spacemomwrites

[spacemomwrites]

Clark melted, in an instant, his heart filling with warmth. His touch was light, tender. “Please don’t apologize for that.” He said, and leaned forward, letting his lips meet Dick’s at last. He pressed in softly, giving Dick room to pull away if he wanted to. He knew there was plenty more to say, but this kiss felt long overdue. He couldn’t help it.

Babs nodded, a bit numbly. “Thanks for coming.” She let Kori guide her into the apartment and went straight for her gear, getting changed quickly as the other three convened in the living room. “I sensed nothing with my magic,” Raven confessed as Babs stepped back out of her room. “No trace to track him with.”

Kyle smiled, kneeling at the side of the couch with his basin. “Thanks. I’m a graphic designer, so I have a bit of any eye for composition.” He dipped a washcloth into the warm, soapy water and raised it to the wound. “This might sting - let me know if you need a break.” He was gentle as he cleaned the wound, touch delicate. He couldn’t help but admire Garth, the lovely and strong lines of his body. It was clear he was powerful, graceful. It must have taken a lot to wound him.

“I’ll send out an alert to everyone.” Bruce confirmed, on his phone. He turned towards the second alarm, trying to subdue the panic in his chest. “It’s Kate’s. But it’s still attached, just damaged. She’s - she’s at Kara Zor-El’s apartment, she’s safe. For now.” He typed quickly into the computer, silencing the alarm. “But if someone’s come for both of them - it’s possible we’re all in danger. I’ll get everyone to gather at one of our secret rendezvous points.”

Kara nodded, sweeping Kate up into her arms and flying them out the window. She stopped briefly a few rooftops over to call Conner, once she could be sure they were far enough away from their attackers. “Okay, Conner’s on alert. Should I tell Kal too?” She frowned, biting her lower lip.

little lives | batfam

[spacemomwrites]

“Hey.” Clark’s voice was quiet, but he smiled. “We should -” He paused, tentative. “We should talk, yeah?” He searched Dick’s eyes, for some sign of - what, he wasn’t sure. He set down the pizzas and sodas and moved towards the living room. “Come here.” He held out an arm, and smiled, soft. “Don’t worry. I sound ominous but I just want - to talk about us. I think we should.”

Barbara shook her head, eyes wide and haunted-looking. “No. No, I’m fine. They didn’t touch me - I didn’t even see them - but they took Jason and I don’t know how and I don’t know where, Kori. I don’t know what to do.” Her breaths were coming in shallow and quick, and she glanced up at Raven, who was watching the corridor carefully and scanning it with her magics. “Good. You brought help.”

Kyle winced as Garth revealed the wound fully, along with the other scratches and bruises decorating his body. “I’ll get soap and water.” He said, moving into the kitchen to fill a basin and grab a washcloth. “What happened? Were you and Aquaman fighting someone? I can alert the Justice League if they need to check on him...I have the Flash’s number around here somewhere...”

“I mean someone shut it off, and that’s not easy to do.” Bruce frowned, grabbing his utility belt from the workbench and strapping it on. He raised a brow as they moved towards the garage, going for the batmobile. “You think Harley knew this was coming - or she’s...she’s planning revenge?” His jaw tightened. “Another kidnapping? They can’t - they can’t handle that. We can’t.” He took a deep breath. “I thought she didn’t want that life anymore.”

Kara was in her uniform in the blink of an eye, and she used her cape to divert the path of the gas canister, knocking it away from Kate. “Come on.” She said, grabbing her arm. “I can fly us out of here - we’ve gotta figure out what’s going on -”

little lives | batfam

[spacemomwrites]

Magnus waved his hands, instantly opening a portal. “Off we go.” He said, flashing a grin before pulling Alec through into Pandemonium. The lights were dimmed, the club empty but clean, quiet. “What a drink?” He arched a brow at Alec, grinning, “I love having this place to myself. There’s something sort of devious about it, even if I own it.”

Isabelle shrugged a shoulder. “Mom’s always mad at me. They’ll recover. Or we’ll make them.” She grinned. “A cheeseburger, yes, please.” 

“Off to the drive through it is.” Simon said, before flashing a grateful smile at Jace. “It’ll be good to all be together. Calm before the storm?”

cold feet | shadowhunters

[spacemomwrites]

Clark nodded, gently. He wanted to kiss Dick, suddenly, but he held back. Now was definitely not the time or place - if there even was one. He guessed he’d find out tonight. “Good.” He said softly instead, reaching out and squeezing his hand. He grabbed the pizzas at the shop owner handed them over, and smiled. “Alright, let’s head out.”

