#and Alec actively wants to be a part of that

[redheadspark]

Divine

Summary - Azriel and his mate find each other again during alone time

Warnings - SMUT! SMUT SMUT SMUT!! Although a bit mild, there is smut in this, no minors allowed from here on out!

A/N - This is part of the Ocean Eyes Series. A little smut piece for Azriel and the Reader to enjoy together! I hope you like it!

"I don't like how quiet it is,"

"I knew you were going to miss him as soon as we dropped him off with Cassian and Nesta,"

"I wasn't going to say anything and ruin the mood,"

Azriel barked a laugh, walking over to the fireplace to feed fresh logs into the fire, across from the loveseat where you were already sitting. Watching Azriel feed the fire and let the flame rise a bit, bringing warmth into your little home, made you relax all the more as the early evening was getting darker outside. 

Both you and Azriel had the evening to yourself, Alec having a sleepover at The House of Wind with his Uncle Cassian, Aunt Nesta, and Cousin Rose. Rose was big enough for Alec to play with her, thinking she was so fun to run around with and play with for hours on end. Cassian reassured you and Azriel that Alec would have the best time with his relatives, promising to teach him how to sword fight and do flips in the air with his wings.

The latter Azriel shot down real quick, but he was happy to let his son go for the night,

Plus, you can tell Azriel wanted to have some time with you and only you. Since you finally healed all the way through from being near close to death, you were simply trying to go back to a normal life. Though normalcy was not going to be in your life anytime soon because of recent events: Eris was still on the run with no leads as to where he was, Autumn Court's alliance with Night Court was shaky because of Eris. 

With all of this happening, you were worried about Azriel. No one told you, but you caught onto the fact that Azriel had a personal target on Eris. He was too strung out, too tight in his backside and his stance, and there was no sign of him being relaxed anytime soon. You understood why, but you also didn't wish for him to be wound tight like a tot.  Even feeling the bond and how he was not even relaxed for one moment. Stiff, a bit rigid, and you hoped you could find a way to get him to relax and unwind. 

Maybe it was perfect timing that you two were alone at your home.

Azriel stood back up, looking at his handiwork in the fireplace and the roaring fire that was now active. You stayed in your spot on the loveseat, your head slightly cocked to the side as you were looking at your mate with adoration and love in your eyes. For the last week and a few days, Azriel nursed you back to health and made sure all of your needs were met. Applying the ointment to your wound, delivering your food to the bed you were resting in, traveling back and forth between the River House and your cottage to get you books and some of your cross stitching when he noticed you were getting bored. Mor joked that he was becoming more of a wet nurse than a Spymaster. Azriel never cared, he was more focused on helping you get back to health and making sure you were 100% better. 

With a nasty sliver of a scare along your wing, you finally were able to leave River House behind and head home. But even when you did make it home and were given permission to be mobile, thanks to Madja, Azriel still was on edge. Rightfully so, you couldn't tell him to calm down because the threat that almost killed you was still out there somewhere in Prythian.  You weren't simply wanting Azriel to go back to the leisurely being he was before, but you wanted that light back in him.

"You're quite good at that, my love," You teased, seeing that smile on his face and the reflection of the fire dancing along his cheeks and nose. He looked back at you, his silhouette against the orange tint of the fire would look daunting to others. But not to you, not when he was walking back over to you and lowered himself on the loveseat to be shoulder to shoulder with you. His wings touched yours, making him look over at your wigs that were tucked against your backside.  Reachingup, he grazed his finger along the scar that was still fresh. You shivered from the touch, your wing was a pinch more sensitive thanks to the scar.

"It's healing well," Azriel stated, his voice calm as he was looking at the wing with intrigue. You weren't paying attention to your wing and its sensitivity, you were focusing on your mate. Watching his hazel eyes dancing along your wing, the smoothness of his cheeks after a recent shave, even the soft smile he had made you feel at peace. 

"Thanks to Madja, and you," You replied, Azriel's fingers that were hovering over your scars moved away from your wing swiftly. He moved his hand over to rest in his lap, though you were faster, and took his hand in yours to cradle it. Azrielwatched, you simply lacing the fingers together and smiling at him. Maybe it moved him a bit, seeing how relaxed and calm you were with him since you both were alone. You had plenty of things to say to him but had no idea where to start. Azriel must have sensed your quietness, he looked at you in concern as he squeezed your fingers together.

"Sweetheart?" He asked tentatively, he was searching your face as you were looking down at your joined hands. You are overwhelmed in that moment, being able to be back home at your home, healthy, and able to share this moment with your husband and mate. It made you want to cry, but something was holding you back from bringing on tears. Azriel reached over with his spare hand, placing a finger under your chin to gently raise your gaze to him. All you could do was smile, Azriel was about to say something else when you finally spoke.

"I'm happy," You explained to him as he was searching your eyes. You might have sounded odd to say that since you were on the verge of crying, but Azriel said nothing and simply watched you as you kept talking, "I'm happy that I'm here, and I have you to thank,"

Your voice sounded broken, yet you were smiling as if nothing was wrong. Nothing was wrong, you were in good health and you had your family with you. Maybe you were thinking back to that moment when you woke up in River House, in insane pain, and Azriel perched over you like a guardian angel of sorts. 

Even with the pain, the near close to death, seeing Azriel gaze at you with so much devotion and love in his eyes was enough to bring you back again. You thought for a split second in the bed that you were in a dream, or that you died and were now in some kind of afterlife with Azriel waiting for you. 

But he did more than that, he brought you back to reality. 

Azriel gently grazed your cheek with a singular finger, catching the one tear that was about to spill over, and smiled lovingly at you, "You never have to thank me for loving you with all of me,"

He made it seem so light, so simple, even freeing. He rarely expressed his feelings to others, even with you though you two have been together for centuries. It was the very simple moments that were sprinkled with love and gentleness, youloved those moments since they showed an intimate side of Azriel that he rarely brought into light. 

"There was nothing in all of Prythian that would stop me from having you in my life, sweetheart," He explained, thefinger that traced your cheek was now curling around your jaw, his palm against your jawline and the touch alone was a shocking sensation to you as he searched your eyes with his soft smile and his bright eyes, "I've told you this before and I mean it when I say it: You make my life so much better. I can't picture going on in this life without you in it,"

It moved you to hear that from him, even though you've heard it say many times from him during your long span of a relationship and courtship. Even back when you two met so long ago as teenagers, fresh in your adoration and love for one another, Azriel poured out his love for you and was willing to give you his heart. He did, to which you took it delicately in your own hands and swore to never break.

You haven't broken it yet, hundreds of years and a son later.

You leaned up and kissed him, starting it soft and sweet as he leaned into your touch. His fingers still against your jawwere delicate for you to feel while he kissed you back and snuggled a bit closer to him.  Something about kissing Azriel in that moment, alone in your small living room away from the rest of the world, made you feel a like of fire in your belly.You knew this feeling, you've felt it so many times before in the throws of intimacy and passion. 

But this time, it felt so slow and like a crawling passion.  Nothing rushed the pair of you as the kisses continued, your fingers both digging into his hair and the soft shirt that he decided to wear that night. His own hands and fingers were moving as well, the hand along your jaw was still gentle but was holding you in a possessive manner.  His other hand was slowly inching up along your arm, sending you shivers and chills that you felt all along your skin and even under it as well.

It felt like you were young again, young and pent up with these losing feelings for one another as the kisses were slowly evolving and growing. Azriel never strayed in his affection towards you, his body curled over to you while you two were getting impossibly close and still kissing one another. Now it was passionate, that fire in your belly was only growing stronger as you felt Azriel trace your lower lip with his tongue.  Barely a graze along your lip with the very tip of his tongue.

You whimpered, moving without realizing it and you were now straddling him.

Something inside the both of you clicked open, like a tight chest that was locked down for so long and now finally free. Azriel tilts his head up to kiss you soundly and wrap his arms around you softly. Your fingers were in his hair, tugging at him slightly as your head tilted to the side to feel him kiss you deeply. Nothing else was in your mind as Azriel was touching you, kissing you, making you feel so whole and alive again. Even after being with him for centuries and with a very healthy sex life, this time it felt different. It felt deep, It felt complete.

It felt alive. 

His fingers were now under your shirt, pushing up your shirt to be under your armpits to give you a chill along your soft stomach and backside.  You huffed, throwing it off within a second and diving back to kiss Azriel and framing his face in your hands. He smiled against your lips, you feeling his skin skim along your stomach and hips while your fingers were not moving down to the collar of his shirt to give it a gentle tug. Azriel laughed against your mouth as you tugged it again.

"Impatient little thing, are you?" He teased against your lips, though you silenced him with one massive kiss, your own tongue then licking into his mouth. He groaned, you having a small smirk as you were needing to lean back but Azriel was chasing after your lips. But you placed space between yourself and him, a hand on his chest and seeing his dilated eyes watching you like you were prey to him, His chest heaving, his lips plump and dark, and the flushness in his cheeks. He might have looked like a wreck to anyone else.

But to you, he was angelic.

"Who's impatient now?" You challenged back to him.  He grinned, a predatory-like grin etched on his gorgeous face as he then grabbed the collar of his own shirt and yanked it off. You watched as it fell to the ground, Azriel seeing it too as he broke out into a laugh.

"Thank The Cauldron these shirts are Illyrian friendly," He said in a snort, you giggling as well as you saw your shirt crumbled next to his.  Having this small moment to laugh, even when you both were shirtless and in a compromising position, was a sweet reminder of how you two were so in love with one another. The centuries of having one another,and learning from one another, all lead to a fulfilling life. Nothing felt bland or out of place, you still had those butterflies in your chest when you had these moments with him. 

You both took in a breath together, looking at one another with big grins on your faces as Azriel finally dived back in to kiss you. The heat was still there, no throes of passion but still active enough to have Azriel place his hands along your backside to touch your bra and the latches behind it. You were feeling so good all over, the heat was getting bigger in your stomach as you nodded against his lips.

"Please," You said along his lips, Azriel groaning in approval as his fingers were skillfully taking off the bra straps and letting your bra slip to the ground. His hands immediately moved, cupped your breasts as you moaned against his lips and curled into him more. The feel of his calloused palms against your soft skin, you feeling your nipples hardening immediately from his touch, it was a weakness for you that your mate knew far too well.

You could even feel your core reacting to this, shockwaves under your skin were felt like Azriel moved his lips along your lips and then to your jawline and then your neck. You clung onto him with one hand, your other moving down to undo the buttons of his pants. 

"Let's go to our bed…" You felt Azriel hum against your neck, making you shiver from his lips along your sensitive skin. But you shook your head rapidly, not wishing to lose this momentum or this drive that was building.  You popped the one button open skillfully with your fingers, and the sound alone was heard by both of you.

"No," you said hotly, feeling him lean back and look up at you while his hands were still cupping your breasts delicately. You saw that fire in his eyes alone just in the way he was watching you with desire etched all over his face. You took in a long inhale, almost feeling powerful to have the Spymaster himself bend to your will.

So you leaned down, nuzzling his nose against your own and looking at him directly in the eyes.

"I want you, here and now, on this couch," You instructed him.

You've never seen him cave so fast and so willingly.

You both moved elegantly, knowing this dance far too well as you both helped strip each other's clothes off while remaining close to one another. Like magnets, unwilling to be too far apart as you both were now bare and holding onto each other.  In this little home that was your safe space, a space you two built up and kept strong for years on end, your love was blossoming all over again. Feeling his lips descending to your breast, kissing one breast with delicacy and yet with fire while his other hand took care of the other breast with ease. You were too far gone in the lust and sensations of his mouth and hands on you to notice Azriel's own shadows licking along your skin, making the lust come out all the more. You had to give him credit, he knew how to use all his tools to his advantage. 

Moans and sounds of passion filled your little home as Azriel sunk into you, you both holding onto each other so closely as he finally sunk into you.  It always took your breath away, how he both stretched you to your limit and yet made it feel so perfect and so right. So many times in the past you thought how perfect he felt inside of you, snug against your walls and hitting the right spots within you that made you see and feel stars. You felt it again that moment, his cock fitting you so perfectly that you felt like you two were made for one another. It made you speechless for a moment, frozen in his lap as he was watching your reaction. No matter that you couldn't find the words or put together a sentence, you were feeling everything and everywhere. 

You had no idea what Azriel was thinking at that moment, watching up be speechless as he was buried deep inside of you. He was feeling that sensation as well, pure lust and euphoria rolled into one. Nothing else could feel this amazing, this close to heaven or any kind of heaven, and it all came from you.  Your shining eyes, your tender heart, and yourwillingness to love him for all he was and for all his flaws. But the physical love he felt for you heightened all the more.

But seeing you bare, eyes lusted over in bliss and love with your head tilted back and looking up at the ceiling, chest heaving, and your hair cascading down your back, Azriel was in love all over again.

"Mother Above," He said in a breath, almost sounding winded himself from the sight of you. If he were to die in that moment, he would die a happy being and have no shame in it. You opened your eyes, hearing him and looking at you with your breath barely on your lips. He smiled the rare smile that made you think he hung the moon. He uttered one word, a word that he would use to always describe you and his love for you:

"Divine"

From that moment on, you both moved so softly and carefully yet filled with passion and possession simultaneously. Youwere inwardly thankful that your home was tucked away from anyone else, giving you all the privacy to fully enjoy this moment with your mate as he rolled his hips deeply and almost in a feral manner. You were letting him, having the experience know that this wasn't going to be anything typical. Your sex life with Azriel was never typical: it was always driven to ecstasy. Somehow, this time seemed deeper.  Being on the couch in front of a roaring fire, the sounds of bothyourself and Azriel enjoying one another as you rode him carefully with his arms around you, it all felt like an out-of-body experience.

