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reality-exodus · 9 months

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The Last Hours of a Herondale

Ch.1 Better Angels

Pair: Matthew Fairchild x reader

Words: 2k

Summary: James' twin sister, just like him and Lucie has an unexplained ability, she sees visions of the past and the future occasionally when she touches an object or a person. What happens though, when she sees herself dying?

Warning: maybe blood?

I was surveying the demon battle; I didn’t ponder much as my twin brother and his Parabatai danced with the demon. I was sitting ready to intervene in case it was necessary, I had a bad feelings and unfortunately my gut was usually not mistaken.

James disappeared once again, it used to happen a lot more than that, and it would keep happening to him. The moment he was out of sight I jumped down from the rooftop I was observing. Before I landed I heard Matt’s scream, I immediately took out my whip slapping it in the air as the electricity. I didn’t know if my brother was back and I couldn’t care less about the usual catchphrase Matt would mock me with before running into a battle “Sit back and watch how it’s done”. He is my brother’s Parabatai, namely, the same as James. I was holding Matthew’s stele at the ceremony.

“Dodge” I exclaimed as I had the demon still for some moments, I took out a dagger and threw it at the demon. Matt followed my instruction without further notice.

My plan though didn’t work out for long as the demon escaped the tie of my whip letting me fall backwards.

“Y/N/N!” Matt exclaimed and turned at me, he was actually worried.

“I won’t break Matt, where did the demon go?” I asked and stood up and stepped forward as I activated the voyance rune upon my wrist.

“Lurked back into the shadows” he spoke up confidently. Matt paced further in the dark alley and the demon hissed loudly and gripped his shoulders tightly. He screamed as the demon managed to dug its nails to his shoulders, its mouth opened up in four and he hissed to his face as I leaped on its back and stabbed it with a seraph blade but before its blade could dug through its skull its head turned 180 degrees, its stinky breath straight to my face.

Moments flashed and I saw my brother be back. Deumas roared again and pressured the blade to its chest yelling the angels name, but once he threw Matt off of him and then its attention turned to me, James was already there, he swung his arm back pulling my seraph sword out as I fell on my back in the shadows. James looked like he was losing it.

“James!” I yelled, unaware if he heard me, the demon slapped him as he seemed to disorientate. I groaned in pressure as I prevented another hit to my brother with my daggers. Suddenly the demon was swept off his feet, three chords wrapped around its legs pulling it backwards. It was Thomas standing behind us with his bolas. Thomas was tall and had a massive physique.

“I am alright” my brother assured me and I dodged to the side retrieving my weapon and returning it on my belt. I let my whip loose again and trapped its upper body as Thomas was still holding it in place. With the corner of my eye I noticed Christopher helping Matt, before I returned to the demon that soon burst out in an explosion of ichor and demon blood that showered me and everyone else but my brother.

“Matthew, Y/N-.” My brother begun and as I was wiping the slime from my cloths.

“How- Wha-?” Christopher shuttered and I raised an eyebrow.

“Do you mean how we tracked down the last demon in London?” James asked as he carefully offered me a napkin. “Or that it is also the most disgusting thing?” I was surprised on how calm and normal his voice sounded. I knew he was innerly shaking.

“Or that James managed to make us a mess and yet stay out of it.” I commented to lighten the atmosphere as I wiped the last bit of ichor from under my chin there was a small burn mark from it there. He was the only one untouched.

I saw Thomas roll his eyes in annoyance as he was covered in ichor as Matthew sputtered the seraph blade that defused. “This is an outrage” he commented tossing the weapon aside. “Do you know how much I spent on this waistcoat?” he asked with annoyance and complaint.

“Plus no one told you to go demon hunting dressed like an extra from the Importance of being Earnest” James pointed out, he handed another napkin to his parabatai as well. He was standing between us.

Thomas spoke commenting on Matt as well. Therefore I didn’t hear him. “James, your hand…” I noticed a gash across his palm, I took out my stele and touched his at hand. He removed himself from his grip looking at me for any sign of seizure but I pointed at my gloves and smiled as I drew an iratze. It was usually Matt’s work, but it was only a gash.

Us twins had our very own gift as our parents call it trying to convince us it is not a curse, though nor me neither my brother feel it like a gift, it is an uncontrolled ability we have, that activates randomly. James changes dimensions, he comes back though, his episodes do not last this long and there is nothing we can usually do as he physically disappears. I on the other hand, see visions, usually unclear and enigmatic concerning the object or the person I came in contact with. While I see those dreams, I am falling into a sort of seizure. This happens since I am ten, my uncle Jem though, gifted me a pair of enchanted gloves to wear and I have to admit that it has been helpful.

“Thomas! Stop scrubbing at me” Christopher said, windmilling his arms. “We should go back to the Devil and get cleaned there.”

“I agree, its starting to get chilly.” I spoke and secured my stele inside my pocket. Matt looked at me and removed his fancy waist coat and placed it around my shoulders gently.

“Care to tell me how much you spent on it?” I asked in a mocking way as everyone started walking to the Devil’s Tavern.

“Its useless now either way” Matt replied as I wrapped it better around me while we were walking there. I rarely went to the Devil, it was a hide out, a safe spot for my brother and his friends. I knew it wasn’t true but I felt as I intruded… Maybe because this is how I felt when someone invaded my atelier or music room.

“I almost didn’t recognize the lot of you when you tramped in here covered in whatever you call it…” The waitress commented and I looked at her, Polly I think it was her name. There were welcome exclamations galore, the boys were really loved around here, fairly though.

“Its been ages since we have seen a demon in London” said James

“I reckon they are all too scared to show their faces…” Polly spoke.

“Scared?” James asked confused. The rest of the boys were spread across the Tavern, Christopher and Thomas went to eat and drink some water, while I saw Matt bottoming up a whole glass of a brownish liquid which was one hundred per cent alcohol.

“Scared of what?” I wondered and her gaze fell upon me. She wrinkled her nose, a werewolf she is, she probably smelled ichor, blood and sandalwood upon me.

“And what a beauty like you is doing in such dirty shit hole.” She spoke, obviously avoiding my question.

“You have seen me before…” I commented puzzled at the reaction of the wolf. She extended her hand and gripped my chin lightly and turned my head to the side. I felt my breath be caught upon my chest, intention was good as she dragged her finger behind my ear taking a drop of ichor.

Within seconds James gripped Polly’s wrist and threw it away from me. I turned to my twin, I knew he was there but I was not there, I could see a girl, Polly, go down an alley, she was so carefree and happy until the person next to her suddenly started to change. She would scream and shout for help but the eldest werewolf didn’t seem to be phased, he simply bit her. I squeezed my eyes, I couldn’t watch and therefore there she was, young Polly, her expression twisted in pain and agony from the lycanthropy infection. I opened my eyes again and I could see, or more like sense my brother, he was calm, it was a usual thing for me. I would be alright in about five minutes. I let out a soft cry I was surveying Polly turn into a werewolf for the first time. It felt like forever until I shot up.

I looked around, I found myself into the attic of the Merry Thieves, it was a small space with one bedroom. I was laying on the bed while I still had Matthew’s coat as a blanket over me. I took my time to make myself obvious and I caught an interesting conversation about ‘Grace’

“Her name is Grace” said James, a hint of annoyance upon his voice. I could smell the gin on him as he was sitting on the bed next to me.

“Exactly, Grace” Agreed Thomas “Aunt Tatiana’s always kept them both in splendid isolation in Idris- no visitors at all- but apparently she’s decided to move back to London, so my parents are all in a dither about it” he explained and this unlocked so many memories of our childhood times in Idris where James would secretly go to meet Grace. I did not like her that much as I got along better with Barbara Lightwood, Thomas’ eldest sister.

“Grace? To London?” James asked in complete disorientation.

“Seems Tatiana wants to bring her out in society” Thomas looked puzzled at my brother’s reaction. “I suppose you’ve met her in Idris? Your house is next to the Blackthorn manor, isn’t it?” It was true, We used to meet her every Summer.

There were moments of silence as there was no one responding so it was the time to make the fact that I returned to reality known. “And where will she stay?” I asked the thing my twin wouldn’t dare and I felt his relief wash over his figure as he turned at me.

“Hello there” James smiled at me and patted my knee as I was curled in a ball under Matt’s coat.

“Are you feeling alright? You seemed to doze off at Polly’s charms” Math’s voice sounded smooth and sweet as he joked with me.

“I will live, apparently” I smiled lightly as I felt uncomfortable to speak about Polly. “Too bad for your coat, you won’t have it back today.” I added and curled in a ball under it. It had his smell.

“No worries, it was disposable after James’ smart move” Matthew replied with a charming smile and he patted my head gently.

“Awee how sweet of you” spoke up with a sigh. I felt lightheaded as I sat up, making an effort to balance my head. James held my shoulders not attempting to touch me again, afraid that there would be another episode.

“Your hand…” I noticed as it seemed that my iratze didn’t work as needed.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” Matthew asked and his slim but muscular hand slipped out his stele. I could see his veins as he was preparing his stele.

Thomas approached me with a toast and I chuckled lightly as he offered it to me. “You something bad for Polly, didn’t you?” he asked me. Math and Jame were further but I could notice that they were listening to me.

“I did, but I am actually used to seeing bad things” I explained and certainly did not deny the fact that I was hungry too much. “This is pretty good” I smiled at my cousin as he poured some water in a glass.

“I don’t mean to be the first one to leave a party” announced I, so as to get their attention “however I shall be making my way to the institute.” I spoke up and James seemed to dislike the idea.

“Perhaps you should stay for a bit and then we can return together.” My brother remarked and looked at me. I was trying to understand was it he was fearing fathers wrath or he was extremely worried about me.

“No, I’d rather not” I smiled at him “Do not concern yourself James. I will be completely fine. I promise.” I sat up taking my time to stand up from the old wooden bed of the attic. Thomas was right next to me, I am certain he was pondering where to support me if needed without jeopardizing to have another episode.

“How exactly do you expect me to do that, when you just had an episode” he remarked as he approached me once Math was done drawing an iratze rune upon his skin

“And you had an episode of your own as well and with us not knowing what was the cause of it. At least with me you saw it coming.” I spoke with my voice raising by the note. I was so disturbed by the fact that he considered the incident with me so much more important than his even though it was considered during battle.

“Y/N!” he exclaimed.

“James!” I yelled back almost immediately, it was a reflect that took over and I could not control. I knew that I was supposed to be the delicate girl amongst the boys that were mostly friends of my brother. Nevertheless I could not stand the unfairness of the matter. I was the girl he was the boy we were in the same danger and our troubled moments were just as random and I could not fathom the fact he was being the same phallocratic male like the ones were asking for my hand were.

I started walking to the exit of the attic and Matthew got my elbow. I tried to conserve my gaze therefore I just couldn’t help and stare at him, deadly. “I am going home on my own! I am pretty capable of doing so and I do not need anyone to protect me or my honor. In case it wasn’t noticed I saved Math twice just some hours earlier when you had one hell of a random disappearance to God knows where. Perhaps papa would be interested in a more detailed version of tonight’s success.” I stated, my angry gaze met James’ who’s blood I could feel boiling.

“You wouldn’t dare.” He growled, his teeth greeted and his jaw clenched, his outfit was still well-stood unlike mine. I looked like I was in a battle indeed, my hair tucked in a messy bun with all the braids rogue and my clothes filled with stains and scratches.

“Well, I thought you wouldn’t dare to imply that I wouldn’t make it home alone… And yet here we stand.” I spoke up and threw the coat at Matthew who caught it.

“No keep it, I will come until some point, I need some quality bourbon not this, whatever it is.” Matthew spoke and walked out.

“Whatever” I shrugged my shoulders and walked out of the attic. I knew this would calm down James, just as I knew Matthew would trust me, even though he looks like he doesn’t care at all about me or anyone for that matter…

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jupitersart · 4 years

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Cordelia in strawberry dress! 🍓🍓

@cassandraclare

#shadowhunters #cassandra clare #cordelia #the beautiful cordelia #cordelia x reader #cordelia carstairs #carstairs family #the last hours #chain of gold #chain of iron #shadowhunters chronicles #shadowhunters art #strawberry dress

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steddielvr · 3 years

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are you alright?

alastair carstairs x herondale!reader (platonic), matthew fairchild x reader (romantic) and a mention of thomas x alastair (romantic)

warnings: angst (?), fluff, ooc alastair (possibly)

word count: 2030 words

summary/request: ‘Alright this is going to sound really confusing, but could i request a platonic Alastair Carstairs x Herondale!Reader? (I absolutely adore your Herondale!reader fanfics!) It could be set at the ball in COI when Matthew and Cordelia dance and maybe the reader likes Matthew so it makes her sad and jealous so she leaves for some fresh air outside? Alastair notices and follows after her and it’s obviously awkward at first but then they kind of just open up to each other and have a heart to heart? Mainly platonic Alastair fluff but could you also sprinkle in some Matthew x reader and some Thomastair? Idk if that made sense but thank you in advance if you write this!!’ from anon.

a/n: ahhh i loved this request so much!! alastair deserves so much love and i was so happy to write this for you (and him). also, i’m so glad you enjoy my herondale!reader fics, i was starting to think they were getting annoying so that makes me happy :)) i made thomas and the reader parabatai too because i thought it fit the request! i hope you enjoy lovely, apologies if alastair is out of character <33

also, i would like to dedicate this to my wonderful friend @livvyheronstairs !! congratulations on passing your year my love, i am so unbelievably proud of you🥺 i love you lots and i hope you enjoy this fic😚

Why him?

