in harms way or, when it becomes too much, leaves him. Nigel and Ned dying bought respect, but Chauncey’s death reminded Stede of what he always felt like; a failure who ruins nice things. Now, at the end of the season and at his lowest, Ed has also left, so there’s no one to tell him otherwise

[lulubunny0]

Eyes of the Soul.

Jace X fem/reader

Summary: Alec and you go on a mission to find out which downworlder is kidnapping werewolves. Jace joined in as back up, but after what those eyes where saying, was he really there just as back up?

Warnings: t/w, blood, fighting, yelling, blood, mature content, cursing, use of y/n, fluff, tension.

A/N: This is my first time writing in a while, but i can not get this gorgeous man out of my head. Sooo, heres a little fanfic for my Jace livers <3.

____________________________

“Do you even know what your doing?” A voice came from behind you. Causing me to turn around and then sighed lightly as I saw Alec.

“To be honest, no. How does Izzy use this thing.” I tossed the whip to Alec as he smirked.

“Well no one said picking your signature weapon was easy. Try and relax and seek with in to see which calls to you.” He grabbed some arrows and my eyes sparkled.

“Are we going on a mission?” ‘No no, I am going on a mission.” He stopped my excitement but I followed him through the hall.

“Please, you know I haven’t been on one in ages. Its the least you could do for your little sister.” I said with a smile and dragged out the word sister while giving him a pleading face. I felt bad for always begging Alec for things, knowing he could almost never say no to me.

His body relaxed in defeat as he rubbed his temples. “Fine fine, but I’m not gonna use my stele on you when you get hurt.”

He continued walking and I ran and grabbed my stele and my blade running after him with excitement. I caught up to him and bumped his shoulder in a playful manner like i always have since I was brought into the institute. I was 14 years old when my parents decided to leave me in the human world after altering my memory with no note or good byes.

At least this is my theory since no one knows where I came from or who I was. Ever since that day Alec and Izzy took me in as their ‘little sister’. I owe them everything for putting up with me ever since then.

____________________________

We arrived at a run down building that seemed close to crumbling down. Alec walked in as if he didn’t notice anything wrong with the building. I followed him a few feet behind as I looked around. I started to hear music coming from the distance.

Alec was walking at a fast pace making me walk fast with him. We walked to these huge doors and he applied his invisibility rune. “So why exactly are we here?”

“We need to find the downworlder that is kidnapping werewolves after spiking their drinks.” He put his stele up and looked at me, “Don’t run off. This isn’t a field trip.”

I laughed then nodded after activating my invisibility rune. He opened the doors and walked in calmly. I followed behind in the crowded sea full of people and occasionally a few downworlders moxed into the groups. As much as I loved to get lost in the moment of a party I remembered what Alec said and sighed lightly.

Alec and I made it to the bar while looking through the crowd. “Okay, I know I said not to wonder off but its better if we spread out then group back up. Meet back here in an hour, and if you see anything call me.” We agreed and he walked to the top floor. I slowly made my way to the dance floor as I looked around and tried to fit in.

I remembered the last time I was at a club, me and Jace where celebrating on the fact that Magnus and Alec finally got married. We both had been having a hard time, so I decided to make up the excuse for a celebration. We danced and got drunk, that was the first time I’ve seen a drunk person so on guard.

As I was lost in thought I didn’t feel the hands slowly trailing up my waist. I turned around fast to see those ocean blue eyes. Followed by a smirk from what I assume was because of my reaction. “I thought you where supposed to he helping Alec, not day dreaming and being completely off guard. I could have been a stranger you know.” I laughed then pushed him back but kept dancing.

“You might as well be from all you’re disappearing lately, why are you here though?” I motioned for him to follow me back to the bar. He followed closely.

“Alec called me to keep an eye on you.” As he talked I saw a witch walking away with a werewolf who was clearly drunk from the wobbly walking.

I started walking away from Jace and towards the witch and werewolf. Jace was used to following me even during a conversation. From all the fights, teasing, and just me getting distracted easily.

I walked through the door and took out my angel blade as I saw blood on the ground. Jace saw the blood as well as he then also took out his blade. We walked closely together out into the ally. Jace went in front of me and I ignored it to stay focused. I then felt something throw me at the wall to the old building. I heard Jace yell out to me but the hard brick wall made my ears buzz.

I stood up quickly even though it hurt, i used my stele to activate my healing rune. I looked up at Jace who was fighting what seemed to be another shadowhunter. I went to help but heard a whistle, then felt a stabbing pain in my right shoulder. There was a long metal bar that was stabbed into my shoulder. I turned to see the witch from earlier.

“Who are you?” I yelled out while holding the bar in place. The witch looked at me with sorrowful eyes. She then ran to the other person and grabbed onto then while going through a portal. I went to follow them but felt someone grab onto my waist.

____________________________

I winced in pain as I dug my nails into my thighs while sitting on the hood of a car. Jace in front of me looking at the poll. “I need to pull this out, hold still.” He said almost in a stern tone.

He took my hand tightly and then gripped onto the metal bar. I took a deep breath, “Okay, on one… two… th- mother fucker!” Jace smirked as he dropped the bar to the ground then gently pulled up my shirt just past my stomach to activated my healing rune. He glanced at my slender fit stomach as the rune glowed then gently slide his hand down my stomach.

I looked at Jace as he eyes where gliding along my body, his hand traced my runes that where shown on my stomach and sides. I tensed up since I had never seen Jace look so tense while being so gentle. His touch was almost nonexistent.

I couldn’t help but giggle a bit from my sides being sensitive. He looked up to my eyes and then started to look at my lips. His eyes where filled with something I had never seen before. I melted from just his warm hands on my bare skin. He gripped my waist as the space between out lips got smaller and smaller.

Alec walked out of the same door me and Jace came out of. Jace dropped his hands and backed up while looking into my eyes with a bit of sadness and worry. Alec saw me and Jace and the blood then ran over. “What happened?!”

I got up off the car and went passed Jace catching a glimpse of his diamond eyes. Still filled with that same look he was giving me when his hands where on me. I tried to not make a face or blush as I looked up at Alec and started to explain everything while walking with him back to the institute. Jace following right behind us.

____________________________

A/N: So this is just a starter to see if anyone will like these kinds of stories or not. Or even to see if I truly do want to get back into writing. But if this does do well i woukd glady make a part two!! <3

[billowyy]

You’re Not by My Side (ao3)

Stede/Izzy | 1.5k words | Febuwhump day 1: touch starved

Having tea with Izzy Hands goes exactly how Stede expected it to go. 

They’re sitting in the small captain’s cabin of the ship he and the crew managed to steal, on a couple of stiff chairs around a wonky table. Stede’s worried the table will break soon, for it tilts to the side every time he looks at it wrong. 

Izzy is holding himself in a way that would make one think that he doesn’t want to be here, all tense and rigid and like he has an insult on the tip of his tongue waiting to be let out. But Stede knows that’s not true—if the way Izzy let out a relieved sigh and softened his whole body when he caught sight of Stede on deck earlier is anything to go by. 

Izzy explained how he had left the Revenge in desperate hopes of finding Stede and bringing him back to his distraught captain. Izzy had said that he thought Edward was going to end up killing himself if things kept going on the way they were. Stede hasn’t gotten the details out of him just yet. 

It was early in the morning when Izzy finally caught up with their little ship. The crew was full of glares and ready to toss him overboard, but Stede had mostly been confused about why he was there alone, and he saw how exhausted he looked. He didn’t look like someone who was trying to board them, especially not by himself with his little dinghy. 

So now here they were, sitting across from each other at this dingy table with cups of tea in their hands. They had managed to find some nice teacups in their prize of a ship a few weeks ago, and while Stede thought they were quite wonderful, Izzy had shared his contempt for them with the scowl on his face when Stede brought them out on a platter with their tea. He knows he would rather sell them.

Izzy’s tea was black, but he seemed to enjoy it enough. He even lets Stede pour him a second cup before looking at him over the rim of it, taking a sip. 

“Edward,” Izzy says. Yes, this is what the stress present in Izzy’s current way of being is about. The man, the myth, the legend. The wounded Edward Teach. 

From there, they talk. They go over Stede’s plans of returning to Edward and his death with England. The reckless raids Edward has been bringing their skeleton crew on. They’ve gotten some new crew members, but not a lot. They’re surviving and are sufficiently sailing the ship, but just barely. It's not sustainable. Izzy says that Edward is wild and careless on raids and then depressed as soon as they’re over, barely leaving his cabin. 

Stede’s heart aches when he hears about what’s happened to his cabin—his home. All of his things and comforts. Gone to the bottom of the sea. His heart breaks when he hears about Edward being curled up in bed for days on end, barely letting Izzy feed and water him. 

His determination to find Edward surges after that first conversation. He needs to get back to him.

Tea and talking in the captain’s cabin becomes a routine over the next several days. They’re on course to where Izzy believes the Revenge to be and it’s estimated they’ll meet at the end of the week. 

Nightfall brings two things: storytime with the crew, and sitting so close to Izzy that their feet touch, once they’re back by themselves in the cabin. Stede has never been one for touch. He’ll give a friendly pat or a quick touch to the arm, but never more than that. He supposes years of living in a cold house with his father followed by even more years living with a woman he never loved left him unknowing how to seek out a more intimate touch. Or rather, that that sort of thing even existed. 

This unlikely friendship with Izzy has brought out a need in Stede to seek out that touch. He’s felt the need with Ed, but Izzy’s here, with his ankles resting against Stede’s under the table and his hand brushing against his when passing him his tea. 

Earlier today Izzy had leaned into him for a moment while reaching for part of the rigging. Stede wanted to follow him as he moved away and press right back. He was warm and solid and it made Stede feel good. 

He finds himself constantly reaching out a hand to hold onto Izzy’s arm during conversations and leaning into him slightly when they’re standing next to each other. Stede is worried that Izzy will push him away suddenly, but then he realizes that not only is Izzy very decidedly not pushing away any of his touches, but he’s moving into them and initiating his own. 

Then the storm hits. 

They’re as prepared for it as they can be, and once the rain and wind start pelting at the deck and sails at an alarming rate and the helm is tied down, Stede finds himself back in his quarters with a shaking and sopping Izzy. 

As soon as they make it to the room, Izzy is dropping to his knees in front of the chamber pot near the bed. While he’s sick, Stede changes out of his wet clothes and brings some dry clothes, a couple of towels, and water over to where Izzy is still hunched over. 

“Israel?” He kneels beside him and rests a hand on his back.

Izzy makes a soft, sad noise and then slumps back on his heels. He lists over into Stede’s side. He’s cold against Stede’s now dry body and while Stede cherishes him being this close to him, he wishes it were under different circumstances. 

“Oh… You’re alright, Israel.” Rubbing Izzy’s back, he pushes the chamber pot away from them slightly and brings the corner of one of the towels up to wipe Izzy’s mouth. 

They stay there for a few minutes, making sure that Izzy isn’t going to get sick again. 

“Does this happen every storm?” Stede asks. He’s getting the other towel now to dry Izzy’s hair. He’s distinctly aware of the wetness from Izzy seeping into his clothes and starts to shift so he can give Izzy his dry ones. Izzy shifts with him for a moment, listing too much before catching himself.  

“Almost every time.” He eyes the clothes Stede is offering and starts to take off his soaked ones where he’s sat. When he starts to untie his trousers without having taken his shoes off, Stede reaches over, one hand on Izzy’s calf, and tugs his boots off one at a time. 

Eventually, Izzy is dry and has had a glass of water. The wet clothes and the chamber pot are taken care of, and then Stede is saying—

“Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

While still leaning on him for support, the weak little thing, Izzy stops where he’s standing, not letting Stede bring him over to the bed.

“Stede, I can sleep in the hammock. It’s fine every other night,” Izzy says while nodding his head over to the hammock swaying in the corner. 

“Absolutely not. Tonight isn’t like every other night. There’s no need for you to get even more sick laying there swinging all night when there is a perfectly good, warm bed.”

Stede watches as Izzy eyes the hammock before sighing and heading towards the bed. 

They get under the covers together. It’s a small bed, so they have no option but to press against each other. Izzy almost immediately curls up on his side with his eyes shut and the blanket pulled up to his chin. Stede turns to face him when he feels shivers racking his body and hesitantly wraps his arm around his waist. Izzy does nothing but let out a sigh and rub his cheek against the edge of the pillow they’re sharing. 

“Warm enough, then?” 

“I’ll get there,” Izzy replies, his voice low. 

The storm is still raging outside, the wind and rain pounding against the walls and windows. Stede grips the back of Izzy’s shirt and shifts his legs so that they’re slotted with Izzy’s. Touching Izzy settles something in his chest. He lets go of the shirt to touch Izzy’s hair. At first he just moves his hair off his face, but then he slides his fingers through the strands a few times before settling his hand at the back of his neck. Stede gently runs through the hair there, pulling through the tangles. He closes his eyes. 

They’ll find Edward, and Jim and Frenchie, and they’ll go from there. Stede will face the consequences of his actions and try his hardest to not leave Izzy behind, now that he’s got him all tucked up next to him. 

He doesn’t think he’d mind two warm bodies, one on either side of him, touching him lovingly and reassuringly. He thinks he’d quite like that. 

[agirldying]

TW for medical trauma, brief mention of NCCSA

heyyy this is a follow up to the asker who was in the ED for a possible stroke (wasn’t a stroke but that was the main headline)— you can call me izzy

so first thing, good news!! I have an MRI scheduled for the 9th, they gave me anxiety meds too, so I should be alright when I go in :) very excited to see what’s up

second thing, my roommate and I got into a huge fight over what happened the night of my ER visit. When I got home from the ER, I had been there for 8 hours and I was flushed full of drugs that made me super sleepy- he hadn’t rlly contacted me while I was there, even tho I’d made an effort to reach out to him.. but when I came in I was like “hey man I’m so tired and out of it, I need to sleep now, can I please turn off the light”

and he was like “..uhhh no sorry I have work to do”,,, so that. made me feel kinda crappy cause I couldn’t even have the light on. I brought it up a few weeks later cause I still felt pretty crummy abt it, and I told him it made me feel like my feelings didn’t matter to him. he listened to me and then went “okay” and walked away

And that rlly bugged me too???? because like he didn’t even say anything he just left. So I called him back in and was like “hey man what the heck,” and from there he told me that he was thinking abt himself, he had work to do, and that he wasn’t my close friend or partner so I shouldn’t have expected him to drop everything to see me in the ER (which I wasn’t expecting)

I told him that he could’ve done his work earlier on but he chose to hang out with his friends. he didn’t like that and I realize now it was rude to insult him like that— he’s allowed to have a social life

but after that discussion he went to our mutual friend and described the situation— and to him (the friend) I was “being sensitive” and I could’ve just worn a sleep mask,,, but that friend also didn’t know I was there for 8 hours, and once he found that out he thought my roommate was being a dick

anyway. yeah. that’s everything. I should also note that my roommate hasn’t been the kindest to me- when I opened up abt my grooming trauma, he was like “oh I’ve never been groomed before idk what that’s like, I just stuck around people I knew”, and he also basically implied that if I want a relationship in college I need to settle for one night stands and nothing else,,,, also tried to drown a girl in middle school and was openly fucking with a guy who was in a relationship so IDK if he’s the best source of information

but yeah basically. Am I the asshole AJDJDJ was I being rude???? Cause now he won’t talk to me and he removed me from his spam Instagram so 😭😭

Hi izzy,

For some reason I can't find the ask you're referring to, but that's okay.

Congrats on the good news, I hope both the MRI and the anxiety meds have good results.

Honestly I'm having a hard time telling who's in the wrong in that situation. I think It's a fair request to ask to turn out the light, especially after the day you had, but of course your roommate had things to do that required the light stay on. I think that while turning the light off would've been the kind and thoughtful thing for your roommate to do, I think it's also fair for them to keep the light on especially if they need it for work. It's sort of like a boundary clash. I can definitely see how that made you feel perhaps like you didn't matter.

That being said, your roommate sounds rude and insensitive, especially based off the other details you mentioned about him. It doesn't sound like you were rude at any point really, so I would say NTA.

If I'm going to be very honest I think it may be time for a new roommate because you don't deserve to feel tense or unwelcome in your own... abode, you know?

Hope you're doing alright. Please let me know if you need anything.

[izzyfishie]

izzy intro ✨✨

alright hi bitches its me /lh

if ur new, hi! im izzy! im a bmc enthusiast and a proud member of the squip inc rp !!

BASIC INFORMATION

• she/they

• biromantic demisexual

• i do rp, art, writing, and animation.

MY FANDOMS

• be more chill/squip inc

• splatoon

• heathers

• six

SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• i am a certified hydra hivemind and squangbanger (anony + foxxi + spirez + cowboy + oli + jo + will + izzy) member <3

• i get a little silly sometimes especially on vc/if i grow closer to u

• i am EXTREMELY sensitive. like. i will burst into tears if i think that you're mad at me /neg

• i constantly use tone indicators

• i am likely the biggest riverway (BMC) shipper ever

• i always spell things wrong, but it's kind of turned more into a comical thing rather than a problem :]

DO NOT SEND ME THE FOLLOWING:

• unsolicited nsfw or nudes (im a minor bitchass)

• graphic violence and gore (please put a TW, this stuff will literally make me pass out so NO !!)

• anyone else's personal information without consent (doxxing is a no-no <3)

SQUiP INC STUFF

first of all, what is squip inc?

• squip inc is a discord and tumblr rp that began with a simple anon ask on @anonyb0b's blog!! soon, everyone started creating their own squip ocs and now we have a full-fledged rp that we plan to turn into a web comic. in fact, we even have our own growing wiki!

my character

• in squip inc, i play a major character named unit 6339, or better known as mio, and a minor character named izzy (basically just myself but in the rp form) !!

• izzy's lore began as me joke-flirting with @a-superquantumunitintelprocessor and fighting a love war with my friend spirez. after i lost the love war, i felt anger and envy mixed with the curiosity of the side effects, and thus, i took a squip. that squip ended up being mio.

• mio is judgemental, rebellious, salty, and pretty gay ngl. however, her life is cut short when she is corrupted and killed by a virus. but let's be honest, the story would be pretty boring if it ended there. mio is brought back to life using an interesting method and returns with a... rebooted personality. if you want more details on mio and the other characters in squip inc, make sure to check out the wiki and dm me for any extra information !!

mio's blog -- @mio-chxrry

who all is involved in squip inc ?

• oh, tons of people. in the official discord server, we currently have 35 members, and that's just in the discord server! we have many more active members on tumblr. it's honestly such an amazing thing! and i am totally invested in anima's group's lore.

MY TAGS

art -- #izzy art

writing -- #izzy writes

rp lore -- #squip ocs, #jeffrey moments, #squip inc, #the squapocalypse, #squangbangers, #squolive garden, #mio moments, #anima, #cowboy's ranch, #the jeffrey lore, #squip rp

old miscellaneous tag -- #anyways

ooc -- #ooc jeffrey lore, #ooc squip rp

[adzeisval]

Hostage Situation

Roach gets abducted. Also on AO3.

Jim and Frenchie were on their eighth game of cards when they started to worry. Several of the crew had gone to shore to do whatever and they were all supposed to be back by dark. They were going to have to leave early, there was a storm coming in and Frenchie had a bad feeling that it was going to be a bad one. 

“Too early to think something’s gone wrong?” Frenchie asked. 

“No, I was just thinking the same thing.” 

“We’ll give them just a little longer,” Frenchie said. 

Jim hoped that all was well and they were just being a little paranoid. That sort of caution just kinda snuck up on them as they had gotten older. The whole crew was aging and Jim had wondered how long they could keep going. Lucius and Pete had already left to live at the Inn and Jim wondered if they would all end up there someday. There was enough room; Ed and Stede had added onto the place over the years even though there never seemed to be any actual guests at the inn. 

Now that Stede was gone Ed probably needed help and it would be good to keep the man company. Jim thought they had a few more years of sailing left in them but the Inn did seem like a good place to retire when it came down to it. 

“Jim, Frenchie!” 

“Ah fuck here we go,” Jim said tossing down their cards and running to where Archie was yelling at them. 

“Fuck, they took Roach.” 

“Who took Roach?” 

“Some new, young pirate crew, holding him hostage and wants to meet with Frenchie,” Archie said. 

“Well let’s go see what they want,” Frenchie said. Jim made a quick stop to their room and made sure they had plenty of knives. Jim tightened their glove and felt a familiar tingle. 

“Just a heads up, Izzy is here so we need to be careful,” Jim said. Izzy had been there when Fang died and according to Ed Izzy had been there when Stede died as well. Izzy being there wasn’t necessarily a death omen but it wasn’t necessarily not one either.

“Ah, the famous Captain Frenchie of the Revenge.” 

“Didn’t catch your name mate,” Frenchie said. 

“Name’s Captain Pillow.” 

“And why, Captain, have you taken one of my crew hostage? Not a good way to make friends, mate.” 

“I’m not here to make friends. You see I admire that ship, it’s brought a lot of good luck to you and the crew. I’d like it to be mine,” Pillow said. 

Frenchie laughed, “Not a chance mate.” 

“Oh come on, you’re a little old to be having a ship like that, you and your crew of gray hairs,” Pillow said. 

Jim looked around to try to figure out where they might be keeping Roach as Frenchie and Pillow rattled on. Jim could see a nearby shack and started to slowly move toward the trees where they could sneak toward the shake and see what was going on.

They moved away as Pillow was distracted and made it to the shack. It was clear right away why he might not have been worried about anyone storming the shack to get Roach. Inside were twelve men all armed to the teeth. Roach was tied to a chair so he would be unable to fight when it came down to it. 

Jim heard a noise and suddenly Archie was beside them smiling and holding up her machete. Jim sighed softly. It was probably going to come down to a fight but it was going to get messy quickly. 

“Help me out if you can Izzy,” they whispered. 

The next bit was a bit of a blur. Jim felt a tingling sensation over their whole body and it almost felt like they were moving ahead at someone else's will. But it wasn’t unnerving, it was somehow comforting. They felt it most in their hand. 

Knives started to fly and while it was Jim in full control of aiming it was the other force, Izzy, that was directing their hand to aim and the closest threat to Roach. 

Archie was there in the fray swinging her machete and bringing people down. When it was all over their were eleven dead and one man who had probably ran out to warn his Captain. 

“We’ve got you Roach,” Jim said, cutting the man’s bindings and hauling him up. 

“That was amazing,” Roach said, “Such beautiful knife work.” 

“Thanks,” Jim said, “Let’s get out of here you old flirt.” 

“Ah it seems we have come to an end of our discussion,” Frenchie said when he saw Jim, Roach, and Archie. Captain Pillow looked over his shoulder to see them and frowned and his mouth fell open and it looked like he wanted to say something but couldn’t figure out what it was.

“I…how…but…” 

“Next time you come after my crew or my ship things won’t end so well,” Frenchie said, “You would do well to remember who we are.” 

