#lightwormsiblings

[plethoraa9]

9 people you want to know better tag!

big thank you to @feedthepheasants for the tag!! <3

THREE SHIPS: Reylo (Rey and Kylo Ren from Star Wars), Shadowcat and Iceman (Xmen, and I still ship them since the 2000's) and Shadowheart and Wyll! Is there a ship name for them? I think they complement each other well.

FIRST SHIP: Harry and Hermione. Still ship them, and don't come at me. They're so fitting together.

LAST SONG: What Goes Around.../...Comes Around by Justin Timberlake

LAST MOVIE: Deadpool and Wolverine!

CURRENTLY READING: Rereading Dracula by Bram Stoker

CURRENTLY WATCHING: I've recently watched Midnight Mass (2021), which I wanted to see for a long time. Loved the theme and the main character.

CURRENTLY EATING: just drinking Coke

CURRENTLY CRAVING: quesadilla with beef and some peace of mind 😜 (Gale and Rugan in my bed would be nice too)

tagging @yuko27 @plan9-bb @the-real-housewives-of-waterdeep @seraphxelle @therightgate @stuffforthestash @lightwormsiblings @mish-anthropy @sisifroggy

[malecsecretsanta]

Merry Christmas, lightwormsiblings!

For @lightwormsiblings​. I was beyond happy when I got you as giftee for this year's Secret Santa.I cannot put into words how grateful I am for the greats prompts you provided me with: you and I do share loads of tropes that I adore, and I must say that I've spent more time deciding what to write than actually writing as your prompts gave me so many ideas I would have loved to explore!I hope I've come up with something that you'll like as much as I enjoyed writing it.

*****

"And I know it's long gone and that magic's not here no more And I might be okay but I'm not fine at all"

— Taylor Swift, All Too Well (Sad Girl Autumn) (Taylor's Version)

_______________________________

Magnus is painfully aware of the friction that the gravel creates between the desolate asphalt and the soles of his expensive shoes.

He doesn't know how long he's been trudging, nor where he's heading.

He keeps putting one foot in front of the other. One dejected step after another. The painted white line that separates the lanes feels like a tightrope.

Walking a tightrope, he risks falling at any moment, but the void is not below him.

Continue on AO3

[otterlyart]

Hi I just wanted to say that your art of Ashton is so amazing. Like I could just stare at that forever! The COLORS and their jewelry. Just wow. Especially the earrings! And the Mohawk was just everything. You are so talented

Oh my goodness thank you! I really glad everyone's liked them :D. I almost didn't post it because I wasn't sure about the lighting, but it looks like I was just being silly.

[myulalie]

[Clary Fray & Isabelle Lightwood Friendship]

Here, Next to My Heart by @lightwormsiblings is an emotional journey within Isabelle's psyche and a beautiful exploration of what it means to be vulnerable. Enjoy some introspection and a strong friendship between two fierce women we love dearly, it's totally worth it!

This fic was released on August 28th alongside other fanworks written for the Shadowhunters Mini Bang 2021 presented by the malecdiscordserver. More to come on September 4th, so stay tuned for new Shadowhunters content!

Credits (Unsplash.com)

Rafters by @fozzie

[faejilly]

🌻

Science fiction is my favorite genre but I don't read or write it enough because it being my favorite means I am too picky. (And lazy.)

But still! Space!

Enjoy my awkward selfie of my space!nerdery today.

[half-bakedboy]

Hello!! For femslash prompts maybe Heline and one of them asking the other to be their date for the malec wedding?

For you, I would write absolutely anything 🥺

~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o

A soft knock at her office door had Aline looking up from the stacks of paperwork her mother had left her before disappearing to take care of the ‘wedding situation’ as Jia had none-too-politely coined it. She rubbed at her eyes, cringing when she remembered she had put on makeup that morning, and hollered a clipped, “Come in!”

“Hi.” A sweet voice had Aline standing quickly, almost knocking over the cup of coffee she had made a few minutes earlier. She cursed and winced as she looked up to meet Helen’s eyes, smiling widely when she saw the takeout box in her hands. 

“I could kiss you right now,” Aline said just as her stomach growled. Helen laughed and walked the rest of the way inside. She placed the box on the desk and tapped two fingers to her cheek, an invitation meant for Aline’s lips. Aline held Helen’s chin delicately in her fingertips and pressed a gentle kiss to the warm, flushed skin of Helen’s cheek before plopping back down to open the box. 

“Maia’s been perfecting her recipes for that diner she wants to open. She’s got a warlock on staff that portals food straight to me when I want it. It’s a great deal,” Helen explained, sitting across from Aline and grabbing a fork. 

“You do have a way of getting whatever you want, huh?” Aline teased through an overly full mouth. She chewed on the perfectly honeyed ham and practically moaned at the delicious taste. Maia’s food was the best, that much she was sure of. 

“I like to think I do,” Helen said with a wink, stabbing her fork into a piece of pancake before Aline could block her. “Speaking of that…” Helen trailed off as if waiting for Aline to interject, but she was too curious at the segue to say anything. “Do you know what I really want?” Helen asked finally, crossing her legs and leaning back in the chair. 

“My love and affection and appreciation for takeout?” Aline guessed, smiling messily. Helen giggled, grabbed a hashbrown, and tossed it at Aline who held up her arms in defense. She loved nights like that; where she and Helen were hidden away from judgmental eyes, free to tease and flirt and admire the other as openly as they wanted. 

“Besides that,” Helen said with a roll of her eyes. Aline shrugged and focused back on her meal. “I want a date. To Magnus and Alec’s wedding, specifically,” Helen said easily, shrugging like it wasn’t a big deal. 

Aline gaped at her for a moment, gulped, and said, “You want to go together? To the wedding? The warlock and shadowhunter wedding? That the Clave has not agreed to? As a… couple?” Helen nodded along to every question and Aline just stared. 

Aline didn’t want to keep them a secret, even from the beginning. If she could have told the entire Clave about their relationship, she would have, but Helen was insistent that even though she was half shadowhunter, she was still a seelie. Her seelie side would mean the perfect Penhallow bloodline would be tarnished - words that had Aline thinking Helen had already talked to Jia about it - even if her skin held runes better than most. To hear that Helen wanted to attend the wedding at all, let alone with Aline at her side, was more surprising than the meal. 

“Listen,” Helen sighed, standing to glide in front of Aline and reaching to lace their fingers together, “this thing we have? It scared me at first - still scares me more often than I’d like - but I hide half of myself every time I wear my hair down to cover my ears or layer my foundation over the vines on my neck. I’m not willing to hide the one thing in life that I’m truly proud of.”

“Me?” Aline asked shyly, peering up at Helen with wide eyes and trying to understand how she was so lucky. Helen laughed and pulled Aline to stand, wiping her thumbs around Aline’s eyes no doubt to clear the makeup she had smudged earlier. 

“Yeah, you, Dork,” Helen tacked on like a fond afterthought. “So, will you be my date to the most controversial wedding the Clave has ever seen?” Helen asked nervously. Aline kissed her passionately and hoped the resounding confirmation was obvious. 

Send me WLW prompts for Femslash February

[rainyhuman]

hello I just wanted to tell you that I love reading your tags on posts, they make my day

aaaa 🥺💖 thats so sweet <33 im glad you like my weird ramblings :)) (when i do ramble. i just realised i havent really tagged much the past few days jshjfk rip)

[fistsandfangs]

this is ours

flufftober - day 6: quicksilver

ao3

A/N: set in this world inverted verse!

To: Magnus, 5:17pm

Hey babe, just got off work and I was thinking we could do Chinese and a movie at your place tonight?

To: Magnus, 5:30pm

I went ahead and ordered Chinese—and I got your favorite because I’m quality boyfriend material. Get back to me soon before it gets cold!

To: Magnus, 5:59pm

Okay, so I thought we had talked through the whole you blowing me off because you’re a warlock thing. Do we need to have another Talk? Because I’m totally down. It can be a Chinese and Talk night if you want.