You understood perfectly that now James and Cordelia were married, your brother was not supposed to dance with his wife at these types of events but why did that mean that Matthew had to be the one to do it?

Deep down, your heart melted at the kindness the boy had shown, asking Cordelia to dance after seeing how miserable the poor girl clearly looked. But that emotion was pushed aside and sadness and jealousy had surfaced in its place after seeing them laugh together, heads bent close with the blonde’s arms wound securely around her.

You had endured it for as long as you could, trying to keep a polite smile on your face as you stood on the sidelines of the ballroom, partnerless as all of your friends had already taken to the floor with others, doing your best to keep your eyes moving across the countless dancing couples. But somehow, you were always drawn to the sight of them, looking perfectly content in the presence of one another, Matthew’s adoration for the girl clearly written across his perfect features.

You had fled the Wentworth’s ballroom as soon as an opportunity presented itself, slipping away whilst everyone was distracted. It wasn’t as if anyone was going to miss you; those who bothered to talk to you were busy either dancing or mingling with the other guests at the party. Even your parabatai and cousin had found themselves dance partners and left you alone, shocking you as both boys usually tried to avoid the dance floor in favour of sitting and chatting idly amongst one another.

And now, here you were: sitting silently on a nearby bench, the brisk wind nipping at your skin as you cursed yourself for forgetting your coat inside the ballroom. But the fresh air did you good, making a start at clearing the fogginess inside your head. You close your eyes briefly, breathing in the night air and slumping further against the bench as your body relaxes slightly.

“Are you alright?”

You start, eyes snapping open and landing on the owner of the voice that broke your peaceful moment. Alastair Carstairs stands before you, face sheepish and stance painfully awkward.

“I’m fine.” you respond curtly, not sure why the boy had even approached you or why he was out here in the first place. “What do you want, Carstairs?” you snap, your exhaustion catching up with you and the memories of the boy from the Academy clouding your judgement.

He recoils slightly, expression hardening at your tone of voice. You instantly feel guilty, knowing that the boy meant well and you were taking your frustration with Matthew and your unrequited feelings for him out on the Carstairs boy.

“I saw you leave in a hurry. You looked upset. I thought I’d check if you were alright but I guess I’ll just-” Alastair responds, a brief flash of hurt clouding his features as he turns to head back to the Wentworth’s home.

“Wait,” you call out, the boy stopping in his tracks but not turning to look back at you. “I’m...sorry, Alastair. I didn’t mean to… I’m just sorry, alright?” you fumble for the right words, smiling slightly in apology when he turns back to face you again. “Thank you for checking on me. You didn’t have to.”

“Well, we are technically family now, right?” he jokes, his defensive posture relaxing a little at your words. “May I?” he gestures to the seat beside you, sitting down when you nod in response.

“You don’t have to sit here with me. Were you not enjoying the party?” you ask politely, still uncertain on how to act around him, especially with the rough history between him and your friend group.

“Oh, of course.” he responds sarcastically, scoffing at your question. “What’s not to like about having to stand around in uncomfortable clothing, asking people I’ve never even met to dance and watching all the happy couples laughing and joking together?”

Your brows furrow at the bitterness in his tone, clearly seeing that something about the night was bothering him.

“Weren’t you dancing with Ariadne? Did something happen?” you question curiously, wondering what could have made him so frustrated.

“Ariadne…yes, she’s nice and all. But if I had a choice, she wouldn’t have been the one I asked to dance with me..” he trails off, eyes sad and tone wistful before he straightens in surprise, instantly regretting his words. “Uh-I mean-uh”

“Relax, Alastair..” you chuckle, placing a comforting hand on the boy’s forearm. “Between you and me, he was probably thinking the same thing.”

Alastair’s eyes widen in shock, flitting around the two of you nervously as if someone was around you listening in.

“I-I don’t think I understand what you’re referring to.” he mumbles, clearing his throat nervously.

“He’s my parabatai, Carstairs. I know him better than anyone in the world.” you laugh, shivering as a particularly vicious gust of wind hits you. “But don’t worry. I would never tell anyone.”

He stares at you in surprise for a second, blinking rapidly before looking away. His shoulders slump slightly in relief but he straightens again when he notices you shiver. He quickly shrugs off his coat, wrapping it securely around your shoulders with a sheepish smile.

“Thank you.” you smile back at him, disbelief clouding your voice at his kind actions.

He notices, backing away with a small chuckle.

“I won’t bite, you know.” he jokes, before his smile falls. “Listen, I know I did some unspeakable things to you and your friends when we were at the Academy-“

“Don’t.” you stop him, holding up a hand to seize his rambling. “It’s in the past. We weren’t exactly saints anyway. Besides, people change.” you shrug, pulling his coat tighter around your shoulders. “I’m sorry it took me so long to see that you have.”

Now it’s his turn to look at you in disbelief, obviously not expecting you to forgive him so easily.

“O-oh. Yeah, uh, no problem.” he replies, lost for words. “So…you want to talk about it?”

“About what?”

“About why you came running out here when all your friends and family are in there.” he asks, gesturing in the direction of the Wentworth’s house.

The realisation sets on your face, the recollection of the evening coming back to you.

“My evening was similar to yours, I suppose.” you laugh bitterly. “Although at least you were dancing with someone.”

His face contorts into a sympathetic expression, smiling sadly at you.

“Let me guess. Fairchild?” he says, your eyes snapping to his at the question.

“How did you-Am I really that obvious?” you groan, head falling into your hands in embarrassment.

“Hey, not at all.” he nudges you playfully. “I’m just observant. I mean, of the people you are always with, one is your brother, one is your cousin and one is your parabatai. That doesn’t leave many options.”

“I could have other friends.” you try in defence but you give up with the look he throws your way. “Okay, fine. Yes, it’s Matthew. I’m in love with my brother’s parabatai. And he doesn’t feel the same.”

Alastair feels his heart break slightly at the defeated look on your face. He knew first-hand the pain of loving someone so fiercely and feeling as though that love was not returned. But, as he said, he was observant, so he also knew that Matthew Fairchild was just as much in love with you as you were with him.

He had seen the longing looks thrown your way by the blonde boy, the love-struck smile reserved only for you, the way his eyes would find you instantly the second you walked into a room etcetera etcetera. If that wasn’t love, he didn’t know what was.

“How do you know he doesn’t feel the same?” he asks, shrinking back slightly at the look you give him.

“How do I know? Well, let’s see. One: he flirts with every person he sees. Two: he’s my brother’s parabatai so he probably only sees me the same way he sees Lucie; like a little sister. Three: he’s never given me any indication he feels the same. And four: well, anyone can see the way he looks at your sister.” you list the reasons off on your fingers, your voice trailing off on the last one.

“Cordelia?! You think Fairchild is in love with his parabatai’s wife?” Alastair retorts incredulously.

“I was watching them all night, Alastair. I know what I saw.” you grumble, crossing your arms stubbornly.

“Two friends having fun dancing together? Come on, Herondale! He was just relieving my sister of her boredom now that James can’t dance with her at these things.” he tries to reason with you, but you shake your head defiantly.

“You didn’t see what I saw, Carstairs! He loves her!”

“He loves you, you idiot!” he exclaims, shaking his head at your obliviousness. “Anyone with eyes can see that he completely adores you. I bet if we went back there right now, he would be waiting for you, worried about where you’ve been.”

“He-he doesn’t- he can’t..” you stumble over your words in shock, refusing to believe the boy's words. “You’re lying..”

He stands from the bench, brushing off his clothes and holding out a hand to you.

“Care to find out?” he grins obnoxiously, raising his eyebrows in challenge.

You scoff, shaking your head at his antics before realising he isn’t joking. You glance between his face and his hand in surprise before shrugging, taking his hand and pulling yourself to your feet. You brush off your dress, handing Alastair his coat back before tucking your arm through his own, the two of you making your way back to the ballroom.

Alastair lets go of your arm when you reach the ballroom, giving you a look before entering first. You wait a few moments before following suit, your eyes drifting around the room slowly, doing your best to look unsuspicious.

“Y/N/N!”

Sure enough, Alastair was right. Matthew Fairchild was elbowing his way through the crowd towards you, worry evident on his face. He takes your arms gently in his hands when he reaches you, eyes scanning your body frantically, checking for any possible injuries.

“Are you alright? Where on earth have you been?” he questions you, eyes wild as he awaits your answer.

“I..” you stutter, at a loss for words as hope begins to settle in your chest. Could Alastair have been right about everything he said? “I’m alright, Math. I just stepped out for a bit of fresh air.”

“A bit of fresh- why didn’t you tell anyone? By the Angel, one minute you’re standing there, the next you aren’t. Don’t do that to me!” he exclaims, eyes pleading and swimming with anxiety.

“Hey, I’m sorry.” you shush him, cupping his cheek in your palm gently. “I won't do it again, alright? I didn’t know you were even paying attention to me.”

“Of course I was. I always-“ he breaks off, face falling at the realisation of what he was about to say. “I, uh, I mean-you were my next victim.” he laughs off his stutter, hoping you wouldn’t have noticed. “I was waiting for the song to be over so I could steal you for a dance.”

“You wanted to dance with me?” you whisper, voice uncertain.

“Of course I did! Cordelia’s great but no one is a better dancing duo than us, Y/N/N.” he jokes, back to his usual self. “Now, come along. I’m stealing that dance now. And, maybe the next one, to get you back for giving me a heart attack.” he winks, hands sliding down your arms to take your hands in his own.

You let him lead you to the dance floor with no restraint, head swarming with the new revelation of Matthew possibly returning your feelings. As he guides you through the crowd, your eyes lock with Alastair’s, a smug grin on his lips. You chuckle, smiling gratefully at him before Matthew takes you into his arms, swaying you slowly as you wait for the next song to start.

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mortalfaerie · 3 years

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STRANDED IN TIME (M. F.) 3/?

Matthew Fairchild x Lost Herondale! Reader

Awkward introductions were made to the Herondale children, Lucie and James, one of whom was bedridden after an encounter with a greater demon. Dozing by his side in a chair was a lithe boy about the same age with a mop of golden hair, who James introduced as Matthew Fairchild, his parabatai, in light of his unconscious state.

Lucie, upon introductions, had questions.

"You're a Herondale from a different timeline?" She asked, quizzical after being left in the library with you.

"Well, yeah." You replied, unsure of how much you should tell.

"Are you... you said you were born far in the future, so are you James'...?" she asked, clearly avoiding insinuating her brother having had children.

"Oh, no - my ancestor would have been your father's uncle - I think. His name was Tobias Herondale." You replied, seeing the relief on Lucie's face.

"Oh, so we're practically cousins!" she concluded cheerfully. "I suppose that's how we'll explain this. You'll have to be a Herondale cousin a few generations removed - from America?"

"Yep, Los Angeles." You confirmed, relieved for yourself that she was so on board with this plan.

"Perfect! Half the enclave have never lived outside of Idris or England anyway, so I don't think they'll ask many questions."

You smiled and meant to thank her when the doors of the library opened and the sleeping boy from earlier came walking in.

"Lucie, Jamie has just told me the strangest story and I'm certain that he must be pulling my leg, is it -" he began, but fell short upon seeing you. You felt a little self conscious - seeing as your clothes from earlier were a red flag to this time period, you had been leant some old dresses from the attic - simple things, like the blue cotton gown you now wore, and a pair of boots borrowed from Lucie at Tessa's behest. You met his gaze and, feeling your cheeks redden, smoothed your hands over your dress.

"Matthew!" Lucie exclaimed. "It's awful rude of you to come barging in. I'm not wholly sure of what my brother told you, but this is Y/N, a cousin of ours, as it happens, but apparently not of this time." She gestured to you and you offered a weak smile.

"Hi." you offered, and internally cringed at the awkwardness of it.

"Hello." He replied, and crossed the room to offer you his hand. He was at least 4 or 5 inches taller than you, but her bent to kiss your hand when you offered it instead of shaking. "I don't believe we've had the opportunity to meet." he said, and the smile he flashed you made even your cynical heart flutter. This boy knew he was beautiful, and it seemed, knew exactly how to use that knowledge.