Pillow just stood there with his mouth open and watched them as they strolled away laughing. 

“Are you alright Roach?” Jim asked once they were out of earshot of Captain Pillow. 

“Oh fine, they threatened me a bit but didn’t get into any real torture. What they threatened didn’t even sound fun. Lack of imagination,” Roach said. 

“Hopefully he’ll think better of trying us again,” Jim said. As they sailed away Jim had to wonder though how much longer they would be able to keep life at sea up and going. It was getting harder and harder to pirate, and they weren’t really doing that much pirating anymore to be honest.

The ship was starting to get as old as they were as well. Jim thought again about the Inn and if they would all end up being there one day. It wasn’t that bad of an idea, and it was nice to know there was a place they could go if they needed to. Ed would welcome them there and when he was gone Pete and Lucius would. 

But for now the Revenge was home. 

Jim took their glove off as they got ready for bed, “Thanks again Izzy.”

[thatyamiguy-blog]

Don’t mess with big sisters (digimon, follow up to little sister knows best)

If there was one major downside to having turned her big brother into her darling baby brother, it was that despite her best efforts Kari couldn't always be there for Tai, even though she knew he needed her. There had been a time when he would of had force of will and the courage to stand up for himself but since she had been behind stripping him of that in the process of making him a adorable diaper pooper she took full responsibility over protecting him. But there was the small issue that she had school and with both their parents working now to help offset the cost of the packs of diapers Tai could go though in a week, he'd been put in a special daycare that was suppose to protect him. Suppose to. So naturally when she dropped by to pick him up after class and found him sobbing in the corner and turned away from her she had been concerned right away. he had been crying for awhile and the most amazing part was he was doing everything he could, to keep Kari from seeing his face.  Still she was the stronger of the two by far these days and had finally gotten a look at his face and gasped in shock. smudged on his forehead (showing that a effort to wash it off had been made) LOSER had been written with a black marker and on one cheek 'diaper baby' had been written and on the other 'diaper filler'. Outraged but trying not to scare or upset Tai any more she asked him who had done it to him, and Tai looked behind Kari and pointed and then started to sob again, filling his diaper. Turning around to to see who was there, Kari narrowed her eyes as she saw Sora in one of the workers uniforms, smirking and waving back, having had a black marker in her hand and slipping it into her apron, and waving bye and heading for the door. "M-Miss crabbles already t-talked to her..and she's been f-fired..but she said that ok..she did what she wanted." Tai sobbed. "..Come on Tai, let's get you home and into the tub, and get those awful things washed off of you. you just forget all about your mean old ex-girlfriend." Kari coo'ed and started to help Tai get ready to go home. She didn't need him thinking about Sora and getting himself worked up or even trying to figure out a plan of revenge. after all..thats what Tai had her for.

Sora had to admit, she would of figured Kari to be the type to come right after her and as such had taken [precautions. She had stayed with Mimi for a week and had Izzy check her room for any sort of a trap before coming back in but everything seemed A OK. 'heh, maybe Big bad Kari isn't that terrible after all.' Sora thought, heading to the fridge and getting out a bottle of her favorite soda, never noticing the small pin prick in the cork. She also helped herself to a slice of cake in the fridge, coated with frosting which her mother normally despised but Sora just figured it was a welcome back cake. It seemed a little odd that the more she drank the soda, the more thirsty she was but Sora just figured it had to do with her nerves, she had been so worked up about what Kari might do, but really..Tai had deserved her revenge and it wasn't even as bad as it could of been! She was on her third Soda  and second slice of cake when she realized that had to be way Kari had let bygones be bygones.. Sora hadn't done all that much and anything Kari did could of  brought down the wrong kind of attention and get either Kari or tai put in a nut house somewhere. She was in the middle of patting herself on the back for being SO clever when her mom called. "hey sweetie, glad your back from your friend Mimi's. I'm gonna need you to head out and pick up some groceries for me. I've already paid for them, they just need to be brought back. Miss okaru's grandson who normally delivers is out sick. I figured you wouldn't mind since there's nothing in the fridge to snack on." her mother said with a laugh. "uh..mom what are you talking about, there's cake and pop in the fridge." Sora said, suddenly feeling very..very cold. "I think I know whats in my fridge little lady. unless one of your little digifriends popped over to drop off snacks. I think one of them said something about it. that nice girl who looks after her special brother..you know..the boy you used to date." he mom was said. "O-Oh uh..Mom..I have to go..I need to use the washroom..I'll uh..head out after." Sora said, her tummy starting to cramp. "Oh ok. well don't take too long and maybe lay off the sweets. Love you and talk to you later!" her mom said with a cheerful tone and then the line went dead. Sora dropped the phone and took off for the bathroom in a dead run, her bladder was suddenly ready to burst as were her bowels, but most of all she wanted to trigger her gag reflex and get whatever she had been munching on and drinking down OUT of her system before whatever horrible effects they could have happened. the fact she suddenly needed the bathroom so badly gave her a fair idea though as she went from dashing to hobbling, wet farts escaping and she had no doubt that she was staining her formally white panties. getting to the bathroom door, she found it shut but she could of sworn it had been opened when she'd gotten back..or had she even checked? in any case she tried the handle and naturally, it was locked. "Sorry, somebodies in here~" Came a voice that Sora had been dreading all week, and her fear combined with her full bladder equaled a drenched pair of yellow shorts and panties and a puddle around her ankles. "K-Kari!? Kari please..let me in there! I..I already had a accident!" Sora whimpered, hot tears of shame rolling down her cheeks even as her bladder was already filling up. "Really now? a big girl like you? tsk, Maybe Tai isn't the only one who needs diapers." Kari said, her voice sounding closer to the door. "Kari PLEASE! I..I have to take a-" Sora started to say but was cut off. "A poo poo. you need to make a poo poo in the potty like a big girl. Say it." Kari said, face unseen but Sora had no problem picturing the smug look that had to be etched on the girls face. Naturally Sora would of never resorted to such childish terms, she had potty trained early and everything! But desperate times called for desperate measures. "..Please Kari. I have to poo poo in the potty like a big girl." Sora said, teeth clenched though not just because of her anger, she was in a final countdown till she unloaded in the back of her panties and shorts, and hadn't they already suffered enough!?! "Hmm nah, I don't think your ready. if you check the linen closet behind you however, you'll find something a little more your level." Kari said then added. "And don't be ashamed to ask for help with them, I've put them on Tai lots~" Diapers. it was gonna be fucking diapers. Sora knew it before she even turned to open the closet. again she wouldn't of normally even entertained the idea but she was in a losing battle and a dirty diaper would be easier to get rid of, to explain then a pair of smelly panties and shorts. it was a package of little stinkers for big girls, a punishment brand she was semi familiar with from when Mimi had been having some nighttime control but she didn't deal to think on that at the moment. ripping the package open she put one of the diapers in her mouth, holding it lightly as she tugged her soaked pants and panties off and dropped them in the puddle. 'at least they can sock up part of it.' Sora thought bitterly. her socks naturally had done some of the work but she didn't have the luxury of getting them off at the moment. getting the diaper from between her teeth she unfolded it and tugged it up between her legs and got it taped on just in time, as her bowel finally gave out and she ended up hunching over, farting loudly and filling out the seat of the diaper as the bathroom opened up, and there was Kari with a video camera. "Nice, I'm suppose to be making a semi action movie for my video club next week, I think this is totally going in it." Kari said,, keeping the camera on Sora as she yelped and fell to her hands and knees, starting to crawl as much as she could when she had to keep pausing to push more filth into the back of her diaper. what had been white and pink with purple butterflies all over it was now a stained dark brown, and drooping big time in the back. As Sora paused and went face down butt up and pounded a fist on the floor, getting the last of the mess out in a series of spectacular farts Kari snickered. "Oh yeah, thats the money shot right there." She said then turned the camera around and held her nose. "You should all be thankful I can't capture the stink little miss farty pants here is making!" With everyone out of her system, Sora collapsed on the floor, her head turned to the side and though she was still crying,there was a big dopey smile on her face as a muffled hiss was heard, she was wetting herself. Setting the camera aside, Kari made her way over to Sora and knelt down, a hand coming down on the back of the older girls stinky diaper butt. "Now, Sora..Do you think you learned your lesson here about picking on Tai, or do I need to go and tie you to the lamp post outside with your poopie diapers on display for you to get the lesson?" Kari asked then added. "Since you didn't do TOO much to him I was willing to keep your punishment mild this time." THAT caught Sora's attention and as exhausted as she was, she turned her head to look at Kari with disbelief on her face. "T-T-This was a MILD punishment!?!" She whimpered out. "Oh yeah, Like I said, you only wrote on tai and it was your first strike AND well we used to be friends. so all and all dialed back my original plans for you." Kari said cheerfully. The mere thought of what could of happened scared Sora so much she started to try and push out anther load into her diapers while her mind did the only thing it could do in such a situation. it passed out.

In the aftermath of Kari's little punishment on Sora, the poor girl was never quite the same. Kari had helped her clean up once she'd woken up and even offered to help her get cleaned up and into some panties and pants..but Sora had meekly asked for more diapers. She ended up going back to the same daycare where Tai was dropped off every morning but now she's not a worker, she's one of the special boys and girls and she's one of the quietest and most polite kids there, actually meek enough that she gets semi bullied from time to time but Tai protects her. He still doesn't like her but well, he just wants to be like his awesome big sister Kari and protect those who can't protect themselves. Kinda sweet when you think about it, isn't it?

the end.

[avastyetwats]

Though Stede was focused on winning this duel, he still heard Izzy's words. He listened for his voice. He was able to block out all other voices and listen only for Izzy's. His yells of encouragement and praise filled Stede with more confidence and determination with every passing second, especially when he had been knocked down. But he wasn't out of the fight. No far from it. This Gentleman Pirate had some tricks up his sleeves that no one would ever expect. Or should he say in his pouch. Because as soon as his opponent came at him with his sword, Stede was throwing a handful of sand right into his face, temporarily blinding the man and allowing Stede to get to his feet.

He didn't have to look at Izzy to know he was likely wincing at Stede's use of the sand, what with having been on the receiving end of it during their first duel. Something that proved effective against the best swordsman and pirate himself. It aided Stede in defeating Israel in their duel and once again, proved useful now. He was able to get to his feet while easily brushing off the insults hurled at him. All his life he was used to insults, he was used to being laughed at and made fun of, but now, more than ever, Stede knew his worth. However, there were still some moments where certain words, certain insults, were triggering for the Captain, but now was not one of those times.

But when the man brought up Izzy? When he dared to call him pathetic and speak about his leg? Oh, that filled Stede Bonnet with rage. But it wasn't a blinding rage where Stede lost control of himself, no. He was still in full control, and seemingly far more powerful than just moments ago because he was suddenly grabbing the man by the throat and slamming him against the nearby wall. If there's one way to land on Stede Bonnet's bad side, it's speak ill of his family. Of anyone he loves. The man instantly changes from gentle to brutal. Dangerous. Murderous, even, because then he's releasing him, watching as he falls to his knees before he presses the tip of his sword against the man's neck. Just a little more pressure and he'd piece through flesh. Maybe he'd aim for the jugular.

The man stares up at Stede with pure terror in his eyes, not having expected this sudden turn. He feels the sharp steel against his skin and he wants to back away from it, but he's trapped against the wall and he knows if he even tries, he risks having his throat sliced. He swallows hard, wincing when his neck scrapes against the sharp blade, and he opens his mouth, muttering a weak apology.

An apology that Stede doesn't find very satisfying or honest. "That man is far from pathetic, I'll have you know. He stands tall and strong and beautiful, after all he's been through." And gods, has he been through hell. Ever since he was a child, but that wasn't for Stede to share. He just wanted this man, and anyone else that dared think him weak, to know how wrong they were. Though, not many really dared to speak ill of him given he was THE Israel Hands. "And it isn't very nice to speak ill of someone you truly know nothing of." His eyes stare down into the man's own, sword pressing forward just a little bit, making him wince again. Another sorry falls from his lips, but Stede remains just like this, as though unsure whether to spare his life or not. What if the moment he withdrew his sword, the man tries to attack him? Or Izzy? That thought has Stede gripping his cutlass tighter, leaning forward just a little bit more. But then...

"That's enough."

Izzy.

His voice, once again, is the only voice Stede hears, the only voice he was listening for, and it's enough to calm the storm raging inside of the Captain. He pulls his sword back, enjoying the mark it left in the middle of his throat, and sheathes it before he turns to Izzy, his eyes immediately softening. But the adrenaline is still pumping through him, feeling high on power and victory, so he moves forward, wraps his arm around Izzy's waist and pulls him in for a very passionate kiss. In front of everyone in this tavern. He hears the cheers but he pays them no mind, caring only about Izzy and kissing him something fierce.

“ On a fucking technicality! “ Izzy shouted back at him from the table where he stood and watched. It was like clockwork. Stede would say he defeated him and Izzy would bring up that point. He’d rub it in a bit more before he could tell that his boyfriend was getting aggravated, then stop. This was a dance they did often, something they went back and forth with regularly. And Izzy would end up just surrendering too, rather than fight about it as Stede was far too cute for his own good.

But now, the duel had started. Izzy was a mess. He didn’t want to see him get hurt, But at the same time he knew Bonnet needed to toughen up. Plus, him threatening a random stranger in defense of his honor was rather hot. Even as he watched him spar up against the stranger, those leathers were growing tight. He’d smiled and shouted proudly at the first hit, he’d winced when he hit the floor, but through the brawl the first-mate was nothing but ego boosting. Usually this sort of thing might have annoyed him, but right now? Oh Stede was fucking beautiful and had all the attention.

“ GET UP!! Don’t let that whamby pamby beat you! “ Said as he was knocked down and shortly after came the miserable sand. Izzy knew how much that sting and he winced for the victim on the receiving end of it. Oh but then those cruel words came and the fight that was in Izzy Hands simply drained from his face. Izzy was particularly sensitive about that leg of his. He had lost it in such a wretched way and it was a constant reminder of what Ed had done. Rather, it reminded Izzy what he let the man do. Color was drained, proud shoulders had fallen. Maybe the man was right; those doubts started to surface. Maybe he wasn’t a full man for Stede.

Though Bonnet quickly answered that question with a threat the likes Izzy had never heard. His attention was immediately on him, shocked honestly when he held that sword to the man’s throat. .. fuck. His mouth was open even in shock of it. Careful, Iz. The drool is going to run down your chin if you stare too long. His lover was magnificent in that moment. He was sexy, he was confident. This was the captain that Izzy had been helped molding, this was the captain that he loved with every drop of blood in him. He felt his cheeks grow hot and suddenly he blushed as his mouth closed in a soft and demure smile. This man was his, all his, and that truth suddenly overwhelmed him like a rogue wave.

“ That’s enough.. “ Izzy said softly, sweetly in an effort to calm his lover down. He didn’t want this to escalate further. He’d love to see his dearest slice someone to the bone for him, but Izzy didn’t want Stede to suffer the trauma that came with that decision.

[sixstepsaway]

had not yet seen that take about ed marooning the crew to keep them safe from izzy but i think that’s maybe the funniest bit of ed apologia i’ve ever read. like…they were fully going to throw izzy overboard. i think they would’ve been fine dealing with him both on their own, and with ed there. and if that had been the case would it not have made the most sense to just kill izzy? like what? people will tie themselves in knots to absolve ed of absolutely any wrongdoing whatsoever it’s so amusing. i wouldn’t even care if they were not attempting to pass this off as Super Serious Meta About The Pirate Show That Allows Them To Make Moral Judgements About Other Actually Real People When They Disagree About Fake Little Dudes but they are and thus i have a problem with it. i see people making these statements like they’re facts and it’s like, actually i think you just have a different opinion about this funny little man than i do. i think that’s all that’s going on here.

THIS IS SO FUNNY ANON I KNOW. i had forgotten (bleached my brain?) reading this and this ask just brought it all back in its full glory

It was all tied in with this idea that because Izzy threatened Ed, Ed's 'fear response' was to lash out at him. I can, to an extent, see that him becoming the Kraken was a fear response? But I don't think it was a response to being afraid of Izzy, I genuinely think it was a response to being afraid of being weak. Izzy does his tizzy and then Ed broods on it, he thinks about it for ages, he listens to the crew chanting his name (Eddie, rather than Ed or Edward or Blackbeard) and then decides to go full Kraken.

The big issues there for me was that they also said Ed killed his father in self-defense (wrong), and that he tried to kill seven people to protect them lmaooooooo. But if he could sneak into Izzy's room and snip off his toe, you are absolutely right that he could've just... killed him. He could've slit his throat, stabbed him in the chest, or smothered him with a pillow right there and Izzy would have had no defense.

i wouldn’t even care if they were not attempting to pass this off as Super Serious Meta About The Pirate Show That Allows Them To Make Moral Judgements About Other Actually Real People When They Disagree About Fake Little Dudes but they are and thus i have a problem with it.

same. Like, I do take issue to people who watch something like, for example (because I've been thinking about it today), The Witcher, and - despite the narrative consistently telling us that prejudice is wrong and that we shouldn't other people and very canonically and firmly informing the viewer that people made up the idea that witchers can't feel human emotion to justify their hate and that it is incorrect - coming away with the idea that Geralt feels no emotions (and also going off on racist tangents about casting Yennefer and Triss as anything other than pasty white people, but racists gonna racist huh?) but when it comes to things like opinions of characters, yeah. People can feel whatever they want and if it makes them happy to absolve characters of their bad deeds so they can just chill and enjoy their show? Fine.

But then, as you say, make moral judgements on real people and that just really pisses me off and makes me want to make strangling gestures up at the sky because whyyyyyyyyyyyy. It's not that deep!

i see people making these statements like they’re facts and it’s like, actually i think you just have a different opinion about this funny little man than i do. i think that’s all that’s going on here.

Yeah, exactly. I try and express as much as I can that I am extrapolating from canon rather than stating Facts From David Jenkins' Own Brain, but some people really whip out the "Izzy is a villain, that's a fact actually, so he deserves everything bad ever" and i just- hm.

[justonemorechapternicercy]

Hello, Gen! ^-^ Random, but - High Warlock!Nico/Shadowhunter!Percy headcanons??? (the thought process behind that was that I've been thinking about a Teen Wolf/Shadowhunter crossover these days, which brought me to your Teen Wolf/Percy Jackson crossover and thus, to close the circle, I came back to an old fave and got curious! :D)

Okay, okay, okay.

So-

- Hades is the demon parent - obviously. Nico grew up in the Republic of Venice (La Serenissima), with his sister around the 15th century (just because Renaissance 😍). Maria was the daughter of the current Doge that time, but they tended to die suddenly. How tragic.

- But it was really tragic, because Maria was also murdered when he was, leaving Bianca and Nico orphans, in need to flee from Venice. Rome, here they come!

- Unfortunately, it wasn't the best choice, because after awhile, Bianca caught the attention of Cesare Borgia, and she, too, was killed. After that, Nico spent some years in a rage, letting his demonic side out.

- It was not a nice decade. Century? A few centuries at the most.

- After that, he traveled around the world, afloat, trying to find some reason for his existence.

- He found one: his half-sister from his father's side, Hazel, and her lovers, Frank (vampire) and Leo (warlock).

- Right. I forgot to mention his demon mark is his completely black eyes, silver claws and bat wings. (Hazel's is her golden, cat-like eyes and her ridiculously fluffy cat ears.)

- Nico never stepped a foot into Venice over the centuries (not until his honeymoon with his husband leads to there, wanting to introduce him to his family).

- He didn't really want to become a High Warlock, especially not of San Francisco, because that city was too dark, had too many criminals (both mundane and downworlder) and the Shadowhunters were too racists, but. Hazel and her husbands found home there, so what could he do? Leave them alone to fend for themselves? Obviously not.

- So, he started cleaning up a bit around his home, starting with the current High Warlock, and the other underworld leaders who tried to manipulate, hurt, and/or kill his family members.

Hmmm...

- Percy Jackson's father was a Circle member, so he is not in his life, but because his mother is a good little Shadowhunter, they are just under mild suspicion.

- His parabatai is Grover. (You can't convince me otherwise u.u)

- His mother, seeing the Lightwoods not really wanting another kid, adopted Jace. Because I want Jace and Percy to be brothers, dammit!

- They grew up with the Lightwoods, the Chases (as in Annabeth, Grover, and Luke Case) and the Graces, so the New York Institute, despite of the adults' effort to make it unpleasant, was always full of life. Sure, they learned everything, and when they needed to be, they were serious, but- Honestly. Nine kids growing up together? Sounds chaotic ngl.

- Mostly everything happened as in the show with Clary, so hello, eleven teenagers, a child and two immortals (Sounds exhausting...)!

- Okay, so. Because they have more people, more trusted friends, some things happens differently. Especially that they don't let the Clave take over the Institute. (Honestly, Annabeth and Izzy, then Clary and Lydia working together? They could take over the whole world.)

- Jace and Percy are proud pansexuals. (Sally would never allow them to be ashamed for their sexuality u.u) Because of this, it is Jace, who realizes his crush on Alec, and asks him on a date, regardless of them being parabatai. So, a fairly confident pair meet with Magnus, who immediately notices them. I mean, how could he not?!

- As they need all help they could get, Magnus calls for his old friend, Nico, who, redundantly, but decides to help them out. And when he steps out of his portal, how glad he is for his decision! That pretty, green-eyed Shadowhunter is really, really, really yummy looking.

- But there is no time for romance, no matter what the happy threesome... Raphael and Simon... Izzy and Lydia... Annabeth and Clary (or is it Izzy and Clary, Lydia and Annabeth? 🤔 Percy doesn't know. The answer is: it's all the four together) and all of their happiness seems to suggest.

- So, they wait. And flirt with each other. And irritate the others with their UST.

- But then finally, the war ends, everything is peaceful and the future is full of hope, so of course it is time for their first date!

- It goes horribly wrong. Percy is late because he had a Downworlder problem; the restaurant Nico choose has to be evacuated because of faulty pipes; the hamburger place throws them out for being gay; and when they finally find a nice pizzeria that is up to Nico's standards, he is called away for an emergency.

- It is a complete disaster. They are conflicted, think that it was a sign that it is just not meant to be, but Jace, Grover and Annabeth throw him through Magnus' portal before he could completely close himself off of having a warlock boyfriend.

- He lands in Nico's lap.

- They end up married. Well. Not that day.

- That day they decide that who cares about "real" dates, if they could hug, and talk, and spend time together without even going out? They know each other, they obviously like each other, it's not like they need that awkward stage in their relationship where they don't know anything about the other and their expectations.

- But they do end up getting married. And have a ceremony where they connect their lives together literally, so that they would live until the other lives.

- While Percy moves to San Francisco, there's a constant portal between Nico's and Magnus' place, so basically the friend group spend just as much time together as they did before, just now they have Nico, Hazel, Frank and Leo as well.

