#wow he was bursting with affection here he didn't expect it...I DIDN'T EITHER

[aayakashii]

I remember you did something kind of similar already, but I was thinking what if Vagastorm had an S/O that can or likes to carry them around sometimes? :3c

Omg I am obsessed with your art btw 😭😭 I love it so so much, it always makes me laugh!!!!

And yesss I did it here!! Which is wow a LONG time ago so I'd love to give it a go again, with a fresher opinion on them all hehehe

Vagastrom with a S/O that loves to carry them around (with pictures ?!)

Alan

He's absolutely horrified with this situation

Please put him down

Doesn't matter if you're EXTREMELY strong, he still thinks and acts as if he could hurt you even if he's not doing anything

Literally the type of guy that needs to go through exposure therapy in order to get used to the most minuscule touches

So you'll have to work hard until he allows you to carry him around sometimes

You can begin slow, after he's used to you hugging him

You can go for a hug, squeeze him tight and then finally lift him for a few seconds

He'll still be alarmed, but slowly he'll get used to your random bursts of affection that lead to you carrying him around

Once he's used to it, however, he thinks it's actually kind of relaxing

Feeling weightless for a little while in your arms is an unexpected bonus of his relationship with you

And he won't lie that it brings him great comfort that you're strong

Don't get him wrong, he still acts as if you're easily breakable

But maybe not as much... Just a little bit 🤏

Alan before he got used to being carried vs Alan after he got used to being carried

Leo

Oh he LOOOOVES it

But only when he wants it, of course

As soon as he realizes you are strong enough to carry him around, he WILL be using this opportunity to be as lazy as possible

What do you expect from the guy who is plenty capable of doing anything with his ghoul strength but still asks Alan to open cans for him 😭

You will become his little lackey whenever he wants to be carried and you will 100% like it

Some of those weird cats are going around cleaning the dorm? Get up and carry him somewhere else xox

He found a new trend on tiktok abt partners carrying each other? Come here real quick and let him film a new video for his feed thx

Now YOU want to carry him out of nowhere when he didn't ask for it??

Now that's some audacity

Be ready to either be pushed away or to have some bubblegum stuck on your face for a long time 🫶

He's like a poisonous animal, except instead of shooting out venom when he's distressed, he shoots out hazardous, life-threatening bubblegum

But hey, you should know better...

Don't pet the cat if the cat doesn't wanna be pet, duh

Leo when he doesn't want to be carried vs when he wants to be carried

Sho

He finds it extremely embarrassing

No, you don't understand. He LIKES it. And THAT'S why it's embarrassing.

When you come running towards him while he's working, hug him tight and then lift and spin him around...

And he knows he's blushing like a fucking school girl in front of all of his customers..........

Please stop 🤚

Actually, no. Don't stop. But please do that in private so he won't lose face in front of his customers.

Especially in front of that kid from Frostheim who he almost beat up. How is he going to defend his pride when he's tucked all comfortable and cute in your arms, being held high???????

Toxic masculinity aside, he loves to be carried by you

Loves to feel like you like him so much that you can't help but hold him so tight like that

He does the same to you and soon it becomes a competition of who's gonna carry who first when you two meet afterhours at his room

His favorite thing, however, is when he manages to kiss you while he's being carried

If you're going to make him all flustered like a little lovesick dumbass, then you bet he's gonna do the same to you 🫵‼️

Sho when he's screaming inside and blushing bc you're carrying him in public vs Sho when you two are alone

[ofgentleresolve-a]

The green chrysanthemum knot bracelet hangs around his wrist.

Eying the entrance of the Gangnam Police a short distance away, Patrick fiddles with one of the dangling ends, arm brushing against a white gift bag. Should he really be doing this? It’s not like he actually celebrates this holiday, and he doesn’t think Hyuk would remember the occasion either.  He peeks inside the bag again, only to look away, flustered.

Maybe he’s OVERDOING it. It’s not like…it’s not like they’re meant to be anything more than lifelong friends.

So technically, he shouldn’t be here, in Seoul. Hyuk might be able to fly to London at a moment’s notice, but Patrick doesn’t have that same luxury. For one thing, his job relies on him being there physically in the classroom, being readily available for his students when needed to be. For another thing, there’s his daughter and son to consider too- more than anything, they both need a stable presence in their lives.