Also, I’m getting really close to eating your vegetable Lo Mein because it smells amazing…

 Scrolling back through his earlier texts, Alec bit his lip contemplatively. He had been standing at the bottom of the stairs of Magnus’ apartment complex for ten minutes now as he argued back and forth with himself. Maybe Magnus was just busy and didn’t have time for him tonight; Alec certainly didn’t know what all warlocks got up to on an average day. But on the other hand, he had never known a more attentive texter than Magnus. He had thought about calling, but that just felt desperate after all the texts he had sent had gone unanswered. After a calming deep breath, he pushed open the door and headed for the elevator.

As soon as the doors to Magnus’ floor had opened, he saw a small pile of mail sitting just outside the door as if it had been abandoned there. Oddly enough, it lifted his spirits—Magnus very well could be busy working on a potion or a spell or a summoning, too busy to even get his own mail. Or answer the phone.

He rapped three times on the door with his knuckles. “Hey Magnus? It’s me. I don’t know if you—” The door abruptly swung open, but there was no one behind it. “Uh…Magnus?” He tentatively stepped in and was met with the odd smell of burnt sugar and ozone.

From somewhere in the back apothecary, he heard Magnus. “Alexander? I’m back here. Sorry, I’m working on something a bit—ouch—finnicky and I couldn’t come get the door without worrying about contamination.”

Alec froze mid-step. “Contamination? What the hell are you working on?”

“Don’t worry, it’s contained in here. You can come in. Oh, and would you grab my phone from the end table? I think I heard it ring earlier but my hands are a bit…occupied.”

With anxiety percolating in his stomach, Alec scooped up Magnus’ phone and pushed the apothecary door open with his free hand.

The large marble-top table sitting in pride of place had a large glass basin sitting on it, taking up nearly the whole surface and containing a strange viscous liquid that looked oddly metallic with its deep silver coloring. Magnus stood over it, moving his fingers in slow, fluid movements over it as his magic left his hands in serpentine movements. On the wall behind him, a small section of the wall was now charred in a strange sweeping pattern and at first glance, Alec could have sworn there was still a bit of smoke emanating from it.

“Wow.”

Magnus looked up from the basin and gave Alec a smile that made him forget everything he wanted to say. The exhaustion that dulled his expression was unmistakable, but that smile was still the one—the one that gave Alec’s skin feel all tingly and hot. “Hi, Alexander. Was that you calling me earlier? I meant to call you back but…” He waved his hand vaguely at his worktable.

“Well, actually,” Alec handed over the phone, “that was some other poor soul in need of the great Magnus Bane. I was the one who sent the three text messages an hour ago.”

With a furrowed brow, Magnus looked down at the screen and scrolled through his missed messages. “Oh. I am so sorry; I suppose I got more than a little carried away with my work. I should have at least taken a few breaks to—You got Chinese?” His eyes flickered over Alec’s shoulder in search of takeout bags that might be visible in the living room.

With faux-hurt, Alec clutched at his chest. “And here I thought you would be happy to see me.”

Magnus clicked his tongue pityingly and leaned over to press a tender kiss to Alec’s lips. “Of course I am. All the more so because you brought one of my favorites.” Right on cue, his stomach grumbled in discontent. “Yeah, I’m definitely glad you came by. The last thing I ate was my cranberry-orange scone with my coffee.”

“It’s almost 7 o’clock! No wonder you’re so hungry!” Alec grabbed one of his hands and towed him from the apothecary into the kitchen. “Let me just reheat these, they’ve gone a little cold by now.”

Before he could unearth even one takeout container, the whole bag had abruptly become moist with hot steam coming from inside. Magnus smiled modestly. “Nothing a little magic can’t fix.”

“I keep forgetting that.”

Alec grabbed clean plates and utensils while Magnus poured two glasses of chilled wine. With preparations made, they moved into the living room and settled into the opulently soft cushions of the couch. Magnus even flicked a finger towards the stereo, causing it to come to life with the vocal stylings of Nat King Cole.

Magnus moaned appreciatively with his first bite of food. “I am absolutely famished. I really should keep a little something to eat and drink in the apothecary so I don’t unintentionally starve myself.”

“Good thing I’m an overachieving boyfriend, I guess.”

“I’m sorry that I worried you, Alexander.” Magnus’ voice had gone solemn, and he set his chopsticks down carefully before continuing. “And the conversation we had about…me, and what you’re a part of when you’re around me, it is resolved. I don’t want you to feel like you can’t be safe and secure here, when we’re together. That’s why we had the Talk, as you called it.” A shy smile started to warm up his face.

There were so many things Alec wished he could say simply and succinctly, but when he opened his mouth to explain, to say any of them, his mind was full of television static that obscured every intelligent word he had prepared. “My relationships in the past have just been pretty simple, living most of it independently of one another, and this is the first time I’ve found myself in a position of wanting to make promises. I want to have a relationship with a real future for the very first time, and that means being transparent and vulnerable, which I’m still learning how to do.”

Magnus was just looking at him intently with a thoughtful expression, and it didn’t help Alec feel any more confident in what he had managed to put together to explain himself. This precious new thing growing between them felt so fragile in his hands unlike anything he had had before.

Finally, Magnus pressed his warm palm to Alec’s cheek. “You’re new for me too. It’s been…a very long time since I’ve been in a position like this. But I want to be now, with you.”

Alec’s heart thrummed an excited cadence in his chest at his words.

Suddenly, Magnus stood. “I just had a thought, Alexander. Will you come with me to the apothecary?”

Alec raised one quizzical eyebrow, but took the proffered hand.

Magnus pushed the door open with his shoulder and returned to the strange silver liquid. “Come closer, it’s all right.”

Tentatively, Alec stood across from him and peered into the basin. “What is this stuff?”

“Broadly speaking? Mercury. This particular form, however, is called argentum vivum—living silver. Today we call it quicksilver. The ancient Maya are believed to have used it for divination. There are records that date back to the Maya Classic Period, and a few even prior to that.”

“What did they use it for?”

“It was poured in a basin and used as a mirror.” Magnus planted his hands on either side of the table and leaned closer to it. “It was believed that one could see their destiny within it. It takes discipline, but there was a time when I was able to do it for myself. It’s been more than a century, though, and it can be volatile to work with, but that’s why I was…practicing.”

Alec took a small step closer. “Are you talking about scrying?” Upon seeing the inquisitive look on Magnus’ face, he shrugged. “I’m dating a warlock. I did research.”

“Yes, I am. Perhaps it would set your mind at ease to get a glimpse of the future.” Magnus paused, as if contemplating his next words carefully. “Our future.”

He started to summon his magic back to his hands but Alec reached out and intertwined their fingers, allowing it to encircle them instead. “I don’t need it, Magnus. This is ours.”

[sentencedtodramaforlife]

Just a friendly reminder that when the Consul asked Gideon and Gabriel to report on Charlotte, they literally wrote him complaints on how she spends all the money on hats and "other feminine articles"

[skylar102]

Prompt: Magnus takes Alec stargazing

Oh man this was such a fun prompt to do! Hope you like it <3

****************** “Where are we going, Magnus?” Alec groans as his husband leads him through a dark forest. The only light coming from the magic ball Magnus summoned. 

“You’ll know when we get there, it’s a surprise,” Magnus answers. 

After their dinner, Magnus has asked Alec if he could take them somewhere for the night. Of course, Alec had easily agreed to the idea. Magnus had never disappointed him before with surprises so why would he deny his husband the pleasure now? 

He regrets that statement as Magnus drags him through a dense forest somewhere in Iceland. He can barely see the ground and has been tripping over roots and rocks scattered around the trail. 

After he almost faceplants, thankfully saved by his husband’s grip on his hand, he pulls them to stop.

“Can we slow down,” he huffs. “I am about to break an arm or a leg with how you’re dragging me through these woods.” 

“Oh please, you know I would heal it for you,” Magnus scoffs and he begins to pull him again, but Alec refuses to move. 

“I get that you’re excited to take me somewhere, but did we not learn our lesson about slowing down and savoring moments?”

“Any other time yes, but the sun rises in 5 hours which means we need to get there sooner rather and later or we will not have enough time.” 