"Oh, well, you were asleep when I was introduced to James." you explained without thinking, and then immediately froze as you realized how strange and borderline creepy it sounded. Matthew, still bent to your eye level, flushed a shade of pink.

"My apologies, then." He faltered, and then cleared his throat. "My name is Matthew Fairchild. James is my parabatai, and I am intent not to leave this residence until he has finished convalescing."

"Y/N Herondale." you meekly replied, "But you already heard that. I'm sorry, I didn't mean for that come across as rude."

"No offense taken, Y/N." he assured you, and his smile took off some of your nerves.

Lucie, thank god, broke the bubble of awkward that had formed in your exchange. "Anyway, Matthew, we've decided she's going to pose as a cousin of ours from America. That way, we don't have to explain quite so much about why she's here."

He gives her an assessing look and then asks, "But do we tell the Merry Thieves?"

Lucie shrugs, unbothered. "That's for James to decide, I think. I imagine I'll be telling Cordelia, seeing as she is to be my parabatai."

As you examine Matthew quietly as he is distracted, you don't miss that he flinches slightly at the mention of the other girl's name. Interesting. You'd have to pay attention when you met this Cordelia, and see what the relationship between the two was.

"Very well, then." Matthew said, more resigned now. "I'll be returning to Jamie's bedside, now, I think."

Before leaving, he smiled warmly at you and sketched a mock-bow. "Miss Herondale, and Miss Herondale." he said comically to you and Lucie.

Several hours later, someone rapt on the door of the room you had been set up in. Having scavenged a copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray from the library, you had resumed where you had left off before. Looking up, you called out, "Hello?"

Lucie opened the door, and poked her head inside. "Do come, Y/N! Cordelia is here and I would like to introduce you!"

You set down your book and followed her out, and down the hall was a taller girl of rich brown skin and red hair. She smiled politely at you, but you sensed tension in her stance.

"Cordelia Carstairs, do meet Y/N Herondale. Now, Y/N, I've told her of your situation, so don't fret." Lucie said, standing between you two.

Cordelia nodded to you. "Pleased to meet you, though I admit, I don't quite understand what your 'situation' means."

You laughed awkwardly. "I'm not so sure either, to be honest."

"Regardless, it's a pleasure. I'm told you'll be here in London until the matter is resolved?" She continued.

"Uh, yep. However long that is." You replied, feeling stunted by the good manners and eloquence of the Edwardian era that did not carry over to your 21st century self. A glimmer caught your eye over her shoulder, and you asked, "Is that Cortana?"

Cordelia beamed. "Yes! It is a Carstairs heirloom sword."

"I know! I'm uh, acquainted with the bearer of it in my time. Her name's Emma Carstairs, and she's pretty cool." You said enthusiastically. This made Cordelia falter a bit, considering the implications of another bearer of Cortana, but she quickly fixed her expression.

"How lovely. If you don't mind, I'm to see James, now that he's more recovered, so I must take my leave, Y/N." She said, perfectly cordial but clearly eager to leave this conversation. As she turned down the hall, you cast an enquirent look to Lucie, but she was oblivious to it as she stared adoringly at her best friend.

Oh well. Perhaps you'd have to pick up more on your manners.

#the last hours #cassandra clare #the infernal devices #the shadowhunter chronicles #the dark artifices #the mortal instruments #matthew fairchild x reader #matthew fairchild imagine #matthew fairchild

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theheartsmistakes · 4 years

Text

The Last Night Part XII

(Author’s Notes: Sup guys! I hope you had a fantastic Fourth of July (for the American readers) and celebrated safely. If you are not American, I hope you had a fantastic weekend! Thank you for your patience while I worked through some writer’s block. I think I’m getting back into a swing though. I started reading a book that is set in the Edwardian period and it has helped me find the dialect and voice that I started with. I’ve been reading a lot of contemporary literature as of late and I think it’s influenced my writing a little, which is fine, but I’m fighting to remain consistent. I’m working on a novel of my own and it’s also based in the Edwardian period, but in a fantasy world, and I’ve been struggling to stay in the same dialect with that too. Anyhoo... I’m rambling... here is part 12. I hope that you enjoy it. Please hit the like, reblog, leave me a comment to cry happily over, and follow along for updates. Be safe! Be kind! Stay healthy.)

Here is Part I

Here is Part II

Here is Part III

Here is Part IV

Here is Part V

Here is Part VI

Here is Part VII

Here is Part VIII

Here is Part IX

Here is Part X

Here is Part XI

Part XII

The following morning, James was settled in a wing chair in the game room, nominally enthralled by a short collection of poetry by Keats. It’d been a comfort to read Keats’ poetry when he would be feeling out of sorts. Perhaps because his father insisted on reading it to him as a child before bed. It seemed even in his adolescent and young adulthood, after weeks of sleepless nights cramming for examinations, going through drills during the day, and shivering through countless patrols in the chilly streets of London, he always enjoyed dozing in the warmth of a well-made fire, with Keats’ heart bleeding through the pages of his collection.

This naturally led to his considering what Keats would do in a situation like his. As his mind wandered into his thoughts, he was aware of the scent of late-blooming climbing rose coming in the window on a puff of air and he noted that the scent might have prompted the thought and he wondered whether Matthew would still be Matthew if he smelled of diesel and boot polish instead of bay rum, and what Cordelia, who smelled of roses and lime blossom to him, would be doing at this time of the day if she weren’t lying in her sick bed.

A swift clatter of boots on the stairs heralded Matthew’s arrival, and he closed the book, without the relief he’d been searching for, for even Keats couldn’t keep his mind from wandering.

“The Silent Brothers have gone,” said Matthew, his tone composed with his usual preferred demeanor of bored indifference.

“Gone where?” asked James.

“Back to the Citadel, I’m assuming,” said Matthew. He tugged at his starched shirt collar, and James could see he was warm with sweat about the neck, as if he had run all the way here. “Brother Zachariah remains and another, but I cannot recall his name, they all look the same to me.”

“Any word on Cordelia or Alastair?”

“Unfortunately not and the adults want a word with us in the dining room post haste. I assume they want a detailed description of our knowledge concerning the events of the night.” Matthew slumped in the other wing chair and covered his face with his arm. “

“Well, that’s certainly a blow to my afternoon plans,” said James, keeping his tone light in the hope that he could convince his parents and friends that he was calm enough to stand outside the bedroom that Cordelia had been moved into. They moved her in the night while he slept and no one would tell him the location due to his sudden outbursts. “If the other Brothers have left, that’s surely a good sign that Cordelia and Alastair are healing and are no longer in need of their attention.”

“It’s possible,” said Matthew from under his sleeve. “My parents are here, as are Kit’s and Thomas’s.” He groaned and added, “Charles insisted on coming as well. My life is over.”

James cursed. “What does he want?”

“‘To get to the bottom of this most unfortunate disaster’,” said Matthew, “his words, not mine. He’ll insist on lecturing us about how insubordinate we’ve all been, and how, seeing as we are underage, we have no business going out after the Carstairs siblings without briefing the adults with the situation first. He’ll make me file his paperwork for a month.”

“You’re being a bit dramatic,” said James.

Even as James spoke he felt the hypocrisy of offering comfort instead of truth. But what truth could he speak to his parabatai? Remembering the whispered conversations between his own parents after James had returned from near death by demon poisoning, James knew with a sinking feeling that his own investigation towards his grandfather would need to be done in absolute secrecy.

“Charles has been wanting to get me behind a desk since we were children,” said Matthew. “My mother will surely not object now that Shadowhunters are being plucked from their carriages in the streets.”

“Well, lucky for Charles, you’ve the best penmanship of all of us,” said James.

“So glad to hear that your humor has returned,”groaned Matthew, hanging his head so that his face was hidden beneath the fall of his hair. “Even if it is at my expense.”

“Pull yourself together, Math,” said James. He stood and tugged the edges of his jacket down as if to reinforce his words. “It will not serve to allow the entire household to hear such agitation. We have faced our parent’s fury before, this will be no different, I’m sure.” There was a pause, and James gazed out the window to allow Matthew a moment to compose himself. While he envied Matthew’s free and easy, passionate nature, his capacity for intense friendships, he always felt squeamish in the face of Matthew’s occasional display of emotion. He was accustomed to his own emotional outburst and Matthew insisting on James to calm down.

“You are right, of course,” said Matthew at last. He pulled a large silk handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed his forehead. “Good to see you back to your more rational nature.”

“Thank you,” said James, fully aware that Matthew did not altogether mean it as a compliment. It was hardly fair that Matthew should provoke him into a purse-lipped rigidity and then insult him for it, but James’s first concern was to protect his friend from his own self-indulgence. “Now why don’t we make a suitable plan?” he added. “I’ve learned long ago that it’s best to just nod in the presence of angered adults.”

Matthew nodded as if to show his ability to follow direction. “Perhaps we should share what we know about Belial.”

“I think not,” said James. “My parent’s have already made it quite clear that they don’t want us involved in the investigation any further. We will have to continue it without their knowing.”

“Are you sure that’s wise?” said Matthew. “He nearly possessed you and tried to kill Cordelia twice.”

“Which is why we must continue the investigation on how to properly kill him because it can be sure that he will not stop until he has what he wants,” said James. “There has to be a way to kill him properly.”

“I hope it’s something obvious,” said Matthew, “like spritzing him with water or feeding him chocolate.”

A sound of voices in the hallway outside the game room was followed by a light knocking on the door and Thomas’s voice saying, “Of course I’ve forgotten the secret knock, it was far too complex to begin with.”

“They’re here to fetch us,” said Matthew urgently. James noticed that he did have a strange, pale look about his face, but perhaps, he thought, this was the properly deserved effect of too much rough cider.

“By the angel, it’s only Christopher and Thomas,” he said. “You and Thomas can look pale and interesting together. Of course, he’s only just lost his sister. Perhaps his situation will help your sense of perspective.”

“Your sarcasm lacks the delicacy that would render it amusing,” said Matthew. “But thank you for your reason. Your permanent frown always brings me to my senses.”

“I do not have a permanent frown,” said James. He took a brief look into the mirror over the mantle and consciously adjusted his features to a half smile, which only seemed to make him look as if he were in pain.

“Hello gentleman,” said Matthew, “do come in. It’s mercifully clear of authority in here.”

Christopher and Thomas came through the door, and James found himself slightly relieved that they were alone. Both of them were neatly dressed in tweed trousers, buttoned up shirts with suspenders. Christophers glasses rested on the end of his nose while Thomas' shirt strained heavily around the illustrious girth of his arms. Neither of them seemed to wear any hint of the previous night’s grievances.

“Welcome,” he said. “Is it time then?”

“Just about,” said Thomas and folded his arms across his chest. “I’ve only just arrived with mum and dad and only convinced Christopher’s parents to allow him to leave their side by promising that we were only going as far as to fetch the two of you.”

“It’s already begun,” Matthew blurted out. “Behold men, your last minutes of freedom.”

“What’s he on about?” asked Thomas.

“Pay him no mind,” said James. “He’s consumed with the notion that due to the events of the last few nights our parents are going to handcuff us to desks until we come of age.”

“My mother suggested it,” said Christopher, “but I think my father has made progress against the idea.”

“See,” said James, gesturing to Christopher. “If my aunt Cecily can be brought to sense then so will your parents. Let’s just do what they ask of us and resume our investigation without their knowledge.”

“So not much different from what we’ve been doing for the past seventeen years?” said Matthew, shooting James a look. James could only roll his eyes as Christopher and Thomas drifted to the two wing chairs, where they sat and continued, for some minutes, to turn over the circumstances of the secret Belial investigation in a low and urgent manner.

“Any word on Cordelia and Alastair?” asked James.

Thomas nose flared as he met James’s gaze with an expression of frankness. “No,” he said. “Not that I’ve heard.”

James leaned against the wall and felt an echo of the agony that he had felt the night before and had to quell an urge to run out of the room and demand that someone give him information on the state of his fiance, seeing as far as everyone knew they were still engaged.

“I overheard our mother’s talking,” said Christopher to Matthew. “Alastair woke for a moment last night and was able to communicate with the Silent Brothers, but he is instructed to rest without visitors so that the injuries to his brain can continue to heal.” Matthew grumbled something under his breath. “Cordelia has been placed into an induced coma that she is unable to wake up from on her own. When her injuries have had some time to heal they’ll attempt to wake her up. The good news however is that the cure for her demon poisoning has allowed the runes to take a more immediate effect so she is healing.”

Christopher offered James a reassuring smile, which he appreciated more than he could properly express.

“Forget being tied to a desk,” muttered Matthew. “My mother will probably request having me put into an induced coma instead.”