Which is why when that invitation from his university’s sister school initially came around, he didn’t volunteer himself. However, when Dr. Towell called in sick last minute, he raised his hand without even thinking. And it only occurred to him a second later, he, in fact, just volunteered himself at last minute for a week long stay in Seoul.

For work purposes, of course.

( Definitely not because his first thought was in fact, his dear friend. His dear friend, whom he hasn’t been able to speak to for the past week or so due to a major case that came into the Gangnam Police Station. It happens, the frequency of phone calls decreasing temporarily due to their jobs demanding them to work overtime. Patrick knows that. He does the same whenever exam season comes around. It doesn’t change the fact that he misses his dear friend’s voice. And for some odd reason, even MORE SO these days. )

So he’s here now, without Hyuk’s knowledge. Sitting outside of the Gangnam Police Station with his messenger bag and a white gift bag holding a flask of hot chocolate ( that he made last minute using the faculty room’s kitchen ), a container of fried rice ( because Hyuk probably hasn’t had dinner yet ), and something important. He would’ve gotten the bungeo-ppang too from Mrs. Nam, but his meeting ran longer than he expected. Taking a deep breath, he steps into the building whose interior he’s more familiar with than its exterior.

“Excuse me,” he asks the receptionist at the front. “Is Detective Lee here at the moment? Might I be able to see him?”

Answers are given, not by the receptionist, but rather by one of Hyuk’s colleagues. Or at least that’s who Patrick assumes him to be. He can’t help but frown when said colleague refers to him as ‘Lee’s SPECIAL FRIEND’. Special friend...? What is that supposed to mean-

But that’s not important. The important part is that yes, Hyuk is here, working overtime at his desk as per usual and yes, Patrick can go in. Politely nodding to the other detectives, he passes in the hallway, he makes his way over, ends of a green bracelet dangling over a white gift bag.

What would happen if ORANGE got added to that mix though?

When he gets to the larger office, Patrick pauses a few feet away from Hyuk. Hyuk, who bent over at his desk, alone in the room. The lights of the precinct are bright, but Patrick’s dear friend is BRIGHTER. Vibrant even when he’s quiet, even when he’s alone. You could compare him to a flame, one that’ll burn you eventually.

But Patrick? He prefers to see his dear friend as something gentler. Warmth, like the onset of SUMMER. One forgets what the cold feels like in the summer heat.

His heart skips a beat. That’s been happening a lot lately when it comes to Hyuk. Cheeks warm, Patrick coughs into his hand.

“Hello Hyuk,” he starts and before his dear friend can stand up, Patrick closes the distance, setting the white gift bag on Hyuk’s desk. His messenger bag gets dropped at the foot of the desk. Patrick holds his hands out to pacify his friend. “I won’t be here for long, I know you’re working on a big case. And before you ask, I had…I had a meeting in the area. Dr. Towell got sick last minute so I stepped in for her-where did you get that?”

He points to the SCRAPE on the corner of Hyuk’s forehead. Patrick sighs: his dear friend must’ve gotten in another fight. That’s nothing new, but it’s never any less worrying to see. Hand reaching out, he thumbs at the corner of the scrape. Some blood threatening to ooze out. The rest of his fingers comb through his dear friend’s hair- long, soft, and so, so smooth. They scratch against Hyuk’s scalp as Patrick inspects the wound. And then: “Here let me take care of it.”

He grabs the water bottle on Hyuk’s desk and reaching into the gift bag, Patrick pulls out a WHITE HANDKERCHIEF embroidered with orange threads. Pouring some of the water into the cloth, Patrick then dabs it onto Hyuk’s scrape. When it seems properly cleaned, Patrick finishes his treatment by pressing a bandage over the scrape. A bandage from his pocket.

It’s a habit he picked up from years of FRIENDSHIP with Hyuk, always having bandages ready at a moment’s notice. And more often than not, they become necessary, if not for Hyuk who may recklessly throw himself into the line of fire, then for Hiro or Elise, who both spend their free time with machinery…a very hazardous occupation really.

It’s only when he’s satisfied with his handiwork as he brushes his thumb over the bandage again that he realizes he never finished his explanation. Or the fact he’s very much in Hyuk’s personal space. Patrick chuckles, nervously, letting his hand drop, handkerchief still in hand. He fidgets, fingers very much wishing for a Rubik’s Cube. “Ah, where did I leave off? I believe-“ He glances at the clock. It’s past midnight. Ah. There’s the path. “Today’s the 14th, correct? I didn’t know if you celebrated but I wanted…” He looks away, scratching his cheek in embarrassment. His cheeks might be warm.