- Izzy is their surrogate, because she looks the closest to Nico, so when their little daughter is born with Percy's fluffy hair, and dark brown eyes, similar to Nico's, she looks as the perfect combination of the two of them. Their second child is an abandoned Downworlder with fluffy, blue, feather-y hair and curious, yellow eyes.

- They have two dogs and a cat. Obviously. u.u

I... I think that's all for today, but it's more than I thought I would have for you when I started to write the answer 😅 I hope you like it 😅😚 even if it is not exactly what you asked for 💀

[a-drop-of-nightshade]

L didn’t even know he was grasping at her, desperate for a comfort he was missing, one he was so used to being denied. He did not feel the heat, or if he did it wasn’t noticed beyond what he was burning through of his own.

His face was flushed red, he was sweating and breathing heavily, his chest wheezing, she would see the raw marks on the corners of his mouth were he’s been gagged and the scratches around his eyes where in his hysterics he scratched at his face. He was trembling and his wrists were raw, arms bruised, mottled and marked, each one stood out glaringly from his pale skin.

———

His hell had only just begun. As the weeks passed he was collected, dragged away screaming and sobbing; he was strapped back down in the chair and filled back up with different chemicals and drugs all over again. After a while they would try to draw the response his body had out with pain, that’s as when they attached the scalpels and plasma blades to the robotic arms, his screams could be heard from the experimental wing all day when he was taken.

He came back in blood bandages, often stained with his own blood, stomach contents and more often than not he’d have wet himself. When he was brought back he was often unconscious and thrown down, but it was when he woke it was the worst. He was so stuffed full of chemicals and experimental drugs it left him off his head for days, he would scream and tear his own hair out, he clawed at his eyes and flesh.

He would scream about bugs inside him, how he was burning or freezing, he would sob and wail over monsters and at times he’d end up stood there rooted to the spot in terror so lost in the chemical hallucinations he’d wet himself and most times start bleeding, blood running down his face from his nose eyes and ears, he’d open his mouth and it’d just gush down his chin and chest before he’d sometimes collapse and start to fit. Izzy would have to scream blue bloody murder for anyone to even notice and save him before he bit his tongue off of worse.

But when he wasn’t off his head, he really did try to bring her comfort, he would sit with her and even if his voice circled and he tasted blood he would strike his fingers through her hair and sing to her, most often “you are my sunshine”. He told her about his imaginary worlds and friends, he tried to get her to talk with him too. When he was in his head he smiled at her and acted if everything was okay, he acted as if he was dying inside in more ways than one.

They often had to leave him a few days so the effects would leave and they had a relatively fresh slate to work on, L had lost a lot of weight, he was so small and frail looking, his hands and arms were bandaged all the time, and he really tired to avoid having Izzy see them when he got the bandages changed. Yet today seemed like a rather good day for L, and he had slipped out the room and snuck off.

The door opened and L slipped back in, he hurried over to Izzy’s bed and carefully climbed up, he grinned at her like he did, smiling away as if there wasn’t a single thing wrong with him in the world and placed the food on the bed before triumphantly showing her his haul, “They got banana bread in again!” He spoke in hushed excitement, L struggled to talk very loud, he’d damaged his throat from all the screaming and retching he did when he was taken away and during recovery.

The small child blinked confused and looked around lost, they didn’t understand what had just happened, they had been at home in their room one moment then the next there was a blinding light and now they were… here. Wherever here was, they didn’t understand what was happening and they felt so small compared to the tall shelves and stacks of boxes around them.

It looked like a closet, it had mops and buckets and it smelt like chemicals, the child wriggled out from behind the boxes and then walked up to the door, they flinched with a small squeak as the door slid open with a slight hiss. Ever so carefully they leaned out the door and looked around confused, where were they? What was going on? They were trembling as they grasped at their shirt and whimpered, “M-mum…?” They called out scared.

Slowly they crept out nervously into the hall, swallowing nervously they shuffled out and found themselves in a hospital of sorts, but it was strange, everything was lit up there were lots of screens and the neon lights didn’t flicker or hum, they could see beds in the halls and they nervously walked forwards before stopping at the nearest door, they seemed to be in a ward…? They swallowed nervously, lips trembling they approached the nearest door and flinched with a small cry of shock as it slid open so suddenly again. Ever so carefully they peeled into the room confused, trying to find someone to ask where they were.

Closed W/@izzyfromdeadspace

[sissytobitch10seconds]

The Patient Refuses

Fandom: Grey's Anatomy Summary: Miranda Bailey and Callie Torres have an exciting case for their interns, but the experience quickly sours. Warnings: Transphobia, homophobia, and slurs Word Count: 2,979 Ship(s): Callie Torres/George O'Malley, George O'Malley/Alex Karev/Izzie Stevens

Archive link!

A/N: So I had this idea a while ago because I wanted to write something else with trans George but I wasn't sure that I could write something entirely based off of his gender identity again. This fic is totally self indulgent too, because George and Callie are married but George is also together with Alex and Izzie, and Izzie and Alex are together with each other but not together with Callie. I know that their polycule is a little bit confusing but it's one of my favorite dynamics. This fic takes place somewhere in their intern year, so all of the relationships that happened with Meredith and Cristina are still happening, they're just not focused on. I hope that you guys can enjoy this! Stay sissy and bitchy everyone <3

“Good morning, Clover,” George said as he walked into the patient's room. His steps stuttered for a moment as he looked up to see them sitting up in the bed instead of having the blanket pulled over their head like they normally were when he came in.

Everything about them was so happy that it's almost unnerving. Even their voice was happy as they quickly said,"Good morning, Dr. O'Malley!"

"Why are you so happy this morning?" he asked as he pulled their chart off from the end of the bed.

Clover placed a hand on their chest and pretended to act offended. This was normally how they acted when the day began to ebb into night and they had gotten a visit from their friends, so it wasn't like he needed to worry about a reaction to medications or something else medically wrong. It was just odd to see the teenager being this awake and responsive before ten o'clock in the morning. "I would think that you of all people would know, Dr. O'Malley!"

"And why is that?" he asked.

"It's June! Pride Month, Dr. O'Malley!" the teenager threw their hands up in their air to accentuate their exasperation. "Today is June first! And yesterday, my partner brought this for me yesterday!" They leaned over the side of the bed and reached into the bag that they kept a lot of their personal belongings in. With the hand that wasn't in a cast, they brought out a packet full of stickers.

"Wow, how did they even get this?" George asked as he reached out and took the packet. "This has to have every sexuality and gender that I have ever heard of," he handed the packet back over.

"Multiples of them too," they grinned. They peeled the trans male sticker out of the book and then handed it over to their doctor. "Here. And then what's your sexuality?"

"I'm just bi," the doctor took the sticker and placed it onto the pocket of his lab coat. No matter how hard he tried, when Clover got excited about something like this he couldn't just tell them no. He took the second sticker that he was given and placed it next to the other one. They then peeled the non-binary sticker from their book and placed it onto their cast, along with the asexual and demiromantic.

"There! Do you want some for your friends and partners?" they asked, eyes still sparkling with excitement. "I bet Dr. Torres would really like one!"

"No, I don't think that she would. She has to change a lot since she's going to be in the OR for most of the day," he chuckled and then properly scanned over the chart when the teen stopped distracting him for a moment.

"Y'know, I can always just ask her myself when she has to come and check on me today," Clover pointed out.

"Then ask her yourself," George replied easily as he came around the side of the bed to listen to their breathing. Clover had been in a nasty skateboarding accident that revealed a couple extra injuries that resulted in them being hospitalized for the better part of the week. They had broken their wrist so bad that it had to have pins inserted so that the bones would stay in the right place long enough for them to heal. They had also busted their hip up badly enough that they couldn't walk on their own. They would be discharged and sent home when the pins weren't showing any signs of infection and they could complete the physical therapy they were on without the assistance of a doctor.

The teenager placed the booklet down on the table next to them. "Okay, now that I have you properly decked out for the first day of Pride Month, what do you have for me?"

He couldn't help the smile that crossed his face. He would have rathered that someone as young as Clover hadn't had to be in the hospital at all, but he still loved having them as a patient. He finished reading over their chart and then began to ask the necessary questions. He finished up in their room and went to attend to the next patient on his list. Before he got the chance, the pager on his belt lit up.

George quickly moved to answer it. He placed his booklet into the pocket of his lab coat and then rushed off to where he had been called. When he got to the other side of the floor and found his partners and the other residents waiting he couldn't help the stupid smile that fell across his face. "You paged?"

"Mhm, I have an interesting case I want you guys to see," Callie nodded. "You're all taking your intern exam in a month and I'm hoping that some of you will choose to come over to Ortho during your residency if I show you how cool it can be."

There was a muttering of laughter between the interns before Bailey took over and continued to explain a bit of the case. She grabbed the handle and then walked in, having them all file in after her. The taller of the two residents smiled at the patient and said, "Alright, Mr. Brown. I'm Dr. Torres, this is Dr. Bailey. These are our residents, who are going to be helping you out while we try to figure out what's wrong."

"It's about time you all got here. I've been waiting for forever!" he griped as he shifted uncomfortably in the hospital bed.

The interns all found a place to stand, George up front with his boyfriend on one side and his girlfriend on the other. Callie was standing on the right side of the bed next to Bailey, and Meredith was standing with Cristina behind the trio. The hospital rooms were small so they had to squish together but they were close enough that it wasn't really a problem. Before the older doctors had a chance to go over his chart, someone's pager went off. They all immediately looked down to the little devices on their hips. "That's me. Torres, you can handle this, right?"

"Of course I can," she nodded. She took the chart from the other woman and turned to the interns just as Bailey left. "Alright, first things first. George, get an IV start on Mr. Brown and listen while I teach."

He nodded and quickly stepped forward to grab the equipment needed to do so. There had been an emergency down in the ER earlier that was being handled by another trauma team, so the nurses hadn't had the chance to prep patients quite yet. He grabbed the needle, "May I see your arm, sir?"

Mr. Brown looked up at him and then squinted at the sticker that was sitting on top of his breast pocket next to the bisexual flag. "I don't want a fucking tranny treating me!" he shouted, ripping his arm away from the doctor and turning over in the bed. He let out a cry of pain as whatever was ailing him, that they hadn't yet had a chance to discuss, flared up again.

"Sir, please, hold still and let me help you," George said as he tried to help the patient stay still.

"NO! I don't want a fucking tranny to even be in my room, let alone trying to treat me. You'll probably infect me with your stupid disease," the patient spat.

George slammed the needle down on the table next to the bed and then turned on his heel. He didn't bother to stop and see what his friends were doing as he quickly left the room. He slammed the door behind him but didn't go far. He still had a job to do and he didn't want to get in trouble.

Callie watched her husband leave and then turned to the other interns. "Get him set up on some IV fluids, talk to him and see what his symptoms are like and wait for Bailey. He probably won't want me treating him either," Callie said as she handed the chart over to Alex and then left after the other.

Alex took a couple deep breaths and flipped open the chart so that he wouldn't say or do something that he would end up regretting. "Alright, Mr. Brown. I'm going to start your IV and Dr. Grey is going to get some of your symptoms down so try and answer all of the questions she asks you," Izzie said as she took a couple careful steps forward. She was a lot better at dealing with patients and controlling her emotions so she was happy to let Alex cool off for a moment.

Meredith peaked over his shoulder and looked over the chart as well. "I see that the nurses have asked you a couple questions already. Have you gotten any x-rays or other tests done?" she asked.

"No," the patient shook his head. He turned to look at Izzie as she began inserting the needle into his arm for the IV. "I can tell that your boyfriend is upset with me."

"He's a doctor. We don't get upset with patients or emotionally invested. We just treat them," she replied curtly.

"No, Iz, I am upset," Alex growled. "You called my boyfriend a slur loud enough that the entire hospital probably heard it. It's not the eighties anymore, dude."

"Alex," Izzie said in warning as she was able to finish getting the IV inserted.

Meredith sighed and began to rub her forehead with one hand. "Why don't you step outside and check on George? Cristina and I can handle this."

"We were told by the resident on this case that we needed to wait for Bailey and do our jobs," Izzie insisted. "Can you just drop this for one second?"

"No, I can't. I know that it's easier for you to ignore the slurs because it never really affected you but I grew up hearing them and I'm not going to let someone treat our boyfriend like that because he had a sticker on his coat," Alex objected.

"You're a fag!" the patient suddenly shouted.

"Okay, I'm too uncomfortable for this," Cristina cleared her throat as she stepped around the blond intern. "I'm going to go find a cooler case where people aren't throwing around homophobic slurs. I'm not going to let my brain force me back into the closet because I might see cool bone things."

"You should leave too, Alex," Izzie said as she grabbed her boyfriend's arm and began to lead him outside. "I'm sorry. The whole LGBT thing is really new for me and I just want to be able to get my job done so I don't get in trouble again."

"You're all a bunch of fucking fags, trannies, and dykes! I don't want to see any of you anywhere near my room again!" the patient began to rip at his IV line.

Meredith balked for a moment, "Okay, okay, we'll leave. Don't tear out your IV. We'll find a cishet doctor to take care of your case," she then walked around the bed, leaving the chart on the end of the bed as the last of the group nearly rushed out of the hospital room.

George and Callie were sitting on the floor next to each other. George had his arms around his legs and his knees in his chest. Callie had her arm around him and her head resting on his shoulder while she rubbed soothing circles in his back. Cristina was picking at her lips while pacing back and forth a yard or so away from them.

Alex immediately dropped down onto the floor next to his boyfriend and kissed the cheek that he was able to reach from where Geoge's face was buried in his knees. "You're four times the man that asshole will ever be. Don't let his stupid, close-mindedness make you think any differently."

"It's just been so long since anyone called me that or even figured out I was trans without me telling them," George whispered. "I've had dysphoria during the last couple years since I finished with my surgeries but I feel like I'm in high school again. Long hair and dresses and all."

"Oh, George," Izzie whispered as she squatted down in front of him. "I'm sorry that you had to deal with that. I don't know what it feels like to be anything other than cis, but I do know what it's like for someone to hate you without even knowing you for something you can't change."

Callie kissed the top of his head. "That asshole might hate you but I know that Clover was ecstatic to see you today. Those stickers came from them, right?"

"Mhm. They wanted me to bring you guys your own stickers but I told them that they'd have to wait for you to do your check in," he chuckled as he pulled his face out of his knees.

Alex smiled as he cupped his boyfriend's cheek, "There's my handsome man."

George felt his cheeks fill with blood as a deep scarlet overtook his complexion. "Alex…"

"What? I'm done being straight-passing with this relationship being a secret and all. We're dating and you're my very handsome boyfriend," he leaned in and pecked his lips.

"We should wait here for Bailey to come back, right?" Cristina asked as she paused in her pacing. "I mean, that way she won't yell at us in front of other patients and we can tell her why we didn't do what we were told."

Meredith walked over to her best friend and caught her hand. "Come sit down with us. It'll be like when we were in elementary school and got in trouble. Bailey's the teacher we have to wait for so that she can yell at us."

"Are you drunk?" Cristina asked, her brows furrowing together. She squinted at the other woman's face to try and figure out what was wrong with her.

"No. I've just never been called a dyke before, so I think I'm having an internal break down," she answered with a shrug. "I've slept with a million types of people before and yet I've never had someone use a slur like that on me. Slut, whore, skank, adulterous, yeah. But never a slur."

Callie reached up and pulled the blond down onto the ground on the other side of her. "Come on. Today I'm lesser than Bailey because apparently being trans means that I'm not allowed to touch patients or a good enough doctor."

"Callie…" George whispered as he leaned against her. "You're an amazing doctor. Just be sitting on the floor like you're in Kindergarten to support your partners, who also just got slured out of a room."

She hummed as she thought about it for a moment. "I think I can live with that," she leaned over and kissed his cheek.

Cristina and Meredith sat down next to the polycule, waiting for the resident to come back and check how they were doing. They were completely silent for the next couple of minutes until Bailey came marching down the hall at them.

"Why are you all just out here?" she demanded as she put her hands on her hips and looked at them all. "Torres, you too?"

"I'm trans. That's why I'm out here," George supplied with a bitter little laugh.

"Pan," Alex said with a shrug.

"Demisexual," Izzie replied, the words sticking to her lips due to her nerves. She had come out so recently that it still didn't feel quite real.

"Trans," Callie nodded as she grabbed George's hand and rubbed her thumb over his knuckles.

"Pan," Meredith yawned.

"Bisexual, demiromantic," Cristina glanced at the resident for a moment before she went back to staring at the floor.

Bailey turned away for a moment before she looked back at them with that furious expression she got whenever she was having none of it. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"He called me a tranny," George's voice broke as more tears welled up in his eyes. "I got a trans masc sticker from Clover when I checked on them this morning because it's pride month. He's…"

"He's a transphobic, homophobic asshole. He shouted slurs at us until we left," Callie stood up and tugged her scrubs back down. "I don't want any of your interns going in there. They're sitting here waiting for you to yell at them like they're in Kindergarten because a lot of them just got slured at for the first time and two of them are having flashbacks to college and high school. Don't let him anywhere near them if you care about them. I'm going to go and find some bones to break."

Bailey opened and closed her mouth a couple times as she watched the other resident push past her and walk towards her next patient. "You should all go back to your rounds. I'll put a note on his form saying that sexuality and genders shouldn't be discussed with him and try to find someone that can handle him. I'm sorry you all had to deal with that. Go back to your rounds." Her voice was noticeably softer and calmer than it had been since they had become her interns.

They pushed themselves up off of the floor and dispersed themselves about the hospital as they continued their rounds with patients that they had left when they got paged. They did the rest of their work in the morning in a bit of a daze. Having those words shouted at them had been hard on all of them, but they were able to get through it with the help of their partners, friends, and resident.

[livinglifebehindthemask]

The Chosen

Based on the book The Selection by Kiera Cass

Pairing: Magnus/Alec with a small side of Helen/Aline and Reyhill

Rating: M for Mature

Word Count: ~24,000

Art: @flynnifox

Beta: https://archiveofourown.org/users/myblackeyedboy

Summary: In a land where your place in society was decided long before you are born, Alec Lightwood spends his day as a farm hand for a local family. His family is just above the poorest in the country. The most he can expect in life is to die early from stress like his grandfather before him.

But this year everything will change.

The only son of the King of Edom has come of age. There will soon be a lottery between the counties and twenty-three young women will be picked to try and win over the heart of the beloved prince. However, this year will be different, for the first time ever men are allowed to enter as well. Will Alec risk the shame of coming out for a chance to meet his childhood crush, that is if he is chosen.

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/33675712/chapters/83691226

1

The sun was just rising when Alec awoke. The Lightwood household was still quiet, but not for long. Soon the rooster would caw and the whole house would rise. Alec leaned back in his small bed. Across the tiny room was his brother, Max. The poor little boy had soot still on his nose from helping their dad clean the chimney of the main house.

A bird started cawing outside of their window and Max stirred. Time to get up and get ready for the day. There were three children in the Lightwood household. The Lightwood family were Sevens. They were just above the homeless untouchables and people didn’t hesitate to remind them of this fact.

The Kingdom of Edom had eight class levels. Ones were the royalty and magical mystics. The second level were the models, actors, soldiers, and politicians. The Threes held most of the everyday jobs like teachers, doctors, lawyers, writers, and inventors. Fours were the farmers, chefs, and business owners. Fives were the artists. Singers, musicians, and dancers filled this level. The Fives were on the cusp of poverty for more than half the year. Sixes and Sevens were similar in that they were mostly servants, wait staff, secretaries, housekeepers, factory workers; however Sevens worked outside. They were also similar in pay. While their jobs were needed they were barely paid for their work. Eights were the lowest class, made up of the homeless. Traitors and criminals were among their ranks and they had to beg for food or steal.

Alec’s family lived on the Herondale family farm. It was steady work, but not well paid. The five Lightwoods did most of the upkeep needed on the farm. While the Herondale’s ran the business side of the farm. The Heriondales were only Fours, three levels above the Lightwoods, but they never treated them as anything less than family. However, even the Herondale’s were not that rich.

Max rolled over in his small bed and resumed softly snoring. Shifting out of his bed and pulling on his threadbare socks Alec pushed his feet into the worn out shoes and quietly shuffled out to use the bathroom. Alec splashed water on his face afterwards to wake himself up more. He heard a rooster and knew that everyone else would be getting up soon too. Down the hall from the bathroom was his parents room and his sister’s room. Izzy had a room to herself, but it was not much. It had been a place for storage once upon a time, but when Izzy got older they took her bed and squeezed it in the small room. It was big enough for a small bed, side table, and a chest at the foot of the bed. Still it was her little sanctuary.

His mother was already up, fixing food. He leaned over and kissed his mother’s cheek before pulling on his overcoat and heading outside. His first task of the morning was to milk the cows. Once he did that he had to make sure they were fed and comfortable. The chickens would be next.

The wind chilled him to the bone. Fall was not far off and winter would quickly follow. The crops would be harvested soon and the land left barren for the season. It had been a hard summer. The drought had lasted too long and their yield was not going to be as much as previous years. There was a possibility that the Herondales might have to let them go. This was the only home Alec had ever known and he didn’t want Max to grow up in this uncertainty.

The only way out of your level was marriage for women or being drafted into the military for men. At nineteen, men were randomly selected for the draft. For some it was a way out of poverty, but it also brought on more danger. Men that went to the front in the war with Diyu rarely came back. Still if he could get drafted and stay alive for at least a few months then the money he earned could help his family. One more year and he would be old enough for the draft. There was, however, an exception to the marriage rule.

Male pregnancy had always been the stuff of legends, but after the king's mystics found the proper mixture of spells and potions men were able to carry children to term just like women. While only Threes and up had enough money to pay for magical potions and spells, the lower levels didn't. Fours on down were more traditional. Men married women and had families.

"Hey." He turned to see Jace, the oldest Herondale son. Jace was about a year younger than Alec, all blond hair and muscles. The Lightwood and Herondale children had grown up together. There were five Herondale children: Jace, Sebastian, who was two years younger and a year younger than Izzy. Aaron was four years younger and the closest to Max's age. Then Layla and Dylan who were the only girls, twins of about five years old.

"Hey." Alec smiled back as his heart sped up. Alec was not like most men, he was in love with a man. Well two men. His place in society meant he could never have what he truly wanted.

"Need any help?" Jace was still rubbing his eyes.

"You can take that bucket back to my mom." Maryse, Alec's mother, and Izzy worked on the dairy side of the farm while at the same time Robert, Alec, and little Max did the tilling of earth. Jace nodded and walked, grabbing the full bucket and taking it back to the house. Alec sighed as he watched the man leave. He needed to snap out of this. Besides, Jace already had a girlfriend. So Alec being in love with his best friend was completely wrong. There were a handful of Twos and Threes but most of the province of Idris' residents were Fives on down.

The second man Alec was in love with was even more unattainable. Magnus Octavioasn Aemilius Bane was the crown prince of Edom, but Alec felt like he knew him after watching him grow up on the public access channel. He had copper skin, just like his mother, raven hair that was always perfectly coiffed, and honey gold eyes, like his father.