Barbara was back in the living room before the door finished swinging, but she barely caught a glimpse as Jason was dragged out. Her heart seemed to stop, but she fell back on her instincts, running out after him. She ran fast, but it seemed Jason and his captors had disappeared before her eyes. “Fuck - fuck -” She took a deep breath, trying to stop herself from panicking. She had to think. Quickly, she dialed Kori’s number. “Kori. Someone took Jason, I need your and Roy’s help.”

“I can do that.” Kyle assured him. He paused as Garth’s eyes skirted over him; he could feel them warm against his skin. He couldn’t help but smile a little. “Shh. You’re tired. Come on, here we are.” He unlocked the front door to his apartment and led Garth in. “You don’t, um - need water or something? Like would the bathtub be better than the couch?”

“With your help.” Bruce smiled, but it broke as the alarm sounded. He swiveled his chair to face the  beeping monitor, typing quickly to discern the alert. “It’s - Jason. I have trackers on all of them, just - don’t tell them. It’s just to monitor them when they go out on patrol but, this alert - his is broken. Forcibly.”

Kara smiled, “I’m sure it will be perfect the way it is.” She assured Kate, squeezing her shoulder. “Can I help? I’m not...terrible in the kitchen.” She laughed. “I mean, I’m best with takeout, but I’m sure together we can make something yummy.”

little lives | batfam

[spacemomwrites]

Magnus raised a brow, considering. “I love you and your sister, darling. And biscuit, of course, but - let’s go to the club. It’s not open today, and I’d prefer not having to keep track of anyone shuffling through my potions and things.” He tapped out a quick message to Isabelle. “I’ve sent them the address, we can meet them there. But if you need some time more...alone, we can portal. We’ll beat them there by an hour, since they’ll be stuck in city traffic.”

Isabelle nodded. “Magnus is with Alec. He’ll meet us at Pandemonium.” She pulled herself into the van next to Clary, watching as the boys settled in front. “Let’s go. We’ll stop for food along the way.”

Simon clicked in his seatbelt and pressed on the accelerator, glancing in the rearview mirror to make sure they hadn’t been noticed and followed. “How does everyone feel about curly fries? God, I miss curly fries...” He glanced over at Jace. “We, uh, might need to stop somewhere different for vampire dinner.”

cold feet | shadowhunters

[spacemomwrites]

“Sure, let’s get sodas.” His gaze on Dick was gentle, considering. “You’ve been feeling better though, right?” He asked, soft enough that the man preparing their pizzas couldn’t hear him. “You’ve seemed happier, but I don’t want to presume...” He was almost sheepish, running a hand through his hair. “If there’s anything more I can do, you’d let me know, right?”

Babs smirked, a warm and playful energy in her expression. “I’m always good, aren’t I?” She leaned up and kissed Jason’s cheek, voice softening. “I love you too.” She pulled away, slipping into her room to put on her favorite studying clothes - sweatpants.

“I guess being a Lantern gives me an advantage with stuff like this.” Kyle pursed his lips slightly, looking down at the orb. “Does this mean the poison is out?” He asked, carefully setting the orb aside. The second he released it, it dissolved. “Don’t worry about that now. I’m just glad you seem better - but you still should lie down and let me clean that.” He reached his arm around Garth again. “It’s just a few more blocks.”

“You completed us.” Bruce agreed. “I never thought I’d have something like the League. I’ve been alone since I was a child, except for Alfred - and then Dick. I think that’s why I worry about him so much, and the others. I never want them to feel alone like that.” He sighed, watching Diana with soft eyes. “Especially now that I know what it is to be part of a family again.”

Kara laughed. “You sent him Tim’s way, huh?” She ran her hands over her hair, smoothing it out from the windswept look. “Not at the moment, unless you count Cat breathing down my neck about my next writing deadline. But that can wait until tomorrow.” She beamed. “What are you making? I’m so hungry.”

little lives | batfam

[spacemomwrites]

Isabelle couldn’t help but laugh at her brother and his boyfriend. She’d never seen Jace so gone for somebody. Usually he was in perfect control - just like herself, until Clary. “I’ll text Magnus.” She said, digging her phone out of her pocket. “But let’s head towards his apartment now. It’s best to put distance between us and the Institute.”