Actually, they might be ABLAZE right now.

That’s…also been more frequent these days. These moments of warmth when it comes to Hyuk. Always the comforting ones, but also the burning hot ones too. As warm as sunlight through a window.

“I wanted to give you something. In return.” I wanted you to have something of me with you. Because Patrick can make hot chocolate any day, for anyone. But Hyuk? Hyuk is SPECIAL and therefore deserves something more. “I know you don’t like wearing accessories, so I got you this instead.”

He hands Hyuk the white handkerchief with Hyuk’s name embroidered in the corner with ORANGE THREAD. “I know it’s customary to give something white, but I thought you might…want more color.”

Because Hyuk is so much more than the white of a blank canvas. Or the black of a suit. They might call him the Grim Reaper of the Violent Crimes Unit, but the truth is Hyuk is a warmer color. A color like ORANGE, burnt orange like the SUNSETS he likes to watch at Jeju Island. One could see a sunset as a sign of an ending, but doesn’t everything come to an end eventually? Both the good and the bad do. Hyuk has always been there for Patrick during the good and the bad and if a sunset is supposed to mean something, then it is a reminder that nothing bad lasts forever. The warmth will always come back, one way or another.

Cheeks still hot, Patrick lifts his hand again, the GREEN bracelet Hyuk gave him on Valentine’s Day glinting in the light. Gingerly, Patrick cups his dear friend’s cheek. He smiles bashfully, the corners of his eyelids crinkling.

Hyuk is Patrick’s SUNSET.

“Happy White Day, Hyuk-ah.”

@jeoseungsaja happy white day to two mutually pining fools!

[heartkyeom]

we don't know that we know each other au

joshua hong x gender neutral reader

warnings: some light nsfw content at the beginning

notes: based on a very long au prompt I found and I thought it would be fun to write!! didn't wanna do a holiday party so just. think of it as a normal party ok bye pls enjoy!

the original prompt: my boss is always telling me how perfect her son would be for me and she promises he's coming to the next holiday party and don't worry he's heard all about me too and ALSO there's this dude i slept with once a couple of months ago and sometimes he still sends me dick pics when i ask him to at 3 in the morning cause seriously dude's got a good dick AU

it was a good one night stand. he was pretty cute, your friends dared you to pick up a guy from the bar and joshua was there

and he was good in bed, so good that you both kept up a lazy friends with benefits agreement- less friends more benefits

you didn’t know what the hell joshua did with his life. maybe he liked painting? who knows but the dick was too good to ask

you both mutually sent nudes when either of you needed to get off, it was good and didn’t need any commitment

he was nice enough from what you remember, you just weren’t looking for a relationship

this was something your boss did not understand

this lady, bless her heart, was convinced you needed to meet her son because you would supposedly look so good together

you had given her your standard explanation that you weren’t looking for anything serious but she was determined to have you two meet

joshua didn’t mind going to the annual company parties for his mom, her company was moderately big so he could expect decent food/drinks- all he had to do was show up in a suit

she never forced him to come, joshua always came because he wanted to support his mom but this year it was different

she was quite insistent about making him meet one of her graphic designers and it was becoming annoying

his mom liked to play matchmaker for him and the people were usually nice, but nothing ever came of it

but something in him figured it would be good to go, just to see what would happen

the party started innocently enough, he greeted everyone from family friends to board members who had known him since he was a teenager

he was admittedly having a good time, mixing and mingling with everyone while sipping a beer

until his mom told him he was gonna bring the graphic designer over so they could meet. he abandoned the drink just in case things got serious

and serious is the understatement of the century because he expected a lot of things, but the last thing he expected was to see you

and holy shit it was him. he looked really nice, way better than your drunk memory actually. he was clearly trying not to seem affected but you saw right through him

oh god you didn’t notice your mouth was open and now you’re just screaming to yourself “bitch fix your face FIX YOUR FACE!!!”