Alec sighed as he finished up with the second bucket. Why was he attracted to men that were so unattainable?

Later after the eggs had been collected and his mother had gotten the milk, he sat down for a simple meal of porridge and day-old bread.

"How is the harvest coming?" His mom asked his dad.

"Better than we had expected but nowhere near enough. Stephen said they will try to make a good profit on what they have but there will not be any left over." Robert sighed. The drought had really hit Idris hard. Fellow farmers didn't have any room for extra workers. The dairy would keep them going through the winter but Alec knew his father was already looking for other work.

“I can go into Alicante and see if anyone needs help.” Alec offered. His father had been looking too tired as of late.

“You are needed here, Alec.” His father sighed.

“After the last of the harvest. Maybe I can get enough work before the snow starts to fall.” His father would not say no to any work and Alec was the same way.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Izzy came into the boys’ room after dinner. Max was taking a bath so Alec was alone with his thoughts for a moment.

“Alec.” His sister walked over and sat beside him. “I just delivered some milk to the main house and I heard Mr. and Mrs. Herondale talking about the Prince. His birthday is soon.” Alec nodded as if trying to follow along but he was lost. Izzy sighed. “When a prince of Edom turns 20 he is deemed marriageable age.”

OH. It was time for the prince to find his spouse. Daughters of the King were usually married off to foreign leaders to secure bonds, but sons always married a daughter of Edom. Soon letters would be going out to every female between the ages of sixteen and twenty to be placed into a lottery and see which would become a part of the chosen few.

“Then you will be able to enter.” Alec said with a small smile. If a girl became a part of the chosen few her status was automatically upped to a Three if she was not a natural born Two or Three. Even if she went home the very next day she would still retain that level. Izzy deserved a better life than the one she lived.

“I was not finished,” She admonished. “They said that rumor has it that the Prince is bisexual and might be looking for women and men.” Alec’s head spun for a moment. The Prince was...how...no. It had to be a rumor. That was it, just a silly rumor.

“Ssso?” He hated how his voice slipped as he tried to sound confident.

“So, I will not be the only one that can fill out the form.” Alec shot up from his bed and stuffed his feet back into his worn out shoes.

“I forgot to check the hen house.” Alec nearly ran out of the door just to get away from her. No, absolutely no one knew of his feelings toward men and yet Izzy had pretty much spelled it out. Alec made his way over to the hen house knowing fully well he had locked the gate and nothing could get in or out.

If the Prince wanted a male spouse...it was not unheard of in the upper levels, however, as long as he could remember Princes married daughters of Edom, not sons of Edom. Tucking that thought away, back where it belonged, Alec walked around for a bit before he was sure Izzy would be in her room so he could sneak back in without encountering her knowing smile.

2

Alec wiped his brow before the sweat could fall into his eyes. It was nearly noon and the harvesting was almost done. His father was right, it was not going to be enough to make a decent profit. Alec had already decided he was going into town the next day to look for work. Neither his father nor little brother were looking particularly well lately. Max had always been a little sickly, but Alec feared it might be stress for his father. Roberts' own father had died around the same age from a heart attack. So had his father before him. Working all day outside in the heat and the cold for very little pay would be stressful for anyone. Alec was not going to let that be the fate of his father, not if he could help it.

Later after a small dinner the family traveled up to the main house to watch the weekly report. No one missed a report, ever. Even the homeless could find a store front to watch the report from. It told the people of Edom everything they needed to know from prices of produce, to the war. Tonight was going to be particularly special. This would be the night they would announce the Prince’s birthday and the Chosen guidelines.

When they got to the Herondales' they found that Dylan and Layla were already in Jace’s lap, each one occupying a leg of their favorite brother. Aaron and Max went to sit in a corner, probably going to play with cards or bottle caps. They didn’t much care for the report. A bunch of boring updates that never had anything to do with two lower class boys. It would be a few years before they started to take notice.

Izzy sat next to Sebastian, who was sitting next to Jace, and Alec took the floor in front of her. For the past year both mothers have been trying to push the kids together. Izzy could marry into a higher level and get out of the hard labor. Lower levels tended to marry early as premarital sex was punishamble by banishment or death. Most people married within their class and it was rare that a boy from a high caste would marry a level beneath him, not to mention three levels.

Jace already had a girlfriend, a little fiery red headed Five. Clary Fairchild lived in the middle of town, above a bookstore. Her past was a sordid one. Her mother used to be a Five, a painter in Alicante. A neighbor boy, who was a Four, had gone to a school far from Idris. One vacation he brought his new friend, a Two, to visit. Jocelyn fell for the charismatic Valentine Morgenstern.

They married and Jocelyn left Alicante for the capital. Unfortunately Valentine was caught in a plot to overthrow the king, along with his son, Jonathan. Jocelyn was innocent in the plot and in exchange for testifying against her husband she was able to go back to her hometown and became a Five once again. Clary was the younger child and only eight when all this happened so she went with her mother. The demotion from Two to Five must have been hard for Clary, who was used to such a grand lifestyle as the daughter of a politician. But she was a natural Five, being as good of an artist as her mom.

But if the weather didn’t get better both unions might have to wait. There might even be a possibility that Jace or Sebatien would be forced to marry a wealthier Four bride. Love was still the primary reason that most lower level couples married for, but in the upper levels connections took precedence over emotions.

“There he is!” Izzy cheered. She didn’t need to be so loud, but nonetheless Alec turned his head to the TV. King Asmodeus and Queen Annisa walked in, hand in hand with Magnus on his father’s other side. Magnus walked with grace and beauty. The raven haired man had his head held high. A streak of blue running through his perfectly quaffed hair. Being from the Bane family the Prince knew magic and knew how to change his appearance and he never missed an opportunity to make a statement.

Izzy squeezed her brother’s shoulder as Jace tried to calm the girls down. The report would start with the Edom national anthem, led by the royals themselves. Then advisers would stand one by one and give a brief update of issues around the kingdom. Only after that would the talk turn to the Chosen.

As the program went on Alec found his heart was beating faster. Why did it matter? Even if he did enter he would never be chosen and then he would bring shame to his family. He was expected to marry within his class, not above it, and to a woman.

Both families listened to the reports with the kids zoning in and out of listening. Max and Aaron were still playing in the corner, Dylan had settled down but her sister was still a ball of energy. Finally after the last governmental report, the one about the farms, the attention was turned to the master of ceremonies, Simon Lewis. His dark curly hair was perfectly styled and he held a microphone to match his magenta suit. Simon bowed before the King.

“Thank you, Sire. It is an honor to be a part of this historic choosing.” Alec felt his breath hitch for a moment. Historic, so it was true. The rumor was true. “Prince Magnus, might you join me down here.” The Prince stood from his chair and gracefully walked down the few steps and over to where Simon and a small table and two chairs waited.

“Thank you very much, Simon.” The Prince and the MC sat down.

“It is I that should be thanking you. Life is never boring around you.” Magnus chuckled.

“That is very true and soon it will be more chaotic.”

“Speaking of, how are you feeling about this year's choosing? Twenty-three young women chosen to come vie for the Prince's attention?” Simon wiggled his brows. “Must be quite a task.”

“It would be, but I have decided to take it a step farther.” Magnus turned to the camera and spoke straight to the people. “I am opening the Chosen to the sons of Edom, not just to the daughters.”

Those words buzzed in his ears loud enough that Alec didn’t hear anything else. <i>Sons of Edom.</i>

3

The news exploded through all twenty-three provinces of Edom. The local province registration offices were flooded with people, both male and female, all trying to get their chance at this lottery. In Alicante most of the men that signed up were Threes or Fours. No men from the lower levels were seen near the office. Even the Fours signing up were risking everything.

Robert had forbidden Izzy from signing up. “If he is that much of a deviant then we don’t need our family dragged into that.” Of course he had only said that within the confines of his small home with his family present. But that didn’t stop Alec from wanting it. He wanted to sign up and even made up his mind to walk the five miles to the office, twice, before he chicken out.

As the days went by Alec filled his time with finding new work to offset the cost of winter. He had found a few construction jobs along with cleaning up a couple abandoned plots of land. The money he brought home was well worth it. He had even started to forget about his own wishes until the night Max came down sick.

Max had never been that healthy, but most of the common remedies for colds kept the sickness at bay. He was not to work in the cold and rain, but being on a farm he often had to help his father and brother. The weather had started to turn cold when Max woke up one morning with a headache and he looked as white as a sheet.

Unfortunately they couldn’t send for a doctor, that was just too expensive. Even the Herondales didn’t have the money. Maryse sat by her son’s bed and tried to make him as comfortable as possible.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Izzy pulled Alec into her room and closed the door. “What do you want?” Izzy had been trying to get Alec alone all day, but there was work to be done. Finally after dinner she was able to corner him.

“Here.” She handed him a small white envelope. Alec looked at it and then back up to his sister. “Open it, you idiot.” She said, exasperated. Alec rolled his eyes and sat on her small bed to open up the envelope. The moment he read the first sentence of the form he knew what it was. It was the Chosen form.

“Izzy, no.”

“Alec, yes. This could be your only chance at real love.” That was if the Prince even chose him, which he probably would not. He would want some handsome Two or Three that knew poetry and how to model rather than when to plant the next crop or how to clean a chimney in under an hour.

“And what if it gets back to mom and dad? They can not afford the shame.”

“Alec.” Izzy took his hand in hers. Both of them worked hard but Izzy still had softer hands. “We are one step above the homeless. We live in this hell of a level because of our ancestors. That does not mean we should not want more. You don’t want to waste your life working outside on a farm, marrying someone you don’t love, and then possibly dying early from all the hard work?”

Alec looked back at the form. If the people of Alicante found out and refused to employ him...he could move to Brooklyn, thirty miles to the east, he reasoned. The city had more opportunities and maybe he could bring back a lot of money, but was this worth all that effort?

“Try, Alec. If you are picked then the family will get a stipend for your absence. That money could be used to heal Max. It could keep us in this house for another winter.” Izzy was right. If he was chosen his parents would get money and Alec would be elevated to a Three. Even if he was shown the door the first night he would have a different level that would allow him to be a teacher or a writer or anything else really.

“Ok, Iz. I will try.”

-=-=-=-=-=-

The next day before anyone had gotten up Alec rose from his temporary bed. Alec had given up his bed so his mother could sleep near Max in case he needed her. Alec took the worn out couch in the living room as his bed.

Going to the bathroom he combed his hair and washed his face. After everyone had gone to bed the night before Alec had looked over the form. It was said that pictures were taken when the person turned their form in. So much for it being a random lottery. Still Alec wanted to look his best. He had borrowed a shirt from Jace, not exactly telling him why he wanted it, but the light blue shirt looked newer than his brown or grey ones. It made his blue eyes pop and that was more than he could hope for.

Back out of the bathroom he stuffed his small satchel with his work shirt, the form, and some food before leaving a note for his parents. He was planning on finding work after he put the form in. It would give him an excuse as to why he had left so early. He would not turn any job down, no matter what it entailed.

It was early morning as he walked across the fields to the road that would lead him into Alicante proper. Alicante was a small town with a main street full of little shops and then homes surrounding it. The registration office opened at eight and he still had over two hours before that. He could take this walk at a leisurely pace. He didn’t want to be muddy or sweaty when he got to the office.

As he walked he tried to think what it would be like if he was chosen. There would never any be a chance with Jace. He didn’t favor men and only had eyes for Clary. Like Izzy said, this could be his only hope at a relationship with a man.

Slowly the sun rose higher and higher in the sky. People started to open their businesses as he passed main street. He would be back soon to see if anyone needed help. The business owners were always so nice to him and his family. Turning off main street he headed for the edge of town. The registration office was right across from the train station on the edge of town. He stopped by the station to see the price of a ticket to Brooklyn. If everything went south he would need a way out.

There was already a small line in front of the office. Two more days and the registration would be closed. It seemed he was not the only one that wanted to get their pictures taken early. There were a handful of girls with their mothers who looked like they were on their way to work. Probably Sixes going to work at local factories or maybe even bookkeepers.

The group looked at him for a moment as he stood behind the last woman in line. Even if he flushed with embarrassment he refused to turn around. He was here and he was going to put his form in.

Within twenty minutes of standing in line and a few more people joining the line the office opened. This gave Alec time to wipe his face of any dirt or sweat he had gathered from the trek. The wait was short before he was allowed in the building. The woman at the front desk looked him over before asking for his form. Most government office workers were Fours so he was pretty sure this woman looked down on him.

Taking out the form from his bag he handed it over. Where girls might have been able to put skills of cooking and sewing down Alec only had one skill, archey. He hadn’t even done it in years since Jace’s bow had broken in their early teens. Still it was better than any other skill he could think of.

“Alright, Alexander Lightwood?”

“Alec.”

“Alec. This way to the photo booth.” She motioned into a small room. Inside was a photographer and his assistant. Alec swallowed his embarrassment and walked inside.

“Come over, my son. Getting your picture taken for the choosing?” The man didn’t bat an eye at him. He must not be from Alicante.

“Yes sir.” Alec put his bag down on the floor near the door and walked over to where the man pointed to. Once he sat down the assistant made a few adjustments to the lighting before going behind the camera with the photographer.

“Alright, son. I want you to think of your happiest memory. Hold it close to your heart and smile. One.” Alec thought of a time when Jace, Izzy, and himself had played near a brook, acting like they were pirates that wanted to take over the world. “Two.” He remembered being chosen to be Jace’s first mate and how much pride he took in that job, mostly “swabbing the decks.” “Three.”

Alec smiled brightly as the flash went off. He hoped he looked as happy as he felt from the memory.

After Alec left the office he hid in an alleyway and changed his shirt. Stuffing the nicer shirt back in his bag he set off back down the street towards main street. That day he was able to scrape enough money together to save some for his train ticket plus a little more to bring home.

4

It had been two weeks since he put his form in. The lottery had closed and soon the Chosen would be picked. Even though he felt like he had changed, no one else seemed to notice. No one turned him away when he asked if there was any work he could do. That made him breathe a little easier.

So far he had brought in enough money that his parents could get medicine from the store to help little Max. He still was not better, but he hadn’t gotten worse. There was no way that in the next few months he could get enough money together so they could visit a doctor. If Max didn’t get better on his own there might only be four Lightwoods left.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Alec sat his pack down at the door and stretched his back and neck. Today had been a hard day. Only a few people needed help in the town. It was still another week until people started to winterize their homes. Both Robert and Alec had clients lined up starting the next Monday.

“Hey, Alec.” Izzy was in the kitchen stirring something over the stove.

“Please tell me you didn’t make that all on your own.” He ducked as a towel sailed towards him.

“It’s one of mom’s stews so no it will not poison you, but I might.” Izzy was not the greatest cook, mainly because their mom never let her help. Maryse wanted to be in control of everything in the kitchen but now with Max sick, she couldn’t.

Their father came in moments later. He looked paler than usual. The partiach had been working twice as hard the past couple weeks. They were both trying to make as much money as they could.

“Food will be ready soon, Papa.” Izzy said as she moved to cut up some bread. Alec went to the bathroom to wash up, followed by his father. They didn’t speak, both so tired, but they had to conserve their energy. The weekly report was coming on tonight. As Alec exited the bathroom it struck him tonight the twenty-three people were being picked. His heart beat a little faster as he walked himself back to the kitchen and sat down at the small table.

“Alec?” He looked up to see his sister placing the food in front of him. “You look spaced out. Please tell me you have not been working too much.” Alec shook his head and opened his mouth to answer but their mother walked in.

“Is the food ready? Max said he wanted to try it.” Their mother seemed to have aged several years in only a few days. Izzy dished out some of the stew, more liquid than solids. Their mother took it and turned back to the hall. Their parents passed each other sharing only a quick glance.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Robert, Izzy, and Alec were the only ones to make the trek up to the main house. Maryse refused to leave her child behind and Max was in no shape to walk up.

The Herondale household was more subdued than it had been a few weeks before when the Choosing announcement was made. Dylan and Layla still sat near their favorite brother but neither were very talkative. Aaron sat against the wall with his legs drawn up to his chest. Sebastian sat beside his brother with Izzy and Alec on his other side. Robert sat in a side chair while Mr. and Mrs. Herondale shared the other side chair.

The report started. The King and Queen walked out with Magnus beside them. His suit was made of deep green velvet with gold buttons. While he did look dashing Alec didn’t have much enthusiasm in him. They would announce the Chosen and Alec would not be one of them. No Seven had ever made it to the Choosing, not once in over two hundred years. They would not start now for a male.

The announcements were made but they barely listened. His father was staring into space either in deep thought or just too tired to focus. There was nothing particularly interesting about the announcement. Nothing they had not heard before. Finally Simon Lewis took the stage with an electric blue suit jacket.

“He has interesting style choices.” Izzy commented to no one in particular.

“And now the moment that I am sure everyone in Edom is waiting for. Prince Magnus, would you join me?” The Prince moved from his throne down to where Simon stood with a handful of cards. “Now, your majesty, I am told you did peek at a few of the pictures of applicants.”

“Yes. I was only allowed a few minutes to look through a few profiles, but everyone I saw looked stunning. I would be lucky to have any of them as my spouse.” Simon chuckled and pulled up his cards.

“Alright, then let’s get this started. In no particular order let’s see who the lucky twenty-three sons and daughters of Edom will be.” The first picture that came up was a blonde woman with a dazzling smile. “Camille Belcourt, Two.” Of course. “Merlion Knight, Two.” The next picture was a dark haired man with a slight smile.

The next few came so quickly. They were all beautiful people. Two more Twos and three Threes.

“Helen Blackthorn, Three.” Another blonde but her face was softer than the first blonde. “Lydia Brandwell, Two.” They had yet to give any below a Three. They might throw a Four or Five in there for good measure but that would probably be it.

“Andrew Underhill, Four.” A picture flashed of a joyous man with blond curls. Two more Threes and then their first Five “Maureen Brown, Five.” She looked more like a child than a woman, if she was sixteen it would be a miracle. More names rolled past but Alec had lost count. They had to be coming to an end soon. Izzy reached out to take his hand and he looked at her out of his peripheral vision. She was not looking at him but she was here for him.

Two more Fives, another Four, another Three, another two Fours, another two Fives. “And last but certainly not least.” Simon said before the last photo flashed up on screen. “Alexander Lightwood, Seven.”

5

Idris was a wash with activity. It had only been two days since the Chosen had been announced and the Lightwood family had had many visitors. They all wanted to congratulate a Chosen son of Edom. At first Alec’s family had been surprised. When his name came up on the television along with his glowing photo, Alec had froze up. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he could ever make it.

Izzy had jumped up from the couch yelling and dancing around. This seemed to lighten the twin’s moods and they got up to dance not knowing why. Alec felt all eyes on him but his eyes were still on the TV as the Prince thanked all the Chosen and wished them safe travels to the capital. Then the national anthem played again before going to snow.

After the TV was switched off there was no sound but the girls asking why they were celebrating.

“Home.” Was the only word their father said before standing up and leaving the room. Alec and Izzy followed close behind knowing an explosion was going to happen as soon as they made the walk down to their house. Maryse was in the kitchen when they came back, pushing her soup around. She was not all that hungry but needed to keep up her strength.

“Sit.” His father’s voice was clipped and both Lightwood siblings sat down at the table.

“What is wrong, dear?” Their mother asked.

“Alec entered the Chosen.”

“And won!” Izzy snuck in before her father glared at her.

“Alexander...” His mother started with sadness in her voice.

“You entered that lottery without a thought of what it could do to your family. We are nearly destitute, Alexander.”

“I know, Father..”

“No you do not! We will lose jobs! Everyone now knows you are a deviant. You will never be able to marry a good girl...” Alec slammed his hands on the table and stood up.

“I never wanted to marry a good girl! Father, I am gay. I have known for some time.” He knew since he was young when he developed his crush on Jace. “And I did think about the family. You will get a stipend for my absence. That will more than pay for the lodging over the winter and get a doctor out here to see Max.” Both of his parents sat stunned at their eldest son. “If I had not won then we would not have had to worry. No one at the Government office has said anything.”

As he ended his speech he felt himself slightly weaken and sat down. Izzy reached across the table to take his hand but he pulled them back into his lap.

“And how long do you think you can stay?” His father asked. “Once you are thrown out you will have nothing and neither will we!”

“I will be a Three.” Alec said. “I will be able to get a better job, one where I don’t break my back and die at 40.” This caused his father to pale. Most Lightwood men only make it to 40 or 50 if they were lucky. Life was just too hard. Finally his father sat down at the table with his family.

“The damage has been done. You have made your bed, Alec, now you must lie in it.”

It was the very next day that a few local workers stopped by to bring some food for the family. The next visitors were a few businessmen from town. They talked with Robert and offered him some work for a good price. They must have told a Doctor because the very next day Dr. Hodge, the local physician, showed up to examine Max. Finally something was getting done.

-=-=-=-=-=-

On the third day a Mr. Victor Aldertree knocked upon their door at two p.m. The dark skinned man looked out of place in the Lightwood home with his beautiful three piece suit and top hat, though the man didn’t exactly look like he wanted to be there to begin with.

“May I speak with Mr. Alexander Lightwood?” The family brought the man into the kitchen and sat around the small table. Izzy was pleased to be a part of all this. Alec felt sick.

“Now, Mr. and Mrs. Lightwood, I have a few questions that need to be asked of you and of young Mr. Lightwood. Some of these questions are of a sensitive nature. I feel that it might be best if your daughter were not present.” Izzy gave an indignant sound and stormed off. Alec would fill her in later.

“Alright, Alexander, I need you to answer all these questions as truthfully as you can. If at any time we find out that you have lied you will be reprimanded and thrown out of the Choosing. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” Alec nodded.

“First question, when was your last physical exam?” Alec blinked as he couldn’t remember.

“I do not remember.” They didn’t have money to go to the Doctor that often. Aldertree marked something down.

“Would you be willing to get one, paid for by the Crown.” He added.

“Yes.”

“Very good. Now sexual orientation.” Alec flushed bright red. “Would you consider yourself hetreosexual, bisexual, or homosexual?”

“Hhhomosexual.”

“Have you engaged in any sexual activity with a member of the opposite sex or the same sex?” Alec felt like his face was going to burn off from the heat of embarrassment.

“Nnno.”

“To which one?”

“Both.”

“Very good.” The man wrote something else down before moving on to less sensitive questions. By the time Aldertree was packing up Alec could feel a headache coming on.

“Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Lightwood, Alexander. Someone will be in touch with you shortly about the trip to the capital and a schedule for a physical examination.” The man exited the house and put his hat back on. “Good day to you all.”

6

It was a Thursday when he would finally leave his family and journey to the capital. Edom City was named after the country for which they resided in and was the main headquarters of the royal family and the military. From what Alec had read about when he was younger there were buildings so high up you couldn’t tell where they stopped and the sky began.