Tessa Gray sat in the plush velvet couch in the front drawing room with her legs crossed at the ankles and her husband’s hand gently pressed against her shoulder while he sipped brandy from a glass tumbler in his free hand. Aunt Cecily was seated in a wing chair beside the fire with her husband Gabriel a respectful six feet away from Will. Aunt Sophie sat at the other end of the couch with Tessa, her hand held softly in the clutches of Gideon, both of them still carrying the misery of the loss of their eldest daughter Barbara. Charlotte Fairchild stood behind her husband’s wheelchair and beside her eldest son Charles. James knocked on the door and went in followed by Matthew, Christopher, and Thomas.

“Gentlemen,” said Will. “I hope that you all slept well and are prepared for punishment and ridicule.”

“William,” warned Tessa. “We simply want you to recount your details from the night the Carstair’s were attacked.

Matthew shifted beside James.

It had only just occurred to him that he hadn’t seen Lucie since they arrived at the Institute with Cordelia and she wasn’t in the room now. “Where is Lucie? She would have more to tell than any of us would.”

“Lucie has already recounted her experience,” said Tessa, one eyebrow raised. “She’s resting now. It’s the four of you that we wish to speak to now.”

“We are enacting an investigation on this prince of hell Belial,” said Charles, as he moved forward into the center of the room. “If we’re to be successful in locating him and effectively killing him then we need all of the information that you have concerning him.”

“I’ve already told my parents everything that I know about Belial,” said James. Both Will and Tessa turned him a look. James exhaled and began his recount of his experiences with Belial.

“And you believe Belial to be the one to have taken Miss Carstairs?” asked Charles when James was finished.

“I never saw him myself,” said James. “That would be a question for Lucie.”

“She claimed not to have seen him either,” said Charles, removing a pocket watch and checking the time before slipping it back into his trousers. “She said that she found Cordelia in the fog badly injured. She said that she lost you, but once the fog rolled away, you appeared again. Is this not the truth?”

James wasn’t sure what would compel his sister to lie about the events of Cordelia’s rescue, but he had to assume that there was a good reason and one that he would explore later when he could speak to his sister himself.

“It’s the truth,” said James. “As I told you before Lucie disappeared into the fog and I ran after her. We lost each other for some time, and when the fog moved off, she was there again with Cordelia.”

Charles stroked his chin. “It’s been unanimously agreed upon that the four of you, including Lucie and Anna, will be restricted to local patrols during daylight hours and are to report in detail any and all demon activity. If you so choose to break your restrictions then your punishment will be as sever as I see warranted.”

“What exactly would you see warranted?” asked James.

“You’ll be sent to Alicante,” said Charles, his eyes marked on Matthew, “where you’ll remain until you come of age and if you continue to disobey direct orders then the punishment will be as severe as stripping you of your marks.”

“Charles,” Charlotte hissed from beside her husband. “We never mentioned—“

“It is for their own safety, mother,” said Charles, squaring his shoulders. “I do hope it doesn’t come to such extremes, but in this case, the safety of one is the safety of them all. I do hope this will encourage them to keep each other accountable.”

Though it pained James that these new founded restrictions would limit his personal research on finding a way to kill Belial, it did not discourage him in the least. In fact, he was even more excited about the prospect of an opportunity to infuriate Charles. If one of them were to be sent to Alicante, he was sure the rest would follow, and he couldn’t strip them all of their marks. What with Shadowhunters being down in numbers as it were. Charles tactics were classic: infiltrate fear into the army without ever enacting punishment. Not that Charles would ever find out if they were going against him. Charles was too busy building his castle out of sand to see what goes on around him.

“I think Charles has allowed power to go to his head,” said Will, under his breath. He’d been in something of high spirits since Jem had arrived at the Institute and been ordered to stay to help the Carstairs siblings mend. “Don’t fret, Jamie boy, if you are stripped of your marks, Coleridge lived a life of poverty and had to be sustained by charitable friends and he turned out fine.”

“William,” Tessa hissed. “Do be serious for a moment. Jamie, as much as we regret taking away your personal freedoms, it is of the utmost importance that you heed the restrictions put in place for you. Even if he is being a power hungry, conniving, son of a--”

“What your mother is trying to convey,” said Will, moving in front of her, “is that you should be careful and mindful of your action.”

“I could always become a postman like Trollope?” said James. “I’ll begin to work on my beard.”

Will bellowed and clapped James on the shoulder just as the doors to the drawing room were opened by the footman and in walked Brother Zachariah with Sona beside him. Her graying hair has come loose and spilled down her back in an array of perfect waves that mirrored the texture of her daughters. Her expression was somber; deep circles sat under her eyes and her lips were impossibly dry.

Her arm was entwined with Jem’s as they shuffled into the room.

James, followed by Tessa and Will, hurried across the room to meet them.

“Mrs. Carstairs is in need of some rest,” said Brother Zachariah. “She would like to request that James remain with Miss Cordelia while she is away.”

James took her free hand and offered it a reassuring squeeze.

“She is lost in there,” said Sona, her voice rough and weathered. “I can feel it. It helps if you read to her. Let her hear the sound of your voice so she has something to walk towards in all of that darkness.”

“I can show you to a room,” said Tessa, a note of emotion in her voice that she quickly cleared away.

“That would be lovely thank you,” said Sona and removed her arm from Jem’s for Tessa’s.

“Perhaps some light broth,” said Brother Zachariah. “She hasn’t eaten much and I worry for the child.”

Tessa nodded and led Sona from the room.

Brother Zachariah turned his attention to James. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better after some sleep,” said James. “I can go to Cordelia now if you wish.”

“She is having a bath,” said Jem, “but in the next hour. Prepare to make yourself comfortable, perhaps bring some literature. As Sona said before, it is of the utmost importance that you continue to speak to her, give her something to walk towards, or the Cordelia that you know can become lost in her thoughts forever.”

James' voice became bitter. “Why is she in a coma if it means she could become lost inside of her mind? Can’t you wake her up?”

“The injuries that she has sustained would be too terrible to be conscious during,” said Jem. “The body is able to heal much quicker if the mind is asleep to the pain.”

James drew himself into as stiff of a column as he could and clamped his teeth down on a small quiver of his jaw. He resolved himself in that moment to give Cordelia whatever she needed; if he had to read to her for days, weeks, even months then that was what he would do.

(Next update is going to be Sunday 7/12... maybe)

77 notes · View notes

julieandthefandoms · 4 years

Text

Fanfiction Links

I’m not sure as to why I’m making this a post, but here is a list of fanfiction recommendations from The Last Hours and The Infernal Devices. I’ll be updating this as I read more. Keep in mind that it has been a while since I’ve read some of them, so my memory is not the best.

If anyone has any other suggestions, feel free to leave them on this post, I’m in need of more fanfiction to read anyway.

Most of these are set in the canon universe, so I’ve marked those that aren’t.

Thomastair

Haven’t you people ever heard of closing a goddamn door? by GinnyRose

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23168800

To Be Better Tomorrow Than You Were Yesterday by GinnyRose

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23091166

Texting 101: Always Double Check by GinnyRose (College AU)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23176447

The Hideout by GinnyRose (Coffee Shop AU)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23657233

In Henry’s Laboratory by thomaslightwood

https://thomaslightwood.tumblr.com/post/617295071940902912/in-henrys-laboratory-one-shotthis-one-shot-is

Never Forget by UpsideDownCats

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23991526

Making Amends by Nolu/lily-chen-deserves-better

https://lily-chen-deserves-better.tumblr.com/post/617613489359503360/cordelias-performance-hell-reulle-but-with-the or here

five times they were almost found out and one time everyone found out by helenblqthorn

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23743462

"Hey. I made you breakfast. I'm aware it's just a bowl of cereal, but it's all I can make without burning." by magnuslightwood-bane

https://magnuslightwood-bane.tumblr.com/post/622570354013093888/hey-i-made-you-breakfast-im-aware-its-just-a

(This is a little Thomastair subsection I like to call, “If I have to suffer, so do you,” AKA Well written angst)

This is so much worse by bridgestocksariadne

https://bridgestocksariadne.tumblr.com/post/616733540415062016/this-is-so-much-worse-a-thomastair-angst-bc-my

Light by thomaslightwood

https://thomaslightwood.tumblr.com/post/616855429440471040/light-thomastair-one-shot-cartwrightsgrace

Alastair ‘Tell Cordelia I have a headache and I am resting the carriage’ Carstair by tsc-living

https://tsc-living.tumblr.com/post/617020976574742528/alastair-tell-cordelia-i-have-a-headache-and-i-am

(Warning: The following contains suicide. Read at your own risk)

I do not love you by thomaslightwood (Modern AU)

https://thomaslightwood.tumblr.com/post/616912309163606016/i-do-not-love-you-thomastair-one-shot-ok-iz

The Gays Banding Together (Arianna and Thomastair are Friends)

We two strangers by coronaofastar

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23524387

Winning Them Back by UpsideDownCats (Thomastair and Arianna)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24048631/chapters/57868939

End Gracelet/Jordelia

What is Unrequited by Rose_Herondale

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23230459

It’s about freakin time by stephinebills2018

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23148070

Conditionality by foreverinfiction

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23506987

Pour me a drink, oh love by bleuboxes (Modern AU)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23823004

Untitled Jordelia One-Shot

https://thiscrazyfangirl31.tumblr.com/post/617808211384352769/random-29-jordelia-please

Daisy by fairchild-squad

https://fairchild-squad.tumblr.com/post/618574033209950208/daisy-jordelia-fic-james-proposes-for-real

Matthew/Cordelia/James

let’s find where it hurts by archeryian

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23868811

Matthew

History Repeating by Mia_writes

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23048779

way too much whiskey in my blood by ragingcalm

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23459134

Matthew Babysitting Owen Herondale

https://themostawesomehuman.tumblr.com/post/623097072207478784/matthew-babysitting-owen-herondale

Blackheron/Heronthorn/Thorndale (Basically Jesse/Lucie)

And when I touch you I feel happy inside by r_675

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24127123/chapters/58087261

Did not ask for this life by coronaofastar

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23881441

Dancing in the Dark by lily-chen-deserves-better

https://lily-chen-deserves-better.tumblr.com/post/621823192886050816/dancing-in-the-dark

A Kiss In The Rain by immyownghostwriter

https://immyownghostwriter.tumblr.com/post/622356800186040320/hi-there-could-you-please-write-57-a-kiss-in

Where Does The Good Go by immyownghostwriter

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24289783 or here

Untitled Blackdale Fic by cecily-fightwood

https://cecilyfightwood.tumblr.com/post/618644520250359808/4-for-jesse-x-lucie-i-love-your-writing-reading

Untitled Blackdale Fic by cecily-fightwood

https://cecilyfightwood.tumblr.com/post/618194153487089664/could-you-do-3-fluff-for-jesse-x-lucie

Snow White by fairchild-squad

https://fairchild-squad.tumblr.com/post/619562326648078336/jesse-x-lucie-snow-white-drabble

Untitled Blackdale Fic by purplebass

https://purplebass.tumblr.com/post/622200580681646080/prompt-53-please

Kings, Queens, Hopes and Humanity by jesseblackthorns

https://jesseblackthorns.tumblr.com/post/620733228880396288/i-couldnt-help-myself-but-write-about-these-two

Fairthorndale

Fairthorndale Modern AU by fairchild-squad

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24192454 or here

Book Signing by silent-nerd

https://silent-nerd.tumblr.com/post/618631129259458560/book-signing

Counting Stars by fairchild-squad/A247ALICE

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24432664

Multi Ship Fluff

Let’s Just Talk by CrimzieLightwood (Either College or High School AU, but it’s really cute, I swear)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22382332

Cheers to Beauty by MadJustSH

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24154108/chapters/58163290

Pine With Me (Ongoing Fics)

Popsicle Stick Homes and Construction Paper Hearts by GinnyRose (Thomastair Modern AU)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24132592/chapters/58103440

A Last Chance by CrimzieLightwood (Thomastair)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24149710/chapters/58151143

time to dance on sorrows by fairchild-squad

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24842437/chapters/60093769

new blooms by fairchild-squad

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24830689

If You Want To Read My Work ( Assorted Jordelia/Thomastair/JessexLucie/Arianna/Herongraystairs)

If Crazy=Genius, The Herondales, Fairchilds, Blackthorns, and Carstairs Would Have 162 IQ by TimeToTravel (Yours Truly)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23194744

What Is And What Should Never Be by TimeToTravel (Moi)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23272336

Maybe There’s Something There That Wasn’t There Before by TimeToTravel (Still Me)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23439985

Days Past: Paris 1902 by TimeToTravel (You guessed it, me)

Either: https://archiveofourown.org/works/24015850 or here

Bring Back What Once Was Mine by TimeToTravel (That’s me)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24042889

Heaven and Hell by TimeToTravel (Yup, me)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24192601 or here

Free To Be You And Me by TimeToTravel (This guy)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24466879 or here