Magnus continues to tug on his hand before realizing that Alec is not moving. Magnus lets out a huff and glares at him. Alec stays where he is, eyebrow raised. He’s not going to let his husband win this one. 

He can tell the moment he’s won when Magnus rolls his eyes, mumbling ‘fine’ before he begins to walk at a slower pace. Alec smirks as he trails behind his husband. He steps up beside Magnus now that his husband is not dragging him through the woods. He presses a light kiss to Magnus’ temple that makes his petulant look soften.

They haven’t completely slowed down, but Alec is no longer worrying about tripping now that he can see the ground in front of him. He can tell they get closer to their destination by Magnus starting to pick up the pace again.

Alec can start to see a clearing and thanks the Angel that they are almost at what he hopes is their destination. Right before they clear the woods, Magnus turns and steps in front of him. With a snap of his fingers, a blindfold appears.

“Put this on,” Magnus demands.

“What? Why?” 

“Because I want to surprise you, now hurry and put it on!”

“Alright, alright,” he grumbles, tying the cloth around his eyes. 

His ears become attuned to the sounds of the woods. The light breeze the ruffles the leaves above them, the sound of bugs chirping and buzzing around them, the small animals running through the undergrowth. 

He jumps at the hands that touch his. He hears Magnus chuckle at the reaction and suddenly there are lips on his. He leans forward into the kiss and pouts when Magnus pulls back. Magnus doesn’t let go of his hands as he leads Alec the rest of the way to the clearing.

“I got you, darling,” Magnus reassures. “I won’t let you fall.”

Alec snorts but doesn’t make a comment about the trip here. He lets Magnus take him to their destination. He hears his husband humming a simple tune and can’t help the smile on his face. Magnus only really hums when he’s truly relaxed and content. It’s one of his favorite things about him, especially because he does it the most in Alec’s presence. 

Alec knows when they get to the clearing because the noise of the forest quiets down. Magnus hasn’t stopped walking yet so he assumes that the clearing is not their destination. They continue to walk for another ten minutes before coming to a halt. 

“Okay stay right there and don’t remove the blindfold,” Magnus states, letting go of his hands. Alec hears the familiar whoosh of Magnus’ magic and the sound of something lands on the ground. Magnus’ hands are on him again pulling him forward and down onto a blanket? Alec uses one of his hands to feel the cloth underneath him. 

“Did you really take me all the way out here to have a late-night picnic?” Alec laughs, he goes to pull the blindfold off but Magnus stops him.

“Not yet,” Magnus asks. “Lay down.” 

Magnus grabs his shoulders, maneuvering him to the pillows he also magicked up. He relaxes on the ground, knowing his husband wouldn’t play a trick on him. Though with the blindfold on and laying on a blanket in the middle of nowhere, his mind starts to drift south. 

Magnus lays down next to him. He throws a leg between his and an arm around his waist. Alec feels the faintest breath against his ear.

“Okay, you can take it off now,” Magnus whispers in his ear.

Alec reaches for the blindfold. When he opens his eyes, all his sees is green; streaks of the color across the sky. 

“By the Angel,” Alec gasps looking at the night sky above him.

The green radiance of the sky lights up the area around them in a soft glow. Alec doesn’t know where to look, each corner of the sky is as beautiful as the next. Alec can’t help the gasp that escapes his lips as the green lights seem to move. His husband chuckles into his ear at the sound.

“I take it you like it?” Magnus asks with mirth.

“This is stunning, Magnus.” Alec pulls his husband closer landing a kiss on his temple. “What is this?” 

“Well the scientific term is aurora borealis, but to most people, these are called the Northern Lights,” Magnus explains. “It’s a natural phenomenon that happens in these specific areas of the earth. Auroras are the result of disturbances in the magnetosphere caused by solar wind. Hence the green glow you see above us.”

“Wow,” he breathes out. He doesn’t know what else to say. Words seem to escape him as he takes in the night sky above him. Magnus cuddles closer, resting his head on Alec’s chest and placing a hand over his heart.

They lay there in silence for what feels like hours just staring at the sky. Eventually, Magnus starts pointing out constellations that can be seen behind the green mass. Telling stories about the stars and how they got their name. Magnus mentions his childhood and how the night sky is different now than when he was a kid. Alec asks questions about Magnus’ childhood about what stars are no longer visible and what stars are brighter than ever. 

Magnus jokes about how he would sit with Galileo and stargaze with the man which causes Alec to laugh because he knows Magnus would have been a teenager when the man passed away. Magnus talks about his mother and how they would go to a small field outside their village in the grass and watch the stars. 

When Magnus’ voice cracks, Alec pulls him even closer, squishing his husband against his chest. Alec changes the topic by talking about his siblings and how they would sneak up to the Institute’s roof. While Jace and Izzy would wrestle with each other, Alec would stare up at the sky. Sadly, the light pollution didn’t show off the beauty of the night, but Alec would still look up and dream about the stars. 

He also tells Magnus about the time Jace fell off the roof and broke both of his arms after trying to do a backflip on the ledge. It gets a laugh out of the man which is what he was hoping for.

They trade stories back and forth about their pasts as the lights move above them and until the sun starts to peek over the horizon. 

As Magnus summons them a portal back to the loft, Alec pulls the man in for a kiss.

“Thank you,” he whispers into Magnus’ lips.

“Anything for you, Sayang,” Magnus whispers back.

[truthoradair101]

You know the only reasonable explanation for Gabriel and Gideon Lightwood deceiving Consul Wayland with this amount of utter BULLSHIT is that they just got together and went oh this is gonna be HILARIOUS what is the most absurd thing we can convince him of.... the idiot.

[malecsecretsanta]

Merry Christmas, lightwormsiblings!

For @lightwormsiblings, I'm so happy I was able to write you this fic and I hope it makes you smile and you enjoy it. Wishing you a happy holidays; stay warm, grab your favorite warm drink and read to your hearts content.

Read On AO3

*****

Love Doesn't Follow a Plan

It wasn’t for lack of trying that Alec and Magnus had only been able to go on a single date. Alec’s plate of responsibilities was piled high and Magnus’ had just as many commitments as the High Warlock of Brooklyn. When they were free to spend time together they were often too exhausted to have an extravagant evening and instead Magnus would conjure some food for them and they’d cuddle on the couch watching some show that Alec could never keep up with but found it funny enough. Despite this they both lavished in these moments of quiet.

But that didn’t change the fact that Alec was determined to take Magnus on a proper date.

As soon as he figured out what to do.

Magnus was the first person he’d ever even been on a date with so he didn’t exactly have references to pull from as far as dates go. He’d read a few articles he’d come across online but they involved going on trips or elaborate planning that Alec knew would need Magnus’ input.

Sure, Magnus would probably enjoy Alec taking him to the movies but he had no idea what was even showing let alone what would be a good choice. “Netflix and chill” had been a popular option but Alec wasn’t ready for that step yet and if he wasn’t looking to “get down” they’d just be doing what they already were doing.

So Alec turned to the only person he could trust with dating advice: Izzy.

Standing outside his sister’s door, he took a deep breath and knocked three times before he could talk himself out of this. He was doing this for Magnus, besides Izzy would at least keep her teasing to a minimum.

A few moments later, Izzy swung her door open, a smile breaking across her face when she saw him. “Hey big bro, what’s up?” Izzy asked.

“I was hoping to ask you something,” Alec said, shifting from foot-to-foot.

“You know you can ask me anything.”

“In private?”

Izzy’s brows pinched together and she pulled her door further open. “Of course, come on in.”

Alec followed his sister into her room, noting the small pile of clothes piled on her bed. “You getting ready for something?”

His sister grinned and did a twirl. “I’m free from patrol tonight so I figured I’d go dancing.”

“Well, you’ll have no problem turning heads,” Alec commented with a grin of his own.

She waggled her finger at him. “I never do.”

Not for the first time did Alec envy his sister’s confidence. His sister was beautiful and she seemed to have no fear going after what she wanted. “True,” Alec finally replied.