Simon nodded, a bit dazed as he attempted to smooth out the wrinkles in his shirt. “Do you all want to take my van? It’s parked down the street.”

Magnus nodded, fingertips trailing Alec’s arm as he pulled away to pack up his stuff. He felt light, like nothing could go wrong today. Alec loved him. He was lost in these thoughts when his phone buzzed, and his brow furrowed as he pulled it from his jacket pocket to check it. “Oh, darling? Seems like your sister is wondering where you’re at. You left your phone at home. What should I tell her?”

cold feet | shadowhunters

[spacemomwrites]

“Order whatever you like. I’m sure we’ll be able to eat it all, and if not - leftovers.” Clark smiled, and nodded to the shop owner as he began packaging up the cannolis for them. “Yes, the two pizzas - and the garlic knots, please.” He said, reaching in his back pocket for his wallet. “It’s the works tonight.” He glanced over to Dick, corner of his mouth lifted in amusement. “Cheese and true crime dramas...are we cliche?”

Barbara stepped closer instinctively, wanting to prove to him that he shouldn’t be scared, that she wasn’t going anywhere. “If that’s what you want.” She paused, taking a deep breath. “It’s what I want. But I’m not looking to push you into anything, I know it’s not your usual...style. I’m just happy to be around you.” She reached out, intertwining their fingers. “It feels good, though. You calling me your girlfriend. Can you believe us?”

“Oh boy. Yeah, okay, I have a little bit of experience with seemingly impossible objects.” Kyle reached out and took the ball of water. It felt cool, like silk against his fingertips, but he didn’t have much time to marvel at it. He reached down, running the water over Garth’s side. “Stay with me, okay? You can rest once we get you back to my apartment, but you gotta stay awake for this. You’ve got this.”

“I know. Clark always does what’s right, but this... you can’t always be logical with love.” He sighed, squeezing Diana’s hands lightly. “Yes and no. I know Clark would be good for him, and I think he’d be good for Clark too. But it’s hard to let go - I feel like Dick is a son to me. I don’t want him getting hurt, and it’s...strange. Clark and I didn’t always get along, as you know.”

Kara swooped in through the open window. She’d taken to flying home from work lately, it was a lot faster, even if it left her with ruffled hair. “Conner?” She called, hearing noise in the kitchen. Her cousin didn’t cook often, preferring takeout or easy meals, but it sounded like something elaborate was going on. She stepped towards the kitchen only to catch a glimpse of bright red hair, and she beamed. “Kate!” She practically leaped forward, catching the older woman in a hug. “I didn’t expect to see you today.”

little lives | batfam

[spacemomwrites]

“O-oh.” Simon laughed, reflexively, a bit nervous but thrilled at Jace’s actions. He let himself be pushed up against the wall, enjoying the feeling of being surrounded by Jace. “Yeah, guess we might as well let every set of parents walk in on us kissing.” He laughed again, the sound turning into a bit of a gasp as Jace’s lips found his jaw. He felt like his stomach had dropped out from underneath him. “Oh fuck.” Simon swore, softly. “Fuck, yeah, but I really shouldn’t be thinking about that right now if you actually want to get to Brooklyn within the next few hours. The vest alone, Jace.”

Isabelle smiled proudly. “Yeah. My big brother, changing the world. I always knew he would. Everyone was always impressed with Jace, you know - he’s such a warrior. But I knew Alec would be special, too. He’s got a big heart, and a sharp mind.” Isabelle nodded, slipping behind the statue and pulling Clary with her into the tunnel. “Here.” Quickly, she drew a night vision rune on Clary’s arm. “It’s not far, we can probably meet up with Jace and Simon.”

Magnus’s heart beat like a drum in his chest. His smile was wide, unable to be contained. “I love you, Alexander.” He said, soft but steady. He felt it in his bones - a love like he hadn’t known in decades, perhaps centuries. “If anything, this long life I have is so I could meet you. I believe in that destiny.” He leaned up and kissed Alec, long and deep. “Now as for what you want to do today...storm the Institute and call off the wedding? Or something less dramatic? We could hide away for the day if you’d rather confront your parents tomorrow.”

cold feet | shadowhunters

[spacemomwrites]

“Sure. And an order of garlic knots?” Clark beamed, loving the expression of delight in Dick’s eyes. Even after all that he’d been through, there was still such a joyous and loving energy to Dick sometimes. It was truly beautiful. “Might as well get some cannolis to go, too...” He laughed, running a hand through his hair. “I guess I’m really starving.” He approached the counter, smiling at the man behind it. It was a small place, family owned, and they all knew Clark - and now Dick, too. It felt kind of warm, being known as a pair.