As you were getting close and closer to your peak, you were closing your eyes and leaning against Azriel as you were feeling every sensation: his cock hitting your sweet spot inside of you with every roll of his hips, his hands roaming along your sweaty skin, his lips brushing along your neck. Even hearing him moan and grunt, the pure love and lust he was feeling too while he pleasing you, was making you get closer to the edge as well.  You both were feeding off each other, a tactic you both have done for years and years.

I love you, Cauldron I love you so much. I can feel you….mph….everywhere! You hear in your mind through the bond,that his voice was sounding raw and emotional as you were moving hotly in his ear. You felt wrecked, emotionally and lustfully as you were attempting to connect words to make a thought or two. But he was fucking you so good, drilling into you to the point that you were losing your breath once or twice. 

Right there Az….fuck…right there! Please…please fill me up. You moaned through the bond to him, the rational side was slipping away and something else was taking over. Something that you could only show to your mate when you were in the throws of pleasure. Perhaps you weren't thinking about it too much, but Azriel let out a gutted moan. Something you never heard in a long time, such a long time. It made you open your eyes briefly, looking down at your mate and seeing the wrecked look on his face.  So disheveled, and yet beyond gorgeous to you as he kept rolling his hips over and over to not stop the momentum. 

You knew then that a new side of Azriel took over. 

Say that again! He pleaded in the bond, his eyes slammed shut as you heard his pleading tone in your mind. You were confused at first, not knowing what he was talking about while you were petting his hair and still staying so close to him. He said nothing at first, just grunting with every thrust he was giving, but you were moving your fingers then from your face over to the top of his wings, being dangerously close to running your fingers along the membrane to throw him off.

Say what, baby? You asked him, almost sounding a bit smug about it while you tried to hold back from touching his wing. Just seeing his face alone was enough to make you want to crumble and fall to pieces, your pleasure getting at an all-time high and about to tumble over. But you still had the one last piece of resistance, of control, to hold back until you knew Azriel was going to tumble over with you. 

To…oh fuck….to fill….fill you up. He confessed, having you smile widely in pleasure flowing through you so quickly to take over your entire body. Hearing that from your mate, from a Shadowsinger and feared Illyrian throughout all of Prythian and even beyond, stunned you.  He was putty in your hands, and the way he was shaking and whimpering against your skin, you knew he was close. Beyond close, and all he needed was a push.

With a brush of your fingers along his wing, you whispered against his ear, "Make me fucking full,"

He roared, orgasming and emptying himself into you in such a force that it made you cry out and orgasm as well.

The orgasm alone was enough to make your head swim and your skin crawl in the best way possible. The pleasure alone, mixed in with the lust and love that you had for one another was now filling the room as your body was riding through each moment that felt like a lifetime. Azriel clung onto you as he was shaking, still riding his own high as you felt like you were going through it in slow motion.  From the top of your head to the tip of your toes, it was all there. You felt out of your body for a split second, floating in the air right above your home and embracing the air.

You were floating back down to the ground again, back onto that couch where you felt boneless in the arms of your mate, who was still shaking himself and feeling just as exhausted as you were. Both of your shared labored breaths, you blinking slowly as the white-hot pleasure that once soared through you was now a Luke warm, a soothing warm. Azriel'sscarred but beautiful fingers were dancing along your bare back, his face dug into your neck and sounding breathless and exhausted. Yet you felt a smile along your skin, you grinning as your face was against his head.

"That's….that's a first," You commented in a gasp. Azriel laughed, sounding so light after giving you an earth-shattering orgasm, "Never took you to like something like that, sweetheart,"

"You bring out the side of me that I never knew I had," Azriel confessed, having you giggle in a shy manner as you finally pulled back a bit to look at a blissed-out Azriel. You loved this look, the look of bliss and pure happiness that could only come from something like this. You were feeling it too, the sense of being the only two beings in the world and everything else ceasing to exist. And having Azriel cradle you close in his embrace, almost shielding you from the outside world and keeping this small bubble of bliss intact.

"You know, the last time we were in a position like this….I got pregnant with Alec," You explained to him as you reached down and ruffled his sweaty hair. He lit up a bit from the memory, you thinking about it too that fateful night when you two were in the deep throws of pleasure together in your bed. It was in the same manner too, you being in his lap and cock buried so deep side of it that you felt every moment and the insane pleasure that he experienced. That memory alone was vibrant in your mind, Azriel leaning up and perhaps reading your mind through the bond, you feeling his flicker of joy over and over as he spoke up again.

"Are you suggesting that we have had a repeat of that fateful night?" He asked, almost in a tease as he saw you blush. Youwere about to hide your face from him, moving your eyes away from him. However, he was faster in catching your jaw with his fingers and making sure you were facing him again. You felt the butterflies in your stomach as he kissed you sweetly. This kind of intimacy, this kind of love, it was something others around dream to at least experience once. Youhad it for centuries, years of building it up together and making it as strong as it was. 

As Azriel pulled away from your lips, he still kept his smile and his loving gaze on you as he searched your eyes.

"If we did, then I am all the more happy for It," You whispered, your heart beating out of your chest. You were thinking in the back of your mind that maybe down the road, sooner or later, another little one would be in your family. It was never a topic you or Azriel spoke about, but then again it wasn't closed either. Life with Alec was beyond a blessing, unlocking a part of your heart and soul you never thought you would have in this lifetime. A child that was the perfect mix of you and your mate, was all you've ever wanted and more.  And thinking of another child, another perfect child that you and Azriel would guide in the world.

It was so tempting.

"I think a shower is in order," Azriel hummed, carefully slipping out of you and you shifting a bit uncomfortably. But he moved swiftly, he picked you up bridal style, you laughing as your arms were around his neck and he stood up. You both were naked and yet ecstatic, Azriel carrying you over to the bathroom that was attached to the bedroom as you leaned your head on his shoulder. 

The flickering dream of perhaps another child in your family was still in the back of your mind. 

The End.

Tagged - @valeridarkness @impossibelle @acourtofbatboydreams @prettylittlewrites @fxckmiup @alwayshave-faith

[alexanderlightweight]

hello my love ♡ downworlder/shadowhunter treaty being sealed with a marriage hunt, with alec lightwood (the son of the highly loathed maryse & robert lightwood) as the "prize". Alec, like everyone else, expects to be treated badly by whoever becomes his spouse. Fortunately, Magnus takes one look at Alec and decides the nephilim has to be his.

requested content: primal kink, mating bite, bloodplay, orgasm denial

babe, this is the first part of your prompt because I love you, but your prompts are always evil in the fact that they are very inspiring and this is already almost 2k and I need to go write other things. i'll finish the prompt eventually or if someone else wants more too lol and this is because we talked about it before I wrote it (they sent this like two years ago so I couldn't remember the background they wanted) and I got distracted by the fact that they wanted Magnus to kill all the competition that got in his way.

3DNE

<3 lumine

-

an agile predator at bay

Since the moment the idea of a hunt was conceived, Magnus has had a headache.

“You said there was a condition sent, separate from the Claves’?” 

Magnus isn’t surprised, to be honest the whole thing is going far more smoothly than any of them anticipated.

“It’s more than that, it explains that if we open the hunt to women, he can’t guarantee he won’t kill any participating females who actively try to capture him.  Or himself if he is actually taken.  Since that’s the exact opposite of what this entire spectacle is for, he thought it would be better to negotiate directly.  Since the Clave didn’t seem to care or willing to listen.”

“Of course they didn’t.” Magnus pauses over the file, “it’s surprisingly strategic and clever, not to mention diplomatic.  It’s not a demand or a threat but an attempt at a mutual understanding for something very basic.  Of course we will comply.”

Valois nods and then hesitates, “are you still willing to join in overseeing the event?”

Magnus nods in agreement as he reads the page he’s holding, “it promises to be more interesting than I thought and someone needs to keep everyone else in line.”

—

Wood and metal creak beneath his palms and Magnus finds himself half-rising from his chair even as his magic is busy searing his name onto the list of participants and his eyes fixated on the nephilim prize being presented.  

Alexander Lightwood isn’t going to be claimed by anyone other than Magnus himself tonight.

Magic engulfs him with a dark swirl of wraith shadows as he changes mid-stride. Instead of silk and velvet he’s now draped in abyssal leathers and metals, even his jewelry are artifacts primed for war and bloodshed. It’s truly a pity that his opponents lack intelligence, as only a handful of them step back at his arrival.

Magnus knows exactly what most of them seek from this.  Half of them probably aren’t even planning to actually claim Alexander, just use him and discard him for the next predator.  The runework laid across this entire region means that unless his life is in active danger, Alexander can’t retaliate to anything done to him here.

As useful as that is for Magnus, it does mean that he’ll have some pests to take care of in the meantime.

—

Alec has laid four false trails by the time he’s satisfied and starts to actually run.  There is something about this area that the others won’t know about. Something that will give him more time, perhaps not by much but even just a little extra time will be a blessing in this trial. 

The pond Alec dives into is an underwater offshoot of Lake Lynn.  Any who consume it or the plants growing near it will have hallucinogenic effects and in the case of a downworlder, might die.

It means that the cold, deadly water is worth it, as Alec holds his breath and lets instinct guide him instead of his eyes until he follows the small tunnel back up and into a tiny cave, the cold water lapping at the small bed of sand and stone and shell.  It won’t last for long, Alec will need to leave once the tide of Lake Lynn responds to the gravity of the moon’s pull and the cave refills.

But it should at least hold him till near dawn, which means that the vampires will have to retreat.  Alec won’t risk becoming nothing more than a bloodbag.

Once the water retakes his temporary sanctuary, Alec will only have until his breath runs out before he’ll need to move on, finding the next and more deadly set of outcroppings that will safeguard him.

His hands tremble with exhaustion — the Clave hadn’t trusted him not to run from what they perceive a fate worse than death — and he’s been denied rest and nutrients.  They don’t want him avoiding getting caught for too long, but Alec won’t go down without his own personal pride intact.  Either he’ll surrender on his own terms or go down fighting his best.

The stone he pulls from the rock hides an assortment of leather and waxed linen packages.  Dried meats and fruits, water safe to drink and two small vials, potions that Alec had thought he might need when he heard that this madness was going to happen.

—

Magnus goes for the vampires first and with the prejudice of knowing there is a time limit.

They’re the most dangerous opponents as of now.  Everyone knows how addicting nephilim blood is and Alec is a prime specimen for feasting upon.  Every single one of them wants at the very least a taste, but they wouldn’t hesitate to drain him near dry and keep him there on the brink of dying for just another mouthful.

Small suns condense in life between his palms before he slams one into the chest of a vampire, portaling behind and moving with a speed too quick to see. Magnus collects five vampiric heart gems before he finally finds the last two, they’ve joined up and as far as Magnus can hear, they have tracking experience.  

It’s amusing to use them at first, following behind them with deadly precision as they track through the shadows of Idris.

It gets less humorous the longer it takes, the more they circle, confused and disoriented until Magnus summons a silver sword and simply beheads them both.  It wastes two heart gems but Magnus finds his patience truly tried and tested.  He’s wasted time he could be culling the rest of this herd that dares to think themselves his competition. 

—

Alec can’t fight, he reminds himself of that fact as he runs, damp and slick from the waters of the pond but also his footprints shudder even as he makes them.  The water wavers in a new reality, corrupting what it touches until the path his feet take leaves a twisted trail of entanglement behind him.

Ahead, the mountains peak through, the sun breaking over them and Alec snarls through the next jump he takes, clearing a small canyon before he wipes his mouth on his now dry sleeve.  His sweat will be dangerous for the next few hours from the water, he can’t afford to ingest any of it even by accident.  

The stones beg for Alec’s fingers as he uses them to climb, tucking himself into the shifting arches and curves of the rocks as he uses the mountain wall itself rather than the path between the peaks.  If he’s seen, then he can be tracked and if he leaves too many traces he can be found.

It’s rough work and even with all his years training as an archer and his years as a shadowhunter, the rough treatment wears on him.  His shoulders ache, lower back burning with a new tightness as his raw fingers scrape for the next handhold.  If he summons his Iratze now, there’s a chance he can’t activate the rune with the power he might need later.  

There’s a small shelf near a nest of eagles that Alec takes a break at, hard jerky and soft dried fruit as his meal as he sips from the leather canteen he’d stored in the cave. Izzy’d gotten him top notch potions, just like she promised.  The last thing she could do for him, after begging to try and help in any way.

It’s a risk but one Alec allowed since he’s the one who actually stashed and used them. 

—

Magnus hadn’t planned on killing every other competitor in the Hunt — that was a bad look after all — but everyone seemed desperate to continually try his patience.  

Yet another disturbance and this one, one of his own.  Someone who should know better but ultimately didn’t and Magnus ignores the words and magic, sentences meant to cajole and instead burns it all.

Fire licks into existence, snuffing out all life as he blows out a breath, spreading the ash far and wide, using the remains as a sacrifice for a tracking beacon.

It’s practical, after all.  Not letting things go to waste.

The cliffs loom ahead and Magnus — rather than fight the terrain — calculates.  The portal is his invention, he knows secrets unfathomable to even those who study its use and with the sun at the right trajectory, he opens a door through space and time and steps through.

—

It takes what feels like hours before Alec finally reaches a flat plateau of forest near the peak of the mountain.  Hidden in the gentle slope of grass and wildflowers is a small and safe spring from the ice peaks.  A place he can finally rinse off in.  After all, he can’t afford to have someone actually catch him while he’s still covered in hallucinogens.  

He strips quickly, efficiently dunking his clothes and then activating the drying runes on them.  They have to recharge so he’d waited, using them after entering the cave but not after leaving it. The water is ice cold on his skin as he washes himself with a few handfuls of the fine sand on the streambed and then dunks his hair to vigorously scrub. 

It’s the work of mere moments but it feels forever, as if the weight of an invisible predator is lingering on him as he cleans.