Izzy sat on her bed and patted the spot beside her. “Come sit down, no point wearing a trench into my floor.”

He didn’t even know he’d started pacing. He joined her on the edge of her bed and picked at a loose thread at the cuff of his long-sleeve. “So uh I wanted to ask for some advice.”

He could hear the surprise in Izzy’s voice. “Advice? About what?”

“Y’know…”

“No Alec, I can’t say I do know.”

“I want to take Magnus on a date,” Alec started, looking his sister in the eyes. “Our first date didn’t go too well and I want to make sure this one goes well.”

“I didn’t hear about this disastrous first date!” Izzy whined, poking him in the side. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Alec sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “It wasn’t disastrous, it was… fine.”

His sister snorted out a laugh leaning against his shoulder to keep herself upright. “That tells me that it definitely wasn’t fine.”

“We just talked about the wrong things and I was nervous and Magnus made an escape plan with Catarina to get out of the date if it was going badly.” Honestly, it was kind of hilarious to think about now.

“But he didn’t leave.”

He couldn’t fight his smile. “No, he didn’t in the end,” Alec conceded.

Izzy clapped him on the shoulder. “Well that gives us something to work towards: making this date better than the first.” She paused, tilting her head. “But wait, I know you and Magnus have spent more time together since then.”

He shrugged. “We’ve just been hanging out at his loft. Getting takeout, watching things he suggests.”

“You guys are so lame,” Izzy teased, but her eyes were soft and her smile warm. “I’ve never seen you so happy.”

And he was happy. He was happier than he’d ever been and it was because of Magnus. “I am happy.”

His sister sighed dreamily, falling back on her bed. “Alright, so what’ve you got planned so far for this date of yours?”

“Well, I thought dinner at a restaurant would be nice,” Alec said, dragging his hand across the silky texture of Izzy’s comforter. “Take him to the Thai place he’s mentioned loving.”

“Good idea and you like Thai food too, right?”

“Yeah, I’ve liked it every time Magnus has conjured some for us.”

“Perfect, you’ve got the first thing down for your date itinerary,” Izzy cheered, sitting up. “Once you pick a day for your date I’d suggest making reservations to make sure you get a table and don’t have to wait.”

Alec added ‘make reservation’ to his mental to-do list, right after asking when Magnus was free to go on this date he was planning. He could make reservations.

“What’s your next idea?” Izzy asked.

This was literally as far as he’d gotten in his planning which was why he’d come to Izzy. “What do you suggest?” He questioned.

“Well Magnus likes a good party and drinking,” Izzy hedged, “why not take him dancing?”

That sounded like a terrible idea. “Izzy I don’t know if you remember, but I’m not exactly a dancer.”

She waved a hand at him. “You don’t have to be a dancer to take him to a club, just move to the music.”

“And step on his toes?”

The grin on Izzy’s face was devilish. “You don’t have to move your feet to move to the music, Alec.”

He felt his face burn red. “W-well I guess I could take him to Pandemonium. To dance.”

“Date night activity number two decided,” Izzy nudged him with her elbow. “We’re knocking this out.”

He guessed they sort of were, but he also didn’t know how many people needed to go to their sister to help them plan a date, especially at his age. “And maybe end the night with a walk back to his loft?” Alec suggested.

“Taking your man home, Alec you’re so sweet.”

Alec bumped her shoulder with his. “He likes the lights, and I like walking home with him.” He let out a self-depreciating laugh. “Make my nerves chill out after dancing with Magnus.” When he didn’t hear a response from Izzy he turned to her, “Is the walk not a good idea?”

Izzy blinked wide-eyes at him before shaking her head. “No, no the walk sounds like a great idea, it’s just…” her voice trailed off.

He raised a brow at her. “It’s just… what?”

“You called the loft home.”

His brows went towards his hairline. “I did?”

Nodding her head, Izzy sent him a smile. “You did.”

“Huh.” He wasn’t sure what to make of that if he was being honest. The Institute had always been his home and to now also think of Magnus’ loft – a place he hadn’t even known for more than six months – home was mind-boggling. He’d have to think more on that later. “So, you think that’ll be enough for this date?”

“More than enough, big brother,” Izzy assured, “You worry too much, it’ll be fine.”

Alec smiled. “Yeah I guess you’re right, it’ll be great.”

It was a stroke of luck that Magnus and Alec’s schedules were free that Friday night. Alec even managed to leave thirty minutes early, giving himself plenty of time to get to the loft. Feeling emboldened by his luck, Alec stopped at a florist two blocks away from the loft.

Bloom Couture was surprisingly warm and the air carried the heavy floral scent that reminded him of his mother’s perfume. The selection of flowers was near overwhelming but he shoved the idea of walking back out of the store aside.

He could buy his boyfriend flowers. He could.

“Hey, welcome,” A bright voice piped up from behind a group of tulips, startling Alec. “I’ll be with you in just a second.” The florist, a young curly-haired woman, came back behind the counter and gave him a smile. “What can I get you today?”

“I was hoping to get a bouquet,” Alec said. He resisted the urge to slap his forehead – why else would he have come to the shop if it wasn’t to get a bouquet?

The woman just continued to smile at him. “Well you’ve come to the right place for one,” she gestured around herself, “what did you have in mind?”

He felt a silent panic buzz inside his brain. Roses were lovely and loads of people used them as a romantic gesture, but they were ordinary. Typical. Magnus was vibrant and magical, beautiful and so different from anyone Alec had ever met before. Roses wouldn’t be enough for Magnus. He deserved something unique.

“If you don’t have any ideas right now, you can suggest a color and we could go from there,” the angel behind the counter offered.

“Blue.” Like Magnus’ magic.

The florist, Heather now that he looked at her nametag nodded. “Blue is a good color to narrow down our choices, not that many flowers that are naturally blue. We’ve got bluebells, irises, delphinium, hydrangeas, hyacinths, and I think I even have a bundle of blue orchids that came in the other day.”

That list was still too long for Alec’s liking. “Do uh- what would you pick?” Alec fumbled. “Not that I can’t choose I just,” he heaved a sigh, “I’ve never gotten flowers for anyone before.”

“She must be someone special.”

For a moment Alec thought about just going along with what she’d assumed, but there was a bigger part of him that wanted to tell her the truth. Ever since his almost-wedding when he finally stepped out of the closet in-front of his parents and all of those people, he wanted to shout it from the rooftops.

He was gay and he didn’t want to ever feel ashamed about that again.

“He’s magnificent,” Alec corrected with a grin.

Heather didn’t so much as blink. “Why don’t you tell me about him?”

Where do you even start when talking about Magnus Bane? “He’s magical,” he imagined Magnus snapping his fingers to summon a drink or when he’d shift his magic in graceful arcs on his balcony. “Everything about him is magical. He’s so strong and kind and patient. And glittery.”

“Glittery?”

“Sometimes I wonder if he just sets off one of those glitter bombs and walks right into it.” He shook his head and tilted his head to the side. “Maybe the glitter is supposed to bother me or maybe he thought it might, but it’s so undeniably him that I can’t help but smile when I find it everywhere.”

The florist has a soft look on her face. “He sounds like a wonderful man.”

“He is.”

She hummed to herself. “I think I have exactly what you’re looking for.” She went to the backroom before coming back with a bundle of blue flowers. “These beauties are those blue orchids I mentioned before. I don’t get many shipments of these, but I think they’d be perfect in the bouquet for your beau.” She walked over to collection of roses and put a few white ones into the bundle in her hand. “The white roses complement the orchids while making sure the orchids remain the focus.”

Alec stared at the bouquet and while he didn’t know anything about flowers, he felt that they fit him and Magnus. Magnus – so bold and beautiful that it was hard to look away from him – and him – who seemed plain in comparison but together they made something splendid.

It was perfect.

Despite leaving early, the stop at the florist took longer than he intended and he was ten minutes late. His heart jackhammered in his chest as he knocked on Magnus’ door. He looked down at the bouquet in his hands and ran his thumb along the glittering ribbon that held the bouquet together.

The door to the loft opened with a flourish revealing Magnus in all his glory.