There was not much for him to pack. His family had used most of their money on a new outfit for him. The palace would be taking over his wardrobe once he got there and most of his clothes had more holes than a beehive. He was taking only his small satchel filled with a few trinkets.

Max had given him a wooden horse that Jace had carved for him one year. <i>“It will keep you safe.”</i> Izzy gave him a small book that she had purchased a few years back. Alec loved to read but he had neither the time nor the books to actually read. <i>“When you have time between kissing the Prince and talking to high society you can sit somewhere and read.”</i> His mother had given him a handkerchief that she had embroidered his name on. <i>“I hope you will be happy, dear.”</i> His father, however, didn’t give him any trivial trinket. He was not a man that was sentimental. Instead he gave a few words of advice. <i>“While I do not like this, you are the first Seven to ever be picked. Head up and chin out. Show Edom that a Seven is not as lowly and weak as they think.”</i>

The day before Jace and Alec had sat by the river and briefly talked. Saying goodbye to his best friend was not as hard as he thought it would be, but he knew once he got to the palace he would miss Jace terribly.

“I think it's really cool you went for what you wanted, Alec.” Alec looked over at his blonde friend.

“You don’t mind me being...”

“Nope,” Jace said, shaking his head. “I kind of always knew. I don’t know, like this feeling.” Alec found himself blushing and looking away from the other. “I mean, if I was like you, I wouldn’t mind having you for a partner.” That caused Alec to blush even deeper. They didn’t say much after that, just sitting by the river listening to the water.

When they got up to leave Jace reached in his pocket and pulled out a small bracelet of colored beads.

“I had Clary make this for you. I know it's not much...but I don’t want you to forget about me.” Alec felt tears in his eyes when he pulled Jace into a tight hug.

“I could never forget you.”

The car arrived to take him to the station. Once on the train it was a straight shot to the capital but they would be making a few stops. After Idris they would be traveling through the Undying Lands, the biggest farmland in all of Edom and the richest. First stop would be Winter Vale where they would pick up Helen Blackthorn. Alec had done very little research on most of the other Chosen but since the Undying Lands were so close he looked up the three people coming from there.

Helen’s family were from level Three, being mostly lawyers and educators. She was actually going to become a lawyer when she was chosen. Now that Alec had become part of the Chosen he had ascended to the rank of a Three. Maybe he would become a teacher or librarian. He did like books and to be surrounded by them would be wonderful.

Six and Sevens attended a mediocre public school. They learned only the basics and were done by the time they were sixteen so they could get out and start working. They didn’t need much more than that. If you worked in a factory or out in the sun why would you need to know complex chemical formulas or the history of Edom before it was called that. Alec smiled slightly, he would never have to work out in the sweltering heat ever again.

After Winter Vale would be Spring Dale, where they would pick up Meliorn Knight and Annabelle Powerton, both Twos. Meliorn’s father had been drafted into the military when he was nineteen, he was already a Two so his status wouldn’t change. Apparently Merliorn did not want to follow his father into the military and the man had never held a job in his life. Being at the high end of the age range maybe he was just hoping to become the spouse of the next king of Edom. Annabelle’s father was a politician and very trusted by the people in the Undying Lands. She was a pretty girl, petite with chin length brown hair, and a tiny waist. Any one of the other Chosen from this area would be better suited for life in the royal palace.

Alec had never been on a train so when he was shown where the car the Chosen would be riding he jumped as the train started to pull out. Sitting in one of the oversized chairs he looked out as the land whipped past. Soon he would be out of Idris. The farthest he had ever been from home. After the Undying Lands was the county of Adamant Citadel, where the military trained, then on to the capitol. The trip should take around four hours, at least that was what he had been told.

There had not been any big send off for Alec. Anyone who was anyone had already wished him good luck. He had said goodbye to his family at their home. The Herondales had come to see him off and Alec’s heart ached to hug Jace goodbye. His first crush. It all seemed so long ago. Now he was on a train headed for his future, whatever that would be.

-=-=-=-=-

At their first stop Helen Blackthorn was brought on. She was a tall, thin woman with blonde hair that was pulled back from her face, and blue-green eyes. She wore a black long jacket over a tan pantsuit and tall heels that made her much taller than Alec who stood at 6’1”. She was nice but a little aloof. They spoke for a little while before their second stop.

As they pulled into the Spring Dale station, Alec could see from the train all the fanfare that the next two Chosen were getting. A man with long brown hair, half tied up, was waving and carrying flowers. He had on an all white suit that Alec wondered how he kept clean. By the time the other Chosen had got on and came back to the car Meliorn had ditched the flowers. From what Alec could see now Meliorn was not wearing a shirt, just the suit jacket.

Annabelle was walking behind him looking a slight bit mift. Oh dear, drama and they had not even got to the capital yet. Annabelle came up to Helen’s midriff, she wore a short pink lace dress and black shoes. She had a small bag on her left arm that looked no bigger than an envelope.

Meliron sat across the aisle from Alec and Helen and took out a grey box and started pressing on it. Annabelle sat next to Helen, who was across from Alec. She didn’t even look his way. Helen had been nice, but no doubt Annabelle didn’t want to associate with anyone that used to be a Seven. Sighing he turned back to the window.

After Spring Dale was miles and miles of farmland and forest. Some later they entered the Adamant Citadel countryside. No more farmland, but flat, lush greenery around small bunches of trees. They sailed through only one town. It had been a couple hours and Alec was getting tired of looking at fast moving scenery when a voice came from the ceiling.

“We will be arriving in Edom within the hour.” A jolt of excitement went through the four Chosen. Annabelle was getting out a mirror and some makeup from her tiny purse. Helen also opened her satchel to take out a mirror to make sure her hair was still in place. Meliorn was sitting up and straightening his jacket before taking a cloth and wiping down his shiny white shoes. Alec just pushed some of his hair from his face, behind his ear. Why did he need to look good anyway? Prince Magnus’ eyes would overlook him for someone like Meliorn or Annabelle.

It was not much later when Annabelle squealed and pointed out the window. Turning in his seat Alec saw the great city of Edom. There were many greyish buildings all clustered together. The sun shone brightly on the buildings and windows. It looked beautiful but so different from the county of Idris. It glimmered in the distance like a beacon. They passed the treeline right before they entered the station. From what Alec could see there were no trees or plants of any kind. Just cement and steel.

The train started to slow down as they went through some sort of tunnel. Out of the window all he could see was concrete until the tunnel opened up. Beyond the train was a bustling station with people moving too and fro. Some sat on seats and looked at the same box that Meliorn had taken out. A wall hid his view of the other patrons. When it opened up again he saw that his area was not crowded. There were only a few men in uniform waiting.

The train slowed to a stop. As the Chosen exited the train for long black cars, Alec realised how lonely and far from home he was. <i>“Head up and chin out. Show Edom that a Seven is not as lowly and weak as they think.”</i> Alec took a break and closed his eyes. He might have been a Seven but he had been through more than anyone else in the Chosen. Opening his eyes he stepped into the black car, his blue eyes shining with determination.

7

Alec rode to the palace in the back of a long black car with the rest of the Chosen. Annabelle was going a mile a minute about everything around them. Meliorn was fixing his hair for the third time and Helen was just nodding along to whatever Annabelle was saying. Alec on the other hand was just holding his breath. His last boost of confidence had left him feeling better but he still knew he was out of his element. While Helen had been nice to him, neither Annabelle nor Meliorn had spoken one word to him.

Instead of focusing on that he looked out the window at the large grey building that seemed to be spurting out of the ground below them. What struck him as odd was that there was no greenery around. No plants, trees, or shrubs. This was unlike anything Alec had ever imagined.

“Why are there no plants?” He found himself wondering out loud, then felt utterly embarrassed.

“The soil here is unusable. The country before Edom didn’t care about their land and piled waste anywhere they could.” Helen explained in a soft voice. “Now the ground can not grow as much as one weed. The royal family has been trying to reverse the effects of the toxins, but the mystics have not found a way yet.” Ah, that made sense, although it didn’t sound familiar so that must have not been something they were taught in school. History of the earth would not be high on the list if your only duties were only following the directions of your superiors. Still, it saddened him. He had never lived without greenery in his life. Even with all the work he had to do there was never a day that he didn’t get out in nature.

The palace came into view between a row of buildings. It was like the city parted for them as the road led up to Edom’s royal palace.

As soon as they got out of the car three people, two women and one man stepped up to them.

“Good day, Chosen. My name is Iris, this is Victor and Jane. We are part of the public relations department here at the palace. Each one of you signed a contract to not disclose anything that might make the royal family look bad. We know this was not an easy adjustment for some of you, but now that you reside in the castle you will make the monarchy look good. As such we are here to remind you and wish you a pleasant stay. Just through the doors you will have the chief maid and she will direct you to your rooms.” With that Lanette was done talking to them and moved to the side.

Had he signed a contract? He didn’t remember, but he was pretty sure when he had signed his name back at his home that one day he had pretty much sold his soul.

They trudged up the stairs to the large double doors which were opened for them and a woman with dark brown hair tied up in a nice updo welcomed them.

“Hello, chosen few. My name is Imogen and I am the chief of the attendants. If there is anything you need don’t hesitate to ask. Now let me introduce you to your maids.” Each Chosen got a set of maids or butlers in Meliorn and Alec’s case.

“Miss Blackthorn, these are your maids. Lucy, Aline, and Donna.” Helen curtsied to her maids, which seemed to be flustered with her movements. They must have not been curstiesed to very much. Annebelle was next and then Alec. “Mr. Lightwood, these are your attendants, Will and Jem.” The two men bowed slightly to Alec. No one had ever bowed to him him, a worthless Seven. Well he was no longer a Seven, he was now a Three, but it would take a while to get used to it.

“May we take your things?” Jem asked, his arm already stretched out. All Alec had was the bag on his back.

“I can carry my things.” Alec said nervously. The men looked at each other as if they were trying to communicate with only their eyes. The rest of the Chosen had already started to move farther into the palace. “I only have this bag.” Three sets of eyes looked at the small bag.

“Alright, Mr. Lightwood, please follow us.” Will said, motioning for Alec to follow them. Will had coloring like Alec; dark hair and blue eyes. His face however was full of more color than Alec’s pale skin. Jem had the same type of looks as the prince. Thinner eyes but warm brown irises.

They went up one set of stairs and then another. At the top of the second set of stairs they made a left down a long hallway and then another left only to turn right and then left until they were in a little alcove with a single door. Alec couldn’t help thinking he was being shut away from the rest of the Chosen. He didn’t see Helen, Annabelle, or even Meliorn.

Jem was the first to the door and opened it. Inside was a room roughly four if not five times the size of his own home. It was like a dream. Walking into the room he took in the balcony and the large four poster bed. The canopy was a soft cream color tied back with little silk ties. The bed was decked out in all manor of pillows and lush fabrics.

“Does it suit you, Mr. Lightwood?” Alec blinked and looked back at his three attendants. Suddenly he felt very small. This had been a dream less than a week ago but now being here, inside the palace he felt...wrong. A Seven didn’t belong in a palace, even if he were to work there. He would just soil the place with his filth. “Mr. Lightwood?” Alec could barely hear the name past the panic and rush in his ears.

“I’m fine.” He felt everything but fine. “May I have a moment?” The three attendants looked at each other in that same wordless communication.

“Yes, Mr. Lightwood. We will be just outside the door if you need us.” Quickly the three men disappeared leaving Alec alone in the huge, unfamiliar room. Falling to his knees Alec buried his face in his hands and cried. It was the soft, barely there cry he had felt so many times in his life when he couldn’t take it anymore. He didn’t belong here and by the end of the day he would be the first sent home.

8

It was nearly six when his attendants came back to get him. They brought in a beautiful suit of silvery grey. In the time they had left Alec the young man had cried out all his emotions, leaving him feeling numb and drained. He had splashed cool water on his face from the bathroom and at least looked more put together than he felt. He didn’t even mind the men helping him dress in the beautiful garment.

Dinner was served promptly at seven thirty. That was a little later than they ate back at home, but when you worked all day outside with only a meager sandwich for sustenance you tended to be starving after work. Dinner would be the first chance any of the Chosen would meet the Prince. It would be informal, a quick smile and hello. The next day, however, would be the make or break day.

From what he had gleaned from a bit of research was that the Prince would be expected to cut at least five members of the Chosen within the first week. King Asmodeous had cut seven girls the first day. His father, the late King Modomus had cut about the same amount and the Prince's great-grandfather had cut the competition in half by the third day.

Alec expected to be one of the few to be cut early. He was nothing like Meliorn, sleek and graceful or like that Camille woman he had seen on tv. She had the air of a princess even from just the brief smile he had seen.

“Mr. Lightwood?” A Gentle voice broke through his thoughts. In the mirror he could see Jem looking back at him as he fixed his collar.

“Yes?”

“Be yourself. Do not let them scare you.” Alec wondered what he meant but Will was interrupting them to attach silver cufflinks.

“I will be back shortly with your shoes.”

“Do I look alright?” Alec found himself wondering aloud, looking into Will’s blue eyes.

“You look breathtaking, Sir. The Prince will surely notice you first.” Alec didn’t know if the man was just placating him or he really thought a Seven could stand up to a room full of the elite. He had to remember that even his attendants were above him. Working so close to the royal family and inside the palace meant they were Sixes, yet they treated him as if he was so far above them.

Will returned them with immaculately polished shoes so shiny Alec could see his own reflection in them. Once he was completely dressed Jem showed him down to the dining room. The room was already half full of Chosen contestants. Panic gripped at Alec’s heart as he took in the variety of dresses and suits.

“Breathe, Mr. Lightwood.” Jem told him with a smile. Another servant appeared to take him to his seat. Thankfully he was seated between Helen and another woman named Maria. Maria was a talkative girl. Within a few minutes he knew she was a Four, her father owned a leather making business near the capital, she had three younger sisters and no brothers. She liked to sing but that was just a secret between them and the rest of the table. She made Alec feel so much better. A couple more people joined their table as Maria chatted up a storm. A Three from the outer county of the kingdom named Jessica, another Four named Xander, a Two from the glittering capital aptly named Duchess and last was a familiar face from the broadcast, a Four named Andrew.

Andrew was the last to take his seat at their table. He wore a sleek navy suit and tie. He looked a little flustered and apologized for being late.

“My attendants could not decide what suit to put me in.” Maria started asking about his wardrobe up until the point where a servant loudly cleared his throat and announced the royal family. All of the Chosen stood as King Asmodous and Queen Annisa came in, arm in arm followed by the Prince.

The Prince glittered like diamonds in his nearly all white suit. A few girls at another table nearby nearly swooned and even Alec felt himself flush slightly. Once the royal family had made their way to the head table the Chosen were permitted to sit. The Prince was the only one that stayed standing.

“Thank you chosen few for making the long arduous trip to our fair capital.” The Prince started, thanking them for coming. “Tomorrow I will have a chance to thank each of you in person, but for now I wish you would enjoy the selection of foods from around the country. Eat and be happy, without a care in the world. Thank you again.” With that the Prince sat down and the food was brought in.

There was so much that Alec scarcely knew what to eat first. Many of the foods he had seen on TV or for sale in Aleconte’s marketplace, but he had never had the pleasure of tasting. Most of them he didn’t even know the name of. No day old bread, porridge, watery stew to be seen.

“Helen.” He asked in a quiet whisper as Helen put some sort of fluffy white food on a plate. “What is that?” Helen just gently smiled and passed him the serving bowl.

“Potatoes.” Potatoes? He had never seen such white and creamy potatoes in his life. Taking a spoonful then passed it to Maria who was talking to Xander about the many foods from her province. After most of the food was passed around, from which Alec had taken a little bit from each, he started to eat along with the rest of his table guests.

The food seemed to melt upon his tongue. The flavors exploded across his palate and at one point he even moaned aloud at the taste. He had never seen so much food and the variety was amazing. Potatoes so fluffy and white like little clouds. Meat so tender he didn’t have to cut it, it just fell apart.

“Oh yes, you are a Seven, are you not?” Jessica asked from across the table. “I supposed this is the first time you have ever seen such food.” It was a backhanded way of calling him poor, but it was true.

“Yes and I intend to enjoy it.” He was a Seven, but he had done more in his short existence than that woman would ever do in her whole life. She may have been born with a silver spoon in her mouth, but Alec had had to work for every scrap of food he got.

“Even in my family we try to eat more meagerly.” Helen said, taking a bite of meat from the end of her fork. “My family tries to give as much spare income as we can to charity. Some of these dishes I have never seen, but they are all delicious, wouldn’t you say Maria?” That pulled Maria into the conversation which effectively ended any tirade Jessica might have. The blonde girl smiled at him and Alec felt that amongst this sea of sharks he at least had one friend for now.

After dinner came dessert. Miles and miles of pastries and sweets, things that would make his brother’s mouth water and his sister jump for joy. Sugar was so expensive, so they rarely had anything sweet. Only on the new year would they get a small toffee that Alec was sure his parents saved up for all year. He couldn’t decide on what to eat first. Helen took a slice of some sort of cake. It was red in color with white icing.

“You must try this, Alec.” She said, gesturing to her slice. “Red Velvet is my favorite cake.”

“Does it really have velvet in it?” He asked, taking a small piece with his fork. She laughed.

“No, but it is so smooth and feels like velvet.” Alec took a bite and found it entirely too sweet for his liking. The flavor was good but the amount of sugar was too much.

“Is there something not so sweet?” She smiled back and then turned to look at the selection of food.

“Excuse me.” She said calm and sweetly to one of the servers. “Do any of these have less sugar in them?” The servant looked shocked that he was being addressed but then nodded. He grabbed a plate of three dark balls of something covered in brown powder and surrounded by raspberries.

“Dark chocolate truffles, Miss.” He gave her the plate which Helen then passed to Alec.

“Dark chocolate has less sugar added to it. It makes it a bit bitter, I have never liked it, but maybe you will.” Alec nodded in appreciation. He took his folk and cut one in half. It was soft and as easy to cut as butter. Taking one piece he placed it in his mouth. It was bitter but it still had a smoothness and not too much sugar.

After he swallowed, he nodded. “It’s good.” She smiled back.

“It is also one of Prince Magnus’ favorite dishes, I believe.” Alec found himself looking back at his plate with a blush. Chancing a glaze towards the head table he could see Magnus talking with his father and mother with a truffle on the end of his fork.

After dinner the Chosen were taken back to their rooms. At least one of their attendants was there outside of the dining hall to greet them. Alec and Helen were speaking about the foods they had never had before when they heard a scoff. Turning they both saw an extremely beautiful blonde woman in a red gown, but whatever beauty she held on the outside certainly did not match her inside.

“I thought it was a joke, but they were serious about letting a Seven inside the palace.” Alec found himself looking down, it was what he had been taught. “You aren’t even fit to shine my shoes. But I suppose that is why they put you over in the west wing. No one ever goes there. Come servant.” She swept up the stairs with a maid following swiftly on her tail.

“And that would be Camille.” Helen said. “She may have been the queen bitch back home but I am sure Magnus will see right through her.” Alec hoped she was right.

9

Back in his room Alec had to convince his attendants that he didn’t need their help getting dressed for bed. He could do all that himself.

“We are here to serve you, Mr. Lightwood.” Will said calmly.

“I don’t need servants!” He yelled so fed up with everything. “Look, you are Sixes and I am a Seven. We can do things on our own.”

“You are now a Three, Mr. Lightwood.” Jem spoke up.

“Please call me Alec!” He was just so tired and worn out from everything. “Please, just leave me.” The men nodded at him and left. Looking in the mirror of his vanity he saw the poor level Seven boy that tilled land and feld trees dressed up like something he was not. He didn’t belong here. He didn’t belong in this suit. Jessica and Camille were right. He would be gone by tomorrow morning.

The longer he stared the quicker his breathing came. Standing up he took off his jacket, tearing the cufflinks from their spots on the jacket. He pulled at the tie and unbuttoned the shirt. He still couldn’t breathe. Running to the window he tried to open it but found it bolted shut. He needed air, he needed freedom.

Out the window he could see a vast garden. The soil might be toxic around the city but it seemed that the royal family had their very own piece of paradise. Gasping he turned from the window, ripped open the door and ran as fast as his feet could take him. He found the grand staircase and nearly jumped down all of the steps to get to the first floor. Looking around he saw that to the left of him was a large doorway open to the night air and to the garden.

Making a break for it he didn’t even hear the guards telling him he needed to go back to his room. All he saw was air and grass and trees bathed in moonlight. He did feel one of the guards grabbing him none too gently.

“Sir, you need to get back to your room.”

“No, I need….please!” He felt like the world was spinning.

“Sir!”

“Let him be.” Came a voice from beyond the doorway.

“But your Majesty.”

“I said let him be.” The guard let Alec go and he stumbled before running head long outside into the cool night air. There was a distant smell of exhaust that he had first caught at the train station, but for the most part it was clean, fresh air. He fell to the ground putting his hands in the earth, feeling the grass move as he shifted. His toes dug into the cool dirt. By him was a rose bush and farther out were rows of yellow flowers. He had stopped hyperventilating and panicking, breathing in the floral scents all around him.

“Do you feel better?” Alec whipped his head around at the voice. Not two feet away was the Crown Prince. He was no longer in his white suit but some sort of leisurely button up and grey slacks. Maybe to the Prince this would be dressing down but to a Seven it looked just as fancy as the suit had.

Dropping his eyes he nodded. “Yes, your Majesty.” Then the Prince did the most unbelievable thing. He sat in the grass next to Alec. The dark haired man felt his jaw drop. Did the Crown Prince of Edom just sit on grass next to a common Seven?

“You are Alexander, are you not?” Alec must have looked like a fish out of water before he pulled himself together and sat fully on the grass. This would probably stain his suit, crap, he had forgotten about that.

“Yes, your Majesty. Most people call me Alec.”

“I see. Well then, Alec, you may call me Magnus. At least while we are alone.” Alec felt a blush on his face as he looked away. It was dark and there was no other light besides the moon. The light from the door was too far away to illuminate anything.

“I couldn’t. You are the Prince.”

“And you are one of the Chosen. That makes you something special as well.” Alec was flushing again.

“Thank you for talking to the guards. I know I should not be out here.” Magnus waved that off.

“You needed to come out here. I saw your face and heard your voice. You were panicking.” Alec was ashamed that the Prince had seen him like that. He would surely be sent off in the morning. “There is nothing to be ashamed of.” Magnus said as if reading his mind. “It happens to many people. Even I have felt it.” Alec looked back at the prince.

“How...you always look so calm.”

“I am for the most part, but there are times I am overwhelmed and need a break.” That did not sound like the Prince Alec had seen on the television all his life. Magnus had looked like nothing would phaze him, even at seven when he was finally presented to the people.

“Well thank you. I did need this.” Being stuffed inside a building for most of the day and almost, well actually it had been too much.

“Tell me, Alexander, how are you feeling about being here in the capital?” Looking back up at Magnus he studied the man but he gave nothing away. What answer was he looking for?

“It is an honor to be here, your Maj-”

“Magnus.” The Prince cut in.