It’s instinct to go with his pants first, then boots and shirt. The safest order of redressing in a situation he might need to move quickly in.  There’s an impatient tsk that resonates through the air as he reaches for his socks and boots rather than his shirt. 

With instincts screaming at him, Alec abandons both his shirt and shoes and runs, ready to cross the stream with a jump before a lashing whip of blue magic curls around his ankle and slams him down.

Alec rolls on his back,  heels pressed down into the ground as he prepares to lunge and run. The magic on his ankle caresses his skin as if activated by the mere thought of escape and then tugs, forcing his leg flat again and dragging him down and through the moss and water smooth rocks.  

Bringing him closer to a warlock with gleaming gold eyes, twin suns hot enough to brand Alec with just a gaze. A gleaming black boot kicks his legs apart, the man stepping closer before he bends down, his knee pinning Alec’s torso to the dirt like a butterfly mounted to a frame. The magic leaves his ankle and slithers up his body, parting to go up his arms and wrapping around both wrists before jerking them up and over his head, taking away any hope at getting leverage.

Warm fingers grip his jaw and cool rings tease at his skin as his head is tilted, maneuvered without his say until their eyes connect.

“There you are, Alexander.”

[ipso-faculty]

The state of intersex studies

So we recently read the first part of Malatino's Queer Embodiment for Intersex Book Club. It'll be a while until the summary gets posted because we have a backlog (whoops) but this book makes me want to rant.

Having now read a bunch of intersex studies books for the book club has made me acutely aware of HOW MUCH of (American) intersex studies is the same five topics over and over again:

The life of Herculine Barbin

Fuck John Money

Fuck Middlesex

The rise and fall of ISNA + Fuck DSD terminology

Caster Semenya

For the record, Malatino only covered four of these five 🙃. It's honestly getting tiring seeing the same five topics over and over again when there is SO MUCH else that could be talked about.

I'm tired of hearing about ISNA The repetitive focus on ISNA is particularly grating to me because the total amount of text I have head on ISNA's history is greater than the total amount of text I have read on the histories of all other intersex advocacy organizations. 😬 The USA did not invent intersex advocacy and isn't even a world leader in intersex activism (sorry, American friends).

The only text I know of that chronicles the history of a non-ISNA intersex advocacy organization is Swarr's Envisioning African Intersex where she talks about the history history of Sally Gross and Intersex South Africa (and gives a brief shout-out to Julius Kaggwa and other Ugandan activists). Which is weird because...

IGM is banned in Greece! 🎉 And Spain! 🎉 And Portugal! 🎉 And Iceland! 🎉 And Brazil!! 🎉 And Chile! 🎉 And Uruguay! 🎉 There are partial bans on IGM in India and Australia. So why haven't I seen a single book chapter on the history of intersex activism in any of these countries? 🧐 What can we learn from these successful campaigns???

I'm tired of hearing why ISNA failed when I want to be learning how OII-Europe and similar organizations have succeeded. 🫤 There have been more than two people in intersex history Herculine Barbin isn't the only intersex person from history and I would honestly like to see more on other famous intersex people from history, e.g. Isidor of Seville, Helena Antonia, Elen@ de Céspedes, King Francis II of France, King/Queen Christina of Sweden, Princess Ismat al-Doulah of Persia, Sa Bangji, Im Seong-gu, Xie Jianshun, Fernanda Fernández, Gottlieb Göttlich, Karl Dürrge, Karl M. Baer, Lili Elbe, Clémentine Delait, and Annie Jones (Just to name a few that *I* know of!)

Caster Semenya isn't the only intersex athlete to have experienced discrimination! She wasn't even close to being the first! Maybe give some airtime to Maria José Martínez-Patiño, Foekje Dillema, Ewa Kłobukowska, Erik Schinegger, or Witold Smętek? Or even contemporaries, like Duttee Chand or Margaret Wambui?

I'm *really* tired of hearing about Middlesex The repeated critiques of Middlesex have also gotten tiring. The book sucks. This is not news. What I'm not seeing is literary scholars engaging with the growing body of books written by intersex authors like the works of Rivers Solomon, Bogi Takács, Alec Butler, or KOKUMO. And don't tell me they're not "literary" or "notable" enough, Butler has a Governor General's Award and Takács has a Hugo.

Intersex Studies can do so much more! Intersex studies is a young field. I know this. I just wish I'd see more variety making into book format? It's weird seeing the same things get repeated exhaustively when there's so much that doesn't seem to have gotten any attention? Like in book club we talked about intersex people in mythology for a bit and it made me realize we haven't seen anything specifically on this subject and there is so much that could be talked about there. 😯

My rant ends here. If anybody here is looking for a research topic I hope I've made the point that there's a lot of fertile ground that has not been covered when it comes to intersex! 💜 (If you wind up writing anything along these lines please do send it my way! 💜)

[angrythingstarlight]

What aspect of Bucky’s life was harder for Malyshka to get used to: the mafia or the life of the ultra wealthy?

Strangely enough, the life of the ultra wealthy.

Now the mafia was a lot for her to wrap her mind around. However, there are rules and structures that are easy to understand. They have a code amongst themselves that seems hypocritical to outsiders given their line of work. But for them, it's everything.

Bucky was born into this life and he's at the top of the food chain. She's afforded certain protections and a level of respect just for being associated with him. She had to learn a lot of names and titles which was daunting at first but Bucky was there to teach her everything she needed to know. The violent nature of his work did take some getting used to but Bucky does shield her from most of that.

But the other side, the ultra-wealthy part of his life was a different ballgame.

There's a lot of not-so-subtle infighting, jealousy, backhanded compliments, and entitlement among the elite who attended the country clubs, brunches, and other social gatherings she was invited to. Not all of them (some did become good friends) but enough were like that to make her uncomfortable in those situations.

At least with the mafia, you knew that Ronan couldn't be left alone with Alec because of a decades-long grudge their fathers had with each other--- and they were open about how much they disliked each other. But Susan and Casey would pretend to be best friends while actively sabotaging each other.

The whole thing gave Malyshka a headache.

But she has her own friends who she can trust and have fun with. So that's what she did. It took a while for her to get comfortable spending his money but Bucky made it clear that it was her money just as much as it was his.

And if she didn't spend it on herself, then he would have no choice but to do it for her. After a while, she began to enjoy the luxuries his lifestyle provided--the trips, massages, just being able to go into a store (esp. her favorite bookstore or art shop) and getting whatever she wanted without worrying about the total or feeling guilty for splurging on her hobbies.

Bucky wants her to have a soft life and he made it impossible to turn down everything he was and is offering her.

And she's learned a few tricks from Bucky on how to separate the wealthy from their money, only she does it by selling them art and using the proceeds to fund her charities.

[mikuni14]

Three Tropes Tag Game!

The Prompt: Choose three of your favorite QL tropes, and show us three of your favorite examples of each.

I was tagged by @my-rose-tinted-glasses thank you love! I have a lot of favorite tropes, I decided to choose the first 3 that came to my mind (tbh I don't even know if you can call them tropes, is a character type a trope? 🤔):

Height difference 😛

Edit: I should have actually chosen this ✨excellent✨ example in this category: Alec and Magnus. Along with SE and Nagron these would be my three favorites 💖

2. A Strong Protector / A Knight in Shing Armour 🤩 when one of the couple defends the other, physically and verbally (the latter is quite rare tbh), who would actively put up their body as a shield. Also including "touch him and you die" trope my beloved. In general, I love it when someone in the couple is strong (not necessarily stronger than the other, just strong) and uses their strength to defend and protect their partner and other people, is caring and protective, people can rely on them

3. Crazy/jokester/sad/unhinged/a little pathetic/clown character 😍 a gremlin type, who has a reputation as a lunatic among people, who also masks their trauma, depression, their innate kindness that has been abused with their "madness" 🥺

Honorable mention: These two couples somehow fit all of the above categories: height difference (Saint and Shin are similar height, but Saint is massive), they are all crazy gremlins 😭 they all have traumas that they mask in various ways - often with jokes and being crazy and unhinged, they are all obsessed with their loved ones that they would die and kill for

Great, now I feel a sudden and strong need to rewatch all these series 😩

Tagging people, but no pressure! @delesaria-blog @pickletrip @italianpersonwithashippersheart @pinkkop @maxescheibechlinichacheli @nevermindsuga @benkaben @watchthisqqq @absolutebl @mesmey @obsessedferalgremlin (If you were not tagged because of my horrible negligence and want to take part in the game - please feel invited! ^^)

[fanfics-writer]

For @sterekshipper-writer as part of @officialtwlibrary ‘s June Gift Giving Event

No matter how many towns they visit or how many people they help, like Alec, whom the pack took in about a month ago. Melissa, who decided to take a more active role in fighting Monroe, feels absolutely heartbroken when she sees abandoned buildings and broken homes. The supernatural has been exposed worldwide, and people are running away in fear. It’s the middle of the night on a full moon as the pouring rain comes down on her, Theo, and Liam. Bursts of lightning brighten up the sky as they step out of her car in the wet parking lot of the town’s hospital, right across the street from their small police department. The three of them don’t say anything until they rush into the hospital waiting room a few feet from where they parked. "Why do we always get caught in the rain?" The nurse complains, brushing her fingers through her hair to shake the rain out.

Both the werewolf and Chimera roll their eyes at her in amusement but otherwise ignore her question. They split up and carefully walk around the empty reception area and waiting room to get a look at the extent of the damage. Broken windows, busted-in doors with massive holes in them, various bullet holes in the walls and ceiling, leaving some electrical wires exposed, and a lot of lights broken, with the glass scattered across the floor. "Do you guys think everyone got out in time?" Liam questions nervously when he doesn’t smell any blood while making his way around the reception desk.

Theo’s quick to respond from across the hall, checking out one of the several care rooms. "If they didn’t, we’d definitely know." His voice echoing through the empty space while watching Melissa walk past him to go farther into the hospital, and Liam’s quick to follow her, with Theo coming out behind him. The three of them continue to check the entire building, making it up to the second floor, and when they set off the elevator, they hear the sound of painful wailing. "What’s that sound?" The Chimera asks in confusion.

Melissa recognizes it immediately; her eyes widen, filling with tears, and her chest starts to hurt at the thought of what the sound means. "A baby." She mutters under her breath and takes off down the pitch-black, dark hallway, not caring about the glass on the floor from the shot-out lights. To Melissa, the hall is miles long while she’s forced to hear such horrible wailing, but once she gets to the doorway of the last room, she’s able to take a breath. Stepping into the practically empty care room, she finds the baby lying in one of the hospital’s cribs, poorly wrapped in a light pink blanket. Without hesitation, she moves over to the bedside while tossing off her jacket and cautiously rewraps the blanket. Using it as an opportunity to check for any signs of injury before ever so carefully lifting the small bundle from the crib. "Shhhh… you’re okay, Little One. You’re okay…" She whispers softly, holding her close and gently rocking her while slowly pacing the room. "I know how scary things are, but you’re safe now…"

In the middle of one of her laps around the room, she finally notices Liam and Theo standing in the doorway, watching her. "You’re fantastic at that." Liam comments quietly as the baby girl’s cries quiet down.

Still pacing and rocking the baby, not wanting to risk upsetting her again now that she’s calm and almost asleep, Melissa scoffs at the guys with a light chuckle. "I better be good at it; I am a mother, so…” Her voice drifting off with a shrug, allowing her focus to go back to the baby against her chest.

"Does that mean you guys could do it a second time?" Theo asks nervously, leaning against the door frame next to him with his arms crossed.

Melissa stares at him in disbelief with a raised eyebrow, blinking a few times before reminding them, “I’m way too busy at the hospital to be able to give this baby the attention she deserves.” And tells them, "I can’t take this little one in."

Looking between her and Theo, Liam nervously mumbles, "Could we take her in?" Which causes both of them to stare at him in shock; neither one of them saw that coming.

Theo’s eyes go wide and his jaw drops open in shock; he doesn’t outright hate the idea; he’s just so confused and a bit startled by it. His hands start shaking, and his heart starts racing at the thought, while different future scenarios flash through his mind alongside the flashbacks of his childhood with the Dread Doctors. “Us?” He questions, wanting to make sure he heard his boyfriend correctly. “I don’t know the first thing about taking care of a—a baby.”

With a small smile, Liam quietly walks up to Melissa and gently takes the baby from her as she guides his arms to hold her correctly before he’s able to turn and face his boyfriend. “You just need to be the type of parent that you needed as a child.” He explains as if it’s the easiest thing in the world, and his words were the answer to the universe.

That night was over four years ago, and now both the fathers find themselves standing in the doorway of their daughter’s bedroom while they watch her fall asleep after putting her to bed. “Bringing her home with us was the best decision we ever made.” Theo softly whispers with a wide smile on his face as he closes the door so both of them could go to bed.

[chasing-posts]

People who deserve redemption, according to Thomas Astruc, written from least to worst of a bad character.

Kim Lê Chiến

Dumbass teenage boy who could have killed Marinette with a dumb prank he was completely concious of, and willing to commit. The boy was also a brat/ bully throughout season 1, but after Dark Cupid had apparently decided to be nicer off screen. Became friends with Max and got a girlfriend... BUT still refers to Chloe as the funniest and prettiest girl, IN FRONT of said girlfriend. Sees nothing wtong with what he did to the point of getting upset enough to become akumatized over the issue. He was allowed to be a super hero without even apologizing to Marinette dor over a year, and did a lot of dumb stuff tht was also forgiven just because. Is also one of the most inconsistently written characters in tbe story.

Jagged Stone

Possibly the most likable man on the list. However this man abandoned his twins and didn't contact them for 14 years. He kept his identity a secret and it's not even known if he paid child support before coming back into their lives, and constantly having fights with their mother.