Not for the first time did Alec wonder if it was possible for someone to continue to grow more beautiful every time you saw them. If it was possible for anyone, it would be for Magnus.

“Alexander,” Magnus said with a smile, his eyes glittering and his lips parting in shock. “Are those for me?”

He nodded his head, clearing his throat. “Magnus, hi,” Alec greeted with a boyish grin, holding the flowers out to Magnus. “And yeah- yes these are for you.”

Magnus took them with the tenderness you’d expect someone to have when handling a baby. “They’re beautiful.” He leaned his head down into the blooms, looking at Alec through the veil of his lashes. “Thank you, Alec.”

He felt warmth bloom in his chest and he knew his cheeks were pink. “I wanted to.” And he’d keep wanting to give his boyfriend flowers if that sappy look was what he got in return. He wanted to bask in this moment and pull Magnus into his arms and kiss those smiling lips but he knew if they started they wouldn’t make it to their reservation. “Are you ready for dinner?”

Magnus snapped and the bouquet was gone, presumably put safely in a vase on his coffee table. “I’m always ready for a good meal,” he teased with a wink.

Alec shook his head, chuckling at the warlock’s antics. “I agree,” he replied with a wink of his own. It felt weird, but the laugh it got out of Magnus made it all worth it.

The restaurant was a bustle of activity and Alec sent a mental thank you to Izzy for telling him to make a reservation. They were seated towards the back, a more intimate setting than if they’d been seated at one of the middle tables. He also had the full view of the restaurant from where he was sitting that had his shoulders relaxing from their parade rest.

Magnus regaled him a drunken adventure he’d had while he was in Peru, gesturing animatedly between sips of hot sake. “- and stole a carpet before enchanting it so that I could fly over the desert.”

“Why did you want to go to the desert?” Alec asked.

His boyfriend shrugged. “Cat and Ragnor swear that I’d decided that I was going to stay there and become a cactus.”

Alec snorted, shaking his head. “Well you definitely would’ve been the most beautiful cactus.”

Magnus hummed in agreeance before turning his attention back to the menu.

Which was turning out to be the ban of his existence.

When he decided to take Magnus here, he hadn’t thought that the menu would be a problem. And it shouldn’t have been except Magnus had always ordered for him before or conjured up whatever; his boyfriend always knew exactly what to get him.

But he’d never seen the names of the dishes before and a lot of them sounded similar based on their description. All the dishes seemed good and he’d probably eat anything he got. But that didn’t mean much since Izzy’s cooking sounded delicious when she described it and it’d long been proven that Izzy couldn’t cook to save her life (though Alec still managed to choke down half of anything she made him). He knew he was thinking about this too much and he was desperate for Magnus to tell another story so he could stop looking at the glossy pages in front of him.

“Are you alright?” Magnus questioned, his hand reaching across the table to touch Alec’s. “You have that look on your face.”

“What look?”

“The brooding one, the one where your eyebrows furrow and your jaw tenses.” Magnus squared his shoulders and puffed out his chest. “The Shadowhunter look.”

“I’m not brooding,” Alec protested, snorting at Magnus’ impression. He grabbed Magnus hand and laced their fingers together. “I don’t know what to order.”

The admittance seemed to quell Magnus’ worries. “Is that all? What are you stuck between?”

“Um… everything?”

His boyfriend raised his eyebrows. “All of them?”

He shrugged. “What do you usually conjure us?”

Like a lightbulb turned on Magnus seemed to understand. “We usually get pad thai, but I think you’d love neua yang. The papaya salad has a similar texture to cabbage and its savory.”

Alec nodded his head at the suggestion, his indecision gone now with Magnus’ recommendation. “I’ll get that then.”

“Or,” Magnus started, closing his menu and setting it to the side, “we can both get different meals and share them both so that you can try two new dishes.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“No, but think how it’ll spice up our take-out options.” Magnus scooted his chair so that he was sitting closer to Alec at the table. “It’ll also give me an excuse to be closer to you. We can just pick from each other’s plates if we’re like this.”

The familiar warmth that seemed make itself known when he was around Magnus flared hotter. “I think I’d like that.”

“Well that makes two of us,” the warlock winked, rubbing his thumb across the back of Alec’s knuckles. “If at any time you aren’t sure of something, you are more than welcome to ask, Alexander.”

After having to literally trick Magnus into letting him pay the bill for their meal, they made their way to Pandemonium. The heavy bass of the music reverberated through the pavement and Alec took a fortifying breath. At least they didn’t have to wait to enter since Magnus literally owned the place.

They made their way through a throng of people meandering towards the entrance, Magnus tugging him along with a manic glee. It was adorable to see the warlock so excited.

“This calls for a change in wardrobe,” Magnus piped with a snap.

Magnus’ sharp waistcoat and patterned button-up were replaced by a maroon, silk shirt that left a tantalizing amount of skin on display that had Alec aching to explore. He was also positive that Magnus’ pants had become impossibly tighter and he doubted even Magnus could’ve wiggled into them without magic.

Magnus was always beautiful to Alec, but now he looked sinful.  

It hadn’t occurred to Alec that he might have worn the wrong clothes to go clubbing in, but he’d never been fashion conscious in the first place and Magnus didn’t seem to mind his leather jacket at all if the amount of times he touched it was any indication of the warlock’s opinion of his jacket.

Even though it was him who suggested they go to Pandemonium, Alec already wanted to leave. The place was packed with people drinking, shouting, and dancing to the beat of the music. He was overwhelmed by the influx of stimulation that left him disoriented.

But he came here to take Magnus dancing. Magnus loved clubbing. He could deal with some mild discomfort to make Magnus happy. He could totally go clubbing with Magnus.

No problem. None at all.

Magnus already started swaying his hips to the music beside him, but his hand never left Alec’s. “I haven’t heard this song in ages,” Magnus beamed. He pulled Alec closer and moved them so they were moving to the music.

Alec shuffled his feet in lieu of dancing, but he let his hips rock side to side as Magnus gyrated against him. If nothing else, he enjoyed the feeling of Magnus against him.

Their chests pressed together and Alec leant his forehead against Magnus’ as the warlock wrapped his arms around his neck. If it was just this, Alec could completely understand the draw of clubs.

But they were so loud.

He tried to focus on just Magnus, but ever-so often another person would brush against him and he’d be brought back to the reality that he was packed in like a sardine with all these people. He wrapped his hands around the sharp bones of Magnus’ hips to further ground himself.

“Aren’t you handsy,” Magnus boomed over the music.

“Only with you,” Alec assured. He wasn’t sure if Magnus had heard what he said but he hoped the subtle grind of his hips against Magnus’ told him all he needed to know.

They spent a few songs like that, grinding and undulating against each other. As a new echoed across the dance floor, Alec prepared himself for another round of dancing but Magnus pulled away from him and grabbed his hand again. “What’s up?” Alec asked.

His boyfriend shook his head and started dragging him off the dancefloor. “I figured a drink might do us some good.”  

Alec knitted his brows and turned his head to look at the bar. “But the bar is that way.”

Magnus laughed and gave him a sly look. “I’ll be providing us drinks tonight, darling and I assure you that I haven’t made a bad drink in the last century.” He squeezed his hand. “Besides, I think the VIP section would suit us better for now.”

He tried not to rejoice at moving to the VIP area.

Magnus led them to the roped off area where only six people were hanging out. It was such a difference from the mass of bodies that made up the dancefloor and Alec felt himself already begin to relax in the new space.

He was pushed to sit down on the plush couch that Magnus usually sat at when he held court as Magnus summoned two glasses. Alec took a tentative sip, making a considering face at the surprisingly sweet and fruity flavor.

“It’s good,” Alec complemented. It wasn’t too strong and the sharp burn of alcohol was virtually masked by the sweetness of what tasted like strawberries. “What is this?”

“Strawberry margarita,” Magnus informed, taking a seat beside him and snuggling up to his side and taking a sip of his own drink. “There’s quite a number of drinks that don’t taste like alcohol and I’m determined to find out all of your favorites.”