“You called me Alexander.” The Prince chuckled and nodded.

“I did, but your name is much too special and beautiful to be shortened to some mere nickname.” Again Magnus was making the dark haired younger man blush.

“Well, it is an honor. I never knew Edom was so vast.” He had seen a map of the kingdom at school but that had been years ago.

“And being in the castle?” Now that was a little harder to comment on. He was a minnow in a sea of bigger fish. What was even harder was that he didn’t have his family’s support here. “Is there...anything a miss?” Magnus sounded a little lost.

“No. It is just...so different to my home, that is all.” He remembered what Camille had said.

“Your Highness. It is time to come in.” A guard called from the doorway. It was getting late. Standing up Magnus reached out a hand to help Alec up. The instant their hands touched it was as if a shock went through their bodies that left them both looking down at their hands.

“Thank you for letting me come out here, Magnus.” Finally they pulled their hands apart.

“Please don’t tell anyone about this. I am not supposed to meet with the Chosen, formally, until tomorrow. Besides, I want this just to be between you and I.” Magnus stepped closer to him and Alec felt his heart beating fast.

“Your Highness!” Magnus actually growled at the guard’s insistence.

“Coming!”

Back in his room Alec stripped out of his soiled clothes and folded them neatly. He would have tried to get the stains out but he was not sure the beautiful suit could take the scrubbing needed to take the stains out. But, as he slipped into bed after a short shower the thought about his meeting with the Prince and a smile crossed his face. Even if he was sent home in the morning he would have the memory of meeting the Prince and touching his soft hand.

10

Jem was not happy with the stains but he would help Alec to keep his secret of sneaking out to the garden. However, Alec had not told him about meeting the Prince. That was solely a memory just for him.

After he had been woken up, early the next morning he was dressed in a day suit. It was not as fancy and intricate as the suit from the night before. It was a light grey with a light blue shirt and no tie. Will had explained to him as they dressed the young man that the royal family always dressed up for dinner. That sounded so unpleasant. What if you spilled food on your priceless clothes?

“Today the Prince will be cutting some of the Chosen.” Will said as he stepped back looking at the shirt. “Take off your jacket, please. Jem, get me the medium blue shirt with the subtle diamond print.” Alec quickly took off the jacket and unbuttoned the shirt.

“Does it not look good?” He asked. It was probably just that Alec looked horrible in the color. His mother had said that wearing blue would only draw attention to his eyes. A Seven was not to be seen nor heard from. They were just supposed to do their job.

“It does not make your eyes pop. On second thought, get the violet shirt.” He called out to Jem. “Purple will make your eyes pop. We have to make you stand out.” Stand out, meaning he had to catch the Prince’s attention. After the previous night he was sure that would not happen. Maybe Magnus would let him at least have breakfast before he sent him packing.

Giving the blue shirt to Jem, he took the purple one. It was a beautiful color. Buttoning it up he slipped the jacket back on.

“Yes, that is it.” Will said.

“You are so good at matching.” Jem complimented his friend.

“An artform that I have cultivated over years of working with the royal family.” The three men chuckled for a moment before helping Alec finish up.

The Chosen were gathered in a salon off the great hall. When Alec arrived there were only a couple of people. Two men and one woman. Each one looked beautiful in their day outfits. The woman, who had red hair, was wearing an emerald day dress. The sleeves were short and off the shoulder. Her hair was done in waves and curls that made it looked like a waterfall. Both of the men were in day suits. One was a cream color with a bright red shirt. This man had slightly longer hair. It was gathered loosely at the nape of his neck and curled slightly. The second man had a dark grey suit and blush pink shirt. The front of his dark hair was combed back into a high curl over the rest of his hair.

As the other Chosen started to appear Alec took in all their clothes. Each one was dressed better than the one that came before them. Alec felt very plain in his grey suit. His hair had not even been fixed like other men. It was allowed to go in its tousled state. The only part that was taimed was his darn cowlick.

“Alec!” Helen came walking over to him with a gentle smile on her face. Her blond hair was tied up with a few tendrils framing her face. Her light blue day dress looked wonderful on her slim figure. Annabelle was behind Helen in a long buttercup yellow dress. Her hair was down but curled.

“Helen, Annabelle. It is good to see you.” Not so much Annabelle but Helen was a welcome sight in this sea of strangers. "I like your hair." Helen smiled with a little flush.

"Aline did it. Isn't it pretty?" She turned around so Alec could see the back. Her hair was twisted in braids. There were little gems stuck in parts of her hair.

"Aline?" He didn't remember anyone by that name.

"One of her maids." Annabelle added.

“You look great, Alec. That purple makes your eyes stand out.” Helen said quickly to change the subject. At least Will would be happy.

“Thank you.” He flushed a bit. “I was not sure...everyone else looks so much grander.”

“Nonsense.” Helen brushed off. “You look just as handsome as the rest of the men. Right, Annabelle?” The blonde turned to her companion, who just nodded. Alec gave her a small smile. At least she didn’t tear him down.

“Move!” The three of them looked up to see Camille walking in. Her bright red dress was skin tight and backless. Apparently she didn’t get the memo that this was breakfast and not a ball.

“Ugh, you’re still here.” The woman turned up her nose at the sight of Alec. “At least your outfit is as boring as you. Better for me to stand out.” Helen was the one to step up this time.

“Yeah, because I heard Prince Magnus really loves stuck up bitches.” A hush went over the room. No one spoke or even breathed. But Helen was not backing down. She was not afraid of this spoiled child.

“Why you-”

“Breakfast is ready.” Rang out a servant’s voice, telling them it was time for them to move from the sitting room to the dining hall.

Breakfast was pretty much like the night before. The Chosen were seated around tables in front of the main table. The royal family would then enter, while the Chosen stood, and then bid the rest of them to sit. Next came the food. Even more wondrous than the night before.

There were fruits, tarts, breads, bacon, eggs, fried potatoes, anything anyone could want. Alec again tried a bit of everything. This was a far cry from his usual meal of porridge and maybe stale bread. If only he could pack up some of this food and send it to his family.

“Ladies and gentleman.” Once the meal was over Magnus stood up and spoke to the Chosen. “I have decided to kick off this Choosing with some one on one time. Each one of you will meet with me. I will be able to get a better sense of you. For now I would like Miss Hannah Whitman to stay. The rest of you please adjourn to the sitting room and wait for our meeting.”

A woman to the right of Alec's table, in a light green day dress, was the only one that continued to stay seated while the rest of the Chosen stood up and left the room. They were taken back to the sitting room where they had waited before. Most of the Chosen started to gossip about meeting the Prince, one on one. A few girls even giggled and squealed.

Alec on the other hand was not that excited. He was sure Magnus would tell him that he would be leaving within the hour. A strong man like the Prince didn’t need a spouse that had a panic attack over something as silly as not feeling the earth beneath their feet. Although, the idea of Magnus ending up with someone like Camille irked him. Said wolf in sheep’s clothing was sitting with a couple other girls as Camille told them loudly how she would win the Prince over.

As if.

Slowly the group of twenty-three men and women started to shrink as they were called to talk to the Prince. Annabelle and Helen had already been called when Alec was finally summoned. He had been talking to Andy, a Four from a county far from Idris, about the farming they were missing. Andy’s family might have been Fours but they were poor and could not afford extra help.

“Alexander Lightwood.” Both men turned their heads. By now only a few Chosen were left.

“Good luck.” Andy smiled at him and it felt genuine. Other than Helen, everyone else was out for blood. They wanted to be the spouse to the most powerful man in the land. Yet in the sea of man eating fish Alec had happened to find two good people.

Alec was taken to a side room just down from the sitting room. Inside was a small table and two chairs. Magnus beamed brightly when he saw Alec.

“Please, have a seat, Mr. Lightwood.” He said formally as he stood up. Alec nodded and sat in the seat across from him. When the servant finally left Magnus seemed to relax.

“How was the rest of your evening? No more panic attacks I presume?” Alec shook his head.

“No, your Majesty.”

“Magnus, remember?” Alec flushed and nodded. “I am glad to hear that, Alec. The last thing I would want is for you to feel overwhelmed and I was not there to help.”

“Thank you again...Magnus. It was very kind of you.”

“Any true man would have done it.” But they both knew that was a lie. While Alec might be a Three on paper he still had the stench of Seven on him. Magnus was a good man and he would be a great King. A kind King that loved all his subjects. “We talked about what you like here at the castle, but what of your family? Do you miss them?”

“Yes.” He said at once. Alec missed playing with Max on the rare breaks from work. He missed gossiping with Izzy and imagining a life away from all the hard work. He missed the warmth of his mother’s hugs and the gruff voice of his father as complained about the crops. He also missed Jace… He loved the man with all his heart but being here made that love seem different somehow.

“They must be a wonderful bunch.” Alec blinked as he was pulled from his thoughts.

“What?”

“The emotions that went through your eyes. You miss them very much. Please tell me about them.” It seemed that was all Alec needed as he started to describe his family.

He spent the most time talking about his sister and brother. Just talking about them made him feel home sick. He missed them a lot. While he missed his parents too he missed his partners in crime more.

“I wish I could share the food I have enjoyed with my family. It might even help Max. My little brother is always getting sick. I hope the money being sent to him means that he could go to a Doctor for once.”

“What do you mean ‘for once’?” Magnus looked confused.

“Your- Magnus, I am Seven or I was. I have not been to the Doctor since I was a baby.” The only time he was seen was just after his birth. His parents had to save up the money for their first born. They wanted to know their child was healthy.

“You don’t have money for Doctors?”

“Or medicine.” Magnus looked floored. “You don’t know what Sevens go through, do you?”

“I didn’t know...is it like this everywhere?”

“Most Sixes and Sevens barely have enough money to live. Fives are not much better, but they do get more pay for their art.” The raven haired Prince was leaning back in his chair and looking hard at the table.

“My people can barely live yet I have never wanted for anything.” Silence filled the room. Alec felt bad at being the one that showed Magnus the truth.

“Magnus-” But he was interrupted with a hand held up. Finally Magnus looked back up at him.

“You are amazing, Alexander. I have only known you for less than a day but I am sure I would love to learn more.” Leaning forward the Prince took one of Alec’s hands. “Be my prince, my future husband.” Now it was Alec’s turn to look floored.

No. Magnus did not just say that. He did not just ask a Seven to marry him. No. Alec had used all his luck just getting here. There was no way Prince Magnus Bane wanted lowly Alec Lightwood.

“You must have others to see.” Alec pulled his hand back and stood up so quickly he nearly turned the table over.

“I don’t care about them. I only want to know you.” Magnus also stood up. Thankfully the door was right behind Alec. Turning he rushed to the door before Magnus’ voice stopped him. “I will wait for however long you need.” With that Alec opened the door and closed it behind him before rushing back to his room.

He was dreaming, he had to be.

11

It had been almost a week since Magnus had proposed. For the first couple days Magnus would try to win over the scared younger man, but every time Alec would change to the subject. It was a joke, it had to be. Soon Magnus would get tired and choose someone that would actually be a good spouse. They went from seeing each other everyday to once in a while.

At dinner after their first official meeting Helen had told him that Magnus had cut the group down to only fifteen people. Of course Camille and Meliorn were a part of that group. Either one of them would be a better Queen or Prince Consort than Alec.

The next day the smaller group started etiquette lessons. Thank whatever Gods there were out there that they were split into two groups. Males and females, each one having their own etiquette teacher. The seven men left were given their lessons by one of the King’s royal advisers, Lord Lorenzo Rey. The man was also one of the few mystics employed by the Kingdom.

The man was intolerable. Everytime Alec misstepped or made a faux pas the man was quick to correct him, loudly and somewhat cruelly. It was as if Alec was being singled out. Even Andy did just as bad a job as he did and yet the mystic kindly corrected him. To say the least Alec’s life was turning into a living hell.

Camille took every chance she could to tear Alec down. Most of the words he ignored until the bitch started to talk bad about his family.

“If only the Kingdom had a way to get rid of Sixes and Sevens. The Kingdom would be less polluted with worthless rabble.” Alec immediately stood up and walked out of the room. Later when Jem and Will found him Alec had been crying, his eyes red. They both helped him back to his room and got a cool cloth for his puffy eyes.

Soon things went from bad to worse. While the first couple days Magnus had little mini dates with Alec, usually to the garden or the library, he had been choosing others. Each time he was in the sitting room with the rest of the Chosen and one of the other men or women were Chosen he could feel himself die a little inside.

He tried to tell himself that Magnus was quickly realizing how bad of a choice Alec would be. He tried to hide it from everyone, which worked for the most part, but it seemed that Helen, Will, and Jem could read him too well. Helen tried to pull Alec into little card games she played with Annabelle, Andy, and a few others. She pulled Alec’s mind away from the Choosing and onto something fun. Once Alec went home, aside from Magnus, Helen would be one of the people he would actually miss.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Alec was wandering around the halls of the palace. It was raining outside and Magnus was on a date with one of the Chosen. He couldn’t escape to the one place he felt safe in this foreign land. Turning the corner he found Andy on the floor, knees nearly up to his chest and his hands in his hair. It almost looked like a panic attack but he was not breathing hard.

“Andy?” The curly haired man’s head went up and he was surprised to see someone had found him. “Are you alright?” The man sighs and nodded but then shook his head.

“I don’t know.” He said. Alec walked over and sat on the floor near him. “Do you ever feel...like you don’t belong here?” Andy asked. “I don’t know why I was kept here. I have nothing to give the Prince. Our dates feel...mechanical. Like he is just going through the motions.”

“I am sure it is not that bad.” Alec tried to comfort his friend. He was not as close to Andy as he was with Helen, but he still understood the feeling of not knowing why he was still here.

“Yet I don’t want to go home.” He said under his breath, which Alec could barely hear. “I don’t understand why you haven’t been on more dates with him. All he talks about is you.” Alec felt himself turning red.

“I think you misheard.” Andy chuckled.

“I didn’t, Alec. The Prince holds you in high regard. I don’t mind, like I said, I don’t feel anything between us.” Alec’s head was spinning, Magnus talked about him on his dates with other Chosen?

“What does he...say?”

“He talks about how kind and caring you are. About how much you care for your family. He also talks a great deal about changing...” Andy looked around to make sure no one was near before leaning in. “About changing the level system.” A couple times Magnus had talked to him over the past week he had said something about the levels and how he hated it. Magnus must have done more research on the caste system in Edom. He was a smart man, it was only a matter of time before he learned the truth.

“It would be nice...but I don’t think it would happen. Some people would not be happy.” Mainly the Twos and some of the Threes, the upper class.

“It would be...I always dreamed of working for the people. Being a politician of some kind...” Andy shrugged. “I’m a Three now so I suppose I could teach.” That has been Alec’s plan too.

“To be honest, I never had a dream of what I would be. I knew I would work in the fields like my dad and granddad. Now I have a chance to think about it and I still don’t know.”

“We have all the time in the world, Alec. We can now have further education if we wish. We will find our place in this world. Me as a teacher and you as the future Prince Consort.” Alec flushed and tried to back track and talk his way out of here only for Andy to laugh at him and get up.

“Thank you, Alec. Just for being here and listening to me. There are not many people I can vent to.”

“My pleasure, Andy.” Alec got up with the help of the other man. “Now let’s find something to do before we both die of boredom.” Both men laughed and headed off to the sitting room to see if there was a card game already going on.

12

It was the day before the national broadcast when Magnus finally called upon Alec. They would have a picnic the next afternoon. The rest of the day Alec spent his time with Will trying to pick out the perfect outfit that was not too casual but not something he would regret getting stains on.

“Personally, Mr. Alec, I believe the cream shirt and the tan trousers are the way to go.” It had taken Alec nearly a week to get Jem and Will to call him Alec, although they both still preferred to use “Mr.” along with his given name.

“What about grass stains?” Alec worried about making even one little stain on his new clothes. They were so nice and expensive. It felt wrong to treat them with such disrespect.

“I am sure the Prince will have a blanket for the two of you. You should not worry, besides Jem knows how to get stains out of clothes.” The dark haired servant looked over to his friend.

“I do, but I prefer not to scrub too hard. Though, I agree with Will. The cream shirt and tan trousers are the best.”

That was how Alec found himself the next afternoon. Will had rolled the sleeves up on the shirt and left the first two buttons open. Alec was thankful his chest hair was thin and sparse or it might show with how low the shirt was. Well it was low for Alec.

“Alexander.” Alec turned to see Magnus walking toward him. The man was breathtaking in his simple outfit. He had on light grey trousers, khaki shoes and a muted dark teal shirt. It was all tailored specifically to him, as if painted on his body.

“Your Highness.” Alec bowed slightly.

“Come, I want to show you something.” Magnus held his arm out for Alec. The dark haired man flushed, but took the arm. They walked out into the warm sunny day. “I want to show you the maze. My great grandmother had it installed to honor the gardens of her youth.”

“Maze? As in...we could get lost?” Magnus chuckled.

“I could get to the center and out of the maze blindfolded. I have been playing in this garden since I was a child. Do not worry, you will soon know your way around the garden.” Magnus took them into the maze. After a few twists and turns a bit of backtracking they found themselves in the middle of the maze. There was a water fountain with a marble mermaid atop a marble shell.

“Beautiful.” In front of the fountain was a checkered blanket and a picnic basket. “Magnus...this is too much.” Magnus shook his head.

“This is what you deserve. All this and more.” They sat down on the blanket and took off their shoes. In the basket were several little treats. Mini sandwiches, bite sized tarts, a variety of fruits and cheese, along with two bottles of something dark.

“Magnus, what is this?” Alec asked as he picked one up.

“Soda. It is a fizzy drink from the old Kingdom. My great uncle found a recipe and tinkered with it until he got it to his liking. It's rare because it takes so much effort.” A fizzy drink? What was a fizzy drink? Magnus took the bottle from Alec’s hand and a small metal object and popped off the mental top. It made a sound and bubbles rose to the surface. Giving it back to Alec he warned that the bubbles might feel like they burned the first time he tried it.

They did. The first sip felt hot but it was not painful, just strange.

“Thank you for sharing this with me.” Magnus smiled and picked up a fruit.

“You are welcome.” They continued to eat for a little bit longer before Magnus spoke again.

“I want to share a lot more with you, Alexander. Like my future.” Alec flushed and looked away.

“I am not right for...”

“Me? The Kingdom? No, you are perfect. You care about the people that no one else does. You have been through so much and yet you are not bitter. You do not hate me for what my family has done.”

“Magnus, your family has not done anything.”

“Maybe not this generation but back in time they made your family Sevens based on how much money you had. That was not right, Alec. This system is not right.” Magnus sat back. “I knew it was not right but I also didn’t know how to change it so I tried to block it out and worry about what I could control. Then you come here and open my eyes to people like you, my people. The people that I swore to look after, yet they toil to death with no one to turn to. A family should not have to choose between food and healing their child. It is unacceptable.” Magnus was not wrong. Life as a Seven was hard. Alec knew this. It took such a toll on his father that they might only have a few years left with the man before he joined his own father in the ground. Izzy deserved more, Max and his mother deserved more. They all deserved the right not to worry.

“I am a Seven. You should marry a Two or a Three.”

“The spoiled children of the elite? Then I would only perpetuate the cycle further. I do not want my child to think it is their right to lord their position over the people. The Bane family is here to serve the people, not the other way around.”

“I don’t know how to be royal.”

“Then I will help you. I will be by your side, along with Will and Jem.” Alec looked at him. He knew his servants by name? “They used to be my servants. When they were dolling out servants for the Chosen, I had Will and Jem assigned to you.” Moving closer he took Alec’s hand. “The Choosing is not as random as most think. Only about a third are random. Most are hand picked by their profiles. I was allowed to look at the profiles and choose two. Looking through the profiles I saw your bright smile. You looked so happy. You were my only choice. I wanted to get to know you from the moment I saw you. I had Will and Jem placed as your attendants because I trust them with my life.” Magnus ended his little speech with a kiss.

The press of lips against his made Alec relax into Magnus. It just seemed so impossible that someone like Prince Magnus wanted him just from a single picture. His class had meant nothing. A warm hand cupped the back of his head as Magnus opened his mouth. Alec was not sure what to do so he just followed Magnus’ lead. His first kiss was in the most special of places.

“Prince Magnus! Your Majesty!” The call from the guards caused the two to pull apart. They could not see anyone but that didn’t stop Alec from turning his usual shade of red.

“I never can have a moment's rest.” Magnus said with a sigh. His hand had slid from Alec’s head down to hand. “Yes!?” Magnus yelled back.

“Your father needs you.”

“Can it wait?”

“I am sorry, but it can not.” Magnus sighed again. “I finally get you all to myself and it is cut short.”

“It’s alright.” Alec brushed off.

“No, it is not.”

“Your Majesty?”

“I am coming!” This was the first time Alec had heard the Prince snap at anyone. “Apologies.” Magnus looked sheepish as he stood up. Putting his hand out he helped the other up. Pulling Alec close to him, Magnus kissed Alec once more. “Until tonight, Alexander.” With that Magnus navigated them back out of the maze.

They split at the grand staircase as Magnus traveled down a side hall that led to the King’s office. Alec stayed at the bottom of the stairs for a moment just looking off into the distance. For a moment he could see himself at Magnus’ side. He could see the man that Magnus would become. A smile crossed his face as he started up the stairs. He needed to talk to Will about his outfit for the broadcast that night. He wanted to stand out and shine, for once in his life he wanted to be the center of attention.

Unfortunately Alec had not been looking where he was going, and his mind was still focused on Magnus. His foot landed on the third from the top step when he felt a hand at his shoulder. Starting to look up, Alec noticed he was falling backwards. His arms circled in the air as he tried to right himself but it was too late. He felt his head hit one of the stairs before flipping backwards. When he finally stopped at the bottom of the stairs he looked up only to see something pink move too fast for his disoriented eyes to catch. Pain and sickness washed over him. Rolling to the side he threw up what little he had eaten before passing out.

13

Magnus walked as quickly he could without running. The day had been perfect with Alec. His sweet innocent boy had tasted as sweet as the tarts they had eaten. Magnus had wished they could have kissed for longer. Maybe he could have kissed other places to see what reaction they gave. Unfortunately his father had called for him.

There were problems brewing in one of the southern lands. Ever since her husband had died Lady Lilith had taken more control of Talto. The province might have been small but it was an important one. Not only did it have the biggest depostest of adamas, the metal needed for the Edom Military weapons, it was also the border between Edom and their enemy. If Diyu was able to capture Talto it would be disastrous, but Lilith didn’t seem to care much. The woman was leaving the mines barely guarded.

After the talk with his father they would send down a couple mystics to make sure the mines were protected by magic and if need be, remove Lilith from power. Once back in his room Magnus’ attendants started to dress him. They were not as good as Will and Jem, but he trusted them. The suit they had picked out for tonight was deep royal blue in color. The stark white shirt made his skin pop. He thought about Alec and smiled. After the broadcast he would get Alec alone to propose again.