Barbara had to suppress the wide grin that threatened to break out on her face, a soft flush rising to her cheeks. Normally she didn’t like anyone calling her theirs, but when it was Jason - it felt kind of right. And she trusted that he’d never try to control her. “Yeah, I guess I do kind of like it.” Her eyes were soft as she laid a hand on his arm. “Me five months ago wouldn’t have suspected it, but...I like having you around. I usually prefer being alone, but it’s easy with you.”

Kyle cursed under his breath and stopped, lowering Garth carefully onto a nearby bench. “Okay, sure, why the hell not. I guess I’ve...kind of wielded magic before.” He glanced around. “I wish I could use the ring to carry you, but I’m worried someone would spot that. We’re lucky it’s not busier.” He laid a gentle hand on Garth’s shoulder. “Okay. Tell me what to do.”

“Saving the world as always, huh?” Bruce smiled. Diana was the most impressive woman he’d ever known, and even after decades she continued to use that power to help people, rather than for any selfish gains. He was lucky to know her. “Just keeping track of everyone takes a lot of time these days...” He shrugged a shoulder. “Anyway, it’s not like Clark has been around much either. At least I don’t have to worry about Dick.” He frowned. “At least, I don’t think I do. I worry about him getting heartbroken, some days. Clark’s a good man, but...things don’t always work out. Dick can’t lose anyone else.”

little lives | batfam

[spacemomwrites]

“Smooth.” Simon commented, moving forward. The tunnel was tight, and almost completely dark. He was grateful for his vampire vision. “Can you see alright? Do you have a night vision rune active right now?” He reached back, taking Jace’s hand. “Hey. I never asked. With, um, all this stuff with Alec - I know he’s not out to Maryse and Robert yet, but - are you?” He asked, tentatively. “Not that, like, I need you to be. I actually haven’t gotten to tell my mom and sister about us yet but - I’d like to. If that’s cool with you.” He pressed his lips together. “Sorry, probably not the right time for this talk.”

Isabelle raised her eyebrows at the stele in her hand. “You’re telling me. When we first met Lydia I hated her, but now...I don’t think I’d mind, having her as a sister. If, you know, Alec weren’t incredibly gay.” She smiled softly. “But since he is, could you imagine having Magnus as an in-law? Please.” She grabbed Clary’s hand. “Come on, we should move while they’re all distracted. If we get caught we can just makeout and they’ll leave us alone.” Isabelle winked.

Magnus let his arms wind around Alec, comfortable and easy. He felt safe in the taller man’s embrace, in a way he hadn’t since he was a small child and unaware of his demonic father. “After all this time...I can’t help but believe in it.” He rested his cheek against Alec’s shoulder, reveling in the easy warmth. “I swore I’d have nothing to do with the Shadowhunters after William Herondale died, and yet here I am. You alone could have changed my mind.”

cold feet | shadowhunters

[spacemomwrites]

“I’m not working on a story right now, so it’s alright. Besides...they’ve gotten pretty used to me taking half-days. For caped crusades and all that...though of course only Jimmy knows about that. They think I have family obligations.” He kept his voice low, smiling warmly as he led Dick from the building. “That sounds great. I think it would be good to recharge for a night.” And maybe Clark should talk to Dick, about whatever feelings were between them. He didn’t want to ruin a relaxing night, but it was starting to feel too big to avoid - and Clark knew how Dick felt. As much as it might complicate things, Dick deserved to know what was on Clark’s mind, too. 

Babs snorted softly, amused. “Yeah, I guess anyone would be feeling pretty great around Diana.” She moved to Jason’s side, casually drawn there, her shoulder pressed to his. “And we know an active sex life is very healthy. Probably the healthiest thing we do.” She laughed softly. “Are you taking care of me, Todd?”

Kyle’s eyebrows were practically into his hairline, but he nodded. “Oh. Yeah. Okay. I don’t really know my dad either, it’s cool.” He began to guide Garth in the direction of his apartment, praying they didn’t run into any nosy tourists or suspicious locals. “Stay with me here, buddy. Keep an eye on the scenery.” He tightened his grip on Garth slightly, keeping him supported. “It is really beautiful, you’re right.”