…your boss was right though, you were clearly a good match because you had seen far more than his face

she’s like “hi 😁 here’s my son joshua! 😁  joshua this is y/n, I’ll let you two have some time to talk” and ohhhh my god the tension between you two once she left

it was you. he absolutely was not drunk enough for any of this wow

but you were so beautiful, he hated that he forgot all the details of your face the last time he saw you

you both greeted each other quietly, silently taking each other in and sitting with the tension of the moment

“should we go somewhere to talk?” joshua’s gentle tone shook you out of your daydream and of course you obliged

you both walked out of the main hall to a large foyer, stealing glances of each other like you both couldn't believe the other person was real and not just someone you traded nudes with

you burst into laughter at the same time because what the fuck were the odds??? how did your only one night stand happen to come back into your life so easily?

“it’s nice to finally meet you,” you sheepishly admitted to him and it was true- you didn't really talk last time at all, and if you did it was lost to the blurriness of that night

“you too,” he smiled at you again and the tension seemed to dissolve a bit

“I’d really like to get to know you if you’ll let me,” he reached his hand out to grab yours and oh my god the way your heart started beating faster……

you didn’t want a relationship. you swear you didn’t. but when joshua looked at you like that, how could you say no? you could give it a try and see what happened

“I would love that,” you replied and you could visibly see his mood get lighter. if you said no, the possible frown on his face would’ve been too much to bear

you spent the rest of the party sitting at a table back in the main hall learning about each other’s lives inside and out

the conversation felt so natural between the two of you, you normally wouldn't feel this inclined to share so much about your personal life

joshua noticed your hesitation at first, but he was so understanding and never tried to get anything out of you. he kept reassuring you that it was ok! no pressure! I just wanna take in as much as you’ll let me have of you

it was nice to confide in him, it made you feel like you could trust him with any of your secrets

you didn’t even notice that a few hours had passed since you started talking, it wasn’t until joshua pointed out that most of the people had left that you looked around

you both gathered your things and walked out of the venue together, your brain still buzzing with all the new things you learned about him

he wanted to take you home and you were jumping at the chance to do it until you remembered that your car was there- you didn’t want to let him down but he quickly reassured you that it was fine

“it’s okay, we probably shouldn’t have sex on the first date anyways” he replied and it made you laugh so hard.. like ok he’s very funny too?

“so this was a date then?” you messed with him just to hear his response

“yeah of course!” the way his face lit up oh my god you could have screamed!!! so cute!

you exchanged goodbyes and you began to walk away until you felt his hand on yours

he pulled you closer until your lips connected and it felt like you had never been apart

he was so gentle with you yet so passionate, it seemed like he was making up for lost time- it was all so tender and you couldn't help but smile at how sweet it all was

he pulled away from the kiss and quietly asked you why you were smiling, a tiny smile played on his lips

your cheeks were flushed red... you could barely even look at him! much less reply!! you just put your hands over your face instead

he gave a little fake gasp of shock like omg!! he knew you were shy but not this much!! but he thought it was so adorable, it took everything in him to not kiss you again

he heard you giggle, he pried your hands off your face slowly and you made eye contact again, he whispered "why are you so cute" and AAAA it made you melt even more

he didn't have to be so patient with you but he was. it made you regret not giving each other a chance before

and oh god you hate thinking about all the kisses he could’ve given you in the time you've been apart.

but fate brought joshua to you now for a reason, so why question the timing?

as he sent you off to your car with a small wave and a smile, you knew that you couldn’t imagine your life without knowing how things turned out with joshua hong <3

[h0neyjaehyun]

☁︎ 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 ☁︎

Summary // Jeno finds out Tali's favorite skinship, and later on so do the boys.

Characters // Talia Flores + Jeno Lee (ft.Nct Dream mention. Chan, parents)

Era / Year // July 2017

Word Count //

⚠️Warning⚠️ // Mention of Alchohol abuse

So members like to give out kisses once in awhile and Tali is no different. Even tho she doesn't really do skinship, she doesn't mind giving kisses here and there mostly because thats how the people around her gave her affection when she was in her pre-teens. Lots of head kisses mostly, from adoring her to comforing her.

Something about Tali makes you want to smother her in affection. But the boys don't want to over step her boundaries so they never did, and hoping that one day Tali will give the signal that it was okay.

And the moment had come.

Its was 2017, Tali felt quite sad. Not that the boys did anything wrong its just sometimes she misses the times she can be carefree and drink. The adrenaline that she got when she was younger but she knew that she wasn't able to go back to it.