Reaching into his side table he found the Bane family signet ring. Once this was placed on Alec’s finger he would be known as his intended fiance. By the end of the night, if Alec said yes, Magnus would be sending everyone else home.

There was a tap at the door. A servant peered in and told him it was nearly time. Thanking the man, Magnus straightened his suit coat before leaving.

He should have known something was wrong when he entered with his mother and father and he could not spot Alec with the other Chosen. What had happened? The broadcast had already started and the young man was nowhere to be seen. Magnus tried to keep his panic down as Simon, the master of ceremonies, asked him a few questions.

“You cut down the Chosen to only a chosen few, pardon the pun.” Simon chuckled. “But just between us,” His voice went lower but he still held the microphone close. “Is there anyone that stands out?” Magnus smiled slightly.

“There is, but I do not want to talk too much about them at this moment. I am still trying to win them over.” Simon chuckled again.

“You are the Prince, you could win over anyone in this kingdom.”

“Maybe, but this person is special.” Simon tried to get more out of him, but Magnus gave nothing away. The broadcast soon ended. Once the cameras were turned off the Chosen started to gossip but Magnus couldn’t hear anything as he went to his father.

“Alexander Lightwood was not among the Chosen tonight. What happened?”

His mother looked grim as he took his hand. “The boy fell down the stairs this afternoon. Your father didn’t want you to know until after the broadcast.” Magnus shot his father a seething look. The Kingdom always came first, even at the price of love. Turning from his parents Magnus strode out of the room.

Alec had been taken to the infirmary. He had been found not long after his tumble. He had been out for hours when Magnus finally came to see him. Jem and Will were by his side. The two men looked pale. They cared too much sometimes. That was why he had sent them to be attendants of Alec’s. They would help him in this strange world.

Magnus found the medic on duty and asked about Alec’s condition. “He has a suspected concussion, but we will not be able to make sure until he wakes up. His left wrist is sprained, but thankfully not broken. He must have landed on it as it was under him when he was found. He also has three bruised ribs.” Alec was very lucky. But how did Alec fall down the stairs? Not that it was impossible, it just didn’t sound right.

“When will he wake up?” The medic shrugged.

“We were hoping he would wake up within a couple hours. If he does not wake up even a little within the next 24 hours he might never.” Magnus grabbed onto the doorframe to keep himself up. No. He would not lose Alec so easily. Alec was a fighter.

“Thank you.” He said before slowly walking to Alec’s bed. Jem vacated the seat next to the bed for Magnus. “Thank you for staying with him.” The men nodded. Will looked as if he had been crying not too long ago. His eyes were slightly red.

“I don’t think he fell on his own.” Jem said, his voice low. Magnus looked up at the man. Their mothers had come from the same province so they had similar looks. Jem had sharp, angled eyes. Magnus’ were not as angled because of his father’s rounder eyes. They had met when they were still children. Instantly, Magnus had been drawn to the boy that he had called brother at times. Magnus never had any siblings so Jem was the closest thing he had to one. Unfortunately as they grew up Jem was put to work in the castle just like his parents before him. Yet Magnus never treated him any differently. Jem was still his little brother.

“I was thinking the same.” Magnus voiced. “He was happy when I left him.” Leaning over he took Alec’s hand in his. It was still warm even though it was limp.

“Alec is not well liked by all the Chosen. Some believe he should have never been chosen in the first place.”

“Then there was that altercation with Ms. Belcourt.” Will piped in. “I found him in his room crying once. He didn’t tell me why, but I am sure the woman was the cause.” Magnus nodded. It was all hearsay. They would have to wait until Alec woke up to know for sure. “Tell the medic I will be staying with him tonight.”

“But your majesty...Magnus,” Jem whispered his name. It had been beaten into him at a young age he could not call the man by his name. He was just a servant and Magnus was royalty. The Prince still hated that he could not do anything to have stopped that. “You have so much to do tomorrow.”

“They can all wait. I am not leaving him until he awakes. Let my father be furious, I don’t care.”

-=-=-=-=-

<i>Elsewhere in the castle two other lovers were about to take a forbidden step.</i>

Andy was placing down his journal when he heard a small knock on his door before it opened. The night had been a whirlwind. Alec had never shown up to the broadcast and the young man had seen the Prince’s eyes looking for someone that was not there. It was painfully obvious to Andy that the Prince and Alec were meant to be, if only Alec would just let himself accept it.

It was so late at night that Andy’s attendants had already gone to bed. It had taken a lot to get the men to leave him at night. He didn’t need someone at his every beck and call through the night. He could get a drink or use the bathroom without needing help. It was ridiculous, but he also had another reason for shooing the men away.

In the mirror of his vanity he could clearly see Lorenzo as he closed and locked the door behind him. The blonde’s breath sped up. Lorenzo always had this effect on him, even when they first met. “Lord Rey, what do I owe the pleasure of your company so late at night?” A smile spread out across Lorenzo’s face.

“Must I spell it out for you?” He snapped his fingers and the lights lowered. It hid the blush that crawled over the blonde’s fair skin. The man walked slowly up behind him. Andy turned his head slightly for the mystic to grace his neck with a gentle kiss. A shiver went down his spine.

If they were caught they would both be sentenced to life as eights for treason. For Lorenzo it might even be worse. He might lose his life, but neither of them cared at this moment. In all the craze of Prince Magnus trying to find his mate, two unlikely men had happened upon their own love story.

Gentle hands ran up Andy’s sides and under his sleep shirt after Andy stood up.

“Lorenzo.” He breathed out. They had touched before, it had been brief but the feeling had lingered for hours after the man had left Andy’s room.

“I love when you say my name like that. Like a prayer from the mouth of an angel.” Gentle lips touched his neck again.

“Someone had been spending too much time with his tomes.” The blonde finally turned around in the man’s grasp to plant a deep kiss on the lush lips of the mystic. All he wanted to do was be with Lorenzo, only Lorenzo.

“I speak only the truth.” The older man said with another snap of his fingers. This left them both naked, bodies intertwined. Andy moaned and tried to kiss him again but the other man twisted them around and pushed him back on the bed. “Are you sure, Andrew? After...there is no going back.” Andy nodded. He knew what he meant and he didn’t care.

“I know Magnus loves Alec but Alec does not know if he wants to be Prince Consort. I will not be Chosen. When I go back home after this I want to at least have the memory of this night.” There would be no way that Lorenzo could ask for Andy’s hand. Mystics were not supposed to marry outside of their station, it kept the pool of magic from growing into the general population. Only mystics and the royal family could have magical powers. Even if they never planned to have children it was still forbidden.

“Then you shall have anything you want.” Leaning down they pressed their bodies together again, kissing and touching.

“Please don’t tease.” Andy whispered against his lips. He was already too wound up. He needed Lorenzo to do something. Suddenly slick fingers were gently pressing against his hole. How the man did magic was one of the things Andy liked about him. Magic amazed him, but Lorenzo enraptured him.

He whimpered against the other’s lips as fingers pushed into him. “Lor...enzo...” He whispered.

“Slowly, my love. I will not hurt you in my haste.” Leaning up Lorenzo got on his knees between the other’s legs as his slick fingers kept thrusting gently into him. “In all my years...I have never seen something more beautiful.” Andy slapped his arm with a giggle before it changed into a moan as the mystic pressed something inside him.

“If you don’t...get inside me now...I might come...” With a chuckle Lorenzo leaned down and nibbled at his ear.

“Go ahead, my angel. It will not be the last orgasm you experience tonight.” The press of his finger against the spot was too much for Andy. Lorenzo covered his mouth with his to smother the cries as he felt over the edge. Lorenzo was correct. It was not the last time he came that night.

14

It was the middle of the night when Alec finally woke up. His head ached and his vision was blurred. At first he just laid there and didn’t move. He could not remember what had happened. The bed did not feel familiar. It was soft but nothing like his bed at the palace. Then again it was not the cold hard mattress of his home. Finally as he woke up more he noticed there was something warm near his arm. Slowly turning his head he saw a dark figure slumped over in a chair near his bed. Blinking, he recognized that it was Magnus. The Prince was slumped in a chair, his hand next to Alec’s. His mind was slowly trying to process what was going on. Why was Magnus here when he had a nice bed in his own chambers?

Moving slightly was enough to wake the Prince up. His eyes looked around before they landed on Alec.

“Thank god. You finally woke up.” Reaching forward Magnus cupped Alec’ cheek. “I was so worried.”

“W-why are you here?” Alec’s voice was deep and thick as he tried to speak. How long had he been out?

“Where else would I be?” Magnus asked, confused.

“Your bed.” That made the Prince chuckle.

“A bed would be better, but while you are here, this is where I will be.” Magnus took Alec’s hand and pulled it up to lay a kiss on the knuckles. “I love you, Alexander. I think I have since that night in the garden.”

Alec flushed and looked away. “Why would you want to marry a Seven?”

“Because I would be marrying the one I love. I don’t care about your number or station in this world. I only care about you, about Alec Lightwood.” Alec turned his head back and smiled.

“I think...I think I love you too.”

-=-=-=-=-=-

After Alec had woken up and they had time to talk, Magnus fetched the medic. The medic looked over Alec and confirmed that he had probably had a concussion but he seemed to be doing well. His side and wrist still hurt so the medic suggested Alec stayed for one or two more nights. Medicine and bindings would help. Begrudgingly Alec agreed.

Even though Magnus wanted to stay with him he was called away shortly before breakfast. The Prince still had to make an appearance. He promised to return later and left his love with a kiss. This left Alec alone with his own mind. What had happened the night before? He remembered the wonderful picnic and the kiss they had shared, but the rest was foggy. The only thing he did know was he didn’t fall on his own volition.

Thankfully it was not much longer before Helen came to visit him and brought a treat from breakfast. He was not terribly hungry, but he thanked her nonetheless.

“The Prince told us you fell yesterday and are recuperating, but I don’t think you fell. I think you were pushed.” She said after asking how he was.

“I don’t remember. The medic tells me my memory of that event might never come back.” Alec rubbed his temple. It had been hurting ever since he started trying to remember.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to press you.” She said concerned.

“Don’t worry. My temple has been hurting since I woke up. Must be the leftover concussion.” He placed a hand over the other’s. “Please don’t worry about me. You need to focus on you. Didn’t you have a date with the Prince today?” Helen just looked at him in amazement. The boy was absolutely blind.

“The Prince will not be choosing me, I know this. He is just waiting on you.” Alec flushed a bright red.

“Mag- the Prince deserves...more.” He had to catch himself from not calling Magnus by his name.

“He deserves to be happy and so do you.” She said, squeezing his hand.

“What about you? You deserve happiness.” Sighing, she nodded. “Do you have someone at home?” Most chosen that might have had a romantic partner back home had broken it off with the chance to be crowned king.

“No. There is no one at home that holds my heart.”

-=-=-=-=-=-

~*<i>Earlier that morning</i>*~

Helen sat in her seat at the vanity that seemed to be in every Chosen’s room. Her maid, Aline stood behind her braiding her hair. Breakfast was soon and Helen needed to hurry, but she didn’t want to. It was only in moments like this that she truly felt happy. Helen had grown up in a very forward thinking family, but even they would not approved of their daughter favoring the fairer sex. Thankfully Helen found herself attracted to both genders.

However everything had changed when she came to the palace. She had been given three maids, like the other female Chosen, while the male Chosen were only given two attendants. Among her maids was Aline. She was a pretty and spunky girl of only seventeen. That made her two years younger than Helen and closer to her brother Mark’s age.

“Your hair is so pretty and light.” Aline had commented the first time she brushed Helen’s hair.

“It becomes very frizzy if I don’t put product in it.”

“Better than my thick, dense hair.” Aline had beautiful hair. It was long and jet black, but like all the maids she kept it tied up in a bun under a small hat.

“Is there something wrong, Helen?” The darker haired woman’s voice broke through Helen’s thoughts.

“No...why do you ask?”

“You look a bit sad.” Her time in the Chosen was coming to a close. She knew that. It was only a matter of time before Alec said yes to Magnus. Then Helen would have to leave. She did hope Alec was alright. He had not shown up to the broadcast the night before and that worried her.

“I do not wish to leave you.” Helen said, looking at Aline’s dark eyes in the mirror. They had become friends so fast that when they started to fall for each other they didn’t even notice until that one kiss. The kiss they had shared two days ago. The kiss that changed everything. It might have been easier to leave a friend but to leave a love? But even if magic could help men conceive it would not help two women.

“You will not leave for long. Mr. Lightwood cares for you. I am sure he would have you visit often.” It was a weak excuse but Aline was used to disappointments in her life. Her father had left her and her mother when Aline was just a child to run off with some other woman. Her mother tried to support them as well as she could but in the end it was too much for her. Even as sickness took hold of her, Jia Penhallow was still able to find work for her daughter in the palace before her passing. It was a prestigious job indeed, one that any Six would kill to have. Now Aline had found someone that she cared for as much as she had her beloved mother.

“I wish I was not a part of the Chosen.” Helen said, grief in her voice. Then she would not have to make such a choice to leave. Moving around the chair, Aline knelt beside Helen.

“If you had not I would never have met you. That would have been the greatest tragedy.” She took the other’s hands in hers. “My mother once said that people come into our lives for a reason. We might not know why or for how long, but we are better for having them with us.”

“Aline, you are too wonderful for the life you have.” The dark haired woman shrugged.

“I am content where I am and I intend to enjoy what time we have left together.” Leaning up, Aline pressed a quick kiss to Helen’s lips. “Now let me finish with your hair. You can not go to breakfast with a braid half done.” They both chuckled before hugging each other.

“You mean the world to me, Aline.”

15

Alec was finally allowed to go back to his room two days after his accident. His ribs were doing fine and his wrist barely ached, as long as he didn't move it too fast. All in all he was feeling much better. It didn’t hurt that Magnus had visited him quite a few times. Alec knew he should not be feeling this way, Magnus needed someone that was Prince Consort material, but he could not deny that he had been imagining their life together.

Once back in his room, Jem and Will were very attentive. They had Alec stay in bed and not move, even though it was his wrist that got sprained, not his legs. Still Alec did as was asked of him. He let the two cater to him. It was nice to have been missed. Most people of higher class levels would not have cared if the ‘help’ missed them. But Alec was different. Will and Jem were different. Alec could see why Magnus trusted them so.

Towards the evening there was a knock on the door. It was just after dinner and Alec had eaten in his room. Tomorrow he would go back out and meet the rest of the Chosen again. He was scared of what might happen but he was going to hold his head up high. Whoever had caused this was not going to get the satisfaction of keeping him down. Will opened the door to find Magnus there, a small white box in hand.

"Will, it is good to see you again. You too, Jem." Magnus smiled as he walked in.

"It is nice to see you again, Sire. Under better circumstances this time." Magnus nodded to that. Smiling, he turned to Alec who was laying in his bed with a couple books around him.

"How are you, Alexander? I see Will and Jem have made you stay in bed so they could make sure you didn't get hurt again."

"I let them." Alec said, but they all knew the truth.

"I wonder if I might have a little bit of your time. Would you mind, Will? Jem?" Neither man said anything to the contrary. The attendants knew what might happen but they also knew that in the end Alec would become the Prince Consort. They were made for each other.

Quickly the attendants bid them both good night before leaving.

“What is in that box?” Alec asked, finding himself eager to see.

“Chocolate truffles. A little bird told me you fancied my favorite sweet treat.” Magnus came over to the bed and sat down before handing over the box. There were four dark brown powder covered balls of chocolate.

“I was not used to eating something so sweet. This was the right amount of sweet for me.” Magnus brushed his hand through Alec’s hair.

“Was sugar something else you never had?”

“Not never, but usually baked into something or used in jam.” Alec took one of the small balls and bit into it. The powdered chocolate landed on his bedding and he got scared. “I didn’t mean to.” Uncultured.

“Do not worry, my dear.” Magnus plucked one up and popped it whole into his mouth. “It can be cleaned.” Alec ate the rest of the truffle. Suddenly Magnus’ face changed. He looked...serious? Maybe even a bit...determined? Leaning in Magnus wiped a bit of chocolate from the side of Alec’s mouth. Then his lips descended upon Alec’s.

It was similar but also different from the kiss before. It made his body tingle in all the right ways. Magnus had been his first kiss and he couldn’t imagine anyone else. He tried to chase the man’s lips when the Prince pulled back.

“I do not wish to injure you farther.” He whispered. Alec licked his lips, still tasting the chocolate that could have come from either of their lips.

“I like kissing you.” Alec admitted.

“Oh my dear, sweet Alexander. There is more I want to do to you than just kiss.” Alec found himself blushing down onto his neck. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean to blurt that out.” Magnus started to pull back from the other, but Alec grabbed his arm.

“I know we shouldn’t...but...I may never get this chance again.” Then the Prince laughed so hard that it made Alec jump.

“My dear, my love. I do not plan on spending the rest of my life with anyone but you.”

“Magnus-” The Prince placed his finger to Alec’s lips.

“I will be there every step of the way. Jem and Will can also be of help. Alexander, please, make me the happiest man that ever lived and marry me?” The darker haired man was silent for a long while. Could it just be that easy? Magnus deserved more, but even as he thought that he could not stand another person having Magnus. “I will wait for as long as I need to.”

“Jem was telling me earlier that you cut the Chosen down again. There are now just five.”

“Yes. It is unfair to them to get their hopes up. Not when my heart is not mine to give anymore. I know you are fond of Helen and Andy so I kept them around.” Alec smiled. At least he would be able to say goodbye to them.

“Who else?”

“Meliorn Knight and Camille Belcourt. They are the favorites of my father.” <i>Something pink moved too fast for his disoriented eyes to catch</i> Alec rubbed at his temple.

“Alexander, are you alright?”

“I am a horrible choice, but...” He stopped Magnus with his hand. “To be away from you might be a fate worse than death. You must promise me that you will always be with me. I need your strength and guidance.”

“Yes, always. I will be there for you, always.”

“And one more thing. If you choose...later on to take another to your heart-”

“There will never be another, Alexander. You will be the only one I need.” They both smiled before Magnus leaned back in for a kiss. “You didn’t answer me, darling.” Magnus whispered against his lips.

Alec laughed and then nodded. “Yes, Magnus. I will marry you.” Magnus smiled as he pressed a kiss to Alec’s lips.

It was supposed to be slow but neither of them could hold back their pasion. Not now, not after they had declared their love for each other. Magnus helped Alec back on the bed and pulled his covers back before climbing on top of him. Alec flushed and tried to look away, but Magnus cupped Alec’s face.

“I do not wish to go all the way. I do want to save that for your wedding night. However, there is something I have been dying to see.” One hand left Alec’s cheek and traveled down his neck and chest, catching on a nipple that made Alec gasp.

“What?” He finally asked as Magnus’ hand moved closer to the hem of his nightshirt.

“The look of pure pleasure.” Magnus' hand slipped between cloth and skin before wrapping around Alec’s nearly half hard cock. He gasped and arched only to wince. His ribs still hurt.

“I am sorry, my love.” Leaning down he kissed Alec as his hand started to move. This way he could keep Alec from arching up again. Alec was lost in the current of pleasure. He had never really touched himself before. He never had time living with his family. He had attempted once or twice when he bathed, but he felt too guilty to continue. What a fool he was.

“Magnus...” He breathed when Magnus pulled back to give them air. Reaching down he pushed Alec’s pants down slightly, enough to uncover his cock. Alec made the mistake of looking down and only groaned. The head was starting to leak and Magnus’ hand looked so good around him.

“That is the picture that has been playing in my dirty mind since I first met you.” Magnus kissed his cheek. “Even better than I thought.”

“Magnus...” Magnus pressed a thumb to the slit of the head. Alec’s eyes rolled back in his head, briefly.

“Let go, my love.” Magnus kissed along his neck as his hand started to move faster. Any chance Alec had at lasting a while longer flew out the window. The intense pleasure was too much.

"Magnus!" This time the Prince’s name was said like benediction instead of a plea. His vision whited out for a moment as his pleasure cascaded over his whole body. He felt it everywhere, even in his toes.

When Alec came back to himself a moment later he noticed Magnus was rubbing his lower half against Alec’s leg, his head in the crook of his neck, until he suddenly stopped and let out a quiet, strangled noise. At that moment he knew that Magnus had just reached his peak.

Hot, quick breath was the only sound he heard and felt against his neck for a moment. Then Magnus turned his head and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, my love. For sharing in the first of many firsts with me." Alec smiled.

"I can't wait for more."

Magnus stayed for a little while, cleaning them up before Alec finally fell asleep. He kissed Alec and got up out of bed. As much as he wanted to sleep beside the dark haired man, he had something else he needed to do. With a quick trip back to his room to change, Magnus was headed down stairs.

Magnus knocked on the door to his father’s study. While he had asked Alec to marry him, now three times, he still had not told his father. Asmodeus didn’t have the last say in his choice, but that didn’t mean that he would not try to influence it. The man loved his son but he also saw what the politicians wanted.

“Come in.” Magnus opened the door and walked in. It was late at night but his father, the King, was sitting at his desk reading over some royal doctrine. Magnus never understood how his father didn’t get a headache from all the reading. After two hours Magnus needed a break while his father could continue for an hour or so more.

“Father, I have made my choice.” Asmodeus looked up from his papers before sitting them down.

“Have you? That is very quick. You just culled them yesterday.” Magnus came over and sat in the chair directly in front of his father.

“I choose Alexander Lightwood.” He noticed the twitch of his father’s brown. The King did not approve.

“Why him? If you wish to marry a man then why not Mr. Meliorn Knight? His father was once a great general. There is also Ms. Camile Bellcourt.” She had been Asmodeus’ top pick because of her father. A top politician would influence a lot of people. As much as the Morgenstern betrayal still hurt, Asmodeus was practical. They needed more support.

“Why did you pick a mere painter?” Magnus countered. “One with a history of fertility problems?” Magnus’ own mother had been a wonderful painter, which she still did, but being one of only two Fives in the choosing meant she was the odd man out. Yet she survived until the last five girls. With her Choosing she became the next Queen of Edom, but her family history was not what the crown needed.

Asmodeus had been the only son of four children. Each one of his sisters had been married off to secure alliances, however, being the only son Asmodeus was expected to marry well and have an heir and maybe even a spare. Yet he married Annisa Sari who was an only child herself. Her mother had given birth to two stillborns before Annisa and then passed with the birth of her fourth and the child followed not long after.

Asomdeus sat back in his chair and gave a small chuckle. “Because I loved her. I didn’t care about her background, all I wanted was for her to be beside me for all our lives.”

“I only want what you wanted, father. I want the love of my life to be beside me.”

“Has he said yes?”

“Yes. He fears the life of a Prince Consort, but he does want to be with me. I just need to give him the ring”

“Then I give my permission. I always assumed you were more your mother’s child. You show her gentle and thoughtful nature, yet you take decisions head long. You weigh the options and take the one that speaks to you. You will be a great king someday, my son.”