“Crime doesn’t really take a night off.” Bruce replied, but in a lighter tone than his usual over-serious demeanor. “But it’s nothing major. I’m just reviewing the last footage we have of Harley before she disappeared. I’m trying to figure out what made her flee - and more importantly, if she plans to come back. Barbara says she has some leads on contacting Poison Ivy, but that’s sort of a last resort. I don’t really trust Pamela.” He turned off the video and faced Diana, a soft smile on his lips. “But that can wait. How are you, Diana?”

little lives | batfam

[spacemomwrites]

Simon valiantly resisted the urge to giggle like some schoolgirl, but it was definitely difficult when Jace looked at him like that. There were more important things to focus on now, though. Like subverting Shadowhunter traditions and saving their friend from heterosexual marriage. “Fast isn’t a problem for a vampire - especially considering I’m pretty sure your parents would rather I not be here at all. I can always go out and scout for you guys.”

Isabelle returned wearing her black leggings and a close-fitting top, twining her silver whip around her wrist carefully. She flashed a smirk. “Of course we do. How else were we going to sneak out and go on dates with downworlders? Jace and I picked rooms in this wing specifically because of the outgoing secret tunnel behind the falcon statue.”

“I believe in you.” Magnus confirmed. “I’ve seen the world change over hundreds of years, and it always starts with a determined person.” He smiled, soft and affectionate. “And you have the High Warlock of Brooklyn on your side, which means most of the New York warlocks will be on board to cooperate. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a Shadowhunter willing to work with us - and actually befriend us, trust us. I suspect it may be rather...revolutionary.”

cold feet | shadowhunters

[spacemomwrites]

It would probably have been smart of Clark to say no, to start creating some distance between the two of them. To set up boundaries. To not have what was essentially a date night with Dick. But nothing in him could refuse, even if he logically knew better. His heart wanted Dick, time with Dick, and more. He had to hold himself back even now, looking at the excitement in the other man’s eyes and feeling his arm around Clark. “That sounds great.” He said, soft but sincere. “You know what? Why don’t I take the rest of the day off work, we can start right now. My boss won’t mind.”

“Hmm.” Babs slipped the flowers into her makeshift vase, admiring them, fingertips brushing the soft petals. It was so unlike Jason, this tender and thoughtful expression, that she barely knew what to make of it. It made her happy, but it was also so - relationship. She wasn’t sure what that meant. They’d never really discussed it, as they’d fallen into a pattern not unlike being together. She figured Jason would be happier without a label on it, and she was nervous about commitment herself. “Yeah, my father actually called him. I think dad was expecting to have to yell at him to take me off duty, but Bruce relented easily. He’s been...soft these days. I thought he’d go back to normal faster but...” Babs shrugged. “Why don’t we just have coffee delivered? We only have so little time together before I turn into a study-bot.”

“My place is close by.” Kyle assured Garth, letting the other man rest his weight against him. “Five minutes, at most. Just lean on me. I have a first aid kit, at least, so we can get the wound cleaned.” He raised an eyebrow gently. “Oh. I didn’t know Aquaman had - um - a son?” He guessed. He didn’t know how old Aquaman even was - he figured underwater kings probably aged differently. “My name’s Kyle.”

little lives | batfam

[spacemomwrites]

“Yeah. We’re doing this.” Isabelle grinned, always thrilled by the gentle hint of rebellion. She’d never really been afraid of getting in trouble, and had always been compelled to go her own way, and she was pleased to have her family with her to break the rules this time. Even if her mom would probably still blame her for it all. “There’s extra gear in my closet. Alec keeps a stash of clothes and weapons in pretty much everyone’s room.” Isabelle shrugged a shoulder. “Always prepared, that one.” Unselfconscious, she stepped deftly out of her dress, leaving it in a puddle on the floor as she moved to grab more practical clothing. 

“Um...” Simon was momentarily dumbstruck, watching Jace’s fingers work deftly at his own shirt. “Oh - uh - yep - we’re -” His eyes widened as he turned to see Isabelle crossing the room in only her underwear, and he swiveled quickly back to focus on Jace. It honestly wasn’t much better, as Simon’s eyes were caught up studying the line of Jace’s neck. “Do Shadowhunters exist primarily to give bisexuals heart attacks? Just a question.” He shook his head, trying to focus. “Okay. So. Sneaking out. Let’s do it.”