“Well I want to know your favorites too.”

Magnus sent him a smile and kissed his cheek. “I’m drinking a ‘stepping razor blade,’ not only does it sound dangerous but the cayenne pepper on top provides a lingering burn.”

“And that’s good?” It didn’t sound pleasant.

“To me it is, but it’s definitely not a drink for everyone.” Magnus held out his glass. “You’re welcome to try it if you’d like.”

Alec took another sip of his own drink and shook his head. “I think I’ll stick with my own drink for now.”

“The offer stands, angel.” Magnus shifted his body so that he faced Alec. “Why don’t we play a game?”

“A game? Don’t you want to dance?”

Magnus waved off the statement. “I can dance whenever, I want to spend time with you.”

Alec flushed, his eyes darting down to look at Magnus’ lips. “Okay, we can play a game.”

“Excellent! I figured it might be fun to play a game of 20 questions.”

Alec had played a version of it with Izzy and Jace before, but he wondered how the game changed when played by couples. “Should I go first?”

Magnus gestured at him with a grin. “By all means.”

“Alright um…” What was a good question to ask Magnus? “What would- what’s your favorite… What brings you the most pleasure in life?” That seemed like a good question.

His question garnered him a heated look. “Well hopefully you if I’m lucky.”

Alec choked on his margarita. “M-Magnus! You know what I meant.”

Magnus’ laugh was beautiful even at his expense. “I’m being totally serious, Alexander,” Magnus purred. “But if we aren’t talking about sexually, I think making other people happy and safe brings me the most pleasure.” His eyes drifted to the dancefloor, to the dancing crowd of Downworlders. “Making sure my people are safe and taken care of to the best of my ability is something I will always strive for.”

Alec rubbed Magnus’ knee which got the warlock’s attention back on him. “Right, it’s my turn now,” Magnus said. “On a regular day, when you’re doing all your Shadowhunter-y duties, what do you find yourself thinking about the most?”

Alec thought about it for a moment. “Keeping my family and those I’m supposed to protect safe the most,” he admitted. “Both Jace and Izzy are ridiculously reckless and it’s hard to reign them in, especially with Red in the mix.” He paused and looked back at Magnus’ eyes. “But every day I’m thinking about you more and more.” He ducked his head and idly fiddled with one of Magnus’ rings. “I wonder how you’re doing, if you’re safe, if you’ve eaten, what you’re wearing,” he chances a glance up at Magnus’ face, “I wonder what color glitter you’ve chosen for the day and if you’re thinking about me too.”

The admittance feels raw and revealing in ways Alec had never been before. The majority of his life he’s spent keeping whole parts of himself locked away. He wonders if he’s always cared like this or if Magnus is special.

His soul crooned its love for Magnus before he ever had words for it.

His answer seemed to stun his boyfriend who continued to stare at him with lips parted and eyes wide. But all at once those eyes welled up and Magnus rapidly blinked what might be tears from his eyes.

“Magnus, I- Did I say something wrong?” Alec asked. He can’t see any reason for Magnus to cry at his answer, but he’d never been the best with social cues.

Lips descend on his before he can say anything else.

Kissing Magnus is just as magical as it was the first time and every time since. A pleasant buzz tingled from his lips throughout his body as he gave the reigns over to Magnus to control their kiss. His heart pounded in his chest and he felt warm.

He felt at home.

However, the universe seemed to have something against him because Alec felt the sudden chill of his margarita spilling on his lap.

He cursed as he broke the kiss, swiftly righting his drink and putting it on the table in front of them. The drink sept through his jeans; already he felt sticky and he knew that the red from the drink stained his thighs red.

“Shit,” Alec muttered, looking around for something to sop some of the liquid up.

“Allow me, darling,” Magnus offered, wiggling his fingers before he snapped the mess gone. “That should do it.”

“I’m sorry.”

His boyfriend smiled at him, all teeth and happiness crinkling the corner of his eyes. “You have nothing to apologize for. If anything, I should take it as a complement that my kiss can make you lose your awareness to what’s around you.”

Alec still felt foolish, but he didn’t dwell on it. “We could always try it again, second times the charm.”

Magnus snorts, leaning into his space once more. “It’s third time actually.”

“Hm, I guess you’ll just have to kiss me a third time then after this one.”

“Gladly.”

They don’t end up going back to the dancefloor. The stay in the VIP section and occasionally got up to sway to the music as they talked but other than that Alec’s plan to take Magnus dancing seemed to have fallen flat in the end.

Because Magnus knew Alec was uncomfortable when they were dancing before no matter how much he tried to hide it.

Alec can’t stop thinking about the multiple times their date hadn’t gone as planned as they walked back to the loft. The city is still plenty active at this time of night, but the streets are surprisingly empty. He squeezed Magnus’ hand as they walked and tried to tune back into the story Magnus was telling him.

“- She came banging on my door to demand how to best tell her paramour to kindly ‘fuck off,’” Magnus narrated.

“How’d she end up doing it?” Alec questioned, even though he wasn’t quite sure how the story started.

“She and the Seelie he was seeing on the side hooked-up,” he laughed, “they’ve been together ever since.”

Alec grinned, looking over at Magnus and flinched when he felt something hit his cheek.

He looked at the ground to see little drops of water begin to speckle the ground. Five spots quickly became ten then twenty until they were abruptly assaulted with a downpour.

“By the angel, really?” Alec yelled, quickly pulling Magnus to the closest overhang.

It was too late. They were both soaked, hair dripping into their eyes and shivering. Alec hoped that whatever angel up there watching him was having a good laugh at his expense.

“Well,” Magnus interrupted, running a hand through his hair, “that was exciting.”

Alec turned his attention to his boyfriend, taking in Magnus’ wilting Mohawk and marveled at the sight of his makeup still looking impeccable despite the water dripping down his face. “I- Wait, here,” Alec mumbled, shucking his jacket and wrapping it around Magnus’ shoulders. He doubted it would do much but the leather prevented the lining from getting wet and would do more against the chill than Magnus’ silk shirt.

Magnus ran his fingers across the worn leather of his jacket with what looked like a quiet reverence, like he couldn’t believe what he had just transpired. Like before, Magnus was the one who broke their silence. “Aren’t you cold?”

He shook his head. “I’m fine, I’m just sorry about this.”

“About the rain?” Magnus’ lips twitched as if fighting a smile. “Darling, you can’t do anything about the weather.”

“About this whole night.”

Magnus froze and his eyes shuttered and Alec knew he must’ve said something wrong. “Do you regret the date?”

Alec blinked owlishly at Magnus and shook his head. “No, I don’t regret the date it’s just…” He groaned and tugged at his hair, “I had this whole date planned. I picked the restaurant, I made plans to go dancing with you, I even thought of our walk home.” His voice quieted to a whisper. “But everything went wrong.”

It was Magnus’ turn to look confused. “What went wrong?” He sounded genuinely confused by Alec’s confession.

“I was late to pick you up, I couldn’t pick what to eat at the restaurant,” Alec listed. “When we went dancing you felt like you had to take me off the dancefloor because I couldn’t handle it. And then I went and spilled my drink on myself while we were having a moment and you had to clean me up.” He let out a self-depreciating laugh, pinching the bridge of his nose and gesturing to the sky. “Not even our walk went as planned because now it’s raining.”

Magnus didn’t say anything for a few grueling moments and Alec felt his frustration dwindle to the familiar feeling of inadequacy.

His best was never good enough.

Magnus cupped his cheek and directed his gaze back to him. “Alexander,” Magnus cooed. Like Alec was something precious. “How is any of that bad?”

Alec opened his mouth to repeat himself, but Magnus pressed his lips tenderly to Alec’s own. It was chaste but there’s a comfort in the soft touch.

“I’ll be honest with you, Alec,” Magnus said, “this has been one of the best dates I’ve ever been on.” His boyfriend ran his thumbs across Alec’s cheekbones. “You brought me flowers because you thought I’d like them. You took me to a restaurant I’d only mentioned liking to you once before.” He kissed Alec’s nose. “You took me to a club which I know isn’t your scene because you know that I like to party.”