We’ll Meet Again by TimeToTravel (Me, myself, and I) (Supernatural and TSC epic crossover)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24621490

Breeding Cannibal Ducks by TimeToTravel (Ashy herself)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24761302 or here

Idris Weekly: The Millionaire Murder by TimeToTravel and LivingInTheNever (myself and my lovely parabatai)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24898957

A Perfect Day by TimeToTravel (Me, Ash. Hello, reader!)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24919912 or here

Best Day of Our Lives by TimeToTravel (Oh, look, that’s me too!)

https://idontgetit-whydoihavetosaymyname.tumblr.com/post/625652360741568512/best-day-of-our-lives or on my Ao3

Herongraystairs

Gift of the Black Tome by wherethewickedplay

https://my.w.tt/rsYZdC8hA5

She Who Holds Their Hearts by wherethewickedplay

https://my.w.tt/XvY6PMniA5

Infernal Angels by wherethewickedplay (Elemental AU)

https://my.w.tt/zYP1zEfiA5

Of Wild Things And Sydney Cartons by wherethewickedplay (Soulmate AU)

https://my.w.tt/lJiG6HmiA5

Turn Upon A Wheel by wherethewickedplay

https://my.w.tt/9XKOZyqiA5

Faults in the System series by sapphic_lightwhore (Soulmate AU)

https://archiveofourown.org/series/1716505

Sophie/Gideon

Table 18 by lightwoodsisabelle (Modern Waitress AU)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/4134633

Cecily/Gabriel

A Rating Of Five by Bellicosi

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12891801

“Can I join you?” by lucieblckthorn

https://lucieblckthorn.tumblr.com/post/624689062915325952/congrats-on-your-celebration-can-i-ask-please

Charlotte/Henry (There’s a severe lack of these, for some reason)

I’ve been looking for you for a long, long time by JaseyRae (Soulmate AU)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16929876

When The One You Love Loves You Back by survivingasafangirl

https://archiveofourown.org/works/5772868

Poor Charlotte (i.e The Confessions of Matthew and Will)

Changes by NotEvenThat

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15980270

To Drive Away A Shadow by Teddy0414

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23221117

Time Travel/Ghosties (TMI and TID/TLH)

the maze of time by nebulousviolet

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17585591

When things go to Hell in a hand basket by danying

https://archiveofourown.org/works/19188508

Watching Your Back by A_Tired_Writer

https://archiveofourown.org/works/20307538

Kit Herondale: Medium Extrordinare by rosesareredvioletsareblue

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24294493

Jessamine Lovelace’s love consultory by herondaleraxxet

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24570349

Mina, James, and Lucie by cecily-fightwood

https://cecilyfightwood.tumblr.com/post/618574596542726146/mina-james-and-lucie-fic

The TLH Gang Meeting Mina by cecily-fightwood

https://cecilyfightwood.tumblr.com/post/619187251325386752/the-tlh-gang-meeting-mina

In Another Life by themostawesomehuman

https://themostawesomehuman.tumblr.com/post/623798007738007552/in-another-life

Time After Time by just_another_lightwood_bane

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22786828

Shenanigans and Family

How to Find a Pink Salamander by UpsideDownCats

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24277222

Short Story Between Gabriel and Jesse by merrythievesfanboy

https://merrythievesfanboy.tumblr.com/post/618705425073848321/short-story-of-gabriel-lightwood-and-jesse

Explosions and Opinions by Star_Fangirl_Forever

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24589408

Parental Differences by older-brother-kit

https://older-brother-kit.tumblr.com/post/624290228427980800/parental-differences or https://archiveofourown.org/works/25431358

The Discovery of Oscar Wilde the Dog by churchthecatismyspiritanimal

https://churchthecatismyspiritanimal.tumblr.com/post/624601987821027328/fan-fic-characters-from-book-series-the-last

I only know pain

The Life of Lucie by thanatosangel (Immortal Lucie)

https://thanatosangels.tumblr.com/post/623824079823224832/the-life-of-lucie

See you on the other side by lily-chen-deserves-better (Dead Jem)

https://lily-chen-deserves-better.tumblr.com/post/621634182500728832/see-you-on-the-other-side

Falling by lily-chen-deserves-better (Math angst)

https://lily-chen-deserves-better.tumblr.com/post/623355578097500161/falling

How to Save a Life by lily-chen-deserves-better (Dead Lily)

https://lily-chen-deserves-better.tumblr.com/post/620918827067277312/okay-so-what-if-lily-dies-before-raphael-does-and

Don’t worry about me by lily-chen-deserves-better (Dead Lily... again)

https://lily-chen-deserves-better.tumblr.com/post/620196787950632960/dont-worry-about-me

“People can Live for a Hundred Years Without Living a Minute” by themostawesomehuman (Dead Magnus)

https://themostawesomehuman.tumblr.com/post/622456409665224704/promptpeople-can-live-for-a-hundred-years

Whispers of Evil by themostawesomehuman

https://themostawesomehuman.tumblr.com/post/622722341251727360/whispers-of-evil-part-1

99 notes · View notes

reality-exodus · 2 months

Text

Th Last Hours of a Herondale

Ch. 6 What May the Future Hold

Pairing: Matthew Fairchild x Herondale reader Word count Warnings: use of alchohol and drugs, mntion of blood, violence and seizures, contains sexual scene and harassment (this applies for the whole story in general not this specific chapter only)

“Don’t worry, she bit her tongue or something” my father tried to assure the boys, my vision was clearing. I was obliged to stare up, I only saw Matthew’s scared expression upside down. It actually took me some time to recognize him.

“Math?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, I felt weak, I couldn’t turn my head to either side.

“Hey, hey you are alright.” He spoke as he moved my head to his lap. My gaze met James’ and my father’s who pulled me in his arms. I tried to hug him but I felt I didn’t have the power to motion my arms around his figure.

“James, can you take her to her room? I have to help her change, and Will someone has to stay.” My mother spoke reason.

“I am okay” I spoke assuringly, only for my dad to hear. I felt his lips plant a kiss on my hair. “Alright” he agreed and I felt my body shifting. One hand under my knees and the other on my back. I placed my head on James’ shoulder.

“Gave us a scare Lin.” James commented and looked down at me as he was walking, I could feel his figure shake from shock.

“This is how I feel when you shadow up.” I whispered and smiled a him, I maintained my eyes closed. “I want Math to come as well, he shouldn’t be alone.” I assumed he stayed behind as I couldn’t see him.

“Who told you I wasn’t coming” I heard his voice and smiled immediately, as he walked a bit faster so I would see him.

“Set her down sweetie.” My mom spoke and I felt my brother kneel and locate me to the bed.

“Don’t leave.” I requested, I was looking at Math more than my brother.

“Who said we were? We will be right outside.” Math assured me and leaned kissing my hand before going out of the room with James so my mother would help me change into a sleepware.

“How are you feeling my love?” My mom asked me as she removed my shoes firstly and then my gloves.

“Tired… Dizzy.” I explained and held on her to sit up so she can untangle the strings on the back of my dress. She didn’t speak again as she helped me into a more comfortable dress. I laid back down as she sat next to me and with a napkin she begun removing my makeup.

“Dear, do you remember what you saw?” My mom asked me and my eyes immediately shone, I could feel the tears.

“I saw aunt Sophie crying, she was grieving… it was Barbara… I- I can hear her screams, the sorrow… I get dysphoric and—” I tried to explain before sobbing again.

“Its alright… You ought to get some sleep love. James and Matthew will be here.” She assured me as she covered me with a blanket. I closed my eyes.

Matthew Fairchild.

It was as if all the alcohol I drunk tonight evaporated within the three minutes I saw Y/N spasming on the ground. I knew what was happening to her was hurtful and a bad experience but I thought it was mostly mental, never had I pondered what the physical pain would be.

Me and James were right outside of her room while aunt Tessa was aiding her into comfort. We stood silently until the door opened. “Mom, how is Lina?” James asked, I could feel his tremors, I had those tremors as well.

“She is sleeping. I just, I do not want her to be alone James… Matthew. Stay here. I have to go and tell Will everything is fine. We will be at the ballroom in case anything happens.” Aunt Tessa spoke.

“Of course mom.” James spoke and we entered the room. I had only seen it four times and it was only for a while. It was filled with books and notes. James walked to Y/N and checked her breathing. Her lips curved into a smile.

“I am not dead, don’t get too excited.” She commented and I snorted at the joke.

“How alive are you on a scale from 1-10.?” I asked and sat on the edge of the bed.

“Well, 2.5. Maybe 3” Y/Nreplied, even tired she managed to look good half conscious.

“See practically dead.” I responded, I was trying to hide the horror for both me and James. I could feel my parabatai’s stress overflowing his energy. I was sure it was the combination of his small interdimensional trip, Barbara’s passing out and Y/N’s seizure that came on top. James was sitting at the armchair across the room and he was silent and thankfully, my amusing dialogue seem to have Y/N forget about the presence of James.

“Almost like you after a hangover.” Y/Nspoke, her voice was getting raspier, highlighting the exhaustion her organism had gone through. She was hugging her pillow. James’ eyes were pinned upon her figure, he was behind her.

“Oh having a hangover, includes the pause of alcohol for several hours… Bold of you to assume I have hangovers.” I commented and tried to gain an eyecontact with my parabatai.

“Oh, what can I say? I am bold” She giggled.

“It’s a twin thing…” I spoke trying to get James in the conversation.

“What is?” James asked and looked at me, his expression puzzled.

“Boldness” I replied. “Where does your mind wander off Jamie?” I asked.

“To his blonde platinum angel that just arrived to our humble city. Perhaps, next time you could fight your urges and not let ladies so abruptly and rudly. This could be a scandal.” Y/N threw a nail at him, I cannot say it was unfairly.

“Yes, and thank you for the rescue… I saw that Aiden came for dance.” James remarked and looked at his sister with a sigh. “At least it was for a while…” He commented.

“Yeah, then it was Alastair, it goes from bad to worse” I chuckled lightly. Alastair is unbearable and frustrating, this person really has no soul and I cannot understand how him and Cordelia were siblings, she was so different, so sweet and kind and beautiful. He was mean and an awful person, remembering the days back in the academy had my blood boil.

“I, actually, happened to like Alastair. He is pleasant…” she spoke and I gulped looking down at Y/N.

“You cannot be serious.” I exclaimed making the twins jump at the sudden outburst. I regretted my reaction instantly, nonetheless I couldn’t withstand listening to good words for the person that caused my family so much pain. I felt my heart clench as I saw James shot up wide eyed and Y/Nsat up and looked at me. I wish I had some booze. “Sorry.” I sighed.

“Its okay, are you okay though?” Y/Nasked and looked at me her grey eyes were tired, she rolled her body closer to me and touched my knee gently she was covered with a woolen blanket and I dragged the blanket slowly and covered her feet better, James seemed to be dragged back into his own world.

“I am just shaken Lina, and I sincerely dislike Alastair and I do not prefer to spend my time speaking about a subject like him” I explained and patted her back feet above the blanket in a comforting way and offered her a smile. Even at a state like she was right now she was concerned about me. “How about you? Seriously though? What happened?” I asked her.

“Matthew Fairchild, serious. James, dearest, note the date” Y/Nresponded with a chuckle.

“Will though Y/N Herondale be serious to?” James asked me and I looked at him.

“Look who decided to come to our universe.” She asked him, Lina’s gaze was trying to lighten the atmosphere and she darted from her twin to me, she realized that we were seriously wanted to speak about it. “It was an accident” she admitted.

“How can an accident cause this Y/N?” James asked. He was anxious and looked at me for some back up.

“What he means, is that you seemed fully prepared, and then you were missing a glove.” I explained what James was unable to express.

“I was waltzing with Alastair and we were speaking. And then there was the scream, he signed to me that Barbara was collapsing and it was a reflex I tried catching her and the comp on her hair I think, was caught in the lace of my glove. And then I touched her cheek. Helped Anna undo the crochet. This is when I realized what I had gotten myself into…” Her calm was indescribable, maybe it was the exhaustion she didn’t have the power to be as creeped out as we were. “Everything started blurring and thankfully I saw Thomas and you, James next to him and you knew that something was completely wrong.” She concluded her summary.

“Alright, I will be the one to shoot the one million question. What did you see?” I wondered and looked at Y/Nwhose face darkened immediately. She looked uneased but I didn’t take the question back.

“I mean, I want to know too. From what I get, the most serious the seizure the worse the vision.” James added he had stood up and moved around sitting on his sister bed next to her head, he needed to see her reactions as he supported my question.

“I think I saw the future, is this enough?” Y/Nspoke and sat up next to James so we could talk better he covered her with blanket that was dislocated owing to her movement.

“Well no it is not, because literally five minutes ago I became a shadow.” James revealed “And then Barbara collapsed and the next moment we are hurrying to get you out of the ball room which we didn’t do.” He added summarizing our side of the story.