Magnus smile, the action full of warmth and adoration. “I need no repayment.  You are more than enough for any man to be grateful for.” He returned the kiss, gentle and sure, not losing his smile. His chest felt light, breathing easy, despite the challenges he knew they would face. It wouldn’t matter. He had Alec. “I’ll be at your side for all of it, Alexander. I believe in your ability to change their minds. You’re a natural leader.”

cold feet | shadowhunters

[spacemomwrites]

“My hero.” Clark grinned. "I’ll take a long lunch today. We can go grab a pizza, or something, if that sounds good?” He turned to give a friendly wave to the receptionist as they left, and he raised an eyebrow at the knowing look in her eye. Was he that obvious? He ought to tone it down, but it was hard to hide his affection for Dick. “Not unless there’s a breaking story or something. It’s been a slow news week...” He dropped his voice, so only Dick could hear him. “Slow for the night job, too. The city’s been a little too quiet. What do you think?”

Babs followed his nod to the flowers, eyebrows raising just slightly in surprise. “You...got me flowers?” She asked, unable to keep a touch of incredulity from her voice. The corner of her mouth turned up, teasing. “Jason Todd bought a girl flowers? Wow, I’m touched.” As much as she joked, it really did fill her with warmth that he’d thought to make such a gesture for her. It surprised her, the depths to which Jason had become such a part of her life. “Flowers and carbs. What would I do without you?” She picked up the flowers and went to the cabinets searching for a glass to fill with water as a makeshift face. “They’re beautiful. Thank you.” Babs said, sincere. “My criminology final is in three days, meaning I’m roughly three hours away from entering the study zone.”

Kyle raised an eyebrow. “Um, California?” He glanced around the beach, grateful it was a rare slightly overcast day and it was pretty deserted. It was a small beach close to his apartment, so he often came here to paint. On a day like this, it was almost private. Well, until bleeding strangers washed ashore. “Careful.” He helped guide the man into a sitting position, eyeing the gash in his side with caution. “We have to get that cleaned and bandaged - possibly stitched up but, uh - I sense a hospital won’t be an option...” He paused, looking down at his hand. “Uh. Yes. Nominally? I honestly haven’t had...any...training. Things kind of went weird with - nevermind, you’re hurt, you don’t care. Yes. I’m a Lantern. Come on, I’ll help you.”

little lives | batfam

[spacemomwrites]

“You couldn’t have known.” Isabelle said gently, reassuring. “Jace or I would have done the same for Alec, in your situation. Family means everything. I would lose every rune, every weapon, even every ounce of angel blood in me for my brothers. Which means we won’t let the Clave, or our parents, force Alec into this. And we’ll face whatever consequences come from that.” She reached down, running her fingertips over the arrowhead in Clary’s hand. Her smile was fond when she looked into Clary’s eyes. Isabelle reached her free hand up to wipe the tears from Clary’s cheeks. “This may have always been Alec’s fate. They would have tried to force something like this on him eventually. The Clave is - it’s very backwards. They’re not accepting of different sexualities. To them, it doesn’t serve the Shadowhunters to have a couple that can’t have more Shadowhunter babies...it’s barbaric.”

“Okay, so, we call Magnus.” Simon said, squeezing Jace’s hand. “We find Alec and we assure him we’re on his side, for whatever he wants to do. And I’ll support you guys, if you want to tell the Clave where they can stick it...” He grinned. “Honestly, it’s 2018. Fuck homophobes.”

Magnus nodded. He reached up, gently smoothing a lock of hair from Alec’s face. Something in his heart yearned to take care of this man, wanted to shelter him from the world and make all his problems magically go away. But he knew, even for a Warlock, it was never that easy. “Valentine is a great evil that was allowed to bloom by the generation before yours. But he is a problem for another day, and not one you have to face alone. You will not be alone, because as long as you want me, I will be here.” His heart beat a little bit harder, a smile rising to the corner of his mouth. “I will be yours in return.” He moved closer, wanting to eliminate the space between them. “I was once closer to the Clave. I was part of its first Downworld Alliance, back when it began to lose some of its rigid rules. It can change, Alexander. No matter how dire it seems. We can make them change.”

cold feet | shadowhunters