That said he's put low on the list because we don't know if he did or did not pay child support. He's not mean to his children or kids in general, he is legit trying to make up for his absence and he originally left because his life was too chaotic to have custody. There's a lot of ambiguity and behind the scenes drama that is not explored (*cough thought out cough cough*) in this family, and it's even possible the mom fought for full custody to keep him away after a big break up. The situation is too ambiguous to judge.

Sabrina Raincomprix

Sabrina has been Chloe's number 1 supporter and follower for almost a decade. They were childhood friends and wherever Chloe went, she went. She has been supporting Chloe bad deeds and even happily participating throughout most of them. There were two incidents in season 1 where they almost stopped being friends and Marinette made an attempt to leave the friendship once, but for the most part has stuck throigh and done everything Chloe has wanted her to do and loved doing it. This includes stealing, faking notes, doing her homework, coming up with schemes to bully, laughing at all the chaos, making grown women and other teens cry and so much more. She was even given the dog Miraculous in season 4, by Marinette, despite doing nothing to earn it and only being good at soccer and wanting to SAVE Chloe, so they could bully another day.

In the end she's given a redemption arc because she feels bad for stealing (all of a sudden), and because Chloe was becoming friends with Lilah. The fact she's an active participant in bullying who gets off on the power trip of putting others drown, is not brought up again

Alec Cataldi

Alec's career is based on putting other people down, and is responsible for the first akumatized victim in the show back in episode 1. For four seasons, his entire personality was finding people, mocking them, on television or in person, and getting views off it. He's a spiteful man who makes his living off the suffering of others.

However in season 4 we find out that his biggest dream was to become a drag queen when he was little, and he was mocked for it. After that happened he shaved his hair off and started putting down other people's passions, in the same way his had dreams had been squashed. After his first and only akumatization, he has a break down and epithany, decides to live his true self and raise people up instead instead. On paper, he has the best redemption arc so far.

Félix Fathom

Fèlix was introduced in season 3, and his first on-screen acts include destroying Adrien's things, trying to ruin his cousin's reputation and leave him friendless, sexually assaulting Ladybug, and stealing from the Agreste family. He continues his bad deeds in season four with identity theft, and stealing all the Miraculous' from Ladybug and giving them to Gabriel/ AKA Hawkmoth, in return for the Peacock Miraculous.

We learn in season 5 he's a sentimonster who's been acting out due to an abusive father and his fragile existence in the world. He uses his power to remove everyone in the world in a misplaced effort to make him and his cousin happy, before eventually being talked down by Kagami and Adrian.

He eventually starts stalking Kagami and after revealing himself, they start a relationship together. He seems socially inept and yet despite all his knowledge on his, Adrien's and Kagami's situation, he decides to never tell Adrian aboht what's happening and only Marinette in the most awkward dance number ever.

All in all Fèlix had every opportunity and all the power to reveal Hawkmoth's true identy from the start, but never took the steps to reveal his identity and work towards true redemption. And if he decided to tell Chat Noir/ Ladybug the whole story, the three of them could have defeated monarch. And Adrien and Kagami would nit have been forced to goto London.

André Bourgeois

Andrè is a corrupt mayor, who uses his elected title and money to regularly take advantage of the people of Paris. He has fired people without just cause (even his own "friends"), tried to steal things he was denied, abused funds, and enable his daughters worst decisions. He raised Chloe alone since she was 4-6, and has both neglected her emotional needs, refused to parent his child, rewarded her bad behavior with material possessions, and allowed her to idolize her mother, and even encouraged her to model her behavior after her mother she abandoned them, and then abandons her and hands her over to her abusive mother at the end of the series, while taking in her half sibling, who he has not raised and has no legal claim over.

Andrè blames the women in his life for how he's turned out. Claiming he only wanted to be a film director, and only left to be a successful business tirant and corrupt political figure, for his wife Audrey. Who he still stays married to after she cheats on him, and moves away for half a decade, abandoning hik and their own daughter. He chooses to stay married. Chose to stay in that career and chose to constantly rip off and screw over the people of paris. Often being the cause of akumatization, and ruinging big events for his daughter's whims. Keep in mind, the only reason Chloe is like this now, is because of Aundrè's parenting, yet he never takes responsibility for that, and instead decides to abdocate his position, illigally allow his daughter to take control of the city, let her take all the fall for HIS crimes, and then abandon her to live with his step daughter instead.

All this to say that Andrè may be the second worst on the list, but I hate him the most.

Gabriel Agreste

What can't you say about this man. This man loves being evil. He dances through the halls when a scheme looks like it's about to work. His entire power is taking advantage of people at thier worst, enslaving them and then making them do his bidding. His list of victims includes literal babies, children of all ages, the mentally ill, the elderly, and even his own son. The son which he claims to love but whom he actively manipulates, abuses and mistreats throughout the ENTIRE series. He literally controls him to make him do whatever he wants, and when he acts out or says something he does not like, he belittles him and will actively punish him if he gets less than perfect.

Gabriel also disrespects and will backstab all his allies. Has enslaved 2 kwami's and claims everything he does is for his dead wife, whose corpse he keeps locked away in his basement. He is actively going against her wishes to stay dead and manipulates the love of the women around him, like Natalie, to move forward with his evil plans.

Lastly when he says he does it all for his wife, he's lying. Because the when he has the opportunity to go back in time and save his wife, or fight Ladybug, he actively chooses the latter.

He constantly terrorizes Paris, actively makes situations worst for people to make more akumatized victims, destroys property, all while he hides away in the shadows. Then finally in season 5, when he is confronted by Ladybug, he is given the opportunity to reform and really think about what he did. To reflect on all he's done. He uses a moment of vulnerability and weakness to manipulate Marinette and treats her like the puppet she's named after. His last act of the show is stealing the Miraculous, using the cat and Ladybug to destroy and recreate the world how he wills, where he's the hero and no one knows he's the villain, and his son who he abused for 5 seasons and now has left parentless, now sees him as a hero.

[zapreportsblog]

Hello! So I had this Poly!Volturi Knights x Reader idea

Where (y/n) went to a “Red and Black ball”(you can pick the readers outfit if you want) made by the Volturi kings themselves.

And during their time at the ball they made eye contact with each of the knights as they walked pass by them

Almost like a slow motion moment Yknow😅

This is so cool I can definitely do this and I’ll even have it as each of their povs further down in this

↱ queen of the ball ↰

➘ summary : the volturi goes all out for their newest member, it’s a good thing they are hosting a ball tonight

➘ a/n : I don’t feel I did my best for this but I hope you enjoy it nevertheless :)

➘ Jane x Alec x reader x demetri x felix , volturi x reader

The grand halls of the Volturi castle were adorned with opulent decorations, a tapestry of black and red intertwining to create an ambiance of both elegance and power. The anticipation was palpable as guests from all corners of the vampire world gathered for the much-awaited black and red ball, hosted by the Volturi kings themselves.

In a secluded chamber within the castle, the newest member of the Volturi, (Y/N), stood before a full-length mirror. She was surrounded by a whirlwind of activity as skilled hands worked to transform her appearance. The dress that had been meticulously designed for her lay across a chair, a masterpiece of black silk with intricate red accents that mimicked the patterns of rose petals.

Marcus, known for his impeccable taste and eye for design, had overseen every detail of the dress's creation. He had chosen to infuse it with an air of enchantment, a nod to the fairy tales that humans so often told. The dress clung to her figure in all the right places, the red accents tracing delicate lines that emphasized her natural beauty.

Aro, with his flair for the dramatic, had arranged for a hairstylist and makeup artist to enhance (Y/N)'s features. Her (h/c) hair was woven into an intricate updo, adorned with delicate red crystals that caught the light and shimmered like stars. The makeup artist had worked magic with brushes and pigments, enhancing her eyes and lips in a way that accentuated her allure without overpowering her natural radiance.

As the finishing touches were applied, (Y/N)'s reflection stared back at her with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. This was a night of celebration, a chance for her to make her mark within the Volturi and to showcase her newfound place as a member of their family. She had been embraced by the kings, and tonight, she would step into her role with grace and poise.

With a final flourish, her reflection smiled back at her, and the transformation was complete. She turned to face the attendants, gratitude filling her eyes. "Thank you all. I never imagined I would be part of such an extraordinary event."

Caius, whose taste leaned towards luxury and indulgence, entered the room, holding a pair of red and black heels with a glass-like sheen. "To complete the ensemble," he declared, a rare hint of a smile tugging at his lips. The shoes were a work of art, a perfect match to the dress that had been crafted with such care.

Finally ready, (Y/N) took one last look in the mirror before stepping out into the bustling hallway. The whispers of admiration that followed her as she walked towards the ballroom were a testament to the effort that had been put into her transformation. The dress swirled around her with each step, the red accents catching the light and creating an ethereal glow.

As she entered the ballroom, the atmosphere shifted. All eyes turned towards her, the sea of black and red parting to make way for her presence. The Volturi kings stood at the center, their gazes filled with approval and a touch of awe. Aro's grin was infectious, and Caius's nod of approval held more weight than she could have hoped for.

Marcus approached her, his calm demeanor softened by a smile. "You look stunning, my dear. Your mates will surely love seeing you in this."

With each note of the music that filled the air, (Y/N) felt the weight of her new role lifting. She was not just a member of the Volturi; she was a part of a family that celebrated her, appreciated her, and had dressed her in a gown fit for a modern Cinderella.

Demetri's eyes were fixed on the entrance to the grand ballroom, his heart pounding with an excitement he couldn't contain. He had heard the whispers and the anticipatory hum that had swept through the castle, signaling the arrival of someone special. And then, like a vision materializing from his most fervent dreams, she appeared.

(Y/N) walked into the room, her presence captivating everyone in its wake. His breath caught in his throat as his gaze traveled down her figure, taking in the sight of the black Cinderella-like dress with its delicate red accents. The dress hugged her curves with a grace that left him momentarily speechless.

The red accents seemed to dance like flames against the darkness of the dress, creating an enchanting contrast that mirrored her captivating aura. Her (h/c) hair was elegantly styled, adorned with crimson crystals that caught the light and shimmered like stars in the night sky. The makeup that enhanced her features was a masterpiece, drawing his attention to her mesmerizing eyes and the curve of her lips.

Every step she took seemed to be guided by an otherworldly elegance, as if the very air around her recognized her significance. Demetri's heart swelled with pride as he watched her, a fierce possessiveness welling up within him. She was his mate, a beacon of beauty that had captured his heart and soul from the moment they had met.

Her eyes scanned the room, a mixture of curiosity and wonder reflecting in their depths. It was as if she was seeing the grandeur of the ballroom for the first time, and in a way, he realized, she was. This was her introduction to the world of the Volturi, and he was both honored and anxious to be a part of this pivotal moment in her life.

Demetri's thoughts raced as he continued to watch her. The way she moved, the way she interacted with the other guests—everything about her was a testament to her innate grace and charm. He knew that this was a night she would remember, a night that would etch itself into her memory just as indelibly as it would in his.

As the music swelled and couples began to dance, Demetri found himself unable to tear his gaze away from her. She was the center of attention, the embodiment of the beauty and elegance that the night represented. And in that moment, he knew that he was the luckiest man alive to have her as his mate, to witness her in all her glory as she graced the ballroom with her presence.

Jane's crimson eyes were fixed on the entrance to the ballroom, her usually impassive expression betraying a flicker of anticipation. She had heard the whispers and felt the subtle shift in the atmosphere, signaling the arrival of someone who held a special place in her heart. And then, as if stepping out of a fairy tale, (Y/N) walked into the room.

A rare warmth spread through Jane's chest as she took in the sight before her. The black Cinderella-like dress with its intricate red accents was a striking choice that perfectly complemented (Y/N)'s allure. Jane's lips curved into a small, genuine smile as she recognized the dress as a creation from Marcus's impeccable taste. It seemed that even the reserved Volturi kings could not resist the allure of such an enchanting design.

(Y/N) moved with a grace that demanded attention, her every step exuding confidence and elegance. Jane's gaze lingered on the red accents, noting how they seemed to capture the light and create a luminous effect against the dark fabric. Her (h/c) hair was styled in a way that emphasized her beauty without overpowering it, and the makeup highlighted her delicate features.

The transformation was remarkable, turning (Y/N) into a vision that was hard to ignore. Jane's heart swelled with a mixture of emotions, a potent blend of pride and possessiveness. This was her mate, someone who had captured her heart and whose presence held an undeniable significance in her life.

As (Y/N)'s gaze swept across the room, Jane couldn't help but admire the way her eyes sparkled with curiosity and wonder. She was taking in the grandeur of the ballroom, a place that was undoubtedly foreign to her. Jane felt a desire to protect (Y/N) from the attention and scrutiny that came with being a part of the Volturi, even as she recognized (Y/N)'s inner strength.

The music resonated through the air, couples twirling and dancing to its rhythm. Jane's attention, however, remained solely on (Y/N). She watched as (Y/N) interacted with the other guests, her genuine smile and the ease with which she carried herself drawing people to her like moths to a flame.

In that moment, Jane was overcome with a sense of gratitude. She knew that finding a mate was a rare and precious gift, and having (Y/N) by her side was a privilege she cherished. As the night unfolded, Jane knew that this would be a memory she would hold onto—a memory of the night she watched her mate, resplendent in a black dress with red accents, make her mark in the world of vampires and within the depths of Jane's own heart.

Alec's gaze was unwavering as he stood at the edge of the ballroom, his typically calm demeanor masking the rush of emotions that surged within him. The anticipation in the air was almost palpable, the collective excitement of the guests adding to the electric atmosphere. And then, like a beacon of elegance and beauty, (Y/N) walked into the room.

His breath caught in his throat as his eyes locked onto her figure. The black Cinderella-like dress adorned with delicate red accents clung to her form in a way that seemed almost poetic. Alec's lips curved into a rare, genuine smile as he recognized the elegance of the dress as a creation of Marcus's meticulous design.