She knows drinking is bad,especially at her age which wasn't llegal drinking age, she hasn't drinked alcohol since Chan convinced her not to, and saying it was bad for her. She knew that when she was younger too but she missed the thrill, and her friends. They all kept in contact, visiting them when she is off. She just misses the affectionate that they usually gave her, but can't since it might get her in a scandal. Mostly the head kisses, and when she kisses them on the cheek, that made her feel the most loved and thats how she preferred to show her love.

Her parents never really gave her affection, it was usually her friends, and she felt comfort in those moments and safe. The boys didn't really hug her, only Haechan or Jaemin, what they usually do is just pinch her cheeks. Even tho she doesn't like the cheek pinching, she wanted kisses, but it felt weird asking that.

So she finally had the courage to just kiss one of the members cheek one day....all hell broke loose when they found out the habit.

"Jeno~" she said sleeply, tired of the comeback, she went and sat beside him. "You look tired." "Wow, thats what every girl wants to hear." Tali said sarcastically. "Sorry" Jeno laughed with his eye smile. Tali looked at him and smiled back loving his smile. She put her head on his shoulder while they were waiting for the rest of dream to get ready for bed.

She heard yelling outside knowing it was the 2 boys that have been practically fighting all summer and not getting along for only god knows what. (Or whatever figure you believe in). She tried her best to ignore it, but also wanting to get out of the dorm that she wasn't very comfortable in at the moment.

"Hey Jeno?"

"Hm?"

"Wanna go for ice cream?"

"Right now? Its the middle of the night."

Tali looked at him then looked back at the door from where all the yelling is coming from.

"Either you wanna stay here and keep hearing them scream their heads off at each other or you wanna go get ice cream and go on the roof so we can look at the stars. Either way im going."

Jeno thought about it, he didn't want to stay here, nor did he want Tali to go out alone knowing she was too stubborn to back down from not leaving.

"....Sure why not...Renjun can always handle them"

Tali nodded, not caring if she was tired she just wanted out. They left quietly without anyone noticing, and headed to the the Open 24 hours store, to grab some ice cream and snacks.

They left and Jeno almost went to the dorm forgetting that they were supposed to go to the roof but Tali pulled him to the roof. Jeno was amazed on how Tali knew about going up here, the view was so pretty, like she can read his thoughts she said. "This is my safe place these past months, the amount of fighting those two have is...terrible I just wanted to leave the bad aura and come here with you." She said looking at him with sparkles in her eyes.

Jeno looked mesmerized by her speech and her eyes, he always liked looking at them. He pulled her to the ground and they sat there in silence with only bags being moved around being the only noise.

Tali looked at him and she found comfort, he looked back at her and gave her his famous eye smile, she was so happy to see it she couldn't help but just climb on his lap and just stay there in his arms. Jeno was surprised but took the rare opportunity to hold her.

Then Tali out of habit gave him a kiss on the cheek. Jeno froze, Tali could feel the stiffness in his body. Then it clicked on what she just did. "Oh my- IM SORRY I DID THAT OUT OF HABIT, IM SORRY I MADE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE." Tali said panicked.

While Jeno still loading, Tali was about to get off his lap but thats when reality came in he held her in the same position they were before. "No no its okay, its okay as long as you don't do that to people outside the group your okay" Jeno laughed at her panicked state.

There was silence

"Wait....what do you mean out of habit?" Jeno said out of curiosity.

Tali blushed not expecting that question she laughed and said "Well when I was like 11 I developed a love for kisses, like not lip to lip more like head kisses of comfort, then the way I respond to that comfort is by giving that person a kiss on the cheek if I really really trust them.." she said while she was hiding in her red hair, she couldn't help but feel embarrassed at that confession, she didnt really like saying those cheesy things if makes her cringe or flustered.

Jeno laughed at her embarrassment. Feeling good that she trusts him, and that he is getting closer to her. "You trust me?" Jeno said cutely. Tali now flustered "Of course I trust you" she said with giggle. "Then why didn't you kiss my cheek before huh?" He said teasingly with a pout. Tali smiles at his cuteness "Because I didn't know if your were comfortable with it" she said with a smile, head tilted cutely. Jeno gushed at her.

"How about this" Jeno proposed

"How about me and you only do this hm?" Tali thought about it, she doesn't know if the members are comfortable with it and honestly doesn't wanna embarrass herself so one member is better then none.

She looked at him the a smile and said "of course!"

Jeno was happy that he got closer with Tali also that they get to have their own little thing. But he knew it wasn't gonna last long since they were probably gonna accidentally do it infront of the boys out of habit, but he is gonna take the time that he has with it.