Alec shrugged. “It makes you happy.”

Magnus rubs their noses together before he leaned his forehead against Alec’s. “That’s what I mean, Alec. How could I ever think it was a bad date when you’ve done everything to make sure I enjoyed myself?”

Alec let out a shuddering breath, clutching at Magnus’ waist underneath his jacket. “But-“

“Ask me what my ideal date is, Alexander.”

It’s a command and Alexander can’t refute. “What is your ideal date, Magnus?”

His warlock pulled back to look him in the eye, his eyes holding the same softness they held back at the club after he’d answered Magnus’ question. “My ideal date is being with you,” Magnus insisted. “It’s getting to know you better and see you happy when we’re together. It’s getting to fall harder for you each time I see you.”

“That’s my line,” Alec’s voice wavered. His heart felt like it might burst in his chest but he never wanted this feeling to leave. He wondered if this is how love felt because he knew he was in love with Magnus.

Without a doubt, he loved Magnus Bane.  

Magnus grinned and tugged Alec back out into the rain. Alec couldn’t help the watery laugh as they were once more pelted with water. He moved one of his hands up to the back of Magnus’ head, carding his fingers through the longer strands.

“You need to learn that relationships are never perfect and even when we want something to go perfectly it might not, pretty boy,” Magnus said. He must’ve cast a spell because Alec had no trouble hearing him over the rain. “Love’s never the best days or the worst days, but it’s beautiful and-“

“I want that with you,” Alec finished, surging forward with a renewed passion. The kiss was wet and their teeth clacked together in their enthusiasm and too soon they were breaking apart to laugh against each other’s lips.

He wanted to try and chase the taste of that laughter from Magnus’ lips, but was content to lean his forehead back against Magnus’, the rain now a welcome accompaniment.

Love isn’t just the high and lows.

But maybe that’s what makes it perfect to Alec.

Notes:

Thank you so much for reading this! If you have time, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Did you like it? Favorite part? Reading comments always make my day!

You can also find me on my writing tumblr @cakelanguage

Oh and if you were wondering why I chose blue orchids for the bouquet: blue orchids specifically represent power, beauty and peace. I thought it fit Magnus and how Alec sees him.

[ladymatt]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Shadowhunters (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Magnus Bane/Alec Lightwood, Alec Lightwood & Maia Roberts, Alec Lightwood & Isabelle Lightwood & Jace Wayland, Isabelle Lightwood & Simon Lewis, Magnus Bane & Raphael Santiago, Simon Lewis & Maia Roberts Characters: Magnus Bane, Alec Lightwood, Isabelle Lightwood, Jace Wayland, Raphael Santiago, Maia Roberts, Simon Lewis, Clary Fray, Valentine Morgenstern, Max Lightwood Additional Tags: Heist, Con Artists, Corruption, Competence, Angst, Minor Character Death, happens before the start of the fic, Found Family, Leverage AU, Basically, mild violence, Rivalry, a bit - Freeform Summary:

The Lightwoods are relatively new to the criminal scene but are quickly making a name for themselves. What happens when they run into world renowned con-artist Magnus Bane and his team when on a job after which Alec realizes he and Magnus might be after the same thing.

or a Shadowhunters Leverage AU

**Bravo @lightwormsiblings**

[myulalie]

rules: tag nine people you want to know better.

@aline-pnhallow tagged me, thanks! (stealing this emoji don't mind me 💕)

favourite colour: I'm really into yellow atm, must be the summer vibes. It varies *shrug*

currently reading: I have a few books I started way back and never read...

last song: Teamo by Minzy, she released it today!

last series: Some episodes of Bridgerton before I gave up, ATLA and LOK, and s1 of Teen Wolf, looking forward to watching s2 at some point!

last movie: 27 Dresses (rewatch), The Duff (rewatch), Carrie Pilby, Arriety (also Brave, Venom - rewatch - and Crazy Rich Asians apparently, trust my search history) xD

sweet, savoury or spicy: salty ;)

craving: fish and chips man, I miss it so much!

tea or coffee: both, but at different times of the day *flops*

currently working on: I have a mermaid Teen Wolf AU I need to edit at some point, but my main deadline is the Malec Server mini-bang! I'm editing my second draft so I should be fine though. Also working on a secret project with the July Camp Nanowrimo, which is going well!

tagging: @nightfol, @hyade, @abby0007, @lightwormsiblings, @brightasstars, @rainyhuman

[half-bakedboy]

Malec + 26 ❤️

Okay NowRead on AO3

Alec wasn’t sure where all of the demons had come from. They seemed to materialize out of nowhere in the alley, their sharp teeth and talons surging toward him. He only had his stele and his seraph blade, his bow and arrows left at the Institute for safe keeping. He just wanted to go to Magnus’ loft, the one place he felt he could escape all of his demons, but no. Instead, he was running from literal demons, mazing through alleyways in an attempt to lose them. 

He had to lose them. There were too many to count let alone for him to fight on his own. There were too many to fight with only the seraph blade in his thigh holster and he couldn’t stop running long enough to send an SOS to the Institute. He was losing breath quickly, barely able to activate his stamina and speed runes before they raced at him. He swore as he hit a hard wall in front of him and went flying to the ground. 

There was a person underneath him, more importantly, a person whose clothing was intricate enough to somehow latch onto Alec’s, whose necklaces were now wrapped around Alec’s arm, and whose legs were twisted with Alec’s so neither of them could stand. 

“Get down!” The voice yelled. Alec recognized the voice, barely, and pressed his head into Magnus’ neck, thanking the Angel for sending someone to help. He heard the sound of the magic leaving Magnus’ hands and the squeal of the demons and then nothing. He let himself breathe again, collapsing on Magnus with most of his weight once he realized he couldn’t pull away. “Are you okay?” Magnus asked, his hands winding around Alec’s waist. 

It couldn’t have been comfortable for Magnus, Alec’s dense body pressing him into the cement of the walkway that was probably covered in dirt and grime and things Alec didn’t want to think about. He was exhausted, though, and felt safe, entangled with Magnus who had quite possibly just saved his life. He breathed Magnus in, the scent of sandalwood so immensely comforting and overtaking the smell of sweat that was probably leaking from Alec. Alec nodded when the hand on Alec’s back rubbed small circles into his soaked shirt, still not pulling his head away. 

He heard the snap of Magnus’ fingers and felt them both drop, seemingly into the ground. He clung to Magnus, his hand not wrapped in necklaces instinctively moving to cushion the back of Magnus’ head. He felt the soft mattress before he even opened his eyes and sighed. 

“That’s a neat trick,” Alec commented as he nuzzled his nose further into Magnus’ neck. Magnus snapped again and Alec found himself in sweatpants and a shirt that definitely didn’t belong to him. His arm was free of the jewelry and his and Magnus’ old clothes lay in a pile next to the bed and Alec knew he could move now, but Magnus was entirely too comfortable. 

“Portal placement is something only the best of the best have mastered, Alexander,” Magnus teased as he widened his legs to let Alec fall between them. He wrapped them around Alec’s, one arm curling tighter around Alec’s back, while the other ran up his spine and threaded through his hair. Alec was positive he had never felt more secure. 

“Well, you are the best,” Alec agreed with a mumble into his shoulder before placing a few speckled kisses up his neck. Magnus chuckled softly and scratched at Alec’s scalp, his other hand tracing gentle patterns into his skin. Alec moved his arms so they were behind Magnus, his palms pressing flat into whatever skin of Magnus’ he could reach, hoping the motion would mold his body into Magnus’ even more. 

“Are you okay, my daring shadowhunter?” Magnus asked again. Alec nodded into his neck and turned his head just enough so that his words weren’t muffled into Magnus’ skin. He breathed in deeply through his nose and it was like all of the tension in him from moments before bled away, all because of Magnus’ touch, his smell, the entirety of him. 

“I’m okay now,” Alec said honestly. Magnus hummed and held him closer, his hands still caressing every part of Alec he could reach. Alec didn’t think he needed to sleep, but the demon chase earlier must have taken more out of him than he thought. Or, he thought, Magnus was just so comfortable and smelled too much like home for him to possibly force his eyes open any longer. “Thank you for saving me,” Alec said softly. 