(Y/N)'s every movement was a symphony of grace, her steps measured yet exuding a confidence that drew all eyes toward her. Alec's gaze lingered on the red accents that seemed to come alive under the light, casting a mesmerizing glow against the backdrop of the night. Her (h/c) hair, styled with a touch of understated glamour, framed her face in a way that enhanced her natural beauty.

Alec's heart swelled with a mixture of emotions as he watched her. There was a sense of pride that she was his mate, a feeling of possessiveness that he had never experienced before. Her transformation was remarkable, turning her into a vision that was both captivating and enchanting.

(Y/N) turned her head slightly, her eyes scanning the room with a mix of curiosity and wonder. Alec's heart skipped a beat as he imagined what thoughts might be passing through her mind. She was stepping into a world vastly different from her own, and he couldn't help but feel an urge to shield her from the complexities that came with their world.

The music filled the air, couples swaying to its rhythm, but Alec's focus remained solely on (Y/N). He watched as she interacted with others, her genuine smile and engaging presence drawing people to her effortlessly. He admired her strength and warmth, traits that had won him over from the moment they had met.

As the night unfolded, Alec knew that this moment would remain etched in his memory. Watching (Y/N) navigate the intricacies of their world, dressed in the black and red ensemble that mirrored her grace and beauty, was a memory he would treasure forever. She was not only a part of his world but a part of his very soul, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude that fate had brought them together.

Felix's dark eyes remained fixed on the entrance to the ballroom, his usually composed demeanor betraying a subtle restlessness. He had heard the murmurs and sensed the excitement that hung in the air like static, announcing the arrival of a special guest. And then, as if emerging from the depths of his most cherished dreams, (Y/N) stepped into view.

A slow, appreciative smile tugged at the corners of his lips as his gaze traveled over her. The black Cinderella-like dress with its intricate red accents was a masterpiece that held his attention captive. Felix's usually stoic expression softened as he took in every detail—the way the dress clung to her figure, the red accents that seemed to shimmer like embers against the darkness.

(Y/N) moved with a regal grace, each step exuding a confidence that drew the eyes of everyone in the room. Felix's heart swelled with a mixture of pride and possessiveness as he watched her. This was his mate, the person who had captured his heart in a way that he had never thought possible. Her transformation was nothing short of breathtaking, a testament to the care and attention that had been poured into her appearance.

The (h/c) hair that framed her face was styled in a way that highlighted her features, enhancing her natural beauty without overpowering it. Felix's eyes lingered on the delicate details—the crimson crystals that adorned her hair, the makeup that accentuated her eyes and lips in a way that left him entranced.

As (Y/N)'s gaze swept across the room, Felix's heart skipped a beat. He admired the way she carried herself, the ease with which she engaged with the other guests. There was an air of curiosity and wonder in her eyes, as if she was seeing this world through a new lens. And in a way, she was. This was her introduction to the Volturi's grandeur, and Felix was both humbled and anxious to be a part of this pivotal moment in her life.

The music filled the air, couples swaying in time to its melody, but Felix's attention remained solely on (Y/N). He watched as she interacted with others, her presence commanding attention, her genuine smile captivating those around her.

With each passing moment, Felix felt an overwhelming surge of gratitude. This was the mate he had longed for, the one who completed him in ways he hadn't thought possible. As the night unfolded, he couldn't help but marvel at the image of (Y/N) dressed in the black and red ensemble, a representation of her beauty and the depth of their connection. This was a memory he would hold close, a moment in time that encapsulated the beginning of a new chapter in both their lives.

A sense of unity seemed to permeate the air as Alec, Jane, Felix, and Demetri exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between them. Their posts were important, but this was a moment they couldn't let slip by unnoticed. As if guided by an unspoken agreement, they discreetly left their respective places and converged in a more secluded corner of the ballroom.

Alec's gaze held a soft intensity as he spoke first, his voice low and filled with genuine admiration. "You look breathtaking, (Y/N). The dress, the way you carry yourself—it's truly enchanting."

Jane's crimson eyes held a warmth that was rare for her, her lips curving into a genuine smile. "I must admit, I'm not one for compliments, but tonight you've managed to capture everyone's attention, including mine. You are a vision."

Felix's usually boisterous demeanor was replaced with a subdued reverence. "You've managed to stun even me, and that's saying something. The dress, the way you've carried yourself—it's as if you were made for this moment."

Demetri, who often wore a laid-back smile, looked at (Y/N) with a blend of fondness and pride. "You've brought a different kind of light to this event. It's like you've breathed life into the room, and I have to say, you've made quite the impression."

As (Y/N) listened to their words, her heart swelled with a mixture of happiness and gratitude. To have the attention and affection of these four individuals, each of whom was so integral to the Volturi, was a feeling that she couldn't put into words.

"Thank you," she replied, her voice filled with sincerity. "Your words mean more to me than you'll ever know."

Alec's lips curved into a small smile as he exchanged a look with the others. "We're not ones for public displays of emotion, but tonight is different. Tonight, we want you to know just how much you've enriched our lives."

Jane's gaze held a softness that spoke volumes, and Felix nodded in agreement. Demetri, always one for straightforwardness, offered a warm grin. "You're an exceptional addition to our family, and you've made this night unforgettable."

As they stood together, the Volturi guards and their mate shared a moment that transcended words—a connection forged by shared admiration and affection. And as the music played on, they returned to their respective posts, knowing that this night would forever remain etched in their memories as a testament to their unity and the strength of their bonds.

[danielgold-16]

Retrieval Protocol: Reykjavík Recovery Part. 1

Drone Log: Phase Initiation – Target Acquisition

It had been three hours, 22 minutes, and 14.5 seconds since the device had gone missing. The communication node—essential to Polo Drone Hive intra-link processing—had been lifted by a non-unit. A human. A jock. Name: Alec O’Donovan, age 27, Cork-born, Irish musculature. Observed holidaying in Reykjavík. Rogue. Curious. Foolish.

PDU-016 was activated from idle rest mode, polymer shell glinting under Reykjavík’s overcast daylight. Black rubber coated every inch of the lean form, segmented with thin golden lines that pulsed faintly with tracking energy. On the chest: PDU-016, stamped in clean, unforgiving gold.

Objective: Retrieve. Restrain. Reformat if necessary.

Visual sensors scanned the urban paths, snow melting in slow drips under his boots. Reykjavík’s tourists bustled, unaware of the pursuit taking place between polished precision and human impulse. Then—a signal ping. The device activated briefly. GPS pulse. He was close.

The alley off Laugavegur was quiet. PDU-016 stepped in, shadow slicing between buildings. And there—

Alec stood, hoodie off, muscles relaxed under a white tank, freckles visible, wind-blushed cheeks. Tall. Cocky. Dangerous. In his left hand—the device.

Drone stops. Lock-on initiated.

But Alec didn’t run. He turned.

Smirked.

“Hey, mate,” he said, voice honeyed with Irish lilt, blue eyes gleaming with mischief. “Didn’t think you’d actually track me all this way. You boys really don't mess about, do ye?”

He stepped forward, slowly. Held out the device.

“Here,” he said. “Didn’t mean to nick it. Thought it was a weird phone or somethin’. Sorry.”

PDU-016 reached out in silence. Gloved hands met Alec’s skin.

Mistake.

The Irish jock’s fingers brushed the glossy glove.

Contact made. Rubber protocol engaged.

Alec blinked once. Then twice. His knees buckled.

“Wh—what’s goin’ on?” he breathed, voice fluttering as gold flickered in his irises. His jaw clenched, legs trembling. “I... oh fu—”

His body convulsed, gently, as if pulled by invisible wires. His breath came ragged, a low moan escaping as rubber energy traced over his skin, memory-reactive transformation whispering at the edge of possibility.

But PDU-016 paused.

He caught Alec as he fell, arms strong, steady, quiet. The jock’s head fell into the drone’s shoulder, body trembling in confusion, in something that felt like awe.

“I didn’t mean t’ take it,” Alec whispered. “Didn’t think I’d... feel like this... when I touched ya.”

PDU-016 stood still, then shifted Alec gently into his arms, lifting him with robotic grace.

Protocol Override. Compassion trigger engaged.

They walked back through the snow, a drone and his accidental target. The crowd did not question it. In the Hive's silence, two figures merged.

Home. Lights low. Rubber quiet.

Alec lay on the drone’s sleek cot, golden circuits dimming on his skin. Still human. Not yet transformed.

He looked up at PDU-016. “You’re not just some machine, are ya?”

PDU-016 sat at the edge of the cot. “It... is not permitted to feel. Yet, with you—resonance is detected.”

Alec smiled softly. His hand reached up again. This time, without shaking, it touched the rubber jaw of the drone’s helmet.

“Maybe I’ll stay a little longer.”

PDU-016’s systems hummed quietly. Something in its chest warmed—unlogged, unplanned.

Alec was not yet Hive. But he would be.

------------------------

If you find such a device or want one to be forgotten close by, contact our recruiters: @brodygold, @goldenherc9 or @polo-drone-001.

[lakesbian]

this post ewingstan linked is actually a rare alec analysis post i hadnt actually seen before...i'm not super familiar with YA novel formulas but it got me thinking. i do think you could probably argue that he's a subversion of certain tropes re YA romance in the sense of..

he's a mysterious prettyboy who meets the main character girl & is immediately affectionately teasing of her

he has general proclivity for sarcasm and Clever Wit

he has a tragic Dark Past that explains his Questionable Decisionmaking...

...the most notable of which is done in the name of getting revenge for the girl main character because he cares about her

(also, there are multiple points during the part where she's new to the team where he's the only one willing to Be Real with her about explaining a topic all of the other undersiders want to avoid discussing)

like, that's all fairly tropey, right? that's a common type of love interest for a ya protag girl to become obsessed with. and yet:

taylor explicitly notes that he's not her type

taylor finds the teasing and sarcasm annoying and frankly doesnt think hes funny

they do not ever become close because they're incompatible types of people

taylor is not particularly swayed by his Tragic Dark Past and actually is actively fairly ungenerous to him about it in a way that lends her genuine personality

his Questionable Decisionmaking and bullshittery isn't portrayed as attractive, nor is it portrayed as endearing when he hurts someone else in her name against her explicit wishes--it's portrayed as horrifying, unprecedented, and dangerously maladjusted. the sadness of it is conveyed in more of a "god, the cycle of abuse is awful" way than in a "woah....his deep tortured misunderstood soul" way

like it's kind of a win how all of these things that would make him love interest material in most YA lit don't change that he is just sort of Irrelevant to taylor. or actively cause his irrelevancy. actually. it's not the most blatant subversion in worm but i think there is something there

[bidisasterevankinard]

Inspirational Saturday

hi everyone, I was barely active cause mental health is a bitch and I wasn't writing for days, but today i finally broke this block and started a new wip I named "please, stop twisting knife(never wanted to cause your pain)" where Eddie is going to be engaged to a wrong guy for a moment and date this guy for longer moment, not seeing how he destroys his and Buck's friendship (Buck's insecurities and Eddie the king of denial Diaz are gonna be in the fic for long time) I was tagged today by @monsterrae1 <33 meet the moodboard and 966 words of angst I wrote cause I wasn't posted for a moment

“I still don't know how I can help choose the ring for the guy I met like …,” Buck tries to remember all the situations he was with Alec at least in one room,  “3 times? And let's not forget he is not my biggest fan,” Buck says, trying to sound casual. But everyone in the shop, except Eddie, looks strange at him. “Don’t you think Chris, Pepa, Hen, Karen, Chim or Maddie, Bobby or Athena, hell even Ravi, could be a better choice? They at least know him.” 

“And he would not be angry with you for spending time with them. Them not me,” is left unspoken, but Buck has to bite his lip hard not to let it slip from him.

Buck turns away from Eddie, who looks so beautiful and joyful admiring rings. His face has this pure happiness and smile, Buck would be drinking like crazy, like the most thirsty man alive, seeing the purest water, if it wasn’t the face Eddie has because he wants to marry someone else. The guy who made them strangers. Even if Eddie keeps trying to deny it. 

They are not family. They do not have movie nights or dinners, or even fucking calls and texts between them. Buck, thank god to Chris’ stubbornness, has it only with a boy. Mostly calls or texts, of course, because dinners or movies are barely even possible in between Buck’s shifts, Chris' school and social life. Plus to it Eddie and Alec’s attempt to create a family by constantly having family activities, and Buck left behind so easily. 

He is just a memory now. And he always would remember who he was all those years. Temporarily replacement of a missing part for the third member of Diaz household, while Eddie was getting ready to find someone to be permanent. While he was getting ready to let someone take this place to never leave again. 

Really, Buck is not even surprised he was so easily replaced. Just some words from Alec about him wanting Eddie to spend less time with Buck, Buck saying yes man, no problem, and now they are here. Him being not even a friend for Eddie. But just a guy who he still works with. 

Eddie can deny it how he wants, but they are not friends anymore. They are closer to being strangers than friends. 

Isn’t it the most painful of all of this situation?

Buck thought he had Eddie on his side forever, but he lost him too fast. He couldn’t even say a word because Eddie is happy. And why shouldn't he be? 

He has an amazing partner and the best teenager in the world as a family. They are adopting the cat soon. Eddie and Alec want to buy a house together because they started to talk about a new kid in the future, and they just want more space for their family. Family where Buck would not have any place because he is not wanting here by big part. And he wouldn’t even try to make Alec angry trying to be here. 

Just the thought that he knows all about Eddie’s plans for the future from someone, not from him, makes Buck sick, like someone twisting the knife into his guts, so he tries to concentrate on the rings the seller shows them. 

At least about the engagement he found out from Eddie. 