Dream were in the waiting room. Bored out of their mind waiting for their turn to perform. So Jeno and Tali were just napping together, Jaemin visited them and he saw them together and started taking pictures.

Then Tali started waking up and looked up and saw Jaemin."Jaeminnnn" she said cutely still sleepily doing graby hands at him like a baby while Jeno was still asleep beside her, hands around her waist, his face in her hair. Jaemin couldn't resist the invitation so he layed on top of her and snuggled his face in her chest.

She wasn't expecting the face in chest but she thought eh he is injured i don't to hurt him by pushing him off and its been awhile I'll let it slide. Then Jeno woke up from all the movement

"Jaemin."

"Hm?" The boy still buried in her chest too comfortable to move.

"One why are you here and two why are you in Tali's chest?" Concerned for the girl under him since she is a small human being.

"One to visit since its been awhile, and two...its comfortable and she did the grabby hands so I couldn't resist." He said still in her chest. Jeno looked at Tali and Tali looked back at Jeno. She blinked a few times.

"Hello"

Jeno just smiled at her cute hello.

Tali looked at Jaemin who seemed to be asleep.

"Jaemin....Jaemin....JAEMIN!" Mark yelled waking up the boy. "WHAT." The boy said upset that his sleep got disturbed. "Get off of her she need to fix her clothes to perform." Mark said, Jaemin just glared at Mark "You're just jealous that Im in this position and you're not." Jaemin said getting up and started to bicker with Mark.

Tali just crawled onto Jeno's lap and both of them sat there looking at the boys just bickering with each other while the others started joining in. In the moment Tali felt at home, Jeno reminded Tali of her brother when he would hold her when something bad came up or just in general.

Jeno looked down and saw Tali seem comfortable which made him happy and out of habit he kissed her head, and in that exact moment the boys turned to Tali to ask her who gives the best cuddles and they see Tali in Jeno's lap and him giving her a head kiss.

Everything was quiet

"WHY DOES HE GET TO KISS YOU AND NOT ME!" Haechan whined while he collapsed on Tali's legs.

Tali blinked trying to figure out whats happening then she realized...he kissed my head....oh no.

Then their manager came "Its time to perform LETS GO PEOPLE." Tali and Jeno took this opportunity to book it so they looked at each other and RAN.

"COME BACK HERE WE ARE NOT FINSIHED DISCUSSING THIS!" Jaemin yelled.

All the boys laughed and then after they performed they saw Jaemin still there waiting for an explanation. Jeno and Tali looked at each other trying to figure out how to explain.

"Well?"

"Um...well you see its just...it became a habit~?" Tali said trying hard to explain without confessing the truth cause if she does, they won't stop kissing her.

"Tali." Jisung said.

"Hm?" Tali turned to Jisung

"Are you and Jeno hyung dating" Chenle said

Tali and Jeno looked at each other and they burst out laughing.

"YOu ThInk WE ArE DAtiNg!?" Jeno said laughing his ass off.

Everyone was confused not knowing what to think.

"Listen, I find comfort with head kisses when being hugged and I usually repay the person with a kiss on the cheek or a hug nothing more, its just Jeno found out by accident when we hanged out and I was sleepy, we agreed to be our thing till we slip up and do it front of you guys nothing more." Tali said giggling.

They all were in awe at the little cute confession and started to coo at her and petting her hair.

Jaemin just looked at her after the cooing and said with a betrayed face.

"YOU GAVE JENO A KISS BEFORE ME"

[fictionalrambles]

Shadowhunters Fandom Story - Part Fifteen

Submitted by jwrites_

Five Favourite Fics:

1. What's It Gonna Be by @lemonoclefox

Why I love this fic: I'm a sucker for Pride & Prejudice. San was able to take that dynamic and put it all in a modern day telling of it. I can't count how many times I've read this. Sometimes I read it all the way through, other times I go and find my favorite parts just to get that rush of emotions it never fails to give. The enemies to lovers is done perfectly, the dialogue is great and flows seamlessly, the way she tied in the storyline between Simon, Isabelle, Valentine, and Alec together was genius. I truly love every word of this story.

Favorite scene: Awkward - love - confession - in -  the -  rain

Favorite quote(s):

(Yes. Love confessions are great but have you ever overheard someone say something rude about you and then have the opportunity later that same night to be able to casually call that person out for their comment?)