“I had the seizure in front of everyone? Great…” Y/Ngroaned and covered her face, she was blushing from embarrassment.

“Do not be concerned we hid you behind a pillar” I spoke up and sighed “Honestly there were no people. Everyone was with Barbara. Your parents made sure to maintain the audience limited.” I assured her as she laid again this time on James’ lap he was stroking her hair carefully. “What did you see though?” I asked again bringing the hot topic again.

“I was laying at the infirmary, I was laying on a bed and the pain I felt was unbearable. It wasn’t a muscle or a stab wound. It was general, eating me from inside out. I was feeling a weigh on my torso, something that wouldn’t allow oxygen, my heart was pulsating heavily with difficulty. It felt as if time was coming by slowly and I could hear each heartbeat in my eardrums so loudly. On my side I saw aunt Sophie…” Y/Npaused, her gaze was looking blankly at the floor. She closed her eyes briefly and took a deep breath and I exchanged a glance with James who signed me to give her time.

“Aunt Sophie was weeping. I have never seen anyone crying. There was so much pain. Mental but mostly physical. My point of view started raising as If I was seeing everything hang from the ceiling. As in my visual field I saw aunt Sophie crying over Barbara. I was trying to speak to her hug her move closer to her and the more I was trying, the more I wasn’t able to breath, the more I was aching, aching so much as if a- a hand tore right through my heart and ripped my heart out in such slow pace I could feel every ounce of it--” Her voice was raising the more she was narrating her experience, her vision and it felt as if she was getting lost at her own collections, reliving it. I allowed James to handle this situation he seemed somewhat more familiar with it. But he didn’t.

“Hey hey, easy. We got the picture” James spoke and shook her abruptly to get her out of the depth of her ponders. I didn’t want to mention it but she basically predicted the death of Barbara. My head was with Thomas as I felt as if our Barbara was already gone. I didn’t speak of it, the last thing Y/N needed was to be more upset. “How about you get some sleep?” James asked.

“Alright but, promise to not leave?” Y/Nrequested and laid back on her pillow. Her gaze was first on me and then to James.

“We aren’t going anywhere Lina” James spoke and kissed her forehead. We didn’t move from our spots.

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reality-exodus · 2 months

Text

The Last Hours of a Herondale

Ch.5 The ball

Pairing: Matthew Fairchild x Herondale reader Word Count: 1.5k Warnings: mentions of seizure, violence, angst, mention of alchohol and drugs, sexual content, sexual harassment ( these do not apply on every chapter but they are sen through out the story )

“Aiden… Good evening” I smiled at him faintly. Part of me regretted sending Matthew to Cordelia. Altruism is overrated at points like this one.

“Good evening Y/N, I saw Fairchild over your head, I thought I might come to your rescue.” He spoke up and I was so impressed at the constant delirium he was into. Thank god Ariadne was not his biological sister.

“Oh trust me there was no need” I maintained myself composed as he took my hand and brought to his lips. I smiled politely as he softly dragged me back to the dancefloor. I couldn’t deny.

“Perhaps tomorrow. You could come to meet my father, he would be delighted to meet you.” He suggested and smiled at me as we were waltzing around the ballroom.

“I am certain your father is very aware of my being. Besides, such meeting ought to be permitted by my family. And I believe they are rather busy right now. I am afraid this must be postpone.” I spoke up and kept my smile. My gaze scanned the room and I saw plenty of people speaking and dancing around me. I unexpectedly gazed Alastair Carstairs as Aiden was babbling.

“… So how do you like the Carstairs? I am sure you have heard about Elias, he is such a drunk. I am certain that he fairly is held in the Silent city.” He babbled and at the mention of the name Carstairs I tensed. “Excuse me, I just trust you so I express my thoughts rather carelessly.

“As a matter of fact us Herondales tend to adore the Carstairs and accept them as they are…” I started speaking as Aiden paused dancing.

“Ah then I am at the right place, May I still Y/N? I haven’t had the chance to catch up with her and it had been a year hasn’t it?” Alastair Carstairs commented.

“Fine by me” I spoke “We will talk later Aiden” I excused us as I changed partner for the second time. “Thank you, but how did you understand?” I asked.

“Well I saw that desperate scan to have an eyecontact. And you are also so bad at hiding boredom annoyance and such as.” Alastair explicated and looked at Aiden “I believe he was speaking to you about my father…” He spoke and I realized why he truly came and interrupted.

“Look Alastair. I know that Bridgestock isn’t only interesting at my charming smile. I do not know much about what has occurred with Elias, however even if I knew, be certain, that I would respond the same way.” I assured him. I was being wholeheartedly sincere with what I was saying. I disliked lying except if it was to prevent my parents from yelling at me or James. “I really meant that us Herondales tend to adore Carstairs.” I chimed lightly as I looked over and saw Grace and James waltzing.

“Well surly your twin has an odd way of showing.” Alastair commented and looked from James and Grace to Matthew and Cordelia. “But a Herondale saved a Carstairs yet again.” He commented.

“I like very few people of our kind that are not related to me by blood. You your mother and your sister are from those people Alastair. And despite of the Merry Thieves’ opinion I like you and frankly I can relate to many things. I am grumpy and moody all the time myself.” I added with an amused chuckle.

“Wow, that was pretty sincere indeed” Alastair spoke and a loud yell was heard as I felt a someone crush on us. I turned my head and saw Barbara collapsing right next to me, my glove caught on her earing and got off as I got her along with Oliver who carefully laid her down.

I kneeled next to her my hand automatically going to her neck to find a pulse. The feeling of my bear hand touching someone’s skin had my breath caught to my throat as I realized it late. “She- she has a pulse” I spoke and looked at Oliver. “She probably didn’t eat well” I tried to reason as I looked at him with an assuring smile.

“She needs air” Cordelia commented and looked at me. “Do you have a knife we need to cut the crochet, it is too tight.” She added and I nodded.

I stood raising my skirt to my knee, I pulled out a silver knife with a heron on its candle.

Anna arrived to the spot and looked at me and then Barbara, took the knife from my hand as I kneeled again next to her. “Let me.” She offered and brought with extreme gentleness Barbara’s body to her and gently cut off the crochet. I held Barbara’s face on the side with one hand that rested on her cheek as my other wiped the strands of hair from her face. Soon aunt Sophie was at the spot. I started feeling dysphoric as I only found out now that Barbara was awake.

“We need a stele. James?” Someone said, I think it was Thomas. I hadn’t noticed my brother’s arrival to the spot and I couldn’t be more grateful for that. I slowly turned at him. I must looked as bad as I felt. He immediately gave Thomas the stele and got my arms and pulled me up.

“Its happening” I informed him “Its going to be bad” I added and inhaled deeply as I felt that I was getting enough oxygen. There were very few times James was present when I was to have an episode. It was usually our father.

“Trust me I can see it” James informed me as his grip over me was getting tighter as I was starting to leave. All of a sudden I felt another pair of arms pulling my fully gloved arm above his shoulders. It was Math. Everything started going blank.

‘I looked to the bed next to me, it was Oliver, it was only a few moments until I saw people storming in and out. It was the infirmary of the institute and aunt Sophie was right next to me. I turned and looked at her she had tears in her eyes and stroked my face. I could see the fear and the love in her glare. She was aching more than I did at that point.

I was in pain. Stinging and penetrating pain, I needed to scream but no word would come out as suddenly my gaze froze. Aunt Sophie was crying, her woe was heartbreaking and She was screaming but I wasn’t moving, I wasn’t responding. I was trying to but I couldn’t. I started seeing her from above, I was rising… And as it felt like I was flying almost to the ceiling I saw Barbara’s soulless body next on the bed…’

James Herondale

Matthew came to the other side of my twin hoping we would manage to get out of the ballroom before she could collapse. I was thinking plethora of stuff at that point like how we had together an episode, first me and after a few moments her. However, the dominating thought was what to do. I had been next to her when she had a heavy seizure only five times and none of them I actively assisted.

Before I could ask how she felt she collapsed, started shaking. Her arms and her legs shaking and convulsing, stretching and unstretching. Me and Matthew laid Y/N on the floor. “Hold her down, her head.” I exclaimed as I tried to stop her from injuring herself on the stone floor. I was above her body trying to hold her arms atleast

“I can’t” Matthew spoke as he moved above Y/N’s head and got her cheeks trying to steady her. I turned to see her expression, her eyes were rolled back, her mouth was moving as if she wanted to speak, it was the vision I realized.

“Kneel and place her head between your knees it will help.” My father appeared and I couldn’t be more grateful as he got her arm. Matthew did as he was advised.

My glance was pinned on her face, it was only a few seconds later that the apples of her eyes were back, darting in terror as a groan escaped her lips as if she couldn’t breath. “Dad?” I thought for a moment it was my voice as I was seeking his reassurance as well, but it was Lucie standing above us with mother.

“Luce, its normal, can you tell me does she wear a crochet?” Our father spoke, his voice was incredibly calm as if his daughter was simply asleep next to us.

“No, she never wears” Lucie replied immediately, she was crying I didn’t need to look at her to know.

“Dad she struggles to breath” I exclaimed, I was panicking.

“She will, just keep her from injuring herself, it is almost over.” My dad spoke up “Matthew don’t be afraid keep her steadier.” He added and my gaze returned to my parabatai, he looked scared as he looked back at me. He was as terrified as me…

“She coughs blood!” Matthew exclaimed.

#lucie herondale #james herondale twin #james herondale #cordelia carstairs #will herondale #tessa gray #jem carstairs #matthew fairchild x reader #matthew fairchild #herondale daughter #the last hours fanfic #the infernal devices #anna lightwood #thomas lightwood #christopher lightwood #charlotte branwell #charles fairchild #shadowhunter chronicles #shadowhunter fanfiction

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reality-exodus · 2 months

Text

The Last Hours of a Herondale

Ch. 4 Just like a pic nic

Pairing: Matthew Fairchild x Herondale reader

Word count: 2.5k

Warnings: use of drugs and alchohol, mentions of blood and seizures, violence, sexual content and harassment (these do not apply on every chapter they go for the whole story)

I was standing at the Cornwall Gardens next to our dad while James stood on our mom’s side while Lucie was standing between them. I could feel her joy hyperventilating in enthusiasm. I on the other hand wasn’t in the best mood. I was prepared for breakfast at home and suddenly I have to change. I am aware that this is not such big deal, however, I like to dress more modestly when I am outside covering as much skin as possible. So instead of my sweet boat necked dress that came into an a line skirt I wore a long sleeved high necked dress in a mermaid ending that deleted the shape of my silhouette. My simple braided ended up being curled and twisted around my neck. To upbeat my mood my mama carefully placed her clockwork angel around my neck before we set off. I was wearing a light pink cloak that matched my mulberry colored dress.

The carriage stopped right in front of us and Sona was the first one to disembark followed by her two children. I could see Daisey scanning the lot of us, I didn’t pay much attention until Sona touched my elbow, as in a warm gesture and that snapped me and thankfully only out of my thoughts. “You must remember the age of sixteen Tessa, all dances and dresses.” I heard Sona say.

“No but I do recall attending a vampire dance and some other party where Benedict Lightwood turned into a worm due to demon pox” My mother replied and I breathed in satisfaction for no reason, it is not as if I dislike Sona.

“Mother” Lucie exclaimed scandalized.

“Well he did turn into a worm” James added with a light grind.

“It was more of a vicious serpent…” our father corrected them putting one his serious not face.

“It was a very important part of demon pox, scientifically speaking.” I added to lighten the atmosphere.

“Now that you mention it thank Cecily for me, for the domestic assistance.” Sona spoke as the luggage was being transferred to the house. “Cordelia this will be a mess. Why don’t you take Lucie and Y/N for a walk” she suggested.

“And James could escort you. Perhaps the Kensington Gardens.” My mother suggested. I was in no mood to follow and they knew but I would do it for Lucie. My dad rubbed my shoulders looking at me.

“Patience” He whispered in my ear before I followed the girls and my father. I had an awful mood, I disliked the change of plans and daylight for that matter. Unlike my sister who was thrilled for such activities. I am more of an night owl.

We strolled down the streets to arrive at the gardens. I had my armed tangled to my brother’s as he was escorting me as a gentleman. Truth is I heard mom and dad speaking of marriage concerning me and I honestly couldn’t be more happy that both of them agreed to not push me on the matter. Besides I had things concerned my personal life I kept secrets no one knew of them.

“I thought this would never happen, you coming here” Lucie spoke cuddling Cordelia’s side.

“Why not? Law says if you are to be parabatai you should train together.” James spoke to assure our little sister.

“Perhaps she could stay at the institute. Papa adores her” Lucie spoke, I was so happy to see her enthusiasm unfold.