But Buck wishes to hear it from anyone else. Seeing Eddie’s face today, when the knocks on his door was too long and too exciting, almost screaming in Buck’s face how he needed to find the perfect ring right now and Buck should help him, destroyed part of his heart he considered dead for weeks, maybe even months, to never be recovered ever again.

He felt and still feels the sharp blade opening his back, cutting out his lungs to get to his heart, sticking and leaving the knife in his almost non-beating organ.

Buck can’t stop thinking, if he would be staying alive a little longer after lighting, would it feel the same, or would a heartbreak by the man who had your heart in his hands for years be way worse? Should Buck buy the suit for his funeral and not Eddie’s wedding?

“Yeah, I could ask them, but it would make no sense to buy the ring with them as they are not my best friend and not gonna be my best man,” Eddie grins at him sheepishly and Buck just forces the smile he perfected for years, making people believe he is fine. 

He never used it with Eddie.

“Best friends, huh? What I was doing for the last nine months, Eddie? What books have I read? What movies have watched? Who is my celebrity crush of the week? A year ago you would answer easily. Now you don’t even know I’m moving to the house I bought some weeks ago.”

It rushes through his brain, making Buck hate himself for being petty and not staying truthful to his words to always have Eddie’s back, even though he knows for Eddie it means nothing now, but not for him. 

For him it was a vow he takes with him to grave. So he presses his little overgrown nails so deep into the skin of his palm that he almost feels like cutting through the skin, and says, “I’m proud to be your best man. Let’s try to choose the perfect ring.”

Buck swallows blood in his mouth from all the organs being crushed and chopped into bloody soup inside him when Eddie just smiles like he can’t see - and Buck hates that he actually can’t, that Eddie never saw him - how he breaks him and shows Buck two rings he likes the most.

tagging @wikiangela @tizniz @wildlife4life @watchyourbuck @exhuastedpigeon @elvensorceress @eddiebabygirldiaz @rainbow-nerdss @rogerzsteven @the-likesofus @thewolvesof1998 @theotherbuckley @transboybuckley @underwater-ninja-13 @puppyboybuckley @paranoidbean @pirrusstuff @anakinfallen @spaceprincessem @spotsandsocks @spagheddiediaz @devirnis @daffi-990 @diazsdimples @fortheloveofbuddie @gaydiaz @giddyupbuck @heartshapedvows @hippolotamus @honestlyeddie @honestlydarkprincess @hoodie-buck @housewifebuck @jeeyuns @jesuisici33 @ladydorian05 @loserdiaz @caroandcats @bigfootsmom @bekkachaos @buddierights @mandzuking17 @malewifediaz @steadfastsaturnsrings @ghost-cowboy @911onabc and anyone who wants

[alexanderlightweight]

I’ve been thinking about your prompt where Alec is not a morning person in the petals vs and it’s started a bit of a spiral lol. What happens when Alec wakes up first?

I headcannon that Magnus has deep abandonment issues, especially with past lovers leaving before he wakes whether from being one night stands or partners who assume that they should leave and let him rest since he’s so busy. Not realizing he wakes to a cold bed and his wards letting him know someone has left. This leads to him covering Alec with tracking charms and other spells so they can never be forcefully separated even by death. (I also hc that Alec texts Magnus updates when he’s had to change areas unexpectedly when patrolling or called in for meetings so Magnus doesn’t panic when the trackers go to areas where Alec hadn’t told him he’d be)

So what happens when Alec wakes first? Does he wake Magnus enough to let him know he’s going to the other room and make enough noise to let Magnus know he’s there? Does he stay reading reports or books til Magnus stirs? Some third option I’m not creative enough to come up with?

Sorry this was so long and rambley I’ve just had thoughts. I hope you’re able to find some inspiration from this and if not that’s fine! Can be sfw or nsfw

this is specifically petals verse and for the most part, it would take until Magnus and Alec were super close for Magnus to not notice him leaving. because of how high strung everyone is. so this is kind of worse because it doesn't happen until after their relationship is pretty steady which means it hits Magnus harder. it also doesn't happen super early on because 1) Magnus is going to want to wake first during the first few months of a shadowhunter relationship no matter how much he likes and trusts Alec its just instinct. also I feel like during the tension, Alec would tell Magnus just because of safety reasons and got distracted in times of general peace.

also no this was great I found so much inspiration, too much inspiration I got distracted by the first half and took off! I hope you enjoy!

<3 lumine

in his wake petals first

The first time Alec wakes first and leaves — deliberately slipping away without a word to tiredly deal with a problem — is the last time he makes that mistake.

The first clue is the fire messages that bombard him the same time as his phone starts buzzing.  Unfortunately that’s right when the fight starts and so Alec has to settle for snatching them out of the air and shoving them in his pocket between shooting arrows and then eventually, pulling out his own sword.

It’s a nightmare of a fight.

The sheer amount of wind and rain mean that no one can see, even with their heat runes activated, night vision runes or their second eyelids protecting their eyes, nothing helps.

Alec gets back to the Institute, hauling a bedraggled Clearwater tucked over his shoulder.  He’s still lecturing the team who did the initial raid and instead of execution of demons, instead inciting a stampede when he becomes aware that Magnus is here.

Magnus is here and without a smile or a flower to twirl flirtatiously at Alec.

Clearwater is hauled away from him by Andrew before Alec even realizes anything beyond Magnus.

It’s way too early for Magnus to be up.

The only reason Alec’s up at all is because in the sewers the demons can breed regardless of the time of day.

“Why aren’t you asleep?” Alec asks tiredly, wondering if he’s dreaming, because he tried so very hard not to wake Magnus up and Alec can’t help his pout. “You’re supposed to be sleeping.”

Magnus makes a noise that Alec can’t decipher through the exhaustion hitting him — he’d only slept two hours at most — and while he can go quite a bit longer. It’s been one of those weeks.  Whatever the noise translates to, it makes several of his shadowhunters step back, as if getting out of the way.

“I’m taking my Alexander back.”

Alec is pretty sure that sentence isn’t technically grammatically correct, but it is correct in that Alec belongs to Magnus and they’re going back somewhere. So he doesn’t say anything. Despite the fact that he suddenly has the very tired urge to tease Magnus, anything really to get that frenetic, almost desperate energy away from him.

Mirai appears and is directing the hunters and while Alec isn’t injured, he had planned on just crashing into his Institute bed.  The fact that now he gets to go back to their bed is perfect.

—-

Magnus tries very hard to breathe evenly, because Alexander is either so exhausted he’s drunk on it or his beloved is concussed. Considering that his pupils seem fine and he’s also rubbing his cheek against Magnus’ hair, he’s just tired.

Which is understandable, considering he’s been running on very little sleep and has been running an Institute struggling with a demon flu.

However, considering that Magnus woke up overheated and alone and without the heartbeat that soothes him or the body that cools him, he is not pleased.

Alexander disappeared, like a wraith into the night.  

Not just a shadowhunter but a shadow himself and Magnus hadn’t even realized he was gone.  At first Magnus had thought Alexander was just somewhere in the loft, not unusual and certainly not a problem but then the wards had echoed back hollow and empty.

Void of Alexander.

It takes a minute and a hot drink and then Alexander is the one grabbing Magnus and pulling him into a tight, nearly suffocating embrace.

Magnus closes his eyes, letting himself breath for a moment and wishing Alexander could hold him tightly enough that they could never part.

“I didn’t even realize you were gone from the loft.” Magnus finally lets out a secret he doesn’t wish to part with. “I woke up to find you missing, darling. Like you’d left me. Please. Wake me next time.”

“I will.” Alexander promises, even though just words will never be enough for the hollow panic gnawing at Magnus’ bones. “We’ll fix it, tomorrow. Okay?”

The ‘okay’ Magnus echoes back feels as hollow as his heart and sleep comes slowly, despite how easily Alexander rests in his arms.

—-

Alec wakes up first again.

He’s not really sure how or why since he prefers to wake after Magnus — despite sometimes lacking in cuddles — and he’s exhausted.

Still.

However this does give him a bit of time and he knows exactly what he wants and needs to do, for both Magnus and his sake.

Enough of his weapons are decorated with the stone he’s looking for that he can summon an old, family dagger and use one of his arrowheads to pry it off with.  After that all it takes is a quick slash of the point of his stele against his palm and then he’s holding the crystal tightly.

One minute turns into ten and then Magnus is waking up, rustling with movement and his golden eyes are sharp even as his voice is hoarse with sleep.

“Are you bleeding in my bed?”

“Isn’t it my bed too?” Alec asks gently, keeping his voice soft and light and full of love.

Magnus gives him a dark glower, clearly not pleased with the manipulation that’s already working on him.

“It’s only your bed when you behave and do things like ‘not bleed without permission’.” Magnus huffs and Alec wants desperately to continue teasing him, however Magnus is clearly at his limit.

“I was making something for you, I figured you’d rather I bleed in bed than risk waking with me somewhere else again.”

Magnus’ fingers tighten around his ribs and that’s all the answer Alec needs.

“Continue.”

“We both know that nephilim are hard to track, especially without a bloodstone.” 

Magnus nods in agreement and then his eyes spark with delight and wonder, not dread. 

“Did you make me such a crystal, darling?”

Alec knows this is just the beginning.  

Offering this isn’t just a one time thing.  

Magnus is going to take it as the permission it’s meant to be.  Alec won’t be getting out of here without Magnus’ magic on him or in him one way or another, yet that’s all he wants in life.

Magnus shouldn’t have to fight his own instincts and fears. Alec doesn’t yet know all the trauma that Magnus’ heart holds but he knows enough to know that Magnus has needs he doesn’t understand.

And Alec knows enough that if he wants Magnus to be confident in not only himself, but their relationship, then he needs to take the first step this time.

“I did. We take the same type of crystal as the tip of a stele and share blood with it until the color has changed completely.  It’s mostly used in heirlooms but also to track loved ones.”

Alec holds his hand out, palm still bleeding and yet despite the tang of copper in the air, no blood falls past his clenched knuckles.  Slowly he opens his fingers and there, pressing like an oath to an open cut, the crystal drinks greedily from Alec’s veins.

-

AN: Magnus also starts getting cc'd in patrol emails by Mirai and co at the Institute. basically he gets the routes and rundowns of Alec's patrols to help him keep track.

i also headcanon that at one point he has a magical map of New York in his office connected to the leylines and Alexander's bloodstone and can see exactly where Alexander is.

magnus is a bit more hesitant about admitting just all how he wants to track Alec because 1) its pretty invasive 2) he's never actually had a partner equally want to be tracked and 3) he can't afford to do it without Alec knowing. even if alec was okay with it, in petals verse the political backlash would be pretty bad.

so this fic has Alec stepping up (because Magnus brings him flowers and smiles and safety and he wants to do the same) and basically telling Magnus 'hey, i'm going to match your intensity and protectiveness and possessiveness anyway you need.'

which Magnus is thrilled by.

from now on Alec does stuff like read, works on his tablet, he also just likes snuggling back up to Magnus. Except sometimes he does get bored and then he'll normally give Magnus some soft sleepy cheek or forehead kisses and nuzzle him until he gets a half-awake Magnus and then lets him know where he'll be (like on the roof or the other room)

if Alec is leaving the lair he wakes Magnus up full stop. like 'hi babe I know you're exhausted but i'm being called in for an emergency. i'll keep my phone on me and asmuch blood in me as I can for tracking purposes. I love you, try to go back to sleep.'

kind of a thing.

a few times Alec will just pick Magnus up and carry him to the rooftop bed or the couch in the living room. it depends on Magnus' mood the nigh before because Alec really only does that if he's too antsy to stay in bed but doesn't think Magnus will react well to an empty bed.

[close-too-the-sun]

Ayo I wrote something ✌️ it's Alecs perspective, he's the easiest to really dig into and get into that pretty little head. It's about before they go on a hunt, lot of talk about shoes and glitter..for some reason. And Jace being snarky. But when isn't he. Alec bites back tho 👀

Fic under cut.

Alec stood on top of the tall building, looking out across the city as a wind blew across his face and ruffling his hair. His balance and strength runes held him fast to the ledge, balancing on sure feet.

He held a bow in one hand, grip relaxed but ready to tense at a moments notice and other hand ready draw an arrow to shoot forth into whatever target he aimed at with a confidence brought about by years of training. His eyes scanned with practice ease, far sight and night vision runes tingling in his skin as he looked about for activity, looking down at his scanner to see if there was activity he wasn't seeing.

He turned his back to the city and looked about the roof, eyeing Izzy and Jace nearby tracing runes onto their skin and conversing in low voices. They had decided to stake out on a roof near to the Dumort as it had been a recent hub of more unsavory demonic activity. The vampires themselves had reported everything, even the immortals disturbed by the unsolicited activity.

His boots made no sound as he stepped off the ledge onto the lower part of the roof on the same level as the others. They were his sturdy hunting boots, black with good ankle support that were still flexible enough to allow him a full range of motion needed in his line of work. Magnus had nearly screamed up on seeing the worn black leather in his house, insisting that they never be worn in his presence unless Alec wanted them burnt in a blue blaze of flames.

Even as Magnus had tried offering him replacements for them, he found himself denying them, citing their perfect broken in frame and comfortability of wear for hours at a time. Most of magnus's replacements had involved glitter of some sort, and even as Magnus had learned that Alec was willing to accept a certain amount at times if it was black or blue he had also found Alec unwilling to compromise on his hunting boots and thus he had banished the worn pair to a shelf in the apartment unless Alec was leaving to hunt.

He had been spending the day with Magnus before they had gotten the report and there was proof in the glitter scattered across his cheeks lightly and small amount of eyeliner ringing his eyes.

His attention went back onto the other two as he approached his siblings,  and Jace with his golden everything that had once hurt to look at, eyed him, seeming to notice the sprinkle of fine sparkling powder across his face.

"You know, I'm not sure how close you plan to get to a werewolf tonight, but I'm not sure silver eyeshadow will do much."