"Her friend is..." He trails off, as though searching for the word, and Magnus can imagine him gesturing in the meantime. "Interesting," Jace eventually settles on, pointedly.

"Who, that Bane guy?" Alec says, and as he does, Magnus is hit with a wave of intrigued surprise. Does Alec like men? Interesting. The assumption could be wrong, of course, but Jace's tone implies that that's why he's mentioning it. "He's a bit over the top, don't you think?"

He sounds almost disdainful as he says it, as though Jace's mere suggestion is laughable, and Magnus's intrigue immediately shifts to offended annoyance. He straightens a little where he stands, reluctantly affected by it.

--

"I mean, love songs are great," Magnus admits lightly. "But stringing a few pretty words together does seem a bit unoriginal when everyone does it."

Simon shoves him lightly in offense, and Magnus can't help but laugh.

"Then what do you suggest?" Magnus is taken completely by surprise when he realizes that it's Alec who's speaking, and he turns to him. The guy's expression is neutral, but seems genuinely curious.

"Oh, I don't know," Magnus says, swirling his drink around in his glass. He shrugs. "I suppose I'm more a fan of showing and not telling. I'd much prefer someone showing interest in what I like and who I am, than comparing my eyes to the night sky, and whatnot." He gestures airily, then hesitates. He suddenly can't seem to stop himself, the memory of the Lightwoods' overheard conversation bubbling to the surface. "I think most people can appreciate that. Even if some of us are a bit over the top."

--Okay...I'm gonna go ahead and throw in a love confession~

"Look, I don't expect anything from you," he says, as though the words are hard to say. "You've made your feelings pretty clear, and I respect that. But I heard you talked to my mom, and with the stuff you said to her... I guess it just kind of made me a bit hopeful, or something. A bit." He clears his throat, while Magnus just listens. He turns to watch Alec's profile as the young man struggles to find the words, eyes on the view in front of him. "Either way, I'll admit that how I feel hasn't really changed. Maybe it should have, but..."

Alec shakes his head, and Magnus feels his throat go dry. He wants to interrupt Alec, wants to say and show everything that's bursting out of his chest, but he waits. Alec takes a deep breath then, turns to him. He looks determined.

"If you want me to," he says steadily, "I'll go. I'll leave you alone, I promise. You won't hear from me again." He pauses, licks his lips. "But if you don't want me to, if something has changed since last time, somehow... I'd really like to know. Because that would be pretty great."

2. 42 North 71 West by @lecrit​

Why I love this fic: I was blessed with the opportunity to witness Lu working on this fic from its conception to its end. I was there and still I am blown away at the way she was able to work the time jumps. I remember thinking with every chapter I read, 'Wow. The way she is telling this story is amazing. She is amazing.' Lu has a way of presenting so much honesty in her characters. She writes them in a way that feels so real, that you can't help but understand their fears and hesitations even though it hurts. The story is a back and forth told through scenes set in the past and present. You get to see what they were and where they are. The story is beautifully heartbreaking. And she was able to make me enjoy a story that dealt with politics? What? Sorcery, I tell you. -- also, the bench.

Favorite scene: This was almost impossible to choose and I took way too long trying to pinpoint just one. But I'm going to go with one that I hold very dear. When Magnus goes to visit Alec on his birthday and he finds Alec playing the song he only plays when he's sad. That's all I'm going to say because I don't want to spoil~

Favorite quote(s):

“Magnus,” Alec breathes out.

The name feels almost foreign, as if he hadn’t uttered it in too long and now his mind is troubling to catch up with his mouth. Still, it manages to make Alec’s heart stutter.

--

“We should’ve stayed on that bench in Boston,” he murmurs.

--

The good thing is, he knows where to go to find his way back. It is inked on his body, engraved into his soul, sealed into his heart.

3. Lead The Way by Clockworkswan

Why I love this fic: Because it takes the wonderful adventure of Doctor Who and packs it in with Malec. This is the ultimate fun and feel good but you will also cry at one point fic. I always go back to it if I want a wonderfully written Doctor Magnus and his adorable companion Alec. Seriously, even if you're not into Doctor Who, give this fic a shot. It's written in a way that you will get so caught up in the adventure that you won't even realize it's based on something else. And if you're a Doctor Who fan, you're in luck with all the little Easter Eggs Heather left throughout.