“I think your father adores any Carstairs.” Cordelia spoke and I smiled brightly at that. It was true. “Even my brother”

“I happen to actually like Alastair.” I spoke and I saw the glare of betrayal on James’ gaze. “At least I feel like we bond over our constant whining and permanent coldness to everyone that isn’t ours.” I explained briefly and squeezed my brother’s arm discreetly. “You really have to love people like us to tolerate that.” I joked lightly.

“You are not constantly moody. I happen to find you amusing.” Cordelia spoke and smiled.

“Yes because I consider you from the people I can trust Daisy… Your people shall be my people… that’s what the vow says. And with Matthew it is no different.” I unriddled my thoughts to her and smiled.

“Means a lot to get that from the eldest Herondale sibling” Daisy smiled and made me laugh.

“it was fifteen minutes you know…” James groaned annoyed.

“Ohh shush little brother” I smiled at him and placed my head on his arm hugging him a bit. James turned at me but didn’t comment further only squeezing my hand.

“So how about I spent the day with my best friend…” Lucie spoke and looked at me and then at James.

“Alright, I will be ten steps behind like a train bearer. But I have to keep you within sight otherwise mother will kill me and then I will miss tomorrow’s ball and then Matthew would kill me and I would be twice as dead.” James spoke and I remained next to him. Once Luce and Daisy were far enough I looked up at him.

“I told uncle Jem about the vision. Did you talk with him?” I asked my brother.

“No but I requested a hearing.” He replied and looked down at me. “Thank you for sleeping at Lucie’s room. I know how you feel when you are not at your place with your things… Did you had any other flashnack other than the Devil’s Tavern? I mean at Lucie’s room or with the furniture and all…” He asked me as we kept our gaze to the girls that were speaking in front of us.

“No I did not. I am good. Honestly it is only my fear to not see something I cannot stand. I mean from the very first things I saw was Jessamine dying in our father’s arms, when I touched her doll house. Or aunt Ella dead when dad hugged me after that.” I explained briefly and James didn’t speak.

“You have never told me what you saw first.” He noticed and looked at me.

“Well… you know. Clockwork creatures attack at the institute, uncle Jem slowly dying, mom taken away, auntie Charlotte pregnant to Charlie trying to defend Henry and there is Jessamine and dad… He was already injured, and she took a hit for him.” I spoke up and took a breath. “I can feel the pain of the person I am seeing you know… this is why I have never touched Jem’s violin or the mom or dad.” I added and looked away for several moments.

“That is why you do not touch any of us. Right?” He asked, his voice was too quiet too heavy.

“No, I deny that because I am scared that I amy see the future and not the past. It has happened three times before…” I added before he could actually ask me. “Can we change the subject?” I asked him and looked at him. He looked at me and pulled me into a where where only the fabric of our clothes actually touched and I had to admit it was relieving.

“I haven’t asked you yet how is it going with that Bridgestock guy that has been around your tail?” James asked me and looked at me.

“Well he has been running around like Oscar and I ignore him with the absolute success although he doesn’t seem to accept ignorance for an answer. The worse that could happen is him asking my hand and me saying no.” I explained briefly. “This is why I practically danced even with Charlie at the last ball. Even he doesn’t like his fiancee’s brother.” I joked lightly. He didn’t comment further he only held my hand and squeezed it.

It was the night of the ball and I was getting ready as Anna and Barbara Lightwood were in my room, we all called each other cousins even though we were blood related only to Anna. Anna was setting Barbara’s hair steady. I came out of the folding screen wearing a gown, its decolette was queen anne styled and had the color of mahogany just like there was a layer of illusions on the skirt on the same color, the ball gown dress was maroon as the it was touching the ground. Barbara insisted that I let my hair down and she started fixing the curls and add some accessories, I was unsure which ones.

“Let’s make you shine more, shall we?” Anna commented and opened the drawer of my makeup. I rarely used because I was too bored of that process.

“Do we really have to?” I asked her and raised my eye brows and looked at her through the mirror.

“You are too moody and glitter always fixes the mood” Barbara agreed and borrowed my brush to fix her hair. She looked prettier than anyone I ever saw. “Do you think Ollie will like the dress?” She asked us.

“Oliver would like you even if you wore the uniform of the Queens guard.” I commented as Anna told me to keep my eyelids closed. I could feel her applying something on the cup of my eye and then she was adding mascara to my eye lashes. She then returned to my eyes.

“She is not wrong Barb” Anna commented as she then added some blush on my cheeks.

“Owo, Y/N! You look breathtaking.” Barbara spoke adoringly and massaged my shoulders lightly. She was wearing gloves and I felt a shudder of relief as she did. They both knew of my issue and they were used to be attentive around my room.

I opened my eyes and I couldn’t help but smile. Glitter was indeed making everything look better and me included. “Anna, this is amazing. Thank you so much, both of you.” I smiled and got up making a turn.

“Awe your welcome kiddo” Anna spoke and tugged some hair behind my ear with storge. I looked at her. “And if anyone dares to comment anything. Oh just let me know.” She said as we started making our way to the ballroom when we heard noises from the game room.

“What if they call me ‘bohemian’? Excuse them it is not an insult.” I smiled and turned to see Matthew and James fighting over my father’s bouse.

“Bohemian?” James asked lowly.

“What?” Math asked James “Oh Anna Have you been sent to fetch us? He then asked aagain sagging against my brother’s shoulder.

“If by fetch you mean drag you back to the ball room since I cannot really take care of all those girls?” Anna asked holding the doo, while I was on the corridor. Barbara waved at us and left to meet her fiancée and I took a step forward.

“And I am certain all those ladies are waiting for you three…” I smiled as I leaned charmingly to the door frame. “Perhaps I could join?” I asked. I was only mocking them. I never knew a bit of glitter and some blush could cheer me up like that. Anna knows what she is doing.

“Owo… The bohemian…�� Math spoke and his gaze was fixed on me, he was drunk again and I could tell.

“All prepared for the Ari’s brother I see.” My brother commented and I raised my eyebrow.

Anna looked at me and took my hand “Oh I didn’t make art on our Y/N to give her straight to him!” she exclaimed and looked at me. “I will dance with her. No one will be as pretty as my cousin” She smiled and I hugged her causing shocked expressions to the pair of parabatai.

“Speaking of art, you still have my coat.” Math commented as he carefully took my hand and we all made our way to the ball room

“I thought it was disposable.” I commented looking at him, his eyes were fixed on the glitter around my eyes.

“So you don’t have it? Shame, things touched by me are too precious.” He sighed as he was walking pretty straight for a drunk person. His fingers tangled around mine, he was only touching my glove, the only fabric less part of my body where my neck and collarbone, so I felt rather safe.

“Oh I have it. Therefore since your declaration of perish concerning the clothing I adopted it. Namely it is no longer yours Mr. Fairchild. I am incredibly sorry.” I spoke, my tone was formal and I looked at him. My smirk was playful as I looked at him.

Math giggled lightly. “Very well miss Herondale, I am afraid you owe me the first dance of your night. It is the least you can do after kidnapping my precious coat.” He added and as soon as we got at the ball room I felt his hand on my waist pulling me against his body. His one hand gently held mine gently. I wasn’t left with many choices. I placed my arm around his neck. Despite my heels, I was still much shorter. I hadn’t realized how much taller than me he actually is. I felt a weird feeling in my stomach as I was noticing details on Matthew that I never had the years before. It was triggering an arrythmia that was oddly euphoric.

“All of a sudden you lost your voice Lina? Looks like there are more things that unnerve you. You just can’t get enough of my face” Math remarked as his voice was laced with a bizarre ounce of satisfaction. It was the moment I admitted to myself how much I like his voice spelling my name. It was true that I was never quiet around Math. I was seizing every chance that was given to him to be ironic or mock him just like I did with James.

“Don’t be flattered Matthew. I look up to you only because I am short.” I cameback with a smart reply. I had better moments than this one, I must admit.

“Oh, that’s the best answer you can come up with?” He asked me and suddenly pushed me into a small turn before pulling me back to him, once again slightly crushing to his body. I gasped.

“A little heads up the next time would be much appreciated.” I smiled at him and looked around.

“Who are you looking for?” Math asked me, he was curious and I could tell.

“They are looking at us.” I informed him, my hand twitched in his grip. I didn’t enjoy being the center of attention, even though I loved to dance. I could see freaking Rosamund commenting something to Catherine, it made my stomach twist.

“They are only looking at you.” He corrected me and I turned at him, my eyes wide in anxiety as I tried to maintain the rest of my facial expression as it was, casual. “Hey, they are looking at you because you look wonderful. And remember it is just us. You teaching me how to dance on the first ball we were allowed to attend.” He added calmly. It worked as I only had my complete attention to his lips and what he was telling me. I smiled. “There it is.” He smiled back.

We kept dancing smoothly to the music, it was indeed just me and him until I saw her… Grace Blackthorn. Soon in my optical space, I spotted my brother and tracking back to the beeline he left there was Cordelia left alone.

“Math…” I paused abruptly. “Go to her…” I spoke and gulped at the shock she felt. She was my age, I think, and she had never had the chance to attend such ball, hence she doesn’t know that this idiocy of my brother leaving her like that could turn to something scandalous.

“I can’t… I mean you-.” Math spoke and frowned.

“I wont be hearing the honey dripping from the crones for the first time, and I can handle it. You know it. It would be a shame for Cordelia…” I sighed looking at her. I was angry at James. I was to walk there as well when Aiden Bridgestock appeared in front of me.

Awesome!

#thomas lightwood #matthew fairchild x reader #matthew fairchild #james herondale twin #james herondale #lucie herondale #herondale sister #herondale reader #anna lightwood #charlotte branwell #christopher lightwood #shadowhunter fanfiction #shadowhunter rp #shadowhunters #shadowhunter chronicles #the last hours fanfic #the infernal devices

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steddielvr · 4 years

Text

afraid of me

matthew fairchild x herondale!reader

warnings: angst, arguing

word count: 1312 words

summary/request: ‘more matthew x y/n herondale pls’ and ‘can I please get a Matthew Fairchild fic? Make it angsty I wanna cry’ from anons :) and this idea from @livvyheronstairs: ‘maybe something where there’s a fight and the reader thinks he’s going to hit her/him and that just makes more emotions come out 🤔’

a/n: in honour of there being less than a week until COI, here you go!! okay, this fic is a bit messy and i wrote it at like 1am, but i was in my matthew feels. i feel like my inner conflict between matthew and alastair really came out in this and i apologise profusely if this is horrible😬but here we go <3

“By the Angel, why can’t you just see my side in this?”

You let out a frustrated groan at his words, running a hand down your face as you pace back and forth before the settee in the sitting room of the Institute.

“I am seeing your side, Matthew.” you sigh, trying to keep your voice steady and calm, not wanting to alert your family. “But I see his side too.”

He scoffs, shaking his head and dragging a hand through his blond locks before settling his arms against the mantelpiece, his back to you.

The two of you had been at this for what felt like forever, arguing back and forth with neither of you willing to see reason. What were you fighting about you may ask? None other than Alastair Carstairs himself.

What started as a normal conversation had somehow progressed into a full blown argument at the mere mention of the boy’s name. It was no secret that you had grown somewhat friendly with the eldest Carstairs, what with his growing closeness with your parabatai Thomas, and Matthew despised it. And to make matters worse, you were well aware of exactly what had gone down between the two of them at the Academy (save the chain of events that it led to for Matthew, of course) and still chose to befriend him.

“How could you ever see his side and actively try to defend him in front of me? You know exactly what he said about me at the Academy. What he said about Thomas!” Matthew yelled, voice getting progressively louder and you winced at that fact, praying your parents and siblings weren’t listening to all of this unfold.

“Of course I know what happened, Matthew. I was there. I saw and heard with my own eyes and ears what he did and said. Not just to you and Tom, but to me and Jamie too.” you replied, pinching the bridge of your nose as you try to reel in your anger. “But people can change! We were all young then, we’ve all said things we didn’t mean, done things we aren’t proud of. But it isn’t as if we aren’t going to be seeing him often now that Cordelia is a part of our little group. So, I think it’s only right that we give him a chance to-”

“A chance?! You think I should sit and listen to what Alastair Carstairs has to say?” Matthew laughs bitterly, knuckles white from the tightness of his grip in the mantelpiece. “The day I listen to that will be my most desperate day.”

“Oh my-do you even hear yourself, Matthew? You sound like a child!” you bite, pausing your pacing to stare at him in disbelief. “If Thomas can forgive him after all the wrong he did to him, why are you so different?”

Matthew whips his head around to you at that, and you find yourself retreating slightly as you catch sight of his eyes blazing with rage as he lets go of the mantelpiece, turning his body fully towards you and beginning to walk in your direction.