“Thank you father, but there is one last thing I would like to speak with you about.”

16

A special TV broadcast was arranged for the next night. Magnus did not want to wait until the following Friday to put a ring on Alec’s finger. He wanted it now. However, he had to find the person that caused Alec’s fall first.

Who would want to kill a Chosen and in such a public area like the grand staircase. Someone should have seen it. The obvious answer was another Chosen. Now the question was, did they cause it themselves or pay someone? Magnus didn’t even pretend to know all the servants in the palace but he felt like he knew a good lot of them. Rumors flew around quickly among the servants so Magnus enlisted the help of Jem and Will.

It would take some time so Magnus went to see Alec and spend a little time with him.

“Your highness.” Magnus had not even noticed that he was not alone in the hall anymore. Ms. Camille Belcourt had just come out of a side room. She curtsied for him, a little deeper than need be but he was pretty sure the woman was trying to show off the plunge of her neck line. Camille was a beautiful woman, but she was not what Magnus wanted in a spouse.

She cared only for material things. On one of the few dates they had she had spent the entire time talking about the parties that she had at her home. How lavish they were and offering to show him around her city. While Magnus had grown up to be Prince his family was not as posh as it looked. Personal family meals were not taken in full dressed attire, that was only for show.

His father liked her because of her father. Reginald Belcourt was a well known politician in Little Paris, one of the largest cities on the east side of Edom.

“Hello, Ms. Belcourt.”

“Oh, you can call me, Camille.” She said walking closer to him. “We have not had a date in a while. I hope that is not an indication that you are bored with me.” The woman pouted, but it was just too much.

Will had said that Alec had an argument with Camille. Could she be the type of person to try and kill the competition? Maybe. He was about to find out. Putting out his arm for her the woman took it as they started to walk.

“I have called a special broadcast for this evening.” Magnus started as Camille looked startled.

“Why? I will not have enough time to get ready.” She actually looked worried.

“I intend to announce my engagement to one of the Chosen.” This caused Camille to nearly misstep. He wondered what was going through her mind right at that moment. She probably thought it was her.

“Then I need to pick out a dress.” She started to pull away but Magnus stopped her.

“Why?”

“Well if I will be on TV tonight I need to look my best.”

“Only my fiance will be on the stage with me.” She smiled, a sickening sweet smile reserved for a simple child that did not understand.

“Oh course, Prince Magnus, but my dress-”

“I will not be asking for your hand.” She stopped dead in her tracks.

“WHAT?!” The beautiful woman beside him let out a screech like he had never heard before. “Who would be a better queen than I?! We are made for each other!” Magnus finally pulled his arm away.

“No. No we are not.” Then out of nowhere the woman slapped him across the face, her long nails leaving redden marks on his cheek. Reaching up Magnus touched his cheek, but thankfully there was no blood.

“Ms. Belcourt, you hit the Prince. That was not a very bright idea.” His voice was calm and measured.

“I am supposed to be the Queen!” Then she must have thought better of herself. “I do not know what came over me. Apologies, your highness.” But the apology fell on deaf ears. “I just don’t want all my training to go to waste.”

“Training that did nothing but make you an evil jealous creature that would dare to try and kill another Chosen and then strike the Prince of Edom. Guards!” Magnus yelled.

“Did that little stoot brush tell you I pushed him down the stairs? He wouldn’t know class if it came up and slapped him across his dirty face.” Magnus was seeing red. He knew the little terms that higher levels called the lower ones. His mother had talked about them. Fives were painted prints or song stealers, depending on the type of artist they were. Sixes were rags and Sevens were stoot brushes. Thankfully the guards appeared at that moment.

“Take Ms. Belcourt to her room so she can pack.”

“No! Magnus, please. We belong together!”

“My dear, unlike the man I want to marry, you belong in the cold palace you came from. Away with her.” The guards dragged Camille kicking and screaming from the hall. He was positive that she was the one that tried to kill Alec. Even if he couldn't prove it he at least got her out of the palace.

-=-=-=-=-=-

Alec stood behind the curtains. His stomach was in knots from the nerves. Any moment the curtains would be pulled back and he would be presented as the fiance to the future king. It was almost too much. His hands traveled down his blue suit as if trying to straighten any imaginary wrinkles. Something caught the light and he looked down at the ring on his finger. Not an hour ago Magnus had gotten down on one knee and asked Alec to be his Prince Consort.

<i>Magnus looked a bit flustered when he came to Alec’s room. Will and Jem were finishing up on his suit for that night’s special broadcast. Alec turned to look at Magnus and noticed two red marks on his right cheek.

“Magnus, what happened?”

“Just getting rid of a nuisance.” Magnus waved off and then walked over to Alec. He placed a kiss on the man’s lips as the attendants quietly made their way out of the room to give them time. “I love you, Alexander Lightwood.” The Prince said as he pulled back from the kiss. Alec was so dizzy from the kiss that he barely followed. Then Magnus knelt on one knee.

“Oh my god.” Alec found himself breathing as the Prince pulled out a small box with the Bane family seal.

“At the end of each Choosing, the Prince in question would give the family signet ring to his chosen spouse in front of everyone.” Magnus started. “But you are a private person who does not want others to look upon him. So here, in your rooms I want to ask you, Alexander Gideon Lightwood, to be my Prince. Be the one that makes me strive to be a better person. Help me teach our future children that levels do not matter, what matters is what is found inside a person. Be the one I grow old with, be my everything.” Alec was crying by this time. He couldn’t even say yes through the tears but he did nod. That was all Magnus needed. He pushed the ring onto Alec’s finger before standing up and pulling him into another slow, passion filled kiss.<i/>

“Welcome honored guests to a special broadcast!” Simon Lewis’s voice broke through his thoughts and brought him back to the present. Just remembering how thoughtful Magnus was to make that moment just about them gave him enough strength to stand still. “Now, a little birdie told me, Prince Magnus, that you have a surprise for us.”

“Yes.” Magnus said, his voice calm and smooth. Alec smiled. “I do have a wonderful surprise. People of Edom, my people, I have come to the decision as to whom I will be marrying. It had been a fast and whirlwind romance, one for the books I am sure. The moment I met this person I fell for them. They were so raw and open with me and I couldn’t see a day without them in my life, but they needed some convincing.”

“You did say that before. Who is this wonderful person that has captured the heart of our marvelous Prince?” Simon asked. He was sure everyone was wanting to know, but as usual Magnus was building up the suspense.

“This person never expected to be picked for the Chosen in the first place. They never thought they could have what they wanted because of their level.” A hush went over the few people in the audience for the broadcast. They were mostly journalists that wanted the first taste of a story. “That is also something that I wish to talk to my people about. These levels, the ones that have kept all of you in place, will soon be ending.” Suddenly the journalists gasped and tried to ask questions before they were hushed. “That plan is in motion, but I am sure you are all wanting to know who I choose.”

The curtain opened and Alec stepped out. He didn’t look like a level Seven boy from a small town. There was no dirt under his nails or bruises from hard work. No, he looked like a Prince Consort and for the first time he felt like something special. Magnus stood from his seat and walked over to Alec as flashes of lights went off. Taking Alec’s hand he pressed a kiss to his hand.

“This is my chosen. Alexander Lightwood. Formerly a Seven and one of the best men I have had the pleasure to meet.” With that, the Prince of Edom leaned in to kiss his Prince.

And they lived happily ever after.

The End.

[penwieldingdreamer]

Caring Makes You Weak - Part 2

Summary: Harvey Specter, best closer in New York City and Senior Partner at Pearson Hardman, the man most females in the city want, yet he himself doesn’t want commitment, because caring makes one weak. Enter Elle Howard, a woman he met a long time ago. Will she be the one to break down his walls and make him care?

Thanks again for beta'ing @fortheloveoffanfic

Warnings: Light cursing, an evil stepmother(?)

Words: 1544

Hardman was gone, the merger with Zane pushed away again but now Jessica wanted to merge with Edward Darby and Harvey wanted - needed to stop it one way or another.

And now the one person he'd had worked very hard to forget about waltzed back into his life because his associate had taken her case. He was never the committing type and he should have never agreed to help Mike with that pro Bono. It wasn't even his case to begin with, so what had changed?

Staring out his windows he thought back to the first time he had met her. How could one woman rattle his brain like that? First Dana Scott, then Zoe Lawford and now…now there was Elle Howard.

Harvey had met her while out celebrating a big win with Jessica and Louis. When he walked up to the bar, she stood there, the fabric of her dress tight around her curves as she waited for her drink.

"Can I get you a drink?" he asked, leaning one arm onto the bar while he looked the redhead up and down.

She turned a smile on her lips and a drink in her hand. "I believe I'm still good, thank you."

"Well, why don't we move on to the next one?" Harvey smirked at her, holding out his hand for introductions. "I'm Harvey Specter."

Rolling her eyes, she emptied her drink and grabbed the clutch laying on the bar top. "And I'm not interested." The redhead nodded her head and moved to walk around him.

The warmth in his belly was replaced by a coldness as if someone had doused him with ice water. It had been some time since a woman had brushed him off with not being interested but he clearly was and he needed to get to know her. "Please, just let me buy you a drink." he said, his hand lightly holding onto her arm.

Sighing, the redhead turned, her blue-green eyes narrowing in on the lawyer. "You don't like a woman saying no, do you?"

"I always win them over, so I'd say you should take my offer." Harvey told her, nodding at Louis and Jessica, who just left the bar.

Moving closer to him, the woman smiled, her eyes shining with mirth. "Well in that case, I expect you to work your magic to win this case Mister Lawyer."

"How did you know I'm a lawyer?" Harvey asked astonished, not that he could have hidden his job in a bar full of businessmen.

The redhead smirked, leaning over to whisper in his ear. "It's not so hard to figure out, to be honest. So I'm looking forward to when you've won that case, too."

"Harvey!"

Blinking, the dark haired lawyer turned to face his associate. "What you got, Mike?"

"I've been calling you five minutes straight." the dark blond said, a smile on his face as Donna laughed at her cubicle. "What's got you so occupied?"

Shaking his head, Harvey held out his hand to look over the files. "Did you find some dirt on Tanner we can use?"

"Ah, not yet." Mike scratched the back of his neck, watching his boss carefully. "I wanted to ask Louis to help me with the financials, something doesn't seem right."

"Then get to it, I got something else to take care of." he got up from his chair, buttoning his jacket before he left his office. "I'll be back later, keep my schedule clear."

Donna and Mike looked after their boss before they faced each other. "What just happened?"

"I have no idea Junior, but he's been in a mood ever since you got back from Elle Howard last Friday." the secretary said, taking a sip from the latte Mike had brought her at lunch.

Once outside on the street level, Harvey waited for Ray to drive up. He needed to get a clear answer to the questions circling around his head. The black Lexus stopped in front of him and his driver got out, opening the door for him. "Where to, Harvey?"

"To the past." he sighed, giving his driver the address. The Indian man nodded his head, started the music and drove off.

"You want to talk about it, boss?" Ray had known his employer for nearly three years now and in all that time nothing had rattled him like the case he took on with Mike Ross. Harvey shook his head, watching the city fly by as the car made its way out of Manhattan and over to Williamsburg.

"Elle!"

Elle had to get the cries of her kids out of her head, so she decided to go grocery shopping and enjoy the walk over to the store not far from her apartment. Just when she got back, the redhead saw a black car parked on the street in front of her door. Sighing, she tightened her grip on the bags and ignored the sound of a car door opening.

She would recognize that voice anywhere. "What can I help you with, Harvey? Is there something good happening with the case?"

"Mike is still looking into it, but actually I'm here because I need to ask you something." the lawyer said moving closer to her. "Why did you really leave those years ago?"

Elle knew what he was getting into and she still had her secrets, things she couldn't have told him then and would definitely not tell him now. "You know it didn't work out for us."

"You still believe that?" he argued, pushing one hand into the pockets of his suit pants, clenching it with all his might. "I know that isn't the reason why, so stop that bullshit and tell me what made you rethink everything."

Shaking her head, the redhead walked around him, moving swiftly to the entrance of the apartment building she shared with Mike, but Harvey was faster. His hand held onto her arm, tight enough to stop her, but loose enough to not hurt her. Elle blinked her light eyes at the lawyer as she tried to form words without spilling what she had longed to tell him all those years ago. "We both wanted different things and you know it."

"Is that why you suddenly up and left New York? I asked Lucille and she told me you went to Boston. You didn't even think that you could have talked to me?"

Pulling away from him, she opened her mouth to answer him, but there was no sound coming out. Elle needed to get her head straightened out before she could really talk to Harvey and just when she knew what she would tell him, her phone rang again. The redhead pulled it out of her jeans' back pocket showing Charlie's name on the display. "I'm sorry, I have to take this."

"Mum" he sniffled and Elle immediately felt tears come to her own eyes. "Please come and get us. I hate it here."

She could hear his cries and the lawyer in front of her was totally forgotten. "Charlie, baby, what's going on?"

"I want to come back to you. I hate Sarah and she doesn't even want us there. She's mean to Izzy and me. Please, mommy, come and take us home."

Clasping a hand to her lips, Elle fought the urge to break down when she listened to her sweet boy cry because of her ex husband's new wife. "I'm sorry, sweetie, but I can't come and take you home. You know that we still have to wait a bit."

"No! I wanna go home now. Izzy doesn't like it here, too." the young mother could hear her youngest crying next to her son and she knew she had to put an end to it.

Closing her eyes, Elle took a deep breath. "Charlie listen to me, I'm going to come over and we'll talk, okay."

"Okay, I guess." She knew her son wasn't satisfied with her answer, but there was no way she was giving Travis more power over her, than he already had.

Harvey had listened to the conversation and was trying to come up with possible scenarios to fight against Tanner, just so he didn't have to listen to the kids crying for their mother. "I'm coming with you, Tanner isn't going to be happy with you showing up at his house."

"I can do that on my own, I know Travis." Elle tried to argue with the lawyer but from the look he shot her, she knew she'd have to fight him tooth and nails. "I don't need your help to make sure my kids are fine."

Shaking his head, he took a step back from her. "It's either me or I'm sending Mike to Tanner's house and you know it's not going to be pretty." Harvey held up his phone, ready to dial his associate so he could make sure nothing was going wrong and would destroy the case.

"Okay." the redhead muttered, lowering her head in defeat, she trusted Mike, but not around her ex-husband, he could be petty and it would end up in bloodshed if something went wrong. Rolling her blue eyes, she nodded, albeit reluctantly. "Fine. But at least let me get the shopping inside."

[yamithediaperdork]

don't mess with big sisters (Digimon)

If there was one major downside to having turned her big brother into her darling baby brother, it was that despite her best efforts Kari couldn't always be there for Tai, even though she knew he needed her.

There had been a time when he would of had force of will and the courage to stand up for himself but since she had been behind stripping him of that in the process of making him a adorable diaper pooper she took full responsibility over protecting him.

But there was the small issue that she had school and with both their parents working now to help offset the cost of the packs of diapers Tai could go though in a week, he'd been put in a special daycare that was suppose to protect him.

Suppose to.

So naturally when she dropped by to pick him up after class and found him sobbing in the corner and turned away from her she had been concerned right away. he had been crying for awhile and the most amazing part was he was doing everything he could, to keep Kari from seeing his face. Still she was the stronger of the two by far these days and had finally gotten a look at his face and gasped in shock.

smudged on his forehead (showing that a effort to wash it off had been made) LOSER had been written with a black marker and on one cheek 'diaper baby' had been written and on the other 'diaper filler'.

Outraged but trying not to scare or upset Tai any more she asked him who had done it to him, and Tai looked behind Kari and pointed and then started to sob again, filling his diaper.

Turning around to to see who was there, Kari narrowed her eyes as she saw Sora in one of the workers uniforms, smirking and waving back, having had a black marker in her hand and slipping it into her apron, and waving bye and heading for the door.

"M-Miss crabbles already t-talked to her..and she's been f-fired..but she said that ok..she did what she wanted." Tai sobbed.

"..Come on Tai, let's get you home and into the tub, and get those awful things washed off of you. you just forget all about your mean old ex-girlfriend." Kari coo'ed and started to help Tai get ready to go home.

She didn't need him thinking about Sora and getting himself worked up or even trying to figure out a plan of revenge.

after all..thats what Tai had her for.

Sora had to admit, she would of figured Kari to be the type to come right after her and as such had taken [precautions. She had stayed with Mimi for a week and had Izzy check her room for any sort of a trap before coming back in but everything seemed A OK.

'heh, maybe Big bad Kari isn't that terrible after all.' Sora thought, heading to the fridge and getting out a bottle of her favorite soda, never noticing the small pin prick in the cork. She also helped herself to a slice of cake in the fridge, coated with frosting which her mother normally despised but Sora just figured it was a welcome back cake.

It seemed a little odd that the more she drank the soda, the more thirsty she was but Sora just figured it had to do with her nerves, she had been so worked up about what Kari might do, but really..Tai had deserved her revenge and it wasn't even as bad as it could of been!

She was on her third Soda and second slice of cake when she realized that had to be way Kari had let bygones be bygones.. Sora hadn't done all that much and anything Kari did could of brought down the wrong kind of attention and get either Kari or tai put in a nut house somewhere.

She was in the middle of patting herself on the back for being SO clever when her mom called.

"hey sweetie, glad your back from your friend Mimi's. I'm gonna need you to head out and pick up some groceries for me. I've already paid for them, they just need to be brought back. Miss okaru's grandson who normally delivers is out sick. I figured you wouldn't mind since there's nothing in the fridge to snack on." her mother said with a laugh.

"uh..mom what are you talking about, there's cake and pop in the fridge." Sora said, suddenly feeling very..very cold.

"I think I know whats in my fridge little lady. unless one of your little digifriends popped over to drop off snacks. I think one of them said something about it. that nice girl who looks after her special brother..you know..the boy you used to date." he mom was said.

"O-Oh uh..Mom..I have to go..I need to use the washroom..I'll uh..head out after." Sora said, her tummy starting to cramp.

"Oh ok. well don't take too long and maybe lay off the sweets. Love you and talk to you later!" her mom said with a cheerful tone and then the line went dead.

Sora dropped the phone and took off for the bathroom in a dead run, her bladder was suddenly ready to burst as were her bowels, but most of all she wanted to trigger her gag reflex and get whatever she had been munching on and drinking down OUT of her system before whatever horrible effects they could have happened.

the fact she suddenly needed the bathroom so badly gave her a fair idea though as she went from dashing to hobbling, wet farts escaping and she had no doubt that she was staining her formally white panties.

getting to the bathroom door, she found it shut but she could of sworn it had been opened when she'd gotten back..or had she even checked? in any case she tried the handle and naturally, it was locked.

"Sorry, somebodies in here~" Came a voice that Sora had been dreading all week, and her fear combined with her full bladder equaled a drenched pair of yellow shorts and panties and a puddle around her ankles.

"K-Kari!? Kari please..let me in there! I..I already had a accident!" Sora whimpered, hot tears of shame rolling down her cheeks even as her bladder was already filling up.

"Really now? a big girl like you? tsk, Maybe Tai isn't the only one who needs diapers." Kari said, her voice sounding closer to the door.

"Kari PLEASE! I..I have to take a-" Sora started to say but was cut off.

"A poo poo. you need to make a poo poo in the potty like a big girl. Say it." Kari said, face unseen but Sora had no problem picturing the smug look that had to be etched on the girls face.

Naturally Sora would of never resorted to such childish terms, she had potty trained early and everything! But desperate times called for desperate measures.

"..Please Kari. I have to poo poo in the potty like a big girl." Sora said, teeth clenched though not just because of her anger, she was in a final countdown till she unloaded in the back of her panties and shorts, and hadn't they already suffered enough!?!

"Hmm nah, I don't think your ready. if you check the linen closet behind you however, you'll find something a little more your level." Kari said then added. "And don't be ashamed to ask for help with them, I've put them on Tai lots~"

Diapers. it was gonna be fucking diapers. Sora knew it before she even turned to open the closet.

again she wouldn't of normally even entertained the idea but she was in a losing battle and a dirty diaper would be easier to get rid of, to explain then a pair of smelly panties and shorts.

it was a package of little stinkers for big girls, a punishment brand she was semi familiar with from when Mimi had been having some nighttime control but she didn't deal to think on that at the moment.

ripping the package open she put one of the diapers in her mouth, holding it lightly as she tugged her soaked pants and panties off and dropped them in the puddle.

'at least they can sock up part of it.' Sora thought bitterly. her socks naturally had done some of the work but she didn't have the luxury of getting them off at the moment.

getting the diaper from between her teeth she unfolded it and tugged it up between her legs and got it taped on just in time, as her bowel finally gave out and she ended up hunching over, farting loudly and filling out the seat of the diaper as the bathroom opened up, and there was Kari with a video camera.

"Nice, I'm suppose to be making a semi action movie for my video club next week, I think this is totally going in it." Kari said,, keeping the camera on Sora as she yelped and fell to her hands and knees, starting to crawl as much as she could when she had to keep pausing to push more filth into the back of her diaper.

what had been white and pink with purple butterflies all over it was now a stained dark brown, and drooping big time in the back.

As Sora paused and went face down butt up and pounded a fist on the floor, getting the last of the mess out in a series of spectacular farts Kari snickered.

"Oh yeah, thats the money shot right there." She said then turned the camera around and held her nose. "You should all be thankful I can't capture the stink little miss farty pants here is making!"

With everyone out of her system, Sora collapsed on the floor, her head turned to the side and though she was still crying,there was a big dopey smile on her face as a muffled hiss was heard, she was wetting herself.

Setting the camera aside, Kari made her way over to Sora and knelt down, a hand coming down on the back of the older girls stinky diaper butt.

"Now, Sora..Do you think you learned your lesson here about picking on Tai, or do I need to go and tie you to the lamp post outside with your poopie diapers on display for you to get the lesson?" Kari asked then added. "Since you didn't do TOO much to him I was willing to keep your punishment mild this time."

THAT caught Sora's attention and as exhausted as she was, she turned her head to look at Kari with disbelief on her face.

"T-T-This was a MILD punishment!?!" She whimpered out.

"Oh yeah, Like I said, you only wrote on tai and it was your first strike AND well we used to be friends. so all and all dialed back my original plans for you." Kari said cheerfully.

The mere thought of what could of happened scared Sora so much she started to try and push out anther load into her diapers while her mind did the only thing it could do in such a situation.

it passed out.

In the aftermath of Kari's little punishment on Sora, the poor girl was never quite the same. Kari had helped her clean up once she'd woken up and even offered to help her get cleaned up and into some panties and pants..but Sora had meekly asked for more diapers.

She ended up going back to the same daycare where Tai was dropped off every morning but now she's not a worker, she's one of the special boys and girls and she's one of the quietest and most polite kids there, actually meek enough that she gets semi bullied from time to time but Tai protects her.

He still doesn't like her but well, he just wants to be like his awesome big sister Kari and protect those who can't protect themselves.

Kinda sweet when you think about it, isn't it?

the end.