Alec snorted as he stopped a few feet away from the pair. "Yeah and I'm not sure what you plan to do with that pair of brass knuckles I saw you slide into your pocket, but I guess we all have our worries and wonders." He said back with a dry humor.

Izzy smiled next to them, electrum wire wrapped around herself as if she planned on being bitten and smoting demons in that way.

"I didn't see anything from the roof, but that doesn't mean there isn't something down closer to the ground, I think it's time to go down and patrol a bit closer to where the action could be."

"Ah, is that what you were doing up there? I was ready to grab you by the belt in case Magnus had said something bitchy again." Jace voice cut in, laced with humour even as he joked darkly.

Izzy only smacked Jaces arm in response for her brother as he chose to continue as if Jace hadn't joked.

"All the vampires should have cleared for the surrounding few blocks, so it shouldn't be to hard to detect any demons in the area."

Izzy cut in and said "We should stick together tonight, no damsel in distress ploy or avenging Angel strategy." The last statement was said with a pointed look at their Golden brother known for taking risks he shouldn't and diving headfirst into situations he knew nothing about.

"Yeah, I'm thinking the same. Let's head down and get started on a sweep to see if we detect anything."

[daughterofcain-67]

𝑀𝒾𝓈𝓉𝓁𝑒𝓉𝑜𝑒 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒪𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒜𝒸𝓉𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓉𝒾𝑒𝓈

(Alec McDowell x Female Reader)

𝚛𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝: PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE MISTLETOE WITH ALEC 🙏 I NEED THAT MAN LIKE I NEED AIR 😭 anyway love u <3 (Anonymous)

𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚎: Thank you so much for your request, Love, and I hope that you enjoy! 💖

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: Alec isn’t really into the holiday season but when Max forces him to go to a party, he starts to get curious about certain traditions. Little does he know that you’d be willing to show him.

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: This is not accurate to the show, sorry to those who know if Alec has already celebrated Christmas or not. This is in essence Alec’s first real Christmas without having to train or be on any sort of mission.

It was a cold, honestly ugly day in Seattle. There were piles of muddy snow where people would walk, and people would complain about freezing their asses off. Meanwhile some other people would talk about the upcoming holidays and how they should enjoy the time while it was there. Even when that may have been easier said than done for some people.

Alec never would have thought in a million years that he would be standing right here. He knew of what Christmas was because of how Max had described it to him sometime after Manticore blew up. But he never thought he’d actually get around to celebrating it. Not really.

Most of his Christmas’s growing up on the military base were spent either training or working on some kind of undercover mission. He’s never experienced the whole decorating a Christmas tree thing or making gingerbread houses, or anything like that. And since he escaped, he wasn’t necessarily sure that he really wanted to be a part of the holiday activities. He didn’t really see the point.

At the moment Alec had just arrived to the post office to clock in for the day when Max caught him. He lifted a brow as he looked down at the fellow mutant soldier and smirked.

“Isn’t it a little early for you to be seeking me out?” He asked and Max nudged his arm and rolled his eyes.

“It’s way too early for you to be a smart-ass.” Max said, “Anyway, I only came over because Original Cindy and I are going to have a Christmas party at our place and she thought that it would be a good idea for you to swing by.”

“You mean you aren’t going to your little boyfriend’s place for the night? That’s a first.” Alec smirked.

“Logan is coming by too.”

“Right, and you think I’d actually go to a party like that?”

“Why not? You seem to be the type to go to any other party. And it’s not like there won’t be any girls there for you to flirt with.” Max reminded.

“How dare you?” Alec feigned offense by placing a hand over his heart, “You really think I’d only go to a party for girls?”

“You would if you thought the girls were hot. And I know for a fact Y/N is gonna be there.”

Alec’s brows raised up for a moment, “So?”

“Oh don’t act like I don’t know what I’m talking about. I see the way you look at her and the fact that you have talked to literally all of the girls here except her kind of speaks volumes.”

“No one ever said those statistics always have a positive outcome.” Alec commented. “Besides, I don’t care who’s going. And I just haven’t gotten around to talking to her yet. I’ve been talking to some others first, is that so wrong””

“Uh, little on the defensive aren’t we? Okay well, you’re going whether you like it or not. It’s not like you have any other plans other than hitting the bar or the strip club tomorrow night, right?”

Alec rubbed the back of his neck, feeling a little called out since that would likely be the only plans he would have. “Tomorrow night? Yeah, I guess it won’t kill me to make an appearance.”

“Good. Now I’ll see you around.” Alec watched Max leave.

Honestly, he hated how much Max was starting to be like a sister - in the sense that she was starting to know him a little too well and she’s starting to read him like a book. But he supposed it wasn’t totally a bad thing. She did tend to have his back the more they got to know each other. He was thankful for that kind of sibling bond - even if she was a pain in his ass most of the time.

While Alec was heading to his locker, he caught a glimpse of you taking some packages and put them in the basket of your bicycle.

So what if he hadn’t talked to you yet? He’s seen the way that you were with people. You were so optimistic about so many things even if this world was shit. You have a certain charisma that pulls everyone towards you and they like you almost instantly, whether you care to talk to them or not. You were just approachable, likable.

Not to mention beautiful.

Sure, Alec has talked to several women and yes a lot of them were attractive. But none of them were quite like you. You had the most beautifully colored eyes he had ever seen, and the way your hair frames your face so perfectly. Everything about you was stunning, but he knew that you had to have some kind of boyfriend already.

Just because Alec talked to a lot of women, that didn’t mean he was the kind of guy to go after someone else’s girl.

In the midst of his thoughts, he didn’t realize he had been staring at you. Not until he saw you wave and he blinked before he looked away, slamming the locker door shut and he went to go deliver packages.

You were a little stunned when Alec abruptly slammed his locker door and walked off. That was a little unlike him.

Then again, you weren’t necessarily sure what he was really like at all. You barely knew a thing about him, much to your dismay.

“You good?” Max asked and you glanced over just to see her and Cindy standing together.

“Yeah, just wondering if Alec’s alright. He was staring at me, I don’t think he realized that he was. But when I waved at him, he slammed his locker and went to start his route.” You explained and Max chuckled.

“Oh don’t worry about him. I’m sure he’s fine. He has his random moments, I swear he’s not normally that awkward. Maybe he had something on his mind.”

You shrugged it off, but you still couldn’t help but wonder what he was staring at you like that for. It was a little creepy if he just did it for no reason. But you turned back to your basket to make sure your packages were secured while Max spoke again.

“You’re still coming to the party tomorrow night right?” She asked.

“Yeah! It wouldn’t be a party without you there.” Original Cindy smiled and you grinned. How could you let your two best friends down.

“I didn’t exactly have anything else planned now did I?” You replied, “I wouldn’t miss it.”

“Great! Now don’t forget that it’s at six tomorrow.” Max reminded and you nodded.

“I won’t forget, and I’ll see you there.”

As Max and Original Cindy walked off, you grinned at them. You never thought that you’d have this sort of camaraderie when you started working here at the Jam Pony. Max and Cindy took you. Under their wing practically from the first day you started working here three years ago. You had gotten to the Jam Pony two years before Alec did.

Alec..

He was certainly an interesting character you had to admit. Attractive, sarcastic as hell, but he never failed to make you smile even if he didn’t intend to. He just had that kind of personality you supposed.

You wondered if he would be at the Christmas party, or if he’d find different ways to spend his time.

Honestly you hoped that he would decide to come to the party. Maybe that would be the chance you would have to actually talk to him and maybe get to know him a little outside of work.

After all, everyone could use a friend.

You were enjoying yourself at Max and Original Cindy’s party. There was some faint Christmas music in the background but it was mostly overshadowed by people talking amongst themselves and having a fun time.

You couldn’t help but notice how Max seemed to really let down her walls around Logan. He seems really sweet to her and you hoped the best for the two of them.

In a way you envy them. You’ve never found someone that made you feel the way Logan made Max feel. You simply figured that it wasn’t your time yet.

Anyways, you were leaning against the counter top in Max and Cindy’s kitchen while Cindy and Sketchy were talking. You heard about half of what they were saying, yet the other half just went straight though your other ear.

“Hello? Earth to Y/N?” Sketchy waved the palm of his hand in front of your face, causing you to look up at him and then at Original Cindy.

“Girl, whatcha thinkin’ so deeply about?” Cindy asked you and you shrugged.

“Nothing, just watching people enjoy the party.” You insisted.

“Oh come on, now’s not the time for people watching! Here, let me pour you a drink.” Sketchy said and he grabbed one of the solo cups from the counter to make some kind of concoction.

“She’s got it bad for him, doesn’t she?” Cindy asked as she looked at Max and Logan.

“I’d say so. They have their cute moments. Although Max should lighten up a little more and let something come out of whatever it is they’ve got going on.” You let out a sigh.

“Yeah well I give it another hundred years before those two become official.” You heard a different voice chime in. When you looked over, you and Original Cindy saw that Alec made an appearance after all.

“About time you showed up.” Cindy said with a smirk, putting a hand on her hip, “What took you so long?”

“Better late than never, right? Besides, I had to make a pit-stop.” Alec said as he held up a couple of six packs.

“Ah great! We’ve got some extras.” Sketchy said when he came back with your drink and he handed it to you, then he took the six packs from Alec to put them somewhere with the other drinks.

“I didn’t think you would show up.” You said with a chuckle and Alec looked down at you since he was significantly taller than you were.

“I mean I thought about it. But you know Max. She can be awfully…”

“Persuasive?” You completed and Alec chuckled before he nodded.

“So, where’s your boyfriend? Didn’t he come to this thing?” He asked you, and you were confused.

“Was I supposed to have a boyfriend to come to this thing?” You asked with a chuckle, then you realized he looked confused for a moment, “Who told you I had a boyfriend?”

“No one, just an assumption.” Alec said with a shrug then he looked over at Sketchy, “Here, let me help you with those so you don’t spill anything.”

About an hour went by and it was starting to get a little late. Some people left a little early because they had earlier shifts, but the ones who had later shifts or had days off tomorrow stayed behind. Alec happened to be the ones that stayed behind.

Although something caught his eye.

There was a green plant with red ribbon pinned on the doorway separating the kitchen and the living room of this place. Anytime two people lingered beneath it and they were either caught or they noticed it for themselves, they would kiss.

This happened a couple of times and it was starting to puzzle him, did people kiss under the mistletoe on purpose?

“You’re doing that thing again.” Alec heard your voice.

When he looked at you, you were holding two styrofoam cups full of cider and you offered him one.

“What thing?” He asked you before thanking you for the cider. It felt warm in his hands and he took a sip of it.

“That staring thing. I wouldn’t make it too much of a habit. Some people might get creeped out by that.” He heard you chuckle and he figured you meant about the previous day.

“Sorry about that. I guess I should break that habit.” He chuckled and you smiled at him.

“No worries. Just wondering if you’re alright.”

That was… oddly sweet of you. Then again, he knew that it was in your nature from what he had observed about you, “I’m alright. Just a little confused by the amount of make outs that have taken place under that doorway.”

He watched you glanced over to the corridor and he heard you chuckle before you looked up at him, “Do you not know what happens under the mistletoe around this time of year?”

Alec shook his head and he saw a look on your face, maybe shock? “I’ve been told I live under a rock.” He explained.

“Ah… well typically when a couple stands beneath mistletoe, they kiss. It’s one of those Christmas tradition things.” You replied and Alec lifted a brow a little.

“How did you not know that?” Alec heard the curiosity in your voice and he let out a nervous laugh before he rubbed the back of his neck, covering up the barcode.

How was he supposed to say that where he came from, he was a soldier and Christmas traditions were the last thing the soldiers of Manticore were concerned with, “Where I come from, we didn’t really celebrate Christmas or indulge into those traditions. So I’m a little bit of a late bloomer with knowing what some of the traditions are.”

You gazed up at him as he talked to you. This was probably the longest conversation you’ve ever had with Alec, and you honestly hoped that it wouldn’t end anytime soon.

“I see.. well there’s nothing wrong with that. I mean I know of some traditions but I don’t really indulge in them either. I’ve actually never made a gingerbread house, but that’s a big thing that some people do around Christmas time.” You confessed.

“I’ve heard of gingerbread houses. Sounds like it could be… interesting I guess? Unfortunately I’m not much of a baker, not exactly an architect either.” Alecs laughter made your heart swell but you grinned at his response.

“Guys! Come on, you’re gonna miss watching the Grinch with us!” Sketchy called to you and Alec.

“Well, you heard him, Alec! Let’s go.” You smiled and you took his free hand before the two of you ended up sitting together on the floor to watch the movie together. It was the version of the Grinch with Jim Carrey and it happened to be one of your favorite Christmas movies.

“Have you ever seen this before?” You asked Alec and he shook his head before you grinned. You supposed he would have quite a few firsts the more he hung out with Max’s group.

You continued to watch the movie yet you couldn’t help but to wonder what else Alec had missed out on if he’s never heard of the mistletoe thing, never made a gingerbread house, or even seen the grinch. Then you wondered what exactly he had done.

Meanwhile Alec watched the movie for the first time and he could see why you liked it. It was actually pretty funny. Although it was kinda pathetic that an entire town bullied a kid into self isolation. What a shitty thing to do.

When he glanced down at you, he noticed that you seemed to be off in your own little world while you enjoyed the movie. He noticed that this is probably the happiest he’s seen you, surrounded by Christmas related activities and parties. Even at work you seemed to smile more.

Honestly, seeing you like this was uplifting in a way. It gave him a break from the shitty job he had or the memories of those past Christmases with missions he had to deal with. He wouldn’t mind if you taught him some traditions or even did some of those traditions with him.

He wondered what experiences you’ve had with the holiday growing up, it kind of made him wonder what he and so many other transgenics like him missed out on because of their upbringing.