“Always, Alexander. Always,” Magnus whispered as he pressed one last light kiss into Alec’s hair before they both wandered into sleep. 

[arialerendeair]

If you’re still doing prompts, I have one! An outside pov fic of whatever characters in sh you want

@lightwormsiblings and @ivydragon had the same idea - so here’s for combining two prompts into one, because I came up with a really fun idea I think that you all might enjoy for it!  

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Raziel watched as the warlock charged into the New York Institute, his posture frantic as he looked around and immediately strode for the ceremony in the church.  A quick twist of magic allowed him to shift his view and he couldn’t contain his delight when the warlock dashed into the wedding, making everyone freeze.  

“Raziel, what is happening?” 

Raziel lazily glanced at Anael, who had settled beside him and shook his head at her, turning his attention back to what was happening below.  “The world is about to change,” he said, unable to keep from smiling.  

He blew gently on the image he could see, watching as one of his children stepped off the altar, conviction in every step as he charged towards the warlock waiting for him.  Watching their lips lock in a kiss, Raziel took in the bright sparks of power that bled off the both of them, saturating those around them.  

“Raziel!” Anael snapped.  

Raziel smiled and let the image dissipate.  He looked up at her and raised both of his eyebrows.  “Yes?”  

Anael scowled.  “You know better than to interfere with them!”  

“Giving them the briefest push of courage is hardly interference,” Raziel scoffed, rolling his eyes as he strode past her.  “Do not be dramatic.”  

~!~

Raziel whistled, long and low, unable to keep his attention away from the events playing out below.  Ever since he had been summoned to the shores of Lake Lynn he had been keeping a much closer eye on the events and people surrounding them in the world.  And, of course, some of his favorites.  

“Watching them again, Raziel?  You’re worse than Father,” Uriel scoffed.  

Raziel smiled and turned his attention to the nephilim and warlock couple.  “They are fascinating.  They are changing their world.”  

“They summoned you to kill them all!” Uriel sputtered, glaring at him.  “How can you still look upon them with such benevolence?” 

“Because,” Raziel said with a shrug.  “They are not all bad.  Some of them act with love before all else and try to make their world better.  What is not to admire about such an act?”  

Uriel scowled and scoffed, rolling his shoulders.  “They are young and foolish.  They do not know better!”  

Raziel hummed and looked back down to the image, watching as his child saved a young warlock, only to be saved by the same warlock he had kissed all those days ago.  “Perhaps not,” he allowed, smiling faintly.  “But, they try.”  

Uriel snorted.  “As though trying makes a difference!” 

Raziel’s eyes traced Uriel’s frame as he strode away, his wings twitching in agitation before he looked back to the image below.  He could feel the fear growing in the warlock and turned to his child, pressing gentle fingers to his image.  “Be patient and gentle with him,” he ordered.  “He needs you.”  

~!~

A frown grew on Raziel’s face as he watched the events unfold in front of him.  Watching the warlock give up his magic to save one of his children.  He pressed his fingers to the image and closed his eyes.  “I cannot bless you, but I can send my thoughts with you and with my child,” he promised.  

It was agony to watch them both, struggling through injury, through insult, and yet the two of them only held each other tighter and refused to let go.  

Raziel smiled.  His child was unafraid of the pain and the tough times of their relationship, and where a lesser nephilim might have buckled under the pressure, he only stood taller and held on tighter.  There was something to be admired in that level of conviction and loyalty.  The same conviction that had echoed in his footsteps down the aisle what felt like an eternity ago.  

“You can make it through,” Raziel promised them both, watching as they struggled, but together, they stumbled less.  “Hold on to each other and make it through,” he ordered them.  

“Watching your pets again, Raziel?” A cold voice asked.  

“They aren’t my pets,” he protested, dispelling the image an instant later, turning to face the angel behind him.  He raised his eyebrows at both Anael and Uriel.  “I simply observe them.”  

Anael stepped closer, her wings dipped in concern.  “We are worried about you, Raziel.  You spend all of your time watching them-” 

“With good reason, considering my summoning!” Raziel snapped, narrowing his eyes as she stepped back, abashed.  

Uriel cleared his throat, stepping forward.  “You love them overmuch, Raziel.  You risk meddling and tipping the scales.”  

Raziel narrowed his eyes and his wings flared wide as he glared at Uriel, watching the angel cower in front of him.  “Do you believe me ignorant of our laws and ways?  Do you think I do not know and abide by them?  Would you bring this accusations in front of Michael, or Raphael to have them share your thoughts with them?”  

Uriel stepped back, his wings downcast, shaking his head under the force of anger.  “We worry about you!”  

“Save your worry for those who deserve it,” Raziel snapped, turning back to the pool in clear dismissal of them both.  When he was able to summon the view of them once again, his eyes widened in fear as one of his children summoned Asmodeus.  Worse still, was the conviction that he was doing the right thing, that this was the decision he had to make for them all.  

~!~ 

It was rare that Raziel took the time to walk among his children, but this was an instance where he made an exception.  Stepping into the chapel that he had first seen his child and the warlock come together in, the difference in energy was palpable.  He leaned against a wall in the back, hiding his presence from those amongst the others.  A slow inhale and he couldn’t help smiling for the sheer presence of love in the room.  

Watching as his nephilim stepped forward first, a large grin on his face, happiness shining from his entire being, towards the altar, Raziel was even more certain of his initial prediction.  This was a love and a conviction that could, and would change this world for the better.  Next, the warlock he would pledge his life to.  

Raziel watched as they clasped hands, swearing vows together before leaning in for a kiss.  The instant their lips met, the same golden burst from the first time appeared and Raziel drank it in, closing his eyes.  With a whisper, he offered them his own blessing.  

“Magnus and Alec Lightwood-Bane,” Raziel whispered. “May your hands remain strong, for your path ahead is difficult.  May your eyes remain clear, so you may always see where you must stride.  May your bodies find solace in each other, so you may draw strength when you lack it.  May your hearts remain open, so you may never forget what brought you here, today.”  He paused and offered a final blessing, his lips quirking into a smile.  “And may you find the solution you seek, when your minds find and agree upon your true direction.”  

He watched them leave together, hands clasped, and pushed himself upright, preparing to leave when a flash of pain in the room caught his attention.  Raziel frowned and settled back against the wall, blending into the crowd until he could bring his attention to the source of that pain.  When he realized it was Clarissa Fairchild, his attention sharpened further.  

It was a matter of seconds to realize what had been done.  Her gift had been stripped from her and Ithuriel’s blood forced dormant in her veins.  It was strong magic, and he stepped forward, watching as one of her runes disappeared.  This was wrong.  Never had there been precedence for stripping his children, his Nephilim of their runes in such a manner.  Not only were her runes stripped, but her memories were fading away.  

He watched her hurry away from the party, hiding the vanishing of her runes from the others, and followed her, anger growing inside him.  How dare the others take this from her!  Raziel reached out to undo the spell but found himself repelled and he scowled, looking heavenward.  They had known he would try to prevent things.  

When Clarissa froze outside the Institute, all of her memories clearly gone and she trembled, cold and alone, Raziel stepped forward, closing his eyes as he wrapped his wings around her, invisible, but there.  

“Clarissa,” he breathed, his voice silent to her ears.  “I cannot undo what they have done.  But I will restore what I can of your life.  You will find your school and home waiting.  You will find friends, and even happiness.  In a year, if you wish it, you may return to this world, and we will be waiting for you.”  

Raziel stepped back and watched her straighten her shoulders and begin striding towards the street nearby.  He looked heavenward again, his eyes flashing with anger.  No one touched his children.  With a beat of his wings, he was gone.  

~!~ 

A year later, almost to the day, Raziel smiled as Clarissa spotted Jace, standing in an art gallery.  She had flourished, as he had known she could, but she knew something was missing from her world.  Now, if she wanted it, she could be brought back in again.  

All was well.