“Why am I so different? You have absolutely no idea why I’m so different, Y/N. You could never even comprehend the things he made me feel, made me think, the things his words led me to do-“

He cuts himself off at that, eyes widening as he realises his mistake. Realises that he had almost revealed to you his most deeply guarded secret in his anger. He swallows deeply, clenching his hands into fists and turning his back to you once again.

You stare at him in a mixture of shock and confusion. Shock at the manner of the way he had spoken to you, which he had never done before, and confusion at what he had meant by his words. What he had just barely stopped himself from revealing.

“What are you talking about?” you question softly, moving closer at his lack of response and placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Matthew, if something happened, you can tell me. I’m not going anywhere.”

He tenses up at the promise in your words, shrugging your hand from his shoulder, suddenly feeling utterly unworthy of your touch. He turns back to you, eyes a tad softer this time but still holding all that barely restrained anger and frustration.

“You can’t help me. And you can’t promise that. If you knew..” he trails off, smiling sadly at the ground as he avoids all eye contact. “If you knew, you’d hate me as much as I hate myself.”

“Matthew please…” you beg, heart clenching at the truth in his words as you inch closer to him, missing the way he tenses further due to your concern. “Whatever it is, I promise-“

“Stop making promises you can’t keep!” he explodes, voice loud and laced with fury.

He brings his hand up sharply and that’s all you see as you gasp and flinch back, eyes squeezed shut as you wait for the blow. When it doesn’t come, you slowly open your eyes and the sight you are met with breaks your heart even further.

Matthew is frozen in place, the raised hand now tangled in his hair. His face is crumpled, silver lining his eyes as he stares at your defensive form in horror.

“You-you thought I was going to…” he whispers, voice breaking as the reality of the situation sets in. As he takes in the utter fear on your face. Fear of him. “By the Angel, Y/N, I would never, ever hurt you.”

Your mouth falls open in surprise. Not surprised at his words, for you of course knew that Matthew Fairchild, your sweet, selfless Matthew, would never in a million years harm a single hair on your head. But rather, surprise at yourself and at your response to his simple action of running a hand through his hair.

Raziel, how had the two of you let the argument go this far?

“Matthew, I’m sorry” you manage to say, your resolve collapsing at the look of utter heartbreak on the golden-haired boy's face. “I know you would never. I guess I was just..”

“Afraid of me.” he finishes for you, slowly beginning to back away from you in the direction of the doorway. “You were afraid of me. I made you afraid of me.”

“No, Matthew, of course you didn’t. That’s not what-“ you pause, expression turning to panic as he reaches blindly for his jacket, sad eyes not leaving you for a second. “What are you doing?”

“I can’t-I can’t be here. I…” he glances around, eyes falling on the wide eyed faces of the Herondales gathered at the top of the staircase. “I’m so sorry.”

And then he was gone. Out of the door before you even have a chance to speak, to try and reason with him. You stare at the door in disbelief, eyes quickly filling with tears as you process what had just occurred .

“Oh, cariad.” you hear your father’s soothing voice before you are pulled into a warm embrace, his arms tight around you as you bury your head into his chest, sobs racking your frame.

Three more bodies join the embrace, your mother, brother and sister squeezing you tight, each of them uttering comforting words to you. You don’t say a word and just nestle further into them, not trusting yourself to speak right now.

The four of you stay like that for a while, nobody mentioning the events that had just occurred in the sitting room. But the scene was replaying in your mind, those haunted eyes plaguing your thoughts.

You had no idea where the Fairchild boy had gone but you knew that he hadn’t left empty handed. Wherever he was, he had taken the broken pieces of your heart with him.

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mortalfaerie · 3 years

Text

To Fake an Engagement (M.F.)

4/?

mathew fairchild x (fem) reader

word count: 2k

synopsis: things have gone smoothly for reader and mathew in the months since the christmas party, but as feelings grow more serious, mathew decides he needs to tell you something, a deep, horrible secret. coi canon divergent, no spoilers. discussion of mathew's "greatest sin" from GotSM

Two months passed as through in a dream. Mathew and you were inseparable, and you had explained to your friends after some pestering that you were secretly courting but not yet engaged, and had not taken the matter to your parents yet. Though a little exasperated and wondering why you were waiting, when surely your parents would support the decision, they kept your secret.

You went on respectable outings and took walks in the park, Matthew being “all gentlemanly propriety” as he had once said, though more than once you had stolen away to kiss feverishly in private, in alcoves and behind bushes. And who could blame you? You were teenagers in love. Only, despite making his intentions to marry you one day clear, he hadn’t said those words yet: I love you.

You didn’t want to force him to it. You knew he would tell you in his own time, but you wished he would, to affirm your hopes.

You had been surprised when a week after the Christmas party, it came to light that Matthew had bought a flat of his own. It had been shocking at first, since though you knew his family was very wealthy, he never gave off an air of superiority you had expected from someone of his status. He had given you and all your friends a tour, when he had moved in after a spat with his family. You were happy to see him happy, but you would like to see him reconciled with his parents. You were fond of Charlotte and Henry Fairchild, and them you, for forcing Matthew out of his foul moods.

It was a Wednesday in February, and the sun seemed to have come out for the first time in weeks. You were responding to a letter from your cousin when you looked out your window and saw Mathew approaching your house. Startled, you jumped up and smoothed your dress, arranging your hair in the mirror, just as your mother called that “your friend, Matthew” had come to ask you to walk in the park. You gathered your coat and boots, and came down the stairs to join him, smiling as you took his arm.

“What brings you around unannounced?” you asked, as you proceeded down the street toward the park at the center of your neighborhood.

He looked at you sideways and smiled crookedly. “Can a man not engage the attention of the woman he’s courting?”

You laughed and nudged him, answering, “Of course I am glad to see you, but what is the occasion?”

“There are matters I would like to discuss with you.” he replied.

“Oh, dear.” you remarked, and shook your head.

He smiled. “Don’t look so grave. I haven’t come to break this off.”

“Well I should certainly hope not, because I’m sure Lucie and Cordelia would be after your head on a platter if you did.” You replied. It was true that the two of them had leveled not-so-joking threats at Matthew should he break your heart after telling their group you had an understanding. Matthew, recalling this, winced beside you.

You were approaching the park now. The snow had mostly melted by now, and the unusually sunny weather had allowed for the ground to dry. As such, Matthew gestured for you to sit on the grass, and then joined you, taking in the sun on the pond water.

“So, my brooding love, what is it you must discuss with me?” you asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

He gave you a nod, looking pale. Your heart picked up, wondering what was so severe that he was visibly distressed by it. As support, you offered your hand, and he took it, lacing your fingers together.

“I must tell you something, Y/N. It will not reflect well on my character, and it may impact your desire to continue in this arrangement we have, which is why I must tell you now.” he began, and looked to you to gage your reaction. You were looking at him in alarmed confusion but nodded for him to continue.

“You recall that Alistair Carstairs was a menace to us at the Academy?” he said, his voice snagging with venom on his enemy’s name.

“Yes, I remember you telling me. He was a bully and he spread rumors-” you began, and he finished, “About my parentage. Yes.”

He took a deep breath and said more levelly, “Even after I left the Academy, his word stuck with me. I couldn’t put the notion that Gideon Lightwood was my father out of my head, since neither of my parents have my hair, but Charles has our father’s red hair. Well, I had been at the Shadow Market, and despite the advice of a good man, I bought a tincture from a faerie meant to compel the truth from a person.” His voice broke, and he closed his eyes, collecting himself. You squeezed his hand to let him know he could take as much time as he needed to, and that you were here for him.

Finally, he cleared his throat and continued, “I slipped the tincture into a batch of scones for my mother. I meant to ask her, after she ate one, if Gideon was my father, but- faeries lie. I should have known that. It wasn’t a truth tonic, Y/N. And I didn’t know my mother was with child.”

“Oh, Matthew.” you whispered, so full of sorrow for him and this cross he had been carrying.

“My mother became ill. She recovered, but… the child was lost. I killed it, her. It was a girl. And the most wretched part is they would have named her Matthilda, for my great aunt. My great aunt, who had my hair. There was never any truth to the rumor at all.” He choked on a sob, and it was clear that even now, he was tormented by the mistake.

Your heart broke, and you pulled him to you, letting him drop his head into your lap as his tears wet your skirt. You consoled him, feeling some tears well up in your own eyes to see him in pain, and told him again and again, “It wasn’t your fault, you couldn’t have known.”

“I am a murderer, Y/N. I killed my unborn sister.” he said with such awful resignation.

“You are not a murderer, Matthew, you had no reason to know it would harm her, or that she was with child, you couldn’t have intended harm.” you argued.

“But it happened because I believed a stupid rumor over my own parents. And because of it, someone died while I got to live.” you leaned down and wrapped your arms around him as his body shook, and assured him,

“You are a good man, Matthew Fairchild. I know this, and this knowledge doesn’t change that. It was a terrible, awful mistake, but it was a mistake.”

“How,” he hiccuped, “can you love me, knowing now what I’ve done?”

You pulled him up so he faced you. “I can love you because I have loved you with every foolish thing you have done until now. I came to love you because of who you are, and I will love you still, knowing this. You are still the boy I fell in love with when I moved to London, and you are the man I love now.”

Tears streaked his face as he responded, “You are the most kind person I have ever known. Your capacity to love and forgive astounds me every day, and I am so, so lucky to know you, Y/N.”

With a deep breath, he added, “And I love you, with every fiber of my being.”

In spite of yourself, you felt a grin spread across your face. “You love me?” you asked, almost disbelieving.

“Yes.” he said, as serious as you had ever seen him. “I love you. I love, I love, I love you.”

You wiped the wetness from his cheeks with your fingers and cupped his face. “I love you, too, Matthew. I love you so much.” and you leaned in to kiss him, slowly, and meaningfully.

When you parted, he said, “Then there’s something I need to ask you.”

Your heart thudded with abandon in your chest. Was this what you thought it was? It wasn’t even close to the end of your bargain! You schooled your voice to be calm and responded, “Yes?”

“Will you marry me, Y/N Y/L/N?” he said, quiet enough that only you two could hear.

Tears spilled over now, as you nodded enthusiastically. “Yes. Yes, of course I will marry you. By the Angel, yes!”

He pulled you into a strong, crushing hug. “Oh, thank you. Thank you, Y/N." he repeated, holding you close. He pulled away, looking you in the eyes to say, “I have worked on my drinking, I don’t know if you’ve noticed. I don’t carry a flask anymore, and I have a flat. I can support you.”

You laughed. “Matthew, I would marry you if you had nothing.”

He playfully raised an eyebrow and asked, “But you are glad that I don’t?”

You both laughed as you responded, “Of course.” You gasped, and then fumbled for your pocket, producing the Fairchild ring from it. You put it in his hand and removed your own glove, offering him your hand. “Put the ring on, in earnest this time.”

He grinned like an idiot as he slid his family ring, which had been in your keeping for months, onto your own hand again. He brought your hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to it. “My bride to be.” he murmured, just as he had that night in the Devil’s Tavern all those months ago.

Your heart swelled for love of him. You loved him, for better or for worse, his foulness and his sweetness, all of him.

“Y/N Fairchild.” you said, trying out the name.

He smiled. “I shall have it engraved on every surface in our home. So, a spring wedding, or autumn?”

“Hmm.” you considered. “Autumn, I think. We have no need to rush.”

He gave you a mischievous look. “Only that I wish to have you in my own home, through the night, as soon as I can.”

You blushed despite yourself. “Oh, very well. Perhaps a May wedding…” you trailed off, and leaned in to kiss him, this time full of promise of things to come.

Your parents had been surprised, but supportive. After all, what shadowhunter parents wouldn’t support their daughter marrying into the Consul’s family? An engagement party had been held the following week at Matthew’s new flat, and at your request, his parents were invited. He wasn’t overly excited to speak to them, but he understood how much having his family involved in the wedding meant to you, and he obliged.

You were standing in the foyer beside him, dressed in your best party gown, when Henry and Charlotte arrived. When they entered, at first no one spoke, and then Charlotte smiled warmly and took your hand. “Y/N, dear. I could not have wished for a better woman to love my son.”

You felt Matthew relax some beside you, and he smiled cordially to his parents. “Thank you, mum. I am very lucky to have her.”

Henry had grinned and shook your hand, welcoming you to the family. After they proceeded into the large parlor, Matthew wrapped an arm around your waist and pulled you to his side, pressing a kiss to your temple. “Thank you.” he murmured.

“For what?” you asked, confused.

“For this. I think you’ve made me a better person in their eyes. You changed me.” he said, resting his chin on your head.

“No, you changed yourself, Matthew. That was you.” you countered.

He gave a chuckle and held you tighter. “Well, you gave me a good reason to change.”

You happily snuggled into his chest, lingering in the foyer a little longer before going into the party.

#matthew fairchild #matthew fairchild x reader #the mortal instruments #the infernal devices #the last hours #the dark artifices #the shadowhunter chronicles

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