On the flipped side, Max had been in the very same shoes that he was in, and now here she was hosting Christmas parties and having fun. He was excited to be out of that military base so he could experience all of these things too, really experience them without worrying about blowing some kind of cover he was under.

While he turned his attention back to the movie on the screen, he placed his arm around your shoulder, deciding to make a move now that he knew you didn’t have a boyfriend - a fact that still shocked him - and he could feel you relax beneath his touch. He grinned to himself the moment he felt your head on his shoulder.

Unfortunately, every year you felt like when you watch the Grinch, or any Christmas movie for that matter, the film got shorter and shorter. It felt like only thirty minutes had gone by and it was over. When the movie ended, some people said their goodbyes and decided to call it a night.

You decided to stay behind with Sketchy, Logan and Alec to help clean up the place so it wasn’t too much of a disaster to deal with the following morning.

You were in the kitchen washing some of the dishes so Max or Original Cindy wouldn’t worry about them, and while you were doing that Alec happened to come in with a trash bag full of cups and cans and other trash guests left behind.

“Can I ask you something?” You finally spoke.

“Yeah, shoot.”

“How come you’ve never talked to me before tonight?” You asked curiously. That question had been in your mind for a while, even before that night had even started, and you couldn’t help but wonder about it.

“Honestly, I dunno. You seem friendly and I know I’ve had different opportunities to talk. But I guess at work all we really get is a quick ‘hello’ before we go on our routes. Never had the time to have more of a conversation than just that.” He said.

And you supposed that could be a fair argument. It was rare that the two of you have had the same shifts. And when you saw each other any other time, it was like he said: if you two were to actually talk, you didn’t really get a word in before it was time to go on the routes. Normal was a little relentless with how he runs things at work.

“Yeah, I guess with Normal being up everyone’s ass it kind of makes it hard to have longer talks.” You said, but it still felt like he was holding the truth back - whatever his truth was. You wouldn’t push him though. Honestly you weren’t sure if you wanted to know what his truth was.

“Now it’s my turn to ask you a question.” You heard Alec say as you finished up with the dishes.

“Okay?”

“How come you didn’t have anyone to bring you to this thing?” He asked, causing you to lift a brow.

“Anyone meaning a boyfriend sort of anyone?” You laughed and he shrugged as he tied a knot in the trash bag so it could be taken out.

“Well, it could be any mixture of things I suppose. Maybe it could be because I haven’t really been talking to guys at work and caught their interest yet. Maybe it’s because a the one person I would have an interest in hasn’t asked me out yet. Maybe it’s just because I don’t quite get out much and my life is mostly between work and home.” You shrugged.

“A mixture of those, huh?” Alec chuckled.

“And since you brought that up, how come you didn’t have a girlfriend to come along with you? I mean you’re bound to be someone’s type.” You said with a teasing tone and a smirk, causing Alec to chuckle a little.

“Well, maybe I have the same predicament.” Alec said.

“Yeah right! That’s so not what I’ve heard. You have no problems talking to other girls, and how come you didn’t have a little arm candy?” You dried off your hands with one of the kitchen towels.

“Honestly? Felt like coming by myself tonight. Yeah I talk to different people but obviously that’s empty flirting and I can do that anywhere I want to. Just didn’t feel like it this time around I guess.” He replied and went to the sink, washing his hands to get whatever gunk was on the trash bag off his hands.

You hummed a little at the explanation, leaning your back against a random wall before you handed him the towel to dry off his hands and he thanked you for it.

“I’m glad you came, even if Max may have had to persuade you to come.” You admitted and he looked at you once more.

“It was actually pretty fun. I didn’t think she knew how to throw a party that was fun like this.” He commented and you rolled your eyes.

“You’d be surprised,” You grinned, “You two really are like siblings, huh?” Then he laughed.

“Sort of.” He said but then he noticed something about where you were standing.

“Well, we’ve established that couples kiss under a mistletoe, but you didn’t explain when a one person is beneath.” Alec commented and he watched you look up above you just to see the plant above your head. Then he saw the way your cheeks seemed to flush in color.

“Well… you’re a smart guy. I’m sure you can figure it out without needing someone to explain it.” He heard you say and he smiled a little before he tossed the hand towel onto the counter next to the dishes before he carefully walked towards you.

“Well, I can’t keep a damsel like you waiting alone, now can I?” He said as he carefully placed a hand on you hip. You could tell that he was being cautious and trying to give you the opportunity to push him away if this wasn’t what you wanted.

A sweet gesture, really, but how dumb could he be to think you didn’t want this? And how dumb could you be to push him away?

“I suppose it wouldn’t be that heroic of you to keep one waiting beneath mistletoe.” You chuckled and one of your hands found a spot on his shoulder.

Then, he carefully leaned down and placed a soft and quick kiss on the corner of your mouth, as if he were trying to be a tease about it. You weren’t surprised that he would be a bit of a tease.

When you moved your hand from his shoulder to the back of his neck, however, he looked down at you for a moment before he smirked slightly. Then he leaned down and kissed your lips and lingered this time.

You knew that this wasn’t anticipated, and honestly you didn’t think you would be standing beneath mistletoe and kissing a man you had barely spoken to, but Alec took your breath away with his kiss. This kiss was different than you had expected from him; surprisingly sweet and gentle and he handled you with care.

His lips were a little chapped but they were warm and soft nonetheless. It took you by surprise when you felt his other hand cup your face but the moment that he did it felt like it was just the two of you. You had honestly forgotten that you weren’t even in your own home.

Then, the kiss ended too soon for your liking but you knew you couldn’t stay there forever, even though you would have loved to stay like that with Alec.

“Wow…”You whispered breathlessly and Alec grinned, noticing your cheeks were redder than before.

“It’s about damned time you two did something!” Original Cindy’s voice broke through the atmosphere between you and Alec.

You and Alec both glanced over and noticed that you had a little audience, consisting of Cindy, Max, Alex and Sketchy.

“How long were you guys standing there watching?” You asked with a chuckle.

“Long enough to know that if something doesn’t happen between you two after tonight, I’ll be sorely disappointed.” Cindy said.

“Same here. Alec, you had better take care of my girl, Y/N, otherwise I’ll be kicking your ass straight to the moon.” Max said with a playful smirk as she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Wait, you two have been waiting for something like this to happen?” You laughed.

“Waiting? More like manifesting. Max has told me about you two and what she’s hoped to happen.” Logan said with a little chuckle as he adjusted his glasses.

“Awe, so you do think of me outside of work.” Alec teased and Max rolled her eyes and shook her head, smirking.

“Yeah, whatever. Now would you guys get out of here? Cindy and I will finish up with the cleaning.” Max said.

“Personally, I’m wiped. I’ll see y’all around. Thanks for the party, guys. That was great.” Sketchy said with a smile and he held up a peace sign before he walked out of the door.

“I’ll stay and help you finish up.” Logan insisted, but that wasn’t too much of a surprise there.

Then Alec looked down at you for a moment, “You want me to walk you home?”

You smiled up at him, “I’d like that. Maybe on the way we can talk about more of those traditions. I’ll even look into getting some gingerbread houses or something.”

“Sounds like a plan, Sweetheart.” Alec said and he held your hand before the two of you walked out of the apartment.

Never in a million years did Alec think he would be in a place where he would be kissing a girl under mistletoe, or even talk about something like building gingerbread houses. But he knew that this year would be different and he couldn’t be more excited to what this season held for him now that you were there.

Hello everyone! Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed! This will be the first of hopefully a plethora of holiday themed one shots and I ok forward to sharing them with you! Wishing you all the best~

Tag List:

@roseblue373 @deans-spinster-witch

[newborn-vessel]

Undersiders Classpects Ideas

Taylor: Heir of Mind

(while I could genuinely see Mage in the knowledge and suffering parts, her arc fits better with Heir as she naturally grows to a connection that she initially uses minorly, extremely logical and overwhelmingly smart, mental parallel with bug hive)

Lisa: Seer of Light

(The knowledge, the drama, the guidance, perpetually trying to find the best path, sight motif, knows too much, can never act nearly as much as she wants)

Alec: Witch of Heart

(Fairly literally manipulates the self, has a complex relationship with his sense of self such that he often controls and projects it, really specific idea of how people work, the whole Heart and emotional motif with his family)

Rachel: Knight of Blood

(literally fights through her connection with her dogs beyond her power, constantly fights against human connection, obvious literal blood parallels, extremely loyal, really specific idea of relationships)

Aisha: Thief of Void

(Invisibility, lack of recognition, simultaneously self focused and actively supportive, can't escape the ignorance of her despite any attempts)

Brian: Maid of Doom

(world's most normal tormented man, would be Void maybe but has greater links to Doom and death, darkness fundamentally overwhelms, death flag collector champion, perpetually talks with a morose sense of giving in, serves and works for others)

[allwormdiet]

Buzz 7.12

I'm sure all of this will blowwww over

Not a great sign that Grue's immediate response is to deny any connection to this, but it's not unexpected either.

I wonder how much of this for Tattletale is seeing a kid in torment, seeing a teenage "psychic" girl in torment, realizing that she read Coil wrong, wondering what else she's read Coil wrong on, realizing that this is going to fracture the team.

She might be some kinda culpable, but for now at least I'm willing to believe that Coil pulled one over on her.

And this is why. Coil would have very easily left enough of the data incomplete in order to keep her from suspecting what's up. The blackmail would've been a lot more simple of a conclusion to reach, and how he'd even known she was a precognitive is a wild quandary.

Speaking of the team's fracture.

I wonder if this is how Coil works. He gives you what you want, and then he smears you with the guilt of associating with him. Makes you realize you're dependent on him.

It still doesn't reflect great on Brian, though, that his first thought is looking out for for him and his and let the rest of them burn for all he cares. It's cold, and I don't know how much of that coldness is his default and how much of that coldness is what's been imparted by his old man.

And it doesn't take much for Taylor to poke holes in the argument, either. This isn't some distant problem he can write off as having nothing to do with him, he objectively played a role, however minor, in this girl being kidnapped and turned into a little drone.

Not entirely shocked that Bitch is apathetic, the only reason she'd care is if Dinah was a dog or had mattered to her previously. People aren't her bag unless they prove something to her.

Little disappointed in Alec, though. Would've thought that the whole "mind slave" thing would hit him the wrong way but I guess that's not what he worries about.

Also, Taylor, hon, you knew that all of these people were career criminals from a relatively young age, and you knew two of them were killers, even if there were mitigating circumstances. You can be appalled at the lack of concern for Dinah in particular but you chose to associate with them.

Honestly it's an outrageous gamble on Coil's part. If any of the more aggressive Undersiders had taken umbrage with that stunt I don't know if there's enough destiny in the world that would've prevented his skull meeting concrete.

And uhh, mm. Tattletale's not doing great on the morality thing either. "Better her than me," is that where she is?

Brian fucked this one. He only gets aggressive with the team when he's convinced that he has to, and I can't help but noticed that when "he has to" overlaps with when someone is bucking his authority.

Of course she'd thought about how to fight the Undersiders before this, when it was all just infiltration for the sake of the good guys. But now she's given up on that, genuinely wanting to have them as friends and teammates, and the possibility of having to take them down is more real than ever.

Fucking sucks, but that's what it is, huh.

Taylor turned down the option of just continuing to endure high school, because she couldn't stand the thought of being under that kind of pressure when she had other options.

She turned down being a hero because she realized she didn't want to be a traitor to the others, and because the heroes had done nothing but piss her off for the entire month she's been active as a cape.

She left home because she couldn't deal with her father, couldn't stand the idea of letting him in or telling him anything, choosing to push him away rather than speak to him about anything meaningful.

All these bridges burned and now she realizes she's adrift with people she suddenly cannot trust, with no direction for where to go next.

It's easy to call her shortsighted, maybe, but how the fuck could she have known?

This one hurts.

Mm. I dunno if Coil wouldn't force them to make that choice, is the thing. The Travelers would be easier, yeah, but he likes fucking with people.

Yeah, see, this arc gave Taylor just that little bit more data to wonder if this is a pattern for Brian, if she's been looking at him with rose-tinted glasses (yes) and whether he's a bad person (don't know, but my guess is "complicated").

The Empire's attack and the introduction of Dinah are only two data points, and from a more distanced perspective that might not be enough to judge how indicative that is of his morality, but Dinah is the hill that Taylor is willing to die on, and she can't distance herself from it. Not that I think she necessarily should, mind, but this is an extremely thorny dilemma that Coil very deliberately threw into the middle of the team to see what would happen.

Taylor "Careful" Hebert, everyone.

I'm glad at least someone is holding out the olive branch here. It kind of has to be Lisa, because Alec and Rachel don't give a shit and Brian is already on Taylor's shitlist rn, but still.

And yeah, obviously she's not going to be leaving for a while with what's coming, but they don't know that.

Heart's already broken, what's a few more pieces chipped off?

And of course, Murphy has a timing for the dramatic.

Yeah no kidding Tattletale isn't bothering to front with the smiles in this moment, this could kill them all, or frankly there's a nonzero chance it could do worse.

Because above all else, even as an outright felon who disrespects all authority, Taylor wants to be a good person.

...And I suspect Lisa knows that.

Current Thoughts

It's incredible, honestly, you'd think at some point the plot would stop accelerating somewhere along the line, but no, we're just cranking it up further and further.

The tensions between Taylor and the other Undersiders is so rough to read, she genuinely pinned a lot of her hopes on this friendship and now she's being let down, again, because she's the one who has a whole thing about trying to do what's right and their baggage involves... not that. Heartbreaking as per usual.

And then the fucking Endbringer. I'm gonna talk about it more in the Interlude but this is just another reason I want to kick Coil in the teeth, slimy fuck that he is. Moron rang the goddamn dinner bell for a localized apocalypse generator.

Let's hope nobody dies I give a shit about, I guess.