Favorite scene: I really don't want to spoil anything. The planet of Ablorix. This will mean nothing if you don't read the fic (so you should ;])

Favorite quote(s):

Magnus extends a hand. It’s just like before, when they were in the hallway a couple of weeks ago. It’s just as inviting as it was the first time.

“How about it, pretty boy? Name a star. Any one will do. Or a date,” Magnus says. The double meaning is evident when he winks. He pauses then, and his expression shifts, growing solemn.

A clear shift in his demeanour happens. Magnus turns from playful to sincere in the blink of an eye. Although, there was also a serious tone to it. Magnus looks at him, and understanding eyes meet Alec’s hesitant ones. “Alexander, you seem like a man in need of a break, and I am very much a man in need of a friend. Adventures are always a quick way in figuring out what you want. What do you say?”

What does he say?

He says yes.

Of course Alec does.

--

Before Magnus can think of a good retort, he tries to ignore the clenching ache his stomach gives at the sight of a confident, smirking Alec Lightwood watching him so openly. He settles for pointing in a random direction. “I have to go and see a dog about a man. Meet back here in five?”

“Uh, isn’t the expression, ‘see a man about a dog’?”

“Not when the dog ran off with the man’s wife. A rather big scandal, it seems. The president wants me to try and step in. Smooth things over, so to speak.”

At that, Alec just stares blankly.

Magnus holds up a finger. “Yes, this is normal for me. No, you may not come along. Go.”

4. Love & Other Drugs prequel of Our Love Is A Harsh Chord in the Semi-charmed Kind Life series by @la-muerta​

Why I love this fic: I'm kind of cheating here by listing two fics but they're a package deal. Love & Other Drugs was a smutty one-shot that left me wanting

more...

backstory. Let me tell you the pining and 'unrequited' love between those two demanded a story to be written. Which is why when la_muerta ran a poll on whether or not she should start it or another series first, I campaigned for this one like it was my job (I lost but I still got the series eventually so did I really lose?) The writing in this and with all of la_muerta's fics will hook you. The sadness over the back and forth between them is done so well. It's angst that will grip you and hold onto you until you eventually finish. Just go on the twitter hashtag of #OLIAHCfic and see my screaming.

Favorite scene: Probably the LSD scene.

Favorite quote(s):

Alec was still here, in bed with him.

How many times had Magnus wished that he could wake up with Alec in his arms? He didn't dare to move, wanting the dream to last a little longer, but Alec was already stirring.

--

he'll wonder if life would be a little easier if he wasn't hopelessly in love with Magnus, but it is a fact of who he is now: Alec Lightwood is 6'3, has dark hair, is gay, and is in love with Magnus Bane.

--

They are lying next to each other now, turned on their sides and face to face. The world is no longer warped and weird, but glowing and perfect. Magnus is tracing a path of lightning down Alec's body with his fingertips, and in a moment of clarity Alec understands that in Magnus' eyes he is as beautiful as he thinks Magnus is (it is the first thing Alec forgets when he wakes up sober later).

--

Words aren't enough to express how he feels, but they've always understood each other better when clumsy words don't get in the way.

5. The Lonely Hearts Hotline by @unrestrainedlyexcessive​

Why I love this fic: It's funny, it's endearing, it's heart wrenching, it's sexy, etc. The way Alec is written in this fic is one of my favorite characterizations. The way his situation can resonate with so many young adults today. That feeling when you're an adult and you feel like you should know what to do with your life and who you should be but the truth is, you're still just as lost as always. Being an adult sucks tbh and even when you're an adult, sometimes life doesn't quite feel like it. Alec's character and growth in this fic is beautiful. (I also really loved Jace in this fic)

Favorite scene: A tough choice. Probably the office party and follow up scene in Magnus' office.

Favorite quote(s):

The problem with being a new grad, in general, is that the world and job force demands you have experience, but you have to live a certain number of productive years on the planet to gain that experience.

Early adulthood is no man's land. You don’t have the experience to matter and no one wants to pay you to gain it, hence how he ended up in the precarious situation he’s in: dodgy sex work by night, an even dodgier roommate, and desperately hoping an internship eventually turns into an actual paying job.

--

Magnus runs his tongue down the knobs of Alec's spine. "You're so beautiful," he says, pausing.

"I'm really not," Alec insists, eyes fluttering closed.

"Why are you so kind to everyone except yourself?"

"I'm a work in progress."

"Aren't we all?"